Since he was a toddler, Dylan Moore has walked the halls of Benton Academy. And as he prepares to head towards college, he already knows he will miss the place that helped shape him.
“I want to tell my underclassmen to not rush through this,” he said. “I wish I could go back and truly realize just how great I had it here at my school. I know I will miss it.”
The Vaughan native will graduate from Benton Academy this year, and he has made a name for himself within a variety of groups and activities, as well as his studies and outside volunteerism. He arrived at the local academy when he was three years old, and he said he has enjoyed his time within its halls.
“It has been interesting for me because I have been able to watch the school change with me as I grew up,” Moore said. “I can remember what the school was like when I was a little child, and I compare it to now. Everything changes, but you change along with it.”
Moore has been very active in a number of academic clubs while at BA. He currently serves as class president and the president of the Student Council. He is also vice president of the National Honor Society and was selected as STAR Student. Within his subject material, he is also very active with the Math and Science Club.
Outside of academic activities, Moore is also on the school’s basketball team.
“I became involved with so many activities so I could enjoy my time in high school,” Moore said. “I admit that it can become stressful at times, but I know that stress is just a part of life you have to overcome, especially as an adult. Why not do a lot of things now, and get involved with as much as I can?”
Even talking with The Herald, Moore mentioned that he was to give a speech a few hours later. He admits he was nervous about the speech.
“I have talked about so many things in front of a group that I have learned to get used to it,” Moore said. “However, public speaking will only help me become a better leader.”
Moore said his favorite club he is involved with is the Student Council, especially with the volunteer efforts within the local community.
“Within Student Council, I really feel like I am helping my underclassmen, especially the scared seventh graders,” he said, with a laugh. “We also do a lot for the community, such as provide food to the volunteer fire department, and we are planning a trip to play bingo at Martha Coker.”
Although he admits BA is a small school, Moore said there is some benefit to it. His senior class only has 15 students.
“We may do what we can with what we have, but it does feel nice to have that closeness,” Moore said. “Even though we are seniors, many of our elementary teachers we have still check on us.”
Moore plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in occupational therapy.
“I will miss the tightness of community here,” he said. “You can’t go anywhere without running into someone you know or someone who knows you. You can’t find that in Starkville.”
Moore said he hopes the friends he leaves behind at BA will slow down and appreciate the moments within its walls. He understands it may be stressful at times, but he said all the hard work makes better leaders.
“Work with what you have,” he said. “You are not always going to be given everything you want. But do the best you can with what you have been given.”
