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The Moses Archie Clements Scholarship Application
2026-2027
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION/ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
The Southside Virginia Landsharks Parrothead club is honored to present a $1,000 scholarship, to be given annually in memory of one of its former members, Moses Archie Clements. The scholarship will be awarded to the winning essayist who will be attending any two-year or four-year college or university in the United States.
Moses believed that everyone should be afforded equal opportunities to improve their lives through education. He often spoke of friends and acquaintances who worked two jobs while attending classes or assumed significant student loan debt to pursue a college education. They made these sacrifices because they understood that education opens doors and creates opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
At the same time, Moses readily acknowledged that while careers such as medicine and law appeal to some, others prefer hands-on trades. He greatly respected and encouraged those who chose to develop practical skills through trades or other professions, recognizing that these paths can lead to fulfilling, stable, and meaningful careers.
A proud parrothead at heart, Moses was always eager to help others. He generously gave his time –and at times his own money – to assist friends, acquaintances, and even complete strangers in need. He did so with the belief that kindness has a ripple effect, trusting that those he helped would one day be able to “pay it forward.”
It is with this philosophy in mind that this scholarship was established to honor the memory of Moses and to continue his legacy of opportunity, generosity, and paying it forward.
Applications will be accepted beginning January 31, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Award will be announced in early August. Applicants will be required to submit an essay (500 words minimum) providing information on how they have been able to “pay it forward” thus far in their life, through volunteering, helping others, preserving the environment, etc.
Essays will be judged by a blind panel of judges, carefully selected from the community and surrounding areas. Essays should not contain the applicant’s name or any information that would identify the applicant. Specific organizations or names of persons assisted should, however, be included with the application as a separate attachment for verification purposes.
There are no specific weighted requirements regarding the focus of the essay (e.g., helping individuals versus supporting the community, the environment, volunteer organizations, etc.) Each essay will be evaluated individually and scored by each judge based on the following criteria: the completeness, accuracy, and readability of the application and essay; the writer’s ability to clearly express their goals, the methods used to achieve those goals, and the outcomes achieved or anticipated; the writer’s ability to convey sincerity and genuine commitment to those goals; and the writer’s ability to briefly reflect on lessons learned to date, as well as their future commitment to becoming a thoughtful, responsible and contributing member of society and the human race. While the judges are sincere in their evaluations, they also appreciate a sense of fun – therefore, creativity is strongly encouraged.
APPLICATION
Prospective Scholar’s Name: _________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________________
School student will be attending: ___________________________________________________
Major: ___________________________________________________
Do you give permission for your name, essay, or parts thereof to be publicly disclosed: Yes ___ No___
Signature of Applicant: __________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________
DON’T FORGET TO ATTACH/INCLUDE YOUR ESSAY!!!!!
Essays should be completed in accordance with the guidelines on the scholarship information page and submitted with this application. All essays should be neatly typed and as long as necessary to adequately convey the message of the applicant.
Applications, along with the essay, may be mailed or submitted electronically, but must be postmarked or time stamped prior to 11:59 p.m., June 30, 2026. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged via email.
The scholarship is open to any student who will be attending an accredited two year or four-year college or university in the United States. Only one essay per student per academic year may be submitted.
Funds will be paid by check, directly to the student. Southside Virginia Landsharks Parrothead Club reserves the right to increase or reduce the award amount from year to year depending on the financial status of the fund. Successful student will be contacted directly in early August, and expected to consent to public disclosure of the award.
Currently, contributions to the fund are not tax deductible. Award recipient should consult with a financial advisor regarding any tax liabilities on the award. Southside Virginia Landsharks Parrothead Club will not be responsible for any tax liabilities incurred.
Any information contained in the essay that, in the administrator’s opinion, would directly disclose the student’s identify will be deleted prior to being distributed to judges, for impartial judging purposes. Deleted portions will be reinstated prior to public release.
MAILING ADDRESS:
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA LANDSHARKS PARROTHEAD CLUB
c/o Mike Veliky
3858 Tryall Mill Road
Emporia, Virginia 23847
Email address: cmv001@aol.com