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, community involvement and a strong work ethic.

Background

The Connie Williamson Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established in October 2010 in memory of Connie Williamson by her family, many devoted friends and colleagues who had been touched by the deep and lasting impressions Connie had on the Hopewell community and beyond. Connie was born on May 1941 in Hopewell and was a lifelong resident of the city. She was a graduate of the class of 1959 at Hopewell High School, received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Richmond in 1962, and received her Master's degree in education from Virginia State University in 1988. Connie was an elementary school teacher for her entire professional career, a veteran of 41 years in the Hopewell and Prince George County public school systems. She concentrated on reading education, teaching Title 1 Reading Recovery, and was named the Richmond Area Reading Council Reading Teacher of the Year. She served the schools in a variety of other capacities, including work on school accreditation committees and work as a grade level chairman. She was twice the recipient of Service Awards from the Hopewell School Board. Outside of teaching, her passions later in life included work with the Woman's Club of Hopewell, the John Randolph Foundation, the Historic Hopewell Foundation, and others. Connie never let the tragedies in her life define who she was instead she was defined by her devotion to the many students in the Hopewell and Prince George public school system and her commitment to her church and community activities. Since, Connie knew what she wanted, where she was going and how she was going to get there it is fitting that this scholarship be awarded to a student who is goal-oriented, a hard worker and committed to the community.

Policy

The scholarship program is available to seniors attending Hopewell High School. 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.

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• Express an interest in attending a four-year college as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student (at least 6 hours per semester);
• Submit a completed “John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application” ONLINE which includes the ability to UPLOAD the required “attachments” requested on the application;
• Hold or have held a part-time job during high school;
• Have a G.P.A of 3.0 or better; and
• Demonstrate scholastic achievement, participation in the community and financial need.