Neelyville High School’s graduation on Saturday evening paid tribute to a fallen soldier as it sent students off to the next stage of their lives.
The first-ever Spc. Scott Garrett Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Garrett’s son, Gage, and his cousin, Brock Davis, through a foundation created by his comrades: the Never Quit Alumni Foundation.
“It’s still a shock for me,” Gage Garrett said after receiving the scholarship. “I’m just excited that I get to progress and move on with my life, and he’s helping me do it.”
He plans to attend Three Rivers College and earn a degree in psychology.
The scholarship was significant to Davis as well. “He was my cousin. It’s hard to lose any family, but especially someone you know and love.”
Davis plans to earn an associate’s degree in business at TRC, followed by a master’s in finances at Southeast Missouri State University. He plans to become a financial advisor.
“It’s the inaugural award and it was in Scott’s name, so it makes sense to us and to the foundation that it goes to Scott’s family first,” said NQAF’s founder, Sgt. Jeremy Craig.
This first scholarship at Neelyville equaled $1,500, split between the two recipients.
“This first one really is more (about the) significance and the importance of what we’re trying to convey, rather than the value of the scholarship itself,” said Craig, whose target for the scholarship is $4,000-$5,000. NQAF is establishing another permanent scholarship at Naylor High School, where Garrett graduated.
Garrett’s mother Rebecca Day is heavily involved with NQAF. She and Craig presented the scholarship to Davis during the graduation ceremony and to Gage Garrett privately.
“I’m very proud of everything that our foundation has done. Hopefully, this scholarship will help other students accomplish their dreams,” she said.
NQAF was founded after several veterans of the 502nd Engineering Company committed suicide, including Garrett, who was a close friend of Craig’s. These tragedies fueled Craig and other 502nd veterans to band together to ensure their brothers and sisters were cared for after deployment. What began as a support group is now a 501(c)3 providing hands-on help to veterans battling substance abuse or mental health crises.
Craig and his comrades also want to support the extended families of 502nd veterans, particularly as they pursue higher education.
“Education is the only thing that you can’t have taken away from you. Once you learn something, it’s yours,” Craig noted.
He also sees scholarships as a way to keep veterans’ legacies alive.
“We have this sort of saying in the military and veteran community, that you’re not completely forgotten until people stop saying your name,” said Craig. “And us putting the scholarship in his name and in that community, his name will remain in perpetuity. For as long as we continue this mission his name is going to be synonymous with the Never Quit Alumni Foundation, and in the community, people will continue to say his name.”
Information about NQAF and opportunities to support its mission and scholarships can be found at nqaf.org.
Multiple Neelyville students were recognized during the ceremony for earning scholarships from memorial funds, colleges and state entities. Altogether, school counselor Julie Cloud said the graduates collected over $400,000 in scholarships.
Over a dozen graduates received not only high school diplomas but job certifications from the Current River Career Center.
The theme of achievement was highlighted by Principal Justin Dobbins, who told graduates they must choose to “win anyway” in the face of difficult circumstances.
“As you continue on this journey it’s going to take you on many turns. The good days are easy and the bad days are tough. The good days are how you get through the bad ones,” he advised.
Superintendent Heather Black closed out the ceremony with encouragement for life beyond high school.
“This is a time for new experiences, opportunities and challenges. Remember — you are prepared, and you are ready,” she said.