Ferriday High quarterback Aron Thomas had a change of heart when he signed with Grambling State University after first committing to Nicholls State. Thomas has been certain about one thing for a long time, however. He’s always wanted to be nominated as scholar-athlete for the 19th annual National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Miss-Lou Chapter banquet.

That wish came true when Thomas was selected to represent the Ferriday football team.

The banquet will be held Feb. 24 at the Radisson Natchez Eola Hotel at 7 p.m.

&uot;I was the junior high nomination and ever since then I wanted to represent the school as a senior,&uot;&160;Thomas said.

Junior high students from each of the seven Miss-Lou schools which have football programs are recognized for their academic achievements.

Later, seven senior nominees receive scholarships for their production on the field and in the classroom.

Thomas, the son of Delores Thomas and the late Jimmy Thomas, was voted Most Improved and was also selected All-District.

He was also an honorable mention selection on the All-Metro Football Team.

He received the Scholastic Award in basketball and is a Principal and Honor Roll student.

Thomas received the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, was a Quiz Bowl participant and is serving in his second year at class president.

Thomas is a member of First Baptist Church where he serves as an usher and Sunday School teacher and sings in the choir.

Thomas carries a grade point average of 3.34 and scored a 22 on his ACT.

&uot;Academics has always played a major role for me,&uot; Thomas said. &uot;I know without academics I wouldn’t be headed to Grambling. A lot of people would like to go to college, but don’t have the grades. I thank the Lord for my mother instilling that in me.&uot;

Thomas said excelling in the classroom helps on the gridiron and hardwood.

&uot;If you are disciplined in the classroom, you are going to be disciplined in everything else,&uot; he said. &uot;Academics and athletics works together.&uot;

Thomas is going to study electrical engineering at Grambling.

&uot;I’m excited about the fact it’s getting closer,&uot; he said. &uot;After the recruiting ended, that was a lot of worries off of my shoulder. I know I made the right choice and can’t wait to get up there.&uot;

Louisiana Tech head football coach Jack Bicknell will be guest speaker at the banquet.

Friday: Patrick Beasley