CLINTON — Allison Wilson knows what she wants: options.
Between academic achievements, extracurricular activities and after-school jobs, the 17-year-old Hickman County High School senior has situated herself among the top of her class in all areas.
“I want to have options when I graduate. I don’t want to say, ‘I have to go here because this is all I can do. This is what I’m limited to,’ and I owe a lot of that to my dad. He’s the superintendent of our school here, and he’s always told me when I didn’t think I could go any farther that you have to be the example, you have to push harder,” Wilson said.
Wilson has a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. She also plays varsity golf, is involved in about 10 school clubs and holds down two part-time jobs: one as a photographer’s assistant and another as a server for a local caterer.
Check out Wilson’s other activities in the video interview at paducahsun.com.
Wilson’s achievements have earned her the title of Teen of the Week.
Wilson, daughter of Kenny and Kim Wilson, is the Murray State 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.
Wilson was selected for the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program this year and spent five weeks at Bellarmine University in Louisville studying visual arts. The extended stay away from home helped prepare her for moving off to college, Wilson said.
Wilson plans to continue her education at Murray State in the fall of 2011 with an English and psychology double major. Wilson hopes to become an English teacher after college graduation.
Wilson credits her interest in teaching English to the FLIGHT after-school program, where she tutors younger students.
“I love being with the kids, and I love helping them answer their questions. It’s just very interesting to see how they grow through your teaching and your helping, and it’s very gratifying,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s own teachers said they’re proud to call her one of their students.
Jeanna Kimbell, Spanish and business teacher, said, “Allison is a true leader at our school and is well respected by both the faculty and her peers as being honest, hard working, responsible and a true friend to all.”
English teacher Teresa Rose described Wilson as motivated, diligent, thorough and trustworthy.
“Teaching is a very rewarding profession, but there is the additional bonus of students who make the tight rope walk of its demands all worthwhile. Allison Wilson is the epitome of the dream student.”
Contact Danielle Ray, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8657.0
