Gracie Thompson, age 23, has enjoyed several superb milestones in her life in recent months.

After earning her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2025 from the University of Georgia (UGA), Gracie moved back home where she worked in her father’s (Dr. Paul Thompson’s) medical practice,Thompson Medical Associates. While working part-time, she recently earned her Master of Social Work through Valdosta State University. Then, just a few weeks ago, on July 5, 2026, she became engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Luke Parker.

This past April, she was hired as the first Tattnall County Board of Education’s Student Advocacy Specialist/School Social Worker. She is now in place in the school system for the 2026-2027 school year. Her office is at Tattnall County High School (TCHS), but she rotates among the various five schools in the county.

“Yes, it has been a busy past few months, but I feel honored to be able to serve students and families in my community through this position,” said Gracie.

Gracie’s parents are Paul and Christi Thompson, and she is the oldest of five children. Her parents have also served as foster parents since 2014, and they have had seven long-term placements, receiving several children as toddlers.

“I have learned a lot about compassion and patience from my parents, who have such a big, welcoming heart for children. They have been the greatest role models and best supporters,” said Gracie.

After attending His Kids for PreK and then K4 and K5 at Glennville Christian Academy, Gracie was homeschooled by her parents and attended a homeschool cooperative through the Christian Home Educators Association (CHEA) during middle school and high school. In her junior and senior high school years, Gracie was enrolled in dual enrollment classes at East Georgia State College, mostly online. These dual enrollment classes resulted in 33 college credits when she began attending the University of Georgia in August of 2021. She began with a major in marketing, but soon discovered that was not her calling.

Gracie graduated from UGA in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work with Magna Cum Laude honors. She also earned a Non-Profit Management and Leadership Certificate through the UGA School of Social Work. Her family’s experience fostering children influenced her desire to pursue a career in social work. For her senior year practicum, Gracie interned with the Walton County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in Monroe, Georgia. She was placed in the investigative unit where she assisted with cases, attended juvenile court, and accompanied case managers on home visits.

“Two days a week in the program, I worked in the Investigative Dept. and was able to see the fast-paced handling of the heavy caseload. Once I graduated from UGA, I was able to obtain my Master of Social Work degree in one year through Valdosta State University. Most of the classes were online except for five weekends each semester attending classes on Saturday on the VSU campus,” said Gracie.

As part of her Master’s program, she completed a year-long internship with the Liberty County school social workers in the 2025-26 school year. Gracie was able to gain experience and learn from the school social workers as well as the Trauma-Informed Support Services (TISS) grant team.

From August of 2025 through June of 2026, Gracie worked part-time at Thompson Medical Associates as a front desk receptionist while earning her Master’s degree.

“At the beginning of this school year, I began my new job as the Student Advocacy Specialist/School Social Worker for the Tattnall County School district. In my job, I will visit the schools as needed for concerns such as attendance, behavior, and mental health needs. I am also a point of contact for DFCS families, connecting them to available resources,” said Gracie.

“We have always enjoyed a supportive family, and I am close to my four siblings: MaryClaire, Julia, Eben, and Caleb,” said Gracie.

MaryClaire is 21 and a senior at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina, majoring in Interior Design, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. Julia is 18 and just graduated from high school; she is now a freshman at Anderson University, majoring in Nursing. Eben, age 16, is a junior this year at TCHS and enjoys the sport of baseball while also taking dual enrollment classes. Caleb, the youngest at 11, is homeschooled for now, but plans to play sports at South Tattnall Elementary School in the future.

Since June of 2021, Gracie has been dating Luke Parker, the son of Neil and Angie Parker of Glennville. Luke works in his father’s and uncle’s (Scott Parker) electrical and heating and air business, Parker Brothers Electric, Inc. She met Luke through their friends, Camy Bland and Cayden Folsom. Camy and Cayden are recently engaged as well, and the two couples are excited to be going through this fun season together. Luke proposed to Gracie on the beaches of St. Augustine, Florida, on July 5 where her family were gathered for their annual family vacation. They are planning their wedding in the spring of 2027.

Gracie’s faith is a vital part of her life, and the Thompsons are active members of Ella Grove Baptist Church in Glennville. Throughout college, Gracie was involved in an on-campus ministry, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). In her junior year, she served as a co-leader for the “Large Group Team” who helped create a welcoming environment for students at their Wednesday night service. At age 12, Gracie attended a medical mission trip to Trinidad, and as a college freshman, she spent a week on a mission trip to Puerto Rico with RUF through the Hunger Corp program.

For pastimes, Gracie enjoys reading, walking, and running, along with a new sport of pickleball.

“I have enjoyed quite a few firsts recently, but I am encouraged that my education, on-the-job training, and my family and their background in fostering have well prepared me for my job in the Tattnall school system,” said Gracie.

Gracie Thompsons' Recipes

CHICKEN SALAD

2 whole large chicken breasts, cooked and diced (about 3 cups)

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Ranch dressing

2 tablespoons chopped celery

1 tablespoon sugar

½ cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped red onion

¼ cup shredded carrots

8 red seedless grapes, halved (optional)

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients except grapes in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, then add grapes for final tossing. Add more mayonnaise if it seems dry. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. Toss lightly before serving. Serve on lettuce or as a sandwich.

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

Two 10-oz packages frozen broccoli

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 cup mayonnaise

2 eggs

1-1 ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 sleeve Ritz cracker crumbs

¼ cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook and drain the broccoli. In a medium bowl, combine the broccoli, soup, mayonnaise, eggs, cheese, and salt and pepper. Pour into a buttered casserole dish. Crumble the Ritz crackers and mix with the melted butter. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle Ritz crackers/butter mixture on top of the casserole and bake for 35-45 minutes until the crackers are golden.