Courtesy photo
Thomas Nonnenmacher Awarded Scholarship
Chatham Historical Society
The recipient of the Chatham Historical Society 2023 Margaret Keisler scholarship is Thomas Nonnenmacher. The $1,500 scholarship, awarded at the commencement exercises of Chatham High School, is named in memory of “Peg” Keisler, a lifelong resident of Chatham who was the Borough’s historian and dedicated educator. It is through the generosity of members and friends that make this scholarship possible.
Chatham is made up of unique individuals, each with a distinctive story to tell. As part of the scholarship process, students were asked to share their own stories. The Historical Society received approximately 25 essays all with a different focus. In his essay titled “Chatham: My Town by the River” Thomas fondly recalls his elementary school years when the neighborhood children gathered in his front yard to wait for the school bus to take them to Southern Boulevard School. During those “playground” times the kids at the bus stop bonded and made friends.
Thomas has two older brothers, one of which he described as “the coolest kid” on the front lawn playground in his essay. Thomas is excited to begin his acting studies at Pace University in New York City this fall. Theater and performing arts were “a very big part” of his life over the past few years. Recently, he played Lumiere in the Chatham High School production of Beauty and the Beast. He has previously held many other roles in the high school performing arts productions.
The Chatham Historical Society wishes Thomas much success in his future endeavors.
