Newsome Melton Law of Orlando, Fla., is proud to award its Spring 2019 Student Leadership Scholarship to Clayton Faulkner, a master’s of divinity student from Sugarland, Texas.
Faulkner, 38, is a distance student at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is also a pastoral ministry candidate in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. His essay was precise and almost a primer on good leadership.
“The quality and success of an organization or team often rises and falls with its leadership,’’ he wrote in his essay. “Leaders do three things well. Leaders listen, love and serve.”
Faulkner said that his two most influential leaders are Jesus Christ and his father. His father is a small business owner in a small town in Texas. He also is a community leader.
In a recent interview, he abashedly said it was a cliché for a minister to list Christ as his most influential leader, but he really does admire the way Christ led. And, also he is heartened that Christ’s leadership left room for self-compassion.
“Even Jesus didn’t get all 12,’’ he said, referring to the 12 apostles and the betrayal by one. “It’s helpful to remember that no one is perfect.”
Faulkner and his wife, Kate, have two sons who are adopted from Ethiopia.
Watch Clayton’s Video Interview
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Newsome Melton Law founders are committed to awarding $1,500 twice a year in order to support students and future leaders.
“We hope the recipients of this scholarship continue to build their leadership abilities and get an education that gives them the knowledge and experience to do great things in their life,” said attorney and co-founder Frank Melton.
Co-founder attorney Rich Newsome, described student leaders this way: “A student leader is somebody who assumes responsibility to make change in their school or community. Student leaders build teams, inspire others, and model exemplary conduct.”
Eligible students must have a 3.0 GPA or above, be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university and complete a specific essay. Faulkner, who has a 4.0 GPA, chose to respond to the question: “What is the role of a leader?”
Newsome Melton is a civil law firm with clients from all walks of life. Our attorneys are passionate about protecting our clients and community. Our clients have been awarded more than $584.6 million dollars.
For more information on our scholarship winner or firm, please contact us at (888) 808-5977.