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The Lee-Jackson Foundation for Students in Virginia

© Shauna Zamarripa

The Lee-Jackson Foundation of Charlottesville was founded in 1953 by the late Jay W. Johns, a successful Pennsylvania industrialist transplanted to Virginia who became a great admirer of Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. He believed that both of these Americans possessed distinguished traits that should be emulated by future generations.

Furthermore, since both of these Virginians were involved in education, the Foundation is focusing its attention on scholarships as the best vehicle to encourage high school students to continue their education and to commemorate these two Generals. Scholarships are awarded for outstanding essays which demonstrate an appreciation of the the exemplary character and soldierly virtues of Generals Lee and Jackson. Essays are judged with emphasis on accuracy, research, and ability to express one's thoughts in writing.

The length of the essay is not as important as the topic, idea, or points developed. Clear, well-expressed, original essays are sought. Essays might address such topics as General Lee's or General Jackson's heritage and their lives at war and at peace, Jackson as a tactician, Lee as a strategist, Lee's or Jackson's impact on modern battlefield tactics, Lee's Christian character, Jackson's religious persuasion, Jackson the enigma, Lee on gentlemanly values, Lee as President of Washington College, or how might the Civil War have changed had Jackson not died so early. History and English teachers may be particularly useful resources for ideas to research. Student winners will be selected by a screening committee in their localities.

A $35,000 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in each of Virginia's eight (8) high school regions to three (3) juniors or seniors submitting the best essays on the career, character, or some other aspect of the life of either General Robert E. Lee or General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The sum total of this part of the Scholarship program is therefore $24,000. In addition, a $1,000 bonus scholarship will be awarded to the author of the best essay of each of the eight (8) regions. The sum total of this aspect of the Scholarship Program is $8,000. Finally, a $3,000 Grand Prize will be awarded to the author of the essay judged best of all the essays submitted. Sum Total: $3,000.

Any student who is classified as a junior or senior in a Virginia public or private high school may apply. The student should not have received a Lee-Jackson Scholarship in the past and must be a resident of Virginia who plans to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. Students who intend to enroll in a community college must plan to enroll in the college transfer program of the community college. The contestant should possess the natural ability to succeed in a four-year college or university