“The
roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
--
Aristotle
By
Tommie Saylor
Kennedy
High School Principal
I
have spent the better part of the last week telling parents, community members and
new students all about Kennedy High School. Yet, I never quite seemed to “hit
the nail on the head.”
Try
as I might, I just could not capture the essence of Kennedy. I can spew numbers,
statistics and brag about our accomplishments `and philosophies, but I can’t
convey what it feels like to be part of the Kennedy family.
Next
time, maybe I should just tell them about a recent graduate who has fallen
mortally ill, with his dying wish to meet the Michigan State football team.
Hearing
this, Ms. Courtney Osborne sprang into action making phone calls trying to see
if she could help this young man realize his final dream. One of the
phone calls Ms. Osborne made was to Coach Jim Carlisle, who using his coaching
connections, was able to arrange a meet and greet between this young man and the
MSU team.
Next
time, I should tell them how Ms. Christine Huffman went well out of her way to
help a student that does not even attend Kennedy. Ms. Huffman received a
phone call from a student that was desperately trying to enroll himself in
school. What captured Ms. Huffman’s heart was the young man’s anguish
trying to get enrolled in school without parental assistance.
According
to Ms. Huffman, the young man made multiple inquiries with several neighboring
school districts. Ms. Huffman told the student to stop making phone calls and that
she would find out which district he belonged and call him back. Moments
later, Ms. Huffman was able to call the student back letting him know what
school district he lived in, and the contact phone number and information the
student would need to register.
Needless
to say, the student was extremely grateful that someone took the time to lend
assistance.
Next
time, maybe should tell them about how Ms. Osborne picked up one of last year’s
graduates and took him off to college, and helped him move in. Apparently the
family did not have gas money or a working vehicle to get this “full ride”
scholarship recipient off to college.
Perhaps
I should explain how SFC Michael Burton graciously accepted the Truman JROTC
cadets with open arms, each integrating into the Kennedy program without loss
of rank, awards or citations.
Maybe
even explain how our counselors, Ms. Lezlie Smith and Ms. Kimberly Santiz,
regardless of increased case load and Internet reliability issues have
dedicated themselves to meeting with each and every student to adjust their
schedules as necessary even if it means taking armloads of work home and
working on weekends.
Simply,
Kennedy High School is a school with heart.
We
don’t work to just educate the children of our community, we work hard to help
raise the children of our community. Kennedy High School is more than just a
school, we are a service oriented community center.
Helping
students to find their greatness. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence
by design.
