Los Alamos High School junior Kamaya Ronning has been awarded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal for 2021. Courtesy photo
LAHS NEWS
Kamaya Ronning, a junior at Los Alamos High School, has been awarded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal for 2021. She was selected for this honor by the LAHS mathematics and science departments.
“At LAHS, we are very fortunate to have an abundance of mathematically talented students. This makes our decision very difficult,” explained Nikol Strother, math department chair and AP Calculus teacher. “What sets Kamaya apart from other high achieving students is her willingness to take risks that will satisfy both her intellectual curiosities and personal endeavors. Kamaya is not one to follow the crowd. She will do what she knows in her heart is right, despite any adversity she may face as a result. She has distinguished herself in and out of the classroom.”
For more than 100 years, Rensselaer, in conjunction with high schools around the world, has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.
The Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Kamaya has completed Advanced Placement courses in AP Calculus AB and BC, Physics, and Chemistry. She is also a member of the LAHS cross country, track and field, and swim teams.
“Kamaya is one of the hardest working students I’ve ever had,” added Physics teacher Deborah Grothaus. “Her no-nonsense attitude and superb work ethic makes her a great role model for her peers. Even better, she’s also a lot of fun to have in class! Congratulations, Kamaya!”
Each year, participating high schools nominate one outstanding math and science student in the junior class to be honored with the Rensselaer Medal Award. If the student applies to Rensselaer, is accepted, and enrolls, the official Rensselaer Medallion will be presented during an Honors Convocation in the fall of the first year at Rensselaer. The merit scholarship, with a value of $30,000 per year, is guaranteed for four years for each Medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer.