Kennett High School Celebrates National Merit Students

Kennett High School is proud to announce that senior Colin Petersen has been recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Colin is among approximately 1.6 million juniors who entered the 2019 National Merit Program by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screening of program entrants.students sitting in library

In addition to singing with the choir, Colin is a member of the spring musical and the academic team.

“We are tremendously proud of Colin for his accomplishments,” said Kennett High School principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz. “He is an outstanding student who represents everything that is great about Kennett High School.”

The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than 1 percent of high-school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

National Merit Commended Students

Kennett High School is also proud to announce that seniors Amanda Bell, Johnathan Bell, Emma Giancola, Molly Hohner, Rachel Hyzny, Peter Magasiny, Caleb Pebly, and Davis Peircy have been named Commended Students in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from Kennett High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, has been presented by Dr. Hritz to these scholastically talented seniors.

These eight students represent diverse academic and extracurricular interests:

  • Amanda Bell is a member of the track and cross-country teams as well as Earth Club. She is also active with the high school’s musicals.
  • Johnathan Bell is a member of the tennis team, Future Business Leaders of America, and marching band.
  • Emma Giancola is a member of the marching band and is involved with Farrago and the fall play.
  • Molly Hohner plays the violin and is a member of the Demon Robotics team, the Society of Women Engineers, and the tennis team.
  • Rachel Hyzny is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Special Friends Club, and the cross-country and track teams.
  • Peter Magasiny plays football and Ultimate Frisbee and is involved with the high school’s musicals.
  • Caleb Pebly plays Ultimate Frisbee, is a member of the varsity academic team, and plays in the jazz band.
  • Davis Piercy is a member of the track and tennis teams and Future Business Leaders of America.

“We are so proud of these outstanding students—not only for their exceptional performance on standardized tests, but also for all the other ways they enrich the Kennett Square community,” Dr. Hritz says.

Although these students do not continue in the competition for Merit Scholarships, Commended Students place among the top 50,000 of the 1.6 million students who entered the 2019 Merit Scholarship competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Read More

Multicultural Conference Challenges Students to Change the World

In April, Kennett High School welcomed high school students, teachers, and school personnel to the 17th Annual Multicultural and Diversity Awareness Conference. The day was full of thought-provoking workshops organized by a student committee and led by students, educators, and adults who are all well versed in multicultural affairs. The event was kicked off by Mr. Ray Fernandez, the program coordinator and the assistant principal of Kennett High School.

Mr. Fernandez opened the gathering by sharing that the conference is the highlight of the school year for him. “Every year,” he announced, “I look forward to this special event because it’s an awesome opportunity for all of us to not only learn, but to participate and receive a positive and rewarding experience.”

He continued by encouraging the students attending to become involved in the discussions throughout the day. “We want you to be an active participant, not a passive listener,” he said. “Listen, but also speak and ask questions, as well. Offer your thoughts and opinions.”

Following the thoughtful words of Mr. Fernandez, the superintendent of Kennett Consolidated School District, Dr. Barry Tomasetti, took the opportunity to say a few words and to applaud Mr. Fernandez’ hard work in making the Multicultural and Diversity Conference a highly anticipated event hosted by the District for 17 years.

Next to the podium was Kennett High School freshman Johnette Boddy who eloquently introduced the influential keynote speaker, Mr. John Suggs, community activist and executive director of CF Charities in Philadelphia.

The day included two workshop sessions, a wonderful lunch buffet filled with options that reflected the diverse backgrounds of the students, and a presentation by Emmy Award–winning HBO Associate Producer and Editor Mr. Courtland Bragg. Following the afternoon workshops, the day concluded with a student talent show.

Keyanna has volunteered at the conference since her freshman year. She is a member of both UNIDAD and Ujima, student groups focusing on Latino and African-American student leadership.

“I enjoy the Multicultural Conference because it enables me to step out of my comfort zone,” Keyanna says. “I get to meet new people and share ideas.”

