"That decision changed the course of my life, and today, seeing Channing honored in Delbert's name feels like a beautiful #FullCircleMoment."
"That decision changed the course of my life, and today, seeing Channing honored in Delbert's name feels like a beautiful #FullCircleMoment."
Sometimes the most powerful testament to a foundation's impact comes not from statistics or annual reports, but from the heartfelt words of someone whose life has been touched by the ripple effects of generosity and community investment.
We recently received a message that perfectly captures the spirit of what we strive to achieve through the Delbert B. Madison II Foundation. It came from a teacher whose connection to our foundation runs deeper than most—someone who knew Delbert personally, who taught alongside the Madison family, and who now watches as the next generation benefits from their legacy of service.
"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Delbert B. Madison II Foundation Scholarships for their unwavering commitment to supporting students through education. As one of Delbert's former teachers, it fills my heart with pride and joy to see my nephew, Channing Cargill, selected as a recipient of this prestigious scholarship."
What makes this message so meaningful isn't just the gratitude—it's the personal connection that weaves through every line. Channing had the privilege of speaking with Delbert on several occasions, moments that left a lasting impression on a young person who would later become a scholarship recipient himself.
This is the kind of impact Delbert had on everyone he met. His spirit of perseverance, his refusal to let challenges define him, and his genuine care for others created connections that continue to inspire long after his passing.
"I could go on and on about my love for the Madison family — their legacy of excellence, service, and compassion continues to inspire generations."
The Madison family's commitment to education and community service spans decades. When Mr. Dwight Madison took a chance on a young teacher 30 years ago, he couldn't have known he was setting in motion a chain of events that would eventually circle back in the most beautiful way. That teacher would go on to teach Delbert, forming memories and connections that would endure. Now, her nephew benefits from the scholarship established in Delbert's honor.
Stories like this remind us why the Delbert B. Madison II Foundation exists. We're not just providing financial assistance for college—we're investing in relationships, building bridges between past and future, and ensuring that Delbert's spirit of determination and hope continues to live on through the students we support.
Every scholarship recipient carries forward not just the financial support to pursue their dreams, but also the inspiration of Delbert's story. They learn about a young man who never let his physical challenges dim his bright spirit, who graduated with honors while facing incredible odds, and who touched the lives of everyone around him.
When we award a scholarship, we're creating the potential for countless "full circle moments." Today's recipients may become tomorrow's teachers, mentors, or community leaders. They may be the ones to take a chance on someone else, to offer encouragement when it's needed most, or to establish their own foundations to help others.
This is how legacies grow—not just through the direct impact of our work, but through the countless ways that impact spreads throughout the community, touching lives we may never even know about.
As we continue our work, we're reminded that behind every application, every essay, and every scholarship awarded is a human story. There are families celebrating, teachers feeling proud, and communities growing stronger.
To Channing Cargill and all our scholarship recipients: You carry with you not just our financial support, but our hopes, our faith in your potential, and the enduring spirit of a young man who showed us all how to face life's challenges with grace and determination.
And to the teachers, family members, and community supporters who have shared in this journey—thank you for helping us create these beautiful full circle moments. Your investment in young people's lives continues to pay dividends in ways we're only beginning to understand.
The Delbert B. Madison II Foundation continues to accept applications for scholarships. To learn more about our criteria or to submit an application, visit our scholarship page or contact us at dbm2foundation@gmail.com.