April 14, 2008

Cowley's Immanuel Thompson named Arkansas City's Outstanding Student

One month after being named Cowley College’s March Student of the Month, freshman Immanuel “Manny” Thompson received even larger recognition by being selected as Arkansas City’s Outstanding Student Thursday night in the college’s Earle N. Wright Community Room.

“When I found out I won I was kind of surprised because there were a lot of great students nominated for it,” Thompson said.

Thompson, son of Brenda Thompson, is a Sports Medicine major from Wichita. He has two younger brothers, Gary 18, and Garrett 13. He is currently taking 25 hours of classes at Cowley, but still manages to be involved in Student Government, Multicultural Scholars Program, Black Student Union, IMPACT, Cowley Crazies, PAWS, and Student Athletic Training. 

“My mother serves as my motivation, while the awards and recognition are motivation as well,” Thompson said. ‘This will help keep me going to finish the year on top.”

Thompson received a plaque and a cash prize of $100 for being named Arkansas City’s Outstanding Student.

Fellow Cowley College students Jancye Sturd and Will Brantley were among the nine finalists for the award. Other finalists were, Colby Watters, Wes Brantley and Spencer Venus from the middle school; and, Siera Lungren, Jonathan Wallace and Sarah Martin from the high school.

Former Arkansas City Mayor Bud Shelton helped create the award in 1984.

“The leaders of our community, the leaders of our country and our state are in this age group right now,” Shelton said. “My goal is to see that we honor these people.”

To top off the weekend, Thompson an accomplished boxer, won the Regional Golden Gloves Championships held in Hutchinson. He knocked out his first opponent before winning by decision in the title fight.

By winning the Regional Tournament, Thompson qualified to compete at the 2008 National Golden Gloves Championships May 5-10 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

“I am going there hoping for the best,” Thompson said. “I can’t wait.”

Thompson and the other competitors will get an opportunity to meet professional boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. at the national tournament. Mayweather, Jr. has a professional record of 39-0 and has won six world boxing championships in five different weight classes.