Mary Grace Strozier, a 7 1/2-year-old second grader from Valley Elementary School, is Shelby County Reporter Student of the Week.

Resia Brooks, principal at VES selected her for the honor.

&8220;Mary Grace is a fantastic all around student,&8221; said teacher Lyndsay Anderson.

&8220;She comes in each day with a smile on her face and brightens the whole day with her energetic personality. She enjoys helping and encouraging others. She always tries her best in everything she does.

&8220;In reading, her scores have almost doubled in just half a year. She is an excellent role model for her peers.&8221;

Brooks agreed.

&8220;Mary Grace is a conscientious and eager learner. She has made great progress in reading this year. She has a gentle spirit and possesses a sincere concern for others,&8221; she said. &8220;She displays an exemplary attitude and seeks to give her best at all times.&8221;

Brooks continued about Mary Grace, &8220;When she arrives to school each day, she beams with joy and enthusiasm. One morning Mary Grace walked into my office and give me a small birdhouse that she handpainted herself.

&8220;The birdhouse is kept in my office and each time I look at it, I am reminded of Mary Grace&8217;s loving and giving spirit.&8221;

Mary Grace is the daughter of Beth and Greg Strozier. She has a sister, Katie, age 5, and a brother, Sam, age 2 1/2.

She said reading is her favorite subject in school because its fun and she enjoys it.

She likes author Beverly Cleary&8217;s Ramona books and author Barbara Park&8217;s Junie B. Jones character.

She said her favorite teacher was her kindergarten teacher Jody Dickens, &8220;because she was silly.&8221;

Mary Grace is an improved reader who likes gymnastics, swimming, cheer leading and jumping on a trampoline.

She said her favorite superhero is her friend Emily Truchon, &8220;Because she is one of my best friends.&8221; She said they once made a club together.

Mary Grace plans to go to college, but has not decided where just yet. She said she wants to become a teacher