ABOUT FUZZY
The Fuzzy Smith Athletic Scholarship (FSAS) was established on April 16, 2025, in honor of Philander Earl “Fuzzy” Smith. Fuzzy grew up in Richmond, California, attending John F. Kennedy (JFK) High School, where he graduated with the class of 1975. He was an extraordinarily gifted athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Fuzzy was drafted by Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros in 1981 and enjoyed an exciting professional baseball career prior to enlisting in the United States Army.
OVERVIEW OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
The FSAS will be awarded each year to deserving student-athletes. An athlete from each of the following sports will be selected for a one-time scholarship: football, basketball, and baseball.
Upon receipt of applications by the May 1 deadline, the selection committee will evaluate all submissions and select the award winners by May 5. The recipients will be informed according to their high school’s protocol. The award will be between $2,000 and $5,000, distributed between the award recipient and their college of acceptance prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Selection Committee
The selection committee is composed of Fuzzy’s family and representatives of the JFK administration and athletic department.
Criteria
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Must be a high school senior.
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Must have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale.
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Must be a member of JFK’s football, basketball, or baseball team.
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Must be involved in extracurricular activities and/or community service.
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Must demonstrate a genuine need for the scholarship.
Our Why
Fuzzy left a legacy of building champions both on and off the football field, basketball court, and baseball diamond. The Smith family is looking forward to paying tribute annually to his achievements and contributions. There is no better way to honor Fuzzy’s life than to enable a passionate student-athlete to pursue their academic and athletic dreams, simultaneously.
*NOTE: Applicants are encouraged to submit their application electronically. However, if needed, a printable version of the application is available for download using the link below and may be completed and mailed to the address listed at the bottom of the application.
2026 RECIPIENTS
Angela Taylor Ortiz
John F. Kennedy High School
Richmond, CA
Ivan Zapata
John F. Kennedy High School
Richmond, CA
Ne’Ari Washington
John F. Kennedy High School
Richmond, CA
Ranndey Urbina
John F. Kennedy High School
Richmond, CA
2026 RECIPIENTS
Chloe
Garcia
OREGON STATE
UNIVERSITY
Veronica Mitchell
HOWARD
UNIVERSITY
Veronica Mitchell
HOWARD
UNIVERSITY
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
Makayla
Smith
SACRAMENTO STATEUNIVERSITY
Everardo
Hernandez
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Juan-Carlos
Tobar
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - BERKELEY
Kaci
Martin
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
Kaci
Martin
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
Kaci
Martin
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY