These 11 Thompson High School seniors and world-changers are set to make their mark!
By Barry Wise Smith
Photos by Brit Huckabay
Marisol Alvarado-Resendiz
You are going to Brown —what would you like to major in and what are you excited to explore in Rhode Island?
I’m either majoring in environmental science or biology pre-medicine, but, at Brown, you declare your major at the beginning of your sophomore year, so I have time. Thanks to Brown’s open curriculum, I will be able to explore many of my interests. I’m excited to meet lifelong friends, immerse myself in the vibrant culture of Providence and learn the city’s fascinating history, and admire the natural beauty of Rhode Island’s charming coastlines and landscapes.
Tell me about your internship at UAB? What did you do, and did it inspire your future plans?
During my internship at UAB through the PRISM program, I gained valuable research experience under the guidance of The Martin Lab. One highlight of the program was the ability to submit my abstract and present my findings to an audience of medical professionals and students at a national conference in Washington D.C. It was an enriching experience that enhanced my public speaking skills and deepened my passion for scientific research. Through engaging with medical professionals and witnessing the impact it has on improving healthcare outcomes, I discovered a passion for the medical field.
Tell me about your family’s background.
My family is proudly Mexican! My dad comes from Xichú, while my mom is from a lively suburban city called Cuautitlan Izcalli. Being bilingual is a valuable asset that not only enriches my professional endeavors but also allows me to feel connected to my Mexican roots and acquire a great appreciation for my culture’s language. I feel happy anytime I can make someone feel more comfortable by speaking to them in Spanish, and anytime I am able to bridge language barriers, which fosters meaningful connections between different communities.
Tucker Arrington
When did you start playing baseball, what position do you play, and what have you learned from playing baseball?
I started playing baseball when I was five years old at a Warriors Baseball Camp. I play first base, and I pitch. From baseball, I’ve learned how to work hard and deal with failure in my life.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of Alabama at Huntsville for school and to play baseball. I intend to major in civil engineering.
You are a captain on the baseball team, what does that leadership role mean to you?
It means a tremendous amount to me. I see myself not just as a leader on the field but off the field too. I try to represent Christ in all that I do and show that to my teammates.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I love music. I’ve played the drums for six years and guitar for three years. I play in the praise band at my church.
Gunner Atkins
You compete in three varsity sports—cross country, soccer, and wrestling—which is your favorite?
My favorite sport is wrestling because of the feeling you get after winning a match. I wrestled when I was a kid and won a state championship, but I gave up the sport to play basketball. However, it being my senior year, I had more time to spare because my class workload was lighter, so I was able to wrestle again. From competing in team sports, I’ve learned leadership skills and what it’s like to truly pour my all into something.
You’ve also been actively involved in numerous service projects—why is it important for you to do community service both through school organizations and outside entities?
Because of how much the community pours into me. Between the fans coming to games and the school staff making sure I get a top-tier education, I feel like I owe it to the community to give back.
With all of your athletic endeavors, you’ve also done dual enrollment. Why dual enrollment, and what have you gotten from doing college level classes?
Dual enrollment is the best way for me to get ahead in my education. I will be going to college as a sophomore because of how many dual enrollment classes I’ve taken. I’m going to University of Alabama and majoring in accounting with a minor in finance.
What has been your favorite thing about your senior year?
Toga day during homecoming week, it was just a fun day where we took cool pictures, and I competed in one of the pep rally games.
Abigail Bess
You have served as class president since freshman year—what are the qualities of a good leader, and why is leadership important to you?
One of the most important traits of a good leader is to lead while also listening to the advice of those around you. Leadership is important to me because it takes a good leader to change the world that we live in and the way that we think.
What are your college plans?
I am planning on going to Auburn University to study journalism.
What has been your favorite thing about your senior year?
The pep rallies because I’ve gotten to bond with my class and make so many fun memories.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I love to travel! Me and my family love to go anywhere and everywhere!
Ashlyn Gamble
You are number one in your class—how has Thompson prepared you for academic success in college?
I’ve been at Thompson since kindergarten, and I feel like I have been blessed with teachers who’ve fostered my love of learning and encouraged me to do challenging things in the classroom..
What are your college plans?
While I haven’t yet decided where I will go, I plan to major in either chemical engineering or biomedical engineering. I have a passion for the biotech side of cancer research, so hopefully my major leads me to a successful career in that field.
You are also a competitive volleyball athlete—do you want to play volleyball in college?
I do plan to continue my volleyball career in college! I am currently in the recruiting process with a few schools and will hopefully be making and announcing my decision soon!!
What’s been your favorite thing about your senior year?
This year more than ever I have tried to designate time for activities outside of my regular schedule. I have been able to create amazing memories with my friends and family that I know I will look back on fondly. My senior year itself has been bittersweet knowing that this is inevitably the end of an era, so I am trying to make everything count while it lasts.
Presley Kauffman
You’re a member of the two-time national-championship winning Warriorette dance team—how long have you been dancing, and what do you most enjoy about dance?
Dancing has helped shape the person I am today! I have been dancing since I was two years old. I love how dance allows me to be free. No matter what mood I’m inI can express my feelings through dance. It has always been my happy place.
