Honorable Mention Winner
John Melvin, II
University of West Florida
Senior in History/Philosophy/Art History
3.93 GPA

At only 19, John Melvin, II was one of the youngest Florida delegates to attend the 2004 Democratic National Convention. But Melvin didn’t go to Boston only to represent his state—he also went to represent his school, the University of West Florida.

“When fellow delegates and friendly Bostonians asked me where I’m from, I didn’t simply say, ‘I’m from the Pensacola area,’ but rather, ‘I’m a UWF student,’” he says.

But Melvin doesn’t only participate on the national level of politics. Melvin, now 20, has worked on several political campaigns, including that of Betty Castor, who ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate last November. Today, Melvin is the chairman of UWF’s Student Government Association Academic Committee and the secretary and treasurer of UWF’s chapter of the College Democrats of America.

Aside from politics, Melvin is a certified substitute teacher in Santa Rosa County and a notary public in the state of Florida. He has also participated in a variety of community service projects, including Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fund-raiser.

Last September, Melvin volunteered with United Way, accumulating more than 30 community-service hours by helping people affected by Hurricane Ivan. Also in 2004, he participated in Club Zero’s Adopt-a-Block program, in which he provided food and supplies for people from an impoverished Pensacola neighborhood and counseled those with drug-related problems.

“While in the ravaged neighborhood, I believe I really connected with a man at a level that perhaps nobody else has,” he says. “As he told me his life’s problems and how he wished he could live in better conditions, we both couldn’t help but to cry.”

Marylou Ruud, an associate professor of history and the director of the women’s studies program, has no doubt that one day Melvin will grow to be an important leader in Florida. “I’m impressed with what John has achieved in his life to this point,” she says. “He has experienced much, given much, and developed strength of character usually found only in veterans of work and life.”

Because of his leadership, Melvin is a member of UWF’s Honors Program and different honor societies including Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. His effort in maintaining a 3.93 GPA has earned him a place on the president’s list and recognition as a Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges student in the 2003-2004 school year.

Melvin covers his school expenses through scholarships, grants, and assistantships.—MAC

Contact Melvin at jdm30@students.uwf.edu.