Mackenna Schmidt, who is a junior at Fairview High School, has worked hard to get where she is today, both on the track and in the classroom. As a three-sport athlete and a student at Northwest Technology Center’s Fairview campus, she’s mastering the art of balance while chasing her goals.
Mackenna competes in cross country, basketball, and track, and she loves the challenge that comes with pushing herself to improve. “I enjoy trying to improve myself and having fun with my teammates,” she said. One of her proudest moments came when she qualified for the state cross country meet and ran a personal record. “It was such an amazing feeling to see all my hard work pay off,” she said.
Her biggest inspiration comes from her sister, who she says has always been one of her biggest fans. “She believes in me and challenges me to become a better person in everything I do,” Mackenna shared. “I see the way she treats others and stands up for people, and it inspires me to do the same.”
When she’s not training or competing, Mackenna stays busy through her involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and her church youth group, both of which play an important role in her life.
At Northwest Tech, Mackenna is part of the Digital Design program, a perfect fit for her creative side. She first became interested after touring the campus as a sophomore. “I really enjoyed the tour and thought it looked like something I’d love to do,” she said. “I’ve always liked creating things on the computer.”
Mackenna says the teachers at Tech make the experience even better. “They’re a lot of fun, and the atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive,” she said. The hands-on learning has given her valuable skills for the future. “I’m learning how to use programs related to digital design, which will help me get a job in this field someday.”
Whether she’s crossing the finish line or creating her next design project, Mackenna is running toward a bright future, one filled with creativity, confidence, and purpose.
