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John F. Kennedy High School (Montgomery County, Maryland)
Encyclopedia
John F. Kennedy High School is a public high school
located in unincorporated Silver Spring
in Montgomery County
, Maryland
.
The school is a part of Montgomery County Public Schools
.
Over 1,550 students are enrolled at Kennedy. Since the 2004-2005 school year Kennedy has been part of the Down County Consortium, which includes Montgomery Blair
, Wheaton
, Einstein
, and Northwood
High Schools. Kennedy's mascot is the Cavalier
.
Kennedy has several middle schools which feed into it as it is part of a consortium although there are two middle schools assigned specifically to Kennedy; Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School, and Argyle Middle School.
's unfortunate assassination in November 1963 the school took his name as its namesake.
Kennedy's early history is that of an experimental school, with open classes, no grades, and no required attendance. The onus was on Kennedy's students to be self-motivated. Kennedy's rare approach to education gained international attention, but ultimately these trends did not become very popular in other schools. Kennedy itself ceased to use this format as many parents refused to send their children to Kennedy.
After the baby boom
generation, many schools were forced to close. Kennedy absorbed the student bodies of Northwood High School. Their feeder schools were absorbed by Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School.
The Kennedy building was renovated in the 1997-98 school year. During that time, Kennedy's students attended classes at the then defunct Northwood High School. In 2004 Northwood was reopened, absorbing parts of Kennedy's student body through a new choice process.
, 0.5% Native American
, 11.5% Asian
, 31.1% Hispanic
, and 15.8% White. Kennedy is one of the most diverse schools in Montgomery County
and because of this, Kennedy has been the subject of several articles in the Washington Post.
to World History
. The school also performed SAT
(477 verbal, 493 math, 969 total) and requires 75 hours of community service for graduation.
The school sent 89% of its 2005 graduating class to two- and four-year universities.
In 2006, John F. Kennedy High School was listed in the Newsweek Magazines top 1200 High Schools in the U.S., as the 443rd highest-rated school in the country.
who provide professors to teach courses throughout the week.
Students gain college skills and earn college credits by taking college courses during the regular school day. The College Institute extends opportunities beyond AP level and students can earn up to 30 college credits while attending their high school. These credits may be applied towards a Montgomery College degree and/or be applied to any receiving school.
The International Baccalaureate Academy is a small learning community that provides highly motivated students an opportunity to pursue a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum based on a global perspective. The academy, within its nurturing environment, offers an internationally recognized course of study that is designed to prepare students for the university experience. Students are encouraged to participate in the Pre-IB courses beginning in Grade 9. The IB Diploma Program begins in Grade 11.
and the University of Richmond
lend their support to LTI.
The Leadership Training institute is currently directed by Ms. Yolada Rious. The former director, Rachel Bolling, was essential in the establishment of LTI.
. This course of instruction is available all four years of high school. The mission of NJROTC is “to instill in students the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.”
The curriculum is divided into academic studies and leadership development. Academics introduce the historical, scientific, and technical aspects specific to each service. Leadership development concentrates on cadet corps activities, drill and ceremonies, improving study habits and time management skills, developing effective communication skills, and learning sound problem-solving techniques.
Commissioned in 2001, Kennedy High School's NJROTC unit has been led by several individuals.
(Ret.)
2007–Present LCDR
Leonard C. Greig, U.S. Army
/U.S. Coast Guard
(Ret.)
Gregory Bowman, U.S. Marine Corps
(Ret.)
2004-2005 1stSgt Russell Steward, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
2005–2011 MCPO
Tommy Brady, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
2011-Present SCPO
Kenneth Montgomery, U.S. Marine Corps/ U.S. Navy (Ret.)
In 2003, the Kennedy High School NJROTC Drill Team was invited to the Area Five Regional Championship in Norfolk, Virginia
where they placed first in armed and second place unarmed standard Drill.
The Kennedy Drill Team had defied the odds and established themselves as a competitive school in a highly competitive Drill region by defeating schools whose programs had existed for a significantly longer time, especially dominant "powerhouse" schools from Virginia.
Kennedy's NJROTC Unit has received the "Unit Achievement" award three times; 2004–2005, 2005–2006, and 2007-2008.
