--- 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. Each recipient receives $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years — that's $8,000 per scholarship recipient and one of the largest scholarships awarded in Virginia. 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:** First Colonial, Kellam, Cox, Woodbridge, Green Run, Bayside, Tallwood, and more being added each year. 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 Ceremony** — Recipients are introduced at [Bag's Big Bash](/bags-big-bash), our annual celebration ## Scholarship Awards **Each scholarship provides $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years** of study at a college, university, or trade program. That's a total of **$8,000 per recipient** — making this one of the largest scholarships awarded in Virginia. Recipients are introduced at [Bag's Big Bash](/bags-big-bash), our annual celebration where we honor the outstanding student-athletes who carry forward Bag's legacy. ## Meet Our Scholarship Winners ## Apply for the Scholarship Download the scholarship application and submit your completed materials to your school's scholarship coordinator by May 8. **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? Our [Youth Sports Grants program](/youth-sports-grants) helps Virginia Beach families cover registration fees, equipment, and uniforms for children ages 5-18. --- *Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.*