The J.D. McDuffie Legacy Scholarship

08/08/2026

Back to school has always meant a little more to our family.

We know that not every child walks into a classroom carrying the same story. Some learn differently. Some need extra time, extra patience, extra encouragement and someone willing to see beyond what is written on a piece of paper.

Those are the students especially close to our hearts.

As families across our community begin another school year, we hope every child finds a teacher who sees their potential, every parent knows their voice matters, and every student with an IEP understands that needing support does not define what they are capable of becoming.

JD believed in showing up for people. Through the JD McDuffie Legacy Scholarship Foundation, our family gets to keep showing up in his name.

So pack the backpacks, take the pictures and start this new year knowing there are people in your corner cheering you on.

Have a wonderful school year, y’all.

With love,
The McDuffie Family

07/28/2026

The JD McDuffie Legacy Scholarship Foundation is incredibly proud to celebrate Morgan McLendon and her continued work with Beautiful Rainbow.

As the Foundation’s Program Coordinator and Liaison, Morgan embodies everything JD believed in: that every student deserves to be seen, encouraged, and given the opportunity to succeed. Her passion for advocating for students with IEPs extends far beyond our Foundation and into the daily work she does through Beautiful Rainbow.

We are honored to see Morgan representing the Foundation in this story as another student takes the next step toward their future. Every success like this reminds us why the JD McDuffie Legacy Scholarship exists: to invest in students, remove barriers, and ensure that potential is never limited by circumstance.

Congratulations, Morgan. Thank you for leading with compassion, serving with purpose, and continuing JD’s legacy one student at a time. We couldn’t be more proud.

Jack Ross is about to embark on an adventure that his teachers are confident will end with him becoming a successful business owner, baking tasty things to eat.

06/25/2026

Two years ago today we lost JD. If you knew him, you knew everything somehow turned into a competition. Looking at this picture of him and Wally, I’m still not convinced either one remembers who actually won this co****le game, but I guarantee they both claimed victory. That’s the kind of joy JD carried everywhere he went. Today, instead of flowers, help us keep that spirit alive. A donation to the JD McDuffie Legacy Scholarship helps a student with an IEP realize that someone believes in them, just like JD always did. We can’t give him another game, but together we can give another kid a chance. I think he’d call that a win.

06/13/2026

This week, our own Taylor McLendon unveiled his latest work at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden! This piece, titled "Not All Sacrifice Is Named," commemorates the park's namesake, Noccalula, and honors the sacrifices that often go unseen and rarely receive recognition.

This acquisition was an incredible win for the arts community in Gadsden and was made possible through the support of Mayor Craig Ford, Councilman Chris Robinson, Friends of the Falls, the City of Gadsden, and Noccalula Falls Park and Campground.

McLendon generously donated a portion of the proceeds from this piece to The J.D. McDuffie Legacy Scholarship , which provides scholarships to graduating seniors with IEPs and 504 plans in honor of Taylor's late uncle.

You can go see this amazing painting at the Kiwanis Pavilion at Noccalula Falls Park, and be sure to come see more of Taylor's work in Studio 255 or our North Floor Gallery here at Lowe Mill A&E!

06/13/2026

05/29/2026

At the J.D. McDuffie Foundation, we believe creativity changes lives.

Our founder, Tammy McDuffie, often shared a quote from Anne Frank that became a guiding principle for both her family and this foundation:

"No one has ever become poor by giving."

We invite you to join us in celebrating that spirit of generosity through What We Carry / What We Release, a solo exhibition by Huntsville artist Taylor McLendon in the North Gallery at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment.

From June 3 through August 29, 25% of all artwork sales from the exhibition will be donated directly to the J.D. McDuffie Foundation to support scholarships, educational opportunities, and creative experiences.

Every piece purchased helps invest in the next generation of creators while honoring Tammy's belief that giving back strengthens our communities and enriches all of our lives.

We hope you'll visit the exhibition, experience the work, and help us continue Tammy's legacy of encouragement, creativity, and generosity.

What We Carry / What We ReleaseJune 3 – August 29North GalleryLowe Mill ARTS & EntertainmentHuntsville, Alabama

"No one has ever become poor by giving." — Anne Frank

05/22/2026

Morgan from the JD McDuffie Foundation with Jack at graduation, and this picture says everything we hoped this scholarship would become.

This was never just about a check. It was about showing up for a student, honoring a legacy, and reminding these young adults that their community is standing behind them as they step into what comes next.

Jack, we are so proud of you. Watching you graduate is exactly why this foundation exists. JD’s legacy keeps moving forward through moments just like this, and we are grateful to be even a small part of your story.

Congratulations, Jack. Go do big things. Gadsden City Schools Gadsden City High School The Messenger-Gadsden