Two first-year Engineering Vols are among UT’s four newest Peyton Manning Scholars, and recently met the scholarship namesake and benefactor in a reception honoring their achievements.

Mechanical engineering major Coleman Bain and computer science major Ariel Thompson joined the roster of 55 other UT students who have received the four-year scholarship since 1998. They are also part of UT’s Haslam Leadership Scholars program.

Both scholars have shown a high level of engagement throughout their high school careers, exhibiting the energy and promise of the Volunteer Spirit.

Bain graduated from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He participated in the Men of Virtue Youth Program as meeting leader, the First National Bank Youth Board as president, the Scholars’ Bowl as team captain, the tennis team as captain and Leadership Lincoln as president.

“I love teaching and mentoring, so I would like to continue serving in that way in the community—most likely to elementary/middle school kids in the surrounding area,” he said. “I had many mentors and teachers who dedicated so much time to educating and guiding me, so it is very meaningful for me to pay that forward.”

Thompson graduated from Middle College High School in Memphis. Her high-school activities included being president of the Technology Student Association, treasurer and secretary of the Student Government Association, president of the National Society of Black Engineers, and participating in CodeCrew with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She also participated in pre-college programs with the Tickle College of Engineering.

“My experience was very positive, with like-minded students working collaboratively with knowledge, multiple industry-leading professionals and a supportive environment,” she said. I knew then that I was at home.”

The college welcomes these stellar Vol leaders to Rocky Top.

Contact

Randall Brown, (865-974-0533, rbrown73@utk.edu)