Benton Grade School is known for nurturing students’ strengths, whether in academics, sports, or the arts. Alexander Upton, a fourth grader at the school, is a student who embodies the values of creativity and kindness, two traits that are apparent in everything he does. Whether he’s drawing monsters or helping friends, Alexander brings a unique and thoughtful approach to both his hobbies and his friendships.

For Alexander, school is going well. As a ten-year-old in fourth grade, he’s settling into the rhythm of his classes. “Recess is a little earlier, and math is sometimes at a different time,” he says with a shy smile when asked about the differences from third grade. While the math may be a bit harder, Alexander is keeping up, balancing his schoolwork with his other passions, including drawing.

Art is where Alexander truly shines. “I’m good at drawing,” he says confidently. His love for drawing began when he was seven years old, sketching dinosaurs. But his artisticjourney didn’t stop there. Now, Alexander has turned his focus to monsters like Godzilla and his favorite, Mothra. “I like drawing Mothra the most,” he says, explaining how he appreciates her role as a protector in the Godzilla universe. “She helps Godzilla and protects humans.”

It’s clear that Alexander’s interest in these larger-than-life creatures stems not just from their epic battles, but from something deeper. He’s drawn to the idea of protection and balance, a theme that shows up in both his artwork and his interactions with others. Mothra’s protective nature resonates with Alexander, who shows a similar protective and thoughtful attitude toward his friends and family. He’s the kind of person who thinks about how his actions impact others—whether it’s making sure not to spoil a movie for someone or taking care of his younger sister.

That kindness and thoughtfulness are qualities that shine in Alexander’s relationships. His friends would likely describe him as the one who looks out for them, and he wouldn’t disagree. “Sure, I try to help people,” he says when asked about how he supports those around him. He also enjoys spending time with his cousins, playing on the trampoline and, maybe one day, working up the courage to try a backflip. These moments reflect the adventurous side of Alexander, always eager to take on new challenges with a blend of fun and caution.

When he’s not busy drawing or playing with friends, Alexander enjoys spending time with his family, particularly his dad, who introduced him to the outdoors. Together, they participate in “hogging,” where they catch catfish using their bare hands, a tradition passed down through their family. “I haven’t caught anything yet, but my dad and cousins do,” Alexander says, his admiration for his father evident. The time they spend together, whether hogging or bouncing on the trampoline, is a treasured part of Alexander’s life.

Family is a central part of Alexander’s world. He has a younger sister, whom he describes with a teasing grin as “a little mean” but clearly loves. He also speaks highly of his mom, who plays a crucial role in supporting their family, especially since his dad was injured at work. “She helps my dad a lot and takes us to the lake during the summer,” Alexander shares, his appreciation for his mom’s strength shining through.

Despite his many interests and talents, Alexander’s kindness is what sets him apart. It’s a quality that can’t be taught, but one that his family and community can be proud of. Whether he’s carefully balancing monsters in his artwork or helping a friend, Alexander approaches life with empathy and thoughtfulness. He’s a protector, just like Mothra, the character he admires most.

As Alexander continues to grow at Benton Grade School, there’s no doubt that his creativity and kindness will continue to shine. His love for drawing, his adventurous spirit, and his ability to connect with those around him make him a special part of the school community. And as Benton continues to foster students like Alexander, the future is bright for this young artist and friend.