WNC memorial scholarship honors Douglas High grad

Without a doubt, Fallon Taylor Marie Montanucci’s life was inspirational and then some. She was patriotic, made others realize the importance of education, volunteered to feed those less fortunate and worked with children with speech impediments.

Montanucci aspired to help others through her education and decency, and now her family wants future Western Nevada College students to embody her spirit, resolve and ambition.

Through the encouragement of a family friend, Montanucci’s parents, Paula and Eddie, have established a scholarship at WNC in memory of their 22-year-old daughter who died in 2022.

Paula said she envisions selecting a student with an honest love for experiencing life and education: Their goals, reasoning, past experiences, drive and what they expect from themselves are all important qualities for the scholarship recipient.

Few 22-year-olds accomplished what Fallon did in her abbreviated life. Higher education was at the cutting edge of Fallon’s goals following her graduation from Douglas High School — and this career path wasn’t something she wanted just for herself.

She was determined to earn a Ph.D. in psychology and do what came naturally — help others discover their inner strengths.

Fallon graduated from WNC with an associate degree in 2020 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, which stationed her at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Cascade County, Mont.

While attending WNC, Fallon worked two jobs, and earned WNC Foundation scholarships to help pay for her education. In addition to her duties with the USAF, Fallon continued her devotion to higher education.

When she died, Fallon was a couple weeks shy of completing her Bachelor of Psychology degree near the top of her class at Southern New Hampshire University. The university presented the Montanucci family with her diploma during the graduation ceremony.

Fallon consistently encouraged others serving their country to pursue a college education. Fallon’s concern and compassion for the welfare of others shined through when she launched a USAF scholarship program with Utah State University.

In her 150-member USAF Flight, Fallon was known as the “dean.” She earned numerous medals and plaques for accomplishing exemplary tasks in serving her country.

Even with a full-time job on the base, studying for her bachelor’s degree full time and working part time, Fallon still devoted time to assist a middle school science class to enter a science fair.

Now, the Montanuccis want to assist future students at WNC to follow in their daughter’s footsteps to help others and make a difference in the world.

For information, call 775-445-3240 or email foundation@wnc.edu.