PURPOSE

The Sue Jones “Fearless Leader” Legacy Fund for Educators, established in 2024 by her children Rebecca Jones Redling, Paula Jones Marks, and Randy Jones III, annually recognizes an elementary school teacher in Hopewell City Public Schools who demonstrates exceptional leadership and pedagogy. This award honors educators who inspire a passion for lifelong, real-world learning and are committed to leading transformative change in their classrooms, ensuring students are prepared not only for academic success but also for thriving in a complex, ever-changing world.

BACKGROUND

Sue Jones was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and lifelong educator who served Hopewell Public Schools for 50 years as an elementary school teacher, administrator, and principal. She began her teaching career in 1964 in Media, Pennsylvania, before moving to Hopewell, where she started teaching at Woodlawn School. Throughout her career, Sue embraced various leadership roles within the district, including central office positions and serving as principal at both Dupont and Patrick Copeland Elementary Schools. Known for her tireless work ethic and deep passion for learning, Sue constantly sought innovative ideas and methods, inspiring those around her to challenge the status quo and strive for excellence. She believed that education should be a dynamic, transformative experience that prepares students for the real world. Even after retiring, Sue continued to lead in the community, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and service through active participation in organizations like the Nathaniel Cawsey Garden Club, Historic Hopewell Foundation, Hopewell Twinning Association, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the Alpha Delta Kappa Education Sorority.

POLICY

The award is open to any elementary educator possessing a current Virginia teaching license, teaching in Hopewell City Public Schools.  Teachers retiring at the end of the school  year and John Randolph Foundation Trustees, employees, and their immediate families (parents, spouses, and siblings) are not eligible for the award.  All award decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

Applicants must complete the application that includes:  

  • Professional Development to include:
    • Colleges and universities attended, including post-graduate studies; indicate degrees earned and dates of attendance.
    • Teaching employment history, indicating dates of employment and subject area.
    • Awards, recognitions, and activities that showcase your outstanding teaching and leadership.
  • Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement: Describe your extra-curricular activities both in and outside of school, as well as your commitment to community service through volunteer work, civic engagements, and other group activities.
  • Intended use of $1,000 grant:  Explain how you would use the $1,000 grant to enhance your practice or for a specific project aimed at making learning accessible and meaningful to all students involved.
  • Leadership statement:  Describe how you embody the qualities of a “fearless leader” in and out of the classroom, and how you lead your students in ways that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

PROCEDURE

The application process opens on December 15th and closes on February 15th.  The Sue Jones “Fearless Leader” Legacy Fund for Educators Review Committee will evaluate and select the grant recipient.  Applicants will receive notification of the committee’s decision by email/mail. 

Please email completed applications to Bonnie Falls at [email protected].

Direct any questions to Bonnie Falls or Mitchell Wyatt at John Randolph Foundation at (804) 458-2239.