Sparks learns to lead at Tharptown

Editor’s Note: Franklin’s Future is a regular feature spotlighting a high school senior in Franklin County and what they have planned for life after graduation.

Tharptown High School student Erika Sparks could write a book on how to successfully navigate the confusing and crazy four years known as high school.

The 17-year-old senior has only attended THS since her sophomore year, but in a three-year time span, she has managed to be a part of almost every organization and activity possible while still managing to keep a 4.0 grade point average.

Over the years, she has displayed her athletic ability on the volleyball, basketball, softball and tracks teams and she has shown her leadership ability by serving as secretary of the National Honor Society and the Student Council, the vice-president of Future Business Leaders of America, the president of Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the president of her class.

“High school has actually been something I’ve really enjoyed because I like to be a leader and high school has given me the opportunity to improve on those skills,” Sparks said. “There actually aren’t many things that I won’t miss once I graduate because I just like school. I always have.”

Someone who is so involved in their high school experience no doubt has many good memories of sporting events, school functions and time with friends.

Even though Sparks said she loves school itself, her favorite memory from high school occurred recently when she was crowned the Homecoming Queen for THS.

“Homecoming week was a really fun time,” she said. “Being crowned was a great experience and it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Being the reigning homecoming queen, Sparks is obviously well-received by her peers, but she said the feeling is mutual, even with students who don’t go to THS.

“I was involved in the Franklin County Junior Leadership program in 11th grade and I really liked meeting all the new people,” she said. “Since I went to Mt. Hope before coming [to THS], I didn’t really know everyone in the other county schools, but through Junior Leadership I made several friends that I still keep in touch with.”

Sparks said high school has been fun, but she will be ready to start a new chapter once she graduates this May. Her college plans aren’t set in stone since it’s still early in the year, but she said she has her college choices narrowed down to the University of North Alabama and the University of Alabama.

“There are many things I’ll have to consider before I make my final decision,” she said. “I like that UNA is a little closer to home and I like Alabama’s campus. Really, though, it will probably come down to what kind of scholarship offers I receive. That will weigh heavily on my decision.”

Whether she’s yelling “Roar Lions” or “Roll Tide” next fall, Sparks said she wants to pursue a degree in secondary education that will lead to a Master’s in Education with a concentration in science.

“Science is one of those subjects that has stuck with me over the years because it’s interesting to learn,” she said. “I think I would enjoy teaching at the high school level, and hopefully one day, I’ll be teaching science at a high school around here and coaching basketball, too.”

Sparks said her love for her family is what makes her want to remain in the area once she graduates from college so she can stay close to her mom and stepdad, Michelle and Keith Frost; her dad, Stefan Sparks; and her older brother and sister, Kirk Sparks and Tiffany Sparks.

“I’m very family-oriented, so I can’t see myself moving very far away once I’m ready to settle down,” she said.

Between school, planning for her future, participating in activities at her church, Crossover Ministries in Moulton, and pursuing her love for photography, Sparks has a busy senior year ahead, but she plans to handle it by taking some of her own advice that she would share with underclassmen.

“Keep God first in everything you do and never give less than your best,” she said. “Keep your priorities straight and keep you head on right and you’ll reach your goals.”