The Newport News PTA Council established the PTA Scholarship
in 1961. The scholarship was formerly named in honor of
Dr. R. O. Nelson who served as superintendent of the Newport
News Public Schools from 1946 to 1965. The first scholarships
were to be for students graduating from Newport News high
schools and attending college to pursue teaching careers
within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In 1972, the scholarship was changed to a loan fund.
This did not seem to be the best course of action for
the fund; therefore, in 1980, it was changed back to
a straight scholarship fund with scholarships being given
to one senior from each of the five high schools in Newport
News. It is no longer necessary for the recipient to
pursue a teaching career. The scholarship is now given
to a student who is furthering their education by attending
a college, university, or technical school
The only support for the scholarship is through the contributions
from the local PTA/PTSA units and from other interested
organizations. The donation of monies to the PTA Scholarship
Fund may be made to honor someone or in remembrance of
someone. All donations will be acknowledged.
Criteria for Scholarship applicants:
- The student shall be a graduate of a Newport News
high school
- The student shall be selected on the basis of academic
achievement, extracurricular activities, and other demonstrations
of a commitment to advancing themselves educationally.
- A maximum of $500 per person will be considered. An
award will be given to a student from each of the five
high schools. In the event that an individual school
does not have an applicant, two scholarships can be awarded
to another high school.
- Any student receiving the award must be accepted by
an accredited school by the time of the awarding of the
scholarship. Colleges, universities, and technical schools,
whether in state or out-of-state, shall receive equal
consideration.
- Selected applicants may be interviewed by the committee
before final selections are made.
- The scholarship award shall be presented at the PTA
Council meeting in May.
- Preference will be given to students who are PTSA members,
if all other criteria are equal.
- The required letter of reference should not include
the student's name or address.
- Application forms will be sent to the individual
high schools' guidance department in March of the year
they are awarded.
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