Weston Swanson, a fifth grader at Apollo Elementary School, may be young, but he’s already charting a course filled with ambition, humor, and a love for challenges. Whether he’s perfecting his basketball shot, studying maps, or dreaming about his future, Weston embodies a blend of curiosity and determination that makes him stand out.

Weston’s passion for sports is evident from the start. “Basketball is my favorite,” he says confidently, even though he also plays baseball and football. His favorite player of all time? The legendary Michael Jordan. “He’s an Illinois icon,” Weston says. For him, basketball isn’t just a game; it’s a pursuit that combines discipline, teamwork, and joy.

When he’s not on the court, Weston can often be found with a map in hand. His love for geography comes alive when his family plans vacations. “Instead of looking it up online, my mom or grandma gives me a map, and I figure out where we’re going,” he explains. This hands-on approach to learning has fueled his interest in social studies, particularly maps and the stories they tell about the places we live and visit. “Maps are like puzzles, and I love knowing where things are,” he adds.

Reading is another area where Weston shines. He enjoys the challenge it brings and often loses himself in stories that stretch his imagination. “I like books that make me think,” he says, reflecting his thoughtful approach to learning. His favorite subject, though, is math, where his natural aptitude for numbers allows him to thrive. “I enjoy problem-solving,” he says. “It keeps my brain busy.”

At home, Weston’s life is just as dynamic. He shares his world with two younger sisters, Macy and Evelyn, as well as two dachshunds and a cat. “Macy and Evelyn like to play together, but they also fight sometimes over who owns what,” he says with a laugh. His dad, a physical therapist, and his mom, a high school teacher, inspire him with their dedication to helping others. “My dad works in rehab, and my mom teaches body conditioning,” he explains. “They’re both really active and hardworking.”

This influence has shaped Weston’s own aspirations. While basketball is his first love, he also dreams of becoming a journalist or working at ESPN one day. “I want to share stories about what people think, feel, and do,” he says. “It’s important for the world to know about each other.” His curiosity about the world and his knack for communication make this dream a natural fit.

Weston’s sense of humor and outgoing personality are among his strongest traits. When asked how his friends would describe him, he recalls a recent conversation. “They said I’m funny, brave, and hardworking,” he shares. His teacher agrees, adding that Weston is also a natural communicator—a skill compared to the transmission in a car, enabling him to translate thoughts into action effectively.

Weston’s love for basketball has taught him valuable life lessons about persistence and goal-setting. “It’s like golf,” he says, drawing an unlikely comparison. “You can’t make a hole-in-one every time, but you keep moving toward the goal, one shot at a time.” This perspective reflects his maturity and understanding that progress is often a series of small, consistent efforts.

Reflecting on his community, Weston says, “Mercer County is special because everyone knows everyone, and people support each other.” This connection fuels his ambition and reminds him to dream big while staying grounded in the values of kindness and hard work.

For Weston Swanson, the future is wide open. Whether he’s chasing a basketball down the court, exploring a new destination on a map, or preparing for a potential career in sports journalism, he does so with enthusiasm, determination, and a readiness to embrace every challenge. His story is a reminder that big dreams often start with small steps—and the courage to take them.