At just eight years old, Whitley Atwood is already making her mark as a bright, imaginative, and thoughtful third grader at Vandalia Elementary School. With her infectious curiosity and genuine kindness, she embodies the joy of learning and the strong sense of community that defines Vandalia Schools.

Known as “Whit” by her family, Whitley is a student who thrives on discovery and connection. She’s developed a love for math, particularly multiplication, which she finds more enjoyable than other areas of math she’s tackled before. “We’re not doing stacked problems yet, but I like learning times tables,” she says with a quiet confidence. Her favorite part of school, however, is the chance to spend time with her friends and learn from her teacher, Ms. Sharp, who has made third grade an engaging and rewarding experience. Writer’s note: My conversation with Whitley was in early November. By the time you read this, roundabout February, I suspect that Whit will not only be doing stacked problems, but will have mastered them!

Whitley’s love of learning extends to reading, where she’s particularly fond of the Magic Tree House series. Her favorite book in the series takes readers to the Amazon Rainforest, sparking her imagination and curiosity about the wider world. “I love the adventure and how you feel like you’re there,” she says. Her interest in stories reflects a budding creativity that she channels in her hobbies and conversations with family and friends.

At home, Whitley’s life is filled with activity and responsibility. She helps care for her family’s pets, including their dogs, a cat, and even chickens. “Our chickens lay eggs—mostly white, but sometimes brown,” she explains. The eggs are often shared with others at her church, a gesture that reflects her family’s generosity and her own thoughtful nature. When she’s not helping with chores, Whitley enjoys spending time with her younger sister, Ellie, and exploring the outdoors with her dad, Josh, who has introduced her to the joys of deer hunting. “I got my first doe this year,” she says proudly, describing the experience of hunting with her family.

Whitley’s parents play a central role in her life, each bringing unique strengths to their family dynamic. Her dad, a coach and construction worker, has passed on his love of sports and the outdoors. Meanwhile, her mom, a nurse, teaches her practical skills like cooking and provides unwavering support in everything Whitley does. “My mom is really special because she helps me learn new things, and my dad makes time for fun stuff like hunting,” she says.

Though she’s still young, Whitley has already started thinking about her future. Inspired by a local photographer she admires, she dreams of becoming a photographer one day, capturing sunsets and moments of beauty. “I think I’d like to take pictures of nature—sunsets are my favorite,” she says. Her curiosity and appreciation for detail suggest a natural talent waiting to be developed.

When asked what makes Vandalia special, Whitley points to the people. “Everyone knows each other, and they’re nice,” she says. Her perspective reflects the values of community and connection that Vandalia fosters, especially through its schools. For Whitley, being part of Vandalia means having the support of not only her family but also her teachers, classmates, and neighbors.

Whitley’s story is a testament to the importance of nurturing curiosity and kindness at a young age. Whether she’s excelling in math, dreaming of future adventures, or enjoying time with her family, she approaches life with a sense of wonder and a generous spirit. In Whitley, Vandalia has a student who embodies the promise of its future—a thoughtful, engaged, and imaginative young learner ready to make her mark on the world.