Otha S. Rountree Memorial Scholarship
The Otha S. Rountree Memorial Scholarship for Nursing Education was started in memory of Otha Solomon Rountree (1936-2020), by a group of his friends.
Born in Suffolk, VA, in 1936, Otha graduated from Suffolk High School in 1956 and was employed by the Virginia State Highway Department and the Dixie Guano Fertilizer Company, where he retired in 1998 after 32 years. He was an active and faithful member of Oxford United Methodist Church and a member of the Suffolk Lions Club and The Jolly Boys.
Otha was an avid sports fan. From the 1950’s through the 1980’s, his loyal support of Suffolk High School sports made him a community icon. His contributions as manager, trainer, scorekeeper and chauffeur of players and fans, as well as morale booster, endeared him to all. Otha adopted East Carolina University as his college team. For over 50 years, he made regular trips to Greenville, NC, to visit with coaches and friends, and to root for the ECU Pirates. The School made him an Honorary Alumnus in 1998.
During his retirement years, Obici Hospital became Otha’s family. He served thousands of volunteer hours as receptionist at the front desk. His cheerful greetings and crazy hats were a familiar sight to everyone.
Scholarship Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, the applicant must:
- Be a resident of Suffolk, Virginia.
- Be a graduating senior from a public, private, or home school in Suffolk, OR be a college student from Suffolk, currently enrolled in a college nursing program.
- Plan to enroll (or continue enrollment) in a college nursing program in the fall. This can include programs leading to an LPN, RN, or other nursing credential.
- Have participated in school and/or community activities, or have held a job.
- Have a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or better.
Application, Deadline, and Submission Instructions
The Otha S. Rountree Memorial Scholarship utilizes the Suffolk Foundation’s common scholarship application form, which opens online on February 10, 2025. The application must be submitted online before the deadline of 11:59 pm, March 21, 2025. For more information, contact the Foundation staff at office@suffolkfoundation.
Awardees
2024: Peyton Chinn, Lakeland High School
2023: Jayla Harris, Nansemond River High School
2022: Abigail Conrod, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
2021: Ashlyn Pippin, Paul D. Camp Community College