Future Black History Makers: Meet Keigan Thames, an eighth-grader at Cumberland Academy
Keigan Thames, 13, the son of Karla Thames, is in eighth grade at Cumberland Academy Virtual School.
He was nominated as a Fayetteville Observer Future Black History Maker because "he is an engaged scholar who exhibits traits such as resilience, determination, courage, leadership and innovation," writes Principal Dr. Tremaine Canteen, who nominated Keigan. "He is a talented, ambitious 13-year-old making waves in the modeling world. He has participated in 25 fashion shows and was featured in two magazines. He holds the title of Cumberland County's 2023 Young Master. He envisions walking down runways and being featured on the silver screen. Despite the complex schedule of being a model, Keigan is a part of the Academically Intellectually Gifted program, the Student Government Association and serves as the school's weekly news broadcaster. He is interested in pursuing a medical degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. As an entrepreneur, he wants to start his own business as a clothing designer, even producing his own New York Fashion Week Show. Keigan is a respectful young man with a bright future. He is a future Black History Maker. "
Here's what else you should know about Keigan
All about Keigan
What's your favorite subject in school? My favorite subject in school is mathematics because I have a love for numbers and math.
What do you want to be when you grow up? In my promising future, I will have a successful acting and modeling career along with being a successful pediatric physician. I will star in several major shows and movies until I get to the point where I can be considered famous while following in the footsteps of my own pediatric physician at Owen Park Pediatrics, Dr. Paul O. Adholla. I would like to attend Morehouse College to achieve my dream of becoming a pediatric physician. After I become successful, I will help the people that helped me along my way as well as family and friends.
Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy public speaking, golfing, gaming, hanging out with friends, escape rooms, bowling and skating. These things allow me to have an active social life and enjoy my free time of just being a kid.
What are you really good at doing? I excel at public speaking, acting, modeling, social networking and mathematics. These skills help me thrive exceptionally in my career.
What's your favorite thing about yourself? I take pride in my confidence and my love for others.
Who is your role model? Role models change as life progresses and we mature. I don't have just one role model because different role models are for different circumstances like acting or modeling. Tyler Perry is my role model in regard to acting for his vigorous work ethic and thriving career as an actor, writer and producer. Tyson Beckford is my role model in regard to modeling. I value and consider him a role model because he faced adversity but yet still came out on top and is known for being the first and best African American supermodel. My own pediatric physician, Dr. Paul O. Adholla, is my role model in regard to becoming a pediatric physician. Every time I walk into Owen Park Pediatrics I am greeted with a smile and care. Whenever I am being examined, I am conversed with about my hobbies and interests. I want to follow in the footsteps of a man I've personally seen do extraordinary things.
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why? If I could meet any famous person, I would meet my future self as I will work vigorously to reach my ever-growing goals and eventually become a successful actor, model and pediatric physician.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? If I could go anywhere in the world I would cruise to Tokyo, Japan. I personally enjoy cruises and their accommodations. I would travel to Tokyo because I've always wanted to take in and experience their rich culture and customs along with local cuisine and monuments.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it? If I could have any superpower, I would choose to have the ability to stop time. This would allow me to prosper and increase my productivity meanwhile allowing me to maximize my time on other things.
What's your favorite movie or TV show? My favorite television show is the "Total Drama Island" series. My favorite movie is "Clue," which is also one of my favorite board games.
If you could eat one thing every day, what would it be? If I could eat one thing every day, it would be baked cheesy bread with a side of meaty marinara sauce. My mom dislikes it, but I adore it.
See the full list: Meet our 29 Future Black History Makers of Fayetteville for 2024
What his parents say
What makes your child a Future Black History Maker? He is the reigning 2023-2024 Cumberland County Fair Pageant King, 2023-2024 Royal Crown Productions International Super Model Icon King including an Ambassadorship. He is also the reigning 2022-2023 Royal Crown Productions International Perfect Young Man, 2022-2023 Invisible Crown Productions Valentine's King. He was also Jr. Mr. E.E. Smith from 2018-2022 and Young Star Productions 2019-2022 Cumberland County Fair King. Keigan began modeling in 2019. He has walked in over 50 shows on the East Coast and several times at New York Fashion Week. He will be returning to New York Fashion Week again in February to walk in three shows. He is a "Savvi Exclusive" model contracted and developed by Tiara Marsh and Savvi Magazine in Atlanta, Georgia. Keigan was in a movie, "Careful What You Ask For" with Fayetteville's own Dennis L.A. White in October 2020. He has also secured a role in his next movie in March. Keigan is making Black History!
Why are you proud of your child? Keigan has a strong and strict work ethic. He is only in competition with himself, and he strives to be better than he was the day before. He is always practicing his craft, but always willing to help others in their journey. He does not gatekeep. He gives advice to his peers, and always offers a smile or a corny joke at the right time. Being an entertainment child, he is not vain or disrespectful. He is just a regular kid who likes video games and golf. I am proud of him for just being Keigan.
Responses have been edited for style and grammar.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Future Black History Makers: Meet Keigan Thames