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend the University of Alabama where I will major in apparel in textiles (Fashion Design) and minor in business. I’ve always had a passion for design, so one day I hope to own my own fashion company!
What’s been your favorite thing about your senior year?
Winning the title of “Miss Thompson High School.” Not only was I ecstatic to be chosen to represent my school, but it has taught me so much! I’ve had so much fun doing community service projects and growing the platform.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
When I was 10 years old, I was in a major car accident. I had severe internal injuries, and the surgeons estimated I had a less than 10-percent chance of a full recovery. Through lots of prayer, I was blessed with a miracle and was 100 percent healed.
Josue Serrato
You have done a lot of community service—why is that important to you?
I believe that if you’re able to, you should give your time to something outside of yourself, because it makes you look at life from a different perspective. Being there for someone in need is one the greatest feelings you can get, there’s nothing like it. I don’t think I’d be the same person if I didn’t volunteer on a regular day basis.
You have taken on numerous leadership roles—what are the qualities of a good leader and why is leadership important?
The two most important qualities that all leaders should have are discipline and adaptability. I’m currently the president of three of the biggest clubs/organizations that the high school has to offer. They are all service oriented and reward students with a graduation cord at the end of their senior year.
Tell me about your interest in robotics and your college plans.
I’m an engineering student enrolled in engineering dual enrollment courses. There are several stem-based clubs and organizations offered at Thompson—TSA, Rocket Club, and the Underwater Robotics team. I’m involved with the rocket team. Every year we build a rocket with certain measurements and fly it for competition.
What’s been your favorite thing about your senior year?
I’m grateful for having the opportunity to meet some of the most genuine people who have really led me to be the person I want to be.
Zach Sims
You’re a multi-state champion—how long have you been playing football, and what has football taught you?
I’ve been playing football since I was in first grade. Football has taught me accountability, responsibility, and perseverance. It has helped me to handle difficult things in my daily life. Graduating early, starting college, and learning to be independent has shown me how important these traits are, so I’m thankful. Having the opportunity to win and be a part of a championship team has been great.
You opted to graduate early and go on to Alabama State—what led you to that decision and how has the transition been to a college campus?
Graduating early has been the plan for me since I was a freshman. I’ve always wanted to get a head start in football and get used to college life. That allowed me to get a head start on my academic success, too. The transition has been great, and I’ve enjoyed embracing this new chapter of my life. Dual enrollment allowed me to start school as a second semester college freshman and start with classes within my finance major.
What are your future plans?
My plans after college are to make it to the NFL and be a real-estate developer, investor, and entrepreneur.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a foodie, and I love cooking.
Joshua Smith
You play trombone and you’re now a drum major in the band—what have you learned from this role and four years in the band?
I learned to be a leader, and I learned discipline and commitment to a greater common goal and that sacrifices must be made for the group to succeed. Playing trombone was the best decision I could have made, because it opened the door to many opportunities along the line.
You do AV volunteering at your church—do you enjoy technology and video production?
I met a guy named Bryan at my church one night. He was doing a “lighting gig,” and he asked for my contact info to see if I wanted to help out in the future. A few months later he messaged me about a job in Birmingham. Right now, I help him set up tech in the venue, but hopefully, I can get more experience with him once I get to college and have more free time.
What are your college plans?
I originally wanted to go to Auburn because my uncle went and became successful. Then I realized that I was interested in engineering and the intricacies of machines. I made it my mission to go to one of the best engineering schools in the state and become a mechanical engineer.
Avery Williamson
When did you start cheering and what was it like to cheer for the state championship winning football team for most of your high school career?
I grew up taking gymnastics and dance classes starting at three years old. I decided to combine those skills and try out for the Middle School Cheer Team in sixth grade and have been cheering for Thompson ever since! Not many people can say they have cheered on their high school team at Protective, Bryant Denny, and Jordan Hare Stadiums!
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend Auburn University in the fall and major in nursing. While I’ve loved my time as a cheerleader at Thompson, I plan to cheer on the Auburn Tigers from the student section!
What’s been your favorite thing from your senior year?
This past summer, I was chosen to be an Alabama Girls State delegate. I had the amazing opportunity to meet and learn from other high school seniors as well as state leaders such as Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Katie Britt, and author and attorney Liz Huntley.
Savannah Young
You’re a volleyball athlete—how long have you played volleyball and what has playing volleyball taught you?
I have been playing volleyball for seven years, six of these being in the Thompson Volleyball Program. Playing volleyball has taught me so much, but the greatest thing it has taught me is don’t take life for granted, and you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of North Alabama during the summer as a selected member in the Presidential Mentors Academy and then begin classes in the fall, majoring in digital marketing and a minor in project management.
Outside of school and volleyball, what do you enjoy doing?
During my free time, I love to hang out with friends and family, reading books by Colleen Hoover, painting, and going on jeep rides.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I graduated early in December. Thankfully I will still be able to be a part of the fun senior festivities like prom, parade of graduates, Senior Honors night, Senior breakfast, and walking the stage at my graduation ceremony. Now that I am done with school, I work most of the time and paint and sell art for people who are getting decor ready for their dorms.