Soft-spoken Newark 'warrior' Adams earns prestigious Gates Scholarship
NEWARK ― Makenzie Adams may be soft-spoken, but beneath that quiet exterior lies a true warrior, according to one of her teachers at Newark High School.
Adams is one of Newark's valedictorians and a National Honor Society member, while also participating in three sports. She was recently notified that she had received The Gates Scholarship, awarded to only 750 nationwide out of 51,000 applicants. It will pay for her education at Ohio University.
"I didn't think I had a chance. I was not expecting it," Adams said. "But I thought I would just try, and go for it. I was doing English homework one night and received an e-mail. Needless to say, I had to put my homework on hold. I talked with my teachers if I needed help, asked questions and received extra support from my counselors, to help me through the (Bill) Gates process."
Her English teacher, Lynn Mason, was not surprised she was chosen.
"Makenzie is a gentle soul. She's soft-spoken, kind, considerate and you can go on to add in all the other wonderful adjectives to describe her," Mason said. "But it would be a mistake to overlook her because she is unassuming. Underneath that quiet demeanor is a warrior. Mak has a great deal of grit, she has a tough mental attitude, and she is, for all intents and purposes, scrappy. If you've ever seen her play basketball, that spirit of hers shines when she plays."
Gates scholarship highly selective
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
Scholars will receive funding for the full "cost of attendance" that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal expenses.
"It also provides for internship opportunities and individual mentorship in your academic career," Adams said. "It helps you be more independent and provide leadership." She also received a $1,000 scholarship from the Licking County Foundation.
To become one of Newark's 29 valedictorians, Adams had to have a high grade point average, while taking AP and CCP classes, four years of foreign language, and being active in her school. She was very active in National Honor Society, especially as a junior, helping recognize teachers. Adams also made time to run cross country in the fall, play basketball in the winter and run track in the spring.
"Cross country and track were my best sports," she said. "In basketball, I'm just there to provide support and help the team. But I'm very glad I played."
Newark principal Tom Bowman said Adams has a 4.2 GPA while taking several AP classes. "She is an outstanding leader, and she leads by example. She is well-liked and respected by her peers," he said.
Foundation built at Par Excellence Academy
It all began in grades K-5 for Adams at Par Excellence Academy, before entering Wilson Middle School.
According to a press release from Par Excellence, as a kindergartener, Makenzie learned the vital skills of learning to share with others, developing a passion for reading, completing math problems and so much more. "Par Excellence provided a good foundation for my reading and math," she said.
Her mother Sunkela said that “I enjoyed being a part of my daughter’s experience at Par by assisting with the healthy snacks program and simply watching all the great learning that was happening and positive friendships that my daughter made here," she said. Makenzie still stays in contact with her friends from Par even today. Some of her favorite memories are the times she spent analyzing many different types of books, and solving complex math problems that included real-life scenarios.
"I really enjoyed learning about how to care for chickens, participating in the talent shows, and attending the fun field trips such as a trip to the Wilds," Adams said. "I received the best education from Par Excellence Academy because I was able to work in a smaller group setting, become more comfortable working with my peers while having fun learning all at the same time."
During her time in Newark City Schools, Adams was able to evolve into who she is today.
"I've become more of a leader, and I've become more outspoken," she said. "I'm still a bit shy, but not as much as I was."
Mason taught Adams in Enriched English as a freshman, and she returned for AP English Literature and Composition for her senior year.
"In the course of the four years I have known Mak, she has shown her spirit and determination time and again through her academic and sports endeavors," Mason said. "She strives for excellence, she appreciates and accepts constructive criticism, and she does it all with grace and a smile."
Adams will major in forensic science at Ohio University, and although she may not be in the limelight, she still plans on making a difference.
"I want to have an impact in the criminal justice field," she said. "I want to help solve unsolvable crimes, and be that voice behind the scenes."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Soft-spoken Newark 'warrior' Adams earns prestigious Gates Scholarship
