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After years of diligence and hard work, Dominique Thompson seems to have cracked the code and has well calculated her success as this year’s valedictorian for Lanett High School. She will soon be off to study computer information systems in college.

“I was very happy, a little surprised, because I’ve been monitoring, keeping track,” Thompson said. “But I was happy that I was valedictorian.”

The good news is a confirmation of the hard work that Thompson has put into every day she’s been at LHS. Her philosophy when it comes to school is to keep yourself on track even on days when you don’t want to.

“Always make sure you’re monitoring yourself and keeping on track,” Thompson said. She continued, “If you give yourself like an inch, you want to take a whole mile and your grades will start slipping, your time starts getting out of place. And it’s the small things that add on.”

On top of her regular studies, Thompson has maintained active leadership roles in FCCLA, FBLA, Math Club, robotics and chess. Though it can be challenging, she said math is her favorite subject.

In fact, after her valedictorian speech at the end of this year, she plans to go to Alabama State University and major in computer information systems. Drawn to coding, Thompson hopes to find her niche in technology, whether it’s helping develop technology for the new generation or as simple as helping people start their own businesses.

“I just know I want to, like to create something like, help build towards the future,” Thompson said. “You know, technology is everywhere. It’s never gonna be obsolete, and I just wanna be part of it.”

That being said, Thompson has learned that granting technology too much power can be dangerous, especially in the hands of students. She encouraged incoming seniors not to rely too heavily on technology.

“If you learn from the internet, that’s one thing and you can get information,” Thompson said.

She added, “Having AI just give you your answer straight out the book, you’re not thinking for yourself.”

As she gets ready to head off to college, Thompson said one thing she will miss is the pep rallies on the field at LHS. 

“You actually feel the spirit, feel the high energy,” she recalled.

“On the field, you’re surrounded with your friends, even though it’s sad now because you might not see them, but you’re starting a whole new chapter,” Thompson said.

Though she is excited to start that next chapter of independence, Thompson said that her time at LHS has helped her grow. She will remember many of her teachers and mentors who have encouraged her including, Dr. Carlisle, Ms. Odom, Ms. Cofield, Mr. Hill and Ms. Crenshaw.

“[LHS] gives you what you need, and it really builds character,” Thompson said. “Like you might feel like a small fish in a small pond, but you need that growing though, then the hustle and buzz of the whole big world.”

Her parting advice for fellow LHS students is simple: “Always try to improve yourself and build on what you know if you can. Even though you might feel a little tired and lazy, get up and just apply yourself.”