Mackenzie Hafer

My name is Mackenzie Hafer, and I am a graduate of Athens Area High School. I had the distinction of graduating as Valedictorian of the Class of 2014 at Athens.  My outstanding performance among Pennsylvanians on the College Board SAT exams garnered me a Commendation of Merit from Governor Corbett.  Additionally, in recognition of exemplary achievement on the College Board's Advanced Placement Program examinations, I earned the designation of AP Scholar.  This award places me among a unique group of students worldwide who have successfully completed a rigorous series of college-level courses and exams.  Being named one of the nation's top 500 students in the Elks National Scholar Program was another prestigious award bestowed upon me.  A recipient of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, Marine Corps Distinguished Student Medal, Rotary International Top Ten Scholar Award, and Athens Area Education Outstanding Student Award, I take great pride in the emphasis I have placed on academics.  This stellar academic record also led me to admission into the National Society of High School Scholars, Rho Kappa Honor Society for Excellence in Social Studies, and the local chapter of the National Honor Society.

Through participation in such high school activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America, I have volunteered many hours in Adopt-a-Highway litter brigade, Special Olympics, Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Serving as Committee chairperson in Spirit Week activities and Prom and Homecoming events gave me experience in leadership roles.  An active member of the Class of 2014 and past president and vice-president, I sought to make Athens Area High School a better place of learning.  

My community outreach focuses on others in need.  Serving as a volunteer teacher aide at Children's Place Preschool in Sayre, Pennsylvania, allowed me to share my love of learning and become a role model to the children.  I have also provided babysitting services, at no charge, to victims of the flood that impacted the communities in my home area.  Organizing and hosting an event to solicit funds to purchase pajamas and books to make bedtimes more comfortable for underprivileged children, which I entitled Pajama Party Palooza, was a rewarding experience which also combined skills necessary in my field of interest in Business Administration.  My membership in Wilawana United Methodist Church has allowed me to volunteer in Shoeboxes for Soldiers, Presents for Pets, and the Mitten Tree programs to collect needed goods for various groups.  It is at my church that I also serve as offertory usher and provide musical selections on my flute.

My love for sports is evident in my participation in Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Soccer at Athens Area High School.  A four year starter in each sport, I earned twelve letters and numerous selections to Northern Tier League, Valley, Regional, District, and even State All-Star Squads.  Defensive accolades were also earned in each of the three sports.  My all-state honors in softball and membership on Bradford County Big League Softball in the Eastern Regional Finals were highlights of my athletic career.  My leadership ability earned me appointment as team captain in each of the three sports.  The ultimate honor as Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District IV Outstanding Female Athlete and Northern Tier League Athletic Directors Academic-Athlete capped my sports career in high school.  Sharing my love of athletics led me to volunteer as a coach in the Wildcats Elementary Intramural Basketball program where I was able to pass on the benefits gained from participation in sports and use athletics as a forum for character building.  As a seven-year referee for the Valley Youth Soccer Association, I demonstrated the importance of sportsmanship. 

Currently, I have become an active member of the Mansfield University Community.  A member of the Mansfield Lady Mounties Basketball team, I hope to serve as an ambassador in promoting the university and its many opportunities.  I am also a Member of the Student Government Association and the Committee on Finance. Being a member of the Committee on Finance warrants me the opportunity of being the sole chairperson of the Inventory Committee as well as the assistant to the treasurer of the Student Government Association.  Additionally, I have volunteered with the local YMCA Kids' Triathlon and brought attention to the dangers of date/domestic violence by participating in a flag-placing ceremony on campus. It is my full intention to continue to become involved in my home away from home as the days of this new semester progress.