VIDALIA — A picture is worth a thousand words, and to eighth grader Devon Steele, it means even more.

Steele, a Vidalia Junior High School student, has been involved in photography for the past three years and said he enjoys taking pictures.

“If I could I would take a camera with me wherever I went,” he said.

Steele’s most recent group of pictures was taken along with an essay he wrote about his favorite memory as a child.

Steele is in the gifted program at VJHS, and currently takes creative writing with his teacher Fran Nolan.

Steele said having Nolan as a teacher has helped motivate him to write.

“I have been writing since I started taking her classes in second grade,” he said.

Steele said his love for writing stems from his love for reading.

“Being able to read and write stories is fun,” he said. “I like getting graded for what I love to do.”

Steele said he also enjoys learning the interesting facts that go along with his science.

“Life science is my favorite above all of the others,” he said. “I really enjoy studying the different species of animals.”

Steele also takes advanced math at VJHS and said even with this large class load, he is still able to work ahead on his homework.

“I get mostly As and Bs,” he said. “I manage to get most of my homework done while I am in school.”

Along with his regular school activities, Steele is also a member of the Beta and chess clubs.

“I just figured I could play chess,” he said. “I just enjoying passing time and learning strategy.”

With high school around the corner and college right behind that, Steele said he is getting ready for the future.

“I am planning on going to college,” he said. “My sister goes to Louisiana Tech, and I would like to go there.”

With numerous interests and hobbies, Steele said he is not sure of what he wants to do with the rest of his life, but he knows photography will be involved.

“I would like to do some freelance photography,” he said. “That way I can have another job, and make some money on the side, doing what I love.”

Devon Steele is the son of Karl and Melissa Smith.