The first-ever Maine Island Partners Scholarship — a $5,000 award — has been presented to Zachary (Buoy) Whitener of Long Island in recognition of his exemplary record of achievement in academic studies, community service and leadership. Whitener is a graduating senior at Portland High School, and will attend Brown University in the fall.
To receive the Island Partners Scholarship, a student must not only be an academic achiever, but also be a role model for his or her peers who exemplifies civic leadership and community involvement. “Of all those who applied for this scholarship, Buoy Whitener best demonstrated all these qualities,” said Ruth Kermish-Allen, Education Outreach Officer for the Island Institute.
Whitener, a self-employed lobsterman on Long Island, served as the town’s elected representative to the Maine State Democratic Caucus, as President of the Junior Classical League, and as Captain of the Rugby team — all while maintaining honors grades in school.
The Island Partners Scholarship was created this year to support the best students from Maine’s 14 year-round, un-bridged island communities as they leave to enter the challenging college environment. The scholarship is funded by the Island Partners, a group of the Institute’s most supportive members.
Whitener was chosen from among all the applicants by a decision panel that included island community members, Island Institute staff, and a member of the Island Partners. “We received applications from many talented and community-oriented island student leaders, which made the final decision extremely difficult,” commented Kermish-Allen.
The Maine Island Partners Scholarship will be given again in the spring of 2006 to a graduating senior from a year-round island community. For application information, watch the Island Institute’s website at www.islandinstitute.org.