This past year has been a very fun and exciting time for me, I have continued to live and work on the Vineyard trying to make my way in the Tree industry. I acquired my own insurance and have been trying to do a bit of my own jobs on the side as well as continuing work for the local company Tabor Tree. My boss and owner of Tabor, Riley Dobel has been very generous to let me use some of his equipment to do these jobs which has been very helpful as tree work can require a lot of tools and machines to be done safely and efficiently. It has been fun and challenging learning to bid jobs on my own trying to make sure I give the client a good deal as well as not short selling my own skill and production. I have learned a lot doing this and continue to learn more everyday. Aside from work many of my friends are wrapping up their college careers and it's been nice to be able to spend more time with them as many of them are back on the island full time. A group of us does trivia once a week which is a nice way to split the week up and not get too bored in the long island winter. I continue to play hockey once or twice a week in the local league and the ponds have been frozen so pond hockey has been a regular occurrence on the weekends. I would like to thank MVYouth for all the help they have provided me over the years, I would not be where I am today without the generous donations from all the donors making everything possible for me and the other recipients. I will always remember the time I spent in college and the people who made it all possible.
Paulo Pereira - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
This past year has emulated similar themes to those of the previous year, with each day bringing a new learning experience both professionally and personally. I’ve been at Morgan Stanley for slightly over three years and have learned a lot since joining the firm in late 2021 while working alongside incredibly smart and ambitious people. I’ve worked on a variety of deals involving asset-backed securities, capital markets products such as initial public offerings and debt financings, as well as mergers & acquisitions, to name a few. I find the deals related to mergers & acquisitions interesting as these tend to be transformative for the acquirer and/or the target company being acquired. At the same time, I find myself gravitating towards and asking more questions about the investing process on the buy-side in fields such as private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds, which is fascinating to me and something I hope to explore further. As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but think about how instrumental MVYouth was in enabling me to get to where I am today. Thank you MVYouth for making such a difference in the island community as well as in the families of those you all have supported over the years, including myself and my family!
Charles Parkhurst - UCLA
I’m glad to share that the past year has been an incredibly productive one! The most significant development is that in May of last year, I began my studies at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics with a concentration in finance. The program is primarily completed online, but last June, I spent a week on-campus in Ithaca to kick off the degree and will return for another in-person session this coming August to conclude the program. I’ve truly enjoyed my classes so far and am very happy with my decision to pursue this degree. The program is a unique balance between data analytics and business, offering courses in subjects like accounting, financial modeling, microeconomics, and marketing, alongside training in programming languages like SQL and Python and data visualization tools such as Tableau. For the remainder of the program, a key focus will be on machine learning and artificial intelligence. While managing the degree alongside full-time work has made for a busy schedule, it has also been deeply rewarding, as I see much practical value in everything I’ve learned so far. I’ve continued living in Miami, Florida, while working as an Investment Data Analyst at AlTi Tiedemann Global. However, this contract position is now coming to an end, and I’ve just started the search for my next opportunity. I’m eager to apply the skills I’m gaining in graduate school to further advance my career. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to MVYouth for providing the launchpad for my educational journey nearly a decade ago. Without the incredible support of this organization, I may not have had the chance to pursue this degree today.
Annie Ollen - Barnard College
2024 was an exciting year of new opportunities and growth on the Vineyard! I continue to work at the West Tisbury School as a math specialist helping students in the middle school to meet their specific math goals. Each day is dynamic, as my role is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the individual students that I work with. This fall, I also started my Master’s in Education program at Merrimack College where I am taking classes online. Taking classes while working full time was certainly an adjustment, but it was great to get back into the classroom and continue to develop my skills as an educator. In addition to coaching middle school volleyball in the spring, I also started coaching girls soccer at the high school this fall. It was exciting to get back out on the field that I spent so many years on when I was a student there, and continue to be involved in the island community. Finally, this fall marked my first full year working on the Advisory Board for MVYouth. I am grateful for this opportunity to be involved in such an incredible organization that gave so much to me as a student. To now be sitting on the other side of the interview table is an honor that I do not take lightly. The next generation of island students is incredibly talented and motivated, and it’s a great feeling to see the same promise in them that was seen in me when I received my scholarship in 2015. MVYouth gives so much to this island community, and I am so thankful to be a part of it!
