Education Partnerships
Marine Institute of Memorial University
2024-25 Scholarship Recipients
2024-25 Scholarship Recipients
Fry Family Foundation Graduate Student Leadership Award
Vice President’s Fry Family Foundation Excellence in Leadership Award (Undergraduate)
Fry Family Foundation Leadership Award (Undergraduate)
Fry Family Foundation Leadership Acknowledgement of Excellence
- Kerri Lynch - Masters of Science student in Fisheries Science
Vice President’s Fry Family Foundation Excellence in Leadership Award (Undergraduate)
- Aiden Parsons - Nautical Science (Baie Verte)
Fry Family Foundation Leadership Award (Undergraduate)
- Avery Decker - Nautical Science (Fogo Island)
- Carina Korchoski - Bachelor of Technology, Engineering and Applied Science Technology (Paradise)
- Hannah Steele - Bachelor of Technology, Engineering and Applied Science Technology (Head Bay D'Espoir)
- Jenna Ryan - Ocean Mapping (Marysvale)
Fry Family Foundation Leadership Acknowledgement of Excellence
- Logan Rennie- Nautical Science (Nova Scotia)
Community Centre Alliance Recipients
In addition, FFF CCA Post-Secondary Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years at MI. Congratulations to this year's award recipient who is a third year Marine Environmental Technology student. Learn more about the CCA's recipients here.
Renewal:
Dr. Philip Warren Exceptional Achievement Scholarship - Tristin Clarke
In addition, FFF CCA Post-Secondary Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years at MI. Congratulations to this year's award recipient who is a third year Marine Environmental Technology student. Learn more about the CCA's recipients here.
Renewal:
Dr. Philip Warren Exceptional Achievement Scholarship - Tristin Clarke
Winter 2025 Scholarship & Awards Presentation

The Winter Scholarship and Awards Presentation was held at Marine Institute on March 20, 2025. The Fry Family Foundation Leadership Awards celebrate and encourage the development of leadership qualities that can be applied in our communities, at work and in the classroom. Six of these Awards were presented at the Ceremony. In attendance were (L-R) Jenna Ryan , Hannah Steele, Paul Burt, Marie Burt, Carina Korchoski, Aiden Parsons and Avery Decker. Missing from photo - Eugenie Jacobsen. Read more about the Awards ceremony, which includes a special profile on multi-award recipient Jenna Ryan in MI, Donors Honor Exceptional Students.
These Leadership Awards are a component of the FFF Student Leadership Initiative at Marine Institute and are a reflection of the belief that, “It has been shown that students who began to understand the complexities of leadership at an early stage in their university education were more likely to step forward to take a leadership approach to their own personal and professional development”.
These Leadership Awards are a component of the FFF Student Leadership Initiative at Marine Institute and are a reflection of the belief that, “It has been shown that students who began to understand the complexities of leadership at an early stage in their university education were more likely to step forward to take a leadership approach to their own personal and professional development”.
Graduate Student Leadership Award
Kerri Lynch is this year's recipient of the prestigious Fry Family Foundation Graduate Leadership Award. This is granted to a graduate student who demonstrates outstanding leadership throughout the course of his/her studies, through academic work, professional work placements (if applicable), and community involvement. Kerri is a Masters of Science Student in Fisheries Studies who has had a substantive impact on the MI campus in many ways.
Vice President’s Excellence in Leadership Award

Aiden Parsons is this year's recipient of the prestigious Vice-President's Fry Family Foundation Excellence in Leadership Award. It is granted to the undergraduate student in the final semester of a three or four year program at MI who has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the course of his/her studies. Aidan is a Nautical Science student who believes, “In today's society, leadership has become an oversimplified concept, but the reality is that like anything else it's a skill. Leaders have to understand that they are not the only member on their team. They have to understand that their actions have consequences, their teammates bring value, and it is their responsibility to not lead anybody astray; or at least to admit when they do."
At the Award Ceremony, Dr. Angie Clarke stated, "Aiden has had a significant impact on our campus – we are certainly better for him being here."
At the Award Ceremony, Dr. Angie Clarke stated, "Aiden has had a significant impact on our campus – we are certainly better for him being here."
Undergraduate Leadership Awards
The Fry Family Foundation Leadership Awards are granted to up to four undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding leadership throughout the course of their studies at MI, through academic work, professional work placements (if applicable), and community involvement. Each of these students shared their thoughts on what Leadership means to them.

