Kendra Ruestow Atherton Memorial Scholarship
The Kendra Ruestow Atherton Memorial Scholarship was created to benefit college students who lost a parent (or legal guardian) to cancer and display the qualities of Kendra.
Kendra Ruestow Atherton was a cherished mother, companion and friend who lost her battle to a very aggressive form of cancer in November 2012 at age 43, leaving behind 3 beautiful children, 2 sisters, 4 nieces and nephews, and countless individuals who loved her dearly. She was exceptionally caring and compassionate and was dedicated to lifelong health and fitness. In November 2013, the first k5k: A Run for Kendra was held to remember her and to create this scholarship, and the event has become a tradition every November. Since then, we have awarded over $155,000 in scholarships!
The Kendra Ruestow Atherton Memorial Scholarship has two options for eligibility for students who lost a parent (or legal guardian) to cancer.
Hampton Roads Graduates
The first option is eligible for college-bound high school seniors enrolled in a public or private high school in Hampton Roads who have lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer.
The applicants must be a senior enrolled in a public or private high school in the Hampton Roads cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of White, Newport News, Poquoson, Southampton, Portsmouth, Williamsburg-James City, and York. The individual must have been accepted to an undergraduate curriculum at a 2 or 4 year college or university as a full time student for Fall 2026 and have proof of that acceptance.
Virginia Tech Students
The second option is eligible for current or incoming Virginia Tech students who lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer.
These applicants be enrolled as a full time student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for Fall 2026. The individual can be a senior enrolled in a public or private high school, current student enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or current student at another 2 or 4 year college or university transferring to Virginia Tech.
Our board reviews these applications and votes on the best eligible candidates to be awarded based on their commitment to excellence, service and passion for others, and exceptional character.
If you have additional questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Hunter Atherton at hunter@athertoncd.com.
