From left are Joshua Thomas, Jordan Thomas and Jordan Lane.
May 2, 2018
By Bob Fowler
Roane State staff writer
When it comes to solving tough math questions, this trio of valedictorians had a successful game plan.
Twice a week, twins Jordan and Joshua Thomas got together at the Morgan County campus of Roane State with long-time friend Jordan Layne.
There, Layne served as an informal tutor. He and the twins combined their brain powers to work through complex Calculus II and matrix algebra problems. “If I didn’t come here and do that homework, it might not get done,” Jordan Thomas said.
The tutoring sessions paid off in academic performance, the three friends agree. Their expertise in math apparently comes naturally. “I’ve always been good at math,” Jordan Thomas said.
They all graduated as valedictorians from Wartburg Central High School and have similar plans: transfer to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville and obtain bachelor’s degrees.
The twins, sons of Todd and Sharon Thomas, are interested in earning degrees in electrical engineering. Layne, the son of Rusty and Tracy Layne, said he’d like to pursue a mechanical engineering degree. They are all 19 years old and have been good friends since middle school.
They praised Roane State associate professor Eric Bouldin, saying he’s an inspiring math instructor, both in person and online.
Jordan Thomas said he opted for Roane State’s Morgan County campus because it’s close to home, and Tennessee Promise made it economical. Joshua Thomas said he was in the college’s dual enrollment program while at Wartburg Central and obtained college credits while still in high school.
The three valedictorians agree they’re receiving “very good educations” at Roane State.
To learn more about Roane State’s Morgan County campus, visit roanestate.edu/morgan or call (423) 346-8700
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