Mackenzie found a fascination with ventriloquism from one of her favorite childhood TV shows, Shari Lewis and Lambchop. She eventually graduated from homemade sock puppets to a Charlie McCarthy puppet. Thanks to her mentor, Kimberly Yeager Miller, Mackenzie captured the title of Miss Ohio 2014 with her spunky “felt friend”, Roxy.
The duo had the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Miss America Scholarship Competition. Mackenzie and Roxy won the Miss America Preliminary Talent Award and made the final top 10 at Miss America. Their performance caught the attention of Good Morning America and The Today show, where they were invited to make an appearance.
Mackenzie and Roxy have traveled across the country visiting Children’s Hospitals, Veteran’s Homes, schools, and media outlets in support of weather safety and STEM education. Roxy took over the airwaves yet again when she was named the winner of the reality show, America’s Next Weatherman. As a result, Mackenzie earned the opportunity to present the forecast on CNN’s New Day.
Mackenzie continues to showcase her “felt friends” at schools and events, sharing her passion for the art. Thanks to her mentor, Geoff Rams, her collection of puppets continues to grow.
Meet a few of Mackenzie’s “felt friends”…
Roxy
Roxy is a spunky puppet with a flair for the dramatic! If you ask her, she has a voice that could outshine a Broadway star. Roxy is always ready with a witty comeback and never misses a chance to charm her audience with her playful banter and infectious energy.
Raven
Raven is known to have a heart full of peace and a guitar always by her side! With a voice as smooth as her favorite riffs, Raven is all about spreading positivity and reminding us to embrace the rhythm of life. Get ready to rock out and in the words of Raven, “chill out”.
Joe
Meet Joe, the charmingly forgetful puppet who embodies the beauty of simplicity. Though his mind may wander and memories sometimes slip, his heart is always in the right place. Joe shares delightful stories from his past, often pausing to recall where he left his glasses or what he had for breakfast.