🎓 Investing in Futures: CCEF Scholarships

The Wilbur & Helen Feltner Athletic Scholarship recognizes outstanding Clarke County High School junior athletes who demonstrate strong character, athletic ability, and commitment.

• Two scholarships may be awarded to CCHS juniors.
• One scholarship may be awarded to an outstanding male athlete and one to an outstanding female athlete.
• Character and athletic ability are considered in the selection process.
• Financial need may be a factor.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 2
Amount: Up to $2,500 each

The Jimmy Racer Scholar Athlete Scholarship was established in memory of Jimmy Racer, an avid supporter of Clarke County High School athletics and a proud CCHS parent. This scholarship honors his enthusiasm for Clarke County sports by recognizing a student who demonstrates commitment both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

• Applicant must be a CCHS junior.
• Recipient shall demonstrate achievement as both a scholar and athlete.
• Recipient must have been a member of a CCHS basketball team for a minimum of two years and played during their junior year.
• Applicant must submit an essay titled “How Basketball Has Changed My Life.”
• Attendance at a Virginia college is preferred.
• Financial need may be a factor.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $2,000

Established in 2021 by William Genda and the Genda Family of Historic Rosemont Springs, the Rosemont Leadership Scholarship recognizes exceptional leadership among Clarke County High School seniors. The scholarship is also supported through proceeds from CCEF’s annual Denim & Diamonds Gala.

Each year, CCHS faculty and staff nominate outstanding seniors who demonstrate leadership, character, and commitment to their school and community. Finalists participate in a formal interview process with a panel of community leaders.

• Candidates are nominated by Clarke County Public Schools faculty and staff.
• Finalists participate in a formal interview process.
• Leadership, character, service, and commitment to school and community are considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1 primary scholarship
Amount: Up to $10,000

Past Recipients

2026 – Joseph Stem
2025 – Aiden Rounds
2024 – Sydney Kelble
2023 – Julianna Marie Pledgie
2022 – Kathleen Pine
2021 – Ben Thompson

Class of 2021- Winner Ben Thompson

Class of 2022- Winner Kathleen Pine

Class of 2023- Winner Julianna Marie Pledgie

Class of 2024- Winner Sydney Kelble

The Alice Loope Education Scholarship supports a Clarke County High School senior who plans to continue their education in an education related field.

• Recipient plans to continue studies in an education related field.
• An English related course of study may be considered as secondary criteria.
• Academic achievement, financial need, and a love for English may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,000

Originally established as the CCHS Performing Arts Scholarship, the scholarship was renamed in 2019 in honor of Andy Kiser and his dedication to Clarke County Public Schools and its performing arts program.

• Recipient intends to pursue a performing arts course of study.
• Recipient should demonstrate aptitude for and participation in performing arts, including theatre, acting, music, dance, playwriting, set design, stage management, or directing.
• Recipient should demonstrate potential for continued academic success in performing arts.
• Community service related to the performing arts may be considered.
• Financial need may be a factor.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Established in partnership with the Apple Federal Credit Union Foundation, this scholarship supports future educators while helping encourage greater diversity within the teaching profession.

• Available to graduating CCHS seniors or CCHS teacher assistants who plan to become classroom teachers.
• Funds may help defray educational expenses for courses, professional development, certificates, or other programs leading to teacher certification.
• Applicant must submit a brief cover letter explaining how diversity has played a role in their life and how the scholarship would help reduce inequities in the diversity of the teacher workforce.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Baiba Schletty was a longtime social studies teacher at Clarke County High School who was instrumental in developing the school’s IB History curriculum. She inspired generations of students and colleagues. This scholarship is funded by friends of Baiba to honor her memory and her passion for history and education.

