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Korie Blades

A Heart Full of Kindness and Big Dreams

Korie brings a sense of kindness and purpose to everything she does.

At Benton Grade School, where students are encouraged to explore their passions and support one another, Korie Blades stands out as a fifth grader with a heart full of kindness and a bright future ahead. Korie’s story is one of compassion, resilience, and a deep-rooted desire to help others—whether through her dream of becoming a veterinarian or her quiet yet powerful leadership among her friends. Born and raised in Benton, Korie embodies the spirit of her hometown. She’s a true product of a community that believes in one another, and her love for Benton shines through in everything she does. Whether she’s running in local 5K races, caring for the animals on her family’s property, or encouraging her friends to stay on track, Korie brings a level of care and dedication that speaks volumes about her character.

As a student in Mr. Pettit’s fifth-grade homeroom, Korie has embraced the challenge of switching classrooms throughout the day, a new experience for her and her peers this year. “It’s actually kind of fun,” she says. “Every hour, you get to switch classes, so if one class gets boring, you can look forward to the next one.” She enjoys the variety in her daily schedule, especially her favorite subject—social science. “I love learning about different countries and continents,” Korie explains. “Right now, we’re studying Mesopotamia. It’s fascinating to learn about places and civilizations from so long ago.”

Korie is not just a bright student; she’s also an athlete. She’s run in multiple 5K races, even winning her age category in a race held in Sesser. Her love for running is inspired by her older brother, who was a wrestler but now runs track and cross-country. “I want to be like him,” Korie says, her admiration for her brother clear. “He’s always encouraged me, and I’ve been in a lot of races already.”

But perhaps what sets Korie apart the most is her deep compassion for animals. Growing up on a property with goats, chickens, ducks, and even a goose named Ryan Gosling, Korie has developed a special bond with animals that goes beyond the usual care. “I love animals,” she says, beaming. “We have a baby goat that loves to jump around, and we have dogs, cats, and even a goose and a duck.” Ryan Gosling, the goose, was initially thought to be a female and was named Lucy Goosey—until Korie’s family discovered “she” was a “he,” and the name changed to the witty Ryan Gosling.

This love for animals is the driving force behind Korie’s dream to become a veterinarian. “I either want to be a vet or a nurse,” she shares. “I really like helping animals and kids, so maybe I’ll do both.” With such a nurturing spirit, it’s easy to see why Korie’s aspirations align with taking care of others, whether they’re human or furry.

Korie’s kindness extends to her friendships as well. When asked what her friends might say about her, she humbly replies, “They’d probably say I’m really nice.” But Korie’s kindness goes deeper than just being a good friend. For her eighth birthday, instead of asking for presents, she requested that her family donate to homeless shelters—a gesture that speaks to her selfless nature. “I didn’t want much for my birthday,” Korie says. “I wanted to help others instead.”

With her combination of kindness, leadership, and love for animals, it’s no wonder that Korie is looking ahead to a future filled with possibilities. She’s already shown remarkable maturity and empathy, qualities that will serve her well as she continues to grow and achieve her goals.

For Benton Grade School, Korie Blades represents the very best of what the school and the community strive to foster in their young people. Whether she’s winning races, taking care of animals, or helping her friends, Korie brings a sense of kindness and purpose to everything she does. And as she continues to make her mark at Benton Grade School, there’s no doubt that Korie’s future is as bright as her heart is big.

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