Seattle native Adele Thornton receives award upon graduation from Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, WA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Adele Thornton of Seattle, Wash. was honored with an award upon graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Thornton was selected as a recipient of the Albert Ripley Leeds Prize for Excellence in Geology, which was established to recognize students with outstanding potential in the study of geological sciences.

Thornton was also elected as a new member of Phi Beta Kappa, a national honor society that recognizes students who have succeeded academically in a wide variety of courses in the arts and sciences, including mathematics and foreign language. The Whitman chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1920.

In addition, she was elected as a new member of the Whitman chapter national research society Sigma Xi. This honor is given to students who have completed original research in either the pure or applied sciences. Whitman's Sigma Xi chapter was established in 1962.

Thornton is a 2009 graduate of Bishop Blanchet High School. She received a B.A. in Chemistry-Geology and a minor in Japanese during the Whitman commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

Whitman College is an independent, non-sectarian residential college fostering intellectual vitality, confidence and leadership in its 1,450 students. Also noted for its commitment to environmental principles, Whitman is characterized by intellect, down-to-earth sensibilities, collaboration over competition and an active lifestyle.