At Benton Grade School, where opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics abound, you’ll find Caroline Simpson, whose unique blend of talents and interests really shine. A seventh grader who moved to Benton from Thompsonville, Caroline’s journey is defined by her love for music, her artistic spirit, and her determination to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.

Caroline wasn’t born and raised in Benton, but after switching schools in sixth grade, she’s found her place in a community that offers more than she expected. “I switched schools because there were more opportunities here, especially in band,” Caroline explains. “I’m not much into sports, but I found my rhythm in music.”

And that rhythm is impressive. Caroline plays three instruments—violin, saxophone, and piano—each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Her journey with the violin began in kindergarten, a love affair with the instrument that has only deepened over time. “Violin is my favorite,” she says, after some reflection. “I’ve been playing it the longest, and it just feels like home.”

Her connection to music is unmistakable, but what makes Caroline’s story even more remarkable is the dedication she brings to mastering each of her instruments. When she joined Benton Grade School in sixth grade, she picked up the saxophone, a challenging instrument that requires both skill and practice. But Caroline was undaunted by the new challenge. “Saxophone is different for me because I’d never played a wind instrument before,” she explains. “It’s a reed instrument, so that adds a layer of complexity, but it’s been a fun challenge.”

With her private violin lessons with Karen King and band practice at school, Caroline dedicates herself to perfecting her craft. “I practice between 10 and 20 minutes every day,” she says, demonstrating that her commitment to music goes beyond the classroom. Whether it’s a whimsical violin solo or a jazzy saxophone performance, Caroline’s music speaks volumes about her passion and perseverance.

But music isn’t Caroline’s only creative outlet. She’s also an avid dancer, attending the Touch of Class dance studio in Harrisburg, where she practices everything from tap and ballet to modern and Bollywood. “I dance three times a week for a couple of hours each time,” Caroline shares. “It’s a great way to stay active and express myself in a different way.”

And if that wasn’t enough, Caroline also enjoys water skiing during the summers. Though she humbly admits she’s “not amazing,” her ability to slalom ski shows her adventurous side. “I prefer getting up on one ski rather than dropping one,” she says with a smile, proving that whether on land or water, Caroline is always up for a challenge.

Despite her many talents, Caroline’s transition to Benton Grade School wasn’t without its bumps. Having come from a small school with only 16 students in her entire grade, adjusting to a larger environment took some time. “I’m not exactly popular,” she admits with a laugh. “But the people here are friendly, and I’ve made some good connections.” For Caroline, navigating friendships is a process, but she’s learned to embrace her individuality. “I do my own thing,” she says confidently, a sentiment that resonates in both her personal and creative life.

When it comes to academics, Caroline excels in language arts and reading, where she appreciates the freedom to express herself. “Math and science feel black and white,” she explains. “But with language, there’s nuance. I can use different words to make people understand what I mean.” Her love for words goes hand in hand with her love for music, as both offer ways to communicate emotions and ideas in subtle, intricate ways.

Her grandmother, a former second-grade teacher at Benton, played a huge role in fostering her love for reading from a young age. “She always used to read to me,” Caroline says fondly. That early connection to language has stayed with her, shaping her into a thoughtful and articulate student.

Though Caroline has yet to decide on her future career, she’s keeping her options open, with an eye toward a balanced life. “I want a career that allows me to balance work and home life,” she says, reflecting her thoughtful approach to both her present and future. With family members in the medical field, she’s considered that path but is not set on any one direction yet. “I’ll take the opportunities that come to me, but I don’t want to sacrifice my social life or personal time.”

As she navigates her seventh-grade year at Benton, Caroline’s talents and ambition are a testament to the school’s ability to nurture well-rounded students. Her blend of musical talent, academic prowess, and creative passion makes her a shining example of what Benton Grade School stands for: a place where students can pursue their passions and chart their own unique paths.