Classroom Champions: Killeen's Dakken Thurston

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Dakken Thurston has set the standard for being a leader at Killeen Highschool. He says it’s something he’s developed over the last several years.

“The leadership qualities that I gained,” said Thurston. “I really loved that from the people and the teachers that I’ve met. I also learned how to be confident. Just taking that foot forward and being able to take that next step in whatever I’m doing.”

Thurston holds a lot of important roles. He was the goalie on the soccer team, drum major in two different bands, he’s a state ranked chess player, and he was also named Junior Firefighter of the Year. Dakken succeeds in everything he does.

“To me, it’s just a challenge,” said Thurston. “You have this next challenge and you can do it. My schedule’s busy so I can stay focused and not veer off the wrong path. If I take a break, okay, it’s a little bit. I tell myself ‘Just reset your mind, because you have more work to do.’”

As a state certified fire academy cadet, Dakken is set to attend Oklahoma State University next fall. He’s been accepted to OSU’s Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) program where he’ll take the steps of achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter.

“At the age of three, my dad bought this (toy) truck,” said Thurston. “Lights and sirens, everything, and it has not changed since. We say it’s an adrenaline rush. Going into those burning buildings and trying to help somebody that’s having the worst day of their lives. It feels good to us and we’re doing something good with it.”

Thurston is also ranked in the top 2 percent of his class. He hopes he’s remembered for inspiring others to do their best.

“Show that you’re confident in what you want to do,” said Thurston. “Be a leader. Don’t wait for somebody else to take charge. You can group people together to work towards success.”

Congratulations to Dakken Thurston, you’re a Classroom Champion!

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