Academic All-Star – Grassland Elementary

Published February 4, 2016

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Having admired the Academic All-Star award posters on the wall of her school for the last few years, Grassland Elementary fifth grader Mackensie Allen will soon have one of her own as she was recently named the school’s Academic All-Star for the 2015-16 school year.

“I didn’t really hear about it,” said Mackensie. “I saw pictures in the hallway and thought, ‘Oh, someone got the Academic All-Star award.’ This year I got it, and I was shocked.”

Administrators say 11-year-old Mackensie is known to her teachers and principals for having a great attitude every day.

“Mackensie always has a bright smile and a great work ethic,” said GES Principal Dr. Ann Gordon. “In addition, she is always willing to help others all the time.”

Mackensie’s favorite subject is social studies, but her real passion is dancing. In her free time, Mackensie dances with the competitive dance program Music City All-Stars.

“I’ve been dancing since I was about four-years-old,” Mackensie said. “I do jazz, hip hop and lyrical dance. I just like being good at it, and my dream is to be on Dancing with the Stars.”

Although she’s not yet sure what she wants to be when she grows up, Mackensie says she has high expectations for herself and she’ll continue working hard to make sure her dreams come true.

“My education is important to me because I want to go to a good college like Vanderbilt or Harvard,” said Mackensie.