The 18-year-old has had a hectic year with commitments to the school's First XV rugby team, athletics team, school choir, head of Sutherland House, and as a member of the Combined Schools Social Committee and North Otago SADD Committee.
Tom also dedicates many hours each week to his study and has achieved top scholar status for Year 11 and membership of the school's Academic Excellence Club in 2007.
"I have had a lot of commitments outside school hours with head boy responsibilities at the school's 125th anniversary celebrations. I had a lot of rugby commitments on at the same time.
"Occasionally the pressure goes on. Trying to be a good role model as head boy, keep cool under pressure and find balance - it's been a challenge."
Tom says his greatest fear is letting people down and sometimes it is necessary to make sacrifices in his own life to avoid the predicament.
But the rewards are worth it.
He says meeting some of the school's old boys at the anniversary was inspirational.
"They are ex-All Blacks, successful businessmen . . . They all show me that anything is possible."
Tom hopes to study commerce at the University of Otago next year.
Achievements: First XV rugby (2006-08), captain (2007); New Zealand Rugby Academy (2006); Otago Highlanders Secondary Schools Coaching Clinic (2007-08); North Otago Rugby U18 representative; Aoraki Schools Rugby Sports Award (2007); 2007 Belfour Sevens Tournament winner; School award for leadership (2007); Waitaki Boys High School Academic Excellence Club (2007); Top Scholar Year 11 (2006); Lincoln J. Tempero Leadership Award (2007); Year 12 physical education award.
Role model: All Black captain Richie McCaw.
Hopes for the future: To study commerce at the University of Otago and become an accountant.