Attending Jim Thorpe, you likely know or have heard of Mrs. Thompson, whether for any of the extra-curriculars she runs or the classes she teaches. Certified to teach in the areas of mathematics, computer science, and business, this year Mrs. Thompson teaches Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Personal Finance, Retail Management, International Business, 21st Century Skills, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing II. Along with Mrs. Vermillion, Mrs. Thompson is the co-advisor of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), in addition to being a co-advisor of the class of 2024. As known by many, Mrs. Thompson also runs the Jim Thorpe FBLA chapter, which this year specifically has been very active.
Originally from Allentown, Mrs. Thompson lived there until moving to Lehighton following eighth grade, where she graduated. She has a brother, a sister, and a step-brother. She married recently and has a 20 year old daughter and a 12 year old step-son. Throughout her life, some special things Jim Thorpe’s favorite computer science, mathematics, and business teacher has done include traveling to San Antonio, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Paris, London, and Normandy. As shown by the list of her previous travel destinations, Mrs. Thompson enjoys vacationing, specifically by cruise. She also once owned a board game café and enjoys playing games, whether Dungeons and Dragons or Call of Duty. Despite having a motorcycle license, Mrs. Thompson does not put it to much use, due to her mother’s belief that passing down her father’s motorcycle would only lead to injury.
Initially, Mrs. Thompson wanted to become a nurse, which became apparent to her as the wrong path when her father cut himself changing her watch battery and bled. Due to her long-term desire to become an attorney, Mrs. Thompson got her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Penn State. In the legal field, her first job was working title insurance for an attorney for five years. Over the course of the next five or so years, she worked with various mortgage companies. After Mrs. Thompson decided she wanted to marry and have a family, it became apparent that being an attorney was not in the cards.
Following her decision against being an attorney, she earned her Teacher’s Certification at Drexel University. Mrs. Thompson originally planned on becoming a math teacher due to mathematics being her favorite subject. After discovering that Elementary Certifications are the fastest to earn, Mrs. Thompson got her Elementary Certification, and then she added on Middle Level Math, which includes grades seven through nine. Following this, Mrs. Thompson made the addition of a Business, Computer, and Information Technology Certification
Mrs. Thompson started out substituting for approximately 18 months, which was followed by five years of teaching kindergarten through Agora Cyber Charter School. Then in 2016, Mrs. Thompson came to Jim Thorpe to teach the students here. What she likes most about doing this is the pleasant community; teaching in general; and the kids, specifically those who entertain all of her creative ideas.
Mrs. Thompson consistently contributes a great deal to the high school community here at Jim Thorpe. Currently, she and Mrs. Vermillion are working with the SADD officers to come up with speakers and activities to create awareness amongst the student body about what Students Against Destructive Decisions is all about. The class of 2024 is planning prom and a senior trip, in addition to running a Krispy Kreme fundraiser. Recently, FBLA members here attended the Regional Leadership Conference, which led to 85 of Jim Thorpe’s 139 members being announced eligible to attend the State Leadership Conference at Hershey in April. Members had a 100% participation rate this year, which is inarguably due to her ensuring that all members were able to find the chance to complete their objective tests and performances.
With the FBLA officers and helpful members, Mrs. Thompson set up the ogoing shoe drive, which will benefit the Special Olympics. She has also provided many community service opportunities to members. To staff members that go above and beyond to better the experiences and broaden the opportunities of the student body, students should show their gratitude. Next time Mrs. Thompson helps organize a fundraiser or an event for your class or club, express your appreciation.
If there is a staff member you think should be the subject of Staff Appreciation, email his or her name and email address to gabriella.cerra@jtasd.org
Gabriella Cerra, School News Writer
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