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Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation Scholarship Award

Each year, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation awards graduating high school seniors with a scholarship to those who best exemplify the virtues that most represent Gwyneth Griffin – compassion, service, leadership, determination, and acceptance.

About the Scholarship

The Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation Scholarship was formed in the loving memory and honor of Gwyneth Griffin. She is a testament to all of us on how to live freely with undeniable optimism and compassion toward others. 

 

We accept applicants who meet the following criteria:

 

  • Best exemplifies the virtues that most represent Gwyneth Griffin – compassion, service, leadership, determination, and acceptance.
  • Are a graduating senior at a Stafford County High School in the scholarship calendar.
  • Will attend an institution of higher learning in the Fall following graduation.
  • Demonstrate participation in community service activities and/or extracurricular activities.
  • Are in good standing, a role model to others, and possess demonstrated leadership characteristics.
  • Have not received disciplinary action in detention or above six months before the application deadline.

*The Scholarship application will OPEN November 2024.

STUDENTS: Click the ‘2025 Application’ button below for instructions and to submit your application.

RECOMMENDER: Click the ‘Recommendations’ button below for instructions and to submit recommendation for student. 

2025 Application
Recommendations

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Ms. Katherine Wang is a graduate of Stafford High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University on the pre-med track. Katherine aspires to attend medical school after college and work to become a board certified dermatologist.
Mr. Joseph Fiore is a graduate from Brooke Point High School where he participated in the STAT IT program. He has been accepted into the Cormier Honors College at Longwood University where he will major in Information Systems and Cyber Security. Joseph is an Eagle Scout and 2nd Degree Black Belt.
Ms. Kallie Erickson is a graduate of Mountain View High school where she participated in the marching band, music honors society, and her church youth group. Kallie loves to read or play piano in her free time. She will attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she plans to major in Genetics.
Ms. Ayyan Qureshi is a graduate of North Stafford High School where she was the National Honor Society President, Co-Founder/Co-President of the Tutoring Center, and Vice President of FBLA. In the fall, Ayyan will attend Georgia Tech to study biomedical engineering.
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Apply for a Scholarship!

Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation is currently seeking applicants for its scholarship program from qualified Stafford County High School seniors for the 2021-2022 school year. Application forms can be found below. Following submission, all applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. All recipients and their guidance counselor will be notified of the committee’s decision(s). 

Instructions
Application Form
Recommendation Form

How to Apply

Student Portal
Counselor Portal

Fill out an Application and Recommendation form from the links above. When filling out the forms, type or print clearly. Only fully completed scholarship packets will be considered. Incomplete packets will not be advanced to the Scholarship Committee and the applicant will not be considered for a scholarship. The two required recommendation forms should be submitted directly to Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. It is the applicant’s responsibility is to ensure their recommendation forms are submitted by the due date. 

Questions? Contact the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation at 540-316-0356.

Due Date: Monday, March 7, 2022

The following information must be submitted in its entirety to be considered for a
scholarship:

  • A completed and signed scholarship application
  • One Essay (no more than 850 words). Answer one of the following questions:
  1. Describe a friendship you have with someone from a different race, religion or culture. How has this friendship changed you? What has it taught you?
  2. Describe an obstacle or challenge you have overcome in your academic or personal life. What lesson did you learn from the experience? How do you apply that lesson in your life today?
  3. Which of these characteristics – compassion, service, leadership, determination, acceptance – best describes you and why?
  • Official high school transcript(s)
  • List of public service and community activities, include dates and length of time (volunteer activities, advocacy activities, work with religious groups, scouting, etc)
  • List of extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, organizations, etc)
  • Copy of acceptance letter from an institution of higher learning or anticipated date of acceptance
  • Recommendation Forms - one from a school official, teacher or counselor and another from a community leader (minister, scoutmaster, volunteer coordinator, coach, etc). Completed recommendation forms should be mailed directly to Gwyneth's Gift Foundation or submitted online through our website. 

 

Once completed, submit your signed application packet to:

Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation
Scholarship Program
2217 Princess Anne Street, Suite 101
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Application OPEN in NOVEMBER

Joel Griffin

Chairman & Co-Founder

Joel Griffin is co-founder and chairman of Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. Gwyneth’s Gift was founded in 2015 by Joel and Jennifer Griffin in honor of their oldest daughter, Gwyneth. He is also an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 25 years of private industry consulting experience and 20 years in government contracting. He is the Founder and CEO of Riphean, a regional growth management firm.

Joel is committed to philanthropy within the region through local nonprofits and organizations that strengthen local communities. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Hospital Foundation, and Germanna Educational Foundation. Joel was recognized for his impact and leadership within the region, receiving the Prince B. Woodward Leadership Award in 2022.

In addition to the regional award, Joel received the Valor Award from Loudon County for his life-saving efforts in an emergency. He also received the Patriotic Civilian Service Award given by the U.S. Army for actions taken immediately and following 9/11 at The Pentagon in 2001.