Phoebus High Student wins $30,000 Harry F. Byrd Jr. Leadership Scholarship

Kaleb Lucas, a senior at Phoebus High School, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Harry F. Byrd Jr. Leadership Award for Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District, earning a $30,000 scholarship.

 

One student from each of Virginia’s 11 congressional districts is chosen for the award, which recognizes academic achievement, strength of character, leadership qualities, and devotion to duty. This year’s selection process began with approximately 300 applicants statewide. After the pool was narrowed to three finalists from each district, candidates participated in interviews with an 11-member selection committee before the final honoree was chosen.

 

Lucas is the first student to represent Hampton City Schools since 2022 and only the second student from Phoebus High School to receive the honor since 1997.

 

He is an accomplished student leader with passions for music, politics, and service. He serves as drum major, academy ambassador, and is in his second year as the student representative to the Hampton City School Board. Elected as the 2026 Virginia Youth in Government Association Model General Assembly Attorney General, Kaleb has also been recognized as a Hampton Roads “Top 20 Under Twenty” honoree and National Guide Right High School Student of the Year. He plans to attend an HBCU to study political science and pursue a career in law and politics.

 

“Phoebus High School is extremely proud of Kaleb for his achievement,” said Dr. David Coccoli, executive principal of Phoebus High School. “He truly exemplifies our purpose of greatness, every day in every way.”

 

Lucas expressed gratitude for the support he has received as he prepares to continue his journey into postsecondary education.