Turning a Dream Into a Calling
McKenzie (Kenzie) Barnett isn’t just starting college this fall—she’s taking the first steps toward a meaningful and lasting impact in Indiana classrooms. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kenzie is a 2025 graduate of North Side High School and a proud recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. This highly competitive, renewable award provides up to $10,000 each year for four years to students committed to teaching in Indiana. In return, recipients agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school.
For Kenzie, becoming a teacher has long felt like a natural path.
“I was a kid who always found a friend in my teachers,” she shares. “I want to give that back to other kids like me, while making a difference that’s important to me.”
Engaged, Empowered, and Ready to Learn
Throughout high school, Kenzie was actively involved in dance, color guard, unified sports, and applied skills peer tutoring—experiences that helped reinforce her passion for inclusion and support for students with special needs. This fall, she’ll be majoring in special needs education at Ball State University.
Kenzie says Ball State has been on her radar for years.
“It had been a dream school for me since middle school,” she says. “I just love the campus.” As she looks ahead to her first semester, she’s most excited about “meeting new people and having new experiences.”
A Life Filled with Music and Meaning
When she’s not focused on academics or preparing for her future classroom, Kenzie enjoys unwinding through creative outlets like dancing, singing, and anything involving music. She also loves spending time with her cat, Smokey.
Committed to Indiana’s Future
As a Next Generation Hoosier Educator, Kenzie joins a statewide network of future teachers who are passionate about giving back to their communities and shaping the next generation of learners. With her dedication, compassion, and enthusiasm, Kenzie is ready to fly high at Ball State—and beyond.
Comments:
Way to go Kenzie. So proud. Love Aunt Jan.
Fly high granddaughte, reach for the moon and you will achieve goals far beyond thoughts and ideals. Congratulations.