Madeleine Moore - University of Chicago
In 2024, I successfully unionized my former workplace with my coworkers! This has been one of my proudest career achievements and the result of over a year of building relationships and trust with everyone across my company. As of now, they are still in bargaining and I am hopeful they will have a new contract soon! Additionally, after nearly three years at my former job, I was hired at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as their Digital Campaigns Manager. In this role, I was able to manage staff and raised over $16 million for fifteen incumbent and challenger U.S. House candidates. While we saw some losses on Election Night, we also saw some major wins and flipped several House seats in California and New York. I look forward to working at the DCCC this coming year and hope to work towards a better Election Night in 2026. This year I also saw my brother, Huck, the youngest of all my siblings, graduate high school. He is now attending Yale University alongside my sister, Ingrid, while my other sister Isabel, is now a Teacher's Assistant at the West Tisbury School. Since 2011, there has been a Moore sibling at MVRHS so it feels very bittersweet now that we are all graduated and off on our own adventures. I felt very lucky I was able to come back to the island twice this Summer and I hope to be back more frequently the next. Every time I come home I am reminded of what a special and unique place Martha's Vineyard is and every time I leave I am thinking of my next trip back. As everyone in my family embarks on their own path, those times at home together are even more special and I feel truly grateful for the time we have with each other on the island.
Danielle Middleton - Howard University
After four years of hard work, I’m proud to share that I’ve graduated. Walking across the stage this past May was a moment of immense pride and gratitude. I felt proud to join the ranks of Howard University alumni in front of my friends and family, and deeply grateful for everyone who helped me reach this milestone. Over the summer, I worked as a youth development professional at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club, a place that has shaped me profoundly. With these past seven summers, I’ve met and learned from so many amazing people, and together, each summer, we gave kids a safe and enriching space to grow. My experience at the MVBGC taught me how to look beyond myself and recognize the importance of contributing positively to the community. I look back on my time at MVBGC with fondness and appreciation for the role it played in my life. I’m excited about the amazing upcoming changes happening there, and look forward to seeing its continued impact. Currently, I’m working as a Family Support Worker with the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, part of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. In this role, I connect individuals and families with essential resources like housing, healthcare, employment, education, and other community supports. Though I’ve only been here a few months, I’m incredibly grateful for my team, who have guided and supported me as I transition from being a student to a full-time professional. Their mentorship has eased any uncertainty I had about starting my career, and I genuinely look forward to going to work each day. Even after finishing my undergraduate degree, I find myself learning and growing daily. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. I hope to continue paying forward the support that MVYouth has given me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you MVYouth, for supporting me every step of the way.
Evelyn Medeiros - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science University
This past year I have been so fortunate to continue working on an endoscopy unit that continues to challenge me and further develop my nursing skills. With the encouragement of my manager, I decided to sit for the exam to become a board certified medical surgical nurse. I was honored to be accredited by the board to prove my experience and expertise in nursing. In addition to becoming certified, I had made it a goal this year to practice my Spanish, and I now feel much more confident conversing with the large Spanish speaking population that I care for. This not only allows me to take better care of my patients, but helps to build trust and comfort with them in a way that I was not able to before. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog and exploring new places with my partner. I have made an effort to better my work-life balance and truly enjoy my time outside of the hospital. Being a healthcare professional that has seen how cruel the world can be, I have found it important to really appreciate my time away from the bedside. I feel truly blessed to have found a unit that has helped me grow as a healthcare professional, but also as a person. For that, I want to thank MV Youth once again, because without you, it may not have been possible. I look forward to seeing what the next year has in store for me. I am excited to continue to learn and improve.
