THE THOMAS HART
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Tom Hart taught in the English Department at Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS) from 1985 until 2010. An expert in American literature, he reveled in teaching students the American classics, with his  favorites including The Scarlet Letter, My Antonia, and The Great Gatsby. A lifelong reader of Thoreau, he agreed with Concord’s philosopher that “to affect the quality of the day” was “the highest of arts.”

Mr. Hart also coached the Girls’ Cross Country team for sixteen years, during which the team reached the State championships many times, finishing 4th in 2003 and 2nd in 2004: he was named Boston Globe Coach of the Year in 2004. Himself a lifelong runner and marathoner, Mr. Hart enjoyed coaching the cross-country team not only for the challenges of competition but because he saw cross-country running as one of the friendliest of sports, exhorting his athletes always to obey two rules: Have Fun, and Make Friends.

Tom Hart participated in all aspects of life at CCHS, from serving as class advisor, to attending a myriad of sporting events, to acting in the faculty show and serving on the Concord-Carlisle Teachers’ Association negotiating committee. But he was best known for his dedication to his students and athletes, for his support of their strengths, and his ability to help them progress in areas in which they needed encouragement. He brought vivacity and a sense of humor to his decades of teaching, affecting positively “the quality of the day” for many, many people.

The Thomas Hart Memorial Scholarship is awarded with a preference for young women who demonstrate enthusiasm for cross-country running, scholarship, good humor, and friendship.