Cal Shelton ‘18 awarded Davis Fellowship
The award is a full-ride scholarship to Hampden-Sydney College in VA.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School senior Cal Shelton has earned a full-tuition scholarship to Hampden-Sydney College as a recipient of the prestigious Davis Fellowship.
Hampden-Sydney College is the tenth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States (established in 1775 by Patrick Henry), and is the oldest of the country's few remaining private colleges that specializes in educating and developing young men. Hampden-Sydney is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. The Wall Street Journal ranks the college among the top 10 schools for career preparation. It has an historic campus in central Virginia.
The Davis Fellowship, established by Norwood and Marguerite Davis, is awarded every other year to one member of the incoming class matriculating at Hampden-Sydney College. The Davis Fellow shows “intellectual competence, energy, competitive instincts, and passion in an area of special interest-whether that be in intellectual achievements, the arts, the sciences, student leadership positions, extracurricular activities, civic affairs, community service, or other endeavors.” Additional character traits of the Davis Fellow include having the drive and tenacity to endure hardship in pursuit of personal goals, being a competitor and risk-taker, and showing compassion for those around him, especially for those with whom he lives and works.
Shelton certainly wowed the selection committee with his character, leadership, and involvement at Rabun Gap.
In addition to being involved in a variety of athletics and working with the Admissions Office for three years as a Gap Guide, the biggest leadership role he serves in at Rabun Gap is as the Head Prefect. As Head Prefect, Shelton meets weekly with the Dean of Students and leads meetings with the other prefects, helping enforce rules as well as making the community better through student-led activities.
“I am very honored to receive the Davis Fellowship” Shelton said. “It is a scholarship only one person receives every other year, and I am thankful to everyone who helped me. I am excited for all of the leadership opportunities associated with the scholarship and am looking forward to the experience.
At Hampden-Sydney, Cal plans to study business and economics, with a possible double major in French. He aspires to earn an MBA after his years of undergraduate study.
“I believe that business and economics are fundamentally important, and a degree could open a lot of doors and provide me with a range different options,” Shelton said.
“Cal represents the best of Rabun Gap. I am so proud to see him earn the Davis Fellowship at Hampden-Sydney,” said Head of School Dr. Anthony Sgro. “Earning a full-ride scholarship to any institution is a huge accomplishment, and, at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, is remarkable, Hampden-Sydney will be a great fit for Cal. As a former professor and student at the College, I know well that he has the tools for success. I taught Cal for two years and he is bright, engaging and thoughtful. He has outstanding leadership skills. I am looking forward to seeing him excel in college and beyond.”
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
