By Carole King 

South Middle School student Dalton Gray is known by his teachers as a hardworking and consistent individual who demonstrates positive qualities both academically and socially. As a premier member of the 2024-25 Grand Deardorff State Farm Good Neighbor Students of the Month cohort, VYPE is proud to feature Dalton in our Student of the Month series for SWMO. 

“He takes great pride in his work, consistently striving to understand the material at the highest level possible,” Dalton’s teachers said.  “His dedication to his grades is matched by his willingness to help his peers, ensuring that they understand the content as well.  This helpfulness extends beyond his classmates, as he is also kind and respectful toward the adults in the building.” 

Vype Media interviewed Dalton to get his thoughts on being a recipient of the Grant Deardorf State Farm Student of the month award.  

Vype: How do you feel about winning the Grant Deardorff State Farm Good Neighbor Student of the month?  

I didn’t even know I won until I got in the car with my mom and she said congratulations. I didn’t know what she was talking about at first. When she explained to me what the award was about, I thought it was pretty great because I do try to help when I can, whether it be with students or my teachers. 

 Vype: Were you surprised that you won this award?  

Yes! I was very surprised because I didn’t know anything about it and no one had said anything at my school 

 Vype: Dalton, what drives you to be such a “Good Neighbor” to your classmates & teachers?  

My mom always tells me “Good enough is never good enough!” and “Always do your best!”  I just try to do what’s right and it’s easy to be nice and helpful. 

 Vype: What do you want to do in the future when you grow up?  

My mom thinks I should be a baseball player, but I really haven’t thought that far ahead and I’m just still not sure.  

 Vype: How will being a Good Neighbor figure into what you want to be? 

I’ll always do what I know is right. My mom tells me just to be me and not to let others attitudes or behavior predict who I am. 

Vype also had the privilege of asking Dalton’s mom, Virginia Gray, how she felt about her son getting the Grant Deardorff State Farm Good Neighbor Award. 

Vype: Hey Virginia! Were you surprised that Dalton won this award? 

I had never heard of the award, but I was not surprised my son was chosen for it. He just always tries to be a good friend even when sometimes those he believes to be his friends are not good friends. He’s always been very good with adults and very helpful not only at home, but outside the home as well. We’re very blessed to have this kiddo and be his parents. It really is very nice that somebody is acknowledging these kiddos for not just good grades, book for just being good people.” 

Congratulations Dalton for being one of the 2024-25 Grant Deardorff State Farm Good Neighbor Students of the Month in Southwest Missouri!