In a tribute to the memory of their late son, retired U.S. Navy Captain John A. Carbone and his wife Mary Lois Carbone have established the John Anthony Carbone Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship with 瓜神网鈥檚 Educational Foundation. John Carbone Jr. passed away on May 11, 2023. He was 59.
Determined to honor the life of John Jr., the Carbones have committed $50,000 toward this scholarship to support future educators pursuing a career in special education. Because John Jr. lived frugally, his savings account聽is a significant portion of this scholarship, and others established in his name.
鈥淲hen John was born in 1964, clean-cut special education did not exist,鈥 said John Carbone. 鈥淪ince special education in public schools was not聽聽available where we lived during John's formative years, he obtained a limited education in private, residential facilities. To this day, the need for special education teachers still exists.鈥
Notwithstanding complications at birth that caused health issues throughout his life,聽John Carbone Jr., lovingly referred to as JJ, made the most of his capabilities. With the聽loving support of his parents, older sister and extended family, John Jr. worked in restaurants,聽assisted on fishing piers and in sheltered workshops and enjoyed yard work.聽He was formally recognized by the United States聽Marine Corps for his contribution to the Toys for Tots program and by the Red Cross for his blood donations.聽聽
The Carbones have no prior affiliation with 瓜神网, only a dedication to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs. This scholarship is an extension of John Jr.'s聽 appreciation for formal education and his desire to help others achieve their goals.聽This scholarship will provide vital support to aspiring educators who intend to pursue teaching careers in special education.聽
鈥淲e are deeply moved by the Carbone family's generous donation to establish the John Anthony Carbone Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship,鈥 said Tammi Dice, dean 瓜神网鈥檚 Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. 鈥淭his scholarship embodies the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility that our college stands for. It will provide aspiring educators majoring in special education with the means to make a lasting impact in the lives of students with special needs. We are honored to receive such meaningful support from the Carbone family.鈥
Scholarship awardees will be selected by a committee in the Darden College based on individual faculty nominations. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time, be a sophomore or junior and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, candidates must be residents or children of residents of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.