Androsia Scholarships 2021

IFS is dedicated to working alongside the local community on Andros and our larger global community. All programming is meant to pursue our mission of providing environmental education, scientific research, and cultural awareness through experiential learning. In addition to our programming, we aim to give back to the community and our students as much as possible to expand our impact and create equal opportunities for young scholars.

One of the main ways IFS gives back is through our Androsia Scholarship Fund. All profits from the local Androsia wares and IFS branded merchandise sold at Forfar Field Station go directly to the Androsia Scholarship Fund. In 2021, two $500 scholarships were awarded to two local Androsians.

The first $500 scholarship was given to Ethan Thompson. Ethan is the 2021 salutatorian of Central Andros High School. Here is his statement sharing his story and speaking directly to donors:

I am talented in many fields such as math, science, athletics, music and art. However, in the near future I would like to dive into the world of botany.

I was born in New Providence, but spent all my life on the island of Andros. There, I attended the Fresh Creek Primary School for six years and Central Andros High School for five years. Throughout primary school and high school, I excelled in Science and Mathematics because they were areas that I loved. 

Despite all the various branches of Math and Science, my reason for moving forward with Botany is to assist and advance The Bahamas.

For a Caribbean nation, The Bahamas' agricultural sector is at minimum potential for a country with so many resources. In the future, I would like to advance and develop agriculture in the Bahamas to a more modern standard, as well as, advancing agriculture as a whole. 

-Ethan Thompson

The second $500 scholarship was given to Rodneal Hanna. Rodneal is the daughter of longtime IFS staff member, Mrs. Shaneal Johnson. This is the third scholarship that Rodneal has received from IFS during the course of her academic career. Here is her most recent letter of thanks for the continued support of her donors:

I wanted to thank you for your continued support in my academic journey. As you know it has been a difficult time in the world as a whole due to the pandemic and virtual learning has be an adjustment however I am now pursuing Secondary Education History/Geography and doing well. Thank you again and I hope you are staying safe.

- Rodneal Hanna

To read more about Rodneal’s story, along with other past Androsia scholarship recipients, check out our blog post from 2020.