Drew Academy’s Nicholas Thomas to be Honored by MLB at Game 4 of World Series

Drew Academy eighth-grader Nicholas Thomas, center, poses with Drew Principal Earnest Washington, Jr. and Magnet Coordinator Kyiandra Hildreth beneath a sign congratulating Nicholas for being named one of 10 national winners of Major League Baseball’s Youth Academy “Youth of the Year” Award. Nicholas and his parents will attend Game 4 of the World Series between the Astros and National in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Nationals Park.

Thanks to being a good student and an involved young man, Nicholas Thomas is earning a very big honor!

Nicholas, an eighth-grader at Drew Academy, was named the Houston Astros’ Major League Baseball Youth Academy’s “Youth of the Year” and will be honored prior to Game 4 of the Word Series between the Astros and Washington Nationals on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Drew Academy Principal Earnest Washington, Jr., said Nicholas is most deserving of this special recognition. Nicholas is one of 10 national winners from across the country who will be honored on the field before Game 4.

“We are extremely proud of Nicholas,” Washington said. “Nicholas is an engaged student who is strong academically and is involved in his community in a number of endeavors. He’s a well-rounded individual.

When Nicholas isn’t playing baseball or attending to his studies, he is involved in the school’s string program where he plays the viola, is a member of Drew Academy’s GENTS program and a member of the school’s Business Professional of America program. He also plays football for Garcia Middle School.

“Nicholas’ work in the community is genuine,” Washington said. “He’s a very humble young man who handles his business. Our campus benefits because we are proud to have him as a student.”

Nicholas, whose favorite Astro is third baseman Alex Bregman, said he is excited about his upcoming trip and added he will be rooting for his hometown team on Saturday night and throughout the rest of the Series.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I am looking forward to the experience and I hope I get to meet and learn from some major league players.”

Nicholas, who is 13, has played in the Astro’s Youth Academy for seven years. He plays first base, third base and pitches.

“I like playing in the Academy because I get to play different positions,” he said. “I love the game of baseball.”

Nicholas will attend Carver High School next year and hopes to play baseball for Eisenhower High School (Carver does not have extra curricular activities and students can participate in them at their home schools).

Before being recognized before Game 4, Nicholas and the other honorees will participate in a Play Ball Event sponsored by MLB at Fort Belvoir Primary School in the D.C. area. A luncheon will be held in their honor at the Cambria Hotel before heading out for Nationals Park for pre-game ceremonies.