Meet Harper from Upstate New York

She just turned eight on July 3rd, and her birthday was full of joy — from making a new friend at Build-A-Bear to cheering under the summer sky at a ValleyCats game. But today’s adventure took her somewhere truly legendary: 15 stories beneath the Earth’s surface at Howe Caverns! Dressed as Moana — the brave wayfinder who listens to her heart — Harper stepped into the caverns with courage and curiosity lighting her way. The winding paths and towering stone walls echoed like the call of the ocean, and Harper, with her island spirit, answered that call just like Moana would: with fearless wonder. Harper is Puerto Rican, Cuban, and half Italian — a mix as vibrant as the sea itself. She loves to swim, laugh, and spend summer days with her family, especially her two younger brothers who joined her on today’s underground journey. She’s not just a big sister — she’s a leader, a protector, and a kind soul. And Harper believes something powerful: kindness matters. If she could tell the world one thing, it would be this simple truth — be kind. Because kindness, like the ocean, connects us all. Just like Moana, Harper shows us that adventure isn’t about how far you go — it’s about the courage you carry and the love you bring with you. Whether you’re sailing beyond the reef or exploring ancient caverns below the Earth, heroes like Harper remind us to listen to our inner voice and follow it wherever it leads. Thank you so much, Harper, for visiting, for being brave, for being kind, and for showing the world what a true adventurer looks like! Keep going — the journey is just beginning!