Led Toward the Future by Faith- Raceland's Maddison Hampton Taking the Best Version of Herself to Morehead This Fall

Led Toward the Future by Faith-

Raceland's Maddison Hampton Taking the

Best Version of Herself to Morehead This Fall

Jarrod E. Stephens

The Ashland Beacon

Sometimes life hands us a situation that steers our future in a way that we never could have dreamed. Such is the case of Raceland-Worthington High School Senior Maddison Hampton who proved when you keep your eyes open, you just might see what your future holds. Any time that you see Maddison you can count on a friendly smile and lively spirit that makes you realize she really does enjoy life and never sees a stranger.

Maddison began attending Raceland schools during her fifth-grade year when her family moved to the area. She wasted no time and got involved in one of the sports that she excelled in right away. She became quite the archer and was a top finisher in dozens of competitions throughout her elementary, middle and high school years.

Archery is not a sport that is easy to conquer. However, Maddison credits her archery coaches for helping her become who she is today. “Doug Burchett has helped me be a better version of myself and supported me even when I was younger!” she stated. That support was enough to keep her motivated in archery.  

Maddison’s high school coach Regina Wright stated, “When I see Maddison, I see a strong young lady who always has a smile on her face. She was determined at each tournament that it would be her personal best and she did it.”

  Her success continued throughout middle school and into high school. Despite missing part of her senior archery season due to a shoulder injury, Maddison quickly found the bullseye and tied her career best 290 right before the state archery tournament. She finished 16th in the state championship. Maddison has also been a member of the Varsity Golf team.

While attending Raceland she has been part of several clubs including Beta Club, Key Club, FCCLA, FBLA, Pep Club, and FCA. Maddison is also the current FCCLA club President and FBLA club Treasurer.

If you ever visit Raceland, it’s likely that you’ll see a slogan that reads, “This is Home.” When reflecting upon the influences that she’s had and the memories she’s created, Maddison stated that many people are to thank for her success. “I would like to recognize Coach Reed, Kristin Haddix, Mr. Russell, Mr. Cook, Mrs. Ison, and finally Doug Burchett and Regina Wright. Each one of these people have made huge impacts in my life by either coaching me or teaching me in the classroom. All of these people have truly guided me, been there for me, and showed me support. These people have helped me become the person I am today. Some of my best memories while attending Raceland are being able to excel while being myself. I love hanging out with my friends and constantly being uplifted and supported by everyone in the Ram family.”

Outside of school Maddison is the worship leader at her church. She also likes to play piano, sing and sometimes plays the ukulele.

This fall Maddison will be attending Morehead State University where she will be majoring in Imaging Sciences with a focus in Nuclear Medicine. When asked why she chose her major, she made it clear that one of life’s challenges led her to the decision. Near the beginning of Maddison’s senior year, she discovered that she had a torn labrum and it was going to require surgery. Despite the news, Maddison met the challenge and instead of seeing it as a setback, she kept her eyes up and used the situation to see into her future.

“I chose my major because when I had shoulder surgery it required a nuclear medicine technician to prepare me for the surgery. I quickly became interested in that field. I researched a lot about this field and ultimately realized that this was the career path for me.”

Maddison hopes to return to the area after attaining her degree and begin using her skills to improve the health of her community. Lessons can be learned from the grit and determination shown by Ms. Maddison Hampton who proved that if you keep your eyes open through difficulties, you just might see where you are supposed to go. May God bless you Maddison.