New scholarship honors the legacy of Jason Blair Roberts

A new scholarship at the Quad Cities Community Foundation will celebrate the life of a man whose life was tragically lost too early and serve as an inspiration for area students who wish to continue their education after high school.

The Jason Blair Roberts Memorial Scholarship will be awarded with a $500 scholarship to a graduating minority senior student from Davenport Central High School. The student must demonstrate financial need, achieve a grade point average of 2.5 or above and show involvement in extracurricular activities. In addition to their application, the student must submit a letter of recommendation and a personal statement.

Roberts attended Davenport Central High School where he played football. After high school, he graduated from Black Hawk College and later earned his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

Roberts’ family said he valued education and extracurricular activities and instilled those values in his daughters and other young people. He was an avid lover of sports in general, but specifically, basketball and football. He also enjoyed golfing with friends.

“Jason was known for his kind spirit, community involvement, strong work ethic, and his loving dedication and commitment to his friends and family; especially his beautiful daughters,” said Betty Roberts, Jason’s mother. “He was a strong supporter and encourager of people, including young, disadvantaged minority children. He encouraged them to play sports or be involved in other extracurricular activities.”

Roberts served as a volunteer coach for many years for the Lady D’s Sports Program and a mentor to young men. In establishing this scholarship, Roberts’ family and friends wish to continue his legacy of commitment and dedication to continued education, extracurricular activities and community service.

“We are so honored to continue Jason’s legacy of kindness, community and generosity through the formation of this scholarship,” said Sherry Ristau, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “Forever, we will tell his story to the countless young people who will receive this scholarship.”

As the fund grows and the available fund distribution allows, an additional $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating minority senior from an Iowa high school who will attend Black Hawk College in Illinois. The student must demonstrate financial need, achieve a grade point average of 2.5 or above and show involvement in extracurricular activities. In addition to their application, the student must submit a letter of recommendation and a personal statement.

This scholarship will be managed by the Davenport Schools Foundation and Black Hawk College Foundation.  

“We hope the generations of Jason Blair Roberts Memorial scholars to come will honor the Roberts family by carrying on the legacy of my dad’s spirit and his commitment to the life changing gift of education,” said his daughter, Jalynn Roberts.