Brandon “Bo” Boettcher and Raven Ford are the recipients of this year’s Dr. Benjamin Franklin Recognition Day Scholarships.
The scholarship, named after a former member of Lawtey’s Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, is in the amount of $1,500 and awarded to a student with an interest in medical/health professions.
Applicants were required to write an essay on their goals, objectives and need for financial assistance.
Boettcher, a resident of Keystone Heights who graduated from Keystone Heights High School in 2008, is married to Catherine. They have two children: Colin and Christian. Boettcher is currently enrolled in the part-time Practical Nursing Program at North Florida Technical College. (His sister, Morgan, is a recent NFTC Licensed Practical Nursing graduate.) He’s a certified nursing assistant and wants to specialize in pediatric nursing upon graduation in June 2023. Boettcher plans to start his nursing career as an LPN and continue his education toward becoming a registered nurse.
When asked to give advice to those considering a career change, Boettcher, who is changing careers himself, said, “Even if you think it’s impossible, or life is too busy with work and kids and a spouse, if you buckle down and have the drive, you can choose your dreams and aspirations.”
Ford is a 2022 graduate of Bradford High School. She said it’s “still crazy” to think of herself as a BHS alumnus.
In a statement submitted by Ford, she wrote: “Growing up in such a small county, I always wished to be in high school and leave for college. Now that I’m here, I realize that it has taught me a lot.
“Having to be around people who envy you has made me the way I am today. My mom always tried her best to keep my peace from being disturbed by these types of people, and I’ve realized now that she was making me see that no matter how nice, respectable and kind you are, people will always be there to dim your light. Carrying this with me — and the Lord — I have conquered many obstacles and successfully graduated with high honors.
“Even though you face hard times in school, work and at home, never quit, because as long as you’re trying your best, that’s all that matters.
“Receiving this scholarship will help me continue to do my best and be the best by getting things I need for my labs and books needed for my classes.
“The biggest thank you goes to the founders of the Dr. Franklin Scholarship for choosing me as one of the recipients. I would also like to thank my family, friends and True Vine Ministries for supporting me throughout my life and pushing me this far to get where I am now.”
