Rooted in Legacy, Ready for More: Meet MaKenzie Gilbert

Klein ISD Triple A Spotlight Student

By Klein ISD Jasmine Nguyen

November 1^st, 2025

Klein Intermediate 7th grader MaKenzie Gilbert is a shining example of a Klein ISD Triple A student. MaKenzie is a natural leader and was a part of the Klein Intermediate Leadership Academy, and now represents her school as a cheerleader, volleyball player, and varsity choir member.

Over the summer, MaKenzie was one of only 15 girls selected from four Klein ISD schools to be named an All-Star cheerleader at camp. Beyond these achievements, MaKenzie gives back by tutoring her peers, serving her community, and remaining actively involved in her church.

Rooted in Legacy, Ready for More: Meet MaKenzie Gilbert

MaKenzie is a busy student, athlete, and performer, but through it all, she’s always known who she is and who she wants to be.

“I want to be a Kindergarten teacher when I grow up,” MaKenzie said. “I like helping little kids do things they never could before and figure things out, and everyone in my family thinks education is really important.”

Without a doubt, our families in Klein ISD play a vital role in the growth and success of our students. MaKenzie’s family is no different—her mom is a teacher at the same school she attends, and her aunt is an elementary counselor here in Klein ISD.

“My mom has always inspired me to do more. I see how she carries herself and handles everything on her plate. She inspires me to push myself, but to always give myself grace, because she reminds me that no one’s perfect,” MaKenzie said. “I can be hard on myself sometimes, and I’m a perfectionist, but my mom always tells me that all I can do is try my best. So, that’s what I do.”

MaKenzie is dedicated to improving herself and is constantly looking for small things she can do to make sure she is becoming the best version of herself that she can.

“One of the things that I admire most about MaKenzie is that she’s a very hard-working young lady,” 6th-grade Klein Intermediate ELA teacher Ms. Sierra Gonzalez said. “She would always ask me about opportunities to progress in my class and if she could stay after for tutorials on a topic that she was struggling with. If she didn’t understand something, she was always vocal about it.”

While MaKenzie’s career goals are set (at least for now!) and she’s soaring in academics, she’s on a mission to keep herself grounded and well-rounded during middle school and beyond.

“I danced for seven years, but I wanted to try something new. So, I tried out for both cheer and volleyball, and my proudest moment this year was making both teams,” MaKenzie said. “I love it. I love my teammates and my coaches. Volleyball is especially fun because even though we don’t win all of our games, I’m still getting better at playing and, next year, I know I’ll be even better.”

Not only does MaKenzie’s drive and talent push her to great heights, but she is also always kind to others and is known to lend a shoulder to lean on.

“MaKenzie is a big part of our team,” 6th-grade Math teacher and Klein Intermediate Volleyball Coach Leah Holder said. “Volleyball is a game of mistakes, which is what my 7th graders are learning right now. So, if a girl makes a mistake on the court, MaKenzie is always one of the first kids to pat that player on the back and tell them to shake it off. She is constantly picking up and cheering others on.”

For MaKenzie, her instinct to act with kindness is in her blood.

“My mom, my aunt, and my grandma all have taught me to be kind,” MaKenzie said. “I am very inspired by my aunt, who is a counselor, because she has a big heart and always helps me through any struggles I have. I always look to her for guidance. My grandma, too.”

When MaKenzie falls on hard times, her faith is where she ultimately turns to, and her commitment to her church community can be seen through her service to others and singing in the church choir.

“Sometimes, when I’m hard on myself, I call my grandma. We always read scripture together, specifically Psalm 46 and Psalm 5. We talk through things, and it makes me realize that I can let things go and be more chill about a situation.”

MaKenzie hopes her kindness to others will create space for them to thrive and be confident in themselves.

“I always want to tell other kids to keep having a good attitude and just try to make do with whatever you’ve been given,” MaKenzie said. “It’s very important to find a person who really inspires you and try not to be like them, but to have their same mentality that makes you want to be better. It’s important to be your own person and put your own spin on things.”

As for the mark she’ll make at Klein Intermediate, MaKenzie is determined to continue her family legacy.

“My mom, my aunt, and my uncle all went to Nitsch Elementary, Klein Intermediate, and graduated from Klein Forest, so we have history here,” MaKenzie said. “It’s important to me to follow in their footsteps because I want to continue our family legacy in this community. I want to make my mark.”

Congratulations, MaKenzie, on being recognized as a Klein ISD Triple A student — a student who goes above and beyond to excel in their endeavors and has a heart of gold. She is truly quiet in spirit, but mighty in presence. We are all so proud of you at Klein Intermediate and in our Klein ISD community!