• Applicant must have taken a social studies class during each year of high school, including both years of IB History.
• Applicant should demonstrate academic excellence, particularly in social studies.
• Applicant must submit an approximately 250 word essay explaining why the study of history remains important today.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $2,000

Learn more:
https://ccefinc.org/announcing-the-baiba-schletty-social-studies-scholarship/

The Bonnie Ann Justice Memorial Scholarship was established by Archie Justice and the Blackmer Family in memory of Bonnie Ann Justice (Blackmer). The scholarship celebrates Bonnie’s legacy by supporting a young woman who shares one of the qualities especially reflected in the scholarship criteria: a love of reading.

• Recipient must be a female graduating CCHS senior.
• Recipient must be an avid reader.
• Recipient must plan to attend a public, four year college in Virginia.
• Applicant must submit a one page essay titled “A Book That Has Impacted My Life.”

Number of scholarships available: Up to 2
Amount: Up to $500 each

Learn more:
https://ccefinc.org/bonnie-ann-justice/

The Coach Brent Emmart Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of longtime CCHS basketball coach Brent Emmart. Coach Emmart dedicated decades to Clarke County students and athletics, including 26 years as head varsity basketball coach. His teams earned nearly 400 victories and captured back to back state championships in 2006 and 2007. He also coached football and taught physical education and health.

Established in partnership with the Eagles Athletic Association, the scholarship recognizes a basketball player who demonstrates the dedication, commitment, and grit that Coach Emmart brought to his teams and students.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Applicant must have played basketball during high school and during their senior year.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Applicant must plan to attend a two or four year college or trade school.
• Applicant must submit a 250 to 500 word essay on “Dedication and Commitment.”
• Applicant must be an athlete in good standing at CCHS.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Learn more:
https://ccefinc.org/clarke-county-education-foundation-announces-the-coach-brent-emmart-memorial-scholarship/

The CCHS Science and Engineering Scholarship supports a graduating senior who plans to continue their education and pursue a career in the natural sciences or engineering.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Applicant plans to attend a two or four year institution.
• Applicant plans to pursue a career in the natural sciences or engineering.
• Financial need may be considered.
• Applicant must complete a 250 to 500 word essay addressing one of the designated science and engineering prompts.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,000

The Chris Ball Scholar Athlete Scholarship recognizes a Clarke County High School senior who demonstrates success both academically and athletically, with preference given to a soccer athlete.

• Recipient shall demonstrate achievement as both a scholar and athlete.
• Soccer participation is preferred.
• Attendance at a Virginia college is preferred.
• Financial need may be a factor.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The Clarke County Education Foundation, in partnership with the Clarke County Litter Committee, established this scholarship to support graduating CCHS seniors pursuing higher education in environmental fields while encouraging hands on stewardship here in Clarke County.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a graduating senior from Clarke County High School.
• Have been accepted into an accredited postsecondary program in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

The recipient will also organize and lead a litter clean up project in Clarke County, complete at least 10 hours of environmental volunteer service, and share a summary of the project and its impact with the Clarke County Litter Committee.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Support this scholarship:
https://givebutter.com/CCLitterCommittee

The Danielle N. Moyer/Kimberly J. Stutzman Scholarship recognizes a female CCHS senior who has successfully balanced academic excellence with participation in multiple sports.

• Applicant must be female.
• Applicant should demonstrate excellence in academics and participation in multiple sports.
• Extracurricular activities outside athletics may be considered.
• Financial need may be considered.
• Applicant must provide a complete description of academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements, participation, and recognitions.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $2,000

This scholarship was established in loving memory of Lesley Denise Geiszler (Holman), a 1989 graduate of Clarke County High School. Denise was the first in her family to graduate from college and believed strongly that education could help people reach their highest potential. Her passion for education led her to become an educator herself.

Denise also loved watching her children compete in swimming and devoted countless hours to supporting them. The scholarship combines her belief in education with her love of family and athletics.

• Applicant must be a member of the CCHS graduating class.
• Applicant plans to attend a postsecondary educational institution.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Applicant must have participated in girls basketball, girls softball, girls swimming, or boys swimming during senior year.
• Applicant must submit a one page essay titled “Why Is Education Important to You?”

