McKenna Poynter is Kiwanis Student of the Month

McKenna Poynter is Ferndale Kiwanis Student of the Month for November. McKenna, a senior at Ferndale High School, was recognized by Kiwanis at a luncheon held November 5. McKenna was honored for her academic and social accomplishments, and making a difference in her community.

McKenna maintains a 3.934 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her favorite subjects are calculus and ceramics. She says, "I love working with porcelain on the wheel. I especially like to see how ceramic firings turn out using the Raku method." 

Leadership is in McKenna's heart. Being part of the high school leadership team has given her the opportunity to support her school and classmates. This year McKenna was the lead organizer for the school's coronation assembly. Over two months of planning went into creating the assembly. As part of the process, McKenna collaborated with teachers and local businesses to create an event that everyone was proud to be a part. 

McKenna is also a leader in activities such as cheer where she has participated the last three years. She was named basketball cheer captain last season, and both football and basketball cheer captain this year. Last year, she earned both the Basketball MVP and Cheerleader of the Year honors.

In support of some of the district's youngest students, McKenna is a member of the Little Buddies Program. She and other high school student leaders visit Eagleridge Elementary School every Monday during the school year to read with and help younger students with school work. Also for Eagleridge, she volunteers at its spring carnival.

In her spare time, McKenna volunteers at the Ferndale Food Bank, where she assists customers in filling their requests, and she works as a model for a local photographer. 

In her application for Student of the Month, McKenna listed homelessness and poverty as important issues in our community. "The first step to solving this problem is recognizing my own privilege—though I don't have more than everyone, I have more than most," said McKenna. "Then with this mindset, I can donate resources and time to places such as the food bank or Lighthouse Mission," she added.

McKenna acknowledges she did not get to where she is now without the support of her family. In particular, she credits her mother's influence as being the most impactful to her. "She sacrifices everything for us without a single complaint. Having her as my role model has taught me selflessness and modesty, and has pushed me to be more caring. I want to be successful, both in school and in a future career, so I can one day give back to her," McKenna wrote about her mom.

Following high school, McKenna plans to attend either Western Washington University or the University of Washington. She is interested in pursuing degrees in education, English and art, with possibly a minor in Spanish, and to one day become a teacher.

Congratulations, McKenna. We are proud of you and your accomplishments!

Thank you to Ferndale Kiwanis for its continued support of our students. In addition to annual scholarships, each month Kiwanis recognizes one of our high school students.