The Annual John McCrink Scholarship

The Annual John McCrink Scholarship

John McCrink’s passion for the sport of basketball was evident in his dedication to refereeing since 1977. A former U.S. Navy Commander who retired from submarine service in 1998, John officiated the game he loved in many different states including Hawaii, Virginia and New York, and in many different settings from middle school to high school and youth league games all the way up to Division I Men’s and Women’s basketball leagues and Division II Men’s basketball leagues. He was a member of the New York State Girls Basketball Officials Association and served as president and rules interpreter for Section VIII of the organization.

John met Dexter Gardiner through their mutual association with the girl’s Oyster Bay High School basketball program.  Once a year, John and Dexter would join forces during the Oyster Bay High School Winter Basketball Tournament that benefited the Gardiner Foundation. Toys were donated at the games that were ultimately distributed at the Gardiner Foundation Toy Drive in December. John came to understand the purpose of the foundation: to instill in young people, in underserved areas such as the South Bronx, the values of service and hard work, and the importance of getting an education.

John died on September 5, 2018 after a brave battle with cancer during which he continued to referee basketball games almost to the very end of his life. He is survived by his wife Andrea, three children, Colleen (William), Sean (Jennifer) and Megan (James) and nine grandchildren.

In honor of John’s love for basketball and his appreciation for the role healthcare professionals have had in his life, including his wife Andrea who is a Nurse Practitioner and Professor of Nursing, and his mother Catherine, who was a Registered Nurse and Professor of Nursing, John’s family has teamed up with Dexter Gardiner, Jeff Korek and The Gardiner Foundation to award a $2,000 scholarship to one applicant who has played high school basketball and dreams of becoming a healthcare professional. 

Criteria for the John McCrink Scholarship:
  • Provide a concise, yet detailed, written statement about themselves and their education goals and aspirations. (Maximum of 500 words)
  • Provide a letter from their basketball coach regarding membership on a New York State high school or AAU basketball team.
  • Proof of acceptance into a healthcare profession academic program.

 

Please download, complete and mail the following PDF form with your application for consideration. All information must be addressed and mailed to:

The Gardiner Foundation Inc.
3227 Lurting Avenue
Bronx, New York 10469

All Scholarships applicants must be able to attend the Annual Gardiner Foundation Basketball Classic, August 20 - 21 at St. James Park

Once the applicant has submitted these items, they will be included in the selection process for the scholarship. It is our hope that the John McCrink Scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis during halftime of the Gardiner Foundation Annual Classic.