In a fourth-grade classroom at Je-Neir Elementary, we find Meiah Speed, the kind of student who brings energy and curiosity to everything she does. Whether she’s playing kickball at recess, drawing houses with her godmother, or talking about her brother Kenneth, who proudly serves in the U.S. Army, Meiah has a way of lighting up a room with her presence. She’s a spirited, straightforward young girl with a wonderful sense of humor, and even though she might be young, she’s got a head full of dreams and a heart full of love for her family.

Meiah is proud of her big brother Kenneth, whom she lovingly calls “Punton.” Kenneth has been in the Army for three years, and while his service takes him far from home, Meiah still feels close to him. “We call him every day,” she shares with a smile. “Or he’ll call us.” Facetime calls with her brother have become a regular part of her life, and although she doesn’t always know what he’s doing in the Army, one thing is clear—she’s proud of him. “He’s out there looking out for me,” she says with confidence, her big brother forever in her thoughts.

Despite her brother being away, Meiah has plenty of activities to keep her busy. She’s a cheerleader—something she’s been doing since first grade—and she’s got the kind of natural energy that makes her a great fit for the sport. “Cheer is fun, but you have to remember all the moves,” she explains, noting that her coach, Samaya, keeps the team on track with each routine. “If we mess up, we have to start over,” Meiah says, laughing at the thought of those second and third tries, which sometimes take a little extra effort to get right.

Beyond cheerleading, Meiah is a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast. She loves football and enjoys playing tag and kickball with her friends at recess. “I’m pretty good at catching the ball,” she says with a grin, knowing that catching the ball mid-air means an automatic out. Her love for games and competition pairs perfectly with her bright personality, making her a lively presence both on and off the playground.

But Meiah isn’t just about sports—she’s got an artistic side too. When she’s not cheering or playing football with her dad, she loves to paint houses with her godmother, Toya. “I like to paint houses,” Meiah says matter-of-factly, a creative pastime that offers her a chance to express herself in a quieter, more focused way. Whether it’s sketching or adding color to her projects, Meiah’s artistic spirit shines through, offering a balance to her more energetic pursuits.

At home, Meiah has a big family, and though she’s the second youngest, she’s certainly not overlooked. With two older brothers, a younger brother, and a side sister (as she calls her halfsister), Meiah knows what it’s like to be surrounded by siblings. It’s a lively household, and Meiah’s place in the family gives her both love and responsibility. “I’ve got a lot of brothers,” she says, “but my sister has her own mom and dad, so we call her my side sister.” It’s a term that shows both her matter-of-fact directness and the warmth with which she approaches family.

When asked about her future, Meiah doesn’t hesitate. “I want to be a teacher and a coach,” she says, with the same straightforward confidence that defines her. It’s clear that she’s thought about it, even though she’s only nine years old. “Coaches are amazing,” she says, having learned firsthand from her cheer coach that leadership and teamwork are important skills. Her dream of becoming a teacher and coach reflects the caring and responsible nature that her family sees in her every day.

And while she’s just starting to think about what the future might hold, one thing is already certain—Meiah is full of pride for her brother Kenneth. When asked if she’s ever thought about following in his footsteps, she tilts her head thoughtfully. “Kind of like that, yeah,” she admits, before adding that, for now, she’s happy just to cheer him on from home. If she had a magic wand, Meiah knows exactly what she’d do: “I’d bring my brother back,” she says without hesitation. For Meiah, family is everything, and though she loves to play, create, and dream, her heart is always with the people she loves most.

As she grows, there’s no doubt that Meiah will continue to bring her unique mix of humor, energy, and directness to whatever she sets her mind to. Whether it’s leading a classroom, coaching a team, or finding her own way in the world, Meiah Speed is a young woman with a bright future ahead of her.