King Philip Regional High School

This week’s Student Spotlight is junior Mya McCormick, whose passion for volleyball has shaped not only her athletic experience, but also her outlook on teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. As a dedicated member of the King Philip Volleyball Program, Mya has come to see the sport as more than just competition—it’s a family built on trust, shared goals, and unwavering support. Through countless practices and matches, she has developed a deep appreciation for the team aspect of the sport, crediting it with teaching her resilience, discipline, and that “no one person is more important that the other as it takes everyone working together for success.” For Mya, the bonds formed on the court have become lifelong friendships, and the lessons learned extend far beyond the game.

Mya brings that same sense of purpose and dedication into the classroom and the clubs she leads. As President of the National Business Honor Society, she has worked to expand the group's community involvement and energize its monthly projects. Her interest in business has grown stronger through courses like Real World Math, where she discovered a love for accounting, describing the clarity of “right and wrong” in spreadsheets as a source of comfort and confidence. With plans to study business in college, Mya’s thoughtful approach to learning and leadership reflects her drive to make meaningful contributions wherever she goes. Grounded by a close-knit family that means everything to her, Mya continues to approach each new challenge with heart, humility, and a steady sense of purpose. Mya is truly a remarkable person and we are lucky to have her at KP!

Q: During our conversation you spoke about Volleyball being a different type of sport because of the "team aspect" needed for success. What has the "team aspect" provided you and why do you feel this is different from some other sports?

A: The King Philip Volleyball Program has taught me valuable life lessons that I would not have learned elsewhere, and it has provided me with a family that I will cherish forever. The sport itself has impacted my personal development and instilled upon me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and resilience. As an athlete, I have learned how to set goals, work hard to achieve them, and bounce back from setbacks, whether it is losing a match or facing personal challenges. The program provides players with a welcoming atmosphere and fosters a community that succeeds off of teamwork. Throughout my time spent with the program, I have gained lifelong friendships and a true family. Volleyball has taught me to push my limits and embrace failure as part of the journey, understanding that each setback is an opportunity for growth. In the end, King Philip Volleyball has provided me with a purpose that is larger than myself.

Q: The National Business Honor Society has looked a little different under your leadership. Why is it so important to you for the group to have active monthly projects and how do you choose what those projects will be?

A: As the president of National Business Honors Society, I have high expectations for the organization and I have worked my hardest to expand its horizons in terms of community service. The honor society’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment has truly paid off through our consistent donations and contributions to neighboring towns. From our engaging events to the meaningful connections we have built, every effort has contributed to making National Business Honor Society a vibrant and welcoming aspect of the King Philip community.

Q: Your experience with the Real-World Math course sounds really positive. Why do you think the topics and skills are so essential for all students?

A: As a junior in high school, I have taken my fair share of curriculum classes, and one class that I would encourage all students to take is Real World Math. The class itself provides students with skills and resources that are essential to being successful in any field of employment. The curriculum bestows upon its students an endless amount of opportunities to learn lifelong skills, like how to reconcile a bank statement, how to track the stock market, as well as how to calculate medicare and social security tax. Real World Math teaches students material that would not have been taught elsewhere, like commissions, royalties, piecework pay, hourly rates, etc. It also prepares adolescents for things that may not be too far off in the future, like applying for automobile insurance and receiving a credit card statement. This class can only benefit students and grow their knowledge of the skills needed for the real world, which is why I encourage all KP students to take it.

Q: What advice do you have for students who have not yet found their interests/passions?

A: It can be extremely hard to find an activity or hobby that sparks your interest, and that is OKAY! If I were to give a piece of advice to these students, I would tell them to try everything and anything, and to dream big, for nothing is impossible. The sky's the limit when it comes to our high school’s extracurricular activities, and with an open mind and positive outlook, I truly believe there is something for everyone here at KP!