Augusta Prep senior shines in school, community

One Augusta Preparatory Day School senior is another step closer to having at least a portion of her college education funded.

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Kathryn Hamilton Peacock, of Augusta, has been nominated to compete in the national Principal's Leadership Award scholarship program with 100 national winners chosen this spring to receive a college scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $12,000.

"Kathryn is a young lady of enormous substance, intellect, grace and generosity," said Augusta Prep's Head of Upper School Jan Hicks, who nominated Kathryn for the honor. "She excels academically with a very rigorous and heavy academic class load, but she makes time to give of herself at school and in the community."

High school principals from across the country were invited to nominate one of their student leaders. Nominees were selected on the basis of leadership skill, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experiences and academic record. Students were required to write an essay.

Kathryn said her essay was written about someone from her church who she feels epitomizes a good leader.

"Mrs. (Kathy) McVeigh used to be one of my youth directors," said Kathryn, the daughter of Richard and Angelyn Peacock. "If I could be like anybody in the world, I'd be like her."

McVeigh, a youth director at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, exemplifies encouragement, positivity, patience, honesty and humility, Kathryn said.

"It's never showy, either," she said.

While at Augusta Prep, Kathryn has been a multisport athlete, earning eight varsity letters in cross country, swimming and tennis. She was inducted into the National Honor Society at the end of her sophomore year, serving as vice president of the school's society last year and president this year. She serves as her class representative on Student Council and co-president of the APDS Service Club.

Kathryn, who has participated as a member of the girls' trio in Georgia State Literacy, is passionate about singing. She also is passionate about helping others and has volunteered at Golden Harvest Food Bank and Augusta Urban Ministries through her school's Service Club.

"Every year, the nominees for the Principal's Leadership Award are just phenomenal, and Peacock is no different," said Gerald N. Tirozzi, the executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, a sponsor of the scholarship program which is funded by Herff Jones Inc. "Peacock is an excellent example of what a true leader embodies and deserves to be commended for her excellence in the classroom and community."

Kathryn plans to attend Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., in the fall and is considering studying medicine.

"I've always wanted to help people and thought that would be a way I could," said Kathryn, who will go on a mission trip to Honduras in May as part of her senior project.

"She's a natural leader who will earn great distinction at any university in the nation," Hicks said.