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At just 16 years old, A.J. Bentz already carries himself with the kind of thoughtfulness and self-awareness many people spend a lifetime trying to develop.
Born in Warren and raised in Monticello, A.J. describes himself simply as someone who tries to lead with kindness.
“I try to show everybody kindness,” he said. “I believe that can be the sweet spot in everybody’s day.”
That outlook has been shaped by both his family and his experiences growing up in a small-town community. A.J. is biracial and says that exposure to multiple cultures has influenced the way he sees the world—sometimes presenting challenges, but more often reinforcing the importance of empathy and understanding.
“I’ve had a couple experiences where people haven’t been very pleasant,” he said. “But I’ve been lucky to grow up in a very nurturing environment.”
Family plays a central role in A.J.’s life. His parents, though divorced, maintain a close and supportive relationship, something he credits with helping him stay grounded. He also has an older brother in his 30s with autism, an experience that has quietly shaped A.J.’s compassion and awareness of others.
One of the most influential figures in his life was his grandmother, whose love of music sparked a passion that still guides him today.
“I picked up the trumpet in sixth grade,” A.J. said. “I’ve wanted to play it since I was very little because my grandmother was a trumpet player.”
That passion has paid off. A.J. has earned spots in all-region bands in eighth, ninth, and tenth grades. Music, he says, has been a constant source of joy and purpose—especially after losing his grandmother in December.
“It’s been pretty rough,” he said. “But playing the trumpet feels like a way to carry on her legacy.”
Looking ahead, A.J. sees music as more than just a hobby. He’s considering a future either performing in a big band or becoming a band director, combining creativity with mentorship. He’s also exploring the possibility of a career in law, drawn to the idea of advocating for others and making a meaningful impact.
Beyond music, A.J. is a writer at heart. He enjoys creative writing of all kinds and has been working on a novel—planned as a trilogy—with his longtime friend, Azaiah Wyatt, since seventh grade.
“It started one night when I couldn’t sleep,” he said. “I had an idea, and I texted her at like one in the morning. We’ve been building on it ever since.”
At school, A.J. is involved in chess club, quiz bowl, and band. He was also accepted into a competitive leadership cohort in Little Rock, an experience he admits initially intimidated him.
“There were about 50 other students, and they were all really well spoken,” he said. “I was super nervous. But I met some great people, and I realized I belonged there.”
That sense of belonging has encouraged A.J. to think more seriously about leadership. While he says he hasn’t yet held many formal leadership roles, it’s something he’s eager to pursue.
“I’m constantly trying to grow—emotionally, academically,” he said. “And I want to help other people grow alongside me.”
A.J. has also applied to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a decision he says required a lot of reflection.
“It’s hard thinking about leaving my family and friends,” he said. “But I’m trying to think about the future and how it will help me grow as a person.”
When asked what he wants people to know about him, A.J. didn’t hesitate.
“Just go for it,” he said. “Any opportunity—just try. Do it and think about it later.”
In a time when headlines often focus on what’s going wrong, A.J. Bentz represents something quietly powerful: a young person rooted in kindness, driven by creativity, and unafraid to grow.
And for his community, that offers a great deal of hope.
