The Namon E. Rodgers and Tanya R. Bowles Scholarship Fund is dedicated to celebrating the legacy of two remarkable individuals whose lives made an indelible imprint in the hearts and minds of their family and all those who knew them. They devoted their lives in service to God, family, the tireless pursuit of knowledge through education, and in service to their community. Established by Kimberly Rodgers in loving memory of her father, Namon (known by his family and close friends as “Elton”), and her sister, Tanya, this scholarship honors their profound contributions and seeks to continue their passion for learning and teaching.

Namon Rodgers overcame the challenges of being born legally blind, graduating as valedictorian from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind before attending Florida A&M University. His resilience and determination inspired those around him, showing that no obstacle was too great to overcome. He dedicated his life to ministry, pastoring multiple churches and holding numerous leadership positions in the ministry, chief among them becoming the National Bible Expositor for the Primitive Baptist Church. This inspired countless individuals through his work and dedication. Namon believed that education was the key to overcoming any obstacle, a belief he lived by and instilled in his family.

Tanya Bowles, Kimberly’s sister, was equally passionate about education and was the first teacher in Kimberly’s life. Tanya graduated in the top 10 of her high school class in Duval County, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. After graduating from law school she acquired a strong desire to make an impact in the educational development of children. As a result, she became a teacher in the Duval County public school system dedicating nearly 30 years to teaching English to middle school and high school students, including students for whom English was not their primary language. She embraced her adventurous spirit when she moved west to Arizona, inspired by the desert mountain climate after a visit to Sedona. This courageous decision was driven by her lifelong dream of living in the mountains. While in Arizona, she continued her teaching career, devoting her life to teaching and inspiring middle school students in Phoenix, leaving a lasting impact on countless young people.

This scholarship honors their legacies by supporting high school graduates with sensory disabilities (specifically vision and hearing loss) who wish to pursue post-secondary education or vocational training, as well as teachers who teach in underserved communities who need assistance with classroom supplies or with their own professional development. By investing in these individuals, the Namon E. Rodgers and Tanya R. Bowles Scholarship Fund aims to help others achieve their dreams and continue the spirit of education, perseverance, and inspiration that Namon and Tanya embodied. For example, the scholarship may provide a student with vision or hearing loss the resources needed to attend college and pursue their chosen career, or help a dedicated public school teacher bring enriching learning experiences to their classroom, directly impacting the lives of countless young students.