By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Eighth grade is a formative year. Kids are beginning to be young adults, take on more responsibilities, volunteer and be personal examples of what one can accomplish with just a little more effort.
At Thompson Middle School in Alabaster students must apply and go through a selection process to be a part of the Ambassador program.
Students chosen for the program become personal representatives of their school. At open house functions, parent meetings, special events and, most especially, in the case of new students, the ambassadors have vital jobs.
For a middle school student to change schools can be a very traumatic event. It is up to the ambassadors to help the “newbies” adjust to location of lockers, gym, office, proper code of conduct, lunchroom procedures, general policies, new friends and more.
The program’s motto is “Be A Helpful Friend.”
February is known as the month of love. The eighth-grade ambassadors chose for their monthly project “Love Letters — Random Cards of Kindness,” which is a group that distributes handmade cards to children with life-threatening illnesses in hospitals throughout the country.
Imagine the joy brought by a stranger to these youngsters who are facing severe illnesses.
Edwina Aaron, longtime Thompson Middle School employee, is back temporarily doing her usual outstanding job of counseling, advising and directing our middle schoolers. She saw the article in “Woman’s Day” magazine and helped the ambassadors put together a rewarding project.
For more information or worthy ideas, contact Mrs. Aaron at Thompson Middle School.

Community columnist Sandra Thames can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.