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May 2010 Home

Presenting the 2010 Dockeray Scholarship Winners

The Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship winners for this year are Lauren Chan from Forest Hills Eastern High School, Nick Martin from Hudsonville High School, and Kiara Muirhead from Ottawa Hills High School. These scholarships are awarded 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 Mary Jane Dockeray, founding curator of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids.  Dr. Dockeray serves as chairperson of the selection committee and takes an active role in the award process.

Lauren Chan plans to major in geology at Grand Valley State University.  Lauren’s interest in geology and environmental science began early in her life.  She was “digging” fossils in her driveway and caring for insect pets as a young girl. Trilobite fossils fascinated her to the point that she dressed as one for Halloween. Lauren attended the Goodwillie Environmental School in Forest Hills where her interest in science grew, matured, and became more focused on geology.



Lauren’s teachers describe her as being creative, insightful, resourceful, and being able to think outside the box.  These traits are matched by her curiosity and “inspired desire to learn.”  Lauren enjoys traveling and would like to study abroad in Croatia. 

Nick Martin is looking forward to being involved in undergraduate research at Michigan State University where he plans to study geology or environmental sciences and technology.  Nick also describes how his interest in science began at an early age.  He remembers experiences with zoo animals that sparked his interest in biodiversity and a third grade teacher who opened the ideas of environmental connections for him. One of his most influential experiences was a three week camping trip to visit Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks as part of a summer science institute.



Nick has lettered in football, belongs to the National Honor Society, and serves as a student council officer. In addition to his fine academic work, his teachers commented on his volunteer work in the community and tutoring help he provided to fellow students.

Kiara Muirhead’s mission is “to uplift others in any way necessary to help them succeed and be a healthy individual.”  To meet her goal, Kiara plans to study nursing at Western Michigan University with a minor in Spanish.  Throughout her young life she has been involved in activities that showcase her leadership and care for peers and other people in the community.  She is senior class president, a member of the National Honor Society, a junior leader for Young Life and co-teacher for a Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders site.



Teachers describe Kiara as an independent, hard-working, respectful, and ambitious student who has great respect for education and service to others.  She also “has a heart for others and seeks out the best in others.” 

Congratulations to this year’s Dockeray Scholarship winners.  The $1500 scholarships may be applied toward tuition, fees, or other educational costs at a two or four year college or university.