A Coeur d'Alene 10-year-old has been recognized for her plans to make lemonade out of prickly pears.

And lemons, of course.

McKenzie McMurray was awarded a $100 Amazon gift card and a shoutout from the Lemonade Day nonprofit, a Houston-based organization that encourages young entrepreneurs to be creative, courageous and kind in their lemonade stand ventures.

The local lemonade proprietor earned accolades in the Lemonade Day Holiday Pitch contest, in which she shared her plans for a summer lemonade stand with the theme of "Bringing a piece of my home in Arizona to North Idaho" where she will serve prickly pear lemonade.

"I was so excited," McKenzie told The Press via email Jan. 23.

"I miss Arizona and when my mom said they were doing a holiday pitch, I asked if we could think of something that would bring home to North Idaho," she said. "It was fun to find a recipe that I am using for the summertime. I am happy that doing this work I had the chance to win this and win some cool swag for my classroom."

McKenzie participated in Lemonade Day in 2024 when she and her business colleague, then-5-year-old Jaxon Lupton, dedicated a portion of their J & K Lemonade sales to Make-A-Wish Idaho to honor the memory of Jaxon's sister, Jaicey Lupton, who was 8 when she died from an undiagnosed terminal illness Sept. 1, 2023. McKenzie and Jaicey were also best buds.

This year, McKenzie is eager to grow her business, MNM Lemonade Squad, and share her proceeds with the nonprofit Red and Blue Foundation, which provides financial aid, grants and scholarships to Kootenai County's first responders and their families.

"I am very excited for the summer when I can do my stand and earn for my business and a great cause," she said. "I like our first responders and think they should be recognized, and I hope I can raise money to give back to help them when they need it."

McKenzie said she has learned that running a business is a lot of work. When she wants to play or see her friends, she knows her lemonade stand work must be done first.

"It has taught me how to save, spend and donate money, which is all very important," she said. "I am glad I am a kid and don’t have a lot of responsibility yet, but I know that it is preparing me for when I do have to work."

She said she enjoys raising awareness for good causes as well as promoting her business.

"I can’t wait to set up the new stand and give the new spot for where I will be and I hope a lot of other kids will participate too," McKenzie said. "It was a very hot day last year and lemonade made people happy.

"I am also happy I choose to donate to local charities because I know they need the help and I like to support my community," she added.

Mom Jessica McMurray said she is proud of her daughter's work and dedication to Lemonade Day.

"She is only 10 but has shown great interest in being an entrepreneur and what it takes to run a small business and what success means," she said. "She prides herself in learning and bringing great ideas to the community all through her small stand. She is excited for July and can’t wait to see how well she does this coming summer! Stay tuned!"

    McKenzie McMurray serves up lemonade at her stand during a hot day in summer 2024. The 10-year-old entrepreneur is a winner in the Holiday Lemonade Day Pitch Contest and will be serving prickly pear lemonade at her stand this summer.