Scholarship Application

Lauryn Leonard Memorial Scholarship

Lauryn Leonard was a 19-year-old native of Suffolk, Virginia. A graduate of Lakeland High School, she was a student at Old Dominion University, actively involved in various organizations within her school and community. Lauryn was a valued member of the trailblazing Hope for Suffolk 2021 team, where she demonstrated exceptional teamwork. She was a sweet person who radiated joy and beauty, a young woman of God, and a dedicated worker. Lauryn passed away unexpectedly in February 2024, and we aim to honor her legacy by offering a scholarship in her name.

The Lauryn Leonard Memorial Scholarship will award three winners:

• 1st place: $2,500
• 2nd place: $1,500
• 3rd place: $1,000

Eligibility

• A Hope for Suffolk graduate or participant who completed 60% or more of the program (participated until August of their intern year) and ended their internship season in good standing.
• All candidates must be planning to pursue post-secondary education (trade/vocational school, two-year college, or a four-year university).
• Candidates must not have won the Hope for Suffolk scholarship in previous years.

Criteria

Each candidate must write a 500–750-word essay responding to ONE of the following prompts. Please state which prompt you are responding to on the application:

1. Describe areas in your life where you demonstrated leadership and overcame obstacles, either through your community, school, social, or family life.
2. Explain the importance of growing organic and treating the environment well.
3. Discuss what it means to be a good student in the community, on the field (participation in extracurricular activities), and in the classroom. Explain how you exemplified this.
4. Reflect on your experiences as a Hope for Suffolk Intern and how they have shaped your goals. How do you plan to leverage your education for positive change in your community?
5. Discuss the impact of Hope for Suffolk on your personal and professional development. How has it influenced your values, leadership skills, and commitment to social responsibility?
6. Explain how receiving this scholarship will further your educational and career objectives, enabling you to make a lasting contribution to the community.

Additional Requirements

• One letter of recommendation (no relatives)
• Official or unofficial transcript
• Resume
• Completed scholarship application

If any questions on the application do not apply to you, please simply write “N/A” in the required field.