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John, Shanda and Doreatha Jackson Scholarship Endowment

Purpose

To promote continuing education for any course of study by awarding scholarships for attendance at institutions of higher education to individuals who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement and desire.

Background

The John, Shanda and Doreatha Jackson Scholarship Endowment was established in 2008 in honor of Doreatha Thorne Jackson and in memory of John and Shanda Jackson as a celebration of their lives.

The union of Doreatha Thorne and John Andrew Jackson on March 31, 1971 was the beginning of a beautiful life together. In 1973 their daughter, Shanda was born. Doreatha was from a large family of eleven and sharing what she has with others has always been a way of life for her. Although she and John only had one child they poured much love and affection on her and her friends. Doreatha and John were both hard workers. Shanda excelled as a student throughout her years in the Prince George School System.

Doreatha Thorne Jackson was born and reared in Hopewell. After her marriage she relocated to Disputanta, where she resided until the death of her husband. She was an outstanding mother and wife, who served tirelessly in church as a Deaconess, Church Nurse, Chorus Member and Sunday School Teacher for the youth. Doreatha faced many obstacles in her life; born an asthmatic, caregiver to her mother as a teenager; caregiver to her father; and the death of her daughter and husband. Despite the traumatic events she endured, her love for children and the elderly never waivered.

John Andrew Jackson was dedicated to his faith and his family. He grew up in Disputanta, Va. and was the youngest of eight siblings. He attended Prince George County Schools. Upon graduation from high school John went to work for Brown and Williamson and later for Honeywell, Inc. before retiring. John was a faithful church member and served as a Deacon for seventeen years. He also sang in the Male Chorus and taught Sunday School. John prided himself on being fair; he derived great pleasure from attending youth activities and visiting the sick and hospitalized.

Shanda L. Jackson was the only child born to her proud parents. She was an outstanding academic student in the Prince George School System with acceptance to and aspirations of attending the University of Virginia to become an Attorney. Her smile and winning can do attitude was contagious. Shanda died in an automobile accident (on her way to school) while a junior in high school. Following her death, her parents, the faculty and the students at PGHS administered a scholarship in her memory for several years. In recognition of the Jacksons commitment and love for young people, this scholarship was created to promote continuing education at institutions of higher learning.

Policy

This scholarship program is for students attending or who have graduated from Petersburg High School, Prince George High School and Hopewell High School who demonstrate financial need, desire and academic achievement. Student interns working for John Randolph Foundation are eligible to apply; however, foundation trustees, other foundation employees and their immediate families (parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, and anyone claimed as a dependent for tax purposes) are not eligible to apply.

Scholarship Applicants Must

  1. Express an interest in attending college as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student (at least 6 hours per semester);
  2. Submit a completed John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application ONLINE to include the required documents which must be uploaded with the application;
  3. Demonstrate financial need; and
  4. Must have a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better

Criteria Scoring

Procedure

The scholarship amount is $1,000 and will be paid directly to the school for current year tuition, fees, books purchased through the institution attended, and on-campus dormitory and meal plan expenses. The scholarship committee will review and evaluate all applications and announce awards each spring. The committee will also review and revise the scholarship policy and criteria as necessary.

Required Documents

All required documents must be uploaded with the application. Any mailed or hand-delivered documents will not be accepted.

Failure to submit the online application with all documents attached to the application by the deadline will disqualify an applicant from consideration for the John, Shanda and Doreatha Jackson Scholarship Endowment. The John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Committee reserves the right to interview applicants in the final stages of selection.

The decision of the scholarship committee in all matters regarding scholarships is final. Canvassing a scholarship benefactor, any John Randolph Foundation trustee or employee shall result in immediate disqualification. Scholarship awards are subject to the availability of funds, meeting the criteria as outlined in the guidelines of the individual scholarship program and contingent upon acceptance and enrollment in an approved program.

John Randolph Foundation respects the privacy of scholarship applicants. Any personal or financial information will be used for the purpose of assessing the scholarship application and will be made available solely to the Foundation's staff and scholarship selection committee. We make every effort to maintain your confidentiality.

John Randolph Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Organization

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