Thatcher Givens has big plans for his future. It isn’t common for a sixth grader to already have thoughts about where they would like to go to college (Purdue University) and what they plan to study (astrophysics).
Thatcher’s chosen field requires strong math, science and analytical thinking skills, as well as excellent verbal communication. According to his teachers, Thatcher’s interests and abilities are a perfect match for his dream career.
A self described “hard worker,” Thatcher is more than an ambitious student. Fifth grade teacher Michelle Valastro says he is such an eager learner that he inspires his classmates to be more curious and work harder. “As a teacher you have target objectives that you are working towards, but Thatcher can provide a whole different idea for a lesson.”
Science teacher Ashley Romano adds that Thatcher is always present and engaged in class. An “outside-the-box” thinker, he enjoys going deeper into topics, involving his peers in further discussion and learning.
Thatcher is also a leader outside of the classroom. As vice president of Student Council, he is one of two students that represent the sixth grade, helping pitch ideas for events and fundraisers and acting as a liaison between students and faculty. Student Council advisor Ryan Fitzsimmons says that Thatcher stands out because of his ability to get along with everyone, evident in the diversity of his friends and his success at performing his Student Council duties.
Even the younger members of the TUFSD community are inspired by Thatcher. English teacher Jenna Park explains that when he reads to the Kindergarten students as part of the “Book Buddies” initiative, “they all want to be his partner - he is so engaging.”
Thatcher demonstrates that true success is not just about individual accomplishments, but about inspiring others to be the best they can be. “He isn’t a vocal leader,” Physical Education teacher Bill Brunner says. “He leads by example.”