top of page

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 and attended John F. Kennedy High School, where he graduated in the class of 1975. He was an extraordinarily gifted athlete, excelling in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Fuzzy was drafted by the MLB’s Houston Astros in 1981 and enjoyed an exciting professional baseball career before enlisting in the United States Army. (See attached for more about the life of this amazing Kennedy Eagle). 

Overview of Scholarship: 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY

We are so excited that you are interested in the Fuzzy Smith Athletic Scholarship (FSAS). In order to help you along your journey, please read the following requirements and criteria. We understand every circumstance is different, so please be detailed in providing information that will help to guide our decision. Our goal is to ensure every applicant feels heard and receives a great chance at this excellent opportunity.

Criteria:

  • Student must be at least a senior in high school to apply.

  • A minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale is required per semester.

  • Must be involved in extracurricular activities or performed community service.

  • Student must demonstrate a genuine need for the scholarship and maintain active participation until graduation (unless otherwise approved by the facilitators). Failure to do so may result in termination from the program.

  • Student must meet all deadlines or be terminated from the program.

  • ​Students must apply for financial aid to be considered.


PLEASE NOTE: If a student receives 2 W's (withdrawals) in one semester, we will re-evaluate their participation in our program with the possibility of termination   
 
Items to submit with your application:

  • Current High School or College Transcript

  • Proof of community service and/or proof of extracurricular activities

  • A typed 200-250 word essay explaining how this scholarship will help you achieve your academic goals, including key learnings throughout your school career

  • Three recommendation letters (one personal, two academic)

  • Statement (50 words or less) about how you hope to one-day ‘marshal your resources’ to help a student achieve their greatness 


We look forward to students who are bright, have a vision, and will eventually pay it forward. If this is you, we urge you to apply.
 
FSAS Scholarship Team

*NOTE: Applicants are reminded to use the electronic fillable form provided to complete the scholarship application. After completing the application, please print, sign, and mail it to the address listed on the bottom of the application.

CURRENT RECIPIENTS

Metallic user icon

Chloe
Garcia

OREGON STATE
UNIVERSITY

Metallic user icon

Veronica Mitchell

HOWARD
UNIVERSITY

Metallic user icon

Veronica Mitchell

HOWARD
UNIVERSITY

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

Metallic user icon

Makayla
Smith

SACRAMENTO STATEUNIVERSITY

Metallic user icon

Everardo
Hernandez 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Metallic user icon

Juan-Carlos
Tobar

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - BERKELEY

Metallic user icon

Kaci
Martin

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

Metallic user icon

Kaci
Martin

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

Metallic user icon

Kaci
Martin

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

bottom of page