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The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund
Established in June 2015, the Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in the face of adversity. This scholarship was established in memory of Craig Daniel Bennett, known as Cujo, Jr – a reference to his father’s flight call sign and to the way a seemingly harmless and vulnerable young person could grow into a passionate and powerful individual. Challenged by extensive multiple physical issues, he defied the negative predictions of skeptical doctors again and again. Craig sometimes encountered people who had difficulty seeing past his wheelchair to who he really was – for them he was a source of surprise and, once his dynamic personality made itself known, a source of inspiration. Craig was a goal-oriented fighter who whitewater rafted the New River and was elected Homecoming King at Bluefield College. He had dreams of walking to receive his diploma and of sky diving.
Craig wanted to be seen as “normal”. Those who knew him saw more than that, he was extraordinary.
Knowing that his life expectancy was shorter than average, Craig asked his parents to establish a scholarship in his memory. Craig Daniel was the recipient of a Bootstrap Scholarship, which is given to nominees that demonstrate the effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity. Award winners are chosen by how well they demonstrate the concept of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund also recognizes a student who uses determination and force of will to overcome odds, to meet hardship and to succeed in achieving their dreams.
A scholarship of at least $500 will be awarded to a local high school senior.
To contribute to this fund, simply click Donate Now.
Donations may also be mailed to:
The Community Foundation
The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund
PO Box 208,
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0208
Please make your check payable to:
The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett 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.