Junior Earns Citizen Scholar Award 

James Thomas ’24 was awarded the University of Vermont 2023 Citizen Scholar Book Award. He was nominated by the FWCD College Counseling Office and was recently recognized during Upper School announcements. Putting knowledge into action for the betterment of humanity is at the foundation of a University of Vermont education. The Citizen Scholar Book Award celebrates high school students around the U.S. who demonstrate that spirit of citizenship and scholarship. They may have campaigned for a cause, founded a community action group, or conducted research aiding social progress. 

A Boy Scout since kindergarten, Thomas has contributed dozens of volunteer hours to Boy Scouts of America (BSA), many of those dedicated to wilderness preservation. During his time with BSA, he has planned and led entire camping trips and a variety of projects. 

For his Eagle Scout project, Thomas recruited approximately 20 volunteers to tie fabric together to assemble blankets for Project Linus. Through the efforts of Thomas and his volunteer team, about 50 blankets were donated to children in the U.S. who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

Active in the FWCD community, Thomas has contributed to all 3 A’s in meaningful ways during his Upper School tenure, including his participation in track and field, swimming, theatre, the Cistercian Colloquium, and more. He has a service heart, actively participating in FWCD’s Brain Buddies Club, which teaches fourth-graders about the brain, and attending the November 2022 NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, which focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies and building community. He will serve as a Senior Representative for the Upper School Student Council for the 2023-24 school year. 

Thomas also gives his time to the local community. He has volunteered at PetsMart, Presbyterian Night Shelter and the Como Community Center. This summer, Thomas will serve as a Breakthrough Fort Worth teacher. 

“For this award, we aim to nominate a junior student who has shown a genuine and earnest commitment to lifting others up. James is generous with his time and energy, having continuously served his community while impressively balancing a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule,” said Sarah Casarez, Associate Director of College Counseling. “We’re delighted to have James represent FWCD as a recipient of UVM’s Citizen Scholar Award this year and so proud of his accomplishment.”