Dr. Ron Thomas Award

Dr. Thomas established the Middle Years Program at MPHS in 1994, which was the first in the state of North Carolina. He also established Myers Park as the first public high school to offer the Diploma Program, which he proudly led until his retirement in 2019. Dr. Thomas was highly regarded by fellow IB coordinators and loved serving students who were passionate about the world.

Students in the IB Diploma Programme are invited to apply for the Dr. Ron Thomas Award in late winter of their junior year.

2024-25 Application Schedule

• Students notified through TOK classes: Week of February 24

• Applications open: Monday, March 3 (application is available in Managebac)

• Applications due: Friday, March 28

• Interviews for a selected group of students: After spring break

• Winner announced: Week of May 12th

*Note: In prior years, this award has been given in the form of a scholarship to a senior enrolled in the Diploma Program. This year, a non-monetary award will be presented to a DP junior.

Essay Prompts:
1. Dr. Thomas was inquisitive, and that was the IB learner trait most important to him. Please tell us how you will be inquisitive in your next educational stage. (max 250 words)

2. The IB Programme encourages students to be globally aware. Please tell us about a time or experience when you were thinking or acting globally. (max 250 words)