Casey McAndrews - Hamilton College
The past year has been full of new challenges and learning opportunities. To bring in the New Year, two classmates and I organized a seminar for UNECOM students on firearm harm reduction, as firearm injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. This sparked a passion for advocacy in gun violence prevention, leading to a partnership with Moms Demand Action, who invited me to speak at the Maine State House for their annual advocacy day. As part of the REGMS program, I presented my research at ENDO 2024 in Boston and connected with other students from across the country. As District Representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Pediatric Trainees (SOPT), I met other SOPT leaders and trainees at the AAP National Conference to collaborate on ways to get medical students involved in pediatrics and advocacy for child health. In July, I started my third year of medical school, which means we are no longer learning in the classroom but instead on the hospital floors through our clinical rotations! To kick it off, I spent 6 weeks as a Neuroanatomy Teaching Assistant where I taught second-year students their neurology and neuroanatomy curriculum in small groups. Since then, I have been rotating through various hospitals and clinics in Rhode Island learning about the different fields of medicine, how to evaluate patients and create a treatment plan, and even how to perform medical procedures. Among all of this, my favorite part has been getting to interact with patients and support them through their most vulnerable times. As the year winds down, I am getting ready to apply for a residency in Pediatrics this upcoming fall and could not be more excited. Thank you to MVYouth for making all of this possible!
Louise McDonald - New York University
2024 was a pivotal year for me. I successfully completed my first year as a full-time associate at an asset management firm in New York, passed several SEC exams, and gained confidence navigating the post-graduate world. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance from MVYouth. Although it has been more than five years since I received my scholarship from MVYouth, my determination to achieve ambitious goals and dream beyond what seems imaginable remains steadfast. Over the past year, outside of work, I dedicated time to studying for finance exams, analyzing market trends, and deepening my understanding of the economic environment. These efforts were aimed at helping over 40 institutional investors allocate capital effectively and achieve successful outcomes. I also collaborated closely with portfolio managers to strengthen relationships both externally and internally within my firm. I led internal meetings, introducing various macro strategies to educate 20+ colleagues on emerging trends expected in the near term. Recently, I transitioned from asset management to a global multi-strategy hedge fund, where I now lead two teams focused on REITs and financials. My role involves overseeing research, assisting with trading, and facilitating communication between teams and stakeholders. I can confidently say that my achievements, lessons, and relationships built over the past year would not have been possible without MVYouth's belief in me back in 2019. Going through the interview process, meeting the founders, and embracing the unknown shaped traits that I carry with me every day. I am proud to be part of such an incredible organization and look forward to further contributing to its mission in the future.
Danielle Hopkins - Barnard College
2024 was an exciting year! I spent my second semester of 1L competing in a mock trial competition with the National Black Law Students Association, where my team of all first years placed second in the regional competition and fourth in the national one! It was such a great experience and really affirmed that I want to do trial advocacy. I spent my summer in Atlanta, Georgia where I interned at the Southern Center for Human Rights. I absolutely loved the city and it was such a privilege to work with an organization that has been doing incredible work to combat the death penalty, excessive sentencing and prison conditions in the south for decades. I actually was taught by one of the Southern Center’s most prominent directors, Stephen Bright, during the spring as well when I took his course, Capital Punishment: Race, Poverty & Disadvantage. When I returned to New Haven I moved to a different part of the city where I am loving my new neighborhood though it is a bit farther from the law school. My second year of law school has been a lot of work but it has been very rewarding. During the summer in addition to working at the Southern Center I also did work for a clinic I would join in the fall, the Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic. My summer work led to me arguing in Fresno Superior Court in opposition for a motion for summary adjudication during only my second week of classes last fall! It was a surreal experience and one that I will cherish for the rest of my legal career. My clinic work kept me very busy this last semester. However I also found time to be the Secretary of the Yale Black Law Students Association, work as a rep for a legal search engine Lexis, and continue my position as a research assistant for Deborah Archer at NYU. Heading into this spring semester knowing I am now more than halfway done with law school is almost unimaginable. I feel like it was just yesterday I was graduating from MVRHS and heading to Barnard College. I am so grateful for the support and opportunities MVYouth provided me throughout my 4 years of undergrad and beyond that have gotten me to this point. Thank you MVYouth!
