God, Family, Education, Football

God, Family, Education, Football

Immortal words from legendary JFK Coach Tony Napolet. They are on the scoreboard at the practice field overlooking the student parking lot. Besides the state titles and playoff appearance stats on that board, those words jump out to me every time.

Prioritizing what we want to do and what we have to do and what we should do is one of the most challenging things sometimes. I should read a book with my spare 20 minutes. I have to put some laundry away or order groceries (yes I order online and yes it's STILL a chore). I want to finish that episode of [insert current Netflix series]. I figure folding laundry while watching my show checks 2 out of 3 (and like Meatloaf says, that ain't bad). That one really great book is half-read inside my nightstand. I will get to it. Someday.

Looking at what we offer students at our school is no different. Funding is limited and time is fixed. So we prioritize.

God. Every day, every class there is time for prayer, silent reflection, scripture. Each month, the celebration of the Eucharist at Mass brings all upper campus students together. Additionally, service to others is woven through the fabric of our curriculum. This year we have collected toiletries for Harriet's Cupboard, a program of Catholic Charities, during the month of October; In November, we are collecting food to benefit St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. During December and January, we are partnering with Ursuline High School, Cardinal Mooney High School, and Catholic Charities for a special event called "Catholics in the Community." (Stay tuned for details!) These events are not at every school, but they are definitely time well spent.

Family. Our natural families and our Kennedy family are important to the growth of our students. "We Are Kennedy, We Are Family" isn't just a motto, it's how we live. Our Birds of a Feather program, which was founded last year, has continued to grow and evolve. The houses of the upper campus and the homerooms of the lower campus have met for Mass and an all-system pep rally. Gifts, treats, and videos have been sent back and forth to become acquainted and some senior girls even visited Kindergarten for library storytime. We love hosting our little Eagles and letting them know what the Kennedy family has to offer them throughout their time here.

Education. Besides the health and safety of students, education is our focus. Our academics are rigorous (ask our transfer students...they will tell you). Our programming is future-focused on skills that this generation will need in their college and career. This year alone, two alumni from Class of 2018 have contacted me with gratitude. United States Marines PFC Kahlil Travis visited us early in the year and said he was already promoted and was told he had excellent leadership skills. Storm Morgan sent a message that he got a sales job on campus and cited his experience in the Entrepreneurship Program and his major selling point as an employee. I know our students have amazing opportunities to receive the best possible education and it is great when we can see the fruits of our labor so soon after they graduate. Our alumni have changed the world around them--if you haven't had a chance to watch the short video about some of our outstanding alumni, please click here to watch. (and if you are interested in some student-created videos, I invite you to check out season 2 of WJFK, our weekly news show, created, filmed, and edited by students. It's entertaining!)

Football. Not just football. Just in the current fall sports season, we had boys golf advance to districts, girls tennis doubles advance to districts; girls soccer win districts to advance to regionals; and the football team is advancing to the playoffs for the fifth straight year this weekend. When we say "championship athletics," we mean it. Kennedy is a small school with a winning tradition. I say with all sincerity that our coaches are all about the STUDENT-athlete. They support the school mission in academics and behavior and create high expectations on the field, court, and course. Additionally, we can add in all of our other extra-curricular activities- a marching band and choir that took the field this fall, along with a new majorette line and state-level champion cheer squad. Our Speech & Debate team advanced students from junior high to high school in the national competition. Our theatre department produces unbelievably high-quality productions twice a year, with student performers ranging from 1st to 12th grade.

God. Family. Education. Football. Action expresses priorities (Mahatma Gandhi). Let us find our priorities in the wise words of Coach Nap and move into the end of this calendar year making the right choices for our time.

God Bless and GO EAGLES!!
Alyse Consiglio