From left, Rotarian Karen Easton, LAHS Richard Thompson, and LAHS orchestra director Michelle Rosette. Photo by Kurt SchoenbergROTARY News:
Los Alamos High School junior Richard Thompson, Jr. was honored recently by the Rotary Club of Los Alamos as a Distinguished Student of Service. Thompson is the son of Darla and Richard Thompson.
Each school year, the Rotary Club of Los Alamos selects nine high school juniors to honor as a Distinguished Student of Service. Juniors are recognized in hopes of inspiring their interest in Rotary programs that fall during the summer following junior year. Students are nominated by their teachers and chosen on the basis of their academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, and, in particular, their service to the community.
Thompson is involved in many community services, activities, and athletics and maintains a high GPA. Los Alamos High School cross-country coach Rob Hipwood, who nominated Thompson for the recognition, described Thompson, who has lettered in varsity cross-country, as a student who “positively contributes to the team by mentoring younger athletes through encouragement and kindness.”
LAHS orchestra director Michelle Rosette added that Thompson has an “innate sense of service; going out of his way to treat fellow students with kindness and respect, helping others before they even have to ask. He demonstrates outstanding leadership traits.”
Thompson, a violinist, is a member of the LAHS Concert Orchestra and was recently selected to participate with the North Central Honor Orchestra. He is also a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), on the drill team, and participates in many community service events performing in color guard. Thompson is an active member of the Boys Scouts of America and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He has led younger scouts in becoming members of the Order of the Arrow, an honor society that is committed to serving others.
In an essay about one of the challenges facing today’s youth, Thompson identified lack of physical activity which leads to difficulty in becoming able and engaged members of our community. He uses his community service opportunities to encourage youth, older and younger, to become physically active.
Thompson was joined at the luncheon by his parents and teacher Michelle Rosette.