In the 2008-2009 year, the Area Five manager awarded JFK NJROTC with "Distinguished Unit", a first in its 8 year history.
1984 (Class A; 18-15; Coach Brady Straub)
Boy's Soccer State Champions
1978 (Class B vs. Oakland Mills; Coach Gene Hostetler)
1989 (Class 3A; tied 2-2 vs. Howard {then #1 ranked team in USA Today}; Coach Jeff Schultz)
Field Hockey State Champion:
1981 (5-0; Coach Barbara Belt)
Boys' Cross Country State Champions:
1974 (Class A; 64; Coach Al Bellman)
Girls' Cross Country State Champion:
1983 (Class A; 67; Coach Al Bellman)
Cheerleading State Champions:
1999; 2000; 2007
for a lengthy losing streak in 2005 which had since been broken.
. The Cavaliers exceeded expectations by winning 10 games and making the playoffs. Kennedy managed to avenge their 49-7 loss from earlier in the season by beating the state powerhouse Seneca Valley Screamin' Eagles 19-7, the teams first playoff win since 1992. The team entered the second round of the playoffs against Urbana High School
, but came up short.
. This almost spilled over, with several students threatening others but fortunately no incidents occurred. The teams played each other during the 2006-2007 season and both times Rockville won. Since then the rivalry has subsided, but Rockville-Kennedy lacrosse games still fill the stands.
which is located down Randolph Road. The Rivalry is fueled by the schools close proximity to one another. The Wheaton-Kennedy Rivalry is one of the oldest rivalries in Montgomery County.
Other smaller rivalries include those with Albert Einstein High School
and for Lacrosse; Rockville High School (Maryland)
.
The gymnasium hallway bears the last name of former Kennedy all-star basketball player and captain Jeremy Herring. Herring, who was the lead scorer for Montgomery County in 2007, was slain along with his brother Justin Herring (also an alumni) in the summer following his graduation.
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
located in unincorporated Silver Spring
Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 71,452 at the 2010 census, making it the fourth most populous place in Maryland, after Baltimore, Columbia, and Germantown.The urbanized, oldest, and...
in Montgomery County
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland, situated just to the north of Washington, D.C., and southwest of the city of Baltimore. It is one of the most affluent counties in the United States, and has the highest percentage of residents over 25 years of age who hold post-graduate...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
.
The school is a part of Montgomery County Public Schools
Montgomery County Public Schools
Montgomery County Public Schools ' is a school district that serves Montgomery County, Maryland, USA. It is the largest school district in Maryland. As of the 2009–2010 school year, the district had 11,500 FTE teachers serving 141,777 students at 200 schools.Students in the district score among the...
.
Over 1,550 students are enrolled at Kennedy. Since the 2004-2005 school year Kennedy has been part of the Down County Consortium, which includes Montgomery Blair
Montgomery Blair High School
Montgomery Blair High School is a public high school located in unincorporated Silver Spring in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States...
, Wheaton
Wheaton High School
Wheaton High School is an American four-year public high school in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is located in the unincorporated Wheaton/Glenmont section of Silver Spring, about 5 miles north of Washington, D.C.....
, Einstein
Albert Einstein High School
Albert Einstein High School, named after the German-American physicist, Albert Einstein, is a four-year high school located at 11135 Newport Mill Road, near Kensington in unincorporated Montgomery County, Maryland. The principal is James G. Fernandez, and the assistant principals are Linda Jasper,...
, and Northwood
Northwood High School (Silver Spring, Maryland)
Northwood High School is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and is part of Montgomery County Public Schools. Northwood originally opened in 1956. In 1985 it was closed in a contested decision by the Montgomery County School Board in an effort to alleviate the concentration of minorities enrolling...
High Schools. Kennedy's mascot is the Cavalier
Cavalier
Cavalier was the name used by Parliamentarians for a Royalist supporter of King Charles I and son Charles II during the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the Restoration...
.
Kennedy has several middle schools which feed into it as it is part of a consortium although there are two middle schools assigned specifically to Kennedy; Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School, and Argyle Middle School.
History
Opening its doors in 1964, The school was originally going to be called "East Wheaton High School" but due to President John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
's unfortunate assassination in November 1963 the school took his name as its namesake.
