2026 Isaiah Thomas Award for Distinguished Community Service

The Isaiah Thomas Award is given in recognition of Distinguished Community Service in Worcester, Massachusetts.

HISTORY

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.

Cocktail Hour: 6:00PM
Program & Dinner: 7:00PM

Accessible Entrance
The barrier-free entrance to the Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. There is no elevator access to the Great Hall balcony.

Accessible Halls
All of our halls are wheelchair-accessible, where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theater seat should request wheelchair-seat locations when ordering tickets.  The Great Hall balcony is not wheel-chair accessible.

2026 Award Recipients

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.

While his corporate success is significant, the Isaiah Thomas Award recognizes George as a dedicated, community service oriented leader.

He has been an active part of the Worcester community for decades and is, or has been, a leader in countless organizations. To name a few: American Antiquarian Society, Worcester Art Museum, Worcester State University, New England Commission of Higher Education, Nativity School of Worcester, Worcester Education Collaborative, Learning First Charter Public School, Worcester Business Development Corporation, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Worcester Venture Forum, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Music Worcester, Worcester Economic Development Coordinating Council, and Worcester Center for Crafts.

George is a wise and forceful behind-the–scenes leader: his leadership and counsel have made a profound and lasting impact on Worcester and the entire central Massachusetts region.

Chelsea Ohenewaa Okantey is a senior at Worcester Public Schools’ North High School.

Chelsea’s dedication to her community is best exemplified by her over 200 hours of community service to organizations such as St. John’s Food Pantry, Walk for the Homeless, Walk Like MADD Greater Boston, Belmont Community School Family Night, and the Worcester Public Library College & Career Access Fair, and more. Chelsea represents the very best of our community. She possesses an innate sense of compassion and commitment to the place she calls home, approaching every experience with “optimism, maturity, and a strong moral compass rooted in her family’s values and her own sense of purpose.” Chelsea is the ideal embodiment of the inaugural Youth Isaiah Thomas Award.