Hopewell Optimist Club Scholarship in Memory of Dennie (JR) Mitchem Grant

Hopewell Optimist Club Scholarship in Memory of Dennie (JR) Mitchem Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: John Randolph Foundation Inc
Amount: Up to US $1,000
Last Updated: January 02, 2026

Summary

The Hopewell Optimist Club Scholarship honors Dennie (JR) Mitchem, promoting education for exemplary students in Hopewell and Prince George. This scholarship supports those demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. Applications are open to high school seniors and student interns, with criteria including GPA of 3.0 or higher and active community participation. The scholarship is awarded based on a comprehensive review by the John Randolph Foundation, ensuring deserving candidates receive support for their educational pursuits.

Overview

Purpose To promote continuing education for any course of study by awarding scholarships for attendance at institutions of higher learning to individual(s) who exhibit strong leadership skills, academic excellence, and a passion for making a positive difference in their community. The recipient(s) will also be someone who has actively participated in volunteer activities and shown a genuine dedication to helping others. Background The Hopewell Optimist Club Scholarship in Memory of Dennie (JR) Mitchem was established to recognize and honor one of the community’s finest – Dennie G. Mitchem or JR as everyone called him. JR’s service to the local community and to the Hopewell Optimist Club spanned over 48 years. He was a past President, Treasurer, and Lieutenant Governor of the Hopewell Optimist Club and enjoyed working the Christmas Tree Lot each year – helping families choose the perfect tree for the holiday. JR also took great pleasure in being the photographer at Optimist events. Dennie G. (JR) Mitchem was dedicated to helping others and was an unwavering advocate for the youth in the community. He lived his life following and promoting the Hopewell Optimist Club’s creed and was a true inspiration to all who knew him. Promise Yourself To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.To think only of the best, To work only for the best and expect only the best.To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. The Hopewell Optimist Club, a non-profit civic organization, has been a leader in promoting youth activities in the community of Hopewell since 1953. The creation of the Hopewell Optimist Scholarship in Memory of Dennie (JR) Mitchem not only honors the Optimist Club’s legacy of assisting and developing local youth to achieve a brighter Future, but honors Dennis (JR) Mitchem for his dedication and passion, and the lasting impact he had on the Hopewell Optimist Club, its mission and the community. Criteria Scoring (5 points) Academics(10 points) Community Service(10 points) Extracurricular Activities(5 points) Financial Need(5 points) Letters of Recommendation(5 points) Statement and Essay(10 points) Child or grandchild of a member of the Hopewell Optimist Club Procedure The scholarship will be paid directly to the school for current year tuition, fees, books purchased through the institution attended, and on-campus dormitory and meal plan expenses. The scholarship committee will review and evaluate all applications and announce awards each spring. The committee will also review and revise the scholarship policy and criteria, as necessary. The application and required attachments must be submitted online no later than midnight on February 15. If the above due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, then the deadline becomes the next business day by midnight. Required Attachments to be uploaded as part of Application process include: Academic Transcript(s) (High School or College whichever applies.)FAFSA Submission Summary (which includes the Student Aid Index (SAI): formally known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC). SAI is an eligibility index number used to determine federal student aid and is generated from the completed FAFSA Application.Two Letters of Recommendation (Current) Failure to submit the online application with all documents attached to the application by the deadline will disqualify an applicant from consideration for the Hopewell Optimist Club Scholarship in Memory of Dennie (JR) Mitchem. The John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Committee reserves the right to interview applicants in the final stages of selection. The decision of the scholarship committee in all matters regarding scholarships is final. Canvassing a scholarship benefactor, any John Randolph Foundation trustee or employee shall result in immediate disqualification. Scholarship awards are subject to the availability of funds, meeting the criteria as outlined in the guidelines of the individual scholarship program and contingent upon acceptance and enrollment in an approved program. John Randolph Foundation respects the privacy of scholarship applicants. Any personal or financial information will be used for the purpose of assessing the scholarship application and will be made available solely to the Foundation’s staff and scholarship selection committee. We make every effort to maintain your confidentiality.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The scholarship program is available to seniors attending Hopewell High School and Prince George High School or a senior attending Appomattox Regional Governor’s School or Maggie Walker Governor’s School who is a resident of Hopewell or Prince George County. Student interns working for John Randolph Foundation are eligible to apply;Scholarship Applicants MustExpress an interest in attending institutions of higher education as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student (at least 6 hours per semester), and/or Technical School.Be a well-rounded individual with extracurricular activities.Must have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better.Demonstrate active participation in the community.Meet the remaining criteria as outlined in the application guidelines.Submit a completed John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application ONLINE which includes the ability to UPLOAD the required attachments requested on the application.

Ineligibility

Foundation trusteesOther foundation employees and their immediate families (parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, and anyone claimed as a dependent for tax purposes) are not eligible to apply.