Senior in The Spotlight

“Although I will miss Charles Page High School,” said Class of 2020 senior Mackenzie Bechtold, “I am so excited to venture off and use my past experiences to reach my full potential.”

As the vice president of the National Honor Society, the spirit coordinator of the Student Council, the varsity baseball manager, and a varsity softball player, Mackenzie has made the most of her time at Charles Page High School.

“Out of everything I have experienced throughout high school,” Mackenzie said, “what truly shaped me into the person I am today is [the opportunity to play] varsity softball and having Shelli Brown as my coach.” Mackenzie said Coach Brown and her teammates have helped her become the young woman she is today. “Together, they have taught me responsibility, leadership, and how to be a great friend on and off the field,” Mackenzie said.

chemistry and learned to trust each other on the field,” Mackenzie said. “Even when things weren’t going our way, we still had a blast and made memories that will last a lifetime.”

Mackenzie said playing softball during her senior year has given her an incredible opportunity to grow. “I was able to be a leader on the field,” Mackenzie said, “and that helped me be a leader in the classroom, as well.” Additionally, being on the Student Council has helped Mackenzie develop responsibility and communication skills that she said will be useful to her throughout her entire life.

When Mackenzie isn’t acing tests, dominating on the field, and contributing to certain programs at school, she enjoys making scrunchies and bracelets and going to the movies with her friends.

Before college starts in August, Mackenzie is going on a mission trip to Guatemala, which is something she has always wanted to do. “We’ll build two houses and spread God’s word to the women, men, and children throughout the villages,” Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie said when she leaves Charles Page High School, she will miss seeing her best friends every day, participating in GOLD Week, and learning from teachers like Frank Cooper, who has had a tremendous impact on Mackenzie.

“Mr. Cooper embodies the true meaning of being a Sandite,” Mackenzie said. “If he has taught me anything, it’s that the joy of life truly is in the journey and that one of the best things you could ever do is put a smile on someone’s face.”

“Get involved in everything you possibly

can. That’s how you can make an impact not

only in your school, but also your community.”

Each day, when students leave Mr. Cooper’s classroom, he tells them he loves them and that they are important. “I can only hope one day I can be like him,” Mackenzie said.

This fall, Mackenzie will be attending Connors State College where she will play softball and earn a degree in biology and continue growing into the person she has become at Charles Page High School.

For students who are still learning and growing at Charles Page High School, Mackenzie said: “Get involved in everything you possibly can. That’s how you can make an impact not only in your school, but also your community.”