Support scholarships at The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County and make a difference in the lives of students.

Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship Fund

This scholarship honors the memory of Luis Mendez, a gifted pianist that performed with legendary entertainers, big bands and musicians from his early days in the U.S. Army and over the next six decades. While he loved to play music, his passion in life was to share his talent as a music educator. Luis impacted the lives of countless individuals throughout his 50 years of teaching choral and instrumental music in El Paso Texas, Mansfield, Ohio and Polk County, Florida. He could spot students with special talent and worked to develop their abilities and deepen their love of music. Numerous protégés have gone on to perform in venues across the world. Humble, witty and kind, Luis loved his students and maintained relationships with many of them throughout his entire lifetime.

Luis committed his life to serving others. In addition to providing for his wife of 59 years and their four children, he challenged his community to work together for the benefit of all. He held leadership positions in veterans’ service associations, business and labor groups, and numerous civic organizations. He was an elected public school board member and founded the Ontario, Ohio Safety Town, a program for pre-Kindergarten children that endures more than 40 years later.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship Fund, please call  (540) 432-FUND (3863), or contribute online.

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The first recipients of the Samuel Bowman Endowed Scholarship – 2011

Samuel R. Bowman, II Endowed Scholarship

Mr. Bowman endowed this scholarship at his death to help educate local Hispanic students. Mr. Bowman spent his life in agriculture, where he developed lifelong relationships with Hispanic individuals working in that industry. He held a deep admiration for the Hispanic work ethic and became committed to helping Hispanic youth succeed in the United States. He knew that the key to the kind of success he wanted them to achieve is through higher education.

This financial aid scholarship supports local Hispanic students attending James Madison University or Blue Ridge Community College. These scholarships are for students who would not otherwise be able to afford to continue their education. Consideration is also given to the student’s character, determination, self-motivation, leadership qualities and community involvement. Preference will be given to students from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
If you are interested in making a contribution to the Samuel R. Bowman, II Endowed Scholarship Fund, please call  (540) 432-FUND (3863).

Picture of Dennis and Pat Early

Dennis & Pat Early

Dennis R. and Patricia R. Early Scholarship

Dennis and Patricia Early have dedicated their lives to education and to encouraging and supporting students in every way. They taught multiple generations of the same families in Rockingham County. Patricia taught biology and chemistry and sponsored the yearbook and cheerleading teams. Dennis taught math and coached golf. The Earlys saw firsthand that many families lack financial resources, and they established this scholarship to help students reach their educational goals.

This scholarship supports graduates of Rockingham County high schools interested in studying math or science, or in becoming a K-12 math or science teacher. Student career interests may include any math or science based field. This financial aid scholarship is for qualified students who will attend Blue Ridge Community College, Bridgewater College, James Madison University or Eastern Mennonite University as a campus resident or as a commuter.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Dennis R. and Patricia R. Early Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

E & H

 Emory & Henry College Scholarship

The Emory & Henry College Scholarship was established by alumni, David W. Driver, to support Harrisonburg & Rockingham County students attending his alma mater. Preference for this scholarship will be given to students from any high school located in Harrisonburg, Virginia or Rockingham County.

This scholarship will be awarded annually for qualified Emory & Henry College student(s) and based on the following criteria: 2.5 minimum GPA, demonstration of good character, determination, self-motivation, leadership qualities and community involvement.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Emory & Henry College Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

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Bev Good

Bev Good Memorial Scholarship

Bev Good was a respected and admired track official who invested a lifetime developing and working with student athletes. He was well known not only locally, but throughout the Mid-Atlantic for his service as a track and field meet referee and official. His passion and commitment to excellence inspired all who knew him.

The Bev Good Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Debbie and Joe Showker, allows his legacy to live on. Head coaches at each high school in Augusta and Rockingham counties and the cities of Waynesboro, Staunton and Harrisonburg may nominate one track athlete.  The selection committee considers each student’s character, determination, self-motivation and sportsmanship during competition.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Bev Good Memorial Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

Marion James Hess

Anna Ressler Hess

Marion James & Anna Ressler Hess Memorial Scholarship

The family of Marion James and Anna Ressler Hess who lived in the community established this scholarship in 2003. The Hesses came to Oxford, PA, in 1937. Mr. Hess opened a barber shop, which he operated until 1969. Mrs. Hess worked as the secretary to the principal of Oxford Area High School for 21 years, from 1957 until 1978. Anna Hess had always wanted to be a teacher but was unable to afford a four-year college education. They were both supporters of education, in particular, Oxford Area High School.

This merit scholarship award is for a graduate of Oxford Area High School who is attending a four-year college and is planning a career in teaching at any level. Graduating seniors are welcome to apply, as are former graduates who are currently enrolled, or are planning to enroll in an accredited four-year institution of higher learning.

This is a merit- based scholarship. Financial need is not a criteria, and financial information is not required.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Marion James and Anna Ressler Hess Memorial Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

EMU imageLaymon H. & Ruth S. Lantz Scholarship Fund at Eastern Mennonite University

The Laymon H. & Ruth S. Lantz Scholarship supports training for qualified graduate students who plan to attend Seminary or the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Eastern Mennonite University.

