For attorney and mediator, VeRonica R. Owens, giving back to her community is more than just a value—it’s a legacy. This commitment to service and her deep roots in faith and family inspired her to found the Duty Owens Family Scholarship , also known as the “D.O.” Scholarship, in 2011. What started as a humble initiative in Keystone Heights, Florida, has blossomed into a beacon of hope and opportunity for students across multiple states. A Tribute to Family and Faith The “D.O.” Scholarship was created by VeRonica, along with the Duty and Owens families, to honor her grandparents: Earnest and Frances Duty and Woodrow and Lena Owens . These figures embodied the resilience and faith expressed in James 1:22: “Be ye doers of the Word.” Inspired by their grit, hard work, and faith in Christ, VeRonica and her family sought to carry their legacy forward by investing in future generations. The scholarship began modestly in its first year, offering three awards to students from three Florida high schools. But through the unwavering support of the Duty and Owens families—spanning Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Nebraska—it quickly grew into a significant program. Their collective belief in the proverb, “We sit in the shade of trees planted long ago,” has driven their mission to support deserving students. The Impact of the “D.O.” Scholarship Since its inception, the Duty Owens Family Scholarship has made a profound difference in the lives of young scholars. By 2021, the scholarship had awarded over $50,000 to 128 graduating seniors from seven Florida high schools and one Virginia high school , Ridgeview High School. Notably, Ridgeview High is located in Clintwood, Virginia, where VeRonica’s parents, Ron and Rose Owens , were raised—an example of how this initiative bridges generations and regions. Each year, the scholarship honors students who demonstrate the same values the Duty and Owens families hold dear: hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference. One such recipient, Haley Elizabeth Mullins , earned the scholarship in 2021, continuing the legacy of academic and personal excellence the award seeks to foster. VeRonica’s Journey: From Keystone Heights to Serving Communities A proud graduate of Keystone Heights High School’s Class of 2002 (where she was salutatorian), VeRonica went on to attend Florida State University and later earned her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law . After launching her private practice in Keystone Heights in 2010, VeRonica didn’t just focus on building her career—she immediately began giving back. The following year, the “D.O.” Scholarship was born. A Living, Thriving Heritage For VeRonica, the “D.O.” Scholarship is not just about honoring her family’s legacy—it’s about creating opportunities for the next generation to succeed. Through the scholarship, she and her family demonstrate their belief in the transformative power of education and their dedication to supporting students as they pursue their dreams. By planting seeds of opportunity today, VeRonica R. Owens and her family are ensuring that their heritage of faith, hard work, and perseverance continues to grow and thrive for years to come.