We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of OC Sophia Whelan D24, who has recently been made a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) at just 18 years old, making her one of the youngest individuals ever to receive this prestigious honour.

Since leaving Canford, Sophia has embraced university life with her signature energy and enthusiasm. At UCL, she was selected as the 1st Year Anthropology Representative, leads the UCL Model United Nations programme, and has been promoted to a senior officer role in the University Royal Navy Unit (URNU) London. Her involvement with URNU has already seen her serve as part of a guard of honour and be introduced to Queen Camilla and the Princess Royal. These achievements are just a handful of the many activities she continues to pursue as she balances a packed and purposeful schedule.

The crowning achievement so far has been her selection from thousands of applicants to receive a bursary and join the RSA Fellowship. Now officially titled Sophia Whelan FRSA, she joins a global community of changemakers working to enrich society through ideas and action.

Reflecting on this milestone, Sophia said: “It’s been incredible receiving the honour, and I would love to connect with any other OCs who might also be Fellows of the RSA.”

Congratulations Sophia, we look forward to seeing the impact you make!