#OurStoriesCRCSD - Kennedy
2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR
Carson Uthe is a senior at Kennedy High School and loves the performing arts. Carson goes out for all the choral and speech opportunities available to him, “ I love performing and it’s a great creative outlet for me..” 
Kennedy High School’s, Happiness, INC. is the oldest show choir west of the Mississippi. The program started in 1967 when the high school opened. The highly regarded vocal ensemble is not only a tradition but is also making students #FutureReady.
Larry Williams is an Engagement Specialist at Kennedy High School. Larry’s job is to help facilitate senior’s attendance and academics. “I love the interaction with students and faculty members…and I find the job very rewarding.” #OurStoriesCRCSD #Kennedy
Kennedy High School's speech program is highly regarded in the state and students regularly finish in the top tier of competitions. The program's director shares some of the secrets to their success.
Marlys Dengler has been a friendly face at Kennedy High School for the past 10 years. As Attendance Secretary she checks students in and out of the building and welcomes people to the school. “I really enjoy working around the students and the staff each day.” #OurStoriesCRCSD
2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR
Hear from Jason Kline, principal of Kennedy High School, about how the school is preparing students to be future focused and ready for their next educational chapter.
The Best Buddies club has been a part of Kennedy High School for 13 years. It's been a support group for Kennedy's special needs students but its also a support group for students who work together with the special needs students.
Kennedy High School is very proud of their Advance Placement program, which is the biggest in the state of Iowa. One special AP program has been unique to the school for the past three years.
Barry Wilson has taught at Kennedy High School for 44 years. Actually, every day he still sits at his original desk.
He now teaches Career Tech Ed, an updated title to what was once called Industrial Arts. Career Tech remains focused on skills associated with welding, auto mechanics, woodworking, and manufacturing.
“The importance of what I am teaching right now is there are a lot of job opportunities for skilled tradespeople,” said Barry Wilson.
Throughout Wilson’s teaching career, he has worked to keep Kennedy High School involved in introducing students to the skilled trades.
“It’s a neat deal,” Wilson said. “I can introduce students to the intro concepts of the trades and students then can figure out if these skills and concepts fit their style.” If the shoe fits, so to speak, then the student can further that skill by attending the Kirkwood Regional Center while still in high school. At the Kirkwood Regional Center, students can earn certifications in manufacturing, welding, or construction which would mean they could immediately seek a career in their field.
“They can then use that skill to pay for—if they choose to go to college—to pay for college without borrowing any money,” he said. “Do what you like and get the education that you want.”
Barry takes pride in the fact that Kennedy High School has the only manufacturing program and intro to welding class in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the electric car program at Kennedy. The current electric car team recently held a dinner and invited back all the graduates from the program. Barry stood at the door and greeted each attendee. He recalls, “When these students come back and they have found what they like to do and they are successful at what they are doing and they are able to live a comfortable live doing it, that is what makes what I do exciting.”
This Kennedy Cougar realized her career dream all while melting hot metal.
Kennedy students discuss what makes the Cougar spirit so special.