History of the Isaiah Thomas Awards
In every community there are loyal men and women who unselfishly devote their time and energies to the benefit of others. They do this without expecting reward or acknowledgment, only hoping that their efforts may help to build a better community with greater opportunities for all citizens. Such personal sacrifices and accomplishments merit sincere recognition. This recognition takes tangible form in the presentation of the Isaiah Thomas Award.
Among the pages of Worcester history, one name, more than any other, stands out as best exemplifying community spirit – the name of Isaiah Thomas. He was a man of many accomplishments, who was a printer, publisher, businessman and philanthropist. He did much to promote the betterment of Worcester in its early days. It is appropriate therefore, that his name should be selected as the inspiration for this Award.
A replica of Isaiah Thomas’ printing press, the means he used to enrich the lives of his fellow citizens, was chosen as a physical memento of the award. The true significance of the award lies, however, in the recognition and appreciation by all fellow citizens of the recipient’s “distinguished community service.”
| Image | Title | Summary | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2026 Isaiah Thomas Awards | Recipient: George W. Tetler III: George Tetler is a nationally recognized, skilled, and successful business lawyer with more than 40 years of experience. He is a partner in Prince Lobel’s Business Transactions and Real Estate Practice Groups. | April 6, 2026 |
 | 2024 Isaiah Thomas Awards | Recipient: J. Christopher Collins: Chris is Of Counsel at Mirick O’Connell, where he began in 2015 as a member of the Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Litigation Group. | April 5, 2024 |
Former Isaiah Thomas Award Recipients
2026 – George W. Tetler III
2024 – J. Christopher Collins
2017 – Warner S. Fletcher
2016 – Patricia & Frederick Eppinger
2015 – Michael D. Sleeper
2014 – Mark W. Fuller
2013 – Abraham Haddad
2012 – Martha & Arthur Pappas
2010 – Mary C. DeFeudis
2009 – John & Kay Bassett
2008 – James W. Coghlin Sr.
2007 – Sumner B. Tilton Jr.
2006 – Charles F. Monahan Jr.
2005 – Michael P. Angelini
2004 – Edwin B. Coghlin Jr.
2003 – Francis R. Carroll
2002 – Henry B. Dewey
2001 – Russell E. Fuller
2000 – Rev. Paul D. Kennedy D.D.
1999 – Rev. Richard & Shirley Wright
1997 – William P. Densmore
1995 – Fairman C. Cowan
1993 – Lois B. Green
1991 – Mark R. Ungerer
1989 – Anne M. & Paul S. Morgan
1987 – John D. Hunt
1985 – Jacob Hiatt
1983 – Anthony J. Stevens Jr.
1982 – Richard C. Steele
1979 – Joseph T. Benedict
1977 – John Jeppson II
1975 – Anthony A. Borgatti Jr.
1973 – Edward C. Maher
1971 – Robert S. & Helen A. Bowditch
1969 – Cosmo E. Mingolla
1967 – Howard B. Jefferson
1965 – H. Ladd Plumley
1963 – Edwin B. Coghlin
1962 – Richard J. Rutherford
1961 – Milton P. Higgins
1960 – Richard C. Potter
1959 – Raymond P. Harold
1958 – F. Harold Daniels
1957 – Cardinal John F. Wright
1956 – George F. Fuller
1955 – Everett F. Merrill
1954 – George N. Jeppson
1953 – Philip M. Morgan
1952 – Harry G. Stoddard
1951 – Mrs. J. Herbert Johnson
1950 – George F. Booth
