Alumni Spotlight - Tom Gould, Class of 2002

Which schools did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Edmonson Elementary, Page Middle School and Lamphere High School. I graduated in 2002

Where do you live now? (City, State): Chelesa, Michigan

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
After graduation, I attended Central Michigan University where I earned a Bachelors of Applied Arts in Integrative Public Relations with a minor in Public Administration. I then spent six years working for a public relations and marketing agency where my clients included a national energy drink brand, a Detroit-based pop company, and several other local, regional and national companies.

In 2013 I left the agency to become the Director of Public Relations for Howell Public Schools. In this role, I am responsible for all district level communications to parents and the media. I also handle all of the district's advertising and its social media assets. Additionally, I am co-chair of the district's crisis team and serve as the district's webmaster. During my time with Howell I have earned two awards from the Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) and earlier this year I was named to the National School Public Relations Association's (NSPRA) 2017 35 under 35 List, which recognizes outstanding NSPRA professional members from across the United States, age 35 or younger, who have demonstrated excellence and leadership early in their school public relations career. I also serve on the MSPRA professional development committee.

Tom Gould Alumni Spotlight 3

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
My wife Jennifer an I have been married for four years and have one son, Blake.

How did your years at Lamphere affect your life?
The experiences that I had while attending Lamphere helped lead me to my current career. Each day I use the journalism skills I learned from Mary Ellen Bell while working on the RamPage, as I write stories and press releases on the events happening around my district. The experiences I had working with Rita Lewis on the Lamphere Schools website and writing press releases for the drama club are part of the reason I went on to pursue a degree and career in public relations. Being a member of the drama program and marching band taught me discipline, teamwork, and dedication. Of course, I cannot forget Tina Carbary from Printing and Graphics who helped me learn all about desktop publishing and graphic design.

If you had a message for current Lamphere students what would it be?
While you may think that you cannot wait to graduate and get out of high school, take time to enjoy it. Also, follow your dreams, take risks and don't be afraid to fail.