KennedyConnect

Notre Dame Home & School Association, under the theatrical direction of Anita Philibin, produced a fantastic version of the blockbuster musical Annie Jr.  As a former theatre director, I’m a tough critic; however from the moment I entered the Kennedy cafeteria, which had been miraculously transformed into the Warbucks’ mansion, to the moment when the the cast earned a well deserved standing ovation, I couldn’t help but smile!  These young students (and Mr. Hoover) brought a taste of Broadway to Trumbull County and have set the stage for even better shows in the future.  Having witnessed the passion of these young performers and their dedicated fans, I can not help but to imagine the possibilities for a renewal and expansion of the performing arts at Kennedy.  I look forward to working with those interested in this project in the coming year.

With each passing day, I feel ever more grateful that God has led me to Kennedy.  On the way to my car after the show I found myself singing one of the songs, “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here.”  How true!

May the show always go on,
Brian Sinchak 

My wife and I (pictured below with one of our student hosts) enjoyed “kicking it” with the Kennedy community at the 18th annual Just For Kicks auction!  We have attended our fair share of fundraising events at the high school and collegiate levels and we can say with certainty that Kennedy’s auction is the finest - not only because of the incredible generosity demonstrated during the live auction, but because of the vibrant community gathered in the transformed Eagle gymnasium.  The success of this event is remarkable and serves as a testimony to the strength of the Kennedy community. 

The evening was a celebration of community!  A community of inspiring educators, influential businessmen, devoted volunteers, self-sacrificing parents and grandparents, powerful political leaders, remarkable students, and active alumni. If we were to catalog this type of community in the auction booklet we would have no choice but to value it as priceless!     

Several impressive Kennedy students were our hosts during the evening’s auction.  Over dinner they shared their reflections on Kennedy’s excellence and offered their thoughtful suggestions on strategies for improvement.  Our special thanks to Jenna Alloush, Elena Pipino, Michael Fronk, and Michael Perisa!  They are the reason evenings like this exist . . . to ensure that a Kennedy education is available for the best and brightest!  

(Left to Right – Brian Sinchak, Michael Fronk ‘09, Mandy Sinchak)

We consider ourselves blessed and lucky to be part of this family, this extraordinary Kennedy community!
Brian & Mandy Sinchak

Wow, these have been whirlwind days!  My excitement about joining the Kennedy community has literally driven me to put lots of miles on my car in commuting from Cleveland to Warren. I can’t seem to help myself from spending as much time as I can at the school.

During my visits I have had the chance to spend some time with the dedicated auction team - these ladies are amazing! I’ve been told that I haven’t seen an auction until I’ve been at Just For Kicks.  My wife, Mandy and I are greatly looking forward to the event - not only to bid on some incredible items but also to meet you.  There may even be an interesting live auction item that I will help sell – I suppose you will have to make plans to be there to find out what it is! 

In the course of the last two weeks I have been impressed and inspired by:
The hospitality of the Kennedy faculty and staff, the kindness of June Drennen, the vision of Jill Phillips, the focus of a junior track star on his way to practice, the generosity of a dedicated yearbook advisor, the vibrancy of the NDS Home and School Association, the coffee or dinner shared with passionate board members, the spirit of Coach Napolet, the professionalism of our basketball coaches, and of course the support of our Bishop and Office of Catholic Schools. 

This is only the beginning . . . the beginning of counting our blessings and the beginning of our work together!