Kennedy's early history is that of an experimental school, with open classes, no grades, and no required attendance. The onus was on Kennedy's students to be self-motivated. Kennedy's rare approach to education gained international attention, but ultimately these trends did not become very popular in other schools. Kennedy itself ceased to use this format as many parents refused to send their children to Kennedy.
After the baby boom
Baby boom
A baby boom is any period marked by a greatly increased birth rate. This demographic phenomenon is usually ascribed within certain geographical bounds and when the number of annual births exceeds 2 per 100 women...
generation, many schools were forced to close. Kennedy absorbed the student bodies of Northwood High School. Their feeder schools were absorbed by Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School.
The Kennedy building was renovated in the 1997-98 school year. During that time, Kennedy's students attended classes at the then defunct Northwood High School. In 2004 Northwood was reopened, absorbing parts of Kennedy's student body through a new choice process.
Student diversity
Kennedy is 41.5% African AmericanAfrican American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, 0.5% Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, 11.5% Asian
Asian people
Asian people or Asiatic people is a term with multiple meanings that refers to people who descend from a portion of Asia's population.- Central Asia :...
, 31.1% Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
, and 15.8% White. Kennedy is one of the most diverse schools in Montgomery County
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland, situated just to the north of Washington, D.C., and southwest of the city of Baltimore. It is one of the most affluent counties in the United States, and has the highest percentage of residents over 25 years of age who hold post-graduate...
and because of this, Kennedy has been the subject of several articles in the Washington Post.
Academics
Kennedy has four academies: The Leadership Training Institute (LTI), Tri-M (Academy of Sports Medicine, Management, and Medical Careers), Cambridge, and Mediacom. Students are required to be a member of one of these four academies to attend Kennedy. LTI is in its 10th year, Tri-M was inducted along with the class of 06, and Cambridge and Mediacom both came along with the class of '08. Although, starting in the 2008-2009 school year, the Cambridge academy will become an IB program. Kennedy also has an NJROTC program. Kennedy High School offers over 15 Advanced Placement courses, ranging from Studio ArtStudio art
Studio art is made of art and studio, and the term has several implications depending on the context used. The term encompasses all art forms, be they performing or visual.-Definition:...
to World History
World History
World History, Global History or Transnational history is a field of historical study that emerged as a distinct academic field in the 1980s. It examines history from a global perspective...
. The school also performed SAT
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a nonprofit organization in the United States. It was formerly developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service which still...
(477 verbal, 493 math, 969 total) and requires 75 hours of community service for graduation.
The school sent 89% of its 2005 graduating class to two- and four-year universities.
In 2006, John F. Kennedy High School was listed in the Newsweek Magazines top 1200 High Schools in the U.S., as the 443rd highest-rated school in the country.
Academy Programs
New Academy programs such as "The College Institute" have brought students into a more productive environment.College Institute
Kennedy is one of few schools in Montgomery County who offer College Institute. The program is possible through a partnership with Montgomery CollegeMontgomery College
Montgomery College is a public, open access community college located in Montgomery County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. in the United States. The college has three campuses, the largest of which is in Rockville; the other campuses are in Takoma Park/Silver Spring and Germantown...
who provide professors to teach courses throughout the week.
Students gain college skills and earn college credits by taking college courses during the regular school day. The College Institute extends opportunities beyond AP level and students can earn up to 30 college credits while attending their high school. These credits may be applied towards a Montgomery College degree and/or be applied to any receiving school.
MediaCom: Multimedia & Telecommunications
The Multimedia and Telecommunications Academy, through a rigorous program of study, provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create media messages in a variety of formats—from print to the Internet and beyond. The Academy seeks to develop life-long learners who have an understanding of the role media plays in society, as well as the essential skills of inquiry, self-expression, and critical thinking.Cambridge
The Cambridge program is a small learning community that prepares highly motivated students to be competitive at the university level. The Cambridge curriculum has a global perspective which aims to encourage the skills of independent research and investigation, the use of initiative and creativity, and the application of skills and knowledge through essay-based examinations. The pathways are designed to accommodate the individual learner and provide the flexibility necessary for students to pursue their personal areas of interest. Since 2007, the academy is no longer offered.International Baccalaureate
After the 2011 Graduating Class the Cambridge Program will phase out to become an IB program.The International Baccalaureate Academy is a small learning community that provides highly motivated students an opportunity to pursue a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum based on a global perspective. The academy, within its nurturing environment, offers an internationally recognized course of study that is designed to prepare students for the university experience. Students are encouraged to participate in the Pre-IB courses beginning in Grade 9. The IB Diploma Program begins in Grade 11.
