FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of MERRIFIELD
8122 Ransell Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Graduate:
Congratulations upon your impending high school graduation! The Scholarship Ministry of First Baptist Church of Merrifield (FBCM) located in Falls Church is pleased and proud of your accomplishments.
We are also pleased to inform you of the Community Scholars – Loston Harris Memorial HBCU Scholarship.. Each year, the Scholarship Ministry will grant scholarship awards to graduating seniors who are affiliated by membership, a child or grandchild of a First Baptist Church of Merrifield member and who have gained acceptance to attend an accredited Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for post-secondary education. The eligibility criteria are attached.
The Scholarship Fund is named in honor of the late Loston Harris, Christian Education Director, Emeritus of First Baptist Church Merrifield. Loston Harris was the architect of the Christian Education Department and he was faithful in sharing the gospel; ensuring that all had knowledge of and a personal relationship with God. He was deeply passionate regarding youth achieving excellence. Mr. Harris is a product of an HBCU, an alumnus of Prairie View A & M University located in Prairie View, Texas. After graduating from Prairie View A & M University he spent 26 years in the military, retiring a U. S. Army Colonel. Mr. Harris then worked for and retired from the Marriott Corporation.
HOW THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE AWARDED:
The Scholarship Ministry will review only those applications that are complete with supporting documents and meet all scholarship requirements.
The FBCM Scholarship Ministry will award a scholarship to students who submit a completed application and meet the criteria set forth. The scholarship award will be determined by the Scholarship Ministry and payment will be sent directly to the Financial Office of the school and will be applied directly to the student’s account for educational related expenses. The scholarship award will be applied to the student’s Spring Semester. The recipient of this award shall be required to notify the Scholarship Ministry of their official acceptance.
All scholarship recipients will be recognized and presented at the First Baptist Church of Merrifield during a Youth Worship Service (date will be announced). Additional details on this program will be communicated to the scholarship recipient and their parents.
ELIGIBILITY:
- A student affiliated by membership at the First Baptist Church of Merrifield (FBCM) or a child or grandchild of an “active” FBCM Member.
- Student should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- A confirmed acceptance letter to attend an accredited Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Scholarship Application Requirements:
- A completed application for the Loston Harris HBCU Scholarship (all requested information must be provided).
- A copy of your college acceptance letter.
- Essay
**NOTE**
The deadline for submitting the completed application and all information is SUNDAY, December 15, 2024.
For scholarship consideration, the FBCM Scholarship Ministry must receive all applications by the deadline.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Deaconess Gail Greene, Scholarship Ministry Chair, at (703) 629-0068 or ggreene957@gmail.com.