Makenzie Stokes, a TRIO Upward Bound student, has been recognized as a McDonald’s Hero by the local Butte McDonalds and KXLF. Makenzie was recognized as someone who puts her community first in her tireless community service efforts as well as running a non-profit organization called Makenzie's Closet, which collects and distributes formal dresses, suits, and tuxedos for school dances along with other formal attire for job interviews and special occasions at very little cost to those who cannot afford to purchase the items otherwise. The McDonald’s Heros program honors volunteers who positively impact lives, encourage young people or make a difference in our community. Makenzie was interviewed on Tuesday’s KXLF Montana This Morning newscast.
Makenzie is a junior at Butte High School and is a part of the Institute for Educational Opportunities TRIO Upward Bound program. “I am very proud of Makenzie,” explained Theresa Rader, TRIO Coordinator with the Institute for Educational Opportunities at Montana Tech. “Makenzie does so much for our community. At Christmas time, she gathered her friends and led a toy drive for the family of another Upward Bound's Little Sister (Big Brothers and Sisters). The young girl and her family wouldn't have had a Christmas without Makenzie and friends.” Rader added, “She's a great young lady who someday wants to be an Addiction Counselor.”