MaKensie of Pope John Paul II High School Named 2026 Arete Scholars Graduate of the Year

We are excited to announce the 2026 Arete Scholars Graduate of the Year, MaKensie, a recent graduate of Pope John Paul II High School in Louisiana. This prestigious honor, awarded annually to an exceptional Arete graduate, celebrates the transformative impact of their school experience and their aspirations for the future. MaKensie's inspiring submission, chosen by a panel of judges, highlighted the profound influence of her education and her commitment to leadership, service, and personal growth.

Choosing a winner for Arete's 2026 Graduate of the Year was no easy task. We received an incredible number of heartfelt and inspiring submissions from graduates across Louisiana and Georgia, each one highlighting resilience, academic excellence, and personal growth. After much thoughtful deliberation, our panel selected MaKensie as this year's first-place winner, earning a $1,000 prize.

At Arete, we believe education is not just about shaping minds; it's about preparing leaders to shape the world. We are thrilled to honor MaKensie as our 2026 Graduate of the Year, a student whose story reflects determination, compassion, and the power of purposeful leadership.

Graduating with a 4.163 GPA and finishing in the top 25% of her class with honors, MaKensie has made the most of every opportunity both inside and outside the classroom. Throughout high school, she balanced academics with a deep commitment to extracurricular involvement and community service.

In athletics, MaKensie excelled as a state champion and national champion powerlifter, earning both state and national records while also competing in volleyball. She also served through organizations such as the National Honor Society, Retreat Team, School Ambassadors, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Louisiana. Her leadership and dedication to others have been evident in every space she's stepped into.

As Youth of the Year with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Louisiana, MaKensie dedicated countless hours to serving her community. Over the course of her high school career, she completed more than 100 hours of community service, volunteering with organizations and events including the Senior Citizen Center, Slidell's Bayou Christmas, Toys for Tots, and programs at her local Boys & Girls Club. She also volunteered with the National WWII Museum and served as a student leader for the Student Leadership Academy.

"I've learned that leadership is about showing up for people and making a difference wherever you can," MaKensie shares. "No matter how big or small the opportunity is, I want to use it to help others."

Her dedication to service is matched by her passion for academic excellence and her vision for the future. Through Arete's ACT Prep course, MaKensie increased her ACT score by four points, helping open additional opportunities as she prepared for college and scholarships. She plans to pursue a degree in Public Health and will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana. Along the way, she has already earned several scholarships, including the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Scholarship and partial academic scholarships from Xavier.

Through athletics, leadership organizations, and volunteer work, MaKensie has demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a heart for serving others. Whether mentoring younger students, supporting community events, or representing her school and club organizations, she consistently leads with humility and purpose.

"The path ahead excites me because I know exactly why I am walking it," MaKensie says. "I want to be part of the change I have spent my life waiting for. It means turning my pain into purpose. It means building a healthcare system where every patient is seen, heard, and valued. This is why the future excites me: because I am not just stepping into a profession. I am stepping into my purpose, one strengthened by resilience, guided by lived experience, and driven by a determination to create safer, more equitable care for those who need it most."

MaKensie's story is a powerful example of what can happen when students are equipped with opportunity, encouragement, and determination. We are proud to celebrate her as the 2026 Arete Scholars Graduate of the Year and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the years ahead.

We're proud of all our graduates and the remarkable journeys they've taken!