Kennedy Sunday School Newsletter
Dear Kennedy Families and Community,
Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful, rejuvenating Spring Break. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I am stepping back into my role as "Head Leprechaun" to bring you a very special Good News Edition of our monthly newsletter.
Our Kennedy eSports program has officially reached a new milestone! We are thrilled to announce that our League of Legends team has finished the Spring CIF regular season in 1st place, concluding a dominant and undefeated 9-0 run.
We are bursting with "Irish Pride" as we share some incredible news from the AUHSD Soapbox Speech Finals held this past Tuesday, March 17th. Representing Kennedy High School with passion and poise, 10th grader Allison Han delivered a performance that captivated the judges and the audience alike. We are thrilled to announce that Allison’s powerful speech earned her 2nd place honors across the entire district! Events like these remind us that our students aren't just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the voices of today. Allison’s achievement is a testament to the brilliance, courage, and advocacy alive on our campus.
Our Kennedy eSports program has officially reached a new milestone! We are thrilled to announce that our League of Legends team has finished the Spring CIF regular season in 1st place, concluding a dominant and undefeated 9-0 run. Throughout the season, our student-athletes conceded only a single match in their best-of-three sets, showcasing incredible communication and critical thinking at the highest level of competition. This achievement is a testament to their character and collaboration, as these players balanced rigorous academic standards with the intense strategic discipline required to win. Their undefeated run is a proud moment for Kennedy High School, and we are incredibly excited to support them as they carry this momentum into the postseason. Please join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone for our Fighting Irish eSports program!
Prior to the break, the energy on campus was electric during Irish Week. From the Monday assembly featuring breathtaking performances from our many diverse cultures to the spirited dress-up days, it was a week to remember. Our staff was in direct competition, with each teacher playing for the specific class that "drafted" them, adding a wonderful layer of rivalry and fun to our decorated campus. It was a true celebration of what it means to be part of the Irish family.
Our seniors are buzzing with anticipation as they prepare for one of the most significant milestones of their high school careers: the My Kennedy Story Capstone Showcase. This month, every member of the Class of 2026 received an email detailing their assigned presentation date and room number. Because this is a professional presentation, we ask that all seniors treat the day as they would a high-stakes job interview by arriving in professional attire. If any student needs assistance with professional clothing, our doors are wide open. Mr. David Hernandez in Room 901 (the Family and Community Engagement Center) has a collection of professional garments that students are welcome to keep for their future endeavors, including upcoming scholarship and job interviews. We encourage students to swing by Room 901 this week to see what is available before the selection is picked over!
We are also calling on our wonderful senior parents to play an active role in this experience. For those who have signed up to volunteer, please note that you will be assigned as a panelist within your own student’s presentation room. This event is designed for active engagement rather than passive viewing; your role is to provide the kind words, encouraging feedback, and constructive insights that help our "Fighting Irish" students build the confidence they need to embark on their diverse future paths. We ask that all volunteers stay for the entire duration of the session to support every student presenter in the group, as your presence means the world to all of the students presenting that day.
If you are nervous about the logistics, please don't be! No prior experience or specific information is required to serve as a panelist. We will provide a comprehensive overview presentation for all our visitors at 7:30 am in MP1 on each day of the Capstone Showcase. Your supportive voice is the final boost our seniors need as they prepare to graduate, and we cannot wait to see them share their stories with you.
On Thursday, April 2nd, we are thrilled to host the Kennedy TEDx student speaker event in MP1 starting at 5:00 pm. Following a competitive audition process across the district, we will feature brilliant voices from Kennedy, Cypress High School, and Oxford Academy. Come witness these "ideas worth spreading" and support our students as they speak their truth.
Finally, let’s pack the stands for our Home Athletic Events this week:
Tuesday, March 31 (HOME)
Varsity Baseball vs. Buena Park HS – 3:15 pm
Varsity Boys' Tennis vs. Segerstrom HS – 3:15 pm
Varsity Softball vs. Valencia HS – 3:30 pm
Varsity Boys' Volleyball vs. Godinez HS – 4:45 pm
Wednesday, April 1 (HOME)
Varsity Badminton vs. Loara HS – 3:15 pm
Varsity Baseball vs. Upland HS – 3:15 pm
Varsity Swim vs. Santa Ana HS – 3:15 pm
Thursday, April 2 (HOME)
Varsity Track vs. Godinez HS – 3:15 pm
Varsity Boys' Tennis vs. Valencia HS – 3:15 pm
As we look ahead, April is sure to fly by, and the whirlwind of end-of-the-year activities in May will be here before we know it. We encourage you to work closely with your students during these final weeks to ensure they finish the school year strong. By staying focused and keeping their "eye on the prize," our students can transition into the summer with a sense of pride and accomplishment!
Go Irish!
Warmly,
Poppy Hill-Bonales
Proud Principal, Kennedy High School
Home of the Fighting Irish ☘️
