Student, Jasper High School

Makenzie Abrams has created a lasting impression of leadership and academic excellence at Jasper High School since arriving three years ago.

A Tuscaloosa native, Makenzie moved to Jasper and quickly became involved in various activities, including softball and volleyball. In addition to participating in athletics, she is also part of the school's athletic training program, keeps books for the boys’ basketball team, and is involved in several clubs such as HOSA, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Key Club, and Interact Club.

Those activities often make for a maxed-out calendar and long days spent at the school, but Makenzie doesn't seem to mind. Instead, she finds it all stimulating and knows it has helped her grow.

"It can be difficult sometimes, but I get to show others that it is possible to commit yourself to more than one thing," she says. "When I first came here my freshman year, I didn't know anyone and I was shy, but being involved in clubs and having leadership roles helped break me out of my shell."

In the future, Makenzie plans to pursue a career as either a dentist, architect, or real estate agent.

Regardless of her path, she is poised for success and will undoubtedly continue to positively impact those around her with her strong leadership skills and dedication to excellence. 78