Tri-M: Medical Careers, Sports Medicine and Sports Management
Students will participate in a wide variety of academically rigorous sports medicine opportunities that will prepare them for college or career. To complete the program, students will earn at least four (4) credits in academy–approved courses and will complete a senior project, college coursework, and/or participate in an internship. Students will also be expected to meet the academy service hours requirement each year.....Rigorous courses taught in a nurturing environment and hands-on learning defines this academy as it prepares students for collega and careers.Leadership Training Institute (LTI)
The Leadership Training Institute (LTI) is a program designed to prepare students for successful decision making in their scholastic and professional careers. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary curricula, leadership training, group decision making, problem solving, higher-level thinking skills, community service, and role modeling. Academy of Leadership at the University of MarylandUniversity of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
and the University of Richmond
University of Richmond
The University of Richmond is a selective, private, nonsectarian, liberal arts university located on the border of the city of Richmond and Henrico County, Virginia. The University of Richmond is a primarily undergraduate, residential university with approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate...
lend their support to LTI.
The Leadership Training institute is currently directed by Ms. Yolada Rious. The former director, Rachel Bolling, was essential in the establishment of LTI.
Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)
John F. Kennedy High School offers a unique program as an elective course, Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC)Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the United States...
. This course of instruction is available all four years of high school. The mission of NJROTC is “to instill in students the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.”
The curriculum is divided into academic studies and leadership development. Academics introduce the historical, scientific, and technical aspects specific to each service. Leadership development concentrates on cadet corps activities, drill and ceremonies, improving study habits and time management skills, developing effective communication skills, and learning sound problem-solving techniques.
Commissioned in 2001, Kennedy High School's NJROTC unit has been led by several individuals.
Senior Naval Science Instructors
2001-2007 CAPT Kenneth Trass, U.S. NavyUnited States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
(Ret.)
2007–Present LCDR
Lieutenant commander (United States)
Lieutenant commander is a mid-ranking officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, with the pay grade of O-4 and NATO rank code OF-3...
Leonard C. Greig, U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
/U.S. Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
(Ret.)
Naval Science Instructors
2001-2004 GySgtGunnery Sergeant
Gunnery Sergeant is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a staff non-commissioned officer...
Gregory Bowman, U.S. Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
(Ret.)
2004-2005 1stSgt Russell Steward, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
2005–2011 MCPO
Master Chief Petty Officer
- Master Chief Petty Officer :U.S. Coast GuardMaster ChiefPetty OfficerCap & Collar deviceU.S. Coast GuardMaster ChiefPetty OfficerinsigniaGood conductRating badgeMaster ChiefPetty OfficerCap & Collar Insignia...
Tommy Brady, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
2011-Present SCPO
Senior Chief Petty Officer
U.S. Coast GuardSenior ChiefPetty Officercollar deviceU.S. Coast GuardSenior ChiefPetty OfficerinsigniaGood conductvariationSenior ChiefPetty OfficerinsigniaSenior ChiefPetty Officercollar device...
Kenneth Montgomery, U.S. Marine Corps/ U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Commanding Officers, Executive Officers
| Year | Commanding Officer | Executive Officer |
|---|---|---|
| 01-02 | C/LCDR Vanessa Dennis | C/LT Sam Corum |
| 02-03 | C/LCDR Christopher Chung | C/LT Eli Cohen |
| 03-04 | C/LCDR Alicia Rodriguez | C/LT Filipe Domingues |
| 04-05 | C/LCDR Filipe Domingues | C/LT Traye Gilliam |
| 05-06 | C/LCDR Doug Rigterink | C/LT Hugo Soto |
| 06-07 | C/LCDR Langston Bryant | C/LT Davean Garcia |
| 07-08 | C/LCDR Poojan Presswala | C/LT Kaylla Schubert |
| 08-09 | C/LCDR Brandon Owens | C/LT Juan Melendez |
| 09-10 | C/LCDR Benjamin Thompson | C/LT Maritza Mena |
| 10-11 | C/LCDR Saroja Stone | C/LT Kenneth Thompson |
| 11-12 | C/LCDR Jair A. Castiblanco | C/LT Franklin Maravilla |
Unit Achievements
AREA FIVE (Regional MD,DE,VA, Championship)In 2003, the Kennedy High School NJROTC Drill Team was invited to the Area Five Regional Championship in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
where they placed first in armed and second place unarmed standard Drill.
