Below is a list of the scholarships currently available for Botetourt County high school seniors. Deadlines for 2024 applications begin this week.
Apply now for First Bank Fall Run Scholarship
First Bank is currently accepting applications for the First Bank Fall Run Scholarship. The deadline for submission is Monday, April 15. For a printable application, email 5k10kRun@fbvirginia.com or contact the Lord Botetourt or James River Guidance Department.
This year marks the 38th Annual First Bank Fall 5K and 10K run to be held in the Town of Fincastle on Saturday, October 19. Each year since the race’s inception, the bank has presented a scholarship to a student who has participated in and completed at least one Fall Run event and has been a member of a running sport in high school.
First Bank will award two $1,000 scholarships, one for a student at James River High School and one for a student at Lord Botetourt High School. The student must be a member of the current graduating class of the school and plan to attend an accredited college, university or any accredited post-secondary institution immediately after graduation.
Botetourt Retired Educators offering scholarships
The Botetourt Retired Educators will award two $1,000 scholarships to students from Botetourt County who are planning to enter the field of education. In addition, previous scholarship winners still pursuing a degree in a teacher educational program may apply. Applications are available from James River and Lord Botetourt Guidance Departments or from the school’s website. All parts of the application, including references and transcript, must be submitted in order to be considered for the scholarship. There is more information on the application including how to submit by April 1.
Cloverdale Elementary PTA announces scholarship
Cloverdale Elementary PTA announces a scholarship which will be awarded to a former Cloverdale Elementary student and current Lord Botetourt or James River senior or a Lord Botetourt or James River student that has served Cloverdale Elementary in some capacity. Students should contact their school counseling office for more information or email Katrina Kish at kkish@bcps.k12.va.us with questions. Deadline to apply is April 2.
HFI continues scholarship tradition
Historic Fincastle, Inc. (HFI) is again this year offering two scholarships to college-bound seniors at both Lord Botetourt and James River High Schools.
The Elizabeth and Israel Christian Scholarship is a $1,000 grant for seniors who complete an essay honoring the history of the Town of Fincastle. The $500 Pat Simmons and Sally Eads Volunteer Scholarship was created in 2016 as a way to honor these two women and their long history of volunteerism to the Town of Fincastle and HFI.
Scholarship applications are in the schools’ guidance counselor’s office now and the deadline for forms submission is April 5.
Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club Scholarship
Botetourt County seniors who will be furthering their education have the opportunity to apply for the Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club Scholarship. The amount of the scholarship is $1,000. Applications are available at the James River and Lord Botetourt Guidance Departments. All parts of the application, including references and transcripts, must be complete in order to be considered. There is more information on the application, including how to submit. It is due by April 15.
Bank of Botetourt now accepting applications for its 8th annual ‘Taking Care of You’ community scholarship
Bank of Botetourt is pleased to offer its 8th annual “Taking Care of You” Community Scholarship opportunity, totaling $2,000.00. Five scholarships will be awarded, three for $500.00 and two for $250.00. These scholarships are available to high school seniors and existing college students with a GPA of 2.50 or higher who currently utilize Bank of Botetourt for their Banking needs.
“The Bank is proud to support students in their academic achievements and invest in their futures as they pursue higher education. Since the inception of this scholarship, we have awarded $7,000, and each year we look forward to reviewing applications,” shares Bank President and COO, Michelle R. Austin.
To apply, applicants are required to write a two-page essay on the topic of “How has Bank of Botetourt been able to take care of your banking and financial needs and what is the Bank’s impact on the community?” For full essay guidelines and additional information, please visit www.BankofBotetourt.com/Community-Involvement. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2024.
For additional information please contact the Bank’s Scholarship Committee at scholarship@bankofbotetourt.com.
Scholarships offered by Democratic Committee
The Botetourt County Democratic Committee offers two $1,000 Citizenship Scholarships to two deserving seniors, one from Lord Botetourt High School and one from James River High School.
To apply:
Part One: Write a 150–300-word essay describing “How a free press preserves Democracy in our Republic” This essay should not include any personally identifying information
Part Two: A separate page with personal information
- Applicant name and parent/guardian names
- Address and phone number for contact purposes only (not for publication)
- High Schools attended
- Post-secondary education plans
- A list of 3 activities you have participated in at high school
- A dated pledge that your essay is original and prepared by the applicant. Your typed name will be your electronic signature
- A sentence giving your permission for your submitted materials to be published as part of the announcement of winners to the media
Submission: Submit the essay and personal information page as two separate electronic attachments to demsbotetourt@gmail.com.
Deadline: Friday, April 5, 2024
A panel will choose the winners based upon the essays alone without knowing the personal information of the applicant. You may have any GPA, party affiliation or financial status.
Winners and their school counselors will be informed before April 19.
AITC announces new scholarship opportunity for students
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) has introduced the Doug Stoughton Memorial Scholarship opportunity for graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing a future in agriculture or education.
Scholarship winners will receive $1,000 to further their studies at a two- or four-year college or university.
Interested students can apply online at form.jotform.com/VaAITC/AITCScholarship. Applicants are required to submit a high school transcript and two letters of recommendation.
Additionally, applicants will need to submit personal statements describing their extracurricular activities and community service, leadership experience, interest in agriculture and education, and how the scholarship will benefit them.
Applications are due March 31 and can be emailed to aitc@vafb.com. Scholarship winners will be notified by May 31.
For more information about this scholarship and other AITC initiatives, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Scholarship
Given out to a senior from JRHS and LBHS who is attending college for an agriculture related field of study or to a student entering the workforce right out of school in the ag field. This scholarship honors past, present and future farmers of Beaver Dam Farm and is in honor of Linda W. Wickline.
Please email BeaverDamSunflowers@gmail.com for the application and more information. Recipients are selected by a committee and will be notified via email or phone. Applications are due back April 1, 2024.
WSLS scholarship opportunity
College-bound, graduating high school seniors in Botetourt County have an upcoming scholarship opportunity from WSLS 10.
Students who demonstrated success in academics and sports, including activity competitions, marching band or volunteering are invited to apply for the chance to receive a $2,000 scholarship that will be awarded to two college-bound high school seniors.
The WSLS Scholarship will be awarded in April, and students applying need to have their applications postmarked no later than March 31.
Botetourt County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Given to students from JRHS and LBHS who have an interest in agriculture and who have served on FFA, 4-H and other ag related programs.
Please email Ashlee.Nock@vafb.com.com for the application and more information. Recipients are selected by the County committee and will be notified via email or phone. Applications are due back April 15, 2024.
