A program for minority high school students or graduates pursuing a higher education

2016 APPLICATION PACKAGE

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

“Those who knew them say the Browns were committed to education: Bernard as a coach then as a guidance counselor at William Ruffner Middle School; Betty as a teacher and administrator in the city's Head Start program.”

-Roanoke Times, February 16, 2006

Bernard John Brown- July 24, 1924-February 16, 2006Betty Lou Brown- May 2, 1925-February 2, 2006

The Brown Scholarship Fund

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

Their Story: The DedicationBernard John Brown was born to the late John W. R. and Jessie Anderson on July 24, 1924. He attended Roanoke City Public Schools, where he graduated from the previous Lucy Addison High School, now junior high school. Mr. Brown later attended Bluefield State College where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. Mr. Brown also joined the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, while attending Bluefield State College. He received his Master’s Degree from Penn State University and did further graduate studies at Radford University of Virginia.

Other accomplishments include, Mr. Brown guiding the Lucy Addison Bulldogs to a 26-game winning streak during his time as the Head football coach, at Lucy Addison High school. His football career at Addison resulted in three consecutive undefeated years. He was one of the few coaches in the state of Virginia who reached that level of accomplishment. In 1960, Addison’s football coaching staff was invited to Michigan State University’s Hall of Fame Game. That game resulted in a ten-to-ten tie against Michigan’s opponent, Notre Dame. Mr. Brown’s coaching talent, teaching ability and love for education left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Betty was born May 2, 1925 in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late Cecilia Alice and James Henry Pitts. Her early childhood was spent in Charleston, West Virginia, where she received her early education. After high school, Mrs. Brown attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She returned to Virginia to then attend Bluefield State College, and in 1975, she was awarded the Regency Bachelor of Arts Degree. On March 4, 1950, Betty Lou Pitts became the wife of Bernard J. Brown, a fellow student at Bluefield College. To this union, four children were born-- Anthony, Robin, John and Dan; of whom they were very proud. Mrs. Brown began her career as an educator with Buckingham County Public School System as a substitute teacher, this was followed by her newfound career in 1965 with the Head Start Program (TAP).

Betty Brown was an early pioneer in Head Start, going to work for the fledgling program in 1965, the year it was launched. Sims joined the following year and together, they and other teachers and administrators expanded the program from its first center on Shenandoah Avenue to the eighteen centers it administers today. In 1987, she left the classroom and joined the Family Services/Parent Involvement Component as a Family services specialist. She continued in this position until her retirement. In 2003, the 18th Child Development Center was dedicated in Betty’s honor. The Center is named the “Betty Lou Brown Child Development Center.” Mrs. Brown was recognized as the “Hometown Hero,” and awarded a Key to the City by the Mayor of Roanoke.

Bernard and Betty Brown have changed the world; they have been parents, teachers, a counselor, a coach and a friend to many of Roanoke's residents, and some of the neediest children and their parents.

In order to continue a Brown legacy, the Brown Family would like to initiate a scholarship fund supporting education in their honor.

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

2

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

Mission and PurposeMission: The mission of the Brown Scholarship fund is to provide financial assistance to deserving individuals to help further their future education after high school graduation.  Purpose: This scholarship was built on the educational integrity of two individuals who dedicated their lives to the advancement of youth. John Bernard Brown and Betty Lou Brown both dedicated their lives and careers to further the education and advancement of youth. On February 2 and 16, 2006, these two wonderful individuals left this physical life with a great legacy that would continue to grow throughout the city and the lives that they touched. These two scholars, Bernard and Betty Brown have greatly impacted education as we know it for the city of Roanoke, Virginia and indirectly impacted the world. In their honor, the Brown Scholarship was established to allow young scholars to continue the Brown legacy.

Eligibility RequirementsIn order to apply, you must fulfill the following requirements:

Eligible States: Virginia applicants

Eligible Ethnicities: Ethnic minority applicants

Eligible Classifications: High School Senior, High School Graduate, or General Education Diploma equivalent (G.E.D.) who will be attending a college, university, or technical institution the next term pursuing an associates, bachelors, or technical degree; with a letter of acceptance from respective institution

Minimum GPA: There is no minimum GPA requirement

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

3

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

Application for the Bernard and Betty Brown ScholarshipPlease type or print in black or blue ink.

PROFILEName: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: _____________________ Ethnicity: _______________________________

Current Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:________________________________ E-mail address*: ___________________________________

Name of institution where accepted: __________________________________________________________

Address of institution where accepted: ________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________*E-mail is our primary means of contacting you.

EDUCATION

 Name of

Institution Years AttendedIf current, what classification?

If graduated, what year?

High School        G.E.D.

institution        

Other        

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND PUBLICITY RELEASEI hereby certify that the information stated on this application is true and represents me honestly as the applicant. If any information stated is found to be false or inaccurately stated, I forfeit any opportunity to receive an award.

By signing below, I also give the Brown Scholarship Fund permission to share my profile, picture and related information on the Brown Scholarship Fund website (www.brownscholarshipfund.com), as well as in brochures, letters and future applications. Any pictures mailed to the Brown Scholarship Fund will not be returned.

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

4

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

___________________________________________________________________________________________Signature of Applicant Date

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

5

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Attach a letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, or community leader who has worked very closely with you in some course, job or long-term activity. (Relatives are not applicable.) See Attachment I.

2. Answer the four following essay questions in 250 words or less each. See Attachment II.

a. What challenges have you overcome that have had the most impact on your life?

b. What is your most significant contribution to your community that you believe supports Bernard and Betty Brown’s vision and passion for education?

c. What are your personal and educational goals, and how will receiving this award help you to continue the legacy of Bernard and Betty Brown?

d. Bonus: What is the biggest “life lesson” you have learned thus far?

3. Attach a current resume including your Extracurricular and Community Involvement (no more than one page).

4. Attach a copy of a letter of acceptance to institution where accepted. Applicant must be willing to receive the scholarship award through the business office of his/her respective institution.

APPLICATION DETAILSMailing Address:Mail all applications postmarked by May 20, 2016 to:Brown Scholarship FundP.O. Box 89161Atlanta, GA 30312

Award Amount: $1,000 annually to one recipient.

Due Dates:Applications due: May 20, 2016Donor Donations due: June 3, 2016Notification and Scholarship awarded: June 24, 2016

Questions: E-mail Brownscholarshipfund@live.com or visit www. BrownScolarshipFund.com for additional details and application download.

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

6

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

Attachment I: Personal Recommendation

Applicant Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Recommender Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Profession: ______________________________________________________________________________

Institution/Organization: _________________________________________________________________

How do you know this individual: ________________________________________________________

How long have you know this individual: __________________________________________________

Contact Phone/E-mail:___________________________________________________________________

**Please provide your letter of recommendation below or attach a typed letter to this application **

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

7

The Bernard John Brown and Betty Lou Brown Scholarship Fund

Attachment II: Essay QuestionsPlease type or print responses in black or blue ink in 250 words or less, for

each essay.Please attach additional pages if necessary.

1. What challenges have you overcome that have had the most impact on your life?

2. What is your most significant contribution to your community that you believe supports Bernard and Betty Brown’s vision and passion for education?

3. What are your personal and educational goals, and how will receiving this award help you to continue the legacy of Bernard and Betty Brown?

Bonus: What is the biggest “life lesson” you have learned thus far?

www.brownscholarshipfund.com

8