ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) – A Spotswood High School senior has been named a recipient of the Walentas Scholarship, a full merit scholarship offered through the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholars Foundation.
Kolin Dean is one of 19 students nationwide to receive this scholarship, and he’s the first from Rockingham County Public Schools. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at UVA and provides support for study abroad, leadership development, and career networking.
To be considered for the Walentas Scholarship, students must be the first in their families to attend college and demonstrate exceptional leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
According to a release from RCPS, candidates undergo a rigorous multi-stage selection process, including regional and final interviews.
Spotswood High School nominated Kolin noting how he has distinguished himself through academic excellence, innovative research, leadership, and meaningful service to his school and community.
He is currently enrolled in the Massanutten Regional Governor’s School, where he has pursued advanced coursework in science, technology, and humanities.
As part of a two-year research project, Kolin developed a prototype for a smartphone application and monitoring system that uses personal health data and vital signs to help predict a diagnosis of diabetes.
Kolin is also a member of Spotswood’s debate team, an active member of the Social Studies Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Relay for Life.
The press release states that over the course of his high school years, Kolin has volunteered at local assisted living facilities, worked with a local fire department, contributing to both fundraising and firefighting efforts, and has also served his community as a volunteer EMT.
He also helped establish a new Partners Club at Spotswood High School, a peer buddy program designed to foster inclusion and meaningful relationships between general education and special education students.
In addition, Kolin was a member of the Envirothon team through Massanutten Regional Governor’s School that advanced to the state-level competition.
Kolin will join a cohort of 153 current scholars and more than 1,000 alumni who have benefited from the program.
“Kolin’s accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and the support of his teachers, family, and school community. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone,” RCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett said.
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