David Dutton

David Dutton, a Morrisville resident, is an example of how hard work and perseverance can lead to success.

Dutton, 20, is graduating from Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) in May with an associate degree in liberal arts with a fine arts specialization. He has maintained a consistent cumulative grade point average of 4.0 for all four semesters that he has attended LFCC.

Because of his academic achievements and community service, Dutton has 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.
“My two years at LFCC have increased my desire, not only for scholastic achievement, but also for higher education and going above and beyond,” Dutton said.

After graduating from LFCC, he plans to transfer to the University of Mary Washington to study historical preservation and pursue an internship with the Smithsonian Institution. He eventually wants to become a conservator for a museum.

“One thing that pushes me to pursue this career goal is my desire to preserve our history in an age where the past seems irrelevant,” Dutton said. “By preserving the past, we can experience history firsthand and better understand the changes that have shaped humanity today.”

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.

Dutton volunteers 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 volunteers in the railroad’s museum.

As Dutton looks toward the future, one thing matters most to him. “How I can make a difference in someone’s life.”