Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation

The Lee-Jackson Educational Foundation was founded in 1953 by the late Jay W. Johns, a successful Pennsylvania industrialist transplanted to Virginia, who became a great admirer of Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The Foundation commemorates its namesakes shared belief in the importance of a well-educated populace by workin... g to increase educational opportunities for Virginias youth. The Foundation has established a non-discriminatory scholarship program to encourage high school students to continue their education, and sponsors an annual essay competition to make its awards. Scholarships are awarded for outstanding original essays which demonstrate a carefully researched, well-reasoned examination of the historical legacy of Generals Lee and Jackson. Essays are judged by panels of educators, historians, and Foundation members who emphasize originality, historical accuracy, thorough research, thoughtful analysis, and clarity of written expression in their evaluations. The length of the essay is not as important as the rigorous defense of a well-reasoned thesis. Past essays have addressed such topics as General Lee's or General Jackson's heritage and their lives at war and at peace, Jackson as tactician, Lee as a strategist, Lee's or Jackson's impact on modern battlefield tactics, Lee's faith, Jackson's religious fervor, Jackson the enigma, Lee on gentlemanly virtues, Lee as President of Washington College, or possible changes in the course of the Civil War had Jackson not died so early. These topics are examples only. The Foundation strongly encourages students to choose any fresh, relevant topic they find interesting. History and English teachers may be particularly useful resources for students as they develop their essays and complete their research. 18 scholarships are available to public, private, and home school Virginia high school juniors and seniors submitting outstanding, original, analytical essays on any aspect--positive or negative--of the career, character, or legacy of ...Read More