Thompson looking to help others

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.

Senior Lexie Thompson, 17, said she has had a great experience at Phil Campbell High School, due in large part to the school administration’s willingness to give the students plenty of options when it comes to activities.
Thompson said one of the new things principal Cindy Davis implemented was the advisory groups, which are made up of groups of students in grades 7-12.
“This has been something I’ve really enjoyed because the groups are made up of people you might not normally hang out with so it gives us a chance to branch out and do things with other people at the school,” she said.
“We’ve done some fun things like painting murals and having competitions, and I’m glad Mrs. Davis created these groups because it’s been one of my favorite things about high school.”
Thompson said she has also enjoyed her involvement in extracurricular activities such as Students Against Destructive Decisions, Future Business Leaders of America, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Junior Civitan, the Homecoming Court, Stand for the Silent, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“Stand for the Silent is a new club this year that focuses on anti-bullying and I think it’s had a positive impact since that can really be a problem in some schools,” she said.
“I also really enjoy being part of FCA because we have a devotion usually once a week on Fridays before school.”
Thompson has also been very active on the school’s cheerleading squad and the softball team.
“Being a cheerleader has been fun because I’ve been able to be part of all the games, and I’ve really loved softball and all the fun we have as a team,” she said.
“One of my favorite memories is probably winning the county softball tournament last year. I really like getting to be around my teammates and having fun at practice.
“Seeing all my friends and getting to play sports is what I’ll miss the most about high school when I graduate.”
Even though it will be sad to close the high school chapter of her life, Thompson said she’s excited about college and seeing what her future has in store for her.
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing a different place and meeting new people,” she said. “I’ve grown up here all my life and I just want to find out what it’s like away from here.”
Thompson said she plans to attend Wallace State Community College because it was the best fit for her.
“I think Wallace is good because it’s not right here in Phil Campbell but it’s not too far away,” she said. “They also have a good nursing program, so that was a factor in my decision as well.”
Thompson said being a nurse is something she’s wanted to do for a long time.
“I’ve always been interested in helping people and taking care of them,” she said, “but when my mamaw got sick with cancer, it made me realize it even more when I was helping to take care of her. I know this is a career I will enjoy.”
Thompson said she could see herself living in the Shoals area and working at either Helen Keller Hospital or ECM, but her ideal job would be working at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“When my mamaw had cancer, I saw how she struggled,” Thompson said. “I want to make sure those children at St. Jude who are so young are able to have a full life and know there are people who care about them and want to help them.”
Wherever she ends up working, Thompson said she just hopes in will be in a bigger city.
“I enjoy the small town life, but I think I will be able to get more experience and have more opportunities if I live somewhere a little bigger.”
Thompson is the daughter or Thomas Thompson and Carla Thompson. She also has an older brother, Caleb Thompson, who is currently serving overseas as a military policeman with the Army National Guard.