This year, Tompkins High School welcomes Mrs. Candice Thomas as the new adviser for The Talon, The Nestline, and The Nest. With 18 years of experience in education and an impressive track record in journalism, Mrs. Thomas is excited to guide these student publications to new heights.

During her 18 years in the classroom, Mrs. Thomas has spent the last eight immersed in the world of scholastic journalism. Her passion for storytelling and empowering students has earned her numerous accolades, including a Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and a prestigious Pacemaker Award from the National Scholastic Press Association. Her dedication to fostering young journalists also earned her the Journalism Education Association’s Rising Star Award and the Texas Association of Journalism Educators’ Pathfinder Award.

Mrs. Thomas brings not just expertise but also enthusiasm to Tompkins. She’s eager to grow the school’s publications and help her students hone their skills in reporting, photography, design, and editing. Her goal? To build on the legacy of these programs while inspiring staffers to bring home new awards that celebrate their hard work and talent.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know my students and helping them tell stories that matter to our community,” Mrs. Thomas said. “The potential here is incredible, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”

Under Mrs. Thomas’s guidance, the future looks bright for Tompkins’ publications. Whether it’s creating a stunning yearbook, breaking news on the website, or capturing the spirit of campus life in print, one thing is clear: The Talon, The Nestline, and The Nest are soaring to new heights.