Chesley Smith ’24

Chesley Smith, a history and political studies major from Stowe, Vermont, has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar and community member. A Wesson Honors scholar, Chesley’s impressive academic performance earned him the baccalaureate award in history and political studies, as well as a place in the Alpha Chi national honor society. His Capstone, Threats to Waponi Kewemonipa: Contact and its Consequences for Huaorani Self-Determination, explored the effects of interaction with external groups on an indigenous tribe in the Amazon.

Chesley was a member of the men’s alpine ski team for the duration of his time at the college. He also served as a senator in the Student Government Association and was a member of three standing committees: the Incident Response Team, Parking Appeals Committee and Academic Policies Committee. This spring, he traveled as part of guided Wesson Honors Weekend trip to Mexico City and the surrounding area. He was also the 2024 recipient of the Barbara Johnson Stearns Award, which honors a student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to the college community. And, notably, during his senior year, he worked with senior leadership to successfully revive the old Colby-Sawyer tradition of Ski Day.

In the words of one faculty member, “[Chesley] juggles the challenges of academics and other activities with SGA and applies his leadership abilities in whatever he is doing. … Since arriving at Colby-Sawyer, Chesley’s academic and cocurricular work has been exemplary and worthy of emulation.”

Next year, Chesley will attend the University of Vermont and pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education, a one-year program that leads to licensure, with a focus on social studies.