Star Student Mackenzie Knott of the Elms thrives on other cultures, languages

Our Lady of the Elms High School graduate Mackenzie Knott's love for other languages and cultures has long fueled her academic endeavors.

The Akron native, who graduated May 27 with a 4.286 grade-point average, is this year's No. 1 Star Student.

When Knott was 11 and a shy new student at the Elms, she bonded with a South Korean student who was also new. Knott's new friend taught her the Korean alphabet and about Korean culture.