Thompson receives scholarship from the King - Burger King, that is

Serving up burgers and fries is just one part of why Laura Thompson has received a scholarship from the Burger King Scholars Program.

Thompson, who has worked at the fast-food restaurant since September 2013, is one of 10 who have received a $5,000 regional scholarship.

"The scholarship will cover my whole first semester at Wingate University," Thompson said.

Thompson was surprised by her co-workers on Mother's Day weekend. They planned a party in her honor to celebrate her scholarship.

"I knew I'd gotten a scholarship, but I didn't know they were going to have the party," she said. "I felt so loved by my co-workers and bosses."

The recent Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy graduate plans to major in Sport Management with a minor in Communications.

"I've interned with the Forest City Owls, and seeing how a ballpark works has made me want to apply to work with a larger team," she said. "Someday I'd like to work with a Major League Baseball team."

Thompson is excited to attend Wingate, a school she said is a perfect fit.

"I went to a church camp there when I was in eighth grade, and once I did a campus visit there, I knew it was the campus for me."

Working at Burger King has provided Thompson with skills that will be beneficial not only in college, but throughout her life.

"It's really taught me to put a smile on my face and how to cooperate with other people," she said.

While a student at TJCA, Thompson was a member of the varsity cheerleading squad and the track and field team. She served as editor of the yearbook, president of Future Business Leaders of America and was a member of the National Latin Honors Society and National Honors Society.

Those activities, as well as her grade point average, figured into her eligibility for the scholarship.

Thompson plans to return to Burger King to work during her breaks from school. As an employee, she will be eligible to reapply each year for a scholarship.

"I may not get the $5,000 one again, but I can get other scholarships," she said.

Thompson is the daughter of Michelle Whitaker of Rutherfordton, and the granddaughter of Ned and Melissa Owens of Ellenboro. She also has two sisters, Ashley and Amanda Thompson, both of Rutherfordton.