Will Thomson of Glenside, owner of William Thomson State Farm Agency in Warrington, has been helping area youth stay safe on and off the roadways.
He and his wife, Maura (née Hood), a Glenside native and a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School, work directly with local high school students via driver safety courses alongside other endeavors. Together, they’ve sponsored multiple teen safety teams in Montgomery and Bucks counties, the Roslyn-based Nexus School’s signature safety event, as well as youth sports throughout greater Glenside (GYAC, Ardsley North Hill Athletics, Blackthorn Rugby, I9 Flag Football, among others).
The Nexus School, which provides functional academics, vocational training, life skills education, and transition support for area youth, was developed by a parent of an autistic student.
“They have kids up to ages 21 or 22, and they’re trying to get them into workspaces so they can go out into the world. The students come in once a week or so and we can give them different projects to do,” Will said.
The Thomsons also supply informational materials for the biannual Arrive Alive Annual Program safety events at Abington Senior High School.
“Abington has a great curriculum. They have two events per year, per grade,” Will said. “The senior division is about driver awareness, drunk driving, and distracted driving. Earlier this year, we spoke to all 700 seniors about what to do if they get in an accident. We made it educational and walked them through the different steps. They all left with a booklet for their glove compartment. We’re hoping to become more involved. Right now, they lean on us because we have a lot of materials for them to use.”
Will, a New Jersey native, has coached and/or sponsored youth sports—baseball, basketball, flag football, among others—during his 29 years in Glenside.
“We live here. This is where our kids play sports. We’re deeply rooted in Glenside,” he said. “We’re always trying to be out in the community. We can donate money, but we’d rather be a little more tangible. Our big focus has been on teen driving now that our oldest is at that age. State Farm is a community-based company, so it’s been a good fit for me. We want to deliver good messages and put kids on a safer path.”
Keep an eye out for William Thomson State Farm Agency’s table at the Keswick Village Fall Festival on October 12.
For more on the company and Will Thomson, you can visit his website and Facebook page.
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Photos: Maura Thomson