Tharptown Salutatorian: Kaylee Bain

“Even when I was in kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be the top student in my class. It always gave me a goal. It gave me something to work for. And I like challenges.”

Kaylee Bain met that challenge head-on and rose to salutatorian of the Tharptown High School Class of 2017.

Bain, who came to Tharptown from Mt. Hope in seventh grade, aims to get a head start on her college education this summer and will apply for the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Calhoun Community College. She said she then wants to continue to Auburn University to study kinesiology and finish her degree program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to become a doctor of physical therapy.

Bain at one time aimed to play softball in college, which has been a passion for years, but a back injury forced her to modify her plans. She underwent therapy at Encore Rehabilitation in Russellville, where therapist Justin Hargett inspired her to pursue the profession. “I decided I wanted to help people the way he helped me,” she said.

Bain has been active in FCA, FBLA, 4-H, Junior Civitan, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, STEM Club, track and basketball, in addition to softball, during her time at Tharptown.

“Kaylee is an exceptional student. She knows exactly what she wants to do, and she has it planned out to the end,” said Tharptown teacher Bart Moss. “She is very goal-oriented and works very hard. There is no doubt in my mind she will be a successful physical therapist.”

Ever ready for another challenge, Bain is eager to turn her tassel and face the next phase of life. “I’m excited to graduate because I’m ready to see what my future holds,” she said. She’s also excited to meet new people.

Bain is the daughter of Stacy Bain, Ryan Bain and Slick Jones.