The J. Richard Commander Hunger to Hope Scholarship Fund supports a Thomas Dale High School graduate who plans to pursue a degree in social sciences, nutrition, public health, or another health-related field. Preference may be given to an applicant who plans to attend Virginia Tech. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, sustained community service, and leadership.
Background
After 22 years of dedicated service, J. Richard “Dick” Commander retired from the Hopewell Food Pantry, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, compassion, and care for his community. For more than two decades, Dick has been a driving force in the fight against food insecurity, helping the pantry grow from serving approximately 2,500 clients each year to reaching 23,500. His steady leadership also helped secure vital resources and build meaningful partnerships with area organizations, strengthening the pantry’s ability to serve individuals and families throughout the Hopewell area.
Dick’s retirement from the pantry is not an end to his service, but the beginning of a new chapter. Together with his wife, Jeannine, he plans to remain actively involved in the community through scholarships, mentoring, and volunteer work with Caritas and the Lifelong Learning Institute. Their continued commitment reflects a shared belief that strong communities are built when people invest their time, talents, and resources in others.
This scholarship fund honors Dick’s extraordinary record of service while carrying that spirit forward for future generations. By supporting students as they pursue their educational goals, the fund will celebrate a legacy defined not only by the number of people served, but by the dignity, encouragement, and hope extended to neighbors in need. Recipients will be encouraged to follow Dick’s example by using their own education and abilities to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Policy
The scholarship is available to graduating seniors at Thomas Dale High School. Preference may be given to an applicant who plans to attend Virginia Tech.
Scholarship Applicants Must
The scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who best demonstrates academic achievement, sustained community service, and strong leadership. Applicants must also meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Plan to enroll in an undergraduate degree program in the social sciences, nutrition, public health, or another health-related field, with preference given to applicants who plan to attend Virginia Tech.
- Be a graduating senior in good academic standing at Thomas Dale High School.
- Submit a completed “John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application” ONLINE which includes the ability to UPLOAD the required “attachments” requested on the application;
- Must have a G.P.A. of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 grading scale, or equivalent.
Criteria Scoring
- (10 Points) Academics
- (10 Points) Community Service
- (5 Points) Financial Need
- (10 Points) Statement & Essay
- (5 Points) Letters of Recommendation
- (5 Points) Planning to attend Virginia Tech
Procedure
The scholarship 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.
To apply, visit www.johnrandolphfoundation.org, click on Grants & Scholarships, and Apply for a Scholarship.
The application and required attachments must be submitted online no later than midnight on February 15. If the above due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, then the deadline becomes the next business day by midnight.
Required Attachments to be uploaded as part of the application process include:
- Academic Transcript(s) (High School or College, whichever applies.)
- FAFSA Submission Summary (which includes the Student Aid Index (SAI): formally known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC). SAI is an eligibility index number used to determine federal student aid and is generated from the completed FAFSA Application.
- Two Letters of Recommendation (Current)
Failure to provide any of the above information or documentation by the deadline will disqualify an applicant from consideration for the J. Richard Commander Hunger to Hope Scholarship Fund. 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 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.