--- title: The Scholarships description: Learn about the Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarships for Virginia Beach student-athletes. meta_title: Virginia Beach Athletic Scholarships for Student-Athletes | Bag's Buddies meta_description: Apply for the Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship. We support Virginia Beach student-athletes who play hard, have fun, and embody the team spirit. template: page order: 3 show_in_nav: true nav_label: Scholarships --- # The Bag Hefti Scholarship **Over $100,000 in scholarships awarded to Virginia Beach student-athletes.** After 5 years of service to the Virginia Beach community, the Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship continues to invest in the outstanding young people who embody the spirit and values that defined Bag's life. Finalists receive a one-time $1,000 award. Winners receive $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years — a total scholarship value of $10,000. We're not just looking at stats and GPAs. We're looking for character. ## What We're Really Looking For The students who stand out to our Scholarship Committee are the ones whose applications reveal heart — the ones who remind us of Bag. ### Play Hard Bag gave everything he had to everything he did. We look for student-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence and relentless dedication: - Students who pursue excellence in the classroom and on the field - Athletes who work to get better every single day - Students who don't give up when things get tough - Players who show up early, stay late, and push their teammates forward **In your application**: Tell us about a time you had to push through adversity. We want to hear about the work you've put in, not just the trophies you've won. ### Have Fun Bag brought joy everywhere he went. His laugh was contagious. We look for: - Students who bring energy and enthusiasm to their teams - Athletes who can laugh at themselves and with others - Young people who pursue interests beyond their primary sport - Competitors who love the game itself, not just winning **In your application**: Share what you love about your sport. Tell us about a moment of pure joy on the field. ### Same Team This might be the most important of Bag's values. True leadership means selfless service to your community and lifting others up: - Athletes who guide and support their teammates - Students who give back beyond their sport through service to their community - Leaders who step up for others without being asked - Players who celebrate others' successes as much as their own **In your application**: Tell us how you've made a difference for others. Show us your impact on your community. [Read more about what makes a Bag's Buddies scholar](/blog/what-makes-a-bags-buddies-scholar) ## Eligibility The Bag Hefti Scholarship is open to graduating seniors from one of our **participating partner high schools** in Virginia Beach who participate in organized athletics. **Current Partner Schools:** Bayside High School, Cox High School, First Colonial High School, Green Run High School, Kellam High School, Tallwood High School, and Woodbridge High School. Applicants must be enrolled at a participating school to be eligible. Check with your school's scholarship coordinator to confirm participation. ## Selection Process 1. **Get Your Application** — Download the application or get it from your school's scholarship coordinator 2. **Complete Your Materials** — Write a 1-2 page essay on servant leadership, get a signed letter of recommendation, and gather your academic transcript 3. **Submit by May 8** — Compile your materials and submit to your scholarship coordinator or counselor 4. **Interview** — Finalists from each school are selected for an interview 5. **Award Ceremonies** — Recipients are announced and recognized at their partner schools' award ceremonies during graduation season in June ## Scholarship Awards **Finalists receive a one-time $1,000 award. Winners receive $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years** of study at a college, university, or trade program. That's a total winner value of **$10,000**. Recipients are announced and recognized at their partner schools' award ceremonies during graduation season in June. [Bag's Big Bash](/bags-big-bash) is our annual fundraising gala that helps fund future scholarships and youth sports access. ## Meet Our Scholarship Winners ## Apply for the Scholarship Complete the online application by May 8. You can type your essay directly in the form or upload it with your transcript and recommendation letter. > CTA: Ready to apply? > Start the online scholarship application and submit your materials digitally. > [Start Application](/apply) **Questions?** Contact us at [scholarships@bagsbuddies.org](mailto:scholarships@bagsbuddies.org) or [reach out to the team](/contact). ## Support Future Scholars Your donation helps us award more scholarships to deserving Virginia Beach student-athletes. Every gift makes a difference. [Give to Bag's Buddies](/donate) --- ## Supporting Younger Athletes Looking for help with youth sports costs? [Contact us](/contact) about youth sports support for Virginia Beach families. --- *Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.*