By Riley Spencer
Makenna Mayo, a junior at West Carteret High School, is running for the 2026–27 position of Chief Justice. Her campaign centers on one core principle: leadership and what it truly means to be a good leader.
Mayo defines a leader as someone who has a voice at the front of the room — someone who is confident, present, and unafraid to speak. However, she has learned through YAG that how we use our voice matters just as much as what we say. Leadership is not simply about being heard; it is about speaking with purpose, intention, and respect.
The leaders Mayo looks up to most are those who make a genuine effort and truly want to help others. She believes that creating connections, rather than demanding attention, is one of her greatest strengths. To her, leadership is more than winning an argument, more than a list of accomplishments, and more than outshining the competition. Leadership is about how you make people feel.
If elected Chief Justice, Mayo promises to be a leader who is there for you — one who cheers you on, supports you when you need help, and listens when you speak. She will lead with empathy, build meaningful connections, and represent you with integrity and dedication.
