Dylan Bennett: Paving A Path Into JMS History

In middle school, it is often that we trudge through, leave, and try to forget all that ever happened in these awkward three years. Few conquer an outstanding feat and pave a path for many future middle schoolers to follow. It is even rarer that they create a lasting legacy that keeps generations wondering what achievements they have reached now. Dylan Bennett is one of those rare kids. He conquered the impossible task of sixth grade and forever changed how Jupiter Middle School sees baseball. 

Starting Sports Young

In the years coming to middle school, Dylan found a knack for sports; basketball and baseball being his favorites. Although he executes a great game in basketball, he felt he had a talent beyond compare in baseball. As Dylan continued to refine his skills as a baseball player, he began to look up to a fellow baseball prodigy. Francisco Lindor is a Major League Baseball player, currently playing for the New York Mets. Nicknamed Mr. Smile for always bringing an infectious smile to the game, Francisco Lindor is a brilliant player, bringing home run after home run. Dylan quickly learned from his talent, and soon was able to bring a smile and a win home after every game.

Courage To Start

As middle school began, Dylan wanted to make his mark on the school. Trying out for a school team as a sixth grader seemed like the perfect way to do that. Naturally, Dylan was slightly nervous for tryouts, but he had confidence in his skills. As other grades were showcasing their experience on the baseball field, he knew he had tough competition. At that point, all he could do was his best. After providing a true representation of the talent he was capable of, he was rewarded with the pleasant news that he had made the team. However, he didn’t just make the team. He went up against kids up to two years older than him and made the team as the only sixth grader. 

The Team

Coming into the first baseball practice was an exciting experience for Dylan. All the older players welcomed him and were ready to take the field as a team. They shared tips and collaborated on ways to improve in order to win as many games as possible. Through this, Dylan was able to gain some valuable information based on the older students’ experience with the sport. At the time this article was written, the baseball team had been able to win its first 3 games! Dylan states that the reason for their success is mainly due to “teamwork and helping each other.” Creating a team based on the foundation of collaboration and unity is the answer to an unbeatable lineup.  

Paving A Path For Others

Gaining the bravery to try out for a team, let alone be calm enough to do your best, is easier said than done. However, Dylan encourages others to put themselves out there and try even if they are nervous. A lot of sixth graders are extremely talented, but without the courage to show it to the world, their talent will go unnoticed. Dylan wants to prove to his classmates that all goals are attainable if they try to accomplish them. If you work hard and put your mind to it, you are able to achieve your dreams, but you can’t do that if you don’t start. Everyone can pave their own path, but you have to be willing to make it work out.