At 11 years old, Lemajah Patterson already has big dreams. As a fifth grader, Lemajah balances her love for basketball, school, and her family’s bar and grill business in Pulaski, Illinois.

Lemajah’s passion for basketball shines through as she talks about her experience playing on the middle school girls’ team. “I like the coaches and my teammates,” she says with a smile. Her team, the Bobcats, travels to compete, and though their farthest trip so far has been just a couple of hours to Hardin County, the games provide an opportunity for growth and camaraderie.

The team is coached by Ms. Ariel and Coach Mikey, who has helped Lemajah develop her skills and confidence on the court. While she doesn’t have a designated position, her adaptability allows her to contribute wherever she’s needed. “I could be anywhere,” she explains, reflecting her versatility and willingness to step up for her team.

Basketball is more than just a game for Lemajah—it’s part of her dream. She hopes to one day play professionally in the WNBA, and she’s already envisioning the steps to get there. “I want to go to college first,” she says, naming SIU Carbondale and LSU as possibilities. She even dreams of Harvard, a school she describes as “the best college in the world.” Her backup career is to be a doctor.

Beyond the basketball court, Lemajah is a creative and curious student. Her favorite subject is reading, at which she excels, and she has a talent for art. “We had a poster contest, and I drew an ocean with a sunset, dolphins, and palm trees,” she says proudly. She also enjoyed a recent group project where she helped create a jungle-themed display.

Lemajah describes herself as smart, creative, and pretty—a combination that reflects her confidence and well-rounded personality. Whether she’s reading a book, sketching a masterpiece, or strategizing for her next basketball game, Lemajah approaches each task with enthusiasm and determination.

Family plays a significant role in Lemajah’s life. As the youngest of four siblings, she looks up to her older brother and sisters, who have also attended Meridian. Her parents own the Pulaski Bar and Grill, a local business where Lemajah sometimes helps out. “They serve barbecue and all kinds of fast food,” she explains, adding that she enjoys the time she spends there.

The connection between home and school is important to Lemajah, and she credits Meridian with helping her become more “sophisticated” and hardworking. “They help us behave better and become more of a hard worker,” she says, highlighting the school’s role in shaping her character and preparing her for the future.

When asked about her dream for Meridian, Lemajah shares a thoughtful wish: a bigger school building with more classes and space for students. “There’s not much room right now,” she explains, echoing a sentiment shared by many of her peers. Her vision reflects her love for her school and her hope that more students can experience the supportive environment she’s benefited from.

Lemajah also appreciates the sense of unity at Meridian, where students and staff work together to create a positive atmosphere. “The teachers are great, and everyone helps each other out,” she says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual respect.

Lemajah Patterson is a young woman with a bright future. Whether she’s aiming for the WNBA, dreaming of attending a prestigious college, or helping out at her family’s business, she approaches life with determination, creativity, and a deep sense of gratitude for her community.