Slyestrong#6

Scholarships

Applicants must best exemplify the core values of AJ Slye and this Foundation – perseverance, leadership, humility, compassion,
self-awareness and self-discipline.

Scholarship Winners

2023

Tap on our scholars photos to read their amazing bios.

AJ Slye Memorial Scholarship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosalind Penninger

Mountain View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natalie Kingston

Brooke Point

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher Cline

North Stafford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabriella Cannon

Colonial Forge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ava Hecker

Stafford Senior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan Godsey

Student-Athlete Award

The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation was formed in loving memory and honor of Andrew “AJ” Slye who is a testament to us all on how to endure and enlighten in the face of hardship. The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation is offering a $2,000 scholarship to a student-athlete from each of the five Stafford County High Schools.

Applicants must best exemplify the core values of AJ Slye and this Foundation – perseverance, leadership, humility, compassion, self-awareness and self-discipline.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduating senior at North Stafford, Mountain View, Colonial Forge, Stafford, or Brooke Point High Schools in Stafford County.
    One scholarship will be awarded at each high school
  • Will attend a full-time accredited 2 or 4-year college or university in the fall of 2024.
  • Have a minimum 3.5 GPA or higher.
  • Earned a letter at least two (2) consecutive years in a single varsity sport.
  • Family Members of the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation Board are not eligible.

Scholarship Process and Details
Amount: up to $2,000.00 sent to the college or university the applicant will be attending.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2024

Submit Application to:
SlyeStrong#6 Foundation
c/o Laura Slye
34 Brittany Lane
Stafford, VA 22554

or email scanned PDF documents to slyestrong6@slyestrong6foundation.org

Selection Process
All applications will be evaluated the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation Scholarship Committee for the final award.

Required Documents:

  1. Completed application
  2. Completed Questionnaire Pages (attach additional pages if needed)
  3. Two (2) completed Scholarship Recommendation Forms, attesting to the applicant’s character from a school official, teacher, coach, and/or from a community leader (minister, scoutmaster, employer, volunteer sponsor )
  4. Copy of your school transcript
  5. List of extra-curricular activities.
  6. List of Honors, Awards, and/or Leadership Position

Please see your high school’s Counseling Office or high school website for more information. 

Previous Winners of the

SlyeStrong#6 Student-Athlete Award

2022 Winners

Hailey Askelson

Michael Lenhard

Mali Madison

Kaitlyn Williams

Samuel Yakulis

Olivia Stocks

Hannah Tse

Brooke Point Brooke Point Mountain View  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior Stafford Senior
2021 Winners

Ryan Knee

Lauryn Schiffrin

McCallum Knight

Oluwatamilore Owolabi

David Flth

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior
2020 Winners

Kaitlyn Freeman

Aaryn Boatwright

Slater Sparks

Camryn Sanchez

James Baker

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior
2019 Winners

Michael Hatfield

Jeffrey Burdette

Megan Watts

Kellen Egan

Noah Williams

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior
2018 Winners

John “Jet” Hayes

Elyssa Cartagena

MacKenzie West

Felicity deToll

Chad Nichols

Jessica Fey

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View Mointain View North Stafford Stafford Senior
2017 Winners

Merritt Peterson

Sydney Bertrand

Lily Bryngelson

Molly Murray

Caitlyn Godsey

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior
2016 Winners

Taylor Hayes

Sabrina Orsi

Jacob Pollock

Matthew Scheafter

David Jett

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior
2015 Winners

Kelly Ciccarello

Wade Koa Patton

Kellen Cody

Zachary Batt

Steven Jett

Brooke Point Colonial Forge  Mountain View North Stafford Stafford Senior

AJ Slye Memorial Scholarship

Cancer impacts the entire family.  We are looking for a student who has led and inspired others by their ability to cope with an immediate cancer diagnosis and their positive attitude throughout their family’s fight. This student has continued to persevere through their life, at a time that it would be so easy to withdraw.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduating senior at  Stafford County Public Schools, Spotsylvania County Public Schools or Fredericksburg City Public Schools. One scholarship will be awarded.
  • Has been immediately impacted by a cancer diagnosis (parent or guardian, sibling or self)
  • Will attend a full-time accredited 2 or 4-year college or university in the fall of 2024.
  • Family Members of the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation Board are not eligible.

Scholarship Process and Details
Amount: up to $2,000.00 sent to the college or university the applicant will be attending.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2024

Submit Application to:
SlyeStrong#6 Foundation
c/o Laura Slye
34 Brittany Lane
Stafford, VA 22554

or email scanned PDF documents to slyestrong6@slyestrong6foundation.org

Selection Process
All applications will be evaluated by the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation Scholarship Committee for the final award.

