UGA Student Uses Scholarship to Fund Study in Music PR

Jan 28, 2026

By Katharine Jefcoats

Callista Hamilton was a teenager in Wayne County, Ga., when Covid struck the world.

The epidemic significantly affected her outlook on life and goals.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, I faced many changes and losses of family members, and I truly believe that those years shaped me into who I am today,” she said. “I learned to cherish the present moment and always put 100% into everything.”

Callista and her father, Jesup police Chief Christopher Hamilton, at graduation

Fast forward to 2025 and Callista is a student at UGA in Athens where she is pursuing a degree in advertising at the Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

“My plans and goals for my career are to work in the media and entertainment industry of advertising,” said Callista. “This includes getting my music business certificate from Terry College of Business at UGA.”

Helping her along the way is a PBF scholarship, made possible by her father’s PBA membership and his career as a law enforcement officer.

Callista and her father, Jesup police Chief Christopher Hamilton, celebrating her senior year

She is one of 20 students awarded the 2025 scholarship across PBA’s 11 divisions. Her father, who has 16 years of LEO experience, is Jesup (Ga.) police Chief Christopher Hamilton. He first served 12 years in the Navy.

“I chose law enforcement because I believe it embodies values such as role modeling, professionalism and integrity,” said the chief. “Additionally, I was drawn to the component of being able to help people.”

Chief Hamilton said he believes in the leadership and mentoring aspects his position provides.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is witnessing young officers grow and develop as they serve the community,” he said. “I believe in second chances, and it's fulfilling to see someone rise from their lowest point to become a positive contributor to society. It’s a great feeling knowing I played a part in that.”

Callista’s high school activities mirror her dad’s dedication to community and leadership.

Callista and her father, Jesup police Chief Christopher Hamilton, after a tennis match

“I participated in varsity tennis all four years of high school, Beta Club, Student Council, Drama Club, Anchored Junior Board, Student Advisory Board, Student Chamber, Youth Leadership Wayne, piano and guitar lessons,” she said.

“I volunteered many times as a volunteer tennis coach for elementary aged students,” continued Callista. “I also served in my community at events such as Trunk-Or-Treat. My main volunteer activity was working with my school’s mental health board and creating the Coping Card, a free card that promoted coping strategies for high school students.” 

Over her high school career, Callista tutored in math and gave tennis lessons to elementary and middle school students. 

She said she feels “blessed” to be awarded the PBF scholarship.

“I feel extremely blessed and privileged to receive a PBF scholarship since not many students get such an opportunity,” Callista said. “I feel like it represents both my parents and my own hard work.”

President R.J. Fernandes (r) of the Atlantic Chapter of the PBA of GA presents a check to Callista Hamilton. With them is her dad, Christopher. Callista is from Jesup, Ga., and attends the University of Georgia.

She also collected several accolades, including the Graduate of Excellence, the 1100 Club, the Georgia Certificate of Merit, AP Scholar, Honor Graduate, 16/320 students in her class, the Tennis Leadership Award and the Yellow Jacket Tennis Award. 

Callista’s loyalty to family is evident as she describes her greatest influences.

“I consider my parents and siblings mentors for me, since they taught me about the outcomes of kindness, hard work and preserving,” she said.

Callista, a proud UGA student

However, having a father in the dangerous career of policing sometimes worried Callista as a child – and carries over into adulthood.

“There were many moments that I was anxious about my dad having such a dangerous job, and sometimes the fear creeps into the present moments,” she said.

But she has fond memories of having fun with her dad.

“Being raised by my dad in law enforcement led me to having a very fun and informational childhood,” Callista said. “My dad stayed on top of his job, while also teaching me about the highlights of it while growing up. As a child, he allowed me to sit in the back of the police car and visit the police department.”