Rogers Neighborhood Realty Senior Students of the Week: Mikena Ismail and Cody Bromley
Justin Scott - Info@redarrowpreps.com
8/29/2026
Welcome to the start of our new series presented by our friends at Rogers Neigherborhood Realty! Our students of the week segment has gone live with staff and coaches at LHS able to nominate the best students from sports, the arts, theatre, academic departments, and more.
It’s cross country that will start us off this fall.
Perseverance has shaped the high school experiences of Lowell XC seniors Mikena Ismail and Cody Bromley.
Both have learned the value of continuing to work when success feels distant. For Ismail, that effort can be seen in the classroom. For Bromley, it has helped him reach the state stage as a runner.
Ismail is involved in cross country, the Lowell Dance Team and National Honor Society. While those activities have played an important role in her high school experience, she said the relationships she has built will be what she remembers most.
“My favorite part about my time at Lowell is the friends and teachers I have met along the way,” Ismail said. “My friends are amazing, and I love them with all of my heart. I have also had many amazing teachers who inspired me to want to become a teacher.”
Ismail is especially proud of the grades she has earned through years of consistent effort.
“I work really hard to keep my grades high, even when it is difficult,” she said.
Mikena Ismail, one of Lowell Dance’s first dancers.
She credited Mr. Conlan, Mr. McFarland, Mrs. Mooney, Mrs. Ayala and Mrs. Swift with having the greatest influence on her during high school. Their impact helped shape Ismail’s plan to attend college and earn a degree in education.
“I would like to become a teacher so I can give back to other kids what my teachers have given to me,” she said.
Before graduation, Ismail wants to continue working hard, enjoy her senior year and be available for anyone who needs her. Her faith will remain central to those goals.
“I am the person I am today because I have the Lord with me,” Ismail said. “Even in the hardest places, He will never leave you.”
Her advice to younger students reflects the same determination she has discovered in herself.
“Never give up,” Ismail said. “Work hard for your dreams and work hard in your classes. If you work hard now, you are setting yourself up for the rest of your life and developing a great work ethic.”
Cody Bromley during the cross country state finals.
Bromley is a member of Lowell’s cross country and track programs and serves on the leadership team for Athlete Huddle. His favorite part of competing for Lowell has been the relationships he has developed with teammates over the past seven years.
His proudest accomplishment came when he qualified for state and competed there last season after falling short the previous year.
“I was aware that I was the guy who needed to step up to make it possible, and I worked my tail off to make sure we made it,” Bromley said.
Coach Brian Smith has played an important role in Bromley’s development, both as an athlete and as a person.
“He has helped me build my confidence to chase after my best self,” Bromley said. “He has been there on the late nights when I have questions about training and the early-morning long runs when I’m worrying about the next week’s race. Without the time Brian has invested in me as an individual, I would not be in the position I am today.”
Through those experiences, Bromley learned that fully committing himself to a goal leaves little room for turning back.
His goal for the remainder of his senior year is to do everything possible to continue running in college while competing at his best. After graduation, he plans to major in exercise science or kinesiology before attending physical therapy school.
Bromley encouraged younger Lowell students to understand that long-term success is built through what they do each day.
“Consistency, over anything else, builds what it takes to be successful,” he said.
