Johnston Now Honors: Rising Star Award winner makes waves with fishing tournament fundraiser

By Jamie Strickland

Statistics show that more than 40,000 children undergo cancer treatment each year, and one South Johnston High School student is trying to put a dent in that number. 

Mackenzie Murphy will be a senior next year, and she’s this year’s Johnston Now Honors Rising Star Award winner. This award is reserved for people under 18 who are achieving big things at a small age, and that is certainly true of this young recipient. 

At just 16 years old, Murphy is a student ambassador for the nonprofit Reelin’ for Research, and started a branch at South Johnston. The organization holds a fishing tournament in Morehead City each year, and to date has raised more than $7 million for childhood cancer research. All funds raised go to support research efforts at UNC Health Children’s Hospital. 

Motivated by a family friend who battled childhood cancer, Murphy rallied a group of her classmates to help, and they held fundraisers throughout the year through online efforts and selling treats at school sporting events.

 “I attended (the fishing tournament) with my family in support of our friend, and I just loved it and we were trying to figure out a way to volunteer,” she said. “That’s where we found out that you could volunteer with your high school, and they had student ambassadors. The weekend we got back, I started looking into it and I emailed my principal about it. My sophomore year, we started raising money and we raised about $1,500 our first year.”

According to its website, Reelin’ for Research raises funds to aid in the treatment and research of childhood cancer, with the ultimate goal of “landing” a cure.

Murphy and her friends have also volunteered at the event for the past two years, selling merchandise to raise even more money for the cause. 

In addition to her work with Reelin’ for Research, Murphy is involved in several organizations at her school.

This past school year, she served as President of Gang Green (the school’s pep club,) Junior Class Vice President, Key Club class representative, was a member of the yearbook staff and played varsity tennis and soccer. She also volunteers her time in the summer as a camp counselor for Camp Dixie in Fayetteville. 

If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, she works two part time jobs, one at Benson Parks and Recreation and one at Kids Academy in Four Oaks.

“I don’t want to say that I’m an overachiever, but I’m always looking to find new things that challenge me and new accomplishments that I can make,” she said.

Murphy is part of a tight-knit family, with her mom, dad and younger sister always supporting each other in their endeavors. 

“I’m really lucky to have them, they’re super supportive,” she said.

Murphy’s mom, Christin, nominated her daughter for the award, citing her volunteerism and activism in fundraising for childhood cancer research.

“She saw a need and was determined to make a difference,” she said in her nomination. “Many adults think about doing something like this but often don’t act on it. So if Mackenzie can accomplish this at 16, just think what she is capable of doing in her life.”

So what’s next for a teenager who already has a full plate? 

Murphy said she would like to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for college, where she’s thinking of majoring in either occupational therapy or business. She plans on returning to Johnston County afterward. 

“I’ve always lived here, my dad grew up here,” she said. “I can definitely see myself coming back. … I love this area, and I think it’s really cool, the connections you can build and have for the rest of your life.”

If her teenage years are any indication, her future contributions to Johnston County will be well worth watching.

Thank you to Gowan Roofing for sponsoring this award.