Courtesy Photo

She is smart, compassionate, empathetic, respectful, and has good self-management. She plays volleyball and has received many awards such as Best Offensive Player in 2022, Academic All- State 1st Team, and she was the Homecoming Volleyball Princess. “My favorite school activity was volleyball,” MaKayla Smith, May Student of the Month, said. “I’m so sad that I’ll probably never play again. The amazing coaches in our program always pushed me even when I felt inferior, and inspired me to improve.”
She plans to attend Tarleton State University where she will major in animal science. “I have a passion for animals and animal care,” she said.
MaKayla has many accomplishments as well as things she’s proud of. “Just seeing everything I managed to accomplish in my time here makes me proud,” MaKayla said. Aside from many accomplishments, she faced challenges along the way. “Dealing with being in multiple activities, all while maintaining excellent grades was hard. I had late nights and tests the next morning,” MaKayla said.
Throughout high school, she’s been inspired and influenced by many people such as her mother. “She always pushes but never puts pressure on me, which I really appreciate,” MaKayla said.
She’s been influenced by her teachers although the adult that has impacted her the most is Mrs. Lovetta (Williams). “Though she may not be a teacher, she always lets me know about different opportunities and events I could participate in which have been extremely helpful,” she said.
She says her two best friends are Karliegh Murphy and Taliah Vinson. “They have always been there for me, and I can rely on them for anything,” MaKayla said. “I love them so much and they have no idea how much I appreciate them.”
MaKayla has learned from many of her classes but she says the one she will miss the most is Spanish 2 with Mr. Lebron. “I miss Mr. Lebron so much. He brought so much joy to his classes, all while teaching us about a different language,” she said. Her favorite memory from that class is Mr. Lebron’s going away party. “It was a surprise party, and it was just fun and we all had a great time,” MaKayla said.
While she’s made lots of memories with her teachers and classmates she says the most memorable one is her volleyball journey. “My progress from freshman year to senior year was incredible. I always thought I’d never be a key player, especially on varsity, but I was wrong,” she said.
Outside of school, MaKayla participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards or RYLA. “It was the best community service event I ever participated in,” MaKayla said. “I love all the different people I connected with, and I implore juniors to go to RYLA camp if they get the chance.” MaKayla says that her favorite community involvement is RYLA. “Just assisting young leaders as a Senior facilitator was so inspiring,” she said. “Making those connections with complete strangers was an unforgettable experience.”
A quote MaKayla lives by is “Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.”
A person she’d like to sit down and talk to is Oprah Winfrey. “I’d love to get some tips on how to become as successful as she is,” MaKayla said.