The Southern State Community College Foundation has announced Marianne Price as the recipient of the Dr. Sherry and Mike Stout Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The scholarship funds are designed to support non-traditional, female students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who demonstrate personal accountability and show promise for community leadership.

Price graduated from Wilmington High School in 2002 and is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. After graduating from the ADN program at SSCC, she intends to obtain her BSN from a partner school and gain experience in various healthcare settings before settling on a specialty field such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, or geriatrics. Ultimately, with strong managerial skills, she hopes to advance into administration or leadership in the future.

Price stated in her application, “I’ve spent my entire life trying hard to overcome all the challenges and obstacles that have stood in my way and have encountered significant hurdles. However, these experiences influenced who I am today. They taught me to be resilient, adaptable to unpredictable circumstances, and I’ve developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion for the challenges faced by others. Overcoming these obstacles has established perseverance and determination, which I use in every part of my life, whether personal or professional. More than 20 years after graduating from high school, I’ve decided to take this vital step to follow my passion. I want to show my children that you can accomplish everything you want.”

“After attending SSCC for a year,” she added, “I know I could not have picked a better school. I love that the classes are smaller, and the professors are more personal than those at larger schools. Everyone has been helpful, and they want to see you succeed.”

“Mike and I are delighted that Marianne is receiving our scholarship. Marianne has proven that she can excel both academically and in the workforce. There is no doubt that she will reach her goals and we want to support her through the journey,” said Dr. Sherry Stout, who served as the fourth president of Southern State from 2007-2009. The fund was established upon her retirement to honor her service to the College and its communities.

“Southern State is so pleased to share stories like Marianne’s and to connect her with people like the Stout Family who value persistence and commitment. Marianne’s story is not that of a typical college experience; life interjected before she was able to pursue her education goals. Today, she is a learner with a unique perspective of experience. I can’t help but think that her contributions in the classroom, among her fellow students and faculty, make everyone’s learning richer,” said Dr. Nicole Roades, President of Southern State. She continued, “We are grateful for Mike and Sherry and for their desire to support students like Marianne. Having known Dr. Stout for many years, I expect this award is particularly meaningful for her as she knows firsthand about being a student like Marianne.”

To learn more about SSCC Foundation scholarship opportunities, please visit www.sscc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.shtml. For more information on the stewardship role of the SSCC Foundation, please visit www.sscc.edu/about/foundation.shtml.