The combined scholarship haul for graduates from Suffolk’s public high schools this year increased 18 percent on last year’s, according to figures announced at commencement ceremonies.

This year, graduates have amassed scholarships worth almost $7.58 million combined. The total announced last year was $6.4 million.

In 2014, graduates from Nansemond River, King’s Fork and Lakeland high schools pulled in almost a combined $2 million, $1.88 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

At Thursday’s School Board meeting, member Judith Brooks-Buck called it “a whole lot of money.”

“I’m so proud of the students, the work they have done, and they are reaping the rewards,” she said.