From the July 3 Edition of The Bridgeport News
Williams to continue track, academic career at MIT

by Ryan Boyles
For The Bridgeport News

After leaving Bridgeport High School as one of nine
valedictorians in the Class of 2003, Rachel Williams
has chosen to continue her track and educational
career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall.
Williams, a National Merit and Presidential
Scholarship Finalist, plans to major in brain and
cognitive science at the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based school.
“I wanted to apply to a school that was a reach for me
to get accepted to,” Williams said. “So, I looked at
Princeton, but I didn’t really like it. Then my mom
suggested MIT to me and things worked out.”
Along with Princeton, Williams also considered Johns
Hopkins University, Case Western, and Virginia Tech.
Upon visiting MIT, Williams said she was impressed
with the school’s medical research programs.
“The medical research opportunities they have are
tremendous,” said Williams. “I was very impressed with
their UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program).”
Along with MIT’s academic curriculum, Williams will
also have the chance to continue her track career.
“Originally, I was thinking about playing volleyball,
but I met the track coaches and I really started to
like their track program,” Williams said.
During her time at BHS, Williams was National Honor
Society and TATU president, served on the executive
board of the Student Council, and was a member of the
Key Club and jazz band. She also competed in
volleyball, basketball and track.
Recently, Williams was named the Harrison County Track
Athlete of the Year. She was the high medalist this
year at the Harrison County Track and Field
Championships and was a consistent performer for coach
Jim Dawson throughout her high school career. As a
senior, she excelled in sprint events, as well as
field events for the Indians.
Williams is the daughter of Steve and Linda Williams of Bridgeport.