Nine-year-old Bridgett Cambron has a sparkle in her eyes that matches the flowers on her glasses. A fourth grader at Benton, Bridgett is quick to laugh, full of energy, and already showing the confidence of someone who knows where she belongs. Though her path to Benton has included different schools and even a year of homeschooling, she is excited to be back in a classroom where she can learn, grow, and spend her days surrounded by friends.

Bridgett was born on December 24, a Christmas Eve baby who will soon be celebrating her tenth birthday. “It can be fun sometimes,” she said with a grin, describing what it’s like to have a birthday so close to the holidays. She has learned to enjoy the timing, knowing that presents arrive on back-to-back days.

Her school journey has been unique. She started at Benton in kindergarten and first grade before spending second grade at Christopher. Third grade brought a new experience—homeschooling. “I didn’t like it much,” she admitted. “It took a while.” When this school year began, she was back at Benton, a fourth grader excited for new routines and opportunities. “I like being able to see my friends a lot,” she said, her voice carrying the enthusiasm of someone happy to be part of a community again.

Bridgett is one of three sisters in her family. Her older sister, Alexis, is twelve and now in seventh grade. Her younger sister, Serenity, is just five and started kindergarten this year. All three share a bond that weaves through their school days and home life.

At Benton, Bridgett has found her stride. She is in Ms. Odom’s class, and her admiration for her teacher is obvious. “She’s a really nice teacher, and she teaches really well,” Bridgett said. That admiration is strong enough that Bridgett has already begun to imagine her own future as a teacher. “I want to be a teacher like Ms. Odom,” she explained. “Probably for kids my age.” For now, she is focused on her schoolwork, where math and reading top her list of favorite subjects—depending on the day and the difficulty of the assignments.

Bridgett has already been recognized in her classroom. Recently, she was named Student of the Week, chosen through a spinning wheel that gives every classmate a fair chance at the honor. She also serves as one of the teacher’s assistants. “Some people get to be the buck holder or the mailbox, but I got picked to be the teacher assistant,” she explained. Her sense of responsibility is evident in the way she talks about these small but important roles.

Outside of academics, Bridgett enjoys the rhythm of her school days. She loves recess, though she admits the hot weather can make it challenging. She also looks forward to music class, where games and songs keep things lively, and PE, where time outside helps burn off energy. Snack time is another highlight. “It starts at 10:15,” she said. “Sometimes you can bring your own snacks. She smiled as she described the options her class enjoys, from goldfish crackers to animal crackers and more.

Life at home is just as full. Her parents, Keisha and her dad, both work early shifts at Du Quoin State Fair Coca-Cola, often leaving before the girls are awake. Her aunt April, who lives next door, steps in to help get Bridgett and her sisters ready for the day. April is more than a babysitter—she is part of the family rhythm, sometimes playing games with the girls or planning for the big backyard pool she hopes to add at her new house. Bridgett lights up when she talks about the fun times she shares with her aunt.

At home, Bridgett loves to play games on her tablet, often choosing Roblox. “There are role plays you can do, and sometimes there are spelling bees,” she explained. She also enjoys studying, reading, and spending time with her sisters. Recently, she faced a dental filling with courage, brushing off the soreness with the determination of someone who doesn’t let small setbacks slow her down.

Bridgett may be young, but she already has a clear sense of what matters to her. She values kindness, both from teachers and from other kids, and she hopes to see everyone treating each other well. “All the teachers should be nice to the kids, and all the kids should be good kids,” she said, her words simple but powerful.