March 17, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Donna Oracion, 575-624-7403

FIRST EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE THRIVING AT NM TECH

Ever since he began taking college algebra classes at 11-years old, Tanner Thornton has been on a fast track to a bachelor’s degree. At 15, Thornton was the first graduate of Roswell’s Early College High School (ECHS). While at ECHS, he completed 18-20 college credits each semester and graduated from the four-year early college program in just two years. “It was challenging and a lot of work keeping track of both high school and college classes,” he said. Thornton said his favorite college class was Calculus II.

In May of 2016, Thornton received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mathematics from ENMU-Roswell while on the Presidential Scholarship. He then enrolled at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (also known as NM Tech) in Socorro and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Thornton is taking 17 hours on campus this semester. Now 16 years old, he is making new friends and is enjoying his classes, which he describes as “more challenging than in high school.” His favorite class now is Ordinary Differential Equations.

Through ECHS and ENMU-Roswell, Thornton feels he was prepared well for this next stage in his college education. “But you can’t be prepared for everything, like being on your own for the first time,” he said. With most of his general education courses completed, Thornton said he is focusing now on central science classes to complete his bachelor’s degree. He then plans to pursue a master’s degree in Mechatronics Technology that combines mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.

            Currently home for spring break, Thornton isn’t sure if he will return to Roswell after the spring semester ends or take summer courses. He is also applying for other educational opportunities and plans to do some independent projects to prepare for courses in the fall.

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