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Wiscasset High School senior Thomas Chadwick works on ping pong paddles during a tech ed class at the school May 9. (Kathy Onorato photo) |
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By Kathy Onorato
Wiscasset High School senior Thomas Chadwick, sparked with an interest for fixing things, used his electrical skills to repair the school’s electronic scoreboard.
According WHS Athletic Director Sarah Ricker, the softball scoreboard had not worked properly since last year. Ricker began asking around to see how she might get it fixed. Junior varsity baseball coach Chet Grover suggested she take it to Bob Cronk, the technology education teacher at Wiscasset High School.
Ricker went with Grover’s suggestion and Chadwick began to evaluate the problem immediately.
Chadwick used a multimeter to test the various circuits and discovered two broken wires which were located within the molded part of cord. He cut the end off and put a new one on.
Chadwick has the ability and interest to look at something, problem solve it and fix it, Cronk said. “Many kids will just look a problem and say they can’t fix it. But not Thomas,” Cronk said. “He has a keen interest in fixing things.”
According to Cronk, Chadwick has been enrolled in some form of technology education all four years of high school, including a small unit in electricity and energy. Currently Chadwick is taking a manufacturing class.
“He is very clever,” Cronk said. “He has the ability of noticing a problem and figuring out a way of doing it better.”
Cronk said an outside contractor was once hired to make minor repairs in the school’s technology shops, but due to budget cuts the service was cut. Cronk said he began to recognize the ability and interests of his students, including Chadwick, to tackle the adjustments and repairs around the shop and has allowed students to undertake these tasks.
Outside school Chadwick works on four-wheelers, trucks, and go-carts and said he is not afraid to attempt fixing anything.
Chadwick said his most challenging project was building an outboard motor. He admitted he does not have it running yet, but will keep making adjustments until it runs.
Chadwick has been working as an intern for the Wiscasset Water District since January. He said has been learning to read water meters and has been observing what jobs the water district employees perform.
“I haven’t been able to get my hands dirty yet,” Chadwick said.
Following graduation, Chadwick plans on entering the workforce immediately.
“I am hoping for the water district,” he said.
