Tom DeMatties, a math and science teacher at Castleton Elementary School in Bomoseen, has been named Poultney’s Citizen of the Year for 2025 by the Poultney Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Poultney has so many wonderful people who are willing to give their time and energy to the betterment of the community," said Chamber President Elizabeth Ayers. "This year, we are especially proud to recognize Tom DeMatties, whose passionate commitment to intergenerational service and local stewardship truly defines the spirit of a model citizen."
DeMatties’ commitment to community service is a lifelong passion, with volunteer work accounting for about a third of the 29 jobs he has held. At Castleton Elementary, he models his civic values for his sixth-grade class by regularly taking them on field trips to the Young at Heart Senior Center. During these valuable visits, his students have made decorations, prepared meals, done yard work and even built picnic tables for the center, successfully connecting young people with their community's senior generation.
DeMatties will be formally honored at a public reception on Nov. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Young at Heart Senior Center in Poultney.