Michael Thompson
For Owensboro Catholic High School Head Counselor, Mr. Scott Lowe, there was no doubt in nominating Michael Thompson as an outstanding senior for Owensboro Parent. Coaching Michael for three years in cross-country and working with him for the last two years as a counselor, Mr. Lowe says it’s Michael’s leadership skills that set him apart.
“He may not have been the fastest on our cross-country team, but he led the team because of his leadership,” Mr. Lowe said.
It was this quality that earned Michael the Josh Clary Best All Around Friend Award, voted on by his teammates, both his sophomore and senior years. Michael admits that this award is what he is most proud of in his high school career. Not only was the award named for someone he respects, past OCHS student and now Dean of Students at Brescia University, Josh Clary, but it was also an honor bestowed upon him by his peers.
Beyond cross-country, Michael is chairman of FFA, an officer in Y Club (student government), an officer in Pep Club, National Honor Society, dive team, a crew member in OCHS drama and lastly a counselor at Power Week, a summer camp for Catholic students.
After graduation on May 25th, Michael will enjoy his last summer at home before moving to Bowling Green to attend Western Kentucky University, where he hopes to pursue a degree in secondary education, concentrating in social studies.
“I want to inspire the next generation of kids like my teachers did for me,” Michael said. “I chose history because of what you can learn from it and how you can apply it to your own life.”
Michael is confident that once he completes his degree, he will return to teach in Owensboro. “I like Owensboro,” Michael said. “It’s a great place to raise a family.” And when asked if he would like to teach at OCHS, Michael quickly said, “That’s the goal.”
Michael admits that graduating and leaving Catholic schools will be bittersweet. While moving away to college is exciting, he admits leaving the familiar will be difficult. “There’s just something different, something special about Catholic High.” And Michael said that while leaving OCHS will be sad, “I will be coming back one day.”
Mature beyond his years, Michael displays a high level of respect and responsibility. He attributes his success to his parents, his role models. Michael also has these words of advice for other students making their way through high school:
“You’re not too cool to do anything. Go out on a limb, be your own person. No matter what anyone says, others should accept the true you.”
What great insight from a 17-year-old senior, and what luck for Owensboro that this promising young man will be returning to our community after college graduation to educate future generations.