Kenzie Harris, a senior at South Lake High School, was awarded the $1,000 Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship at the recent South Lake Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. The prestigious award honors students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to community service—qualities that Kenzie truly embodies.
The Ray Goodgame Scholarship was established to recognize student leaders who serve as champions for the South Lake community, a legacy that former Clermont City Councilman Ray Goodgame held dear. Kenzie Harris continues that tradition with exceptional achievements both in and out of the classroom.
Ranked in the top 2% of her graduating class, Kenzie holds an extraordinary GPA of 5.25. She is dual-enrolled at Lake-Sumter State College, where she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA and is on track to graduate with an Associate in Arts degree and a Scientific Workplace Preparation Certificate. Kenzie will earn summa cum laude honors from both institutions—an academic distinction few students can claim.
Her achievements in science and leadership have garnered statewide and national attention. She was one of only three students selected from 3,808 applicants to receive Florida’s highest STEM honor and was awarded the U.S. Agency for International Development Science Champion Award for her research in forensic entomology. Her accolades include a first-place win in Senior Animal Sciences at the Lake County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, as well as second place in Parliamentary Procedure at the HOSA Regional Leadership Conference, where she advanced to the state level.
SLHS Senior Kenzie Harris receives the Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Award from SLCC Board Chair Jamie Lowe
Beyond academics, Kenzie has been an influential force in her school and community. She served two terms as president of the National Honor Society, leading efforts that raised over $2,900 for organizations such as Love Groveland and The Animal League. As a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), she mentored fellow students on public speaking and tobacco prevention.
Her leadership extends to athletics as well. Kenzie was captain of the JV Girls’ Basketball team for two years and later served as team manager for both JV and varsity squads. She has also volunteered for five years with Love Groveland and recently began coaching youth basketball for elementary and middle school students.
Kenzie is also the founder and coordinator of two annual community clean-up events at Waterside Pointe, where she has spearheaded efforts to remove more than 7,500 pounds of litter from local parks and waterways.
Looking ahead, Kenzie plans to attend Florida State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s and doctorate in clinical mental health counseling and open her practice to continue serving and supporting others.
With her remarkable combination of intellect, initiative, and compassion, Kenzie Harris is a shining example of the very best South Lake has to offer.
The South Lake Tablet congratulates Kenzie Harris on receiving the Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavors.
