The Boothe Family Scholarship

Changing the trajectory of young lives

MADISON, FL - The Boothe Family Scholarship will support students who are the first in their families to enroll in college. It was initiated by Darvin Boothe, a 1967 graduate from North Florida Junior College, and his wife Christine Boothe, to encourage and assist young people to take the first step toward a brighter future.

The scholarship is established in memoriam of Darvin’s parents Alvin and Lois Boothe, of Greenville, Florida. Both were born and raised in south Alabama and were second generation sharecroppers. Alvin and Lois had limited opportunities to attend school; Alvin completed the sixth grade, and Lois the second grade. Alvin was drafted into the US Army Infantry during World War II and served on the front lines of the Italian Campaign for eighteen months. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946 he married Lois, ceased sharecropping, and migrated to Greenville, Florida. There he established the W.A. Boothe Fish & Grocery Store. The original store was lost in a fire, but he rebuilt and continued operations in Greenville for 48 years. The store is still in business with different owners.

The Boothe’s eldest son, Darvin, became the first in the family to graduate from high school (Greenville High School, class of 1965). He received a scholarship from North Florida Junior College where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. Darvin subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Florida State University, then a Master of Science degree in educational administration and supervision from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He enjoyed a 45-year career in education in Seminole County, Florida. For 29 years Darvin was principal of Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida, after first serving as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. Later he became a district office administrator, labor negotiator, state lobbyist and executive director of an educational administrative association. He received numerous awards and honors and was recognized in Washington, D.C. as Florida High School Principal of the Year. He attributes his success to his parents’ belief and encouragement of his efforts and aspirations.

Darvin Boothe emphasizes, “NFJC changed the trajectory of my life and the lives of my children. I hope the Boothe Family Scholarship will do the same for other deserving students.”

The Boothe Family Scholarship is awarded in the Fall and Spring semesters at NFC. To be eligible, students must be a resident of NFC's six-county service area, be a graduate of a public high school, be the first member of their family to attend post-secondary education and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to students seeking their A.A. or A.S. degree; may be enrolled part-time or full-time.

For more information about The Boothe Family Scholarships and other scholarships available through the NFC Foundation, call 850-973-9414 or email [email protected].

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