HOF 2007 – Fine Arts
Kelly spent his entire thirty-year teaching career as a Language Arts and Theater instructor at CHS. He served as the drama director for 17 years, and continued to mentor his successors for the remaining 13 years. Kelly founded the Aberdeen Central High School Chapter of the International Thespian Society for Drama. He also established Images, an improvisational program at CHS designed to help children and young people make healthy choices. Kelly was posthumously awarded the Friends of the Arts Award for Distinguished Lifetime Service to the Arts in the spring of 2005 by the Aberdeen Area Arts Council.
Achievements and awards at Central High School-
Tom spent his entire thirty-year teaching career as a Language Arts and Theater instructor at Aberdeen Central High School. He served as the drama director for 17 years, and continued to mentor his successors for the remaining 13 years. He also served on numerous committees for the school district, and was selected by the South Dakota High School Activities Association to serve as a judge for state oral interpretation and state one-act play competitions and festivals.
Following his death, after receiving many nominations from the school district and the community, the Aberdeen Board of Education named the theatre at the new Aberdeen Central High School for Thomas F. Kelly in April of 2005.
Unique contributions to Central High School
In addition to serving as the longest drama director at CHS, Tom started the Aberdeen Central High School Chapter of the International Thespian Society for Drama. He also started Images, an improvisational program designed to help children and young people make healthy choices. Both of these groups are still active at CHS.
Tom was an enthusiastic and entertaining teacher. He was a professional who motivated his classes with his storytelling, knowledge and wit. He truly cared about all of his students.
Other achievements and awards
Tom’s interest in the theater extended to the community, where he was active as a board member of the Aberdeen Area Arts Council and the Aberdeen Community Theater, having served as its president when the Capitol Theatre Building was purchased. From the Aberdeen Community Theatre he received an Outstanding Service plaque for “Recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Support as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aberdeen Community Theatre for his term ending October, 1993.” In addition to serving on the Board, Tom also acted and directed several plays for the community theatre. In these experiences he served as a model for community members, current students and former students. Also, in 2004, he posthumously received the Community Theatre’s Donald H. Hall Lifetime Achievement Award.
From the Aberdeen Area Arts Council, Tom was posthumously awarded the Friends of the Arts Award for Distinguished Lifetime Service to the Arts in the spring of 2005.
Other accomplishments
Positively influencing the lives of almost everyone he met.
Additional information to share with the selection committee:
Tom was a gracious, talented and humble man. His pride shown through the accomplishments of others, including his family and students. He was happiest when others were receiving the awards for their accomplishments.
He was always one to help others and put their welfare before his own. His compassion and generosity were appreciated by many.
Tom approached life positively, with enthusiasm, as evidenced in his smile, cheerful greetings to people as he passed or his infectious laugh. For example, one wheel chair bound student made it a point to attend Tom’s wake service because, even though he never had Mr. Kelly for a teacher, he always spoke to him in the hall.
Tom always sought to find the best in himself and in others. He always strove to do his best, and encouraged and inspired others to do theirs.
He treated everyone with respect and saw the good in others.
Tom used the arts as a vehicle to bring out the best in people. He believed in the power of the arts. He appreciated those who created and performed the arts, but also appreciated those who supported the arts. He knew that, through the arts, people’s lives would be touched. Their emotions would be heightened. Their love of beauty would be increased and their appreciation of people’s daily life and struggles would be enhanced.
Tom valued relationships and communication. He met people where they were and took them to a greater height.
Tom felt pride and honor when his students kept supporting, performing and creating artistic moments in the Aberdeen community and throughout the world.
His philosophy of life might be best summed up by giving you his favorite quote from the Catholic philosopher, Mauriac, “We are all molded and remolded by those who have loved us, and though that love may pass, we remain, none the less, their work … No love, no friendship, can ever cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.”
Tom loved teaching and left a positive mark on Aberdeen Central High School, a positive mark on the people with whom he worked and, most importantly, a positive mark on the hundreds of students he taught.
Thank you for considering him for this Hall of Fame recognition.