A $1,000 financial aid scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis to a student admitted to either program for the following academic year, or to a student who is currently in good standing in either program. Awards are based on academic accomplishments, financial need, student’s sense of calling and future goals.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Laymon H. and Ruth S. Lantz Scholarship Fund at Eastern Mennonite University, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

Arthur John Leavenworth – Eureka Lodge #195 Scholarship

The Arthur John Leavenworth – Eureka Lodge #195 Scholarship was created by Rhonda Leavenworth Johnson in honor of her father, who was a longtime member of Eureka Lodge #195 in Bridgewater.  He contributed money personally to this scholarship and was known to crush and recycle aluminum cans to increase the funds available to donate to needy students.

This fund provides at least two nonrenewable scholarships each year of $500 each for college tuition for one student from Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater and one student from Fort Defiance High School in Fort Defiance. Awards are based primarily on financial need, but also on academic performance, extra-curricular activities and/or community service, honors and achievements, and student goals.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Arthur John Leavenworth – Eureka Lodge #195 Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

Edgar I. Levy Education Scholarship 

The Edgar I. Levy Education Scholarship was created in 2012 to support qualified nursing students at Eastern Mennonite University and Blue Ridge Community College.

Eligibility requirements for this financial aid scholarship include acceptance to the School of Nursing at EMU or BRCC; a GPA of 3.2 or higher; a diploma from a high school in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and demonstrated financial need. 

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Edgar I. Levy Education Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

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Denise & Randy Michie

Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship 

The Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship was created in 2012 in memory of Randy Michie. Randy passed away in 2011 after a bout with cancer. During his career at William Monroe High School, he coached two State Golf Championship teams and two State Basketball Championship teams, but more than that, he touched the lives of hundreds of students through the years. He personally helped many pursue their college degrees. In order to continue his giving to deserving students, Randy’s wife, Denise, established the Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship Fund to support Greene County area high school students.

Two financial aid scholarships may be given annually. Awards are based on financial need; participation in an athletic team in any capacity or participation in other school extracurricular activities; and a student’s character, determination, self-motivation, and leadership qualities. Students with any prior criminal record are not eligible.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

George Shreckhise

George Shreckhise

George W. Shreckhise Memorial Scholarship

The George W. Shreckhise Memorial Scholarship Fund provides funding for students of horticulture. Mrs. Judith Shreckhise Strickler endowed this scholarship in memory of her father. Mr. Shreckhise spent a lifetime enjoying and working in agribusiness, with an emphasis later in life on the nursery business. Along with his brothers, he operated a farm nursery and manufacturing businesses. George Shreckhise retired in 1977, but continued going to work every day until he passed away on October 18, 2001 at the age of 92.

Though George had no formal education beyond high school, he was a skilled engineer. He registered seven patents, including a patent for Plant Growth Receptacle and Method or as we called it, Pot in a Pot, dated 1994. He was actively involved in his community and was fondly referred to as the Mayor of Weyers Cave.

This fund provides financial aid scholarships for qualifying high school graduates or students currently enrolled in: Blue Ridge Community College or Lord Fairfax Community College who intend to major in Horticulture/Arboriculture and who plan to work in the field upon completion of their studies; or The College Transfer Program at Blue Ridge Community College who will transfer to Virginia Tech to attain their Bachelor of Science in Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the George W. Shreckhise Memorial Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

hft

Hal & Faye Teer

Harold & Faye Teer Scholarship

Harold and Faye Teer, both James Madison University professors, know firsthand the difficulties in affording higher education. Faye was the first in her family to attend college. Both Harold and Faye struggled to afford college in a time when expenses were not nearly as high as they are today.

Wishing to assist today’s students who need financial help to attend college, Drs. Harold and Faye Teer established this scholarship for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area high school students for a two- or four-year college education. This financial aid scholarship will provide continuing funding as long as the recipient maintains a 2.5 GPA and successfully completes at least 12 academic credit hours each semester.

Awards are based primarily on financial need, but also on a student’s character, determination, self-motivation, and leadership qualities as well as academic record. Preference is given to applicants who are the first in their immediate family to go to college.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Harold and Faye Teer Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

Claude E. & Frances O. Warren Scholarship 

Claude E. Warren was devoted to athletics. From 1932 through 1971 he was the face of athletics at Harrisonburg High School, serving as football, basketball, baseball and track coach from 1932 until the early 1960s. He then continued as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director until his retirement in 1971. Coach Warren was known for his belief in fundamentals and high standards of personal conduct.

This renewable $3,000 financial aid scholarship was established by Edward T. and Jane W. VanPelt to support Harrisonburg city students as they pursue a two- or four-year degree related to athletics. Special consideration is given to applicants who hope to one day become a coach and teacher.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Claude E. and Frances O. Warren Scholarship Fund, please call (540) 432-FUND (3863).

W.P. and T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship 

Thelma & Bill Phillips

Thelma & Bill Phillips

The W.P. and T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship was established by Mrs. Thelma M. Phillips in memory of her late husband, William “Bill” Phillips, to honor his love of farming. Thelma and Bill spent a lifetime together enjoying farm life and working in agribusiness. This scholarship will provide support to students who wish to continue the farming tradition which Bill and Thelma loved so much.

The purpose of this scholarship is to support students who are pursuing a college degree in the field of agriculture. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students who graduate from one of the following local high schools:

  • Broadway High School
  • Harrisonburg High School
  • Stonewall Jackson High School

Consideration for this renewable scholarship will be given to students’ academic record, chosen college major, leadership qualities, and involvement in activities related to agriculture.

Support merit based and financial aid scholarships through The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County and help students succeed!

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