Kenny Tucker Thompson has big dreams -- dreams in which one day he will take to the soccer field as a professional. But first he has to get a few things off his slate.

Kenny, 12, was chosen top student from Sandys Secondary Middle School because of his achievements both in and outside the classroom.

Kenny started playing soccer at the age of four and has played soccer here and abroad. "I first started for the US when I was 9 or 10,'' he recalls.

Soon Kenny found himself as one of five players from the City of Lauderdale Lakes chosen to represent the state of Florida in a major competition.

What has led to his success is that Kenny firmly has a grasp on what he wants to accomplish and the key to being a good student, in his opinion is, "to study and pay attention''.

He notes: "My daddy always tells me to study for a test. I have to study in order to play soccer.'' Kenny counts his parents as being good role models for him, saying: "My father because he showed me how to play soccer.'' He quickly adds that his mother always encourages him.

While his favourite classes in school are math, science, art and, of course, physical education, Kenny takes pride in calling his gym teacher Reggie Tucker a role model also.

He says his dreams are to play professional soccer. But realising that he may need something else to fall back on, Kenny is considering a career in law.

He recalls that the best piece of advice he has received came from his father who told him: "Don't follow friends.'' "It helps a lot,'' Kenny adds. This has helped him focus more in the field and in school.

And while he has another year to go before he reaches high school, Kenny is hoping that the work ethics he has now will carry over into the schooling which has yet to come.