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Learn more:
https://ccefinc.org/announcing-the-denise-geiszler-holman-memorial-endowment-scholarship/

The Dr. Joseph M. Casey Scholarship supports a high achieving Clarke County High School senior pursuing continued education, with additional consideration given to students interested in science or veterinary related fields.

• Priority may be given to a student in the top 10 percent of the graduating class who has not received another scholarship through the CCHS Scholarship Selection Committee.
• Additional consideration may be given to students pursuing science related fields.
• Additional consideration may be given to students pursuing veterinary related fields.
• Payment is made directly to the institution attended by the recipient.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $2,500

The Dr. Richard M. Lewis Academic Access Scholarship supports a Clarke County High School senior who demonstrates the importance of educational opportunity and access. The scholarship reflects Dr. Lewis’s longstanding commitment to education and recognizes a student who understands the role that learning, technology, and opportunity can play in opening doors for students.

• Awarded to a graduating Clarke County High School senior.
• Recognizes a commitment to education and educational opportunity.
• Academic effort, future educational goals, and the student’s ability to benefit from increased access to educational opportunities may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

Amount: Up to $1,200

The Dorothy and Russell McWhinney Social Justice Scholarship supports a graduating Clarke County High School senior who demonstrates a commitment to social justice, fairness, inclusion, advocacy, and positive change.

The scholarship honors the McWhinney family while encouraging the next generation of students to recognize their ability to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to the amount established annually by the fund

The Eric Myer, DVM & Martha Myer, RN Memorial Scholarship honors the lives and legacy of Eric Myer and Martha Myer, whose professional lives reflected service and care for others through veterinary medicine and nursing.

The scholarship supports a graduating Clarke County High School senior pursuing continued education and celebrates the values of education, compassion, service, and care for others.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

Amount: $1,000

Established in 2020 through the estate of Eugene V. White in honor of Eugene and Laura White, this scholarship recognizes a student for whom creativity has played an important role in life and who has demonstrated determination in preparing financially for college.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Creativity should have played a significant role in the applicant’s life.
• Applicant should have worked during high school to save for college.
• Financial need is required.
• Scholarship may be renewable for three additional years based on full time student status and maintenance of at least a 3.0 GPA.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,000 annually

The Gary & Joanne Hornbaker Scholarship recognizes a CCHS senior with strong connections to Clarke County, agriculture, leadership, school involvement, and community service.

Applicants are evaluated using a point based rubric that considers:

• Successful completion of Swine and/or Lamb Projects at the Clarke County Fair.
• Class ranking.
• CCHS extracurricular activities.
• Leadership positions.
• Parent volunteer involvement in Clarke County organizations.
• Number of years attending Clarke County Public Schools.
• A three to five page essay describing extracurricular activities, family volunteer involvement, and post high school and career plans.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 2
Amount: Up to $1,000 each

The Geneva Jackson Scholarship honors Geneva Brown Jackson, a beloved Clarke County resident whose extraordinary life of service touched generations.

Born in White Post in 1933, Geneva began caring for her younger siblings at an early age and went on to devote decades to serving Clarke County. Her community involvement included FISH of Clarke County, Help With Housing, the American Cancer Society, AIDS Response Effort, Blue Ridge Hospice, The Laurel Center, the Josephine Improvement Association, and service as a Clarke County Officer of Elections. She was also well known throughout the community for her cooking, baking, and generous spirit.

This scholarship carries forward Geneva’s remarkable example of service by supporting a student who demonstrates character, perseverance, community mindedness, and a commitment to others.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The James and Marsha Kelly Memorial Scholarship honors James and Marsha Kelly and provides support to a Clarke County High School senior pursuing continued education.

The Kelly family established the scholarship as a lasting way to honor James and Marsha and invest in the educational future of Clarke County students.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

Amount: $500

The John D. Hardesty Agriculture Scholarship supports a CCHS senior planning to continue their education in an agriculture related field.

• Recipient plans to continue studies in an agriculture related field.
• Financial need may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,250

The John Hudson Scholarship honors John Hudson and his longstanding commitment to the Clarke County Education Foundation, Clarke County Public Schools, and the Clarke County community.

