Midlakes High School junior Makenzie “Pippa” Davis has been recognized for her outstanding leadership, earning the 2025 Youth Leadership Recognition Award. She accepted the honor on March 7 during a ceremony at Victor High School.
The award, presented annually by Senator Pam Helming, highlights students across the 54th Senate District who excel in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and community service. Davis was selected as the nominee from Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District.
“I believe that my greatest strength is leadership,” Davis said. “I feel that I have displayed this trait in the clubs and sports that I participate in. This has brought me to many of the accomplishments that I have today.”
Those accomplishments include winning a sectional title in track, serving as class president, and being selected as a delegate for Girl’s State. She is also active in the Interact Club and competes as a dual-sport athlete, balancing varsity basketball with middle-distance running for the indoor track team. Recently, she helped her 4×800 relay team set a new school record at the State Qualifiers at Nazareth University.
Davis’ leadership extends beyond athletics. She is widely regarded as a positive force at Midlakes, described by educators as “a bright ray of sunshine.” School Counselor Krystina Brooks praised her as “an incredible and engaged model student,” adding, “She is compassionate, kind, and genuinely caring, making her a true asset as a class officer.”
Davis ranks winning a Sectional Championship among her proudest achievements, calling it “something I had dreamed of my whole life.” Looking ahead, she plans to study broadcast media in college, with aspirations of becoming a sideline reporter for a major news network.
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