Our Mission

William T. Lewis, Jr. (WTL, Jr.) Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a distinguished non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a profound mission: to provide essential financial assistance to students hailing from single-parent/guardian households who are resolute in their pursuit of creating a positive impact in the world. Our commitment to this mission has driven us over the years to support deserving young individuals who face unique challenges, including financial constraints, as they endeavor to realize their academic and life goals. We believe that these resilient students have the potential to bring about transformative change in their communities and the world at large. As a non-profit organization, we operate with unwavering dedication and transparency, ensuring that the financial support we provide is channeled directly into empowering these students to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational aspirations.

History

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William T. Lewis, Jr. (WTL, Jr.) Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the memory of our beloved family member, friend, and U.S. Army Veteran, William T. Lewis Jr., affectionately known as Junnie. Junnie's life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and his strong belief in the value of education.
A graduate of Brunswick Senior High in 1972, Junnie embarked on a remarkable 23-year career in the United States Army, where he served his country with the utmost honor and distinction. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army, Junnie applied the valuable skills he acquired during his military service to pursue a career in food services. It was a field he considered himself a master of, and his passion for it shone brightly. Just three years prior to his untimely passing, Junnie took on the role of Head of Food Services at an elementary school in Northern Virginia. During this time, his impact and dedication were truly exceptional. He left an indelible mark on the school, the administration, the staff, and, most significantly, the children. Junnie's caring and fun-loving nature endeared him to all who crossed his path.

Tragically, Junnie's life was cut short by a heart attack, leaving those who knew and loved him in deep sorrow. In recognition of his extraordinary service, the Governor of Virginia and the school board responded to a heartfelt request from Junnie's co-workers by renaming the cafeteria at the elementary school in his honor - thus, the William T. Lewis, Jr. Cafeteria was born.

In the spirit of Junnie's life and his heartfelt dedication to children, we founded the William T. Lewis, Jr. Scholarship Fund. Our mission is to provide financial assistance to deserving young individuals who share Junnie's passion for education and making a positive difference in the world. Over the past decade, we have proudly awarded 25 scholarships, totaling $43,500, to students who embody the values and aspirations Junnie held dear. The legacy of Junnie's compassion, commitment, and unwavering dedication to helping others lives on through this scholarship fund. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that deserving young individuals receive the support they need to pursue their educational goals.