Pointer attends Missouri Scholars Academy at MSU

Thomas Pointer, Gainesville, attended the Missouri Scholars Academy June 7-27 at the University of Missouri. Thomas, who will be a junior this fall at Gainesville High School, is the son of David and Michelle Pointer. He participates in scholar bowl, golf and FBLA.
Since 1985, MSA has provided high school students with opportunities to expand their educational and social skills. This year, students spent their time at Mizzou in intensive classroom settings, studying one of four individually selected subjects: mathematics, science, social studies and humanities. Pointer’s major emphasis during the academy was philosophy, and his minor was physics.
Each Missouri high school nominated one junior-to-be for the academy; larger schools could nominate more students. Students at the academy represent nearly every county in the state.
Outside the classroom, students participated in a series of activities, workshops and discussions led by guest speakers from around the country. This year, author and speaker Tim Wise led activities designed to engage students with issues of class, inequality and racism. Other guests included Missouri documentary filmmaker Mark Norwine; Hedy Epstein, a Holocaust survivor; and Linda Godwin, former astronaut and current professor of physics at MU. Students also had the option to watch a dress rehearsal of the Missouri Symphony Society, participate in a conservation-themed trip down the Missouri River and attend a presentation and discussion on digital privacy.

Thomas Pointer