The values of family, education, and community service have been central to Dru MacKay's life since childhood. These principles have guided him as he navigates his academic journey at Western Nevada College (WNC) as a dual-enrollment student.
Currently a senior at Churchill County High School, Dru has taken on the challenge of college courses through WNC’s Jump Start program. His efforts have been recognized with placements on the Dean’s List and membership in the Fallon Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Recently, the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents awarded Dru and other exceptional students in Nevada with the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Scholar Award during its quarterly meeting.
“I am incredibly honored to have won this award,” Dru expressed. “Being from a small rural town, few opportunities come with recognition. Upon finding that my professor had nominated me for this, I was beyond grateful, as this affirmed that my work and contributions do not go unnoticed.”
WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe attended the meeting and praised Dru's achievement: "We are proud of all of our Jump Start students, but to have one receive the Sam Lieberman Regents' Scholar Award is fabulous,” he said. “Wherever Dru goes next, he will do great things and we will always count him as a member of our Wildcat family!"
Dru acknowledged WNC English Professor Jessica Rowe for her support in his academic development. Rowe noted his growth into an exemplary student and community contributor.
“It has been my pleasure to work with Dru in my English 101 and English 102 courses," Rowe commented. "He demonstrates the core characteristics that NSHE’s scholarship program sets out to honor."
The importance of education became evident to Dru during his junior year when he realized how beneficial Jump Start could be for his future prospects.
“This opportunity allowed me to accelerate my growth as a student," he explained. "My mother being a teacher motivated me to pursue a better life for her and set an example for my sisters."
Beyond academics, Dru is committed to community service—volunteering at meal centers for homeless individuals and assisting residents preparing for floods.
His role as a WNC academic coach also highlights his dedication to helping others succeed academically.
“Becoming an academic coach has been one of my most fulfilling acts,” said Dru. He reflected on how coaches helped him during challenging times at WNC and now strives to provide similar support.
Looking ahead, Dru plans further studies at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), aiming for a Bachelor’s degree in psychology before attending law school—a career interest sparked by projects in his art class at WNC.
“We would judge cases and explore criminal justice,” he recounted about taking Gregory Sly's course which inspired him toward law where he hopes "to make a change in people's lives."
WNC’s Jump Start College enables local high school students like Dru access up-to-60 college credits or an Associate degree while still completing high school requirements.
For more details about this program visit wnc.edu/advising/high-school-programs/jump-start or contact WNC Academic Advising via phone at 775-445-3267.