Kayla Calhoun ATHENS, Ga. – Kayla Calhoun has been selected to receive the Harold and Celestia Loden Scholarship awarded by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for the 2010-2011 academic year. Each year the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences awards approximately $100,000 in scholarships to students studying in any of their 24 majors.

The Harold and Celestia Loden Scholarship was established in 1983 by members of the seed industry and the American Seed Trade Association with additional funds donated by the family and friends of Harold and Celestia Loden. Harold Loden, a graduate of the College of Agriculture, was the first director of the University of Georgia Experiment Station and began his career with The University of Georgia in 1941. Awarded to an upperclassman majoring in agronomy, horticulture or plant pathology, the Loden scholarship is among the most prestigious scholarships in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences with selection based on merit and high academic standing, excellent character and leadership.

Calhoun is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in environmental economics and management. She participates in several student activities including Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority, International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences, Volunteer UGA and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, Calhoun takes an active role in several community and philanthropic events such as Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and volunteered for Voter Registration. In the future, Calhoun hopes to “assist farmers and rural communities in conservation efforts, particularly soil and water issues”.

Calhoun is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Calhoun of Colquitt and the valedictorian for the MCHS Class of 2007.