Mrs. Tania Ramos Oton, a teacher from Esperanza Academy in Philadelphia, has been bringing students to the Multicultural and Diversity Awareness Conference for years. She comments that she welcomes the opportunity to expose her students from North Philadelphia to a youth conference about diversity. Two of her students, sophomore Wily Lopez and freshman Andrick Medrano, were looking forward to their workshop choices, stating that both held the potential to help them in their daily lives.

Students from 16 different schools attended the conference. All took away a heightened appreciation for their diverse cultural backgrounds. Mr. Fernandez explains that, “We are all unique, but we share the same dreams, struggles, and fears. It is this joining together and the safe space we provide at this conference that helps students realize that although we may be slightly different on the outside, we are all the same on the inside.”

Read More

Kennett High School Inducts National Honor Society Members

The Kennett High School Blue and White Chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed the 2018-19 inductees at a ceremony and reception on April 4, 2018. The ceremony had been previously scheduled for March 21, but was postponed due to snow.

Chapter adviser Dr. Alicia Tamargo opened the program. Four National Honor Society members from the Class of 2018 delivered speeches highlighting the Cardinal Objectives, the qualities expected of members: Maxwell Judd (character), Francesca Caccamo (scholarship), Claire Dawyot (leadership), and Erin Duffy (service). Senior speeches were delivered by Allison Taylor and James Rosser.

Next, Mr. Jeffery Thomas, Assistant Principal, called the role of the existing members of the Chapter. These students were inducted into the Society last year: Ashton Albert, Leo Battalora, Jose Becerra, Tyler Bowdoin, Megan Bunke, Francesca Caccamo, Daniela Carmona, Clare Catanzaro, Hannah Church, Giulianna Claricurzio, Katherine Clarke, Anna Colamarino, Madelyn Conlin-Day, Michael Crognale, Jillian Curran, Abby Davidson, Claire Dawyot, Abigail Devestine, Kaitlyn Devonshire, Daniel Drennan, Abigail Duckworth, Erin Duffy, Nicholas Erni, Eliane Esparza Villarruel, Kevin Fiss, Melissa Fitzgibbon, Eric Gaver, David Geller, Victoria Gonzalez, Ryley Harris, Caroline Hertz, Sydney Holder, Nicole Huff, Quinn Huffaker, Alexa Hussey, Kelsey Jernegan, Cedric Jones, Benjamin Jordan, Delaney Joyce, Maxwell Judd, Jake Kalscheur, Brinda Kapur, Meghann LaCosta, Keiri Lemus Ramirez, Benjamin Lesher, Caroline Maroko, Matthew Patterson, Cameron Petrillo, Gianna Pippin, Elizabeth Rauscher, Lily Reilly, James Rosser, Katherine Rowe, Alena Rybarczyk, Jennifer Schaen, Morgan Schaen, Kathleen Schuetz, Linus Silbernagel, Elijah Smith, Lukas Staudenmayer, Samantha Sullivan, Allison Taylor, Emily Thompson, Madison Thureen, James Tuley, Citlaly Weed, Trinette Wheeler, Kaitlyn Willey, Chase Williams, Anna Wilson, Karma Yang, and Cynthia Zern.

Dr. Tomorrow Jenkins, Assistant Principal, called the role of new inductees who were welcomed into the Chapter: Seniors Sarah Anderson, Merritt Connolly, Joseph Davidson, Eliza Fantazzi, Pathampon Moonthianngam, Sarah Ploener, Lauren Sugar, and Anneliese Werner; Juniors Lilian Alba Rodriguez, Emily Augustine, Camille Avedisian, Kassandra Ayllon, Lizette Bedolla-Zavala, Amanda Bell, Jonathan Bell, Claire Borman, Julia Bradley, Jayna Bruno, Madison Canter, Mara Castleton, Avery Chapman, Ava Charlton, Heather Cooper, Alexandra Cresci, Maya Das, Zhuanel Du Toit, Kathryn Erisman, Christopher Ferrighetto, Victoria Freire, Timothy Freligh, Emma Giancola, Holly Gouge, Molly Hohner, Mary Holguin, Alexandra Hughson, Rachel Hyzny, Rhea Jiang, Mitchell Kosara, Meredith Krieger, Kevin Lemus Moreno, Samuel Lesher, John MacMillan, Peter Magasiny, Brenna McGowan, Olivia McLaurin, Sydney Mentzer, Tamblyn Mitchell, Jack Mullen, Zoe Nguyen, Caleb Pebly, Colin Petersen, Mirella Petrillo, Davis Piercy, Noal Rasero, Hildi Reiter, Kyle Robertson, Cole Robinson, Katherine Roche, Katelin Rumbold, Erin Salameda, Joseph Schlitz, Connor Schmidt, Evan Shinn, Ananya Shivakumar, Samuel Starr, Kristina Testa, Sydney Thureen, Tamryn Whyte, Elizabeth Wilkie, Emma Yue, and Brenna Zdebski.