Jenna Ryan is a third-year Ocean Mapping student. Jenna believes, “Leadership, to me, embodies the art of inspiring and guiding individuals towards a common goal and ingraining a sense of purpose within a team. The most important aspects of leadership are empathy, vision, effective communication, and inspiring accountability. Leaders should be able to inspire others to work towards a common goal while putting their own personal ambitions and ego to the side for the benefit of the team."

Hannah Steele is a Bachelor of Technology, Engineering and Applied Science Technology student. Hannah believes, “When I think of a leader, I think of someone selfless, someone who will push you to be your best self, someone who you can look up to. That has always been my mom for me. I think leaders are often associated with bigger influences, such as politicians, university administrators, and activists. While they influence the way our worlds work, it is often the people around us who demonstrate the strongest influence on our day-to-day lives, how they lead us from one day to the next."

Avery Decker is a Nautical Science student. Avery believes, "Being a leader to me means having the ability to overcome a challenge with a group of people by using each individual's skill set and solving the problem at hand. While also learning from each other and using past experiences to help achieve the common goal of success.”

Carina Korchoski is a Bachelor of Technology, Engineering and Applied Science Technology student. Carina believes, "To me, leadership is more than just a position or title; it's a mindset and a set of behaviors that inspire and empower others to reach their full potential. It means having a clear vision of where you want to go and the ability to communicate that vision in a way that resonates with others. Leadership involves leading by example, demonstrating integrity, and earning the trust and respect of those around you through your actions. It means listening attentively to the diverse perspectives of the student body and valuing their input in decision-making processes."
Nautical Skills Competition
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Once again, FFF were invited to observe Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, and Engineering students as they participated in the 13th Annual Nautical Skills Competition at the Marine Institute. This event challenges students to tackle high-pressure real life scenarios at sea. The Competition is facilitated by Master Mariners of Canada in collaboration with the Marine Institute. It's also a great opportunity for the high school students who are included on the teams and exposed to the competition. This competition is made possible through many volunteers, including three amazing FFF Alumni who we had the chance to chat with during the tour; Christopher Rafuse, Captain Samantha Strowbridge and Reagan Clements. Christopher is a graduate of the Nautical Science program and was the recipient of the FFF Leadership Acknowledgement of Excellence in 2022 and 2024. Samantha is an alumna of the Bachelor of Maritime Studies (Maritime Management) program and recipient of a 2007-08 FFF Diploma of Technology Leadership Scholarship. Samantha also received a Next Wave Leadership Award for her work breaking barriers as the first female offshore captain with Atlantic Towing. Reagan is a graduate of the Nautical Skills program and was the recipient of a 2019-20 FFF Leadership Award. Events like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of a career at sea, preparing students for the challenges ahead. Watch the CBC news clip. Read how Students navigate simulated sea emergencies at Nautical Skills Competition .
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Leadership Acknowledgement of Excellence - Nautical Skills Competition

The Fry Family Foundation Leadership Acknowledgement of Excellence Award is presented at the annual Nautical Skills Competition. Logan Rennie is this year's recipient of this award. This recognition was developed to acknowledge a participant of the Nautical Skills Competition that effectively communicates with team members and demonstrates strong operational group management; consistently exhibits exceptional and dynamic leadership skills by recognizing and harnessing the strengths of each team member in solving the tasks presented; encourages and maximizes group participation and contributes to effective bridge resource management; and demonstrates the development of leadership qualities that can be applied at home, in the classroom, at work and in the community