The world is wide, but for fifth-grader Avery Boss, it’s also wonderfully local—centered in Mercer County and filled with the rhythm of her daily pursuits. Whether she’s readying a pig for a livestock show, leaping through a lyrical dance routine, or diving into the adventures of Little House on the Prairie, Avery has a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

A resident of the countryside near Aledo, Avery approaches life with an energy that seems to expand the hours of each day. “I keep busy,” she says simply, though that’s an understatement. In addition to excelling in school, she’s active in competitive dance, cross country, and softball. But it’s not all movement and competition—Avery carves out time for quieter moments, too, often losing herself in a good book.

Reading is her anchor, grounding her in stories that span from frontier hardships to tales of survival and resilience. “I’m really into Number the Stars right now,” Avery explains. “It’s about the Holocaust, and it makes me think about how brave people can be.” Her shelves are lined with books that range from classics like Little House on the Prairie to more modern fare, and her love of reading reflects her thoughtful nature.

But not all subjects come as easily. Math, especially fractions and decimals, sometimes tests her patience. “It’s hard, but I like a challenge,” Avery says. She credits her teacher, Mr. Leng, for making even the most puzzling problems engaging. “He’s not like other teachers,” she shares. “He’s funny and helps us stay focused without feeling stressed.”

Avery’s love for animals is just as pronounced as her academic interests. On any given day, she might be out training her pigs for an upcoming show. “You wouldn’t think pigs need a lot of work, but they do,” she says. “It’s all about building a connection so they trust you.” Without a fenced area to practice in, she’s often guiding them outdoors, an effort that requires both patience and strategy.

When she’s not wrangling pigs, Avery is likely at Myrna Rae’s Studio, perfecting a tap routine or mastering the graceful moves of lyrical dance. “Tap and lyrical are my favorites,” she says. Dance competitions take her to new places, but the real thrill, she says, is pushing herself to grow. “It’s not just about winning—it’s about hitting that move you thought you couldn’t.”

At home, Avery’s world is filled with family and fur. Her two dogs, Echo and Cooper, are her ever-present companions, with Echo providing wisdom at nine years old and Cooper keeping everyone on their toes at just one. Her younger sister looks up to her, adding another layer of purpose to everything Avery tackles.

“I want to set a good example for her,” Avery says. “She’s always watching, and I want her to see what it means to work hard and enjoy what you do.”

And enjoying what she does is something Avery excels at. Ask her what she loves most about her hometown, and her answer is instant. “The people,” she says. “No matter where you go, you feel like you belong here. Everyone’s kind, and they want to help you succeed.”

Her ambitions are as diverse as her interests. While her heart is currently set on dancing and showing animals, Avery’s approach to life leaves room for new possibilities. “I don’t know where I’ll end up,” she says with a smile, “but I know I’ll keep trying new things.”

Avery Boss isn’t just living in Mercer County—she’s exploring its every possibility. Through hard work, creativity, and a spirit of adventure, she reminds us that success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey filled with the moments we choose to embrace.