Required Documents:

  1. Completed application
  2. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from school official, teacher, coach, and/or from a community leader (minister, scoutmaster, employer, volunteer sponsor)
  3. Two (2) Essays (no more than 800 words each) – In your own words,
    1. Often college organizations participate in fundraisers for cancer research and support. If you were invited to speak to these groups, who may not have intimate experience with cancer, what would you say to them? What could you tell them about your experience that would motivate them in their endeavors?
    2. Cancer should not define you.  We would like you to tell us about you (who you are, what you enjoy doing, what are your hopes and dreams, etc).
  4. Physician Verification Form
  5. List of Extra-Curricular Activities
  6. List of Honors, Awards, and/or Leadership Positions

Please see your high school’s Counseling Office or high school website for more information. 

Previous Winners of the

AJ Slye Memorial Scholarship

MacKenzie Fox

2022 Winner

MacKenzie is not defined by a family member’s cancer diagnosis. She is defined by how she handled the devastation brought about by cancer. Her resiliency, maturity, strong character, and positive attitude inspire all those around her. She has remained true to herself and will not allow this setback to hold her back from becoming the very best person she can be, all while leading others to do the same. We are so very proud of you MacKenzie, and have no doubt that you will achieve your dreams. Her determination won her not one, but two SlyeStrong#6 Scholarships as she also won North Stafford’s Student Athlete Scholarship. MacKenzie will be attending James Madison University in the fall.

Collin Feliciano

2021 Winner

Collin has not allowed a family cancer diagnosis to define him or his future. The people around him are so impressed by this resiliency, work ethic, and charisma. His strong sense of duty towards his family and his “can-do” spirit shine brightly for all to see. Collin has found inspiration in a devastating situation, and transformed it into an increased intrinsic drive to succeed through all things.  Collin, we are proud of you and we wish you and your family all the best. Collin will be attending Eastern Illinois University.

Tomas Nichols

2020 Winner

Tomas is a cancer SURVIVOR!  He was diagnosed at the age of 5 years with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Tomas believes that “life needed to make me weaker in order to make me stronger.” Tomas had seen his best friend lose his battle with cancer, and never wanted anyone to experience that again. He created the idea of a “one pill cure.” Tomas has worked tirelessly with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raising money to find that one pill cure. He has successfully raised over $100,000 for the cause! Tomas, we are so extremely proud of you and are so blessed to know you! Tomas will be attending Drexel University.

Gillian Mansfield

2019 Winner

Gillian was just 11 years old when her mother received her cancer diagnosis. She witnessed her mother enduring 5 years of harsh treatments and ultimately passing away during her junior year.  Although Gillian dealt with a devastating diagnosis of cancer within her immediate family, her strong and loving character never wavered. She is described as “kind, out-going, devoted, and loyal—a beautiful soul.” At a time when it would be easy to quit, she remained dedicated to her schooling, graduating with a 4.62 GPA. Gillian once wrote this of her mother’s life and passing, “My mom never let cancer define her.  She defined herself. I faced a tragic loss, and sometimes the pain is still overwhelming. But, I learned to define myself, to chart my own course, and to enjoy the blessing of each day.” Gillian, we are proud of you and hope that you will continue to chart you own course as you move into the next chapter of your life. She will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall.

Alden DiDio

2018 Winner

Alden was just a young high school student when his family received a cancer diagnosis. Alden relied heavily on his faith in a loving God, to guide him and his family through their fight. His faith in God has become steadfast and has molded his life forever. He has become a leader in his Young Life Organization and within his church. Alden, we are proud of you and hope that you will continue on this path of service as you move into the next chapter of your life. Alden will be attending Richard Bland College of William & Mary in the fall.

Maeve Frances Reilly

2017 Winner

Maeve and her family have been endured the pain of cancer. But through it all she has become a strong, compassionate advocate for pediatric cancer. Her desire to rise above her family’s circumstance, taking the hurt and the pain and continuing to move forward not only for herself but in service to others who are continuing in their fight is what the SlyeStrong #6 Foundation stands for. Maeve, we are proud of you and hope that you will continue on this path of service as you move into the next chapter of your life.

Maeve will be attending the University of Mary Washington in the fall.

Brandon Braxton

2016 Winner

Brandon was the Captain of his football team with a 4.08 GPA. He was nominated by his football coach for being a leader on the football field, holding high academic standards, while being active in activities both in and out of school. His coach said of him, “He strives to be the very best and tries to motivate those around him to do the same. He is ‘very coachable’ and can be trusted to make great decisions on and off the field. He has definitely established himself as a great role model for future generations of student athletes…” Brandon will continue his football career at the colligate level at Christopher Newport University in the fall.

Noah Reimers

2015 Winner

Noah is a 4-year Football Player. He was nominated by his coach as a strong leader with high character, dedication to his team, compassion and perseverance. In his senior season, he rushed for over 3,000 yards and scored 49 touchdowns. He was named Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year. Noah will continue to play football at Harvard University this fall.

He has been described by his coach as …
“The most dependable and supportive player in what was sometimes a difficult process of building community in our school and a football team that is currently ranked as one of the best in the state of Virginia.”

“His work ethic, commitment and leadership are simply astounding.”

“He is a unique students who, at a relatively early age, has grasped not only the value of academics, but also his role in society.”