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Thomas Holland is no stranger to service. At just 17 years old, he has built a life centered on faith, community, and giving back daily to the community that has helped shape him.
A senior at Monticello High School, Holland’s days follow a busy yet fulfilling schedule that includes a full course load, a college class at UAM, and playing on the defensive line for the Billies Football Team.
Outside of school, Holland is an active member of First United Methodist Church of Monticello and its youth group. He has taken part in mission trips across the country and in a variety of local service projects, including Feed the Kids of Drew County, which provides bags of food for children at Monticello and Drew Central Schools.
That mission in particular holds a special place in Holland’s heart.
“You're truly helping the people that need it because some of these children don't know where their next meal is going to be from,” he said.
Holland is also active in Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, and is working to earn the remaining merit badges and complete the service project required to become an Eagle Scout. His service project, which he is still finalizing, will involve constructing and installing benches along the walking trails at Lake Monticello.
“I have a meeting with them at some point to figure out the best type of bench,” he shared.
Within his local troop, Boy Scout Troop 67, Holland serves as the senior patrol leader. This role has given him valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to make decisions that extend beyond himself.
Scouting as a whole, he said, has given him incredible opportunities to hone his leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
“I love it,” he said.
This summer, he, along with seven other Scouts and three adult leaders from nearby troops, had the opportunity to embark on a Scouting trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. During the 12-day trek, Holland’s crew hiked more than 75 miles, reaching the 12,000-foot peak of Mount Phillips and other high points in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The group also practiced survival and outdoor skills, such as rock climbing, cooking, and sport shooting, and explored Scouting and New Mexican history.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Holland said.
He shared that making it through the trek is his proudest accomplishment so far.
“I really didn’t think I wanted to do it, and then I ended up getting there,” he said. “I was also proud of other people who didn’t think they would be able to do it.”
The experience further sharpened Holland’s teamwork skills as his group worked together toward common goals.
“We just had to work as a team to pace ourselves and not get ahead,” he said.
After high school, Holland plans to attend either the University of Arkansas at Little Rock or Arkansas Tech University and major in civil/construction engineering, with hopes to eventually operate his own construction business.
He urges boys looking to him for advice to trust their instincts and pursue the things they are passionate about.
“Just trust your gut,” he said.
He also highlights the importance of remaining calm amid uncertainty and taking life one day at a time.
“Don’t stress about every little thing,” he said. “The first step is always the biggest step.”
For younger Scouts, Holland emphasizes that time management is key, particularly for the Eagle Project, which Scouts must complete before their 18th birthday.
“Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said.
In his free time, Holland enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing video games.
“If I can go outside and go hunt with a buddy, that’s always my favorite thing to do—just being in the outdoors, having fun, and making memories,” he said.
Overall, Thomas Holland’s commitment to making a difference and helping others truly sets him apart in a world where doing so can feel overwhelming. He will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact in Monticello and beyond.
