Huston-Tillotson University today announced that an LSAT achievement award from the US Department of Education given to former student Delisha Thomas never was, and that announcement of such was part of an elaborate hoax. From the university’s statement:

Huston-Tillotson University officials learned today from the United States Department of Education that a letter with what appeared to be the signature of the United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sent to student Delisha Thomas, recognizing her for her Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score status, was fraudulent.

University officials disclosed that a complete investigation is in progress. Thomas completed her criminal justice degree requirements in December 2011.

Huston-Tillotson’s Delisha Thomas is one of the university’s most active students. A double major in criminal justice and political science, a cheerleader, and member of HT’s student government and Pi Gamma Mu honor society.

The San Antonio resident is also one of the four highest scorers in the United States on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Her preparation for the examination included securing a mentor who guided her through the process, completing Kaplan courses, and months of studying. Her notification of the honor included a telephone interview of her test knowledge. “The examination tested all of my abilities,” Thomas said. “The double major paid off, because I was familiar with the court cases and other relevant information.”

She will be honored at the U.S. Department of Education Conference scheduled March 9-11, 2012, in Lawrence, Kansas, where the recipient with the highest score will be announced.

The US Department of Education will host Thomas along with the nation’s other top scorers in March at the agency’s annual conference in Kansas. There, she will find out if she is the top law school prospect in the country.