Following the induction ceremony and roll call, Assistant Principal Raymond Fernandez administered the pledge of honor, and Dr. Tamargo announced the newly elected officers for 2018-19: President Rachel Hyzny, Vice President Tamblyn Mitchell, Secretary Victoria Freire, Treasurer Alex Starr, and Historian Rhea Jiang. Dr. Hritz then closed the ceremony and invited all to a reception in the cafeteria.

Members of the Blue and White Chapter must demonstrate and maintain high standards of the four hallmarks of the National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Throughout the year, National Honor Society members participate in service activities, including tutoring and fundraising. This year they have organized two blood drives for the American Red Cross, worked on volunteer crews for the Mushroom Festival, and ushered patrons at this year’s musical Fiddler on the Roof. The group is also looking forward to activities in the community this spring, particularly volunteering at the Kennett Run.

Members of the Blue and White Chapter became eligible by posting a 3.75 grade point average (GPA) by the second semester of their junior year. Additional qualities of character, leadership, and service were assessed by the faculty of Kennett High School and reviewed by members of the National Honor Society Faculty Council, who are chosen by the principal from among the faculty and serve for a period of two years. This year’s Faculty Council included Mr. Robert Anthony, Mr. Vincent Civiletti, Ms. Sara Donovan, Mr. Joseph Hutcheson, Ms. Heather Morihara, Ms. Amanda O’Connor, Ms. Elizabeth Richey, Ms. Chanel Ruffin, Ms. Jennifer Schmalzbach, Mr. Robert Socash, Mrs. Hannah Taylor, Mr. Frances Vanderslice, and Mr. Robert Virgin.

Read More

Kennett High School Presents Fiddler on the Roof

Logo created by KHS sophomore Ian Gaadt.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof‘s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty.

Show dates: March 15 at 7:30 pm, March 16 at 7:30 pm, and March 17 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm

 

Read More

Kennett High School Celebrates Third Mini-THON

A dedicated and enthusiastic group of over two hundred KHS students will remain on their feet from 8 p.m. Friday, February 23, to 6 a.m. on Saturday morning for Mini-THON, an event to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund to benefit pediatric cancer research and families whose children are battling the disease. Through a variety of events, raffles, generous corporate contributions, donations, and the Wizards basketball game, students have already raised thousands of dollars in pursuit of this year’s goal.

Kennett High School Mini-THON logo

Modeled after Penn State’s Dance Marathon (THON), Kennett High School’s Mini-THON features ten hours packed with fun activities, music, and food. Participants this year will be treated to a luau theme.

Faculty advisors for the event are Lisa Teixeira, KHS librarian and Humanitarian Club moderator, and Shawn Duffy, social studies teacher and Humanitarian Club assistant moderator. Student organizers are led by senior event co-chairs Erin Duffy and Anna Wilson, along with junior chair Jayna Bruno, and committee chairs M.J. Patterson, Allie Taylor, Tyler Bowdoin, Abby Davidson, Ashton Albert, Will Michael, and Ryley Harris and returning alumnus Michael Bellino.

