RMS Graduate Accepted into the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. Program
Recently, Rowntree Montessori Schools’ (RMS) Director of Marketing and Admissions, Natalie Dalzell, sat down with Rowntree Alumnus, Zayne Thawer. Zayne recently graduated from the University of Toronto with an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, and was just accepted into the Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering program at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Zayne attended Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Academy Campus from kindergarten to Grade 8 and was a member of our graduating class of 2012. We are so proud of Zayne and his incredible accomplishments! Zayne is truly a 21st Century “renaissance man”: Aerospace engineering, staunch STEM student, and baseball pitcher!
One of the most common questions that we receive from prospective parents is what differentiates our school from public school and other private schools and what the benefits are of a private school education over a public school education. There is no better way for us to describe how RMS can help your child reach their full potential than by sharing our alumni’s personal success stories. For a great interview with RMS Alumnus, Zayne Thawer, his RMS journey, and all of his wonderful experiences, please take the time to read this heart-warming article.
Zayne, after graduating from RMS, did you continue in private high school or public high school?
Zayne: I continued my highschool education in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.
Can you describe how you believe RMS prepared you for high school and/or college/university?
RMS prepared me for high school in a big way from an academic perspective. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme that I joined in Grade 9 was a very rigorous, challenging program that I managed to seamlessly transition to largely because of my RMS background. The quality of teaching, coupled with the tremendous work ethic instilled by Rowntree, was a huge boost when starting in the IB Programme as I was well-prepared for the influx of homework, assignments, and general schoolwork. I have built on that foundation ever since, and it played a huge role in helping me through the Engineering Science program at the University of Toronto and reach where I am today.
That’s wonderful to hear. Do you remember what your favourite class was at RMS?
Zayne: That’s easy, Physical Education.
What were your favourite extracurricular activities?
Zayne: I had many! I was a pretty active kid. I loved participating on RMS’ Basketball team, ball hockey team, flag football team, soccer team, track and field team, Model UN, GAUSS, and CNML.
Would you recommend RMS to future students?
Zayne: Most definitely! RMS provides an intellectually stimulating environment that is quite frankly unparalleled in preparing young students to succeed in secondary school education and beyond.
If you could give one piece of advice to future RMS students, what would it be?
Zayne: My one piece of advice would be to make the most of the opportunities you are fortunate to receive by attending RMS. The teachers and staff here really care about their students and want to help you succeed in all facets of your life, so make the most of that.
Would you share your favourite RMS memory?
Zayne: For sure! Although I have many great memories from my time with RMS, my favourite one is my grade 8 graduation since it was the culmination of a decade I spent with the school. I really enjoyed the chance to celebrate that milestone with friends I had known for most of my life. I was also honoured to represent my classmates as their Valedictorian and receive multiple awards in front of my peers, teachers, and family.
Zayne, did you always know that you wanted to be an Aerospace Engineer? If so, how did RMS prepare you for this career?
I am very fortunate to say that, yes, I have always known that I wanted to be an aerospace engineer. RMS prepared me for this career by jump starting my academic abilities and guiding me towards a path of higher education. Due to the incredible preparation I underwent at RMS, I was able to enter and flourish within the IB Programme, which in turn led me to the top engineering program and university in Canada, and now even further. That process would not have been possible without the first step being at RMS.
On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not at all likely, and 10 being extremely likely, would you recommend RMS to other families?
10!! Most definitely a 10!
