'I wanted to give back'

CRESTVIEW—Joe Lawrence graduated from Crestview High School in 1983 and no longer lives in west Florida but he’s never forgotten his roots. Every year since 2002, he’s awarded $5,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the school.

“The community gave so much to [my family] and I wanted to give back,” Lawrence said. “I decided to give money where it helps people help themselves.”

Attending CHS and playing on the school’s basketball team contributed to Lawrence’s strong work ethic and provided the opportunity for him to play at the University of Florida—leading the team to a Sweet 16 appearance in 1987.

But, being a Bulldog wasn’t the biggest source of Lawrence’s inspiration or even his first. That role was fulfilled by his father, William.

“Dad was a phenomenal role model in being positive,” Lawrence said. “He taught me that having a strong work ethic can allow you to make things happen.”

Lawrence’s father passed away from cancer in 2000. After being diagnosed, he was given only two months to live but fought for ten months before losing his battle with the terminal illness. Lawrence attributes the longer-than-expected fight to his father’s perseverance and positivity.

The scholarships that Lawrence awards now bear his father’s name, The William K. Lawrence Annual Memorial Scholarship.

Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be involved with school or community extracurriculars and demonstrate “an unrelenting positive attitude.” Students must write a one-page letter describing how a positive attitude helped them through a difficult situation.

“A person’s true character comes through during times of adversity,” Lawrence said. He stressed the importance of remaining positive in difficult times and committing yourself to working hard to overcome them.

Five students are selected every year for a $1,000 scholarship and are chosen by Lawrence and his wife. Some years he’s had as few as ten applicants but this year he received approximately 30. Altogether, the scholarship program has provided $75,000 for graduating seniors at CHS.

“Once we narrow it down to the last few it becomes very difficult to decide,” he said.

This is one of the several charitable efforts by Lawrence but said it’s probably his most cherished because of the dedication it gives to his father.

Lawrence plans to offer the scholarship as long as he is able to and has no intention of ending it anytime soon.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I wanted to give back'