“I am so proud of the KHS Mini-THON team, particularly my co-chair, Shawn Duffy, and this year’s student leaders, Erin Duffy, Anna Wilson, and Jayna Bruno. They are the most dedicated and selfless individuals and have clearly identified a future-forward vision for our Mini-THON. Our group seeks to not only raise money for Four Diamonds but to provide the community, in and out of school, with a framework for unity, inclusiveness, and fun,” said Ms. Teixeira.

New Garden Elementary student Grayson Savery and his mother, Mrs. Jaclyn Savery, speaking at the Kennett High School Mini-THON rally on January 26.

Again this year, a community open house will kick off the evening’s schedule. For a recommended donation of $5 per family, members of the Kennett community are invited to Reynolds Gymnasium from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, February 23, for a sneak peek at the Mini-THON event. Faculty and student organizers are excited to welcome everyone to share in the fun and support a very worthy cause.

Event co-chair Erin Duffy said, “Mini-THONs empower high school students to organize their communities in the fight against childhood cancer – a difficult and daunting task. However, passionate members of the Kennett community have shouldered our cause with us, and they have been my examples of the ideals of leadership, citizenship, and service.”

Co-chair Anna Wilson added, “Every step of the way, we have one thought in our minds — the children. Throughout this process of planning, organizing, and fundraising for our Mini-THON, we have done all that we can to improve the lives of children battling cancer, especially those fighting cancer within our o

Read More

Kennett High School Named One of Nation’s Best High Schools

The Kennett Consolidated School District is proud to announce that U.S. News & World Report has once again named Kennett High School one of America’s Best High Schools.

To produce the 2017 Best High Schools rankings, U.S. News & World Report teamed up with North Carolina based RTI International, a global nonprofit social-science research firm. The comprehensive rankings methodology is based on the key principles that a great high school must serve all of its students well, including disadvantaged populations, and that it must be able to produce measurable academic outcomes to show it is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators. Additionally, the graduation rate for ranked schools is 15 percent higher than schools that are not ranked.

New this year, U.S. News & World Report began factoring Advanced Placement® (AP) exams in the ranking methodology to highlight schools that exposed their students to a diverse and rigorous high school curriculum. With an AP pass rate of 66 percent (meaning students scored a three or higher on an AP exam), Kennett High School students have shown that they can rise to a challenge.

“Congratulations to our students, faculty, staff, administration, parents, and Board of Education,” says Kennett Consolidated School District superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti. “These awards are the result of many focused individuals giving their best efforts to provide a remarkable educational experience for our children. A Kennett education is second to none in preparing students for a successful future.”

“The most recent recognition by U.S. News & World Report naming Kennett High School as one of America’s best is something that all students and teachers should embrace with pride,” says Kennett High School principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz. “This prestigious honor is the result of their hard work and dedication.”

For more information on the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking processes and details on Kennett High School’s rankings, please visit www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools.

Read More

Harlem Wizards to Play at Kennett High School

Come join Kennett High School for a night of family fun as KCSD teachers play the Harlem Wizards on Saturday, February 10th at 6:00 pm at Kennett High School. The Wizards are a performance basketball team delivering widely successful fundraiser events for schools and nonprofits, last season alone playing in over 400 communities across the USA, while raising over $200 million. They are a unique basketball team that is not primarily focused on winning games, but rather entertaining the crowd with a variety of basketball tricks and alley oops.

What makes a Wizards show “awe-inspiring”? Some say it’s the oohs and ash created by the thunderous, sky-high slams. For others it’s the humor and seeing the teachers being good sports and having fun on the court with the Wizards. The comedy, audience participation, spontaneity delivered as a world class show, in an intimate community setting adds up to a night to be experienced and treasured.MiniTHON Harlem Wizards Event

Advance tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults and can be purchased online at HarlemWizards.com. Tickets can also be purchased by emailing requests to khsminithon2018@gmail.com or calling 610-444-6617. Depending on the volume of advance sales, some tickets may be available at the door, $12 for students and $14 for adults. All proceeds benefit Kennett High School’s MiniTHON, a club based on Penn State’s THON that fundraises to support “Four Diamonds”, which is an organization dedicated to funding research for childhood cancer and helping afflicted families with the cost of treatment. For more information about MiniTHON and how to donate to our cause, visit www.khsminithon.org

We hope everyone can join us on February 10th for an evening in which all of our schools and the whole Kennett community comes together!

