Thomas David Mechels, an 18-year-old, has lived in Madison his entire life with his parents, two brothers, and sister. His favorite color is white because he thinks it looks sharp and clean, and his favorite food item is anything made from potatoes. While most of the MHS students are ready to get out of town, Thomas plans to stay around Madison and go to college at DSU. There is not much to do in Madison, but his family is close, which means everything to him. “Some people may say they are family-oriented, but I actually love my family more than anything,” he explains.
Thomas enjoys watching Star Wars and Harry Potter, playing Fortnite, and participating in school sports When the Packers and the Vikings are playing against each other, the room is divided at his house. No matter what, Thomas loves his family and always wants to be close to them.
Thomas has never had much of a bucket list, but some things he would like to do is travel to all the oceans, Hawaii, and New York. Thomas likes to play chess, and he knows a bunch of strategies. He recommends that everyone try playing chess; though it’s complicated, it can be very fun and entertaining. “I bet I can beat you in three minutes,” he said as a challenge to the interviewer. He did.
In the summer, Thomas works as an umpire. He enjoys every minute of it because this is what he plans to do for a career. When he first began attending high school, he was excited to graduate and become an athletic trainer, but the longer he thought about it, his mind changed. Now he wants to be a PE teacher and coach at Madison High School and work up to college-level football coaching. However, if his path takes him to something bigger, he will follow it. Last, his one piece of advice, not just to underclassmen, but to everyone, is “Don’t let people talk down to you.”