Student Stories
Music for All National Concert Band Festival
The Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School Band has made history as the only school representing Iowa selected for the prestigious Music for All National Concert Band Festival. This April, the student-musicians will travel to Indianapolis to perform on a national stage, attend workshops, and receive coaching from top clinicians across the country. Congratulations to directors Mrs. Fleer, Mrs. Williamson, and all the talented students on achieving this extraordinary honor!
Audrey Ingraham
Audrey Ingraham is a part of the Kennedy class of 2026. She walked the Kirkwood Community College stage to receive her Associates Degree in Business Administration days before she even walked the Kennedy stage to receive her high school diploma.
This degree was completed at no cost to students or families. She saved upwards of $10,000 by completing this degree in high school.
The credits students earn count toward both the student's Kennedy diploma and for Kirkwood as well, and are transferable to other colleges and universities! Although many Kennedy students earn credits through Kirkwood each year, it is rare for students to be able to complete a degree!
Malick Sogur
Malick Sogur is a part of the Kennedy class of 2026. He walked the Kirkwood Community College stage to receive his Associates Degree in science days before he even walked the Kennedy stage to receive his high school diploma.\
This degree was completed at no cost to students or families. He saved upwards of $10,000 by completing this degree in high school.
The credits students earn count toward both the student's Kennedy diploma and for Kirkwood as well, and are transferable to other colleges and universities! Although many Kennedy students earn credits through Kirkwood each year, it is rare for students to be able to complete a degree!
Jordyn Velitchkov
Jordyn Velitchkov Takes 1st Place Worldwide! Kennedy High School rising junior Jordyn Velitchkov captured the global title and a $15,000 scholarship at the 2026 Optimist International Oratorical World Championships held at Saint Louis University.
Youth for Five Seasons
Seven Kennedy juniors were selected to participate in the 2026-27 Youth for Five Seasons program sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Hills Bank. 35 students were chosen from the eight metro area schools to participate. Each month they will attend an event to explore local careers, connect with peers, and hear from regional civic and business leaders. They will also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and leadership conferences.