ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — A Spotswood High School senior has received a full merit scholarship to the University of Virginia.

Kolin Dean was named one of 19 recipients of the Walentas Scholarship offered through UVA’s Jefferson Scholars Foundation. Kolin is the first student from Rockingham County Public Schools to receive the honor, which covers the full cost of attendance at UVA.

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. Candidates undergo a rigorous multi-stage selection process, including regional and final interviews.

Kolin was nominated by Spotswood High School for his outstanding achievements and exceptional potential. Officials say that throughout his high school career, Kolin 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 the Spotswood High School debate team, which won the state championship. He also placed fourth individually in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate competition. Kolin is an active member of the Social Studies Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Relay for Life.

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.

Kolin 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.

Kolin will join a cohort of 153 current scholars and more than 1,000 alumni who have benefited from the program. In addition to tuition, Walentas Scholars receive support for study abroad, leadership development, and career networking.

RCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett shared, “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.”

For more information on the Jefferson Scholars Foundation or to learn more about the Walentas Scholarship, visit https://www.jeffersonscholars.org.