Great ideas are often born from shared dreams, and for Chawntia Johnson, one of those dreams came from the powerful bond she shared with her grandmother, the late Jackie Osborne Rice. Together, they envisioned ways to uplift their community through education, health awareness, and opportunity. That vision lives on today through the Jackie Louise Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to the life and legacy of Jackie Osborne Rice of Elkton.
Jackie Osborne Rice, a proud member of the Todd County Central High School Class of 1973, was known throughout her community as a passionate advocate for education. She believed deeply in the power of learning and the doors it could open for future generations. Her dedication to encouraging young people to pursue education left a lasting impression on those who knew her, especially her granddaughter.
Before her passing in 2014, Rice worked alongside Johnson to establish a nonprofit organization called Healthy and Holistic while Johnson was pursuing her nursing degree at Austin Peay State University. Their shared goal was simple but impactful: to empower people in their community to take control of their health and become more informed about the resources available to them.
Based in Clarksville, Healthy and Holistic first began by hosting community health fairs. These events provided valuable information about wellness, preventive care, and health opportunities that many individuals might not otherwise have access to. Johnson recognized that knowledge about health could transform lives, and she wanted to ensure her community had the tools to make informed decisions about their well-being.
After her grandmother’s passing, Johnson felt compelled to expand the mission of the nonprofit. Determined to keep Rice’s passion for education alive, she introduced a scholarship program designed to support students pursuing higher education.
The Jackie Louise Memorial Scholarship was created to help students in the Clarksville area achieve their academic dreams while honoring Rice’s lifelong commitment to learning and community empowerment.
This year marks a significant milestone for the program. In celebration of the scholarship’s tenth year, Healthy and Holistic is honoring Rice’s legacy in a powerful way—by awarding ten $1,000 scholarships to deserving students. In addition, the opportunity has been expanded to include seniors at Todd County Central High School, Rice’s alma mater.
Students applying for the scholarship must meet several requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.8, submitting a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, and completing a series of essay questions.”
One of the essay prompts asks students to reflect on challenges they have overcome during high school. The question aligns with one of Healthy and Holistic’s six pillars—mental health—highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting not only academic success but also the emotional and personal well-being of young people.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized during a special banquet on Saturday, April 11, held at Clarksville’s William O. Beach Civic Hall. The celebration will honor the achievements of the students while also paying tribute to the lasting legacy of Jackie Osborne Rice.
Scholarship applications are currently open and must be submitted by Sunday, March 15. Students or families who have questions or would like more information about the application process can reach out by email at jackiememorialscholarship@gmail.com.
Today, the Jackie Louise Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It symbolizes perseverance, encouragement, and the power of believing in the next generation.
Through the continued work of Healthy and Holistic, Chawntia Johnson ensures that her grandmother’s legacy lives on—empowering students, strengthening communities, and proving that one vision can inspire opportunity for years to come.
