Two Recent Graduates Each Awarded $10,000 Scholarship From Viya

Viya on Friday announced that two USVI students were awarded with its 2019 scholarships for the first-year of college. Mojania Denis of St. Croix and Kevin Hughes, II of St. Thomas were selected as the 2019 awardees. The students were chosen from a total of 41 applicants from all three islands.

The scholarships are awarded to one high school student in each district who have already been accepted to a college or a university to pursue a degree in one of the following areas: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business administration, accounting or related fields. The winning student in each district is awarded a one-time $10,000 scholarship to be used for tuition.

Denis is an 18-year-old honors graduate from the St. Croix Educational Complex High School and the class salutatorian. He was also an active member of the National Honor Society and the St. Croix Educational Complex’ Magnet Program. In addition to excelling in the classroom, he has demonstrated his leadership skills as the senior class president, Viya said. This fall Denis will enroll at the University of Miami to major in Civil Engineering.

Hughes is an 18-year-old honors graduate at Antilles School. In addition to being a member of the Antilles School’s National Honor Society, he served as the vice president of the school’s debate team and the Junior Statesmen of America. Lastsummer Hughes served as a summer intern and then a part-time research assistant with the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme Court. In addition to his academic and civic efforts, Hughes is a talented athlete and a US Tennis Association ranked junior tennis champion. He plans to pursue a dual degree in International Relations and Communications at Syracuse University in the fall.

“Viya has bestowed over $400,000 in college scholarships to talented Virgin Islanders over the last ten years,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Viya vice president of public relations and governmental affairs. “Through scholarships, internships, support for educational programs and youth initiatives, Viya consistently encourages the development of the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders.”

She added: “Viya is very proud of our 2019 scholarship recipients and we wish them heartfelt congratulations as they pursue their academic endeavors. Both of them expressed an interest in applying their knowledge and skills to assist the territory, and we look forward to seeing them excel in their respective careers.”