When McKenzie Miller walks across the DTE Energy Music Theatre stage during Oxford High School’s commencement on May 23, she will do so as both a proud graduate and the Class of 2019’s valedictorian.

With a grade point average (GPA) of 4.259, she stands alone atop the summit of the academic mountain. She considers that to be quite a feat considering the prowess of her peers.

“We have a really smart group of kids in our class. I think my grade is really talented,” Miller said.

Throughout her high school career, Miller strove daily to achieve high marks in all of her classes. She never settled for anything less than excellence.

“I’ve always held myself to a high standard,” she said. “I’ve never been satisfied with doing the bare minimum. I always wanted a challenge.”

But, it was never about the grades themselves. They were only a means to an end. Miller’s goal has always been to attend a top-notch college. That dream will come true this fall when she arrives in Ann Arbor to begin her studies at the University of Michigan.

“I know it will be very tough for me there, but I’m excited to grow as a person and as a learner,” said Miller, who’s vice president of Oxford’s chapter of the National Honor Society.

She noted it was a “hard decision” for her to become a Wolverine because she’s “a huge (Michigan) State fan,” but she “really wanted a challenge” and she’s “heard great things about Michigan and (its) educational programs.”

Miller is considering a pre-law course of study, but that’s by no means set in stone.

“I’m so undecided, honestly,” she said.

Miller is anxious to “explore” her options and “see what’s out there.”

No matter which path she ends up choosing, Miller is grateful to her parents, Shawn and Bridget, for teaching her about the importance of a good education.

“My parents always say it’s the one thing no one can take away from you. I fully believe that,” she said.

Despite her valedictorian status, Miller didn’t spend all of her time at OHS with her nose buried in a book. She excelled as an athlete and earned seven varsity letters, four in softball and three in volleyball. “Sports taught me so much that school never could,” Miller said.

Those lessons included how to work with people, how to make sacrifices for others and how to balance your life.

The biggest highlight of her athletic career happened just recently when the varsity softball team learned that out of the 187 Division I teams in Michigan, it had the highest GPA. The team GPA was 3.8162.

“For us all to achieve something (like that) together, that’s huge,” Miller said. “I’m definitely most proud of that.”

Looking back at her time at OHS, Miller is grateful to teachers like Thomas Wagner and Jacob Trotter.

Of Wagner, who teaches psychology, she said, “I always knew he had my back.”

As for Trotter, who’s a social studies teacher, Miller said, “He’s always been a huge supporter of mine.” She appreciates how he consistently held her to a “high standard,” which made her “push” herself even more.

Miller’s favorite part of the high school experience was meeting new people and forging friendships.

“I’ll never forget the people that I was friends with, that I was close with,” she said. “I think I will maintain many of those friendships after (high) school.”

She has two pieces of advice for the younger students she’s leaving behind.

One, “always challenge yourself.” Don’t take easy classes or let your grades slip.

“I don’t think they realize how much of an impact (that) will have on them in the future,” Miller said.

Two, “enjoy” high school and everything it has to offer.

“Don’t take (it) for granted,” Miller said. “It is what you make of it.”

Although she’s excited about studying at U-M, Miller is going to miss her hometown.

“Oxford’s just such a great place to grow up,” she said.