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By ROBERT A. DEFRANK
BELMONT -- Bernie Thompson, 30, has been assistant treasurer for the Union Local School District for six months and will move into the treasurer's position when the current treasurer, Janet Hissrich, retires in July. He also coaches football.
He is married to Karlie. They reside in Loomis.
Thompson is currently shadowing and assisting Hissrich and working with other administrators with the task of making sure the finances balance properly.
"What I've learned in the life of a treasurer is that your day is never as it seems. Something's bound to pop up. Something's bound to take you from one direction to another," he said.
He lives by the motto of quality work and doing one's best.
"One of my favorite quotes of all time is: 'Do things the right way, not the easy way.' What that means is, when you show up each day, you've got to put in the hard work and you've got to do things the proper way. It's easy in today's world to take shortcuts, but you can't do that. You've got to put your nose to the grind and wok hard, and I try to be that. I try to be that example that young people need to see, especially now, being the head football coach and being the treasurer. You can do anything you want, but it requires a lot of hard work and effort and you've go to be willing to work for what you want."
This was instilled by his parents.
"I grew up in a hard-working family," he said. "My dad's somebody I definitely look up to. I have a big, loving family. My ties run deep here in the Union Local School District," he said, adding his grandmother was a graduate of Union Local's first year. His parents were graduates and his wife works in intervention in the district.
"I came back here to Union Local because I wanted to give back. This school means a lot to me. This community means a lot to me," he said.
He said he values his role in helping shape the district and youth. In his role as a coach he wants to take the opportunity to mold better young leaders and instill a lasting work ethic.
"Be a hard worker," he said. "Dream. You're allowed to have big dreams, but understand that if your dreams are big, you've got to work at them and you've got to show up. You've got to be somebody who puts in the work every single day but understands results aren't going to happen overnight. You've got to push through the tough times and consistently show up, and once you do, things will come your way.'
He said he appreciates the close-knit communities, the Pike 40 and smaller shops and businesses with unique offerings.
"The Ohio Valley has a lot going on," he said. "A lot people my age, they want to go out and leave and maybe say some negative things about the Ohio Valley, but eventually I think you see those people come home. … There's something for everybody in the valley and it's a place I'm just happy to be a part of."
He is a member of the Bethesda Rotary Club.
Thompson said he has learned many lessons and is benefiting from Hissrich's experience and mentorship.
"I have been blessed to have the best possible teacher that you could have," he said. "It's all about surrounding yourself with the right people. Surrounding yourself with good people."
He looks forward to the many renovations to the buildings and advancements in education Union Local has planned. He will have a vital position with his eyes on the state budget and other funding sources.
"Looking at the future, we have some big plans coming."