LAHS Junior John Cawkwell is this year’s recipient of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal. He was nominated for this award by members of the science and mathematics departments, including from left, Deborah Grothaus, Michela Ombelli, Nikol Strother and Ethan Honnell. Also pictured is LAHS Principal Renee Dunwoody. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Los Alamos High School Junior John Cawkwell has been selected to receive the Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal for 2023. He was nominated for this honor by the LAHS Mathematics and Science Departments.

“John is an outstanding student and excels in everything he does,” LAHS physics teacher Deborah Grothaus said. “What’s more, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to his teachers and fellow students alike.”  

“What sets John apart from other high achieving students at LAHS, besides his natural aptitude for understanding mathematics and its applications, is his enthusiasm and positivity regarding every project he takes on,” LAHS math teacher Nikol Strother said. “John knows how to make every learning opportunity a fun one.  His joy is contagious amongst his peers. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to work with such a distinguished young academic and I wish him all the best as he pursues his passions.” 

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.

Cawkwell has completed Advanced Placement courses in Calculus, Physics and Chemistry, as well as English, US History and Spanish. He is Vice President of the Astronomy Club.

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.