Walking through the halls of Je-Neir Elementary School, it’s hard not to notice Carlee Garcia’s bright smile and infectious enthusiasm. At just eight years old, this third grader embodies the spirit of community, compassion, and curiosity that makes Momence, Illinois, such a special place. From her love for reading and art to her dedication to caring for her animals, Carlee’s story is one of heartfelt connections and boundless potential.

“Third grade has been really fun,” Carlee begins, her eyes lighting up. “Right now, we’re doing some painting in class, and I’ve been learning how to read a lot more. I recently read a chapter book about anime from the public library, and it was so good that I finished it really fast!”

Carlee’s interest in anime is more than just a casual hobby. She explains, “Anime is like a cartoon with different types of creations and powers. My sister Aiden, who’s thirteen, taught me a lot about it. She even drew me a picture of Sonic, the Hedgehog, which got me interested in art.”

Art, it turns out, is a family affair. Aiden’s influence is clear as Carlee proudly talks about her sister’s talent. “Aiden also drew a picture of Goku for my mom. My mom loves Goku and has everything with him on it—phone case, jacket, socks, you name it!”

Despite her youth, Carlee demonstrates a remarkable understanding of her family’s dynamic and a profound connection to the animals she helps care for. “We have chickens at my sister’s house,” she shares. “One of my chickens, named Midnight, lays green eggs. She’s really special to me. Midnight even remembers me when I visit, jumping right onto my shoulder.”

Carlee’s compassion extends beyond chickens. She recounts the story of her bulldog, Kika, who is aging and facing health challenges. “It’s hard to see Kika like this,” Carlee admits. “But I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was little, I’d pretend to shower my dog and give her checkups with my doctor stuff. I want to help animals when I grow up.”

This budding veterinarian also shows a mature understanding of loss and empathy. Carlee talks about a traumatic experience with one of her ducks, Lavender, who was taken by a raccoon. “It was really hard for me,” she says quietly. “And the next day at school, we had to learn about ducks, which made it even tougher.”

In school, Carlee excels not just academically but also socially. “I have a lot of friends,” she says with a grin. “My best friends are Iretzi and Bella. I’ve known Iretzi since I was two and Bella since I was three. We sit together during lunch, but we’ve been assigned seats lately because we were too loud.”

Carlee’s favorite part of the school day is lunch, especially when they serve her favorite meal. “I love the popsicle sticks—they’re cheese covered in bread. And I really like spaghetti with breadsticks, cheese, and salad,” she says, making a face of delight.

When asked about her aspirations, Carlee doesn’t hesitate. “I want to be a veterinarian,” she declares. Her love for animals and her compassionate nature are clear indicators that this dream is well within reach. “I’ve always been interested in helping animals,” she continues. “I used to play pretend doctor with my chihuahua when I was little.”

Carlee’s heart is not just for animals but also for people. If given a magic wand, her wish is simple yet profound: “I would give money to poor people,” she says earnestly. “I want to help others because everyone deserves to have what they need.”

As the interview concludes and Carlee prepares to return to her class, she reflects on her favorite teacher, Miss Lowery, and the school activities she enjoys. “We have this times table challenge where you can earn scoops of ice cream. I’m on the fours right now, but my friend Mikey has finished all twelve levels!”

Carlee Garcia’s story is a testament to the nurturing environment at Je-Neir Elementary School and the supportive community of Momence. Her compassion, curiosity, and dreams for the future are inspiring reminders of the potential within every child. As Carlee continues to grow and learn, there’s no doubt she will carry the spirit of her community with her, making a positive impact wherever she goes.