Grace and Robert Hammond Foundation Scholarship
The Grace and Robert Hammond Foundation Scholarship was established by the Give Back Organization (GBO) to honor the enduring legacy of Grace and Robert Hammond of East Spencer, North Carolina—pillars of family, faith, and community whose lives exemplified service, perseverance, and love. The Give Back Organization was founded in 2002 by North Rowan High School alumnus Ronneil Robinson (Class of 1997) as a vehicle to educate and empower young adults by demonstrating how education and post-secondary pathways can transform lives, help break the school-to-prison pipeline, and prepare students for the realities of adulthood and the workforce.
In 2020, Ronneil Robinson partnered with fellow North Rowan High School alumnus and Cavalier, Tronda Lee (Class of 1999), to formally establish the scholarship foundation in memory of their grandparents, Grace and Robert Hammond, who served as the foundation and guiding force of their family. This scholarship reflects their belief in education, discipline, service, and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.
The Grace and Robert Hammond Foundation Scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors in their pursuit of post-secondary education by awarding a $500.00 stipend to assist with educational expenses. Eligible applicants must be 2025 graduating seniors who plan to enroll in and attend an accredited college or university, or who will be enlisted in the military, by the start of the 2025–2026 academic year.
As part of the application process, students are required to submit an original, typed, double-spaced essay of at least 500 words responding to the designated essay prompt. Essays must reflect the student’s own work and may not be previously published or protected by copyright. Through this scholarship, GBO seeks to invest in students who demonstrate character, commitment, and a clear vision for their future—carrying forward the values and legacy of Grace and Robert Hammond for generations to come.