teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
16, Junior at Evangel Christian Academy
notable
A-B Honor Roll; Christian Character Award; Jimmy Hitchcock
Freshman Representative; Softball Team; Drama Club
quotable
“Life is better when you’re laughing.”
her story
Makenzie is very involved in a variety of activities including
her youth group, Drama Club, Student Government, Honor
Society and the Evangel Softball Team. She loves school
because she enjoys challenging herself academically, and she
finds it rewarding to see the results from those challenges.
Makenzie thinks her greatest accomplishment in life so far has
been “maintaining good grades. The majority of (my) grades
over the years have been A’s.” In addition to excelling
academically, Makenzie loves giving back to her community
and has participated in several service projects, such as holding
a toy sale for the less fortunate. Because of her dedication to
her academics and her involvement in the community, she was
even chosen as Evangel’s Jimmy Hitchcock Freshman
representative.
what’s next
Makenzie wants to become a dental hygienist.
PG (parental guidance) rating
“I am proud of my family because we always try to be
different in a good way. We always want to go out of our way to
do something for someone, and we always do it to the best of
our ability,” says Makenzie. She feels her parents have
provided her with the most inspiration in her life because “they
are always serving other people and working hard in every
situation.” She thinks they are great examples for others.
makenzie whatley
Montgomery, AL
parents’ perspective
Andy and Rachelle Whatley are extremely proud of their daughter.
When asked what she admires most about Makenzie, Rachelle answered, “Makenzie is a self-motivated machine. She is determined
and...very organized.” Andy added, “I admire Makenzie’s kindness
towards others.”
parent-to-parent
Andy suggests that parents be consistent with their own
children to build a strong family foundation. He adds,
“I believe there’s a place in this present day for parents
and children to communicate and spend one on one time. Time is
a great investment for the future of our children.”