Dolphin Scholarship Foundation (DSF) announces the selection of 30 outstanding high school and college students as the 2009 Dolphin Scholars. Each Dolphin Scholar receives $3,400 per year which is potentially renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study at an accredited 4 year college or university, for a possible total individual award of $13,600. For the 2009-2010 academic year DSF will fund a total of 137 scholarships for an annual program total of $465,800.
One of the 30 new Scholars is the 1OOOth Dolphin Scholar, Gavin D. Matthews, a senior at Granby High School, Norfolk, VA. His parents are EM 1 (SS) and Mrs. Billy Gene Matthews, Jr., USN,(Ret.). Gavin’s stellar academic performance in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and his leadership as captain of both the varsity swimming and varsity rowing teams- among many other accomplishments- clearly impressed the Selection Board. Gavin was the top ranked student in this year’s pool of outstanding high school applicants. To recognize this historic milestone in the Foundation’s history, Gavin will be designated as “The Holland Scholar” in honor of John Holland, inventor of the first submarine purchased by the U.S. Navy on April 11, 1900. .
The First Dolphin Scholar, John L. Haines, Jr., received a $350 grant from Dolphin Scholarship Foundation in June 1961. The Foundation was organized and initially funded by submarine wives’ clubs. Since 1961, the Foundation has awarded almost eight million dollars in financial assistance to children and stepchildren of members of the U.S. Navy who are members of the Submarine Force.
The 2009 Dolphin Scholars were selected from over 200 applicants. Final selection was based on three equal criteria: academic proficiency, financial need, and commitment and excellence in school and community activities. Members of the military and civilian community comprised the Scholarship Selection Board, including Mr. John L. Haines, Jr., the First Dolphin Scholar; Dr. Jane Duffey, Headmaster, Norfolk Christian School, the daughter of DSF Founder Martha Grenfell; and Mrs. Mimi Donnelly, Chairman of the DSF Board. Of the 30 Dolphin Scholars selected, 21 were high school seniors and 9 were current college students, 15 male and 15 female. Ten of the submarine sponsors were from the enlisted community and 20 were submarine officers.
