Eleven years after first meeting Mackenzie and her family in the 2011 United Way campaign video, she continues to inspire.

Born prematurely at just over 2 lbs., Mackenzie’s parents were worried about her future and potential disabilities.

They credit the support and education Mackenzie received through United Way funded partners, including the Meyer Center, for setting her on a path to success.

Now a 15-year-old sophomore at Woodmont High School, Mackenzie is doing great. Her GPA is above 3.0 and she’s on track to graduate high school and go to college. She wants to study journalism and hopes to have her own sports podcast one day.

“One of the things that we’re so grateful for is the help that she received because it has created the foundation that she needed to be successful in school,” said Mackenzie’s mother Anita. “We don’t have to remind Mackenzie about doing homework. She’s an excellent student. She’s more than ready for college.”

Mackenzie is obsessed with basketball and football, an has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the NFL thanks to the family’s very competitive fantasy football league. She would like Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to know she’s turning 16 this summer and wouldn’t mind if he stopped by her party.

United Way celebrates a century of service in Greenville County this year! Click here to read more centennial stories, dig into our 100-year history and share your own United Way story.