At the Defiance Area Foundation, we are honored to partner with generous individuals and families who want to make a lasting impact on our community. Terry and the late Ann Melton are shining examples of this spirit of generosity. Their journey led to the creation of the Melton Family First Generation Scholarship Fund—a powerful legacy that will support students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.
Both Terry and Ann were born and raised in Defiance, Ohio, growing up just a half block apart. Though they didn’t connect until high school—Ann at St. John’s and Terry at St. Mary’s—their paths aligned through shared values and a deep appreciation for education.
They married during their final college years—Ann completing her degree at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Terry finishing his graduate degree. After time spent in military service and careers in Perrysburg, they returned to Defiance to raise their family and give back to the community that shaped them.
Terry and Ann both achieved something rare at the time—they became first-generation college graduates. With parents who deeply valued education despite not having had the opportunity to attend college themselves, both Terry and Ann understood how transformative a degree could be.
Ann enjoyed a 36-year career in elementary education, and Terry built a successful path as a CPA. They both credited their college experiences as foundational to their careers and life journey. Terry often used the mantra “expectation motivation” in the classroom, believing that high expectations lead to student success—a philosophy that reflected their commitment to growth, learning, and empowerment.
“We established the Melton Family First Generation Scholarship Fund with the hope that it will help, in some small way, a student to become the first in their family to graduate from college with the degree they need for their chosen career,” Terry shared.
Through this scholarship fund, Terry and Ann’s story continues to inspire and uplift future generations. Their gift not only honors the value of higher education but also opens doors for students who share a similar background—those with big dreams and the determination to achieve them.
At the Defiance Area Foundation, we’re proud to help local families create meaningful, lasting impact through scholarships and charitable giving. The Meltons’ fund is a heartfelt reminder that when we invest in education, we invest in the future of our entire community.
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Interested in starting a scholarship fund?
Whether you’re inspired by your own journey or want to support a cause close to your heart, the Defiance Area Foundation can help you create a lasting legacy. Visit www.defianceareafoundation.org or contact us today to learn how to get started.
