A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to sit down with Liam Fowler, a third grader whose heart and hustle are felt both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Liam’s story is one that blends competitive drive with a genuine sense of responsibility, and it’s clear that this young man balances those traits well.

Born in West Frankfort, Liam moved to Benton four years ago and quickly embraced his new hometown. “I’ve been here for four years now,” he says, “and I love everything about being a Ranger.” With a bright smile and an eagerness to take on challenges, Liam has already found his place in the Benton community, where he’s making waves in everything he touches.

One of Liam’s biggest passions is soccer. He’s been playing for nearly six seasons and has developed into a force to be reckoned with, both on a recreational team and as part of a traveling soccer team. “I’ve been on a travel team for a while now,” he says, “and I’ve even played in places like Ohio and St. Louis.” His dedication to the sport is evident, and his role on the team is a point of pride. He lowers his gaze at me from across the table with a grin and shares, “They call me the ‘Brick Wall’ on defense,” explaining that he works hard to see that no ball—or opponent—gets past him when he’s guarding the goal.

But for Liam, soccer isn’t just about winning games. “It’s really about having fun and making new friends,” he says. “Winning or losing isn’t as important as just being out there with your team, working together.” That team-first mindset is a quality that carries over into everything he does, whether he’s protecting the goal on the field or looking out for his friends at school.

In fact, Liam’s sense of leadership extends beyond soccer. “I think leadership is about helping your teammates, your friends,” he explains thoughtfully. “If they fall down, you help them get back up. It’s not just about winning—it’s about being there for each other.” That wisdom is rare in someone so young, but it’s clear that Liam sees himself as a protector, both for his team and his classmates. “I’ve protected my friends from bullies before,” he adds, underscoring what I sense is his natural inclination to stand up for others. Liam’s leadership skills are nurtured by his close-knit family, especially his dad, who serves as one of his soccer coaches. “My dad’s one of the coaches, and he’s a great one,” Liam says proudly. He’s also inspired by his late uncle, who was a major influence on him, as well as his grandmother and his dad, who works at a hospital ensuring everything runs smoothly. Surrounded by people he admires, Liam has learned the value of hard work, dedication, and kindness.

But Liam’s talents aren’t limited to the soccer field. He’s also an artist, with a love for sketching and creating. “I like drawing with pencils and pens,” he says, “and sometimes if I mess up, I just flip the paper and start again.” That ability to reboot and keep going—whether in art or in life—is one of Liam’s defining characteristics. He’s even started working on a comic book called The Diary of a Super Kid. “It’s like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but the character becomes a superhero,” Liam explains. “He gets bullied at first, but then he turns into someone who helps people.”

In many ways, the storyline of Liam’s comic reflects his own values—standing up for others, using his abilities to protect and help those around him. It’s no surprise, then, that when asked what he might want to do when he grows up, Liam’s answer is immediate: “I want to be a police officer,” he says. “I want to protect people.”

For a third grader, Liam has a remarkable sense of purpose, much of which he attributes to his being a Ranger. Whether it’s excelling at soccer, honing his artistic talents, or being a supportive friend, he’s already leaving an impression on everyone he meets. And as he continues to grow at Benton Grade School, the community can feel proud knowing that students like Liam are carrying the torch forward with kindness, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.