Band Member Following Dream to Florida

By Toya Stewart Downey, May 11, 2015

When Band member Laikora Thompson graduates from Hinckley-Finlayson High School at the end of this month, she’ll finish her high school career as an honor roll student who has earned all A’s.

Laikora, 18, has been a member of the National Honor Society since her sophomore year and has earned the highest letter grade possible since the seventh grade. And while she admits to spending most of her time studying, she also finds time to do other things — like mentor other students.

“I’m part of the Wiidoo program that helps tutor kids in Lake Lena and in Hinckley,” she said. “Besides tutoring, I do community service at the Hinckley food shelf.”

During her high school years, she also played basketball and softball, and while the sports and other activities are fun, Laikora said she would rather read or spend time studying.

“Art is my favorite subject and I have two art classes right now that I adore even though art didn’t come easy to me,” said Laikora. “I barely have any drawing skills but I’ve been working super-hard in art so in a month I’ve progressed in my drawing ability and I feel proud.”

Laikora, the oldest of Wanetta and Anton Thompson’s three daughters, said her sister Kyrah, 16, is a really good artist. That made her want to work on her own skills.

In the late summer Laikora will leave home for the first time to attend college at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, where she will study music production. Her goal is to own a record production company.

“I’ve never lived away from my family before so it’s a big step, but I’m excited about it. And nervous.”

Before deciding to focus on a career in the music industry Laikora said she considered a career in medicine.

“I always wanted to be a surgeon or something and then I took an anatomy class,” she said. “I decided it wasn’t for me. Anatomy is interesting and gross at the same time.”

Though she seemed to easily grasp and understand what was taught in school, Laikora said she always tried to do her best.

“My mom always told us to strive for our best,” she said. “My mom is my role model. She’s strong and has a ‘go for it’ attitude.

“So I’ve tried to do my best because my mom encouraged me to. I try to encourage my sisters, Kyrah and Tourrie,” she said. “I tell them to find someplace at home or at school where they are comfortable studying and to do their best.”