Ben Ashley is an eight-year-old third grader at Jack Elementary. The son of Michala and Brett, Ben and his family have lived in Oak Creek for three years. “My favorite part about our neighborhood is the TASC pool with the awesome slide and rope swing,” says Ben. Ben loves all kinds of sports. He’s a goalie on his soccer team, a Rose Capital West 2024 All-Star and member of the Tyler Grays selected team in baseball, and a relentless defender on the basketball court. When he’s not competing in athletics, Ben loves Lego’s, reading, and all things animals, hence his affinity for attending the Caldwell Zoo with his younger siblings.

Ben says baseball teaches him about perseverance. “Sometimes I strike out, but that doesn't mean I am going to stop trying for that homerun,” says Ben. “Every time I step onto the field, I have to give it my all. The same goes for everyday life.” On the field and in his life, Ben hears the words of his mom: “Be the example.” Ben tries to show people how to lead with kindness. He says when we do that, everyone is better off.

If Ben could offer advice to inspire other young achievers, it would be this: “Leave everything better than how you found it. If you are out at a park, pick up a piece of trash. If you see someone upset, make them happy. If an animal gets hurt, provide aid. Even if it is a little act, the little acts add up.” Ben is taking this principle beyond the fences of the diamond and the halls of his school, and into his community.

One of Ben’s favorite organizations is the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. This past year, Ben “adopted” three children to make sure they had a happy Christmas holiday, filled with things they needed that many take for granted, and fun things to play with. Ben says one of his role models is the Grinch. “His heart grew three sizes when he was shown love; and once he felt kindness, he wanted to pass it on,” Ben says. “I want to show love and kindness so others can share their hearts as well.”

Another cause near and dear to Ben’s heart is animal rescue. After hearing of a heartbreaking local animal abuse case and rescue, he wanted to help in any way he could. His first instinct was to ask his mom to adopt another dog, but that did not work out, as the Ashley family already has a dog and two cats. His next idea was to gather as many supplies as possible to aid Nicholas Pet Haven. Ben organized a neighborhood-wide supplies drive and collected multiple carloads of donations greatly needed by the rescue center.

Ben’s neighbors in Oak Creek were instrumental in the success of his initiative. From contributing to the drive to spreading the word of his project, it was undoubtedly a community effort. Ben recognizes the essentiality of community in times of need. When Ben’s sister had a scary medical emergency in the middle of the night, many of their neighbors rushed to aid the Ashley’s and stabilized his sister by the time emergency responders arrived. “We are so grateful to live in this community,” Ben shares. Everywhere Ben goes, in any endeavor he takes on, he knows he has his community behind him, as he continues his mission to leave everything better than he found it.