Two Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships have been awarded for 2023. The scholarships are granted to graduating seniors from Kent, Ottawa, or Muskegon counties who plan to pursue a career in the sciences. The scholarships are offered in honor of the late Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray, founding curator of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids, through the Regional Math and Science Center.  This year's winners are Jack Bradley and Jalin Halcome.

Jack Bradley graduated from Hudsonville High School and I currently attending Cedarville University.

Jack shares, "Although I loved science, it was important to me that I not only become a geologist in the future, but also train up future scientists. The opportunity came when I was asked to coach
Science Olympiad for the middle school team. I coach both Rocks and Minerals and Bio-Process Lab, a biology event. It has been really fun to nurture a passion for the sciences in other eager students who’ve had the same questions I once had. I got the opportunity to light a flame in these young scientists who will one day join people like me to form a new generation of scientists.

 "I am so grateful to be receiving this scholarship. With it, I am so excited to be studying geology at Cedarville University next fall. It means so much to me to know that I have the support to achieve the dreams I've had since I was a kid, and will continue to have far into the future. This scholarship will help me not only grow academically in the field that I love, but will also help me continue to impact the people around me as I have the past four years. Thank you for giving me the chance to pursue the career that I love so much."

John Ernstes, Hudsonville High School Science Olympiad Coach writes ,"Beyond the classroom I have seen Jack shine in several areas.  Jack has demonstrated tremendous leadership as a seven-year member of our Science Olympiad team.  He frequently goes out of his way to help fellow teammates prepare for their events. He also returns to the middle school team to mentor and coach students in several events. Jack is always willing to do whatever he can to support others academically as well as through his words of encouragement. It is no wonder that he has become an natural role model for his peers."

Jalin L Halcome graduated from Zeeland East High School and is currently attending Northern Michigan University.

Jalin shares, "During my junior year of high school, I made the bold decision to apply to the Careerline Tech Center in Holland, Michigan. It’s safe to say that I made the right choice by taking the Environmental Field Studies course. Through that course, I was taught the studies of mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, and ichthyology. I learned how to complete water quality tests, interpret the results, and reflect on our findings. We practiced several forestry and soil chemistry identification techniques as well. My class that year was presented with a problem pertaining to our West Michigan beaches: microplastics. Through a project based learning opportunity, we were able to undergo extensive research.

"I am tremendously grateful to be chosen for the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship for the 2023 year. This money will not only help me get a head start on my education, but it'll put me that much closer to my ultimate career goals. This fall, I will be majoring in Wildlife & Fisheries Management at the University of Nothern Michigan. Eventually, I hope to become a Conservation Officer for the great state of Michigan. This opportunity will help me fulfill my dreams of helping our community become a better place."

Kelsey King from Zeeland West High School writes, "I have known Jalin for three years as I had the privilege of teaching her during her tenth grade year. Jalin Halcome is an exceptional student with a superior ability to connect with people. What sets her apart from her peers is both her extraordinary work ethic and the level of empathy that she displays every day to both her peers as well as her teachers and superiors. I have never known a student to work as hard as she does for her goals while also being extremely supportive of those around her."

Congratulations to this year's Dockeray Scholarship winners! The $2,500 scholarships may be applied toward tuition, fees, or other educational costs at a two or four-year college or university.

The scholarship is now taking applications from 2024 graduates! Visit the Scholarship website.