Jack Holmes - Brown University
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! We did it! After four incredible years, we’ve finished our undergraduate education. It all went by so fast that I still struggle to reflect on it, even months afterward. During this time, I’ve been taking a break from school to pursue interests that being a full-time student had precluded. Without the time constraints of college, I’ve been able to save money and travel! Since last May, I’ve gone to Northern Europe, touring the Nordic region with friends from college, and even taken a month-long trip to Japan—something I had always wanted to do. I’ve also started playing bass in the band Dock Street, made up of me and three other guys from the island. It’s been so energizing to get back into music, as this was one of my passions that took a backseat during my time in college. I’ve always considered making music with friends to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling pursuits, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity to play in a band again. While I’ve enjoyed my time away from school, I’ve always been thinking about the next step in my education. I love learning, and although the potential to learn is always around us, no matter the environment, I think I want to pursue my interests within the structure of graduate school. One of the most valuable things I’ve done since finishing my undergraduate degree is speak to professionals in different fields. I’m exploring different options for graduate school, and these conversations have given me valuable insight into potential career paths and academic programs. By taking this time to talk with people and do my own research, I hope to enter graduate school with a clear direction and goal in mind. In the meantime, I plan to keep playing bass and learning about the world outside the classroom.
Samantha Hargy - George Washington University
2024 was an exciting and challenging year! After 8 months working for the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, I learned that perhaps a job in international affairs was not the right fit. It only took a bachelor’s and master’s degree to figure that out! In early 2024, I began applying far and wide to new jobs, including outside the international affairs industry. Falling back on my many years spent working at the Edgartown Yacht Club over the summers, in April I accepted a new position as Member Experience & Communications Director at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA. I am so happy I made the change! As the head of my department, I am responsible for all Club communications and social media, the recruitment and retainment of Members, and coordination of the membership application process. The hospitality industry has always been my comfort place, and it welcomed me back with open arms! The Members and Staff at Westwood make every day enjoyable, and with a 7-year membership waitlist there is always something to do! I recently joined the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), which provides certification courses to support my future in the private club industry. I’m excited for all the opportunities this new line of works presents! On a more personal note, in May I got engaged to my wonderful fiancé Luke Wheeler! Luke and I recently moved to Alexandria, VA, where we’re enjoying life in the suburbs just outside of Washington, DC. We’re set to be married on October 18th, 2025, on Martha’s Vineyard. It will be my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. Thank you all for your support of MVYouth! I enjoy writing these updates each year and seeing where my fellow recipients have adventured to since graduating. Have a wonderful 2025!
Lena Hanschka - Colby College
2024 brought much change and transition in my life. I began the year in Colchester, Vermont working at Champlain Community Services as a Service Coordinator for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. I grew significantly more confident in my role there and developed deeper relationships with my clients and their families, helping them to navigate the complex system of funding that ultimately pays for their services and daily needs. I found this work deeply rewarding, although quite challenging at times due to the disconnect between the legislative framework that governs state and federally funded non-profits and the daily realities for the people and families we served. In May, I made the difficult decision to leave my job in Vermont and move back to Martha’s Vineyard in large part to support my grandmother as she entered into Hospice care. Moving back to the island brought many challenges, but has ultimately proven to be the best choice for me and my family. It has felt incredibly grounding to be living on the island again and surrounded by a close-knit community. This fall, I began working at the Island Autism Center, making use of my degree in anthropology from Colby College, as well as my work experience from Champlain Community Services. I am very excited to see how that organization continues to grow and provide much needed services to autistic individuals and their families on Martha’s Vineyard. I have also been working at Ghost Island Farm in their farm stand, a place that is truly dedicated to providing the year-round island community with accessible and sustainable produce and other groceries. Thank you to MVYouth for their generous support of island students and the many organizations they fund. The island is a better place for it!
