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RHS graduate named RIT outstanding undergrad scholar [Ruidoso News, N.M. :: ](Ruidoso News (NM) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 22--Scott Thompson, a 2010 Ruidoso High School graduate, has been named one of Rochester Institute of Technology's Outstanding Undergraduate scholars, and he took along RHS science teacher Carla Burns to celebrate the honor. Thompson, a fourth-year student in the computer engineering, bachelor of science program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering, earned the top honors by achieving the distinction of maintaining a minimum university grade-point average of 3.85 out of a possible 4.0, and by completing at least 125 quarter credit hours of study. Selection also was based on creativity of work, service on student committees, civic activities, employment and independent research. After being informed of the honor, recipients were asked to name the teacher who influenced them the most in their academic career. Thompson named Burns. "I chose to nominate Carla Burns for this honor because of her passion for teaching and the profound influence she had on my high school career," Thompson said. "I had Mrs. Burns for three advance placement classes and was a member of the Science Olympiad Team she sponsored. As each year went on, she seemed to find a way to make science more fun, exciting, and rewarding. I can't think of a teacher that is more dedicated or hardworking. There were multiple occasions I would see her working away long past five in the afternoon and encourage us students to come in on a holiday to finish a lab. She teaches because it is her passion and she is by far the best teacher I have had." Thompson's parents, Ruidoso residents Gary and Karen Thompson, echoed his sentiments. "Carla Burns taught all four of our children," Karen Thompson said. "She's always pushed them forward in their learning ability and thinking outside the box. She is the greatest science teacher in Ruidoso." To honor her, RIT flew Burns to New York for the April 10 ceremony where she was awarded with a certificate from the Distinguished Teacher Recognition Program of RIT for outstanding dedication to students in their pursuit of education. Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. For three decades, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT among the nation's leading comprehensive universities. RIT is featured in The Princeton Review's 2014 edition of The Best 378 Colleges, its Guide to 322 Green Colleges and The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2014. Each RIT scholar who received the honor was presented with a bronze medallion representing the traditional symbols for wisdom and respect -- the Athenian owl and the olive branch -- at the ceremony. Thompson, who is pursuing a BS/MS in computer engineering, has completed two internships at the Boeing Company where he worked on intelligence systems and national security programs. Thompson also completed an internship at UTC Aerospace Systems, where he worked on engine and control systems. Thompson also works for the Tech Crew at RIT, managing sound, lighting, and electronic systems for events. He is the recipient of the Nathaniel Rochester Society Scholarship and a member of the RIT Honors Program. Following graduation, Thompson said he plant to continue working in embedded hardware design and low-level software development and ultimately work for a defense contracting company or privately held space company. With just one year to go, Thompson is well on his way to achieving his goals. "We're ecstatic and very honored to see Scott's accomplishments," his parents said. Reporter Kelly Brooks can be reached at (575) 257-4001 ext. 4114. ___ (c)2014 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at www.ruidosonews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |