‘WHATS UP AUSTIN HIGH!!’ We all know and hear from our distinguished emcee Hannah McKay, a senior here at Stephen F. Austin High School in the Academy for Design and Technology. While juggling basketball, pep rallies, and academic dedication to her Project Lead The Way (PLTW) pathway, she is working to make her mark as a memorable leader. As her last year in high school is coming to a close, it’s important we share the success of some of our distinguished seniors, such as Hannah McKay.
Starting basketball at a very young age, Han- nah McKay ignited a passion that propelled her through high school. When asked why she joined the team, she said, “What inspired me to do basketball is probably my younger self; it has always been my area of comfort and safe environment.” As a freshman, she eagerly joined the team, honing her skills as a guard and facilitator until she earned a respected spot on the varsity roster beginning her sophomore year. Her dedication paid off with her first opportunity to start in her final home high school basketball game. Interestingly, basketball also kickstarted her pep rally career. Her outgoing personality caught the attention of the staff. She remarked,
“I am an outgoing person and have relationships with teachers and administrators. So when they needed
a last-minute fill, my name came to mind.” This last-minute decision led to her becoming the emcee this year.
Initially, the idea of being an announcer scared her. However, after the first pep rally, she seamlessly rallied the spirit of the student body. Soon after, all the pep rallies came naturally to her. Dedicating time outside of school to create verbal scripts tailored to the specifications of the pep rallies. She said, “Creating a script got pretty easy after the first one because it’s generally the same.” As she gains confidence and experience, she transitions away from relying on scripts, finding joy in spontaneously uniting her peers during pep rallies. In addition to her contributions at Austin High School, she volunteers with the Central Texas (CTX) Lady Knights, serving as an assistant coach there.
A place where she once played for and now mentors, McKay dedicated the majority of her Saturdays and Sundays to coaching 14-year-old girls in working together as a team. From writing up practice plans to creating game tactics and coaching the players through it on the sideline, her leadership skills only sharpened.
Not only has Hannah excelled on the basket- ball court and as an emcee, but she has also been greatly committed academically. Since middle school, she has been actively involved in the PLTW program, where
her passion for mathematics and engineering flourished. She attributes many of her studying strategies and skills in mathematics to her Algebra 2 teacher, Ms. Bronikowski, Hannah states, “I always enjoyed math before I came to high school, but then taking Algebra 2 as a sophomore I really fell in love with math. A lot of my success in math subjects comes from what she’s taught me.”
Hannah’s mere interest in math and engineering positioned her confidently to where she is today. After much consideration, Hannah McKay has decided to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Her decision reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact through her academic and professional endeavors.
Hannah McKay’s journey serves as a perfect example of inspiration for underclassmen, showcasing the importance of dedication, enthusiasm, and leader- ship in shaping a fulfilling high school experience. Her contributions to both the athletic and academic spheres highlight the transformative power of passion and hard work.
