Hannah Bloodworth looked like the kind of student who helped create a “Fan Bus,” offering cheap rides to Reidland High School football away games.
Friday, the Reidland senior wore her brother’s old track team jersey, high socks with dog paw prints (for the Greyhound mascot) and a necklace with school colors.
Sure it was spirit week for homecoming when every hallway and most students stood draped in Reidland-themed decorations.
But Bloodworth’s regalia wasn’t unusual.
“This is actually toned down for Hannah,” said Barbara Williams, school counselor, motioning to Bloodworth’s outfit.
“I thought I’d tone it down for my pictures in (the Sun),” Bloodworth said.
That she applies the same attitude to her spots on the basketball team and student council makes Bloodworth a standout student. That she also maintains a 3.1 grade-point average helps make her Teen of the Week.
Bloodworth, daughter of Nancy Jo and Jackie Bloodworth, is the Murray State University Teen of the Week. Each Monday, the Sun features a different MSU Teen of the Week selected from nominees submitted by high school guidance counselors throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois. In May, a Teen of the Year will be chosen from the weekly winners, earning a $5,000 scholarship to Murray State. Teen of the Week is part of the Sun’s Newspapers in Education program.
Bloodworth’s initiative in organizing the “Fan Bus” is indicative of her outgoing personality and genuine interest in her school.
“It is obvious to anyone around her that Hannah has a true passion for school spirit,” said Brigette Thompson, English and journalism teacher.
But Thompson said Bloodworth puts the same passion into her work with the yearbook, and position as president of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). It’s a natural enthusiasm that’s led Bloodworth to be part of the basketball team for four years, a leader in Delta Epsilon Chi — a business-related organization — and in service projects such as blood drives and sending care packages to soldiers in Iraq.
Through FCCLA, Bloodworth has promoted reading in young children by forming reading groups for youth at regional churches. She also raised money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, all while holding down a part-time job at Chong’s restaurant for more than a year.
Bloodworth’s ability to be inclusive as well as successful is important to her.
“I’m just Reidland at heart,” she said. “I’ve been here my whole life.”
“She is a true leader at our school,” teacher Kathy Thomis said. “She has stepped up when and where needed to make our school a success.”
It’s not surprising then that Bloodworth wants to cook food for others as a career, and possibly open her own bakery.
She will attend Sullivan University in Lexington in the fall and plans to study culinary arts.
And perhaps of all the honors and memories she’s accumulated at Reidland, two stand out as most telling about who she has been and likely will be: two consecutive Reidland basketball team awards for “best attitude.”
Contact Adam Shull, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8653.
