THOMASVILLE — At 18, Kaleb David Ward has given a lot of thought to what he wants to do in life. “Amazing” is the word he used to describe what is possible if one follows the right path.

“If you work hard and do what you’re supposed to, you can do amazing things,” said Ward, Thomas County Central High School Class of 2020 salutatorian.

In preparing for higher education, Ward will attend Florida State University. 

“I will actually be in the School of Music,” he said.

His college path presented a difficult decision: He had to chose between FSU and The University of the South at Suwannee, Tennessee, having received scholarships to both.

Ward considers his “serious” options to be music education, music theory, composition and possibly sacred music.

He wants to get grounded after college by teaching private music lessons. Later, Ward would like to join and work with ensembles in different kinds of music.

“I have this pipe dream of going to England,” Ward said, describing his voice as a baritone struggling to reach a range.

Majoring in music with a minor in physics, Ward will look into teaching physics in England.

Ward, his mother and siblings live in Cairo. His mother, Heather Ward, teaches seventh-grade social studies at Thomas County Middle School.

The 2020 salutatorian played percussion in the TCCHS band. He also plays keyboard at First Baptist Church in Cairo.

With a 4.0 grade point average, Ward participated in Quiz Bowl and helped organize cases at a Thomasville law firm after classes.

Ward — and several other TCCHS students — were members of a choir that performed last year at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Ward always wanted to make good grades, but something happened in eighth grade that made making good grades even more important to him: He saw students receive awards for academics and for attaining the status of being at the top of the class.

He did not mind being labeled “the smart kid.” The description makes him feel good about himself.

Ward said the Thomas County School System set the stage for the scholarships he received. The school system is designed to help students excel, he said.

“I want other students to realize this,” Ward said.

While preparing for college, Ward has things to do at his home and in his yard. He will meditate, pray and read the Bible.

“Use your time wisely,” he advised.

 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820