Morrissey Selected as the November Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight Recipient

CAIRO –  The Cairo-Durham Central School District is proud to announce the November 2024 recipient of the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” is Tom Morrissey (‘08).

Tom, a lifelong Catskill region resident, is a passionate artist, entrepreneur, and community member who believes in giving back. After discovering his love for chainsaw carving, he started a chainsaw carving business, Catskills Carver. He is also the former Cairo-Durham Rotary Club President.

As a chainsaw carver, Tom stays busy with his carvings and frequently travels to regional events while showing off his craft, he said. Most of his art consists of wood carvings, and occasionally, mixed media. Art is one of his passions, so he is always learning and experimenting with new techniques and tools. 

“Art has always been a passion of mine, and it was probably my destiny.  Friends recognized my potential when I carved some small pieces (non-chainsaw) and as my skills grew, so did the size of my “toys” – which now includes an arsenal of several chainsaws, die grinders, and specialty power tools,” said Tom Morrissey, a Class of 2008 alum. “Chainsaw carving has given me a level of joy that I have never experienced in any other of my jobs.  Seeing how it influences others is highly rewarding. I have found my calling…”

Earlier this month, Tom visited Mr. Criswell’s high school classes to demonstrate his chainsaw carving for the students. Afterward, the seven finely carved owls Tom carved that day were given to the school for an internal silent auction. The remaining owls are currently on display near the high school gymnasium.  He was delighted to give back to the community while showing students one example of an interesting alternative career path, which also includes entrepreneurship. 

“Carving for the art students at Cairo Durham High School was both a privilege and an honor.  It was a fantastic experience to reach out and demonstrate my craft to young people.  Chainsaw carving seems to be especially appealing to this audience,” he said. “The 7 owls I produced during the day were donated to the school.  As I said before I believe that “giving back” is an integral part of my business!”

Tom was actively interested in the arts while at Cairo-Durham High School. He thanks art teachers Mr. and Mrs. Criswell and Ms.Little and Ms. Lavigne (LiCalzi) who all helped his artistic development.

For students at Cairo-Durham, Tom Morrissey gives this advice, “Follow your dreams, be genuine, and don’t listen to the ‘naysayers…’.”

To bridge the community and the Cairo-Durham Central School District, the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” was created to provide an opportunity for community members to nominate members of the Cairo-Durham Class of 2018 or prior who have made an impact in the community, embrace Cairo-Durham pride and serve as role models to future generations of Mustangs to be recognized on the District’s platforms. Nominations are now open for the December 2024 spotlight, click here to nominate a Cairo-Durham alum. Submissions are due by Friday, January 10, 2025 at 4 p.m.