Thomas Chase Receives Prestigious Superintendent’s Award

HARWICH – It's been a memorable winter for Monomoy High School senior and Chatham resident Thomas Chase, who was recently named the recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award for Academic Excellence. The award recognizes a high school senior who has distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school career including demonstrations of leadership and initiative within the school and the greater community. 

 "One of my favorite parts of being a superintendent is presenting this award each year," said Monomoy Superintendent Scott Carpenter. "Thomas is an incredibly impressive young man who truly represents who we want our Sharks to be - kind, thoughtful, and engaged - and I look forward to seeing what he will continue to accomplish." 

 In addition to being class president, a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the golf team, an A.P. scholar with distinction and a holder of multiple awards in science and math, Chase is accomplished at robotics, the science of designing and operating robots. Growing up, he loved sports but after breaking several bones he decided to find something that was equally competitive but more focused on brainpower than brawn. "It takes some physicality but there are no broken bones in robotics," he said.

 Currently serving as a robotics team captain, Chase will compete with teammate Harrison Beaumont in Vex Push Back, a game where robots compete to score blocks in goals, at the state qualifying event in March. They are one of two Monomoy Robotics teams that have now earned the right to compete at that level.

 He wants others to be able to enjoy robotics too. In his spare time, usually before school starts, Chase has worked with Monomoy Middle School staff to help teach and coach robotics to younger students. 

 Chase's activities don't end at school. He has worked alongside his father Mark, a master electrician, for the past five years as an electrical apprentice. 

 That hands-on experience has resulted in a plan to major in mechanical engineering in college, with a focus on biomechanical and medical equipment. "I like building with my hands and seeing results. I want to give back," he stressed. "I learned that from my parents. I want to help make health care equipment that will make lives better." He expects to finalize a college decision by the end of March.

 A member and assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 76 in Harwich, he is also an Eagle Scout. His Eagle project involves repairs to the grounds at the Hawksnest Cemetery. "We will be replacing old fencing and putting in a new eight-foot section of split-rail fencing," he wrote. The cemetery includes the grave of Ebenezer Eldredge, a Revolutionary War veteran. "With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the American revolution, what better way to honor those who fought and died for our country than by making his cemetery cleaner and more presentable for people to see?".

 How does he get it all done? It's all about managing time, he said. "I get out of school at 3:15 and go to bed at 10:15. That's seven hours, another whole day to get things done. I guess it's all about not procrastinating."

 Chase credits his family and his community with his success. He has worked as a scooper at Sweet Dreams Ice Cream and appreciates growing up in a small town, where "you know people personally." 

 He is grateful for all he has been given. "I have so many people - teachers, my parents, friends and my community - to thank," he said. "Now it's my turn to give back."