USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2026We are pleased to announce Brooke Person as our 11th 'USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship' designee from the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation in Annapolis, MD. This the scholarship designating every other year, in honor of the men of the USS Houston CA-30, obtained back in 2008 through the generosity of our members. This scholarship, which funds a preparatory year at a designated military-oriented institution in America prior to becoming a plebe (first year) at the U.S. Naval Academy. Brooke attended the Northwestern Preparatory School in Crestline, California. Northwestern Preparatory School is a post-high school graduate preparatory school designed to prepare young men and women who aspire to attend United States military academies. Both of Brooke's parents are U. S. Naval Academy graduates, dad Chris in 1998 and mom Deidre in 1999. In her letter of thanks to the USS Houston (CA-30) Survivor's Association and Next Generations®, she shared with us what she derived from this valuable year of preparation, which was enabled by the scholarship. Here are some of her shared thoughts: “My experiences at Northwestern Preparatory School were like no other. It was at this school that I made lifelong friends who will also be attending the Naval Academy with me. I was pushed in all aspects, making me physically and mentally tougher and stronger. I also learned to overcome hardships and adapt to change. My preparatory school was evacuated for a few weeks due to the Southern California fires, and we were sent home to do Zoom school. This unexpected turn of events was overwhelming, but I was able to overcome this challenge with the help and solidarity of my classmates. I was also held to high academic expectations, and I had to learn to get over my fear of asking for help. In doing this I was able to excel in my academics like never before, which I believe will be integral to my success at the Naval Academy. I believe that this year of preparation has transformed me into a more confident young woman, which is all thanks to your generosity. Without this extra year of preparation, I can confidently say that I would have had a much harder time adjusting to the demands of the Naval Academy. I am so grateful for this opportunity to improve myself over the past year, and it could not have been possible without the support of your Association!” We certainly wish Brooke the best of success and hope that she becomes yet another Military Officer our “USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship” has helped.
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Ashley Rubiano's home town is Fayetteville, GA. Funded by the scholarship, Ashley attended theNew Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM prior to entering her first year at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Ashley's activities include Varsity Soccer in High School, Boxing, History Club, Student Government. She has achieved the following honors: Two varsity letters in soccer (freshman and junior years), National Technical Honors Society, National Spanish Exam (Silver Medalist). We wish Ashley the best in her US Navy career. |
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Madison Ferguson hails from St. Petersburg, FL. Funded by the scholarship, Madison attended the Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL prior to entering her first year at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Madison's impressive resume includes Student Congress Speech and Debate Team; Student Government Association class Treasurer and Executive Council member; Co-founder of Sanderlin Tutoring Program for middle schoolers; Summa Cum Laude, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, and two-time regional finalist for National High School Ethics Bowl, among many other accomplishments. In her letter to the Association thanking us for her support she wrote: “It means a lot to those of us navigating the prep school year to know that there are organizations such as yours walking beside us and helping young men and women like me realize their dream of service to this great nation.” Our U.S. Naval Academy Foundation scholarship has, since its original purchase, helped graduate six U.S. Navy Officers and 1 Marine Officer. We wish Madison all the best in her endeavor to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy as a military Officer with the class of 2025. |
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Ariel Rico is the 2020 awardee of 'The USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship' administered by the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, Inc. and sponsored by the 'USS Houston (CA-30) Survivors’ Association and Next Generations®'. He is a graduate of Duncanville High School, Duncanville, TX and with the scholarship attended the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. While in High School his activities included being the founder and President of the Math Club, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. He achieved Gold medals at SkillsUSA Related Technical Math competition at both the District and Sate levels. He also achieved Gold and Silver medals in UIL Science Competition. At the Naval Academy he intends to follow the curriculum requirement to get a degree in Cyber Operations. He also intends to participate in Club Boxing as well as several other different club activities. |
At the 2009 Reunion, the Scholarship Committee announced the establishment of a PERMANENT scholarship with the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation which will be awarded FOREVER. The USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at least biennially. This scholarship affords a prospective candidate to the U.S. Naval Academy a complete year of preparatory cadet school training prior to entrance into the U.S. Naval Academy. With the additional academic year, the graduation success rate for an Officer in the US Navy/Marines during the subsequent four years at the Naval Academy is significantly increased. What a fitting, everlasting memorial to the sacrifices made by the brave men of the USS Houston CA-30! We appreciate the generosity of the USS Houston CA-30 Survivors Association & Next Generations members and others who so unselfishly donated funds in the drive to establish this permanent scholarship.
