As the 2024–2025 school year comes to an end, certain students leave behind legacies that will echo through Chandler High long after they’ve walked the stage. One of those students is Kendall McCollum. Over the last four years, Kendall has worn many hats—Student Body Vice President, varsity athlete, IB Diploma student, and all-around go-getter.
A typical day in Kendall’s life is anything but typical. From zero hour IB History to Calc 3 (the highest math offered at CHS), her mornings are packed. Then it’s off to tennis practice, where she spends nearly five hours on the court. “It’s a lot,” she laughed, “but it’s what I love.”
While her schedule speaks volumes, it is her memories and impact that shine brightest. One of Kendall’s most cherished high school experiences? Her senior badminton season. “It was my best season. I had the most fun captaining, became close with the JV players, and just really enjoyed every part of it,” Kendall said.
Kendall credited her friends for keeping her grounded and motivated. “I’ve been with the same friend group since elementary school—we’ve really grown up together,” she said. “We’re all really academically driven, and being surrounded by people who push themselves helped me do the same. It’s been a huge part of why I stayed so focused.”
Kendall also credited her freshman history teacher, Ms. Garza-Wells, for sparking her confidence: “She pushed me to enter a pageant that summer—I ended up winning! That moment changed everything. It made me more social and open.”
Throughout high school, Kendall was involved in more than just sports; she also participated in Student Council, DECA, and Wolf Crew. She said she will miss the people and the routine she spent four years building: “Now I have to start all over at a new school.”
That school will likely be Smith College in Massachusetts, where Kendall plans to study computer science.
When asked what advice she would give incoming students, Kendall didn’t hesitate: “Do everything. Even if you’re nervous or feel embarrassed—just go for it. I look back and think, I could’ve done even more. So take the chance. Be bold. High school goes faster than you think.”
