Canton Whiz Kid: Katie Thomas

Name:  Katie Thomas

School: Canton High School 

Key to Awesomeness: Shining Authenticity

Accomplishments:  Accepted to NEC Festival Youth Orchestra

Singer, clarinetist and pianist Katie Thomas makes blending creative talent and skill seem like a breeze. The Canton High School freshman has been accepted to the 12th season New England Conservatory Festival Youth Orchestra, where she will play and perform as part of a full symphony orchestra of intermediate and advanced teen players this summer.

Katie also earned a spot in this spring’s Junior Band for Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association, Southeastern District. This opportunity was created by a group of dedicated music teachers, for young talent to make music together, simply for the joy it provides performers and audiences. Katie gives joy to  local audiences as a singer in Saint Gerard Majella Parish band.

This CHS freshman puts her creative talents to use in cerebral ways through Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI). She describes coming together in a “four-person team to create a six-step process that solves underlying problems and challenges.”  Practicing creative and critical thinking skills, the students craft solutions based on criteria, “write an action plan, and give an action plan presentation,” she said.

Katie loves being part of the CHS field hockey and lacrosse teams. “Sports helped me to make friends” as she adjusted to high school, she said. Katie was elected to student council, and helped to make this year's freshman semi-formal a reality through fundraising activities. 

Imagine what this Whiz Kid can create after freshmen year!