TOWAMENCIN- NPHS can expect a Dude Report next week on The Morning Show, because Tom Schmids, one of the dudes, is back after his injury-resulting accident. A couple of weeks ago, Schmids was out filming near Wissahickon with dudes Liam McKee, Daniel Wescoe, and Alonso Barrantes. After successfully filming, the dudes noticed a cliff at the side of the road, and owning up to their impetuous teen status, they climbed up the cliff unaware of what would happen next.

Trying to impress his peers, Schmids took a more complex route up to the cliff, resulting in an unstable rock below him to tumble down the cliff, Schmids going down with it. As the famous dude tried to break his fall, he broke both of his wrists, and multiple bones in his face, resulting in his hospitalization. He has pins in both of his wrists and a screw in his left wrist supporting his damaged bones, and still has to get surgery for his nose and cheekbone on Monday.

Luckily, Schmids did not damage his legs, brain, back, or any other vital body parts, allowing him to continue living his life normally. Schmids expressed his gratitude for his NPTV team helping him, as Wescoe carried him to safety, where they called an ambulance. After the fall, Schmids had to lay in a hospital bed for about two weeks, where all he wanted to do was go to school.

“I was so tired of sitting around. I wanted to go back to school as soon as possible, but my mom wanted me to take it easy and get better with time,” laughed Schmids.

The experience certainly changed his outlook on life, as he plans to be more cautious in the future.

“I’ll definitely be more careful with significant bodily risks I take in the future,” he smiled.

This Monday was Schmids’ first day back since the accident, and he expressed his appreciation for everyone at school.

“My family and friends are so supportive. I didn’t get yelled at for being stupid that much. The teachers here are also supportive of my recovery,” stated Schmids.

Although he admits he was slightly nervous to return to school, he was delighted to know that everyone was extremely nice to him, and all of North Penn is helping him get back into the swing of things.

Unfortunately, Schmids missed NPHS’s production of She Stoops to Conquer where he was cast as one of the leads, Tony Lumpkin. Due to his injuries, the show had to go on without him, stressful with the lack of preparation for understudies, but still resulting in a phenomenal performance. McKee had to take over the role of Tony Lumpkin, and Schmids couldn’t have been more proud.

“All my friends worked so hard to make something great. I’m just glad I was a part of it,” said Schmids.

As Schmids’ wounds heal, he looks forward to a fun filled senior year, with many more Dude Reports and short films to come.