RISE AGAIN. “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated,” quote by Maya Angelou. This quote reminds Maecyn that in life there will be many setbacks, but you have the opportunity to rise again and that a defeat doesn’t define who you are.
Maecyn Marie Gunn was born on April 26, 2005 to parents Tim and Emily Gunn. Maecyn has one little sister, Khloe. Maecyn’s parents have influenced her life the most. Her dad has shown her what drive and hard work looks like and has instilled in her that you can achieve anything. He has been her biggest encourager. Maecyn’s mom has been her biggest cheerleader and pushed her to be the best that she can be. She has shown Maecyn what it is like to stand strong when things are hard and how to lead others. Maecyn will always be her parents' little girl.
Throughout high school, Maecyn has participated in Art Club, All School Play, KAY, Stuco, Cheer, and FCA for four years; FFA, NHS, and FCCLA for three years; Class Representative, Journalism, Scholars Bowl, Forensics, and Mustang Tough for two years; and volleyball for one year. Outside of school, Maecyn works at the Valley Heights After School Program. This is one of the many places that she developed her love for children and serving others. With only a few short months left, Maecyn encourages the underclassmen and younger children to stay in the present. “Soak in every moment. The dreaded ‘long’ days go by so fast and you will be starting your senior year before you know it, wishing you could pause time,” says Maecyn. With Maecyn’s time at Valley Heights, she has made many memories and friendships. “I don’t have a single favorite memory at Valley Heights because I have created so many. Being able to have my younger sister, Khloe, in high school with me is something special though. Being able to be on teams and involved in clubs with someone you're close with is always fun, but being able to do those things with not only your sister, but your best friend, is something very special to me,” says Gunn.
After high school, Maecyn plans on attending Kansas State University and pursuing a degree in Family Studies and getting her master’s degree in Child and Family Therapy. “Take a deep breath and don’t overthink things. Focus on what matters most. Keep being you, but also take time to setback and have fun and enjoy life,” advises Mrs. Turner. Maecyn has a high vision and many future goals. In the future, Gunn hopes to get her masters in Child and Family Therapy and hopefully move back to a small town and start a family. “Maecyn is unique because of her hard work, determination, and how kind she is to everyone. She always has a vision and idea and she works hard to get to that specific vision and idea,” says mentor Mrs. Turner. Wherever Maecyn ends up, she will be successful with her hard work and determination. “In 10 years, I see Maecyn flourishing and being very successful,” says Mrs. Turner.
Many people know Maecyn for her leadership and involvement inside and outside of the school. There are many things about Maecyn that people don’t know. Maecyn’s ideal Friday night consists of hanging out with friends and driving around and going on sonic runs. She also enjoys nights of playing cards around the table with her friends. Aside from school, Maecyn is an active member of the United Presbyterian Church. Gunn’s favorite food is steak and mashed potatoes and she will never turn down an opportunity to eat at Texas Roadhouse. You can also always find Maecyn listening to This Is It and Five More Minutes by Scotty McCreery.
Maecyn has impacted many people in the community during her time at Valley Heights. “Her attitude and drive influences others to also have the same drive. Her kindness is something others will remember as well. She’s a great role model for others and she’s a great influence for the younger kids,” says Mrs. Turner. “When I leave Valley Heights, I hope people remember me as someone who was always determined and organized, but also knew how to have a good time and smile,” says Gunn.
Article by Taya Smith