The Stephen Jones Memorial Scholarship is awarded in honor of Stephen Alan Naoiwi Jones.
Steve was a dedicated volunteer with a passion for his family, commercial fishing, and serving his community. Steve came to Bristol Bay in 1992 to commercial fish at the invitation of good friends, Van and LaVerne Pettigen.
Stephen was a volunteer firefighter and served as Stand-In Fire Chief of the local Volunteer Fire Department. Steve was a valued member of the Bristol Bay Borough Chamber of Commerce Board, and we miss his insight and dedication. Steve also served as a board member of many other local organizations. He took his role as a board member seriously and worked hard during board trainings and conferences. He enjoyed going to the classes and talking to different company’s board members. He enjoyed learning as much from them and their organization and hoped that in some way it could help the community he represented.
His wife, Tammy Jones had this to say when asked about the scholarship: “Thank you for honoring my beloved husband, Stephen Alan Naoiwi Jones with this scholarship. He had such a big heart for the welfare of family and others. I am truly blessed that this Scholarship is being given in his honor. Many times, I would come home to find him reading through all his paperwork, like all the different bylaws for the different boards preparing for board meetings. This may even seem funny to some people, but at times when I’d wake up at 1 or 2 in the morning, open my eyes I would see him watching The Government/State Channel “Gavel to Gavel”. He just wanted to learn about so many things. I hope that the person(s) who will receive this scholarship will have the same kind of heart to want the best for others, and love for family and this community. That they will be dedicated to looking out for the best interest of others, even if sometimes means standing alone (well with me always by his side) to get the job done. I hope they have a heart to learn so that it would benefit others, know the importance of service, and have the same passion for life and fishing that Stephen had.”
We thank Tammy and the Jones Family for sharing Steve with us and hope they receive some comfort knowing that we honor his memory.
Download the Scholarship Information here.
The Bristol Bay Borough Chamber of Commerce and our Scholarship Committee are proud to support education by awarding a minimum of $2000 towards continuing education every year!
The deadline to apply for the 2022 scholarship funds is Monday, May 2, 2022. This year’s scholarship winner(s) will be announced at the Bristol Bay Borough School District Graduation, May 14, 2022 at 4 pm.
Criteria for applicants:
- Must be a resident of the Bristol Bay Borough, and graduating senior of the Bristol Bay Borough School District Class of 2022.
- Must submit a short essay regarding the applicant’s interests, activities or future plans related to volunteerism and/or the fishing industry in the Bristol Bay region. Please include specific information regarding how the funds will be used and include applicant contact information.
The Chamber Board is please that we are able to offer this scholarship funding opportunity to graduating seniors that are looking to further their knowledge base. The students awarded scholarship funds do not have to be college bound, but seeking out training or educational opportunities.
The funds may be used for further education, travel to an educational program, or purchase of equipment or supplies relating to a business or educational endeavor.