Mackenzie Keillor, a 2024 Ludington High School graduate and student at West Shore Community College (WSCC), is proof that the right path isn’t always the traditional one. The 19-year-old once considered dropping out of high school. But today, she is a welder and a full-time student pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Precision Machining Technologies at WSCC with support from the Drs. Ruth & John Carney & Irene Carney Kendrick Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation for Mason County.
Mackenzie admits she wasn’t a fan of high school. Track and cross country were the only things that kept her engaged in school. A turning point came in her sophomore year when she confided in her counselor, Mr. Leikert, that she was contemplating dropping out. He had a different idea. Knowing Mackenzie enjoyed working on snowmobiles with her dad, he suggested she try the Career and Technical Education (CTE) welding program.
“I went out and shadowed the course. When I tried it, I fell in love with it,” Mackenzie said.
The Carney Scholarship, which Mackenzie received when she graduated from high school and again for her second year at WSCC, is a “quiet cheerleader” that keeps her motivated. Because of the Carney scholarship and the Promise program, Mackenzie can earn her degree without incurring significant debt.
Mackenzie’s life is a packed schedule of work boots and textbooks. She works an eight-hour shift every day at Clear Water Services in Ludington, where she’s a fabricator, welding stainless steel pipes and tanks for water treatment equipment. Then, she’s off to WSCC for night classes.
Working in the field while going to school gives her an advantage. “It’s cool when I learn something in school and then something happens at work where I can connect what I just learned and know what to do,” Mackenzie explained.
Mackenzie expects to finish her degree in August of 2026. She hopes to move into machining or the engineering side of welding, which involves quality control and designing blueprints (CAD drafting). Ultimately, she wants this degree and career not just for herself, but to have better-paying job opportunities to support a family someday.
Being one of the few women in her industry is something Mackenzie takes pride in. She’s the only woman in her shop and one of ten women in the entire company. She sees herself as a role model and is happy to show other women they can excel in this field, too.
Mackenzie’s biggest piece of advice for other students? “You’ve got to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of what’s available.”
Fortunately for Mackenzie and other Mason County graduates, the Carneys’ investment ensures that local youth have the financial foundation to “step outside their comfort zone,” providing opportunities that allow students to pursue careers that match their unique talents and goals.