In this recurring monthly special, Nonahood News will be featuring those who’ve graduated from Lake Nona High School and will recognize the achievements they’ve made since. Some will have been a part of the first graduating class. Others might have graduated a few years later. Few have stayed in the Lake Nona area, and many have explored the world or are still doing so. Let’s see where life’s journey has taken them so far!

Name: Mackenzie Newton
Age: 25
Year Graduated: 2011
Occupation: Bartender/Server
Orlando, FL

Mackenzie Newton found herself in Lake Nona almost a decade ago. “My father had gotten a new job down here, so we moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2009, and we’ve been here ever since.”

Newton was extremely focused throughout her high school years on what her future would look like. “My post-high school goals were to study music, move to LA to be a singer/songwriter and pursue a career in the arts. Over the years, I’ve added onto that list as well.”

Although her job is currently working as a bartender and server, she has a career as a fashion model, singer/songwriter, and an actress. Newton explained her journey to get to where she is now.

“Oh, man, where do I even start? Well, straight out of high school, I went to Valencia for two years, got my A.A. degree and then started UCF in the fall of 2013. I knew if I was going to college that I was going to get a degree in what I love. From there, I studied music with Dr. Joanne Stephenson as my voice coach. Fast forward four years later, I now have a degree in music and a minor in sociology,” Newton continued. “I got to where I am now by being confident in myself, determined, and having an amazing support system. My parents have shown me so much love and ongoing support. I am forever grateful for them.”

She dabbles in writing her own music and lyrics and has even recorded a few songs with other local artists. When Newton’s not working, she directs her attention to seeing new sights and enjoying the time she has off.

“I travel whenever I can. I love the feeling of being on vacation, honestly. I can be a workaholic sometimes, so I really enjoy getting away. I do pole fitness, hang out with my pup, Teddy, read, try new things and just enjoy my time with my loved ones.”

For someone who has always been goal-oriented, Newton continues to focus on her career and her future, no matter how challenging it might get. Some of her current goals include doing commercials, print modeling, performing her own original songs and possibly even releasing an EP. She hopes to see lots of change in the next five years as well.

“I plan on living in another city, not sure if it will be LA, but wherever God leads me. I will have a stable career in the three things I’m doing now, or maybe one or two of them. I also plan on having a family, so hopefully, I’ll be married and have one then.”

Thinking about her future left her reminiscing on the moments that have led her to where she stands today. She acknowledged past events that have greatly impacted her career and confidence.

“Well, this may not be super recent, but it’s recent to me. I graduated from UCF in spring 2017. I was in my first paid musical in September 2017. I did my first runway show in September as well. I was in my first show at the Dr. Phillips Center downtown that wasn’t school related in December 2017. I was in my first show at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater this past spring and first paid fashion runway show this past spring as well. I’ve put myself out there a lot this year, met some wonderful people and have had some great opportunities.”

As Newton’s journey to success continues, she was inspired to leave some motivating words to future Lake Nona High School alumni: “Believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter who tells you they believe in you, you’ll never believe it if you don’t already believe in yourself. It starts with you. Take your time and discover yourself and do what you want and love. Don’t pay attention or try to mimic anyone else’s journey.”

Written for current and future Lake Nona alumni by a Lake Nona alumna. Check back into our November issue to learn about our next Nona graduate(s)!