Montanucci family memorializes inspirational daughter with WNC scholarship

Courtesy of Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

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.

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

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

“We are grateful to Michael Robbins, owner of Hanifin’s Arts and Antiques, for starting this scholarship and pleased that the WNC Foundation could assist in making this an ongoing scholarship,” said WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys. “While attending Western Nevada College, Fallon was awarded WNC Foundation scholarships. So, it’s very meaningful to us to be able to award this scholarship in her name.”

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.

“With diligence and routine, I taught Fallon and her sisters that education was their priority in life, like a job,” Paula said. “I don’t want my daughter’s values and part of what helped shape her into the exemplary young woman she became through her education and perseverance to ever be forgotten! My hope through retaining this scholarship program to help to form young people to become just as amazing and accomplished as my daughter was!”

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 United States Air Force (USAF), which stationed her at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Cascade County, Mont. The Airman First Class was assigned to Security Forces.

While attending WNC, Fallon worked two jobs, and earned WNC Foundation scholarships to help pay for her education.

“She was a preschool teacher in Gardnerville and worked at the college taking notes in classes for students who were unable to do it themselves,” Paula said. “So, essentially, she was going to school more than full time. She truly loved it. Fallon was able to meet peers with like minds and found WNC to be a charming experience. It enabled her to take her next steps to higher 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 SNHU (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 couldn’t understand why her peers were not taking advantage of enrolling in education to better themselves so she assisted to sign anyone up who was interested or who she encouraged to become interested!” Paula said. “She helped many to see the benefit in educating themselves and reaching their highest potential.”

Fallon’s concern and compassion for the welfare of others shined through when she launched a USAF scholarship program with Utah State University. “Her sergeants and commanders worked closely with her as they saw the integrity and drive of Fallon and believed in her endeavor,” Paula said.

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

“She went above and beyond in everything she set her mind to!” Paula said. “She accomplished things no airman had done in 20 years. She commanded the attention of everyone, just by being herself.”

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.

“Fallon was not able to witness, but would be so incredibly proud that her little guys did not only win locally but won overall in the entire state of Montana!” Paula said.

Imagine how much more good Fallon could have done in a normal life span. 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.

“We are deeply saddened by the Montanucci family’s loss of their daughter who was an outstanding student and graduate of WNC. This scholarship holds a special place in our hearts and will carry forward the spirit and initiative of Fallon Montanucci,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.

For information on scholarship opportunities through WNC Foundation, phone 775-445-3240 or email foundation@wnc.edu.