KennedyConnect

While the biggest educational celebrations are still yet to come, I want to take a moment and reflect on two wonderful Kennedy celebrations: The annual Speech and Debate Banquet and the Junior & Senior Prom.

As a former speech team competitor and coach, it was a special honor and privilege to join Kennedy forensics students, their coaches and parents for a night of recognition for the accomplishments acheived during this past competitive season.  I was moved as students and coaches shared stories of success, tears of farewell, and words of thanksgiving.  Bravo to the coaching and support staff that led the team this year: Teri Dutton, Noah Bixler, Emma Elliott; Mary Pipino and Beverly Kook!  Best wishes to the team’s graduating seniors: Brad Baker, Cassandra Dando, Adam Drawl, Jeremy Giardina, Catherine Latell, Matthew Litke, Matthew Klaben, Ashley Mann, David Orlosky and Elena Pipino.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article not all extracurricular activities are created equal.  The article stated that according to college admissions officers participation in high school Speech and Debate is one of the best indicators for collegiate success (therefore increasing the likelihood of application acceptance).  I am proud that Kennedy has an active program and I pledge both my administrative support as well as my coaching assistance to help this program grow to be even stronger! 

Members of the 2007-2008 Kennedy Speech & Debate Team

Debate then Dancing . . . The Junior & Senior Prom

Nothing says celebration quite like a prom!  As a guest of the junior class, I had the opportunity to attend this year’s prom and witness my very first promenade (or prom march). 

The young men looked like they stepped off the cover of GQ and the young ladies looked elegant wearing dresses that easily could be seen on any Hollywood red carpet!  Hats-off to Mrs. Binko and her team of students for creating an atmosphere of fun at the Avalon Inn with their beach party theme complete with the finest tiki-bar I’ve ever seen!

And then there was the dancing.  While I enjoyed sharing dinner, conversations, and punch with students as well as the other adult chaperones, nothing was quite as much fun as watching (and at times laughing) at the energetic dancing!  At one point there was even a dance-off between five young men.  And while he came in a close second, I have to give a shout-out to senior Jim Bluedorn (pictured below) for his skills on the dance floor - I am still laughing at his rockin’ air guitar moves during Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Senior Jim Bluedorn after a long night of dancing at Prom

As the newest member of the Kennedy family, it is clear to me that we have much to celebrate and many reasons to look forward to the celebrations yet to come!

Peace,
Brian Sinchak