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The USS Houston (CA-30) Memorial Scholar, recipient of a scholarship established by the USS Houston (CA-30) Survivors' Association and Next Generations® in memory of the ship and her men, is Alana N. Stern. She graduated with distinguished honors from Gonzales High School in Gonzales, TX. Alana was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She was also an officer for several community service clubs and participated in many community service events, such as coaching track for grade school students in the area. Alana was very active in her church youth group and held the position of vice president. She also held a spot on the varsity cheerleading, powerlifting, and track teams throughout all four years. Under Foundation sponsorship, Alana attended Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. |
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The USS HOUSTON CA-30 Memorial Scholar, recipient of a scholarship established by the USS HOUSTON CA-30 Survivors' Association in memory of the ship and her men, “Still Standing Watch Over Sunda Strait,” is Tony R. Powers, Jr., a graduate of Prince of Peace Christian School in Frisco, TX. Tony was a two-time State Soccer Champion and received All-State and All-District honors while anchoring the varsity soccer team. He was a United States Soccer Federation Development Academy Player for Solar Chelsea Soccer Team and a member of the Young Men's Service League. This year under Foundation sponsorship, Tony attended Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA. He was captain of the varsity soccer team, which broke the school's record and won the IPSL and the Mid Atlantic Prep League Championships. He was also named First Team All-MAPL and ran varsity track. |
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The USS HOUSTON CA-30 Memorial Scholar, recipient of a scholarship established by the USS HOUSTON CA-30 Survivors Association in memory of the ship and her men, “Still Standing Watch Over Sunda Strait,” is Megan Cessna. A Suma Cum Laude graduate from Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas, Megan is attending Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas as a Foundation scholarship recipient. Some of her achievements include: Our sincere congratulations go out to Megan Cessna, our 5th scholarship recipient from the US Naval Academy! |
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The USS HOUSTON CA-30 Memorial Scholar, recipient of a scholarship established by the USS HOUSTON CA-30 Survivors Association in memory of the ship and her men, “Still Standing Watch Over Sunda Strait,” is Evan S. Hovenden, a graduate of John Horn High School in Mesquite, TX. Evan lettered all four years with the swim team and was captain his junior and senior years. He also participated in the school orchestra and was a member of National Honor Society and a group leader for freshman orientation. Outside of school, he swam on the RACE club team and participated in his youth group at Lakeside Baptist Church. With the church youth group, he took part in World Changers mission trips. Under Foundation sponsorship this year, Evan attended Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX. Our sincere congratulations go out to Evan Hovenden, our 4th scholarship recipient from the US Naval Academy!
Currently serving as a Naval Officer
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The USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship The 2013 US Naval Scholarship winner is Robert Z. Sutherland. This memorial scholarship was established by the USS Houston CA-30 Survivors Association in memory of the ship and her men. Robert graduated from Billy Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. Robert was a four-year varsity swimmer and water polo athlete. During his four year career as a swimmer, he set four school records and acquired two 1st Team All-State selections, two 2nd Team All-State selections, a Regional record, two District Swimmer of the Year titles as well as the title of team Captain his junior and senior years. In Water Polo, he accumulated four 1st Team All-Region selections, a 2nd and 1st Team All-State selection, two regional MVP titles, and was team captain his sophomore, junior and senior years. Robert was also a Boy Scout where he spent two years as a Patrol Leader along with being a Life Guard and swim instructor at his local water park. Robert attended The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He was selected to 1st Team All Eastern Prep in water polo, and was named Player of the Year by his teammates. He was able to crack the all-time top ten times in the 200 I.M. on the swim team. Our sincere congratulations go out to Robert Sutherland, our 3rd scholarship recipient from the US Naval Academy! Currently serving as a Naval Officer |
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The USS Houston CA-30 Memorial ScholarshipThe USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship established by the USS Houston CA-30 Survivors Association in memory of the ship and her men "Still Standing Watch Over Sunda Strait" is Lenue Gilchrist, III from San Antonio, TX, a graduate from Randolph High School in San Antonio, TX. His parents are both Air Force Officers and spent his childhood in numerous different locations. Lenue earned ten varsity letters, four track, four cross country and two basketball. He earned various recognitions in all sports and served as team captain on each team his senior year. Lenue attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA, this year under Foundation sponsorship. Currently serving as a Naval Officer.
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The USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship, established by the Houston CA-30 Survivors Association in memory of the ship and her men, "Still Standing Watch Over Sunda Strait," is Stephen J. Scales, a graduate of Texas High School in Texarkana, TX. Stephen graduated Magna Cum Laude, a distinguished graduate and scholar. Stephen was a member of the National Honor Society, Calculus Club, Chess Club, Risk Club, Senior Student Council, Tiger Vision, UIL Science Team, Varsity Soccer and Swin Team. He was awarded the Most Scholastic Academic All State for soccer. He was nominated for the National Society of High School Scholars to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence, and Diplomacy. He was selected as Who's Who Among American High School Students. Stephen was a member of the Fellowship Bible Church in Texarkana, TX, where he taught and served with Project Serve and Young Life. Stephen attended Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX, in 2009 under Foundation sponsorship. He made the President's List and was Vice-President of Greystone Prep School. Currently serving as a Naval Officer Click here to read more about USNA Athletic and Scholarship Programs
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NOW HEAR THIS! SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM- Applications are accepted beginning June 1 with the deadline for submission extending to November 1. Applications and specific information about applying may be obtained on this website or by writing to: John Schwarz Donations to the Scholarship Fund are appreciated.You can remember the USS Houston Scholarship Fund in your will, estate planning, or beneficiary designations. All donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to: USS Houston CA-30 Survivors Association.
2400 Clarendon Blvd Apt 211 Arlington, VA 22201 Mail donations to: 2025 Scholarship Award= $3,000.00! |