McLain High School senior Mikahya Matthews has a passion for music. She has been a part of the band since middle school as a trumpet player and even learned how to play the piano.

Mikahya plans to go to college in Oklahoma and venture out afterwards to either become an actress or a musician.

“One day I was watching a television show and thought it would be fun to be in something that people can watch and enjoy. Lately I’ve been into comedy and romance so that would be cool if I could be in something like that.”

One of her favorite parts of attending McLain has been marching band. She was even a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade and named her band director, Mr. Frank, as one of her favorite teachers this year.

When it comes to having a successful senior year, Mikahya shared her personal advice: “Do your school work from the beginning and make sure to do your community service.”

Mikahya wanted to give a shoutout to all the people she’s met in band over the past few years and wanted to thank her mom for being her number one supporter.

“My mom really likes that I play trumpet. She goes to my games and brings me to practice and takes me home every single day. She even keeps me on top of my homework so I stay focused.”

The McLain High School graduation will take place Wednesday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Expo Pavilion, 4145 East 21st St.