On April 10, 2000, tragedy visited Jesse Bethel High School and the family of Joshua Richardson. Josh died at the young age of 17 in an automobile accident during the lunch hour. The entire school was stunned by the shock of this untimely death of a fine school athlete and highly motivated student.

Josh played soccer, ran track and was the kicker on our football team. Teachers described Josh as having a great sense of humor, whiz with math and very knowledgable about computers. His fellow students described Josh as "shy","nice" and "one of the really good kids."

Soon after Josh's death, the Richardson family set up a scholarship as a generous memorial and tribute to Josh. This scholarship is open to Jesse Bethel High School students who are involved in after-school sports and aspire to succeed in college as did Josh.

Guidelines Academic/Athletic

Eligibility: Candidates must be a graduating Jesse Bethel Senior involved in the Jesse Bethel after-school athletics program. Preference is giving towards candidates with a background in soccer. If no candidate with a history of school involvement in soccer meets other criteria, then football, golf, track and softball candidates will be considered.

Requisites: With completed application, student must include:

• Current high school transcripts of grades
• SAT or ACT scores
• Essay
• Three complete letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a Jesse Bethel High School teacher, one from an athletic coach and one from a community member who is not from the student's high school and not related to the student. The letters must cover your ability, work habits, leadership skills, personality, integrity and sport achievements. The letters may be originals or photocopies, typed, dated and signed by the author.

Application Deadline: April 10, 2005

Note: Applications may be obtained at the Jesse Bethel High School Counseling Office. Applications that are not complete will not be considered. Upon qualifying for the Josh Richardson Scholarship, the selection of students will be made by the family members of Josh Richardson. Must be submitted before or by deadline to be considered.