Cheryl McCall Selected as NFC Hamilton County Hometown Hero
MADISON, FL (October 22, 2020) - The North Florida College Foundation has set out to recognize a hometown hero from each county in NFC’s six-county district, starting with Hamilton County this fall. Defined as a person admired for achievements and noble qualities, a hero makes a positive difference and stands out for their good works.
With that in mind, the North Florida College Foundation is proud to recognize NFC alumna Cheryl (Deas) McCall as its 2020 Hamilton County Hometown Hero. McCall, a current Hamilton County School Board Member for District 1 and retired educator, is a champion of education and the Hamilton County community – a true hometown hero.
“The best way to encourage and inspire is by example," said Judy Lundell, Director of Resource Development and the NFC Foundation. "Cheryl grew up in our community, received her education in our community and returned to make a life in our community. She is an inspiration to the next generation of NFC alumni to make their hometowns a great place to live.”
During her 41-year teaching career, McCall taught hundreds of Hamilton County students and continues to serve as a school board member.
“Teaching is a true calling, and I was called to be a teacher,” said McCall. She describes teaching as a “way of life” for her and her husband, Norman who is also a retired Hamilton County educator and NFC alumnus. In fact, NFC runs deep in McCall’s family with her brother, two sisters, husband and a daughter all alumni of the College.
McCall attended NFC, then North Florida Junior College, from 1969-1971 along with her husband Norman. They both received an Associate in Arts degree at NFC and continued their education at the University of West Florida, marrying the summer after college. According to McCall, stepping foot on the UWF campus was the first time she had traveled further than Tallahassee at the time.
While at NFC, McCall was a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), worked in the guidance office, and made great friendships that continue to this day. “My two years here were some of my best,” said McCall. “My college experience was during a golden age to attend college here [at NFC].” She received an academic scholarship to UWF and credits her NFC instructors for helping prepare her to excel at the university level.
“The teachers here were excellent,” said McCall. “They were helpful and approachable – you knew them; you could go to them for guidance.” According to McCall, NFC provided a strong foundation that helped her be successful in moving forward to a larger university and into her teaching career.
McCall always knew she wanted to be a teacher and that she would call Hamilton County home. “There was never a question about returning home,” said McCall. “My husband and I were always drawn to go back home.”
Her work in education and commitment to the Hamilton County Community and NFC district is what makes NFC alumna Cheryl McCall the College’s 2020 Hamilton County Hometown Hero. When asked about the importance of NFC to our community today, McCall reiterated - “education is key to a brighter future and to moving on in life.”
The NFC Foundation plans to feature a Hometown Hero in each county in the NFC district. For more information, contact Judy Lundell at 850-973-9416 or email [email protected].
NFC Director of Resource Development Judy Lundell, right, presents Cheryl McCall with an NFC basket in October. McCall was recognized as NFC's 2020 Hamilton County Hometown Hero.
Cheryl Deas McCall, back row second from left, graduates from NFC, then North Florida Junior College, in 1971.
NFC alumni Cheryl Deas McCall and Norman McCall's yearbook photos from NFJC (1969-1971).
Cheryl Deas McCall, back row standing at right, had a student work-study job in the guidance office while attending NFJC.
Cheryl Deas McCall pictured outside the NFC Administration Building. McCall attended then NFJC from 1969-1971.