Hicks looks at career in imaging
Kayla Hicks, a senior at Phil Campbell High School, has been an important part of her school for many years.
The 18-year-old varsity cheerleader has exemplified school spirit at sporting events; demonstrated academic achievement through the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta; has been a school leader through FCA, FBLA, FCCLA, and student government; and has been a community leader through participation in Junior Civitan, Junior Leadership and Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed about high school is being a part of the different activities and having the opportunity to help out in the community,” Hicks said.
“Through Junior Leadership we were able to help out with the Watermelon Festival and make Christmas stockings for the residents of the Sara Dinsmore Center. It was good to know that we were helping other people.”
Hicks said she has also enjoyed the time she’s spent with friends and teachers.
“I’ve always gone to Phil Campbell so I’m used to seeing all my friends,” Hicks said. “Getting to see my friends on a daily basis and getting to cheer are probably the things I’ll miss the most about high school.”
After Hicks dons her cap and gown in May and receives her diploma along with the rest of the PCHS Class of 2011, she said she plans to complete her basic classes at Northwest-Shoals Community College.
“Most people who go to Phil Campbell go to Northwest when they graduate, and I decided it would be the best path for me, too,” she said. “It’s close to home and I’ll be able to see some of my friends there.
“I’m looking forward to college because it’ll be nice not to have to go to class every day or for eight straight hours a day. I’ll be able to choose my own schedule and I think I’ll like that.”
Once she completes her basics, Hicks wants to transfer to Wallace State Community College where she plans to study for a career in diagnostic imaging.
“Being able to see people’s faces when they come for an ultrasound and see their baby for the first time would be an amazing thing to do for a living,” Hicks said.
“I also hope through my career that I can help on a moral level. If someone who is thinking about abortion comes in, maybe they will change their minds after hearing their baby’s heartbeat for the first time.”
Unlike some high school seniors, Hicks enjoys the small-town aspect the town of Phil Campbell has to offer and said she wouldn’t mind living in the area in the future.
“I love a small town and how everybody knows everybody. No one’s really a stranger,” she said. “Ten years down the road I’d like to be married, have children, have a steady career and be living here in this area. Franklin County is a great place for kids to grow up.”
Kicks said she also plans to help out in the community when she gets older and she plans on being active in church.
“I’ve taught music at our church’s VBS for a couple of years and it’s something I really enjoy,” she said. “I hope to help out with things like that and be active in the community.”
This summer, Hicks said she plans to get a head start on her college experience by taking a couple of classes and by spending time with her friends, her boyfriend and her family.
“I’ve had a great high school experience and I’m looking forward to college,” Hicks said. “My advice to people still in high school is to start looking into colleges and careers as soon as you can so you’ll be prepared when you graduate.”
