Mary Virginia Dale Memorial Scholarship Grant

The Mary Virginia Dale Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing education in Christian ministry or theology within the John Randolph Foundation service area. Applicants must showcase academic excellence, community involvement, and relevant work experience. Established in memory of Mary Virginia Dale, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of faith and service in education. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply online, with awards announced in spring. This scholarship reflects a commitment to nurturing future leaders in ministry.

Purpose
To promote continuing education in Christian ministry and theology to a deserving student or graduate in the John Randolph Foundation service area. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, an active record of community service and strong work experience.
Background
The Mary Virginia Dale Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established by the Family of God Church in memory of one of their greatest spiritual leaders and teachers.Mary Virginia Starke was born on March 15, 1932, and she was the youngest of 12 children. At the age of 17, she married Francis Elwood Dale (Bo). Her first daughter, Janice, was born November 2, 1950, and her second daughter, Laurie, was born June 3, 1957. She also was “Memaw” to two grandsons, Ian and Erich, and four great-grandchildren, Grace, Kaitlyn, Waylon, and Wesley. She always looked forward to visits so she could spoil them rotten.Mrs. Dale was a housewife, mother, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, and an advisor for her daughter’s sorority. Her daughters’ friends knew they were always welcome and considered her home their home. They came to her for advice and knew she was always willing to listen and help with problems.She was a good seamstress, making most of the clothes that her daughters wore. She would even make her own patterns to use in her sewing. She and her husband loved camping in the mountains and also looked forward to their yearly trips to Myrtle Beach. Her last Myrtle Beach trip was shortly before her passing and is a tradition he daughters plan to continue.Her family and God were the two major aspects of her life. She knew the Bible from front to end and used it as the guide to her life. She shared this knowledge through teaching Bible Study classes, Sunday School classes, and Circle Meetings at numerous churches throughout her life. She was a volunteer at John Randolph Hospital for nearly 14 years where she touched the lives of many people.Mrs. Dale believed totally in prayer and started Prayers Meetings at every church she attended. She started a prayer group called the “Prayer Warriors”, which she led until shortly before her passing.Mrs. Dale lived a Christian life and everyone could see how much she loved the Lord.
Criteria Scoring
(5 Points) Work Experience(5 Points) Community Service/Extracurricular Activities/Awards(10 Points) Academics(25 Points) Essay(25 Points) Attending Bible College or pursuing a degree in Ministry, Divinity, or Theological Studies(25 Points) Member of the Family of God Church(15 Points) Anyone pursuing a career in law enforcement or education/teaching
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 must be submitted online here.
Required Documents
All required documents must be uploaded with the application. Any mailed or hand-delivered documents will not be accepted.
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 Mary Virginia Dale Memorial Scholarship. 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.

Eligibility

This scholarship will be available to seniors or graduates of the John Randolph Foundation service area. Students may continue to reapply for this scholarship as they continue through their educational experience. However, receipt of this scholarship does not guarantee future awards. Priority may be given to a student with plans to pursue a degree related to Christian ministry or theology.Scholarship Applicants MustCandidates for the Mary Virginia Dale Scholarship must reside in the John Randolph Foundation service area and exemplify academic achievement, a great record of community service, and strong work experience. Candidates will also be expected to meet the following minimum criteria:Be Attending or Expressing an interest in pursuing a degree in Ministry, Divinity, Theological Studies or Bible College;Demonstrate academic success, a great record of community service, and strong work experience.Submit a completed “John Randolph Foundation Scholarship Application” online;Must have a G.P.A of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (exceptions allowed for extraordinary circumstances or extenuating reasons).