Arlington, Virginia, July 3, 2019–The Arlington Community Foundation awarded new college scholarships totaling more than $540,000 to 72 students who will attend college next year. An additional 105 scholarships totaling $281,000 were renewed for returning college students, for a total of 177 recipients. The new scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. More than 45 scholarships funds support these student awards, each with their own unique criteria.
This year was the first year of award for the Christopher M. Cooper Memorial Scholarship. Arlington Little League (ALL) established this new scholarship in memory of their beloved coach, Christopher M. Cooper, who passed away unexpectedly in 2014. Known affectionately as Coach Coop, Chris began his coaching career with ALL in 1997 and served the League in different capacities, including as Vice President of the Board of Directors. ALL raised funds for five years to create the Christopher M. Cooper Memorial Scholarship as a way of continuing Coop’s legacy of support for diamond field sports participants.
“Chris was an inspiration to other coaches and a guide and mentor to his players. He had a soft spot for players who needed extra support, whether they were children of single parents, kids who were new to the game, or female athletes who were too often overlooked,” said Shirley Brothwell, a volunteer on the board of Arlington Little League. “Coop was legendary for his warmth, kindness, and sense of humor. The ALL community is pleased to create this award to honor his many contributions to our community.”
Many scholarship funds were created by caring community members interested in supporting children and education while also memorializing or honoring loved ones. Some awards are for students with financial need, academic merit or community service, others for students who have overcome difficulties, and still others for specific studies.
At the recent awards ceremony sponsored by Dominion Energy, the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee Chair Linda Henderson expressed her appreciation for the hard work of the students who
gathered to receive their awards.
“These are deserving students with an impressive list of accomplishments in both their schools and their communities,” said Henderson. ” We are proud to help such a diverse group of young scholars achieve their dreams.”
“Each and every student who completes high school should have a chance to continue their education,” said Jennifer Owens, Arlington Community Foundation president and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to our many donors and community partners who generously support the Foundation’s scholarships.”
Each scholarship award is made possible by the generosity of numerous individuals, families, businesses and organizations who have established named scholarship funds or provided gifts to our Community Scholarship Fund. For information on how you can start a new scholarship fund or contribute to an existing scholarship fund to help deserving Arlington students attend college, please call 703-243-4785 or email [email protected].
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About ACF: The Arlington Community Foundation was established in 1991 to serve as a permanent community endowment built by the gifts and charitable legacies of individuals, families and businesses for the betterment of Arlington County. As a grantmaker, convener and sponsor of special initiatives, the Community Foundation strives to strengthen local nonprofits, encourage better understanding of the needs of Arlingtonians, and address the most critical issues of our time to ensure that our community provides opportunity for everyone. For more information on the Arlington Community Foundation please visit our website at www.arlcf.org or call 703-243-4785.