Lucas Phetteplace, a senior enrolled in the Skilled Trades program at HFM Career & Technical Education and a student at Amsterdam High School, has been honored with the prestigious Silent Servant Scholarship Award by the Peter R. Marsh Foundation. This $500 scholarship is awarded to public high school students nationwide who demonstrate exceptional empathy and compassion through community service. The Peter R. Marsh Foundation, based in Vancouver, Washington, recognizes students whose benevolence will positively impact their families and communities for years to come.
Phetteplace has a notable history of community involvement. His volunteer work includes service with the Tribes Hill Fire Department and the Amsterdam Rotary. Additionally, he has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America. He participates in the Marching Rams, drama club, track and field, and is a member of the Unified Sports bocce team.
Maura Friddle, a counselor at Amsterdam High School, praised Lucas for his contributions, saying, “Lucas is like the heartbeat of Amsterdam High School. His unwavering dedication, infectious humor, and relentless pursuit of excellence breathe life into our community.”
Kristina Marshall, Administrative Coordinator for HFM CTE, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Lucas is such a well-rounded student. Not only is he polite and respectful, but he also excels academically and gives back to his community through his volunteer work with the Tribes Hill Fire Department and the Amsterdam Rotary.” Lucas expressed his gratitude upon receiving the scholarship, stating, “I was really excited to learn that I had won this award. I wasn’t aware that I was being nominated.”
According to the Peter R. Marsh Foundation, nominees for the award must demonstrate selfless concern for the welfare of others through volunteer work without seeking monetary or personal gain. Don Lucas, Phetteplace’s instructor in the Skilled Trades program at HFM CTE, commended him as an exemplary choice for the award. “Lucas is not only exceptionally hardworking, but is also kind, caring, and professional. He is a quiet leader in the class, showing others how to be diligent workers and genuinely nice individuals,” he said. Lucas is currently undecided about his future plans but is considering furthering his education in a skilled trade or enrolling at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
Congratulations to Lucas Phetteplace for his well-deserved recognition and his outstanding commitment to serving his community.