Two Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships have been awarded for 2021. 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.  Haley Holland and Sydney Kierzek have been chosen this year from over 40 applicants.

Haley Holland

Haley graduated from Hudsonville High School this past spring and is attending Northern Michigan University.

Haley's school counselor, Joe Kessel, writes, "The tendrils of Haley's positivity quietly reach throughout our school; she possesses a humble confidence that positively changes the other students who come into contact with her."

Haley states, "I am very grateful to be awarded the Mary Jane Dockeray scholarship for the year of 2021. Not only will the money I received help further my education, but it will also bring me closer to achieving my future goals. I plan to major in environmental science and later focus more specifically on marine sciences. In my desired field, I strive to not only better the health of our environment but also put myself in a career I  am able to express passion, interest and excitement. This scholarship is an encouragement to continue working towards my goal."

Sydney Kierzek

Sydney is a 2021 graduate of Saugatuck High School and is attending Grand Valley State University.

Sydney's high school life sciences teacher, Bradley Smit, reports, "She is a wonderful student, a strong leader, a kind human being, and she has a service-minded approach to the community she lives in."

Sydney states, "This scholarship will allow me to further my passion for science as I intend to major in Biochemistry. Along with the financial support, being selected for this scholarship inspires me to be a hard working student so that I may put this money towards my future career. I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity and will surely use my curious nature as well as my nerdy tendencies to fulfill my scholarly dreams in the area that I love."

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.