NFC Celebrates Four “Last Mile Scholar” Graduates
Fall 2020: Kerria Livingston, Jonathan Coker, Natasha Mitchell and Breondra Jackson
MADISON, FL (January 4, 2021) - The North Florida College Foundation is proud to announce four "Last Mile Scholar" graduates who completed certificates or degrees at the conclusion of NFC's Fall Term 2020. They are Kerria Livingston of Greenville, Jonathan Coker of Perry, Natasha Mitchell of Madison, and Breondra Jackson of Perry.
The Last Mile Scholarship assists students who are less than 12 credit hours away from completing their first college program and were not enrolled for at least one semester. Since Governor Ron DeSantis established the Last Mile College Completion Program last year, the NFC Foundation staff efforts have resulted in 10 eligible students completing degrees at NFC.
NFC Foundation Director Judy Lundell is excited by the initiative's success.
“We applaud all of the Last Mile students," said Lundell. "For Last Mile students who have been absent from college for one semester or more, it often seems like an insurmountable effort to return to college, complete their required credits and finish their Last Mile at NFC. Life often gets in the way. Circumstances. Lack of funds. And other issues arise in their lives. This is such an incredible waste for these students who are so very close to completing their degree."
"The Last Mile initiative has created an exceptional conduit of financial and social support for these students. Spread the word! The NFC Foundation seeks to help more students like Kerria, Jonathan, Natasha, and Breondra finish their Last Mile. If you are on the Last Mile of your degree at NFC or know someone who is, let’s talk!”
Kerria Livingston, a NFC Law Enforcement Academy graduate, plans to continue working at the Madison County Sherriff’s Office and is confident that her newly acquired degree will help her achieve her personal best at work.
“I’m so thankful for Last Mile," said Kerria. "It eased the financial burden of coming back to class."
Although she is excited to graduate, Kerria enjoys learning and plans to continue her education at NFC in the future.
Jonathan Coker graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and is the third generation in his family to attend NFC. His grandfather, Elmer Coker, was the college's first student body president and his father, Travis Coker, also graduated from NFC and currently serves on the NFC District Board of Trustees.
“The Last Mile Scholarship really helped motivate me to finish my degree," said Jonathan. "Knowing that the scholarship would cover tuition and fees took some of the pressure off coming back to school.”
Jonathan recently started his own business, Coker Appliance Repair, and plans to build his business with the skills he has earned as an NFC graduate.
Natasha Mitchell is another proud Last Mile Scholar, graduating with an Associate in Science in Business Administration.
“The Last Mile Scholarship gives you hope, said Natasha. "It is the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Natasha currently works in the Madison County public school system. She hopes to continue in her career and may eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Breondra Jackson, a licensed practical nurse, has completed her Associate in Arts degree while working next door to NFC at Madison County Memorial Hospital. Breondra’s plans to continue her career in healthcare and enter the LPN to RN Articulation program at NFC with a long-term goal to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“This scholarship was very helpful, and I am appreciative for everything,” said Breondra.
For more information on the Last Mile Scholarship or other scholarships available through the NFC Foundation, Inc., visit www.nfc.edu/foundation-giving/scholarships or contact the NFC Foundation at 850-973-9414 or Foundation@nfc.edu.
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