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Kennedy Howard

Kennedy Howard

111324...R 20U20 HOWARD 1...11-13-24...20U20 Kennedy Howard of Newton Falls HS...by R. Michael Semple

Kennedy Howard makes the effort to help others no matter what she is doing, whether she is at school or out in the community.

Howard, 17, a senior at Newton Falls High School, was named a Twenty Under 20 by the Tribune Chronicle, based on her varied volunteer work and service to others. The program is co-sponsored by Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley and AVI Foodsystems.

Marianne Donley, a Newton Falls High School teacher who nominated Howard, said Howard is both a very active student and a very impressive leader at the high school.

“She exemplifies what we want all our students to be and sets the bar for future students and future leaders of both our school and local community,” Donley said.

Howard works with the North East Ohio Student Ministries, planning and organizing events throughout the year, and participates with the Salvation Army, the American Legion and Amvets.

Donley said when she was on medical leave from school with cancer, Howard gathered many students together to make a video to send to her.

“It was very moving and I appreciated her doing that more than anyone can imagine….she took time to gather members of the student body, record, organize and send me an uplifting message when it was much needed,” Donley said.

Donley said Howard was inducted into the school’s National Honor Society earning the highest marks in leadership, character and community service. Howard was elected president of the National Honor Society and was an integral part of the “Never Forget” Veterans’ Remembrance Garden.

“She is the first to volunteer anytime there is a need expressed by the school, as well as the community. She is by far the most active and motivated leader of our NHS chapter we have had in well over a decade,” Donley said.

Howard said she likes to volunteer in the community so see the reactions from the people she helps.

She said as president of the NHS she wants the students to be part of activities and events that benefit others.

“I love seeing the fun people have at the different events and the reactions on their faces,” Howard said, noting she and other NHS students held a Zombie Apocalypse run event attended by children and adults.

Howard said with her involvement with North East Ohio Student Ministries she stays active planning retreats and other events for youth to be in the community helping others.

Donley said Howard strives to be successful and she will work even harder for the causes in which she selects to participate.

“Whether it is a program, volunteer opportunity, school event, or community event, Kennedy is willing to go the extra mile to make whatever she is involved in a success,” Donley said.

She said Howard does not act like a typical 17-year-old student but “more as a well rounded young professional who is prepared to take what the world may challenge her with in the future.”

“She will certainly go far in life as she has the drive and intelligence to make anything happen.”

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