Potter cherishes time at PCHS

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.

Phil Campbell senior Cory Potter hasn’t always been a Bobcat, but he said he’s had a great time playing sports and making friends at PCHS.
Potter, 17, attended East Franklin Junior High until transferring to PCHS in the 10th grade.
Since coming to Phil Campbell, Potter has gotten involved in many school activities and sports such as the football team, the baseball team, the basketball team, National Honor Society, Student Council, class vice-president every year, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Junior Civitan, Jobs for Alabama Graduates, Mu Alpha Theta, Future Farmers of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Scholar’s Bowl, Math Team, the Robotics Team and he was the school’s representative to Boys State.
“I think getting involved is good because it helps you prepare for your future,” Potter said. “It helps you learn people skills and how to work with other people to accomplish something.
“It’s also a good way to meet people and make friends. Most of my class from East Franklin came here but I also made other friends because of sports or clubs.”
With all the close ties he has to the students, teachers and organizations at PCHS, saying goodbye when he graduates in the fall will admittedly be hard.
“I’ll miss seeing my friends every day and being in a place where I know everyone,” he said. “I’ll also miss the teachers and having a close relationship with most of them. Feeling like I could open up to them has really helped me learn.”
Potter said he would also miss the familiarity of home, but he was also ready for the new experiences of college.
“I’m looking forward being on my own and being a little more independent in a new place,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and being part of college life, like intramural sports and activities.”
Potter said he was still debating on which college he wants to attend in the fall.
“I’m open to several different schools, so I guess I’ll just have to see which one ends up being the best fit,” he said.
“Right now, I’m leaning towards majoring in engineering, so wherever I go needs to have a good engineering program.”
For someone who enjoys math and science like Potter does, a career in engineering seems ideal.
“I think I would enjoy the subject matter and I think it’s something I wouldn’t mind studying during college,” he said. “Another benefit is that I could be done with school in four years and get started on my career. Engineering seems to be a good field to go into all around, so that’s why I’m leaning towards that right now.”
Potter said once he graduates from college and looks to settle down, he wouldn’t mind being closer to Franklin County.
“I know I probably won’t be able to live here because I don’t know that I’d be able to get a good engineering job here, but I don’t think I want to be too far away.
“I like Franklin County but it would also be nice to be in a place that has a little bit more to do.”
Potter has made it a point to help out the community he calls home through several different avenues.
He spent a good bit of time last April helping with the tornado recovery in the area.
He also helps with projects at his church, Pleasant Hill FCM Church in East Franklin, and was part of Franklin County Junior Leadership where he did quite a bit of community service.
“I’ve enjoyed helping out in the community,” he said. “I think it’s good to give back when you can.”
Potter said he thinks he has learned a lot from his time in high school and wouldn’t mind sharing the knowledge he’s acquired.
“Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman,” he joked. “Seriously, though, just always try your best and find a good balance. Focus on your grades but don’t forget to have fun. High school only happens once.”