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Deerfield senior looks to the future

• With a bounty of scholarships, an Albany senior looks to college.

Barbara Rivera Holmes

ALBANY — Raybun Spelts hasn’t quite had a strategic plan for her academic career, though she’s certainly had goals. Nonetheless, things are working out rather well for the Deerfield-Windsor School senior.

Most recently, the 18-year- old received the Elk’s Lodge local, district and state scholarship; her application for the national award is in review. She also received one of two Exchange Club of Albany Youth of the Year awards, one of Deerfield’s Promise Scholarships, which covers a semester’s tuition, and an award covering most of her tuition at Mercer University in Macon.

Although proud of her accomplishments, the petite brunette shies from the spotlight and insists she’s surrounded daily by equally talented pupils.

“She really does not like attention,” said her mother, Anne Spelts.

Raybun Spelts may not want all the focus, but she doesn’t apologize for her achievements.

“I’ve always tried to do my best. ... It’s a day-to-day commitment to study,” said Spelts, who attended St. Teresa’s Catholic School prior to enrolling at Deerfield. “I want to succeed.

“I guess studying so much isn’t always fun,” she admits, “but I want to look back with no regrets.”

Spelts hasn’t picked a career yet but will enter Mercer this fall as a biology student with an interest in medicine.

Two days a week she works as a pharmacy technician at The Prescription Shoppe and has shadowed several Albany doctors in an effort to narrow her preference in the medical field.

“I’ve had wonderful teachers,” said Spelts.

Spelts and her family are encouraged by the support shown by community clubs and organizations, that, together with the Mercer award, are funding the senior’s higher education.

“I’m very humbled by it and honored that all these people I don’t even know are giving me money for college,” said Raybun Spelts.

Echoed Anne Spelts, “I’m very appreciative but also awed by the fact that people within these organizations understand the cost involved in sending a student to a private university and of their willingness to help.

“Every little bit helps,” she said.

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