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Suffolk, Va — When Veronica Thompson of Suffolk Business Women convened her committee of volunteers to review scholarship applications this year, they faced the daunting task of evaluating 31 exceptional young women. “There were so many great candidates, and it was very difficult to narrow it down,” Thompson said. “They were all so deserving.”

After extensive interviews and deliberations, the committee awarded the $2,000 scholarship to Destiny Caravello from Nansemond River High School. Caravello, a standout student-athlete and community volunteer, also received a $5,000 scholarship from the James Blair Scholarship Committee, part of the Suffolk Foundation.

Caravello is one of 19 students to receive scholarships this year from the Suffolk Foundation, which supports students pursuing higher education at colleges, universities, or trade schools.

The 2024 Suffolk Foundation Scholarships and Recipients are:

Allfirst Memorial Scholarship: Kaylee Roggie, Peninsula Catholic High School, $1,000

Amy Phelps Art Scholarship: Lailah Collins, Smithfield High School, $2,000

Audrey B. Butler Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Gonzalez-Espinal, King’s Fork High School, $1,250

Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship: Teniya Jordan, King’s Fork High School, $4,000 per year (renewable)

Col. Fred V. Cherry Scholarship: Noah McGirt, Nansemond River High School, $2,500

DiStasio Health Professions Scholarship: Jackson Ryan Ray, Isle of Wight Academy, $2,000

Howard D. Mast Memorial Scholarship: Noah Wells, Nansemond River High School; and Nicholas Conboy, Nansemond River High School, $5,000 each

James M. Blair Memorial Scholarship: Destiny Caravello, Nansemond River High School, $5,500

Just Because Scholarship: Braedon Dennis, Nansemond River High School, $1,000

Lewis F. Morris and William L. Whitley Scholarship: Zyon Wilson, Kings Fork High School, $1,500

Louis and Mary Haddad Foundation Scholarship: Ramirsjae Young, Lakeland High School, $1,700

Obici Healthcare Foundation Career Pathways Scholarship: Grace Legg, Gates County Senior High School; Kate Holland, Isle of Wight Academy; Jacy Keith, Gates County Senior High School; $10,000 each per year (renewable)

Oliver K. Hobbs Sr. STEM Scholarship: Mason Ternes, Nansemond River High School, $1,500

Ossie S. & Thomas F. Blair Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Lauren Vann, Lakeland High School, $5,500 per year (renewable)

Otha S. Rountree Memorial Scholarship for Nursing Education: Peyton Chinn, Lakeland High School, $1,500

Suffolk Business Women’s Scholarship: Destiny Caravello, Nansemond River High School, $2,000

William N. Billy Hill Scholarship: Brenda Holloman, Lakeland High School, $2,000

Thompson emphasized the committee’s admiration for the candidates, stating, “It is good to know that this generation has some strong and amazing young women that look forward to making big changes in this world!”

The Suffolk Foundation, a 501(c)(3) community foundation, aims to benefit Suffolk and Western Tidewater by fostering philanthropy and awarding grants and scholarships to meet diverse local community needs. Since its establishment in 2006, the foundation has awarded over $8.4 million in grants and $450,000 in scholarships.

For more information about scholarships, donations, or starting a fund, visit www.suffolkfoundation.org.