A recent Tamaqua Area High School graduate was honored by the Rochester Institute of Technology, then turned the spotlight on one of her high school teachers.

Melody Kelly was presented with an RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship Award and was asked if there was a high school teacher she considered to be the "best," a teacher who serves as a role model for others. She did, nominating Mrs. Lori Remmel, noting Remmel was an inspiration, a teacher "who remains inspired, is attuned to the needs and abilities of her students and continually challenges and guides them."Kelly maintains a 3.85 or better grade-point average at RIT and has completed a minimum of 83 credit hours of study. Other factors in selecting the scholarship winners are creativity, student service, civic activities, employment and independent research. The Tamaqua graduate is pursuing a bachelor's degree in new media interactive software. She was the winner of the 2014 RIT Business Model Competition.She wrote an essay about Remmel, noting her "classes are an oasis for creative minds. She bubbles with creativity, turning any idea on its side for you to reimagine. She pushes her students further."Both women were honored at a reception, dinner and awards ceremony on April 16 in Rochester, New York.