Shoreline student named 2026 Davidson Fellow

Khaos Kook named Davidson Fellow

Khaos Kook, 18, of Shoreline has been named a 2026 Davidson Fellow, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for students 18 and younger. The award includes a $25,000 Scholarship for Music.

Motivated by a serious head injury that forced him to reconsider his identity as a musician, Kook explored how musicians and newcomers can remain deeply engaged with music through listening, historical research, score study, scientific inquiry, teaching, advocacy and other forms of participation. 

Drawing on his own recovery, Kook also developed an evidence-based return-to-instrument protocol designed to provide structured support for musicians returning to their instruments after a concussion.

“Being named a Davidson Fellow in Music is especially meaningful to me because my work was born from a period of my life when a serious head injury left me without access to classical music,” Kook said.

“The fellowship provides valuable affirmation that adversity can be turned into a powerful source of inquiry.”

Kook has been invited to solo with six different orchestras across the U.S. and Europe.

More information about Kook here

About the Davidson Institute

Founded by Bob Davidson in 1999, the Davidson Institute recognizes, nurtures and supports profoundly intelligent young people and provides opportunities for them to develop their talents to make a positive difference. The Institute offers support through a number of programs and services, including the Davidson Fellows Scholarship and the Davidson Academy of Nevada.