NEW LONDON, N.H. — Superintendent Winfried Feneberg is pleased to announce Kearsarge Regional High School’s January student of the month.
Thomas Shepherd, a sophomore from North Sutton, was selected for the honor based on nominations from school staff.
“Thomas is a great all-around student. He is hardworking, he is kind, and he is helpful,” KRHS Spanish Teacher Liz Perez-Anderson said. “I really enjoy having him in class and he is always one I can count on to participate positively in class. I hope he knows how much his teachers appreciate what he brings to all of their classes.”
Students of the Month are nominated and selected by faculty in recognition of their positive conduct and character, both on and off campus. The honor is an acknowledgement of an individual’s positive moral character and contributions to the school community.
During the summer, Shepherd assisted Engineering Teacher Christopher Spooner with STEM Camp by running a session on rocketry. Shepherd designed a project where students developed nozzles to be 3D printed and used on balloons to see how different designs affected the balloon’s travel. Shepherd led eight sessions during a two-week period.
“Usually with a student helper, I am expected to be, at best, co-running the session and most times the student acts as an assistant to me. On Tom’s first run of the session I stepped in to assist in the transition, but after that, I acted as an assistant while he ran everything,” said Spooner. “His maturity and patience were incredible, especially considering that he had only finished his freshman year. This year, Tom is consistently ahead of the class and always looking for ways to learn more. He has no problem stepping in to assist other students, and is a natural leader in my game programming class.”
Shepherd’s favorite thing about KRHS is the positive atmosphere in the school community and the support that he receives from his teachers.
“I really enjoy being able to talk with teachers about topics in depth that I have a curiosity about. I feel that I have lots of teachers that go above and beyond to support my learning, especially Mr. Spooner,” Shepherd said. “He has taken time to talk to me about all kinds of questions I have about engineering and he is always willing to help me learn about things beyond the normal curriculum.”
Outside of the classroom, Shepherd is a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, Equestrian Team, Alpine Ski Team, Math Team, Robotics Team, Principal Advisory Committee, and Chorus. Shepherd also is a Cadet First Lieutenant in Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary where he has served in a variety of leadership positions, including Aerospace Education Officer, Cadet Executive Officer, Cadet Commander, N.H. Wing Cadet Advisory Council Vice Chairman and Chairman, and Northeast Region Cadet Advisory Council N.H. Wing Representative.
This past summer, Shepherd was selected to attend Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy for gliders where he piloted solo, earning his solo wings, and being named a Distinguished Graduate. Shepherd is currently pursuing his private pilot certificates for gliders and single-engine aircraft.
After high school, Shepherd hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy for Aeronautical Engineering and fly for the Air Force.
Additionally, during his free time, Shepherd enjoys flying, sports, traveling, spending time with friends and family, working as a barn assistant at Full Circle Farm, as well as volunteering with the Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Horsemanship Program.
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