The Rodney family’s dream of turning personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for future generations has reached a heartening new milestone. In just its second year, the Marisa Tricia Rodney Memorial Scholarship has not only fulfilled its original mission of supporting one student’s transition to high school—but exceeded expectations by awarding scholarships to three deserving students in 2025.

What began as a deeply personal tribute by James Rodney and his sisters—Shadinna, Samantha, and Tarisa—has grown into a meaningful educational initiative that continues to gain momentum. Created in memory of their beloved sister Marisa Tricia Rodney, the scholarship honours the legacy of a young girl whose short but courageous life left a lasting impact.

Marisa, a bright, witty, and determined 12-year-old, passed away in May 2004, just two weeks shy of sitting her Common Entrance Examinations. Despite being born with a congenital heart defect and being given just three days to live, she defied the odds and lived a full life marked by academic excellence, creativity, and an infectious zest for life.

James Rodney recalls that even in her limited 12 years, Marisa made a lasting mark on St. Martin Primary School, her alma mater. “In just 12 years, she left a legacy at this school,” he said. “With her honour, we want to keep that legacy alive—to give students the opportunity that she didn’t have: to go on to higher learning.”

In 2024, the Rodney family awarded their first scholarship to Emily Thomas, who is now a student at Convent High School—Marisa’s dream institution. This year, on June 24th, during the St. Martin Primary School (SMP) graduation, Ashante Alfred, Mikayla Charles, and Aimee Leblanc were each awarded the $1,200 ECD scholarship, a symbolic amount reflecting the age Marisa was when she passed.

What makes this year’s expansion possible is a new and heartfelt partnership with King Ocean Services, a leading shipping company. Their Sales/Commercial Manager for Dominica, St. Kitts, and Nevis, Denison Mitchel, expressed immense pride in supporting this initiative, which aligns closely with the company’s values of giving back to communities they serve.

“Our contribution includes a direct donation to the foundation, and each awardee also receives a certificate worth US$200 toward freight services from our Sweetwater, Florida warehouse to Roseau, Dominica,” Mitchel said. “As a family-owned business with over 40 years in shipping and logistics, we’ve consistently supported sports,

culture, education, and Carnival. We can contribute because of the support we get from customers here in Dominica.”

This year’s scholarship recipients, like Marisa, were selected not just for academic excellence, but also for resilience in the face of adversity—an ethos central to the initiative. The scholarship is intended for students transitioning from primary to secondary school, particularly those who perform well in the Grade Six National Assessment and come from financially vulnerable backgrounds.

During the presentation, James Rodney issued an open call to individuals, organisations, and businesses to support the cause.

“If this programme resonates with you we welcome your support. Let’s give these children a chance to write their own success stories,” he urged.

He also had a message for the recipients: “Make the best of this opportunity. Approach life with determination, gratitude, confidence, and faith. And just like Marisa—live a life with purpose.”

About Marisa Tricia Rodney

According to her family, Marisa Tricia Rodney was the very embodiment of strength, courage, and grace beyond her years. Born on January 31, 1992, with a congenital heart defect, doctors warned that she wouldn’t survive more than three days. But Marisa defied every expectation. Her mother brought her home, and she lived 12 unforgettable years—an illustration to her fighting spirit and unbreakable will.

From the beginning, Marisa’s life was a journey of resilience. Though her early years were filled with health challenges, she never let them define her. She excelled academically, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for learning. Her condition may have slowed her physically, but it never dulled her enthusiasm for life. She dreamed of joining in school sports, dancing, drawing, and simply enjoying the small joys of childhood—like walking to school with her backpack slung proudly over her shoulder.

Marisa’s mind was as remarkable as her heart. Even as a primary school student, she was intellectually advanced, often helping her older sister with high school assignments. Her creative writing was vivid and imaginative—wild, clever, and wise. Though gentle and kind, Marisa had a razor-sharp wit and a bold sense of humour that left a lasting impression on anyone who knew her.

In April 2004, she fell ill during the Easter weekend. True to her nature, she remained hopeful and upbeat, her only concern being the school days she was missing. Even in her

final moments, she never stopped expressing her vibrant spirit—styling her hair, talking about her dreams, and surrounding herself with her beloved siblings.

On Saturday, May 1, 2004, Marisa passed away—just two weeks before sitting the Common Entrance Exams, now known as the Grade Six National Assessment. She longed to attend Convent High School and aspired to become a model. Her family remains convinced that, had she been given more time, this “star in the making” would have gone on to do extraordinary things and touch many lives with her light.

Through the Marisa Tricia Rodney Memorial Scholarship, the Rodney family hopes to keep her legacy alive. Their mission is clear: to ensure that Marisa’s memory becomes a guiding light for future generations, offering hope, opportunity, and inspiration to students whose paths she would have championed herself.