On a beautiful early September day, I had the privilege of sitting down with a standout student at Herrin High School whose unwavering dedication to the youngest members of her community will be remembered long after those children matriculate to their elementary years and beyond. Abbygail Milani—Abby—a senior, has a deep-rooted passion for supporting preschoolers and is determined to make early childhood education her future. Her remarkable commitment to Herrin’s youngest learners is already making an impact, and her story is one that shows just how far a love for service can go.

Growing up in Herrin, Abby has always had a connection to her community. It helps that her parents, both first responders, set an example of giving back. Her mom works at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in Marion, and her dad is a dispatcher and volunteer firefighter for Herrin. "I love them for what they do," Abby says proudly. "They’re giving their lives for other people, keeping them safe."

That spirit of service clearly runs in the family, and it has guided Abby in her own path. When I ask what inspires her, it doesn’t take long for her to share that she wants to be a preschool teacher. "I love little kids," she says, her face lighting up. "I’ve been working with Mrs. George’s Tiger Paws Learning Lab for four years now, and those kids have my heart."

The Tiger Paws Learning Lab, where Abby spends much of her time, is a program designed to introduce high school students to early childhood education by allowing them to teach and engage with preschoolers. Abby works with two groups of 3-to-5- year-olds every day, teaching lessons, playing, and helping them grow. "I teach them, and they teach me," she laughs. "It’s the best. Those kids are so sweet, and they’ve taught me more about patience and love than I ever expected."

Abby’s journey toward early childhood education isn’t just a fleeting interest—it’s something she’s fully committed to pursuing. "I want to be a preschool teacher because I think that’s where the adventure begins," she explains. "If you can help just one child at that age, give them a foundation of kindness and confidence, you’re setting them up for life."

Her work at the Tiger Paws program has made a lasting impression, not only on her but on the students she mentors. "I’ve seen some of the kids out in public, and even though they act shy, I know they recognize me," she says with a smile. "They come up to me, give me high-fives, or just wave, and it’s the sweetest thing. Watching them grow up and knowing I’ve been part of their lives—it’s amazing."

Beyond her work with the preschoolers, Abby is also an active participant in Herrin’s Special Olympics, where she competes in the softball throw. "I don’t do running," she says with a laugh, "but I can throw a softball pretty far." Abby’s dedication to both the younger students and the special needs community speaks to her giving nature and her love for helping others succeed.

When it comes to her future, Abby dreams of pursuing a degree in early childhood education, with hopes of one day leading her own classroom. "If I can, I’d love to go to school for it," she says. And for anyone who knows Abby, there’s little doubt that she will give it her best shot. Her teachers and mentors, including Mrs. Mohr and Mrs. George, have been instrumental in helping her reach this point. "They’ve impacted my life so much," Abby says. "They’ve helped me grow and learn what it means to be an adult."

While Abby is quick to credit her teachers, it’s clear that she’s already a leader in her own right. Her work with Tiger Paws is just one example of how she’s shaping the future of her community, starting with its youngest members. And for the people of Herrin, having someone like Abby in their midst must surely be a source of tremendous pride.

Abby’s story is one of love, service, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place— starting with the kids in her care. "I just want to see them grow up and live good lives," she says simply. Having a positive impact on children may be among the highest of community callings, and with Abby leading the way, it’s safe to say the youngest among us are off to a wonderful start.