Zephyrine Thompson - George Washington University
My final semester at George Washington University has arrived! After a semester-long leave last spring, Ireturned to DC in September for my final year. The leave was much needed, and gave me time to reconnect with my family and self at home. I had the honor of learning about gardening/landscaping with an experienced Vineyarder, as well as working with Circuit Arts’ children’s theatre program as a counselor. I also spent the weekends with the MV Playhouse’s wonderfully talented Fabulists, performing interactive theatre for (and with!) a fabulous young audience. Feeling reinvigorated, I returned to school for Fall 2024. The fall semester brought several fascinating courses. In Religion, Myth, and Magic, we discussed definitions of religion globally and engaged in thoughtful analyses of what social functions these concepts perform. My Forensic History & International Affairs professor, a director at GW’s National Security Archive,introduced us to the world of FOIA and the methodology of interpreting and utilizing declassified information(Rule #1: Be prepared to wait a few decades!). In my Cartography/GIS course, I learned valuable mapping software skills that I used to contribute over 2000 nodes to an Open Source map of Martha’s Vineyard. Classes this semester are off to a great start. These include a microbiology course on Pandemics and Epidemics, International Economics, International Development, and a couple of French courses focusing on both France and Francophone regions. At the close of this semester in May 2025, I am proud to say that I will graduate with a double major in International Affairs (concentration in Global Public Health) and French Language &Literature from GWU. This genuinely would not have been possible for me without the help of MVYouth, and I am forever grateful for the effort and generosity that goes into making this program possible.
Imani Hall - Duke University
This past year has been a pivotal one for me. I graduated from Duke University with distinction, completing a thesis titled“Generation of Nuclear Localized Rabies Virus for Dissection of Adult Cortical Circuits.”In addition to my major in neuroscience, I earned a minor in psychology and a certificate in child policy research. My time at Duke was incredibly fulfilling, and while leaving was bittersweet, I’m excited by the direction my life is heading now. Currently, I work at Benchling, a biotech company in Boston, where I’m gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of technology and scientific research. I’m also volunteering at Boston Children’s Hospital in the emergency room, which has given me a deeper appreciation for healthcare and the importance of compassionate service. Looking ahead, I’m still in the process of determining my next steps. I’m considering pursuing a PhD, medical school, or potentially an MBA. My interests in science, helping people, and exploring new fields continue to guide my decisions. I’m excited to keep exploring the paths that best align with my skills and passions.
Jo Orr - Wagner College
Thanks to the support of MVYouth, I’m finishing off my senior year at Wagner College. I plan to graduate summa cum laude this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in music studies. This past year has been a whirlwind, with auditions, recitals, and performances. I most recently played Brutus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at Wagner, with a student-led group called Shakespeare On The Oval. It was an honor to step into a role that has been around for hundreds of years. This last summer, I continued to work as a henna artist on the island, while also singing at gigs like First Friday and the Tisbury Street Fair. For pride month last June, I put up an art show at Mocha Motts in Vineyard Haven. My pieces focused on binary thinking and the stark contrasts between right and wrong, inspired by the current political debates surrounding the lives of trans people. I’m very lucky to have found year-round housing on the Vineyard for myself, so I’ll be returning to the island once I graduate. I could not have made it this far without MVYouth, and I will be forever grateful that I’ve been able to go to college and graduate debt-free.
Julia Gomes - New England Hair Academy
Life has been a whirlwind of growth and gratitude lately! I’m now in my second year as an independent stylist, renting my own chair, and I can confidently say I am so blessed. Being based in Falmouth has been a dream come true—most of my incredible clients make the trip from the Vineyard, which still amazes me. Every day, I get to express my creativity through services like barbing, custom coloring, dimensional blonding, and extensions. Seeing my clients leave feeling confident and beautiful is the most rewarding part of what I do. On a personal note, I recently married the love of my life, a union electrician who’s as supportive as they come. He shares my dream of opening my own salon one day, and together, we’re planning for that exciting future. It’s a goal that feels more achievable with him by my side. When I’m not behind the chair, you’ll usually find me relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand. There’s something about the ocean air that keeps me grounded and reminds me of growing up on the island. None of this would’ve been possible without the support I received from MV Youth. Their funding helped kick-start my career, allowing me to turn my passion into a thriving business. I think back to 16-year-old me, dreaming of a life like this, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m living proof that hard work and a little help can truly make dreams a reality. Here’s to the next chapter—both in my career and my life!
