The Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship was established in 2016. Sebrina Butts and Dedra Capps are the owners of Family First Medicine in Rainsville, AL. Both Sebrina and Dedra, had mothers that were strong, independent women who raised them to be successfully the same. This scholarship is awarded in Honor and memory of their Mothers, Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton.

Applicant has read and understands that the conditions of this scholarship fund is as followed:

1. Applicant must be registered with Northeast Alabama Community College Rainsville, Alabama 35986 and provide an acceptance letter of such.

2. Applicant must be a resident of DeKalb or Jackson County, AL. Must provide Driver's License.

3. Applicant affirms they plan to pursue a career in Medicine and/or Health Profession.

a. Medicine defined as: Of or relating to the science or practice of medicine: Medical history; medical treatment. Treatment: Curative; medicinal; therapeutic. Something done or received in regard to the state of one's health, as a medical examination.

b. Health Profession: An individual who provides preventive, curative, promotional or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to people, families or communities.

4. Applicant will submit two letters of recommendation.

5. Applicant will submit a 500 word essay on the reason they choose the Medical field/Health profession as a career.

6. Applicant must submit a current resume.

7. Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA, provide the most recent transcript.

8. Applicant must attend an Interview with Family First Medicine. If selected, interview date will be set after application received. Family First Medicine will contact selected applicants in a reasonable time frame.

Scholarship fund will provide up to $1,000.00 a semester, for a total of three simultaneous semesters.

Applicant will register classes with NACC and provide a written statement from NACC of total cost to Family First Medicine each semester. Family First Medicine will directly pay NACC, applicant will not be paid directly. Applicant must maintain a 3.0 GPA and maintain a degree in the Medical field, must provide proof of written documents each semester before the next semester is paid. If applicant's GPA falls below a 3.0 and/or if their degree changes outside the Medical field requirements, the applicant will no longer receive this scholarship fund and it cannot be renewed. Applicant understands that this application will be available only to qualified people who need to see it in the course of their duties.

After signing the acknowledgement form below, please email all required documents to Family First Medicine to the following email:

officemanager@familyfirstmedicine.net

Applicant affirms that all submitted material, is their own work. Applicant affirms the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and beliefs. I have read all requirements and will submit all required documentation within a timely manner.

scholarship application

The Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Recipients

Braden Haymond

“I am a 2023 graduate of Plainview High School.  I was honored to be a recipient of The Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship awarded by Family First Medicine in 2023.  Receiving this scholarship allowed me the opportunity to have extra funds for books while attending Northeast Alabama Community College.  Also, I have been able to take several summer college classes for free that I otherwise would have paid for out of pocket.  This scholarship is a great opportunity of which local future healthcare professionals should take advantage and for which I have been truly grateful.”

Coleton Thrash

“I graduated from Fyffe High School in the Class of 2023. I now attend Jacksonville State University and plan on graduating in a few years. The Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship helped me pay for my books and tuition, all while being a manager for the Men’s Basketball Team. They helped me cover my first two semester almost debt free. I would recommend this scholarship to anyone who from our area who is pursuing a future in healthcare or a related field as it helped me tremendously and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity.”

Garrett Thrash

“I am a 2020 graduate of Fyffe High school, 2023 Magna cum Laude graduate of Birmingham Southern College with a B.S. in Chemistry, and class of 2027 at University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine. I was awarded the Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship during the spring semester of 2021. The scholarship allowed me to play college football, participate in extracurriculars and research, and study during my time at Birmingham Southern rather than having to worry about finances. It provides an opportunity for local students to pursue a wide range of  degrees and careers in healthcare and give back to the community that allowed us to be where we are today.”

Taylor Spatz


I am incredibly honored to have been awarded the Rhone Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship by Family First Medicine, LLC. As a 2017 graduate of Fyffe High School, this scholarship allowed me to pursue my education at Huntingdon College, where I had the privilege of cheering for the Huntingdon Hawks for four amazing years.

In 2021, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity FFM gave me to continue my education and follow my passion. My goal is to be able to serve my community in the best possible way—this scholarship was a big part of that journey.

Thank you, Family First Medicine, LLC, for your support in making my dreams a reality.”

Taylor Gilley

“I was graciously awarded the Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship in 2017, following my graduation from Fyffe High School. Sebrina and Dedra recognized my passion for nursing and dedication to academics. The scholarship provided funds for many of my prerequisite courses at NACC while preparing for nursing school. In 2020, I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, and I currently work in the pediatric ICU at Children’s of Alabama. I am incredibly thankful for this wonderful opportunity provided by Family First Medicine, which played a large role in my path becoming a nurse and providing the best care that patients deserve.”

Garrett Butts

“I am a 2016 graduate of Fyffe High School. I have attended Northeast Community College, Jacksonville University, and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Family First Medicine, LLC for awarding me the Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship. This generous support has made a significant impact on my journey toward becoming a successful personal trainer, both online and in person. My aspiration to be my own boss and inspire others to lead healthier lives is now within reach, thanks to this opportunity. I appreciate the belief you have shown in my potential, and I am committed to making the most of it. Thank you once again for your kindness and support!”

Jordan Davis

Jordan was honored as one of our 2016 recipients of the Rhonda Palmer and Shirley Dalton Memorial Scholarship. A graduate of Section High School in Section, Alabama.