The Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation of Charlottesville

The Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation was founded in 1953 by the late Jay W. Johns, a successful Pennsylvania industrialist transplanted to Virginia, who became a great admirer of Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson.

The Foundation honors its namesakes’ shared belief in the importance of a well-educated populace by working to increase educational opportunities for Virginia’s youth. The Foundation has established a non-discriminatory scholarship program to encourage high school students to continue their education, and sponsors an annual essay competition to make its awards. Scholarships are given for outstanding, original, analytical essays on any aspect—positive or negative—of the career, character, or legacy of General Robert E. Lee and/or General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Essays are judged with emphasis on historical accuracy, quality of research, and clarity of written expression.

The length of the essay is not as important as the topic, idea, or points developed. Clear, well-expressed, original essays are sought. Past essays have addressed such topics as General Lee's or General Jackson's heritage and their lives at war and at peace, Jackson as tactician, Lee as a strategist, Lee's or Jackson's impact on modern battlefield tactics, Lee's faith, Jackson's religious fervor, Jackson the enigma, Lee on gentlemanly virtues, Lee as President of Washington College, or possible changes in the course of the Civil War had Jackson not died so early. Students are strongly encouraged to find fresh approaches to topics that may have become time-worn. History and English teachers may be particularly useful resources for ideas to research.

Click Here to read last year's winning essay (53kb).

18 scholarships will be awarded to Virginia high school juniors and seniors submitting outstanding analytical essays on any aspect--positive or negative--of the career, character, or legacy of General Robert E. Lee and/or General "Stonewall" Jackson.

The Foundation will award one $2,000 scholarship and one $1,000 scholarship to students whose essays are judged to be the best in each of Virginia's eight public high school regions.

In addition, the Foundation will award one $2,000 scholarship and one $1,000 scholarship to private school or homeschooled students whose essays are judged to be the best from this sector.

An additional award of $8,000 will go to the public school, private school, or homeschooled student who authors the essay judged to be the best in the state. This student will receive a total award of $10,000.

A $1,000 award will be given to a school in each of the nine judging sectors in the name of the high school teacher or advisor who sponsors the most participating students in that sector. Advisors must sponsor a minimum of 50 participating students to be eligible for this award.

Click Here to see a list of last year's winners (38kb).

Any junior or senior in a Virginia public or private high school or home school may apply. The student should not have received a Lee-Jackson scholarship in the past and must be a resident of Virginia who plans to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States as a full-time student. Students who intend to enroll in a community college must plan to enroll in the college transfer program of the community college. The contestant should demonstrate the natural ability to succeed in college and have a sincere desire to attend. Financial need is not a consideration.

Application packets are made available to all public and private high schools in Virginia in the fall of each year. Students may obtain an application form and a complete set of application guidelines including deadlines from their school principal or guidance counselor or by clicking here (170kb).

Public and private school students must complete the application form and file it with their school principal. Home school students should file their application form with their parent or guardian. The application must be accompanied by an essay on either General Lee or General Jackson, or both. Deadlines for completion of essays and submission to principals or parents/guardians is generally in mid-February.

For more information, please contact:

The Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 8121
Charlottesville, VA 22906
leejacksonfoundation@yahoo.com