Last updated 9/30/2025
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Scholarship News
by Linda Hamblin
There were six applicants for OAEA scholarships in 2025. Three of those were awarded $2000 from the Dryfoose Memorial Scholarship fund. In alphabetical order those winners are:
Norah Blankenship
Ella Hilderbrand
Jack Jarvis
A $1000 donation came from Edward Hames, and this amount was bestowed in his name. Jackson Barstow was presented this amount.
Again, this year there was the Robert Berube $500 scholarship donated by Michelle Cooke. Daniel McDevitt was granted the $500.
Details follow:
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Norah Blankenship
Norah
Blankenship is attending University of Vermont in Burlington. Her field of study is psychology with a focus
on child mental health development and behavior. She plans to graduate early in
June 2026. Norah took college credits while in high school and has taken summer
classes for the past two years, maintaining a 3.77 GPA in college. After
graduation Norah plans to continue towards a master’s degree. She was sponsored by her grandfather, John
Blankenship of Camarillo CA who served on the ice as CMC with VXE-6 from 1981 –
1984. John’s son and Norah’s father,
Derek, was in Antarctica as a USARP.
“Thank you so much for granting me the OAEA scholarship and its connected opportunities. My family and I appreciate your contribution towards my current education and future career.”
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Ella Hilderbrand
Ella Hilderbrand of Lakeway, TX will be starting classes at University of British Columbia as a science major, planning to further major in biotechnology. During her high school years Ella was a member of the track and field, drama club, honor society, and volunteered hours with her church and local charities. Ella was sponsored by her great uncle Edward “Bill” Hames of Oklahoma City. Bill served with NFSA during summer support April 1976 to April 1979. He later winter over October 1986 to October 1987. Ella writes that Bill is “one of my biggest supporters in life.”
“Once
again, I am so honored and thankful for being awarded the OAEA Scholarship.
Aside from science, I love theatre, the arts, and running Track & Field. In
college I am hoping to tackle cancer research, genetics, and pregnancy
complications. I believe that my ambitions are not only tied to personal
achievements and goals, but rather how these can evolve medicine to benefit the
lives of others. I know that I will use my degree to help and contribute to the
health of others positively, as well as contributing to advancements in
technology and medicine in the biology field. Thank you so much!”
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Jack Jarvis
Jack Jarvis of Dedham MA is an Eagle Scout with three palms. He had an A in every class all four years of high school. These were earned while also playing four years of football. Jack is starting his freshman year at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. His major is political science. Jack wrote how a book he read “…sparked my interest in politics …... I want to find political solutions for the issues within prisons and the criminal justice system.” Jack was sponsored by stepfather, Jeff Inglis, who as a civilian did two summer support tours from October to February in 1999 – 2001.
I am truly honored by your contribution to help continue my education. I am extremely grateful for your consideration and this scholarship.
As I pursue my studies in political science at the University of Washington, Seattle I will be able to, more so, focus in on my studies with this financial relief. In the spirit of exploration that the countless explorers, scientists, reporters and countless other pioneers who worked in and around Antarctic exploration had in mind, I hope to keep curiosity in my mind. As mentioned in my application, I hope to, in some way, help make the world a better place for all of us- whether here in the United States or for our American involvement around the world, such as our current scientific missions in Antarctica.
I am at a loss for words that describe my true gratitude for this incredible contribution.
In gratitude,
Jack Jarvis"
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Jackson Barstow
Jackson
Barstow from Fremont Michigan wants to become an elementary school teacher and is
attending Michigan State University as sophomore this fall. Jackson was
sponsored by Jeff Barstow. Jeff served on the ice in 1970 – 71 as a
storekeeper. Jackson was awarded $1000 donated to the scholarship fund by
Edward (Bill) Hames. The scholarship was awarded in Hames name.
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Daniel McDevitt
Only
those OAEA members who were
either Civil Engineer Corps or one of the enlisted Seabee ratings may sponsor
someone for the special Robert Berube $500 scholarship. A special email was
sent to those members in the spring of 2025. Again, this year the special
scholarship was supported by Michelle Cooke. She wrote Don’t Bee Afraid and
generously donates the proceeds of the children’s book to fund the scholarship.
The book is dedicated to Robert (Bob) Berube. Bob was a member of CBU-201 at
McMurdo in 1968 – 69.
There was one application again this year, and Daniel McDevitt of Hanson MA was awarded the $500. He will be finishing his senior year at Plymouth State University located in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Daniel’s declared major is business management with a marketing minor. Daniel was sponsored by his grandfather, Francis (Frank) McDevitt of Weymouth MA. Frank served as a CN with MCB-4 in 1958 - 59.
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“I
really do appreciate being awarded this scholarship to help me in my final
year at college. I am excited to begin my senior year… and appreciate this
financial help with my college education. My whole family appreciates this
so I can begin my next chapter without being deeply in debt.” |
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