Scholarship Details
Albert & Hattie Thomas
Award of Excellence Scholarship
$1,500
Details
The Albert and Hattie Thomas Award of Excellence honors both the Patriarch and Matriarch of the Thomas Family. Hailing from small towns in the state of Georgia, Albert and Hattie ensured their children received the education they were unable to. As we continue this important legacy the Albert and Hattie Thomas Award of Excellence will be presented to an incoming first-year college student who showcases academic excellence while striving for success.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who not only exceeds expectations in academics but also serves their community. The winner will receive $1,500 to use towards their college expenses.
Requirements
​3.5 or higher GPA
Unofficial transcript showing your grades through the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year
Proof of college acceptance
*Completed community involvement recommendation form
**Essay of no more than 1,000 words discussing a non-traditional educational experience that has enriched your life. This could be a volunteer opportunity, internship, mentorship program, or cultural immersion. Share how the experience expanded your worldview and prepared you for future success.
Ralph Holback
Beacon of Light Scholarship
$1,000
Details
The Ralph Holback Beacon of Light Scholarship honors a faithful servant in Deacon Holback. He served as a deacon at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida for 53 years. Deacon Holback also proudly attended Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville.
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This scholarship will be awarded to a student who works hard serving their community, excels academically and is an active member in their church. The winner will receive $1,000 to use towards their college expenses. Special consideration for the Ralph Holback Beacon of Light Scholarship is given to incoming first-year college students planning to attend an HBCU.
Requirements
​2.7 or higher GPA
Unofficial transcript showing your grades through the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year
Proof of college acceptance
*Completed church involvement recommendation form
*Completed community involvement recommendation form
**Essay of no more than 1,000 words describing a specific moment when you realized the power of your actions to positively impact your community. Discuss how the moment shaped your understanding of leadership and service, what you learned from the experience, and how it influenced your future goals.
William "Bill" Thomas
Athletic Achievement
Scholarship
$1,000
Details
The William “Bill” Thomas Athletic Achievement Award honors everyone’s favorite coach. Coach Thomas was a proud two-time graduate of Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Thomas spent 46 years in higher education at two HBCUs - Tennessee State University and Texas Southern University.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who excels in academics and athletics. The winner will receive $1,000 to use towards their college expenses. Special consideration for the William "Bill" Thomas Athletic Achievement Scholarship is given to incoming first-year college students planning to attend an HBCU.
Requirements
​2.7 or higher GPA
Unofficial transcript showing your grades through the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year
Proof of college acceptance
*Completed athletic involvement recommendation form
**Essay of no more than 1,000 words discussing a significant challenge or sacrifice you've made as an athlete that has shaped your character and work ethic. Share how the experience prepared you for the demands of higher education and beyond.
Leon "Tom" Thomas
Salute to Learning
Scholarship
$1,000
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Details
The Leon “Tom” Thomas Salute to Learning Scholarship honors the oldest child in the Thomas family. Tom went against the “traditional” grain and paved his own career path and his own way through life. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 27 years. Throughout his life, he was a chef, food service manager, and completed a tour of duty serving during the Vietnam War.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has decided to take a nontraditional approach to higher education by pursuing a non-four year degree at a trade school, community college, or junior college. The winner will receive $1,000 to use towards their college expenses.
Requirements
Proof of acceptance or enrollment in a trade school, community college, or junior college.
*Completed recommendation form
**Essay of no more than 1,000 words telling us your story. Share a personal anecdote that highlights your motivation, resilience, or unique perspective. Discuss how the experience shaped your aspirations and goals.
Albert Thomas, Jr.
Servant Leadership
Scholarship
$1,000
Details
The Albert Thomas, Jr. Servant Leadership Scholarship honors the captain of the Thomas family. Albert was a businessman at heart displaying hard work, perseverance, and impeccable service over a 50 year career in the fast food industry. He was also devoted to preserving legacy and tradition with an unwavering commitment to his family.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who embodies a positive attitude, unwavering dedication, and a strong work ethic. The student will receive $1,000 to use towards their college expenses. Special consideration will be given to incoming first-year students planning to attend an HBCU.
Requirements
​2.7 or higher GPA
Unofficial transcript showing your grades through the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year
Proof of college acceptance
*Completed recommendation form
**Essay of no more than 1,000 words on a business leader who inspires you. Discuss their leadership style, their impact on the industry, and the qualities that make them successful. Share how you see yourself emulating their leadership style in your own career.
Notes for All Scholarships
*All applicants are required to submit their completed recommendation form(s) at the time they submit their application. Recommendation forms are scholarship specific and can be found in the requirements section for each scholarship above.
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**We look forward to hearing from you! Please refrain from using AI to write your essay.
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Students may apply to more than one scholarship, but no student may win more than one scholarship.
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The application window for 2025 is now closed! Winners will be notified no later than April 19th.