The Kennedy Drill Team had defied the odds and established themselves as a competitive school in a highly competitive Drill region by defeating schools whose programs had existed for a significantly longer time, especially dominant "powerhouse" schools from Virginia.
Kennedy's NJROTC Unit has received the "Unit Achievement" award three times; 2004–2005, 2005–2006, and 2007-2008.
In the 2008-2009 year, the Area Five manager awarded JFK NJROTC with "Distinguished Unit", a first in its 8 year history.
Fall sports
- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
- Pom Poms
Championships
All tournaments and finals are conducted by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) --- An incomplete list of a few Championships:- Football State Championships:
- 1977
- Football Division Champions: 1984; 1990
- Football Regional Champions: 1984
- Boys' Soccer Finalist: 1980; 1985
- Boy's Track & Field Finalist; 1967
- Field Hockey State Semi-Finalist: 1980; 1982
- Boys' Soccer Regional Champions: 1979
- Boys' Soccer Division Champions: 2010
- Girls' Soccer Division Champions: 1997;2009
- Boys' Tennis Division Champions: 1980; 1988; 1989; 1999; 2000; 2005
- Girls' Tennis Division Champions: 1993; 2002
- Girls' Cross Country Division Champions: 1983; 1984; 1987; 1988
- Girls' Cross Country Regional Champions: 1983; 1984
- Cheerleading County Division Champions: 1999; 2000; 2002; 2008;
- Cheerleading County Champions: 1999; 2000
- Girls' Basketball Division Champions: 2006
- Boys' Basketball Division Champions: 1989; 1997; 2004
- Boys' Basketball Regional Champions: 1989; 1996; 2004
- Boys' Swim & Dive Team: Division Champions: 2005; 2007
- Girls' Swim & Dive Team: Division Champions: 2007
- Girls' Indoor Track County Champions: 1986; 1989
- Girls' Indoor Track Regional Champions: 1985; 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989
- Girls' Track & Field Division Champions: 1983; 1984; 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989;
- Boy's Indoor Track County Champions: 1986
- Boy's Indoor Track Regional Champions: 1979
- Boys' Track & Field Division Champions: 1984; 1988; 1989; 1993; 2002
Notable achievements
The football team was noted in The Washington PostThe Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
for a lengthy losing streak in 2005 which had since been broken.
Reemergence of Football
In the 2006 fall season the Kennedy football team came in with a 25 game losing streak. With a new head coach, former arena league and NFL receiver Gunnard Twyner, and the emergence of star athlete Melvin Harris the Cavaliers broke their losing streak by winning their first game of the season against Albert Einstein High SchoolAlbert Einstein High School
Albert Einstein High School, named after the German-American physicist, Albert Einstein, is a four-year high school located at 11135 Newport Mill Road, near Kensington in unincorporated Montgomery County, Maryland. The principal is James G. Fernandez, and the assistant principals are Linda Jasper,...
. The Cavaliers exceeded expectations by winning 10 games and making the playoffs. Kennedy managed to avenge their 49-7 loss from earlier in the season by beating the state powerhouse Seneca Valley Screamin' Eagles 19-7, the teams first playoff win since 1992. The team entered the second round of the playoffs against Urbana High School
Urbana High School (Maryland)
Urbana High School is a public high school in Urbana, Maryland, and is the only International Baccalaureate Diploma School in Frederick County. The school colors are navy, gray, and white, and the mascot is the hawk. The principal is Ms. Kathy Campagnoli, and the Vice Principals are Mr. Jeff...
