Caleb Price has walked the halls of Benton Grade School for nearly his entire childhood. He started in kindergarten, just after moving from Du Quoin, and now, as an eighth grader preparing to head to Benton Consolidated High School in August, he finds himself in a place that feels both familiar and new.

Caleb lives in Benton with his parents and his younger brother, who is in elementary school. Home for Caleb is anything but ordinary. His family has what he jokingly calls “like a whole zoo,” including dogs, snakes, lizards, a spider, chickens, and even a duck. The chickens lay more eggs than the family can use at times, and Caleb described giant eggs and tiny ones laid by a speedy chicken nicknamed “Roadrunner.” It’s a home full of personality, and that sense of humor shows up in Caleb as well.

At school, Caleb has built strong friendships over the years. He mentioned being especially close to Abram (whose given name is David) Younger, Abel Sanders, and Dean Wall. Having grown up together since kindergarten, those friendships have been part of the steady rhythm of his school life. While he admitted he hasn’t made many connections with students older than his grade, he knows a good number of his classmates and feels comfortable among them.

Academically, Caleb has been an honor roll student since fifth grade. He described himself modestly—“Yeah, I guess”—when asked if he’s pretty smart, but his record speaks for itself. Math is his favorite subject, and although he recently struggled with a challenging algebra test, he pushed through and brought his grade back up to a 91. The experience didn’t discourage him; instead, it reinforced something important—that even strong students hit bumps along the way.

Outside the classroom, Caleb prefers a quieter path. He enjoys playing video games—currently spending time on a challenging game called Elden Ring on his PS4. He also rides his bike, plays catch with his dad, and spends time talking with his family. In many ways, he’s a balanced mix of a typical teenager and a thoughtful observer.

When asked about his favorite parts of the school day, Caleb answered honestly. Lunch—“depending on what it is”—PE, and leaving school ranked high on his list. He rides the bus, which he described as either “very hot or kind of cold” and usually packed with students. Still, he appreciates that the ride gives him a chance to talk with classmates he doesn’t always see during the day.

As he reflects on his years at Benton Grade School, Caleb offers a piece of advice for younger students. He mentioned that sometimes teachers can seem intimidating at first, but first impressions aren’t always accurate. Referring to his reading teacher, he shared that once she gets to know students, “she’s actually pretty nice.” It’s a reminder that growth in middle school isn’t just academic—it’s about learning how to understand people, too.

One of his favorite teachers over the years has been Ms. Hammonds, his seventh-grade social studies teacher. He appreciated that she was kind and willing to joke around while still teaching the material, creating a classroom environment that felt comfortable and engaging.

Caleb doesn’t yet know what he wants to do after high school. “Just kind of wait and see how things go,” he said. For now, he’s focused on finishing eighth grade strong and looking ahead to what comes next. After graduation, he expects to celebrate quietly with his family—maybe bowling or skating—simple fun with the people who have supported him all along.

As he prepares to leave Benton Grade School, Caleb carries with him years of steady effort, loyal friendships, and the resilience that comes from navigating both success and setbacks. High school will bring new challenges, new teachers, and new opportunities. But like the algebra test he worked through this year, Caleb has already shown that when something feels difficult, he sticks with it.

And that steady determination may be one of the most important lessons he’s learned along the way.