Through years of leadership and service, John has helped strengthen CCEF and its mission of creating opportunities for local students and educators. This scholarship carries that legacy forward by investing in a graduating CCHS senior pursuing continued education.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

The John F. Milleson, Jr. Scholarship helps create educational opportunity for students who would be the first in their family to pursue higher education.

• Recipient should be the first member of their family to attend college or university.
• If no qualifying applicant is available, a first generation college student may be considered.
• Financial need may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,000

The John R. Milleson Scholarship supports a graduating CCHS senior who will be the first generation of their family to attend college or university.

• Recipient should be a first generation college or university student.
• Financial need may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,750

The John McCuan Elementary Education Scholarship supports a male CCHS senior interested in pursuing elementary education.

• Recipient should be a male student pursuing elementary education.
• Another education related course of study may be considered if no male applicants plan to pursue elementary education.
• Recipient should participate in extracurricular and/or community service activities.
• Financial need may be considered.
• If no qualifying male senior plans to pursue education, the scholarship may not be awarded that year.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The Jon VanSice Scholarship recognizes the remarkable legacy of Coach Jon VanSice, founder of the Clarke County High School wrestling program.

Coach VanSice built the program into a state powerhouse during 24 years as head coach, recording more than 400 victories, three regional championships, and a 2015 state team championship. He also helped raise funds for a dedicated wrestling room and established this annual scholarship with his wife, Anita. In 2025, Coach VanSice was honored by the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with its Medal of Courage.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Applicant plans to attend an accredited four year college.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Applicant must be in good standing with the CCHS wrestling program.
• Applicant should exemplify good citizenship and the morals and work ethic expected by CCHS wrestling coaches.
• Wrestling performance is considered using the established merit point system.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,000

The Keith Wright Memorial Technical Scholarship was established in memory of Keith Allan Wright to celebrate his life while creating opportunities for Clarke County students pursuing technical and skilled careers.

The scholarship supports a graduating senior planning to continue their education through trade school, technical training, certification, apprenticeship, or another qualifying postsecondary pathway.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Applicant plans to pursue a technical or skilled career.
• Funds may support trade school, technical training, certification, apprenticeship, or another qualifying educational program.
• Applicant must complete the required essay.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Donate to the Keith Wright Memorial Technical Scholarship

The Marty McMichael Memorial Scholarship honors Mary Margaret “Marty” McMichael, a 1992 graduate of Clarke County High School.

Marty was highly involved in school activities, graduated with honors, and went on to George Mason University, where she studied Communication. Education remained important throughout her life, and her family established this scholarship to help another Clarke County student continue their education, pursue their goals, and build a successful future.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Applicant should be highly involved in school activities.
• Financial need may be considered.
• Applicant must submit a one page essay addressing “Who are you and why is education important to you?”

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

Learn more:
https://ccefinc.org/clarke-county-education-foundation-announces-the-marty-mcmichael-memorial-scholarship/

The Mary Hardesty Nursing Scholarship supports CCHS seniors pursuing education and careers in nursing.

• Recipients plan to continue studies in a nursing related field.
• Recipients must have a C average or better at CCHS.
• Financial need is considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 2
Amount: Up to $500 each

The Mary P. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship honors Mary P. Reynolds, the first African American graduate of Clarke County High School.

Mary was the only African American student in CCHS’s Class of 1965. Her trailblazing role in Clarke County history and her contributions toward equality left a lasting impact on the community. The Reynolds family began awarding the scholarship privately in 2018 before partnering with CCEF in 2024 to continue Mary’s legacy.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior planning to attend an accredited four year college or university.
• Academic achievement and community service are considered.
• Applicant must submit an essay explaining why education is important in their life.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

For more information, click here!

The Mitchell “Good Neighbor” Scholarship recognizes a well rounded CCHS senior who demonstrates achievement in the classroom, involvement outside of school, and a commitment to serving others.

