“Always, always, ALWAYS push yourself… you will always come out stronger and better on the other side.”
Tommy Colglazier, class of 2021, was almost eaten by an alligator at age six. Since then, he has avoided near-death experiences and thrived while attending St. Margaret’s. On campus, Tommy is a member of the varsity Track and Field team, the Choir Tenor Section Leader, participates in many of the school’s theater productions, and is the 3-time Upper School Super Smash Bros. Champion. Outside of school he plays Super Smash Bros. as well, and he enjoys playing with his dogs. Tommy loves to spend time with family and friends, and he dislikes grapes, loud noises, and dirty cars.
“The theatrical productions I have been in have had the greatest impact on me by far,” says Tommy. He’s starred in SMES productions since middle school, but says the Baker in St. Margaret’s production of Into the Woods was his favorite role so far. “His music was challenging and fun, and his depth as a character was fantastic,” Tommy recalls. “If you’re thinking of auditioning, do it!” He says that he has made many friends during his time in theater, and that he “has learned so much from his peers and directors.”
Some of Tommy’s favorite high school memories have been made during SMES productions, and he says that his favorite moment was “the opening night of The Drowsy Chaperone” his freshman year. “Being lined up with all of the seniors behind the curtain felt like such an honor… I’d never been more energetic with an entrance.” He recalls how he became friends with many upperclassmen during his first years in high school theater, and can’t wait to befriend the new underclassmen in productions this year.
Looking forward to senior year, Tommy says that he is most excited for the senior quad takeover during Spirit Week. “I really want it after three years of walking around the quad for a week.” The tradition is that the entire senior class comes together to decorate the senior quad, and then for the rest of spirit week no underclassmen are allowed inside the quad. “It encourages mistreatment of underclassmen and is kind of a bad cycle,” Tommy admits, “but I’m not that torn up about it. I can’t wait to have the quad all to myself.”
Though he doesn’t mind kicking the underclassmen out of his quad for a week, Tommy does have a few pieces of advice for them. “Appreciate your friends,” he says, “and pay attention to people who pay attention to you.” He has learned that “if you’re constantly fighting to get a friend’s attention, they’re not being a good friend to you.” He urges all high schoolers to “find the people that treat you well and stick with them.”
He also says that it is important to “always, always, ALWAYS push yourself.” Throughout high school, Tommy has learned that the only way you will grow is if you always try your hardest. “Whether that’s making a friend, benching 200 pounds, studying extra for your chemistry test, asking your crush on a date, or even getting your driver’s license, you will always come out stronger and better on the other side.”
In closing, Tommy wanted to say a big thank you to his friends, family, and St. Margaret’s for “an amazing high school experience!”
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Comments