Doors open at 5:00 pm!

Read More

Emils Jurcik Signs National Letter of Intent for University of Connecticut

Kennett High School Senior Emils Jurcik has signed his National Letter of Intent to swim at Division I University of Connecticut.

Emils (sitting, middle) was surrounded by his parents Inta and Benjamin Jurcik and sister Amalija, as well as (standing from left) athletic director Mr. Sean Harvey, Delaware Swim Team Coach Pablo Mamolejo, Coach Cindy Millisonn, and Kennett High School Assistant Principal Mr. Jeff Thomas.

Emils has been swimming competitively since he was six years old. Swimming offers both an individual component and a real team spirit which is what sets the sport apart for Emils. He has been named to the All-State Swimming and Diving Team for his performances in the 500 freestyle and 100 individual medley, along with being named the co-winner for High Point at the 2017 Futures Championship in Geneva, Ohio.

Emils enjoyed his time swimming for Kennett High School, saying “there’s something about representing Kennett that makes me want to swim my best, and I want to carry that over to my teammates.”

In addition to juggling academics and swimming, Emils is also on the high school’s robotics team. He plans to study mechanical engineering.

“I am excited to swim for the University of Connecticut and I know it’s the right decision for me,” Emils says. “I just hope I didn’t mess up my signature.”

Emils is grateful to his family, friends, and coaches for their support in the classroom and in the pool.

Congratulations, Emils!

Read More

Eliza Fantazzi Signs National Letter of Intent for Moravian University

Kennett High School Senior Eliza Fantazzi has signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division III lacrosse at Moravian University.

Eliza (sitting, middle) was surrounded by her parents Christie and Rocco Fantazzi, as well as (standing from left) Assistant Principal Mr. Jeff Thomas, Coach Carrie Killgore, Head Coach Dale Watkins, and athletic director Mr. Sean Harvey.

A dedicated and hardworking player, Eliza has played lacrosse for seven years at Kennett Middle School, Kennett High School, and with the Brandywine Majors Lacrosse Club. She also played field hockey at Kennett High School for four years.

For Eliza, the best part of playing for Kennett High School was building relationships with her teammates and having supportive coaches in both field hockey and lacrosse.

Eliza’s high school achievements include the Blue Demon and Coaches’ Award for field hockey, along with being on the Distinguished Honor Roll.

Along with playing lacrosse, Eliza also coaches the Blue Demons lacrosse team and the Belles, a travelling lacrosse team. She also participates in the Big Sister Little Sister club and is a member of the Allied Health program.

Eliza intends to study nursing.

“I’m excited to play for Moravian,” Eliza says. “I really appreciate all that my coaches have done for me throughout my high school career.”

Congratulations, Eliza!

Read More

Jennifer Schaen Signs National Letter of Intent for American University

Kennett High School Senior Jennifer Schaen has signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse at American University.

Jennifer (sitting, middle) was surrounded by her parents Heather and Dave Schaen as well as (standing from left) Assistant Principal Mr. Jeff Thomas, Coach Carrie Killgore, Head Coach Dale Watkins, and Athletic Director Mr. Sean Harvey.

A dedicated and hardworking player, Jennifer has played lacrosse for 12 years. Her athletic accomplishments include being named to the First Team All Ches-Mont and the Second Team All-League.

For Jennifer, the best part of playing at Kennett High School was the amazing coaching staff. “I would not be the player I am today if it weren’t for Coach Watkins and Coach Carrie,” says Jennifer.

Lacrosse is not Jennifer’s only sport, she also participates in cross country and winter track, along with being a co-founder of Kennett High School’s badminton club. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Athletic Representative Council.

Jennifer has not declared a major at this time, but is interested in studying biology and following a pre-med track.

“When I first started playing lacrosse, I never would have believed that I’d be signing to play in college,” Jennifer says. “I’m so excited to continue playing at American University.”

Congratulations, Jennifer!

Read More