Castleton University student Weslee Thompson has been named the recipient of the 2019 statewide Vermont Educational Opportunity Programs (VEOP) Student Support Services Scholarship. Thompson, a junior from Wells, Vermont, will receive $1,000 toward his educational expenses.
Scholarship committee members cited Thompson's exceptional work ethic and academic record. He works full-time as a shift supervisor at McDonald's while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A. as a double major in Psychology and Health Science. He is also a writing tutor at Castleton's Academic Support Center. Previously, Thompson has served as a psychology and anatomy and physiology tutor. Last summer, he assisted Psychology Professor Greg Engel with genetic research and completed an internship at Back on Track Physical Therapy in Rutland.
After graduation, Weslee plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in physical therapy. He is especially interested in rehabilitating injured veterans.
"I'd like to help those who've served get back to their lives," he said.
During his time at Castleton, Thompson has made an excellent impression on faculty and staff.
"I feel immensely lucky to have known Weslee as a student and an employee," said Doe Dahm, writing specialist and adjunct professor of English. "It's rare to find a student with his level of personal and intellectual maturity. He's ready to enter the professional world."
This year, VEOP awarded six $1,000 scholarships to students in Vermont's TRIO and Gear Up programs. These federally funded programs help teens and adults from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their educational goals. Vermont's programs include Upward Bound, Gear Up, Talent Search, Student Support Services, McNair Scholars, and Educational Opportunity Centers. Student Support Services programs like Castleton's help first-generation college students, students from low-income families, and students with disabilities succeed in college.
About Castleton University
Castleton University is small enough to be a community where every student matters, yet offers more than 75 programs of study for undergraduate and graduate students, 28 varsity sports, and over 50 clubs and organizations. The university stresses experiential learning through internships, community service and research opportunities provided by more than 400 community partnerships.