, but came up short.
Baseball
When the graduating class of 2008 arrived at Kennedy H.S. in 2004, it was easy to recognize that this would be one of the best athletic group of student-athletes the school would ever have. Though not easily noticeable, improvements were taking place little by little in all of Kennedy's sports seasons. Not many records improved, but much respect was gained. The 2005 baseball season for the Cavs concluded in the ending of a 5-year losing streak, with a come-from-behind win against Albert Einstein H.S. Jack Chizik, coach at the time, and the team would have something to be proud of and build on. The following year, some experienced sophomores who played on the varsity team the year before returned to the field once again, looking to keep improving and make Kennedy's varsity baseball program a well-respected one. And so they did, finishing the season with a 2-14 record, and losing some close games to tough teams not to mention an 8-3 win against powerhouse Paint Branch H.S. A big role was played by new coach and former Southern University MVP Mike Maroto, who came from Atlanta, Georgia, after having coached a team that constantly made the state championships. Maroto had a rough transition to make, but in his first year, a huge improvement showed. In 2007, the team was mainly made up of '07 and '08. The players formed close bonds and, yet again, doubled their win total from the year before, to a record of 4-12. Perhaps the biggest and most noticeable improvement came in the 2008 baseball season. With many position players missing due to graduation in 2007, the Cavs felt they were not in a good position. Nevertheless, Coach Maroto stayed positive and led an offseason workout program in which prominent role players improved not only physically, but mentally, and skillfully. After dropping the first game, the Cavs came back to win the next four in a row. Due to the efforts and hard work of the team, and coaches (Maroto and Watts), the Cavs finished the season with an 8-8 record. Prominent role players included senior catcher Tony Staffa, Senior shortstop Elio Peraza, Senior pitcher/first baseman Michael Sullivan, and Senior center fielder Noah Walker. The Cavs had their best season in decades, along with Staffa making the County All-Star team.Lacrosse
Although on a recent downward trend since the departure of Coach David Heiney-Gonzalez, the Cavaliers lacrosse team is known throughout Montgomery County as a powerhouse contender. Former Coach Gonzalez was instrumental in converting football athletes to emerging lacrosse players. Although they lacked strong stick skills, due to pure athleticism and coaching, the team was able to compete with established lacrosse teams including Springbrook, Wooton and Sherwood High School. Previous notable players include Munachimso Okoji, Sanoussy Barry, Prashant Rao and Thomas "Teddy" Wescott that showed strong potential under Coach Gonzalez's training. During the 2006-2007 season the Rockville-Kennedy rivalry reached an all time high with players, coaches and even parents trash-talking over the popular internet website FacebookFacebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
. This almost spilled over, with several students threatening others but fortunately no incidents occurred. The teams played each other during the 2006-2007 season and both times Rockville won. Since then the rivalry has subsided, but Rockville-Kennedy lacrosse games still fill the stands.
Athletic Rivalries
Kennedy's main rival is Wheaton High SchoolWheaton High School
Wheaton High School is an American four-year public high school in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is located in the unincorporated Wheaton/Glenmont section of Silver Spring, about 5 miles north of Washington, D.C.....
which is located down Randolph Road. The Rivalry is fueled by the schools close proximity to one another. The Wheaton-Kennedy Rivalry is one of the oldest rivalries in Montgomery County.
Other smaller rivalries include those with Albert Einstein High School
Albert Einstein High School
Albert Einstein High School, named after the German-American physicist, Albert Einstein, is a four-year high school located at 11135 Newport Mill Road, near Kensington in unincorporated Montgomery County, Maryland. The principal is James G. Fernandez, and the assistant principals are Linda Jasper,...
and for Lacrosse; Rockville High School (Maryland)
Rockville High School (Maryland)
Rockville High School is a comprehensive, four-year high school in Rockville, Maryland, United States. The school was founded in 1968 and its current building was completed in August, 2004. As of 2009, enrollment was 1,243 students. Earle B...
.
