Riley Thompson, a senior here at Fossil, is easily the definition of a skater boy. From top to bottom he fits the style, he has that edgy look that intrigues many eyes but has managed to keep his own unique character. Throughout high school he has always been the guy to pull a smile or a laugh out of you, and is genuinely a good friend and student.
Music is a very big part of Riley’s life, it has made him who he is and has shaped his way of living. “Music is more than a big part of my life, it’s a literal part of me. Music is something that allows me to lose myself and allows me to experience life from a different lens and perspective. It has taught me so much about life as a whole, myself, and understanding other people. Without music my life would be so redundant. I feel like it gives me a reason to keep going.” He is a member of Fossil’s choir program and sings on his own out of school as well. “I have many good memories surrounding my experiences in Fossil Ridge’s choir program. One of the best weekends of my life was when we went to Anaheim, California my sophomore year. We went to Knott’s Berry Farms, Disney Land, and performed in a national choral competition, which we received one of the highest ratings. Also, I was with my best friends for that weekend, which made the mixture of things a life changing experience that I’ll never forget.” Music although it is a part of many peoples lives, is one of the most important parts of Riley’s, without music he would be lost. Everyone has an escape, and he happens to be able to sing himself or listen himself out of tough situations.
Skateboarding is another very important aspect to his life and his character. It’s so much more than just a hobby to him at this point in his life, it’s an outlet and literally an emotional connection.” I feel like my day is incomplete if I don’t skate, so I try to everyday whether it’s with friends or by myself. It’s something I do for myself and my own personal enjoyment.” He likes to travel to different places to skate, and and his friends go skate at new places every weekend. This group of guys are getting good and are able to pull off some sweet tricks.
The Thompson family is very supportive of each other, but doesn’t mind stating how they feel about certain things at certain times. Riley has strong relationships with both of his parents and has a very close bond with his younger brother, but he has crazy respect for his father because they can connect on a musical level. “The most influential person in my life is my dad. I am very fortunate to have the parents that I do. My dad in particular though is the one who helped me discover my passion for music, which is the greatest gift in the world.” His mom is more of the counselor. She keeps Riley on track and really knows what is best for him no matter how much he denies it. His younger brother is one of his biggest inspirations. At age 8 he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has been on shots and medications ever since, “somehow the little guy still manages to smile every day and do the best that he possibly can. It is like nothing ever changed to him.”
Riley will be graduating this coming May, he is going to be behind that closing curtain before he knows it, “I always heard people say that time goes by in the blink of an eye in high school, but I never thought it would go by as fast as it did.” Although he is going to be saying many goodbyes, he is looking forward to what the next chapter holds for him. “I am ready to get out there into the world and start living, I have always loved exploring, and I couldn’t have a better starting point than now.”
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