By Cassandra Taylor, Publications Assistant
For high school students who are interested in Thomas More College, there is no better way to get a taste of life here than by enrolling in one of TMC’s Summer Programs.
The Great Books Summer Programs are affordable two-week courses, organized around the themes of rhetoric and theater, that take place at the College’s Merrimack campus. The College also offers a Rome High School Summer Program, now in its second year.
Participants in Great Books I read Orwell and Aristotle, and they prepare with a coach for a final debate that is conducted before family and friends. Briley Bumgarner remarked, “I learned that I have confidence when speaking in front of crowds.” She added, “Thomas More College’s Summer Program balances spiritual, physical, and mental aspects to culminate in an unforgettable experience.” The debate and training were also empowering for Isabel Noble, who commented, “I need to step out of my comfort zone more often and not be afraid to share my opinion in classes.” For her, the Summer Program “was an amazing experience filled with fun memories I will always treasure!”
Later in the summer, Great Books II finds students steeping in Shakespeare, this year once again under the guidance of esteemed Catholic author Joseph Pearce. This Summer Program concludes with a presentation of one of the Bard’s plays. Our 2025 participants staged Much Ado About Nothing under the direction of Peter Shanley ’25. The production of the play was a highlight for Peter Baglow. By participating in the Summer Program, he discovered in himself “a great desire to learn how to think more critically and analytically.” Fellow participant Gabriella Cuddeback “loved the opportunities that were given for making friends through dancing, activities, and free time,” adding, “I met some of my closest friends here, since TMC attracts some of the most warm and amazing people ever!”
Indeed, friendship is a cornerstone of student life at Thomas More, including for Summer Program participants. Thea Klassen, who attended Great Books II, “really enjoyed getting to personally connect with the counselors, teachers, and other participants, and all who share the desire to grow in the good, true, and beautiful through the liberal arts.” For her, the Summer Program was “a joyful and heartfelt experience of what it is to be with true friends all in pursuit of the good life.” Summer Program counselor Jude Wassell ’27 agreed: “My absolute favorite part of being a counselor is forming friendships with the participants—but seeing the friendships grow between the students and watching them experience the many things Thomas More College has to offer is an even greater joy. I’ve made new friends and hopefully shared some of the happiness and love for learning I have found here.”
Of course, besides friendship and comradery, the College’s Catholic identity is central to all its endeavors. “The Summer Program helped me discover my identity in Christ,” reflected Great Books I participant Mary Crosby, continuing, “I’m so grateful to the counselors for their hard work and to the College itself for its generosity and dedication to truth and depth.” James McGuire found his experience in Great Books II helpful to his overall college search: “I learned that I cannot go to a big college or one that is not Catholic,” he said, adding that the Summer Program “was truly one of the most formative and fun experiences of my life so far.”
All high school students who will be looking for a “beautiful and enlightening adventure” (in the words of Miss Klassen) next summer should subscribe to TMC’s email updates and social media channels to stay informed of Summer Program announcements and deadlines!
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