Classroom Champions: Killeen’s Mackenna Dempsey

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Killeen High senior Mackenna Dempsey has had a very typical Killeen student experience: a military kid moving from town to town every few years.

“Definitely the military values, like, my dad taught me how to have a firm handshake and all that, you know,” said Dempsey. “There’s a lot that goes with it, but it’s fun.”

Though, Mackenna has set herself apart from the rest. She’s acclimated exceptionally well in just a few short years at Killeen.

As volleyball captain and a key part of the softball team, she prides herself in her versatility.

“I try to always do what’s needed for the team,” said Dempsey. “I think I learned it from my dad. He always said the first thing you should say to a coach is ‘I’ll do anything you need me to do, I’ll go anywhere you need me to go. Always be coachable.’ You might not want to play that position, but it might be what’s best for the team.”

Mackenna’s coaches say she constantly challenges herself to improve.

“I can say I fully saw her flourish this year,” said Killeen head volleyball coach Johnetta Preston. “She’s always shown improvement since she first got here as a sophomore. This year, she came out of the gate slamming! Showing growth on the court, putting that ball down. She’s definitely someone I can rely on on the court and you can see it for sure.”

Not only is Mackenna president of the National Honor Society, but she’s also set to graduate as class valedictorian. Mackenna plans on becoming an engineer after finishing school.

“I plan to go to university and do Air Force ROTC and hopefully commission as an engineer,” said Dempsey. “I really like CU Boulder. I love Colorado. We lived there for three years in Colorado Springs and it was really nice. I hope to be there and become an aerospace engineer.”

Congratulations to Mackenna Dempsey, you’re a Classroom Champion!

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