The Greater Good

On April 17th, Montgomery was one of 11 students who won a Silver Garland, the annual award sponsored by The Ledger that recognizes students' contributions to their school and community. The Ledger's Silver Garland Award. She won the English category and was awarded $1,000.

Montgomery's project for Silver Garland focused on teens in foster care. A cookbook was created to be sold with all proceeds used for building a transitional house for teens who "age out" of the foster care system.

"When foster children turn 18 their foster parents lose government support money," Montgomery explained. "Because the foster parents no longer have any money, many times the children end up out on the street. Even worse, the foster children are usually still in high school when this happens."

The transitional house will contain living facilities and offer independent living classes to teach teens in foster care financial and post-secondary issues, according to Montgomery.

"Desiree has a lot of potential and is very gifted," said English teacher Kimberly Coffin, who nominated Montgomery for a Silver Garland award. "She always has an answer for everything."

Along with her Silver Garland project, Montgomery has accomplished numerous charitable acts. She tutors at her high school, her foster home and also participates in "Policy by Practice," a group that helps create laws for foster care children.

Her group has created bills like the Independent Living Bill, which allows foster children to hold drivers licenses before their 18th birthday. She also worked with her group on another bill, yet to be named, which gives foster children responsibility for their own actions.

Even though she has faced difficult times, Montgomery remains upbeat and positive. She relies on religion to get her through stressful times.

"When you're going through difficult times, God helps you," says Montgomery. "Not only does he help your current problems he gives you something to look forward to in the future. God gives you strength."

Montgomery credits religion for her positive outlook on life.

"She has a really jovial personality," says Coffin. "She almost never stops smiling."

Her college aspirations led her to seek scholarships. This year she has gained over $141,000 and money for her masters and doctorate in scholarships, including the Ron Brown Scholarship, Gates Millennium Scholarship and the San Diego Padre Scholarship.

Montgomery had the chance to attend any college in the United States for free. Over Princeton, Harvard, Duke and Florida, Montgomery chose Southeastern University in Lakeland.

"College is a critical time in your life," Montgomery said. "It's a time where a person matures and becomes the person they will be for the rest of their life. Maybe for my masters or doctorate I could go somewhere else, but while I'm getting my undergrad, I just want my spirit to mature the same way the rest of me will."

She also plans to create a college and career resource center in Lakeland after receving her education.