Scholarships
 

Internal Scholarship

The Association's program for internal scholarships is open to members, crew member relatives, families, and individuals with a keen interest in the USS Houston CA-30. All application elements including the writing of an essay must be successfully completed.  Program eligibility includes those beginning their secondary education and extends through the first year  of graduate studies. The yearly award may vary since the program is funded by donations. The scholarship’s purpose is to continue to motivate interest in the story of the ship honoring the Association's mission of 'perpetuating the memory of the USS Houston CA-30'. 

Congratulations to the 2024 Internal Scholarship Winner

Avery Chambliss, granddaughter of USS Houston (CA-30) Suvivor Cecil Chambliss  


Previous internal scholarship winners:

  • 2004-Gene Bankhead, grandson of Gene Crispi
  • 2005-Katie Fort, granddaughter of J. Cecil Chambliss
  • 2006-Gerald Agin, grandson of Gerald A. Agin
  • 2007-Jenny Garrett, granddaugter of Joe Garrett
  • 2008-Raymond Davis, great nephew of George E. Davis, Jr.
  • 2009-Alex Joseph James, great nephew of John Stefanek
  • 2010-Kevin Swick, grandson of John D. Reilly
  • 2012-Cody Karcher, great-grandson of Richard H. Gingras
  • 2013-Laura Reilly, grandaughter of John D. Reilly and Maggie Tuttle, grandneice of Howard Brooks
  • 2014-Stephanie Daigre, granddaughter-in-law of Gene Crispi
  • 2015-Stephen Reilly, grandson of John D. Reilly
  • 2016-Emily Kovacs, grandneice of John Stefanek
  • 2017-Chris Karcher, great-grandson of Richard H. Gingras
  • 2018-Timothy Reilly-grandson of John D. Reilly
  • 2020-Richard Bankhead-grandson of Eugene Crispi
  • 2021-Brooke Chambliss-great-granddaughter of Cecil Chambliss
  • 2023-Michelle Reilly-granddaughter of John D. Reilly
  • 2024-Avery Chambliss-granddaughter of Cecil Chambliss
  • USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP

    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.

    TENTH /h2>

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2024

    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. 

    NINTH

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2022

    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.

    EIGHTH 

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2020

    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.

     

    SEVENTH

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2017

    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.

    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.

     

    SIXTH

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2016

     

    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.

    FIFTH

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2015

     

    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:
    Starting First Baseman and Team Captain of the Varsity Softball team.
    Drum Major of the Sterling Silver Spectacular Marching Band.
    National Honor Society.
    Girl Scout for ten years.
    Has actively played tournament softball

    Our sincere congratulations go out to Megan Cessna, our 5th scholarship recipient from the US Naval Academy!

     

    FOURTH

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2014

    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

     

     

    THIRD

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2013

     

    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

     

    SECOND

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED MARCH, 2011

    The USS Houston CA-30 Memorial Scholarship

    The 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.

     

    FIRST

    USNA FOUNDATION PERMANENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

    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
    2400 Clarendon Blvd
    Apt 211
    Arlington, VA 22201
    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.

    Mail donations to:
    Mrs. Pam Moura
    2065 Sutter View Ln
    Lincoln, CA 95648

    2025 Scholarship Award= $3,000.00!

    Click here to download the 2025 Application Packet.