West Point Society Presents Thayer Leadership Award to Braintree Student

From the West Point Society of New England:

The West Point Society of New England selected its 6th annual winner of the Sylvanus Thayer Leadership award, presenting the honor last week to Jasmine Lau of the Braintree High School Class of 2016.

The Thayer Award is given annually to a Braintree High School student who has demonstrated leadership traits and encourages them to continue their pursuit of both academic and leadership excellence. It celebrates the legacy of General Sylvanus Thayer, namesake for several of Braintree’s iconic institutions and an engineer whose projects helped shape Massachusetts, and who is also remembered as the “father” of the United States Military Academy.

Lau was among 6 juniors nominated for the award by Braintree High School’s staff and faculty. The nominated students each submitted a written application, then faced an interview panel consisting of past West Point graduates who now serve in various capacities around Massachusetts. Some of the accomplishments that helped earn Jasmine the award include participation in the Teen Advisory Group program, volunteer service with the Museum of Science and with Interfaith Social Services, selection to the National Honor Society, her upcoming role as captain of the BHS cross country team, and an academic record placing her first in her class.

In addition to being recognized at the awards night ceremony, Lau received a certificate and other commemorative items, and several books on leadership signed and personalized to her by authors including renowned leadership expert Jim Collins, retired Army General Joseph Franklin, and the family of Generals George S. Patton, Jr. and George Patton IV.

The West Point Society of New England encompasses several states, but makes a special effort to connect with the Town of Braintree, and to celebrate the intertwined histories of the Military Academy and one of Braintree’s famous sons. In 2014, then-Governor Deval Patrick signed a law proclaiming June 9th of each year as General Sylvanus Thayer day, and on June 21st this year Braintree will honor Thayer as part of the town’s 375th anniversary celebrations.

The Society also presents a similar award each year at Hamilton-Wenham High School, commemorating the legacy and family of another famed West Pointer hailing from Massachusetts, General George S. Patton Jr.