David J. Dutton
David Dutton, a Morrisville resident, is an example of how hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
Dutton, 20, graduated from Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) in May 2008 with an associate degree in liberal arts with a fine arts specialization. He maintained a consistent cumulative grade point average of 4.0 for all four semesters that he attended LFCC.
Because of his academic achievements and community service, David received various awards and honors, including LFCC's Outstanding Graduate in Fine Arts award, Phi Theta Kappa's (PTK) Distinguished Member Award on the regional and international level and the Virginia Community College System Student Showcase Award. He was also named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and PTK's 2008 All-Virginia Academic Team and the First Virginia Team.
Dutton has overcome numerous challenges in his life. He was born profoundly deaf and had limited exposure to extracurricular opportunities for many years due to his family situation and other factors. Seven years ago, by chance, Dutton met Jim Baird at the Warrenton Caboose open house and a connection was made. Baird became Dutton's mentor and biggest hero.
"He literally changed me into who I have become today, and I am forever in debt to his loving care and guidance," Dutton said.
LFCC was an ideal choice for Dutton, because he had no financial support. "The scholarships that I received through the LFCC Educational Foundation [Inc.] made my higher education possible and made the difference between attending LFCC and not attending," he said. "The scholarships empowered me to strengthen my self confidence, both as a successful scholar and as a positive contributor to my community."
While attending LFCC, Dutton was a member of PTK and the Student Ambassadors Club. He also served as an officer in LFCC's Student Government Association.
Also while at LFCC, David volunteered at Walkersville Southern, the full-size tourist railroad in Walkersville, Md. The railroad's chief training instructor certified him as a Federal Railroad Administration General Employee and Brakemen Training Instructor for Walkersville Southern. Dutton's extensive volunteer work has included helping in the restoration of historic railroad passenger cars, a three-ton stationary steam engine and an old rivet machine at Walkersville Southern. He also volunteered in the railroad's museum.
In 2008, Dutton was selected to receive a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship is designed to help community college students with exceptional promise and demonstrated financial need make the transition to four-year colleges and universities. He is LFCC's first student to receive this scholarship.
Even though Dutton has already accomplished so much, as he looks toward the future, one thing matters most to him. "How I can make a difference in someone's life."
