J&A Scholarship Honors Volunteer

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.- To honor the memory of a loyal friend and devoted volunteer, J&A Racing is pleased to announce the establishment of the Rick "Schoonie" Schoonover Memorial Scholarship, which will be presented annually to the son or daughter of a Virginia Beach law enforcement official as part of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend celebration. 

The $2,500 dollar scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior to defray the cost of continued education.

Rick "Schoonie" Schoonover was a long time resident of Virginia Beach who spent the majority of his adult life in service to his community as a Virginia Beach Police officer, Sheriff's deputy, and volunteer.  He retired from the Sheriff's Department in 2006, having risen to the position of Chief Deputy.  Rick was also devoted to physical fitness, and was an integral member of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Committee, where he was a major contributor to the phenomenal success for which the annual Virginia Beach tradition is known today. As the lead course official, it was always Schoonie's job to make sure the very last marathon participant made it safely to the finish line. 

Rick left this life too soon on November 1, 2012.

To honor Schoonie's commitment to both community service and fitness, and to perpetuate his memory, the Rick "Schoonie" Schoonover Memorial Scholarship will be awarded each year to a high school senior who has demonstrated the same commitment to service and fitness for which Rick was known.  Specific eligibility requirements are:

• Daughter or son of a Virginia Beach law enforcement official with demonstrated high standards of morality, integrity, character, compassion, and service to the community
• High school senior in good academic standing who has been accepted to any institution of higher learning
• Participation for a minimum of two years while in high school in the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon weekend, either as a participant or a volunteer

"Schoonie was a great friend, a wonderful husband and father, and an incredible volunteer," said J&A Racing Co-owner, Jerry Frostick. "He will be missed terribly, and we could not think of a better way to honor his memory."

For the 2013 scholarship, applicants must submit their application to the scholarship selection committee no later than February 15. 

Full scholarship details and an application can be found at www.shamrockmarathon.com

Date: January 22, 2013