MILWAUKEE — Mya Gladney tends to work through her math problems without wanting or needing help. Her teacher Michael Ford said she likes to figure things out on her own.
“Mya’s really independently motivated. She really strives to find solutions on her own, which is great in math because the math gets harder and harder as we go. She really seems to be motivated by thinking critically and taking risks and getting to where she’s heading, all on her own,” said Ford.
Her Spanish teacher, Tamara Linares, said that everyone loves Gladney, including her fellow students.
“She’s someone that they look up to. They always know she does her work. They always know she’s paying attention. She’s just one of those kids that everyone likes,” said Linares.
The soft-spoken Gladney has helped organize school events, including homecoming and pep rallies.
“She’s just really kind and goes about everything the right way,” said Ford. “You never have to worry about what she’s doing. She’s got her heart and her head in the right place.”
MacDowell Montessori High School only has 33 students in its senior class. Gladney said she expects a culture shock when she goes to college next year.
“Yes, I feel like I’m going to be like, um, all these people. I feel like I’ll have to get used to not having that one-on-one with a teacher as much as in high school,” said Gladney.
She’s undecided about which school she’ll attend, but plans on pursuing a sports management degree. Gladney played multiple sports for the Juneau Pioneers, the sports program at MacDowell, and called volleyball her favorite.
“I like spiking. Oh, I didn’t at first, but now I do,” said Gladney.
She plays basketball as well. Coach Torre Johnson Jr. said Gladney brings an even keel approach to the team.
“The way she carries herself, her emotions never change regardless of the situation, win, lose or draw,” said Johnson Jr.
As for helping out underclassmen, Gladney said she isn’t afraid of deploying a little tough love.
“I’ll be trying to look out for them sometimes, but they gotta learn on their own,” said Gladney
She also managed the school’s tennis team. Those around Gladney won’t put limits on what she may accomplish.
“Whatever she does, she will be successful. She will be motivated, and she will be someone who inspires others to be great, just like she is,” said Linares.
Kevin Schwaller - Digital Media Producer
Kevin Schwaller is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin. An award-winning journalist, Kevin joined the Spectrum News team in June 2020.
