Fifth grade can be a pivotal year, and for Finlee Schrock, it’s a time of discovery, growth, and setting the foundation for her future. At just 10 years old, Finlee already displays a thoughtful balance of curiosity and determination, shaped by her family, school, and love for learning.

Finlee, whose name is spelled uniquely, embraces her individuality in everything she does. She lives in the rural community of Keithsburg, nestled along the Mississippi River. “I love living out in the country,” she says. “It’s peaceful, and I want to stay here when I grow up.” Her appreciation for the small-town setting underscores her connection to the land and the supportive community that surrounds her.

School has always been an adventure for Finlee, and this year is no exception. Math has been both a challenge and an area of growth for her. “Decimals were hard at first,” she admits, “but now I understand them better.” Her journey through the complexities of math reflects her perseverance, a quality she takes pride in.

Reading, however, comes naturally. Finlee lights up when she talks about her favorite book, The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, which she’s reading as part of a class “battle of the books.” “It’s such a fun story,” she says. “I love getting lost in books and learning about new things.” When asked how much she enjoys reading on a scale of one to ten, she doesn’t hesitate. “Ten,” she says with a smile. “I love it.”

Finlee’s love for history adds another dimension to her academic interests. She’s particularly drawn to social studies, especially learning about explorers and the 50 states. “It’s fascinating to see how people lived and how places were discovered,” she says.

At home, Finlee is the youngest of three siblings. Her sister, a college student at Illinois State University, and her eighth-grade brother have both influenced her sense of responsibility and independence. She shares her home with two dogs, Lily and Molly, a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd. “They’re best friends and get along great,” she says. The bond she shares with her pets mirrors her kind and caring nature.

Beyond academics, Finlee has recently taken up basketball, with her first game approaching soon. She’s also had a taste of volleyball and softball, though she’s not certain if sports will play a big role in her high school years. What matters most to her is the teamwork and camaraderie that come with playing on a team. “I like practicing with my teammates,” she says. “It’s fun to work together.”

Her friendships at school are equally important. She describes her close-knit group of friends with warmth, acknowledging that, like any group, they’ve faced disagreements. “We’ve had fights, but we always figure them out,” she says. “We’re problem-solvers.” Finlee’s ability to navigate challenges with maturity is one of her standout qualities.

When asked about her dreams for the future, Finlee is clear and ambitious. “I want to go to college for ag business and then go into marketing,” she says confidently. Her vision reflects her appreciation for rural life and her desire to contribute to it in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, Finlee is thankful for the teachers and staff at New Boston Elementary, who have made her school experience memorable. “I’ve had so many great teachers,” she says, singling out Ms. Callahan as a favorite. “She’s so nice and makes learning fun.”

As she reflects on her time at school, Finlee expresses gratitude for the opportunities she’s had and the people who have supported her along the way. “This school is just great,” she says. “I’ll always remember my teachers and how much they’ve cared.”

Finlee Schrock’s story is one of a young girl embracing the present while looking toward the future with optimism and determination. With her love of learning, strong values, and big dreams, Finlee is well on her way to making her mark on the world, one step at a time.