My name is Christian Wilbon, and I am reaching out to you today with a heart full of gratitude and a big dream.

As a recent graduate of Westlake High School, I am incredibly proud to share that I have been recruited to run Track and Field for Columbia University in New York City! This is a milestone for my family and my community, as I am the first athlete in Westlake’s history to be recruited by an Ivy League institution.

During my time in Waldorf, I gave my all to my school and my sport:

* Academic Excellence:Graduated with a 5.0 GPA and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

* Athletic Success: Earned over 300 medals, was a 4-time Maryland State Champion, and a 16-time AAU All-American.

* Career Goals: Beyond the track, I am pursuing a degree in Biology on my path to becoming a Dermatologist.

While I was honored to receive over $1.7 million in scholarship offers from 30 other Division 1 schools (including LSU and Ohio State), I chose Columbia because of its world-class academic reputation and the opportunity it provides for my future career in medicine.

The Challenge:

The Ivy League does not offer athletic scholarships. While this is the opportunity of a lifetime, the financial burden is significant. The estimated cost for my freshman year is nearly $97,000, covering tuition, books, room and board, and the necessary travel between Maryland and New York.

How You Can Help:

I am asking for your support to help bridge this gap so I can focus on my rigorous pre-med studies and my training for the 2028 Olympic Trials. Your donations will go directly toward:

* Tuition and Fees

* On-Campus Room & Board

* Required Textbooks and Lab Materials

* Travel Expenses to and from Columbia University

No contribution is too small. Whether it is $5 or $50, your support tells me that my community stands behind me. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this link with your network.

Thank you for believing in me and for helping a kid from Waldorf make his mark on the world.

With pride and determination,

Christian Wilbon

Westlake High School Class of 2025

Columbia University Class of 2029

2026-2027 Estimated Budget Breakdown

The following figures are based on official Columbia University undergraduate estimates. 

2025-2026 Estimated Budget Breakdown

The following figures are based on official Columbia University undergraduate estimates.:

Expense Category Estimated Annual Cost Description

Tuition $70,170 Flat rate for full-time enrollment.

Mandatory Fees $4,010 Includes health, facility, and student activity fees.

Housing (On-Campus) $11,900 Standard double room in a residence hall.

Food (Meal Plan) $6,780 Full dining plan for the academic year.

Books & Supplies $1,282 Average cost for textbooks and lab materials.

Personal Expenses $1,804 Clothing, laundry, and daily essentials.

Travel & Transport $1,044+ Local transit and travel between MD and NYC.

Total Annual Budget $96,990 Estimated total for one academic year