It was a very windy day on the golf course as Thomas Henson (11) crouched down to line up a putt. The fresh dew on the grassy green glints in the morning sunlight. This is the new life Thomas Henson lives now that he does not attend Hermann High School.Last year, Henson made a life changing decision: Henson would not return to his hometown school for his junior year. Instead, he would take online classes through Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MOVIP) and pursue a career in golf.“I’ve been playing golf for as long as I can remember,” said Henson.Last year, Henson played on the Hermann golf team alongside his brother, Ross Henson (alum), and the team took the state title.After high school, Henson plans to play college golf and make a career out of it. Though his opportunity gives Henson the pathway to develop as a golfer, Henson plans to return to Hermann High School his senior year.“I want to have a fun senior year with my friends,” said Henson.Right now, Henson spends a good part of his day, anywhere from one to six hours a day, working on his golf game.“I practice almost everyday and I work hard on and off the course. I try to surround myself with people who try to help me get there.”Henson has won six high school tournaments, several junior Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tournaments, a couple Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) tournaments, and averages anywhere from 70-73 on the course.Henson finds staying on schedule and teaching himself the topics the most challenging aspect of online schooling. Though his new life requires independence, Henson maintains a routine life.“I wake up, practice golf, do homework, and then work out. I spend anywhere from one to six hours a day on homework. I can work around my golf schedule. Everyday I’m making sure I’m bettering myself.”

Sam Krull