When fifth grader Keree White walks into a classroom, she carries herself with the kind of confidence and thoughtfulness that make her stand out. Only three weeks into her first year at Cairo Elementary, she is already making friends, impressing her teachers, and showing that she is wise well beyond her years.

Keree transferred to Cairo from Meridian schools, though she still lives in the same house in Cairo. For her, the move was about practicality. “Everybody in my family grew up to be a Bobcat,” she explained, referring to Meridian’s mascot. “But my mom thought it would be easier because the bus runs here.” That decision made Keree the first in her family to attend Cairo schools, and she’s already embracing her new identity as a Pilot.

So far, she likes what she sees. “Each classroom has its own vibe,” she said, her eyes lighting up as she described the atmosphere. “My classroom is happy.” With just 17 students in her grade, she appreciates the closeness of her peers. She has already made a best friend, Natia, and enjoys the warmth of the teachers and staff.

Her favorite subject is reading. “It’s my all-time favorite thing to do,” she said. “I can finish a whole book in a day, even if it’s 200 pages.” She especially loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid and enjoys the way reading lets her connect with family members who also love books. “My aunties and cousins love to read,” she said. “It runs in the family.” Even when relatives don’t have much time, she has advice: audiobooks. “Listening to books while you’re driving or relaxing helps a lot. It can calm you down.”

Keree also loves art, which she describes as a way to express her inner personality. “I would draw rainbows and hearts,” she explained. “That means I’m happy. I’m unique. I’m different from other people.” Her perspective shows the same balance of maturity and optimism that seems to run through everything she says.

At home, Keree splits her time between her mother, who works as a security guard at a local business, and her aunt, who plays a big role in her life. “Technically, I’ve got two homes,” she said. “But I mostly stay with my aunt because my mom works different shifts.” She admires her mother’s hard work and even enjoys going with her to watch the security cameras when shifts allow. Her aunt, Fay Howard, meanwhile, is known throughout Cairo for her generosity. “She bakes cookies and just gives them out,” Keree explained proudly. “She says God gives her so much that she should share it with everyone else.”

Her family’s influence shows in her maturity. She often helps with her younger cousins, preparing food for them or putting meals in the microwave so they’ll have something later. “I’ve always been told I’m a leader,” she said. “I try to take care of people.”

Keree also has big dreams for the future. She wants to become a doctor for adults, inspired in part by memories of helping her grandfather during visits to the doctor in Mississippi, where she lived until age four. “The doctors would let me help take care of my pawpaw,” she said, recalling the pride she felt. Those experiences, along with her natural drive, shape her determination to pursue a career that requires years of study and commitment.

Despite her serious goals, Keree is still very much a child who loves to play and celebrate. She plays baseball, usually at second base, and enjoys batting. Her favorite food is her aunt’s spaghetti, though she lights up when she talks about cookies. Her birthday is a big event on her calendar, complete with blue nails decorated with stars and gems, new hair, matching shirts for her family, and a sleepover with cousins and friends. “We’re gonna have a blast,” she said with a wide grin.

She’s also thoughtful about deeper things, even at her young age. When she talked about her uncle Malcolm, who passed away, she balanced her sadness with gratitude. “It’s sad that he passed, but I’m happy for the memories we made,” she said. “I’m happy we had that time.”

In just a few weeks at Cairo Elementary, Keree White has already proven that she belongs. She may only be in fifth grade, but her vision for herself—and her way of caring for others—show the kind of leadership Cairo is proud to nurture.