VIVIAN A FERRIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Welcome! to the homepage for the Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was established in memory of Community Leader Vivian Albert Ferrin. In the 77 years that Mr. Ferrin lived, he left an everlasting memory with all that he touched.
ABOUT VIVIAN A. FERRIN
September 25, 1926 – January 5, 2004
Vivian Ferrin was born in Jamaica, West Indies, in 1926, migrating to New York as a young man to pursue his college education. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and gaining his U.S. citizenship in 1952, Vivian and his wife of 53 years, Adrienne, moved to Washington D.C. Here, Vivian completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Howard University and his Graduate Studies at George Washington University. Following a long career with the Department of State, as head of the U. S. Passport Agency in Washington D.C., he retired in 1986 and moved to The Village of Royal Palm Beach. The Agency, still needing his expertise, enticed Mr. Ferrin to stay another three years as a consultant thus commuting between Royal Palm Beach and Washington D.C.
Finally, in 1989, he became a full-time Floridian. It wasn’t long before he began serving on the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, the Community Revitalization Advisory Board and several community organization boards. Perhaps Vivian is best known as one of the founding members of the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) where he served in many capacities, including President and Chairman of the Board. Among the numerous contributions he brought to the organization, the CAFCI Student Assistance Program, which continues today, was very important to him. He felt it was our obligation to reach out, encourage, and assist our youth in reaching their goals.
His activism led to an appointment to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in 1998. He successfully defended his council seat in the 1998 and again in the 1999 elections. His health forced him to step down in 2003. The Caribbean community is very proud of this trailblazer, for he is one of the first Jamaicans to hold political office in South Florida.
When remembering him, these are some of the thoughts shared by those who knew him best. “Everyone loved his style, his dignity, his generosity, his caring for others and his sincere friendship.” “Vivian was the type of government official we all want to represent us — one who is truly a public servant and not a politician; a man who truly cares about his community and serves with honor and integrity, putting others before himself.” “The best way to honor him is by emulating some of his virtues in our own lives, virtues such as humility, frankness, generosity, honesty, loyalty, peacefulness, gentleness and a sincere caring for family, friends and the community.” In May of 2006 the Village of Royal Palm Beach dedicated a park “The Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Park” in honor his public service to the community. The park features three softball fields and two basketball courts for the youth in our community.
It is in this spirit that the Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund was created.
To All Prospective Essay Participants
The Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund (VAFMSF) is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Hero/Shero Award. This award will be presented at our annual Fundraising Banquet and Silent Auction in November.
Please submit a short Essay of 200 words or less telling us about someone who has made a positive impact in your life. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to not only let your Hero or Shero know what difference they have made in your life but also to publicly thank them.
Nominations must be submitted by October 5, 2011 and either emailed to VAFerrinMSF@yahoo.com or mailed to:
The Vivian A. Ferrin Essay Contest
C/O CAFCI
1030 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard Box 11
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
If your essay is selected, you, your Hero or Shero, along with friends and family are all invited to attend the Awards Banquet. This year’s Banquet & Silent Auction will take place 7:00pm, Saturday November 5th, 2011 at the Original Wellington Mall,
12794 W. Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, Florida 33414. The event features dinner, silent auction, the awards presentation and a speaker who will discuss the impact we all have on our youth. You and your Hero/Shero will be our guests for the evening. For all others, who wish to join you in thanking your nominee, we have enclosed ticket information.
This promises to be a wonderfully enlightening experience, so invite your friends and family to join us on November 5th.
Sincerely,
Genieve White
Chairperson
Essay Contest Application |
ESSAY CONTEST
ESSAY SUBJECT
We are looking for essays, under 200 words, telling us about your real-life Hero/Shero. Let us know who you look up to or who has made a positive impact in your life. This is your opportunity to thank that special person for the difference they have made in your life.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Essay must be submitted in typed form
2. Essays can be either emailed to VAFerrinMSF@yahoo.com or mailed to CAFCI Essay Contest, 1030 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard ,Box 11,
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
3. Deadline for submitting essays is midnight on October 5th 2011.
4. Our Selection Committee will choose 5 Winning Essays which will be publicized in our Souvenir Journal.
5. Essay award winners, along with their parents and their heroes, will be invited to attend the Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund’s Annual
Hero/Shero Awards Banquet on November 5th, 2011 at the Original Wellington Mall Center Court, 12794 W. Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington, FL.
Start Writing!
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History & Mission Statement
In 2004, a Scholarship Fund was established to honor the legacy of Vivian A. Ferrin. The recipients of this scholarship are awarded funds to pursue academic ambitions with the courage, passion, valor, and strength that Vivian possessed. The Fund was created to provide opportunities for young people to develop into mature and responsible adults who will play an important role within their communities and wider society.
Recipients of the Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund are chosen without regard to race, disability, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, personal appearance, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. The Fund continues to develop and multiply for years to come to promote higher education.
The initial contributions were made by family and friends upon his death. During the course of the last 7 years, fund-raising efforts have sustained the Fund enabling it to grant scholarship aid to deserving students.
The Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Eagle Scholarship
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2009 Recipient Eagle Scout Alex Pantone BSA Troop 111 Attending University of Florida Pursuing a degree in Communications and Graphic Arts | 2010 Recipient Eagle Scout Bo Lint BSA Troop 111 Attending University of Central Florida Pursuing a degree in International Studies & Global Studies | 2011 Recipient Eagle Scout Alexander James Fandrey BSA Troop 111 Attending University of Central Florida Pursuing a degree in Forensic Science |
The Vivian A. Ferrin Memorial Scholarship
Sponsors an Annual My Brothers’/ Sisters’ Keeper Scholarship
This Scholarship is awarded to Elementary, Middle, and High School students who demonstrate good citizenship and exemplary service to their community, fellow students, and neighbors. These Scholarship Awards are deposited in an interest-bearing account for disbursement only to a college, university or trade school once the recipient has enrolled.
2008 – Lindsey Hanrahan, Crestwood Middle School
2009 – Alyssa Williams, H.L. Johnson Elementary School
2010 – Caitlin Clements, H.L. Johnson Elementary School
2011 – Jessica DelRossi, Cypress Trails Elementary School