'Full speed ahead': Young grads face next school year with big dreams, plenty of energy

While collegiate and high school graduates get all the attention, there are just as many younger graduates preparing to take the next step, too.

And while some older graduates squirm thinking about what they want to do with their lives, kids typically have a better idea of what they want to be -- even if it might be a bit outlandish.

"When I grow up, I want to be a dinosaur explorer," declared preschooler Ian Smollen. "Or someone that builds robots."

Aubrey PobstLaura Simon

Not a paleontologist, mind you, but one who finds real-live dinosaurs. Don't tell him his favorite dinosaur, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, died out years ago; he knows. And he's undeterred.

"T-Rex lived during the late Cretaceous," he explained. "Sixty-five to 67 million years ago."

Ryleigh MooreLaura Simon

Some, like Lucian Nordin, seek to build on skills they've developed already. Nordin is preparing to graduate from fourth grade and wants to be an electrical engineer, since he tinkers with electronics with his grandpa in his spare time.

Others still, like kindergartner Hayleigh Ritrovato, aspire to make a difference in the community.

"Um, when I grow up I want to help kids that can't do things," she said, meaning the physically handicapped.

Hayleigh RitrovatoLaura Simon

But until then, she says homework and tee-ball keep her busy.

"And we do our ABC's," she said. "Which, ABC's are long."

ABC's aren't the only struggle the youngsters are glad to have put behind them: there's also counting.

"They make us count to 100," said kindergartner Isaiah Schultz, but added they also take bathroom and drink breaks.

Ellie BaxterLaura Simon

He said he knows challenges await him in first grade next year, but he remains cautiously optimistic.

What will first grade hold?

"Counting to a zillion," he said flatly. "I already know how and it's going to be a long way, but I can do it."

Pretty much all of them share that optimism. Aubrey Pobst wants to be an artist, since she likes to draw. Paetyn Henson wants to be a firefighter. Why?

Lucian NordinLaura Simon

"To put out fires," he explained.

Ellie Baxter plans on being a princess when she grows up, but first she'll have to tackle kindergarten.

"I'm happy, but kinda nervous about it," she said. "Because I'm gonna be meeting new friends."

Isaiah SchultzLaura Simon

That can be nerve-wracking for sure, but also exciting. For some, the simple thought of graduating is exciting enough, because when you're Ryleigh Moore and Brayden Heisserer and 5 years old, everything is exciting.

The pair, who are in the same class together, seem to feed off each other's enthusiasm.

What do they do in preschool?

Ian SmollenLaura Simon

"Learn!" Heisserer said.

"Play!" Moore added.

What do they want to do when they grow up?

Paetyn HensonLaura Simon

"I want to be a football player!" Heisserer yelled.

"Hey! I want to be a football player, too!" Moore agreed.

What do you think first grade will be like?

"Full speed ahead!" she cried, laughing.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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