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The Patricia Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Patricia Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a $5,000 scholarship to an individual who has demonstrated resilience in overcoming obstacles, academic excellence and a commitment to financing their own education. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students and graduate students who plan to continue their education at an accredited institution.
About Patricia Kelly
Judge Patricia "Trish" Kelly exemplified perseverance, dedication and fairness throughout her life and career. She overcame a significant personal obstacle early in life and went on to attend college and ultimately law school, working relentlessly to pay her own way through her education.
Judge Kelly devoted her career to public service. She first served her community as a public defender, advocating for those in need, before transitioning into private practice. Her dedication, integrity and legal skill were recognized by the Virginia General Assembly, which appointed her as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge.
Her excellence on the bench quickly distinguished her, and she was soon appointed as a Circuit Court Judge, a position she held for ten years. During her tenure, Judge Kelly earned the deep respect of the legal community and the citizens she served. She was widely known for her fairness and her unwavering commitment to justice. She was also well known for her sense of humor.
One of Judge Kelly's guiding principles was her goal "to judge without passing judgment." She embodied that ideal in her courtroom and in her interactions with the community.
In 2025, after a long and painful fight, Judge Kelly lost her battle with cancer. Her many friends, colleagues and admirers established this scholarship in her name to honor her remarkable legacy, celebrate her commitment to education and service and ensure that her memory lives on by supporting students who reflect the values she championed.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Patricia Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund is to honor Judge Kelly's legacy by supporting students who demonstrate the same resilience, determination and commitment to excellence that defined her life. This scholarship is awarded to individuals who have overcome meaningful obstacles, achieved academic success through hard work and taken personal responsibility for financing their education.
By investing in students who show perseverance, integrity and a clear sense of purpose, the scholarship seeks to empower recipients to pursue their educational and professional goals while carrying forward Judge Kelly's belief in fairness, compassion and the dignity of every individual. In this way, the Patricia Kelly Scholarship Fund transforms her life's example into lasting opportunity for future generations.
To contribute to this fund, simply click Donate Now.
Donations may also be mailed to:
The Community Foundation
The Patricia Kelly Scholarship Fund
PO Box 208, Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0208
Please make your check payable to:
The Patricia Kelly Scholarship Fund
About Scholarship Funds
Donors help area students achieve their dreams by establishing or contributing to a scholarship fund at The Community Foundation. Scholarship funds are flexible and can be structured to benefit students at any education level, or for a specific institution. Donors often use scholarship funds to honor or memorialize a loved one.
Donors maintain an active voice in the student selection process while they rely upon The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Committee to handle the necessary paperwork and ensure that scholarships are distributed equitably.
Let us help you create the fund that works best for your charitable giving goals!
Apply for a Scholarship
The online application portal will walk students through our application process.
- Students submit general information such as address and high school, as well as information about extracurricular activities or awards.
- Students use the online application to provide the name and email address of their guidance counselor and other individuals. These contacts will receive an email requesting the student’s high school transcript or a personal reference.
Call 540 373-9292 or e-mail scholarships@cfrrr.org for more information.