Carson Dillard is in third grade at Benton, and he’s a wonderful kid and already a great athlete. When it comes to athletics, Dillard is a triple threat: he plays baseball, football (his favorite sport), and soccer. On the baseball diamond, you can find him at first or second base, and he loves hitting. In the prime of grade school, Carson has the all-important role of stopping runs before they happen, of throwing out runners before they reach base. While this may all sound fun, and it is, it’s also a great responsibility for someone so young. Carson takes it in stride and with goodwill.

He also plays junior football. During recess – his favorite time at school – Carson gets to play football and soccer with his friends. But it isn’t just sports that call this young man. He also loves art class, and drawing in particular. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Clark, and in a moment of reflection, Carson notes, “Time flies by so fast” in grade school. While school may be flying by, Dillard is well- adjusted and sounds happy to be at Benton. He’s got a lot of reasons to feel happy.

Carson is part of a larger family, and he’s the older brother to two sisters and one brother. Of the people who helped him become who he is, Carson tells us that his father and mother are key players: “My dad was a good baseball and football player. And he works for us and helps our family. My mom makes us dinner and buys us snacks.” While his family works and helps him, the community of Benton also figures large into his life. From Mrs. Clark to the school and the entire community, Carson describes this place as the best “because the people are so nice.” It’s good to know that Benton is a welcoming and friendly place that Carson and so many others feel proud to be a part of.

When asked what his friends might say about him, Dillard says he thinks they would say that he was “nice and a good athlete.” Indeed, Carson’s voice is cheerful and confident, happy, balanced. It’s as if Benton has had more than the average effect on him. It’s been a wonderful place to grow up, to play sports, to draw, and to have solid friends. It’s a real community, and its charms aren’t lost on Carson. From art class to hopes of playing soccer soon, Benton has offered this third grader almost everything he could ask for.

We asked him what he would be if a magic wand was waved and his wish would be granted. Carson would like to be a Super Saiyan from Dragonball Z, a super legendary
character able to transform itself into almost anything. For Carson, he’s already playing various sports, both at recess and in leagues, and between his family and friends, his life already seems magical. As to the powers of the Super Saiyan, that remains to be seen. But suffice it to say, when Carson talks, we encounter the voice of a content and even happy third-grader. There’s magic in that too, to find yourself with your family in a community that offers and encourages happiness. Benton, with its school and fields and people, has offered Carson a place to be, to live, to thrive. And he
is thriving. That’s something truly rare: to find ourselves where we actually are and to be thrilled about it. It’s like winning the proverbial lottery, only instead of money, we’ve won ourselves. Carson is lucky to be where he is, and in turn, Benton is lucky to have such a kid in the community and at school. It’s all in his voice.