Triton Student Wins First Place at State Radiologic Technologists Conference

Representing Triton College at the annual ISSRT conference, second-year radiology student Gerek Wright won first place in in the Student Scientific Paper Competition.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College’s Rad Tech Club won big at this year’s annual Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISSRT) Conference, earning two awards, including first place in the Student Scientific Paper Competition.

Gerek Wright, a second-year student in Triton’s Radiologic Technology program, took home the blue ribbon for his paper on kyphosis, a condition that causes an excessive forward curve of the spine. Samantha McDonald also placed third out of 150 students in the Kahoot Review Competition, answering questions spanning a wide range of radiologic science topics.

The ISSRT Conference, held April 20-21 in Bloomington, brings together radiologic technologists, educators and students from across Illinois. Attendees include practicing technologists, program directors, clinical instructors and radiography students looking to expand their knowledge, pursue continuing education and network within the profession, said Nancy Rizo, Radiologic Technology program chairperson at Triton College.

Rizo said Wright’s achievement was especially notable, marking both Triton College’s first win and its first time entering the contest.

“Seeing him recognized at that level was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “This recognition highlights not only his dedication and critical thinking, but also the strength of our program in preparing students for scholarly research and professional presentation. It sets a new benchmark for future students and brings positive recognition to the entire program.”

With firsthand knowledge of Wright’s work ethic and dedication, the result came as less of a surprise to Rizo and more a point of pride.

Wright, however, felt differently.

“I was amazed and shocked,” he said. “I was not expecting that at all. I was just hoping to place. Third place would have been fine.”

In the hours leading up to his presentation, Wright rehearsed constantly — reciting his paper aloud in his hotel room and running through it in his head to commit it to memory. The competition included strict scoring criteria, he said, including a minimum presentation time of five minutes.

After finishing and realizing he had spoken for only four minutes, Wright thought he had fallen short.

“I walked back like, ‘I blew that,’” he said. As judges announced the winners, Wright said he turned to others in his group, apologizing for what he believed was a poor performance. “When they called my name, I just couldn’t believe I won.”

For Wright, the recognition was more than a reward for hard work — it affirmed he is on the right academic path toward a fulfilling career.

Wright, 30, is on track to graduate in May and already has a job lined up as a radiologic technologist at a local hospital. He will enter the field with nearly two years of clinical experience and the skills to properly care for patients.

“Going back to school was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without my teachers, my classmates, my faith and my wife.”

Triton College’s Radiologic Technology program provides hands-on training to prepare students with the knowledge needed to meet workforce demands. By blending classroom learning with clinical experience, the program equips graduates with the confidence and practical skills to succeed.

“Every professor at Triton wants you to succeed,” Wright added. “They don’t coddle you, but they make you better.”

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.