ABOUT THE COLE Kelley SCHOLARSHIP

The Cole Kelley Scholarship is awarded to one Ponte Vedra High graduating senior each year based on a demonstrated commitment to a Christian-based life and academic performance. The $4,000 college scholarship was established in March 2020 in remembrance of Cole Hunter Kelley. Cole was a 14-year old freshman at Ponte Vedra High School when he passed following a tragic auto accident in 2019. A strong Christian who lived out his values, Cole’s love for life, others and most importantly – Jesus, is what he will forever be remembered for and what the scholarship in his name is about.

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BORN: 4/9/05 | BORN AGAIN: 9/16/14 | CALLED HOME: 12/4/19

COLE KELLEY

Cole Kelley was a unique soul. He was passionate about sports and the outdoors. Energetic and highly competitive, he was known for trying any sport, always competing fearlessly and never holding back regardless of the activity or circumstances. He was raised on DDOT Timberlands where his dad works, a boy’s outdoor dream-come-true. He loved hunting and fishing, and all time spent in nature.

Although his love for the outdoors was deep, his love for other people was even greater.
He had a dynamic smile that could light up a room, a hug that reached your heart, and a gentleness that brought comfort to others. He was quick to notice those in need and brave enough to stand apart from the crowd when the crowd wasn’t representing kindness and love.

But what many didn’t realize was that this wasn’t Cole – it was Jesus working through Cole.
From a very young age, Cole believed in the everlasting love of Jesus Christ. Although he was raised in a Christian family, went to church and had heard about Jesus his whole life, it wasn’t these things that ultimately brought him salvation and eternal life. Rather, it was the simple recognition of his own human imperfections and understanding of God’s redeeming grace.

At the young age of nine, Cole confessed his sins through prayer to Jesus and accepted Christ as his savior. Cole believed with his whole heart that Jesus died on the cross to save him from his sins, and he wanted others to know that Jesus died for them, too.

Each year, the Cole Kelley Scholarship recognizes one Ponte Vedra High School senior, based on two factors:

A Demonstrated Commitment to a Christian-Based Life

We look for students who reflect and can support their devotion to Christian values. Real peace only comes through knowing God and abiding by what He teaches us.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Academic Performance

Award recipients must have a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA

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Past Recipients

2020

Hunter Capelli

2021

Kaelyn Hamby

HOW TO APPLY

The Cole Kelley Scholarship is administered through the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation. Driven by its mission to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community, the Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Established in 1964, the Foundation has assets of $482 million and has made approximately $550 million in grants since its inception.

Applications for the Cole Kelley Scholarship are accepted each year from February 1st – April 15th. The scholarship application and supporting documentation requirements are available by clicking the link below. All applications are due by April 15th of the current school year.

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GIVE

Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference. Interested in supporting the Cole Kelley Scholarship fund? Your gifts not only pay tribute to the life of Cole Kelley, but help support the secondary education goals of deserving youth in our community, while promoting the Christian values that Cole believed made the greatest difference in all of our lives, in a bold and visible way.

All gifts to the Cole Kelley Scholarship fund are securely managed and administered through the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. The Community Foundation is a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with five decades of experience. All gifts are tax deductible.

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