Paying it Forward: Tammy Monlyn Memorial Scholarship
MADISON, FL - Receiving the Tammy Monlyn Memorial Scholarship has been a blessing for 22-year-old
Donoven T. Milton, a freshman at North Florida College. His path to NFC has been filled with roadblocks. He failed his first two semesters in college, was involved in a horrible car accident and most recently was displaced from his home in Panama City due to Hurricane Michael.
Before the hurricane, Donoven was doing well at Gulf Coast State College, bringing his GPA up to a 3.0 following a failing semester at another college. After being displaced by the hurricane, Donoven and his family moved to Madison.
Donoven, who is working toward an Associate in Arts degree at NFC, was a perfect fit for the Tammy Monlyn Memorial Scholarship.
“I am honored to be one of the recipients of this prestigious scholarship,” said Donoven. “Coming from Panama City and rebuilding my life, it helped me to be able to pay for school.” Donoven also praised the NFC Foundation and scholarship sponsor Desmond Roberson for “Checking in on me and making sure that my grades are good and making sure I am staying on the right track. I really do appreciate them for that.”
Desmond Roberson, scholarship sponsor and son of the late Tammy Monlyn, says he is proud to be paying forward his mother’s good will and commitment to helping others. “She was a fighter and I wanted to make sure that I paid tribute to her legacy,” said Roberson.
A native and lifelong resident of Madison, Tammy Monlyn was a devout member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a choir member, financial secretary, youth director and praise team director. She was well-known for helping others and overcoming major struggles in her life. Roberson published a book in 2011 about his mother’s life and inspiration entitled From Tribulations to Triumph.
“For what she has done not only for me and my family, but for this entire community, I wanted to continue that legacy by continuing to help in her name,” said Roberson.
PHOTO: Donoven T. Milton, left, and Desmond Roberson at the NFC campus.