Mackenzie Kahrhoff
Classification: 6th Grade
Beckendorff Junior High School
Mackenzie was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but moved to Katy in time to start Kindergarten. She has a strong Christian faith, and often prays in the middle of the day for the Lord to give her strength. She shares her Christian beliefs with her friends and family members through her compassion for others, willingness to lend a hand, and loving spirit.
Mackenzie excels in both academics and the arts. She has been in the Gifted/Talented program since kindergarten and has maintained an A average through the more rigorous junior high coursework. She won third place in the Kilpatrick Elementary School spelling bee last year and competed in a Regional Math and Science Competition.
Mackenzie is a talented artist, and her artwork was featured in the Katy Livestock and Rodeo Show. She loves reading, hanging out with friends, and shopping in her free time. She also has a growing babysitting business that helps her earn spending money. She has many aspirations, including becoming a teacher, pediatrician, lawyer, or chemist someday.
Mackenzie’s favorite Bible verse is John 15:12 – “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Sierra Kemp
Classification: Senior
Faith West Academy
The first thing you might ask is how she got such a beautiful name. “My mom and dad had their honeymoon in the Sierra Mountains at Lake Tahoe. They liked the name.” The second thing you might ask is ‘are you a Black Belt?’, since her dad owns and operates one of the largest Karate training facilities (AKA Tae Kwon-Do) in Katy. She responds by stating that she too shy to compete in that type of competition. But when it comes to competition she takes it to the court. Sierra has been playing organized basketball since she was in the third grade. Now the guard for her high school team says of her favorite memories; “Is when we (Lady Eagles Basketball Team) went to State (reaching the Final Four) during my freshman and sophomore years.” “Sierra leads her team to always do better. She is our practice captain. She is the most coachable player I have ever worked with,” stated her high school basketball coach Eddie Bombita.
Sierra is a member of the National Honor Society and holds office with both the Fellowship of Christian Athletics and Mu Alpha Theta chapter.
Sierra’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Carly Beckham
Classification: Senior
Faith West Academy
Go to Baylor after graduation. Get a bachelor’s degree in child education, a master’s in business and a doctorate degree in social work or psychology. It is her plan. It is God’s plan for her. She wants to work in and eventually own a children’s orphanage. “My mom was raised in a children’s home,’ she told of her inspiration for such a lofty goal, ‘and I have always known that I should be in ministry. I love to work with children and this would be a great way to serve God.”
Carly is a member of NHS, FCA, Mu Alpha Theta, and president of the Class of 2012. She has been in every drama production since she was in the 7th grade. She is a member of the chapel band, vocals & keyboard, and has written six songs. At Homecoming she was awarded the “Most Representative” girl at FWA. This year she founded a teen girls’ after school Bible Study called “Captivated.” Besides studying the Word, the girls will often prepare meals for the homeless.
Carly’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
