Laken Patterson is always ready to learn something new. The Thorsby eighth grader, who hopes to become a teacher herself, says science is her favorite subject.

“I really like my science teacher, Mr. Jones, and I like learning about that kind of stuff,” she says.

Laken is involved in cheerleading, Beta Club and FCCLA at Thorsby. This is her first year on the school’s junior varsity cheer squad.

She is also involved in the youth group at Thorsby First Baptist and is looking forward to a mission trip to Savannah, Ga. this summer. While there, she will help a recently founded church.

As for college and a career, Laken plans to attend Auburn University and possibly become an enrichment teacher. It was her own elementary enrichment class that inspired her career goal, along with her interest in trivia, puzzles and art history.

“I like the stuff that you learn in there,” she says.

By teaching Vacation Bible School at her church and babysitting, Laken is already doing things to prepare her for a future leadership position.

“I like working with young people,” she says.

Laken is the daughter of Gary and Patricia Patterson of Thorsby and has an older brother, Gabe.