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For Kohl Phillips, success is not defined by titles or academic achievement but by how well she cares for others and dedicates herself to what she loves.
A senior at Drew Central High School, Phillips is involved in multiple organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society, and Beta Club. She is also a member of the DCHS choir and Madrigals and has had the chance to sing at local healthcare facilities, community events, and the Arkansas State Capitol for its annual “Sounds of the Season” event.
“Drew Central Choir has definitely grown, and we get to have a lot more opportunities that we didn't have in my freshman and sophomore years,” Phillips said.
She shared that singing is truly one of her passions. Outside of school, she is an active member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she sings in the youth praise band.
When asked if she plans to continue singing after high school, she did not hesitate to respond.
“Definitely,” she said, adding that she plans to audition for the University of Central Arkansas choir sometime next month. After graduation, she plans to attend UCA and major in psychology with the goal of becoming a social worker.
“I really do like to help people, and I want to have a job that I can help people in,” she said.
Phillips’ love for performance also extends to acting. She has been involved in multiple school and community productions, including Oklahoma!, High School Musical, and The Little Mermaid, and most recently played Jan in SEARK Concert Association’s production of Grease: School Edition.
Her talents and interests extend beyond the stage as well. This spring, she was one of four Drew Central students chosen to attend Arkansas Girls State, a civic education and leadership program hosted by the American Legion of Arkansas. The experience gave her a glimpse into the world of politics, strengthened her leadership skills, and helped her build connections she says she will carry with her for life.
“I had a lot of fun just meeting people there,” she said. “I still have friends that I talk to from there pretty often.”
While at Girls State, she auditioned for the Variety Show, which gave her a chance to perform for a large audience.
“That was very cool,” she said.
Phillips was one of two Drew Central students chosen to attend Arkansas Governor’s School over the summer. The four-week residential program, hosted by Arkansas Tech University, provides a unique “intellectual atmosphere” and learning experience for a select group of Arkansas’ top students. To be selected, students undergo a rigorous application process that includes a school nomination, an application essay, and an audition tape (if applying for an arts emphasis). Phillips was the first student from DCHS to attend Governor’s School for drama.
Like Girls State, Phillips said the aspects of Governor’s School she enjoyed most were the connections made and friendships formed.
“One of the girls that was in my city [at Girls State] was on the same floor as me at Governor’s School, so I got to talk to her,” she said.
Phillips said she is very thankful to Drew Central School District for the opportunities she has been given socially, creatively, and academically.
“The teachers actually really want to help you, and I have a lot of friends here,” she said.
She has taken several college courses through Drew Central’s Collegiate Academy, which will give her a head start when she begins classes at UCA in the fall.
Her goal for the remainder of the semester, she shared, is to pass college algebra.
“I’m really struggling with that, but I still wanted to push myself and try to take the class,” she said.
Phillips is also thankful for her family's support, especially her mother's.
“I'm very grateful for my mom,” she said. “Without her, I wouldn't have been able to do any of the things that I've done.”
Overall, she wants to be remembered not for her achievements but for her kindness and compassion.
“I just want people to think of me as a kind person and know that I care about people,” she said.
She urges younger students, especially rising seniors, to plan for their futures early.
“Apply for college as soon as you can, and apply to as many as you can,” she said. “Apply for scholarships as well.”
As Phillips prepares for her next chapter, she carries with her the lessons learned on stage, through leadership, and through service, and she will surely shine brightly wherever life takes her next.
