Dreams And Dedication Pay Off As Hawthorne Sophomore Melody Watson Awarded $40k Scholarship

HAWTHORNE ‒ Melody Watson thought she was simply staying behind while her classmates went on a field trip. Instead, the 15-year-old sophomore at Hawthorne Middle/High School was surprised with a $40,000 scholarship during a school-wide assembly.

According to Alachua County Public Schools, Watson is one of only two students in the country selected this month to receive the BigFuture scholarship from the College Board, a national organization known for its college readiness programs and standardized testing. The scholarship is awarded to high school students in grades 10 through 12 who demonstrate a commitment to preparing for college and career success.

Stephanie Tate of the College Board delivered the news in front of a cheering crowd in the school auditorium. Several members of Watson’s family were also present for the surprise, though they had not been told why they were invited to the event.

“I won’t have to stress about where the money’s coming from and how I’m going to pay back any loans,” Watson said. “I can just attend college and pursue my dream career without those worries.”

That dream career is nursing. Watson is currently dual-enrolled at Santa Fe College while taking advanced courses at Hawthorne Middle/High. She plans to earn her Associate of Arts degree by the time she graduates high school, and then continue her education at the University of Florida to pursue a nursing degree.

“I’ve always wanted to help people and be there for them, and I feel like nursing would be perfect,” she said. “I also want to be in an environment where I can work with a group or one-on-one.”

Watson is also a participant in the TRIO Educational Talent Search program, offered through Santa Fe College. The program is designed to support students who will be the first in their families to attend college, providing resources such as academic advising, college tours, and financial aid information.

“Melody is an excellent student,” said Lindsey Ragsdale, TRIO coordinator. “She literally personifies everything you want in a student. She is driven, she is positive, and she is always willing to go above and beyond to reach her goals.”

Her mother, Latoya Roberson, said she was both surprised and thrilled by the announcement. She believes Melody’s achievement will set a powerful example for her six siblings.

“It’s a stepping stone,” Roberson said. “She’s showing them that if you apply yourself, you never know who’s watching.”

Hawthorne Principal John Green echoed the sentiment, calling Watson a deserving recipient of the scholarship.

“She’s an outstanding student,” Green said. “She pours a lot into her academic pursuits and is very focused on what she needs to do. She knows education is the pathway to what she wants to accomplish. We’re really, really proud of her.”

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