As the Chalmette High School Class of 2018 nears the end of its senior year, one accomplished member of that class – Tommy Hall – is celebrating scholarship offers totaling $1.1 million, acceptance to West Point Military Academy and a near perfect ACT score of 33. Tommy is also hopeful to graduate at the top of his class; an honor that he says will fulfill a goal he set for himself early on in his academic career.
“The choice to attend West Point Military Academy was based on my strong sense of patriotism,” Tommy said. “I have always felt that national pride in my heart and I wanted an opportunity to back those words and thoughts with concrete action.”
Tommy is hopeful that his attendance at West Point will continue to shape him into a leader who then works to shape policy and change in our world.
“I know West Point will provide me with the resources necessary to secure a leadership position later in life that shapes policy,” Tommy said. “West Point will give me an opportunity to first serve my country and then arm me with the ethos to run for public office.”
An acceptance to West Point does not come without much hard work and ambition, and Tommy said he has worked diligently in many AP courses at CHS to place himself on a competitive academic level nationally.
“I have many teachers I am indebted to for their wisdom and teaching,” Tommy said. “Mr. Dirk Tillman inspired me with the idea of building my own legacy, Mr. David Bellard shaped my writing skills, and Ms. Jennifer Gioia pushed me to my best physical and philosophical self as both my cross country coach and my Philosophy Club sponsor.”
An accomplished student, Tommy is also respected among the faculty and students at CHS for his involvement in an assortment of extracurricular activities and leadership positions. Tommy has been a four-year member of the Cross Country team, acting as captain for one year; he has also been involved with Key Club and Interact Club as well as the school’s speech and debate team and Philosophy Club.
In fact, this year being the first year of CHS hosting a speech and debate team, Tommy is one of two students who has advanced to the national competition in Washington, D.C.
Never one to miss an opportunity, Tommy said he has already reached out to Senators and Congressmen and he hopes to have an opportunity to meet with them while he is there.
And while Tommy has big aspirations that will take him to many places, one being a two-week trek to Japan this summer, Tommy said he is forever grateful for the opportunities, education, and faculty of CHS.
“I have had many opportunities as a student at CHS and I would not be where I am today without that background,” Tommy said. “The faculty is amazing and there is an administration that truly cares for each student. My teachers have made connections to me and have shared tangible wisdom with me that I will forever be grateful to have.”
