Mendenhall High School senior Kaylyn Johnson has been named the school's STAR Student for the Class of 2026, recognizing her outstanding achievement and commitment to excellence.
Johnson is currently dual enrolled at Copiah–Lincoln Community College while completing her senior year at Mendenhall High School. Throughout her high school career, she has been actively involved in several school organizations, including Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and the Technology Student Association. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa at Copiah–Lincoln Community College and participates in the Rho Iota Zeta Chapter Archonette Youth Organization.
Her dedication to academic success has earned her numerous honors, including Superintendent Scholar, Mendenhall High School Volunteer Service Award, and recipient of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Mississippi Scholarship. She has also participated in Simpson County Youth Leadership, served as a member of the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Student Council, and is a recipient of the SSG Matthew Hurst Scholarship. In addition to being named the STAR Student, Johnson is a Dove Scholar and was recently selected as a finalist for the Gates Scholarship. To date, she has received more than $350,000 in scholarship offers.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Johnson contributes her talents to the Mendenhall High School color guard and concert band.
She plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi, where she will pursue a career as a Pediatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
She is the daughter of SFC Ralph Johnson Jr. and Kimberly Johnson of Mendenhall, MS.