There’s a new face making an impact at Benton Grade School—a homegrown talent who’s come full circle to give back to the community that raised him. Wyatt McLintock, a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University, has taken on a role that blends education and mentorship in a way that’s uniquely his own. From managing the school’s “Zeros Aren’t Permitted” (ZAP) program to stepping into a coaching role for basketball, Wyatt’s story is one of dedication, community, and the power of athletics to shape lives.

Wyatt’s connection to Benton runs deep. Raised in nearby Whittington, Wyatt attended Ewing Grade School before moving on to Benton High School, where he was a standout basketball player. After graduating in 2021, he wasn’t sure where life would take him, but he always knew one thing—he wanted to coach. “Coaching is what brought me into education,” Wyatt shares. “I started coaching a few years ago, and I realized the best way to coach is to become a teacher.”

That realization set Wyatt on a path to becoming an educator. It wasn’t something he always envisioned for himself, but life has a way of pointing you in the right direction. “God moved me into this role,” Wyatt says. “This position opened up over the summer, and I knew it was a sign that this is where I was supposed to be.”

Now in his first year at Benton Grade School, Wyatt is in charge of the ZAP program, which is designed to help students stay on track academically by giving them a chance to complete missed assignments. The concept is simple: when a student doesn’t turn in homework, they spend time with Wyatt instead of attending PE, working to catch up and improve their grades. “It’s a way to keep kids accountable,” Wyatt explains. “If they don’t want to be in ZAP, they know they need to stay on top of their work.”

While ZAP serves as a tool to ensure academic success, Wyatt knows that some students view it as a loophole, choosing to complete their work at school instead of at home. “Some kids use it as an excuse to not do their homework,” Wyatt admits, “but I always tell them, if you want to get back to PE, just get your work done.” The program balances accountability with compassion, offering students a second chance to succeed while also reinforcing the importance of responsibility.

For Wyatt, his work with students is more than just helping them catch up on homework—it’s about building relationships. “Every kid is different,” Wyatt says. “Some just don’t want to do the work, but if you can build a relationship with them and get them to trust you, they start to see the value in what they’re doing.” It’s that personal connection, Wyatt believes, that makes all the difference in helping students succeed.

But Wyatt’s influence at Benton Grade School goes beyond the classroom. He’s also the assistant basketball coach, a role that allows him to share his love of the game with a new generation of players. “Basketball was everything to me growing up,” Wyatt says. “I couldn’t play unless I kept my grades up, so it motivated me to do well in school.” Now, he’s using the lessons he learned on the court to help his players grow—not just as athletes, but as young men. “Basketball teaches discipline, teamwork, and how to overcome obstacles,” Wyatt explains. “Those are lessons that carry over into life.”

Coaching is where Wyatt truly shines. Whether he’s drawing up plays or helping a player improve their jump shot, his passion for the game and his commitment to his players are evident in everything he does. “It’s not just about winning games,” Wyatt says. “It’s about building character. Basketball won’t always be there, but the lessons they learn on the court will stick with them for life.”

Wyatt’s love for Benton is palpable. “This community is special because of the people,” he says. “Everyone here looks out for each other. Even if someone doesn’t have much, they’ll still give to those in need. That’s what makes Benton different.” It’s that same spirit of generosity and support that Wyatt brings to his work every day, whether he’s guiding students through the ZAP program or coaching on the basketball court.

Looking ahead, Wyatt’s goal is simple: to continue making a difference in the lives of his students and players. “At the end of the year, I want to be able to say that I helped these kids grow,” he says. “Whether it’s academically or on the basketball court, I want to build their confidence and help them take the next step.”

For Wyatt McLintock, coming back to Benton isn’t just a career move—it’s a calling. And as he continues to shape the young minds and hearts of this tight-knit community, Benton Grade School is better for having one of its own back in its ranks, paying it forward in the most meaningful way possible.