Briarcliff HS Recognizes Distinguished Alumnus at Annual Ceremony

Briarcliff High School Principal Debora French presented the Distinguished Alumni award to an outstanding recipient - Dr. Linda Thomas Class of 1993 - at the school's annual award ceremony on May 20.

Mrs. French greeted students, parents and community members in attendance for the Awards Night saying, “Over the years, Briarcliff High School graduates have demonstrated exemplary achievement in every walk of life. We would like to recognize and honor Briarcliff’s tradition of excellence and the Briarcliff High School graduates who, by example and achievement, will be able to offer our present-day students inspiration and a positive vision for the future.”

Dr. Thomas is a perfect example. During her time in Briarcliff as a member of the class of 1993, she excelled in volleyball, show choir and as a violinist in the orchestra. After graduating from Briarcliff High School, Linda received her BSE in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 1997 and a MS and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park. While at Duke University, she was a member of the Chapel Choir and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Today, she is a Senior Research Engineer at the US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. and a subject matter expert in free space laser communications and satellite laser ranging. Dr. Thomas was recognized by the Department of the Navy as an awardee of the 2017 Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Engineer winner at the Pentagon in June 2018. She has authored over 40 journal articles and holds three US patents.

Mrs. French closed her remarks by saying, “We are proud of the contribution our graduates make to our school community and to the world at large. We know that you will agree that inductees nominated each year distinguish themselves among our graduates and are worthy additions to our Hall.”