CAPT. JOHN “BAG” HEFTI, USN, MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Award: $8000

Due Date: May 5, 2023

Captain John Hefti, USN, was a real-life superhero to all who knew him. A two-sport varsity athlete recruited as a quarterback to the U.S. Naval Academy, John excelled at everything he did and made it look easy. “Bag” was a TOPGUN graduate, a top-tier F-14 pilot, and a natural leader who earned profound respect and admiration throughout his 28 years of service in the Navy. 

However, even with his impressive skills and accomplishments, Bag was best known for his deep humility, kindness, and selfless love. He did not boast of his talent but instead used his gifts to build others up. As a husband, father, friend, and coach, Bag modeled exemplary servant leadership with confidence that his strength rested not in his merit or skills, but in his commitment to loving and serving his family, community, and country. He was especially passionate about using the power of sports to build character, serving as a little league coach for six years and sitting on the board of Great Neck Baseball League where he made a profound impact on players, coaches, and families.

John’s family and friends are following his lead in building up future leaders by promoting the character qualities that made him such a role model and force for good in the world. We want to support student athletes on their journey to becoming difference-making servant leaders by offering two $8,000 scholarships. One student will be selected from Woodbridge High School, and one from the following Virginia Beach high schools: First Colonial, Frank W. Cox, and Floyd E. Kellam.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

If you are a student athlete who, like Bag Hefti, has a calling to use your gifts and talents to serve others, we encourage you to apply! We are looking for students who:

• Will graduate from one of our four eligible high schools in June 2023
• Will attend postsecondary school beginning Fall 2023
• Achieved academic success
• Enjoyed athletic involvement
• Demonstrate a passion for servant leadership
• Exhibit key “Bag Hefti qualities” of humility, kindness, and selflessness

HOW TO APPLY:

Download and fill out the application below, and submit the checklist items to your scholarship coordinator by May 5, 2023.

Finalists from each school will be selected for an interview.

https://bagsbuddies.org/scholarship