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The Webb School Announces Recipients of the Johnson-Fort Endowed Travel Scholarship
Megan Winnicker

The Webb School is proud to announce the 2025–26 recipients of its Johnson-Fort Endowed Travel Scholarship. This prestigious award—generously established by Jeff Whorley '79, a current Board of Trustees member—honors the memory and legacy of two of his favorite Webb teachers, and aims to provide students with transformative educational travel opportunities beyond the classroom.

This year’s recipients, who will be traveling to Costa Rica, are:

Portrait of Kaleb King

Kaleb King, a 9th grader (Class of 2029) from Bell Buckle, Tenn.

Kaleb, now entering his third year of Spanish studies, is eager to refine his fluency and pronunciation through daily interactions with native speakers. He is particularly looking forward to volunteering as a means of honoring his teachers and to gaining a deeper understanding of the "Pura Vida" lifestyle and traditions.

 

Portrait of Nola Martin

Nola Martin, an 11th grader (Class of 2027) from Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Since beginning her Spanish journey in Webb's Passport Program, Nola has sought a deeper, more authentic connection to Hispanic culture. Her trip will focus on "going local"—seeking out genuine community interactions and homemade traditions over typical tourist attractions to gain a true, unfiltered understanding of Costa Rican life.

 

The scholarship selection process was conducted through a blind review of applications, ensuring that decisions were based solely on the merit and potential impact of the students' proposed journeys.

“We are incredibly impressed by the intentionality Kaleb and Nola brought to their applications this year,” said Jonathon Hawkins P '21, Director of Alumni and Development. “Both students have expressed a desire not just to see a new place, but to be truly changed by it, whether through community service or seeking out authentic, local connections. Their commitment to stepping outside their comfort zones perfectly captures the spirit of the Johnson-Fort Scholarship.”

The Webb School extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Whorley for his vision and continued generosity in creating this scholarship, which remains a cornerstone of the School’s commitment to global citizenship.

For more information about the Johnson-Fort Endowed Travel Scholarship or The Webb School’s commitment to educational excellence, please contact Mr. Hawkins via email at jhawkins@webbschool.com or by phone at (931) 389-5769.