How to Apply for a Bag's Buddies Scholarship

Every year, we award scholarships to Virginia Beach student-athletes who embody what Captain John "Bag" Hefti, USN stood for: playing hard, having fun, and lifting up everyone around them.

If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from eligibility to deadlines to what makes an application truly stand out.

Quick Overview

Am I Eligible?

To apply for the Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship, you must:

Required:

• Be a graduating senior at one of our participating partner high schools in Virginia Beach (see the full list on our Scholarships page)
• Participate in organized athletics — school sports, club sports, or recreational leagues
• Plan to attend college, trade school, or another post-secondary program

Not Required:

• Being a varsity athlete (JV and club athletes are welcome)
• Playing a team sport (individual sport athletes are welcome)
• Having a perfect GPA
• Planning to play sports in college

We're looking for character, not just stats.

The Application Process

Application Checklist

Here is what you need to complete your application:

1. 1
   Write your essay — A 1-2 page essay on what exemplary servant leadership looks like to you and how you hope to use your gifts to serve others
2. 2
   Get a letter of recommendation — A signed letter from a coach, mentor, boss, or other adult who knows your character well
3. 3
   Download your academic transcript — Available from your school counselor
4. 4
   Complete the application form — Fill out the Bag's Buddies scholarship application
5. 5
   Submit to your scholarship coordinator — Compile items 1-4 and submit them to your school's scholarship coordinator or counselor

About Your Essay

This is where you tell us who you are. Write 1-2 pages on what exemplary servant leadership looks like to you and how you hope to use your gifts to serve others.

The best essays are concrete, personal, and honest. Don't tell us you're a good teammate -- show us. The lessons matter more than the wins.

About Your Recommendation

Ask someone who knows you well -- a coach, mentor, boss, or other adult. Give them at least 2 weeks to write something thoughtful.

A great recommendation letter:

• Shares specific stories about your character
• Speaks to how you treat teammates and opponents
• Addresses your growth over time

Submit by May 8, 2026

Submit your completed application packet to your school's scholarship coordinator or counselor by May 8, 2026. Finalists from each school will be selected for an interview.

Questions? Email scholarships@bagsbuddies.org.

Timeline at a Glance

What Makes an Application Stand Out

We've read hundreds of applications. Here's what we've learned:

Do This:

Be specific. "I helped my teammate" is forgettable. "When Sarah missed the winning shot, I stayed after practice with her for a week until she found her confidence again" is memorable.

Be honest. We can tell when someone is writing what they think we want to hear. Authentic applications always win.

Show growth. We love stories about learning from failure, improving over time, or changing your perspective. Perfect people don't exist—growing people do.

Connect to Bag's values. Read about Captain Hefti's story before you write. When your essays genuinely reflect what he stood for, it shows.

Let your voice come through. Write like you talk. If you're naturally funny, let that show. If you're thoughtful and serious, that's great too.

Avoid This:

Listing accomplishments without context. Stats and awards matter less than the stories behind them.

Being vague. "I'm a team player" tells us nothing. "I organized team dinners before every game because I learned that teams who eat together play together" tells us everything.

Writing what you think sounds impressive. We're not looking for the best writer—we're looking for authentic people.

Waiting until the last minute. Rushed applications feel rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I play an individual sport like tennis or swimming?

Individual sport athletes are absolutely welcome. "Same Team" isn't just about traditional team sports—it's about how you contribute to your athletic community, support fellow athletes, and give back.

What if I've been injured and couldn't play this season?

Athletes who've dealt with injuries can still apply. Tell us about how you supported your team while recovering, what you learned, and how you stayed connected to your sport.

Do I need to be a star player?

No. We've awarded scholarships to athletes who never made varsity but transformed their team's culture. Character matters more than playing time.

Can I apply if I'm not sure I'll play in college?

Yes. We're supporting your education, not requiring you to continue athletics.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

There is no specific GPA minimum. We consider the full picture -- upward trends, challenging courses, and how you balance athletics and academics.

Can I apply again if I don't receive a scholarship?

The scholarship is for graduating seniors, so you'd only have one opportunity to apply.

From Our Scholars

We have been proud to support student-athletes from across Virginia Beach since our founding. If you are a senior who plays hard, has fun, and puts your team first, we encourage you to apply. You do not need to be a star player -- we are looking for character, leadership, and heart.

Meet our recent scholarship recipients

Ready to Apply?

Ask your school's scholarship coordinator or counselor for the Bag's Buddies application, and submit your completed packet by May 8, 2026. Visit our Scholarships page for eligibility details.

In the meantime:

• Read about what makes a Bag's Buddies scholar
• Learn about Captain John "Bag" Hefti
• Ask your coach or mentor if they'd write a recommendation

Questions? Email scholarships@bagsbuddies.org or contact us. We're here to help.

For Parents and Counselors

If you're supporting a student through this process:

• Encourage them to start early (the best applications aren't rushed)
• Help them identify strong recommenders
• Review essays for typos, but don't rewrite their voice
• Remind them that authenticity matters more than polish

We're looking for genuine people, not perfect applications.

The Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship honors student-athletes who embody his values: Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.

Bag's Buddies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 87-2984176).

Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.