Students like Keaton White remind us that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud. As a seventh grader at Vandalia Junior High, Keaton is already standing out for his academic achievements, athletic versatility, and steadfast determination. His approach to school and life offers a quiet confidence that inspires those around him.

With straight A-plus grades and a calm, focused demeanor in the classroom, Keaton makes academic success look effortless. “I’m pretty quiet,” he admits. “I just listen, follow directions, and soak it all in.” His work ethic and curiosity are paying off—he’s already tackling pre-algebra this year and expects to take on high school-level math before he even begins as a freshman.

But Keaton’s talents extend far beyond academics. He’s an athlete who thrives in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and track, with plans to add golf to the mix in high school. While he excels in all his pursuits, baseball is his favorite. “I play shortstop, but I can play almost anywhere,” he says. “Just not catcher.” At the plate, Keaton describes himself as a consistent hitter, even if he’s not a power slugger. “I’m not a home run guy, but I get on base. I don’t strike out much—I always make contact.” His .300 batting average this past season is a testament to his reliability on the field.

Keaton’s love of sports reflects a deep-seated work ethic, something he credits to his dad and the people around him. “I work hard, but I also get a lot of support,” he says. “My coaches and friends push me to get better.” Among the mentors who’ve shaped him, Keaton gives special recognition to coaches like Mr. Buscher and Mr. Grapperhaus, as well as his favorite social studies teacher from last year, Mr. Kelly. “They’ve helped me a lot,” he says. “And they’ve made learning and growing fun.”

Growing up in Vandalia, Keaton has developed an appreciation for his small-town roots. Though his early years were spent in St. Peter, he moved to Vandalia in kindergarten and has been part of the community ever since. “It’s a nice place where people help each other out,” he says. “Most people here are friendly, and there’s always a sense of connection.”

That sense of connection extends to his family. Keaton’s mom, a nurse at the school, plays a supportive role in his busy life. “It’s nice having her here,” he says. “She can hold onto my things if I’ve got an event after school.” His younger brother, now in third grade, looks up to him as a role model. As the oldest sibling, Keaton embraces the responsibility, acknowledging that his parents have higher expectations for him. “They get on me sometimes, but I’d rather have that than be babied,” he explains with maturity beyond his years.

Though he’s only in seventh grade, Keaton is already thinking ahead. 

His dream is to play baseball at the collegiate level, and he’s open to wherever that opportunity might take him—as long as it’s not too far from home. “I don’t want to be too far from my family,” he says. “But I’m ready to work for whatever comes next.” If baseball doesn’t pan out, Keaton is confident he’ll find another path. “Whatever happens, I just want to stick with what I love and not give up,” he says.

Looking back, Keaton reflects on the importance of perseverance. “If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell him to stick with everything and not give up,” he says. “Just keep going, even when it’s hard.”

As he thinks about the future, Keaton imagines the day he’ll return to Vandalia for his class reunion. “I think we’ll talk about how weird and fun it was to be kids,” he says with a laugh. “It’s nice being young and just enjoying it all.”

Keaton White may be quiet, but his actions speak volumes. With his academic prowess, athletic talent, and unwavering determination, he represents the best of Vandalia’s future. As he continues to grow and pursue his dreams, Keaton’s story reminds us of the power of hard work, support, and staying true to what matters most. In a word, being a Vandal.