• Applicant may attend a college, university, or vocational school.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Applicant should demonstrate balance among academics, extracurricular activities, and community service.
• Applicant must submit a 300 to 500 word essay describing how they are a well rounded student.
• Financial need may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The Moe Murphy Journalism Scholarship honors Michael “Moe” Murphy, a familiar and beloved presence throughout Clarke County athletics.

Moe founded Clarke County Sports, where he spent years covering Clarke County High School athletics, local colleges, and professional sports. He was a constant presence at CCHS sporting events and a steadfast supporter of student athletes. His life also reflected decades of public service through volunteer fire service, Loudoun County Public Schools, and other community roles.

This scholarship carries forward Moe’s love of storytelling, community, and local sports by supporting a student interested in journalism, communications, media, or a related field.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

Amount: $500

The Nancy L. Friant Performing Arts Scholarship honors Nancy Leachman Friant, an accomplished musician, composer, and concert pianist who made her home in Berryville.

Nancy studied at The Juilliard School of Music, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees before beginning a career as a concert pianist. She also composed music for local and regional theatrical productions. Her scholarship continues that artistic legacy by supporting CCHS students who excel in the performing arts.

• Recipients should demonstrate excellence and leadership in band, chorus, or theatre.
• Financial need may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 2
Amount: Up to $500 each

The Nancy Specht Cross Country and Track Scholarship recognizes the tremendous impact Coach Nancy Specht has had on generations of Clarke County runners.

As head coach of Clarke County High School Cross Country, Coach Specht led highly successful teams, including the historic 2004 season in which Clarke County’s boys and girls teams both captured state championships on the same day. Her career in Virginia athletics was recognized with induction into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate the commitment, perseverance, and love of running that Coach Specht encouraged throughout her career.

• Recipient must have participated in CCHS Cross Country and/or Track.
• Applicant must submit an essay titled “How Running Has Changed My Life.”
• Financial need may be considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500 each

Established in 2023, the Ray A. Gray Trades Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the skilled trades and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit that can allow skilled professionals to eventually build businesses of their own.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Applicant plans to pursue a career in the trades.
• Funds may support trade school, classes, apprenticeships, or a two or four year degree.
• Applicant must submit a personal statement of 250 words or fewer describing career goals and next steps.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The Shirley Elizabeth Bartlett Memorial Scholarship supports a student who demonstrates academic commitment, financial need, and meaningful service to the community.

• Applicant may be male or female.
• Applicant must plan to attend a two or four year college or institution or a vocational school.
• Applicant must have volunteered in the community during the previous year.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Financial need is required.
• Applicant must submit a two page essay titled “How Volunteering Has Changed My Life for the Better.”

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The Renée F. Weir Business Scholarship supports a Clarke County High School senior planning to continue their education in a business related field.

• Recipient plans to continue studies in a business related field.
• Recipient must maintain at least a C average at CCHS.
• Financial need is considered.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $500

The Rick and Susan Catlett Scholarship honors a family with deep ties to Clarke County Public Schools and education. Rick Catlett served Clarke County Public Schools in administration, including as Assistant Superintendent, while Susan Catlett served the school division as a principal.

Their scholarship continues that commitment to education by supporting a graduating CCHS senior as they pursue their next educational opportunity.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

Amount: up to $500

The Thom Potts Memorial Scholarship honors Thom Potts and his service to Clarke County High School students. Thom served as the International Baccalaureate Coordinator at CCHS and was a valued member of the school community.

The scholarship continues his commitment to education by supporting a graduating CCHS senior pursuing continued education who has a strong passion for the French language.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1

Amount: $500

The Virginia B. Lloyd Scholarship supports a graduating Clarke County High School senior who has demonstrated perseverance in overcoming hardship while continuing to work toward their educational goals.

• Applicant must be a graduating CCHS senior.
• Applicant plans to attend a postsecondary educational institution.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Applicant must demonstrate the ability to overcome hardship.
• Hardship may include injury, illness, personal challenges, financial challenges, or other significant circumstances.

Number of scholarships available: Up to 1
Amount: Up to $1,000