Facilities
Kennedy's Football stadium is named in memory of Brady Straub, who coached the 1984 football team to the state championship. The following year, he bravely led the team while battling cancer, succumbing shortly after the end of the season. The field was redone in the spring of 2007 after being condemned by the county for poor conditions.The gymnasium hallway bears the last name of former Kennedy all-star basketball player and captain Jeremy Herring. Herring, who was the lead scorer for Montgomery County in 2007, was slain along with his brother Justin Herring (also an alumni) in the summer following his graduation.
Notable alumni
- Allison KrauseAllison KrauseAllison B. Krause was an honor student at Kent State University, Ohio, when she was shot and killed by the Ohio Army National Guard in the Kent State Massacre, while protesting the invasion of Cambodia and the presence of the National Guard on the Kent State campus...
, (Class of 1969) one of the students who died protesting at the Kent State massacre. - David SilvermanDavid SilvermanDavid Silverman is an animator best known for directing numerous episodes of the animated TV series The Simpsons, as well as The Simpsons Movie...
(Class of 1975), animator of the show The SimpsonsThe SimpsonsThe Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
. Supervising director of The Simpsons MovieThe Simpsons MovieThe Simpsons Movie is a 2007 American animated comedy film based on the animated television series The Simpsons. The film was directed by David Silverman, and stars the regular television cast of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Tress...
. - Eric Robinson (Class of 1978), Captain of the 1978 Maryland State Championship Football Team. Offensive Captain, Indiana State Univ Football 1980-82. COSIDA NCAA Academic All-American 1981 & 1982, Football. He played two seasons in the USFL for the Washington Federals 1983-1984, All-USFL 1st team KR/PR. Minnesota Vikings (1985) RB/KR.
- Mark RobinsonMark Robinson (American football)Mark Robinson is a former professional American football player. He was a 1982 Consensus All-American safety at Penn State University. He played 9 seasons as a safety in the National Football League....
(Class of 1980), All-American, Penn State Univ. 1981, 1982 & 1983. Captain 1982 National Championship Team Penn State Univ.(vs Univ of Georgia) MVP 1983 Sugar Bowl-National Championship. COSIDA Academic All-American 1982. He played seven seasons from 1984 to 1990 for the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Won the Ed Block Courage Award with the Kansas City Chiefs, 1986. - Vencie GlennVencie GlennVencie Leonard Glenn is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He played college football at Indiana State.Glenn also played for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota...
(Class of 1982), He played ten seasons from 1986 to 1995 for the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. He had 35 career interceptions. He had one of the longest returns for a touchdown (103 yds) in NFL history. - Erik McMillanErik McMillanErik Charles McMillan is a former American football defensive back who played for the New York Jets , Philadelphia Eagles , Cleveland Browns , and Kansas City Chiefs . McMillan was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1988 and 1989. In 1988, McMillan was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the...
(Class of 1983), He played six seasons from 1988 to 1993, playing for the Jets for five of those seasons, and the Eagles, Browns & Chiefs the last. He recovered 2 fumbles for touchdowns in a season, tying an NFL record. He is a 2-time pro-bowler - William JoppyWilliam JoppyWilliam Torelle Joppy is an American middleweight boxer. Joppy held the WBA middleweight title on two occasions. He first became the WBA champion in June 1996 by stopping defender Shinji Takehara in Japan with a flurry of punches in the ninth round. He then would make a couple defenses of his crown...
, He attended 9th & 10th grade at Kennedy from 1984 to 1986. He has held the WBAWorld Boxing AssociationThe World Boxing Association is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. It was previously known as the National Boxing Association before changing its name in 1962...
middleweight title on two occasions. - Curtis PrideCurtis PrideCurtis John Pride is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and is currently the head baseball coach at Gallaudet University. Pride stands at 6'0" tall and weighs 210 pounds. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.-Youth:Deaf at birth from rubella, Pride developed oral skills early in his...
(Class of 1986), First team Parade Magazine All-American soccer player. Fifth deaf player in Major League Baseball history, playing for the Expos, Tigers, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees and Angels (1993–2006). - Derrick GrayDerrick GrayDerrick Gray is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Texas Southern....
, (Class of 2004), CFLCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
player for the Calgary StampedersCalgary StampedersThe Calgary Stampeders are a Canadian Football League team based in Calgary, Alberta and named in reference to the Calgary Stampede. The Stampeders play their home games at McMahon Stadium...
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