Andres Garcia - Cornell University
This past year has been pivotal for my career growth. During my Master’s semester at Cornell, I decided to pursue a business degree to complement my long-term goals. I believed that consulting would provide valuable skills that align well with an MBA. With my job’s start date landing in July, I dedicated the first half of the year to preparing for the GMAT and submitting applications. I was fortunate to gain admission to the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. My plan is to spend the next few years building my business intuition at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and pursuing my MBA, ideally through sponsorship or a full scholarship. The second half of the year has been equally rewarding. I started at BCG in July and have had the chance to meet incredible people while learning a great deal about business. My work has been engaging and challenging, exposing me to a variety of industries and topics. One of the highlights has been the strong mentorship culture at BCG. Everyone in the office has been approachable and supportive, providing guidance as I navigate my first year. As I approach my 6-month review, I’m excited to learn where I can continue to grow. In the coming years, I plan to explore new opportunities. I’m applying for an ethics fellowship in Europe to study leadership with other young professionals, and I’ll be reapplying to business schools to broaden my options. I plan to focus on entrepreneurship and get a concurrent master’s in computer science. I’m excited about what lies ahead and deeply grateful to those who have invested in my journey, like MVYouth. The support I received has been instrumental in getting me to this point, and I look forward to seeing where my career takes me.
Lee Faraca - Cal Poly
I’m happy to announce that I’m officially a licensed professional civil engineer in the state of California. My area of interest is wastewater treatment and reuse. Given the water crisis in California, there are many opportunities to help supplement and reduce water demand. In part of this, I left my job in Walnut Creek in the fall and moved back to San Luis Obispo. I switched jobs to a firm that has more opportunities to work in recycled water. Many of the projects I currently work on are treating industrial or residential waste from wineries, developments, and/or campgrounds and designing and helping to permit the treated, recycled water, for irrigation purposes. Given Paso Robles, the up and coming “new Napa”, the vineyards are an ideal recipient for recycled water. While doing less municipal work compared to my previous job, it’s fun to work on projects that make a direct local impact. Also who wouldn’t want to visit beautiful wineries as part of their job? Moving back to San Luis Obispo has brought me out of the big city life and into a smaller town. The climate is consistently 60-70 degrees, and I can trail run or play soccer almost any day of the year. In addition, it gives me the opportunity to lecture at Cal Poly, my alma mater. Thank you MVYouth for all you have done. It’s fun reading these annual reports and seeing all the amazing impacts and paths of the benefactors and recipients.
Willa Welch - Northeastern University
This fall I went into my senior year at Northeastern University without knowing that it would be my senior year. I was originally on the 5 year track, but was presented with some exciting opportunities that changed my plan. A year ago, I was thrilled at the idea of co-oping as a software engineer at HubSpot, though it felt like a distant dream given the competitive interview process mixed with a good amount of self-doubt. Everything shifted when, only hours after submitting my resume, I received the at-home assessment. Over the next two months, I poured myself into learning software basics and just about everything HubSpot, juggling classes and my social life (10 roommates!), and navigating four rounds of interviews. I was at Trader Joe’s when I received the co-op offer, and I’ll never forget the immense pride I felt in that moment. I was glad that I pushed myself even when it felt super daunting. I explored Europe and worked on the Vineyard throughout May and June before packing up for Boston in the beginning of July. I’ll admit, after all of the work I’d done to get the position, I was nervous that I may not even like working as a software engineer. Well, turns out I didn’t just like it—I LOVED it. I felt challenged yet supported, capable with so much room to grow, and excited to get to work every morning. At the end of the co-op, I was thrilled to say “see you later” instead of “goodbye,” to HubSpot as I’ll be returning full-time this fall after graduating in May. As I prepare for my final semester at Northeastern University, I cannot thank MVYouth enough for the support throughout the last four years. I have learned so much throughout my time at Northeastern, a ton about computers and software, but more importantly about friendship and about myself. Thank you MVYouth!