August Bears of the Month - Jon and Kristi Thompson
August is back-to-school time and we can’t think of a better couple to honor as our Bears of the Month than Jon and Kristi Thompson! This Bear Power duo has played a meaningful role in the lives of so many Noble families by spearheading a community effort to help our kiddos prepare for an August return with their Annual Big Give Back to School Bash!
Wherever the Thompson family is, there is a whole lot of fun to be had.
Who are the Thompsons?
Jon and Kristi are both 2003 Noble graduates. Kristi has done hair since 2006. Jon has been a barber since 2021. Prior to being a barber Jon worked at Fed Ex freight. In 2020, right before the Covid shut down, Jon went to barber college - a big change from a driver but well worth it. He loves our small community and is always supportive of our kids! Jon and Kristi have 3 kids that have attended Noble Public Schools their entire lives - Israel (16), Laila (15), and Lilly (12). Between cheer, wrestling, softball, theater and other social clubs at school they are familiar faces in Noble, America. The Thompson family also attend Discover Church in Noble.
When asked, they told us “we love doing life here!” We love doing life with them, too.
Tell us about your Big Give Back to School Bash!
We started the Big Give in 2022. It is a community service event where all are welcome to get a free haircut for their school aged children and free school supplies. In the past we have added things like touch a truck with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s department, free snow cones provided by our local Snowball Express, and included our Noble Police Department team!
When kids are confident about making a first impression on the first day of school, it sets the presedence and tone for the rest of the school year. Through our Big Give event, we hoped to provide one less thing that parents and caretakers had to worry about. It felt great to take that pressure off of our neighbors by one simple act of kindness. Not only that, but our barbers and volunteers get to connect with families in our community.
We believe that community is the key to connection. God has given each person a story, and we truly believe it adds value, impact, and purpose to our own lives. We are grateful to be able to do this event. Getting to see the excitement one these kids face with their fresh cut is so great!
Share with us how your years growing up in Noble have contributed to shaping who you (and your kids) are today.
Living in a small town was and is very special. The teachers and administrators don’t treat you like a number. They know your family, your background and your needs. Having this strong foundation in school made us, as adults, pay attention to the small details and treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy no matter what kind of status they held.
What is your favorite memory of growing up in Noble?
One of our favorite memories in Noble is the Rose Rock Festival. Everyone in town gets together, shops, eats, and listens to good music.
Who were your most impactful teachers and why?
Jon - my most impactful teachers were my track and cross country coaches, Mr.Stanton and Mr.Conley. Over all, my academic teachers in high school were great!
Kristi - I had many, but one of my favorite clubs was Student Council with Glenda Humphleet. Ms. Humphleet always gave students good life advice and let us make choices on our own about how to organize school activities. This taught us to be open minded leaders. All of our teachers shaped who we are today.
What advice do you have for the current students of Noble?
Enjoy your school years and make good memories with your friends. It’s a special season in life that only happens once. Be nice to your teachers and watch them help you along your journey. One day you will become an adult and thank them!
What is your personal definition of success?
Success is leading in love. Success is doing what you love and calling it “work” everyday. Success is connecting with your community and knowing what people are going through and lending a helping hand sometimes. It’s being kind, sharing Jesus with our actions, and just loving people where they are at.
