For Makiyah Blankenship, the journey to Meridian High School has been more than just a move. It has been a reset, a discovery, and ultimately, a place where he has found both opportunity and belonging.

Now an 11th-grade student at Meridian High School, Makiyah has lived in places much larger than Mounds, Illinois. Born in Tucson, Arizona, he spent his early childhood surrounded by the energy and scale of a major city. Later, he attended school in Jackson, Missouri, another large school district.

Those experiences shaped him. But it wasn’t until he arrived at Meridian during his freshman year that he began to fully understand the power of a smaller school community.

His move to southern Illinois came with his mother, who was looking for a fresh start and a new beginning. The transition was significant. Everything—from the size of the town to the size of the school—was different. “The schools I went to before were big,” Makiyah said. “Coming here was a change.”

But over time, that change revealed unexpected advantages. At Meridian, he discovered something that had been harder to find in larger schools: genuine connection. “I feel like there are more opportunities to get into college from here,” he said. “The teachers actually get to know you, and they can put in a good word for you. You can really get a connection with everybody here.”

That sense of connection has become one of the defining features of his Meridian experience.

Makiyah is not someone who stays on the sidelines. Since arriving, he has become involved in several student organizations that have helped him grow both socially and personally. He is an active member of Beta Club, FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), and FFA (Future Farmers of America)—each offering unique opportunities to develop skills and build relationships.

Through Beta Club, he has explored his creative side, even competing in a painting competition. While he didn’t walk away with a trophy, the experience helped him grow in ways that mattered more. “It really helps you learn to talk in front of people and get to know people,” he said. “It’s really about learning yourself.”

That self-discovery has been an important part of his journey. He describes himself as unique—a people person who enjoys meeting others and trying new things. That openness has helped him thrive in Meridian’s close-knit environment, where relationships form quickly, and support runs deep.

Athletics have also played a major role in his high school life. Makiyah is a member of both the varsity and junior varsity basketball teams, playing center on junior varsity and small forward on varsity. Basketball, which he began playing in junior high, has become both a passion and a source of personal growth.

This season has brought challenges, including adjusting to a new coach and learning new systems. But Makiyah sees those challenges as part of the process. “It’s been a learning year,” he said. “We’ve made good decisions and bad decisions, but we’ve all learned from them.”

Last year, the varsity team made an impressive run to the sectional level, an experience that showed Makiyah what is possible through teamwork and dedication. This year, he continues to build his skills and contribute to the team’s efforts.

Off the court, Makiyah is already thinking seriously about his future. He is considering attending trade school to learn skills in construction, mechanics, or electrical work—fields that offer both stability and opportunity. He understands the value of practical skills and isn’t afraid of hard work. Even now, he earns money by mowing lawns and cleaning homes, building independence and responsibility.

At the same time, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of continuing his basketball career if the right opportunity presents itself.

Wherever his path leads, Makiyah carries with him the lessons he has learned at Meridian. He has learned that smaller schools can offer bigger opportunities. He has learned that relationships matter. And he has learned that success begins with effort and belief in yourself.

Perhaps most importantly, he has found a place where he feels supported.“They make you feel like family,” he said.