By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Not many of us can say that our job is the favorite part of our day.

Chris Hollingsworth, Thompson Middle School teacher, athletic director and bowling coach says the pure joy of teaching is his high point each day.

He says, “The act of pure teaching is the most rewarding experience of my life.”

After 18 years in education, nine years as the athletic director and this first year as the bowling coach, Hollingsworth is quick to volunteer and wear multiple hats at the school.

In the past he has filled the position of school webmaster, technology coordinator, annual staff advisor, newspaper sponsor, head football coach, head golf coach, interim assistant principal and social studies department chairperson.

Also, Hollingsworth supervises athletic events, keeps up with AHSAA certification for players and coaches, gym scheduling and monitoring athletes grades and discipline.

As for his personal life, Hollingsworth is not married but has a large extended school family.

Hollingsworth loves to bowl, play golf and write and someday may be the author of a book.

Casa Roble High School in Citrus Heights, California; Sullivan Vocational Institute in Bogalusa, Louisiana; Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana; and the University of Montevallo all contributed to the degrees held by Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth hopes to one day get an administrative position in the school system.  He feels that he has gained a lot of experience over the years that he would like to share.

He would like to see the Alabaster City School System recognized across the state as a top tier school system and hopes to be an integral part of that process.

Hollingsworth says, “A perfect day at school occurs when our lesson goes according to plan and the students have fun while learning. Hearing a student walk out of class and say, “Class was fun … It flew by fast,” that definitely does not happen every day.”

“While nobody is perfect, and I am far from it,” he says. “If you look close enough you will find there are those moments every day that are perfect. For me, each such moment comes with the smiles and laughter of my students and friends at TMS.”