The Bag Hefti Scholarship

Over $100,000 in scholarships awarded to Virginia Beach student-athletes. After 5 years of service to the Virginia Beach community, the Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship continues to invest in the outstanding young people who embody the spirit and values that defined Bag's life.

Each recipient receives $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years — that's $8,000 per scholarship recipient and one of the largest scholarships awarded in Virginia.

We're not just looking at stats and GPAs. We're looking for character.

What We're Really Looking For

The students who stand out to our Scholarship Committee are the ones whose applications reveal heart — the ones who remind us of Bag.

Play Hard

Bag gave everything he had to everything he did. We look for student-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence and relentless dedication:

Students who pursue excellence in the classroom and on the field
Athletes who work to get better every single day
Students who don't give up when things get tough
Players who show up early, stay late, and push their teammates forward

In your application: Tell us about a time you had to push through adversity. We want to hear about the work you've put in, not just the trophies you've won.

Have Fun

Bag brought joy everywhere he went. His laugh was contagious. We look for:

Students who bring energy and enthusiasm to their teams
Athletes who can laugh at themselves and with others
Young people who pursue interests beyond their primary sport
Competitors who love the game itself, not just winning

In your application: Share what you love about your sport. Tell us about a moment of pure joy on the field.

Same Team

This might be the most important of Bag's values. True leadership means selfless service to your community and lifting others up:

Athletes who guide and support their teammates
Students who give back beyond their sport through service to their community
Leaders who step up for others without being asked
Players who celebrate others' successes as much as their own

In your application: Tell us how you've made a difference for others. Show us your impact on your community.

Eligibility

The Bag Hefti Scholarship is open to graduating seniors from one of our participating partner high schools in Virginia Beach who participate in organized athletics.

Current Partner Schools: First Colonial, Kellam, Cox, Woodbridge, Green Run, Bayside, Tallwood, and more being added each year. Applicants must be enrolled at a participating school to be eligible. Check with your school's scholarship coordinator to confirm participation.

Selection Process

Get Your Application — Download the application or get it from your school's scholarship coordinator
Complete Your Materials — Write a 1-2 page essay on servant leadership, get a signed letter of recommendation, and gather your academic transcript
Submit by May 8 — Compile your materials and submit to your scholarship coordinator or counselor
Interview — Finalists from each school are selected for an interview
Award Ceremony — Recipients are introduced at Bag's Big Bash, our annual celebration

Scholarship Awards

Each scholarship provides $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of study at a college, university, or trade program. That's a total of $8,000 per recipient — making this one of the largest scholarships awarded in Virginia.

Recipients are introduced at Bag's Big Bash, our annual celebration where we honor the outstanding student-athletes who carry forward Bag's legacy.