The story of Courage Davis, a bright fifth-grader at Cairo Elementary School, is one of creativity, joy, and resilience. Alongside her mother, Chelsey Davis, Courage shared a bit about her school life, her artistic passion, and the strength of their family’s story.

Courage’s name is not just unique; it represents the very essence of her family’s perseverance. Sixteen years ago, Chelsey and her husband endured the loss of their first child, Camille, after a tragic car accident. When Chelsey became pregnant again, the family struggled to find the right name for their new daughter, until Courage’s aunt suggested the name that would forever reflect the strength the family had gained. “After everything we’d been through,” Chelsey recalls, “we found courage.”

This powerful name has shaped Courage into a young woman with a shining spirit, embodying the essence of her namesake. Chelsey beams with pride as she talks about her daughter’s artistic talents and her dreams of becoming an animator. Courage’s favorite subject in school is art, where she spends time drawing animals, especially giraffes, and creating her own character, Jake—a yellow dog who also happens to be a spy! “He takes down the bad guys,” Courage explains with enthusiasm. Jake has been Courage’s recurring creation since she was six, and the character is as much a part of her artistic journey as her drawings.

Her art teacher, Ms. Myers, even crocheted a stuffed version of Jake, bringing Courage’s beloved character to life. For Courage, the joy of drawing, imagining stories, and sharing her work is a testament to the creativity that flows through her.

Courage’s love of art doesn’t overshadow her enjoyment of school in general, particularly spending time with her friends. Her friendships at school, which she describes as fun and playful, are one of the highlights of her day. “We get to play at recess,” she says, “and we get along and stuff.” It’s clear that Courage’s sociable nature and easygoing demeanor make her a well-loved classmate among her peers.

When asked what her friends might say about her, Courage humbly suggests that they’d likely talk about her talent for drawing. But there’s more to Courage than her artistic side. Whether it’s in science class or at recess, she carries with her a joy for learning and an eagerness to embrace the world around her.

Her mother, Chelsey, adds that living in Cairo means more than just enduring the town’s hardships. “There’s a lot of love here,” she says. “People always talk about what Cairo doesn’t have, but I’m proud of the way everyone comes together.”

Courage’s story is one that reflects the very heart of Cairo—a community that comes together through shared experiences, lifting one another up with love, hope, and courage. With dreams of becoming an animator and her ever-present sketchbook in hand, Courage is well on her way to leaving her mark on the world. And, as she continues to grow, it’s clear that Cairo’s future is bright with young stars like Courage Davis.