Black Student Union (BSU) is based on representing and celebrating the unique identities of our Black students here at Kennedy. They raise awareness of racial injustice and its connection to school. Mackenzie O’Connor and Rachel Collins, the staff sponsors, let the students drive most meetings, events and ideas. Both do their best to support all student initiatives.
“Our end goal for BSU is to promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding regarding racial equity in our building. [It’s] also to celebrate our black students, their stories and their identity,” O’Connor said.
BSU partnered with the Gay-Straight Alliance in 2022 to host an event called “Voices of the Voiceless”. This event gave the students a platform to speak in front of an audience.
“This was done so that the voices of students who are part of a minority group within our school would be heard,” said Wilsee Kollie, a student leader at BSU. “Minority voices are more likely to be silenced, so…this open mic night gave a safe space to many who are neglected. “
BSU is open to people of all races and ethnicities. Students are welcome to join the club at any time by coming to one of the meetings, which take place every Thursday after school in room 125. Meetings are informal and easygoing.
“It’s a safe space for everyone,” said Gentine Nzoyikorera, vice-president of BSU. “Even if you’re not black, you can be an ally and that’s just as powerful.”
sports club
The growth of esports in recent years has prompted the formation of high school esports clubs across the country. Now Kennedy has his own esports club. Riot Games’ tactical first-person shooter “Valorant” and Nintendo’s fighting game “Super Smash Bros.” are two of the many video games played competitively in front of an audience. Kennedy’s computer science teacher, Jason Lester, started an esports club in 2021 for students to compete at Kennedy.
The Esports Club offers students the opportunity to develop communication and interpersonal skills.
“Esports is important to Kennedy because participation in esports helps develop teamwork and student relationships,” Lester said.
In the 2021-2022 school year, varsity and JV Rocket League teams competed for the first time as part of the Iowa High School Esports Association (IAHSEA). Varsity finished third out of five in its division taking on the state’s top two Rocket League teams. JV finished first in their division.
Valorant and Rocket League teams regularly participate in the High School Esports League (HSEL). They are also looking to add a Super Smash Bros. team. to participate in IAHSEA in the fall of 2022.
“No matter what class you are in, you become a stepping stone and build something great for those to follow,” said Nat Jun, student leader of the esports club.
The Esports club is open to casual and competitive gamers of all skill levels. Anyone interested in competitive gaming is highly recommended.
agricultural club
The Kennedy students wanted to take steps toward self-sufficiency by growing their own food and giving back to the community. With this mindset, junior Erin Renshaw started an agriculture club.
Renshaw and fellow junior Emma Welsh brought the idea to life. The agriculture club currently meets in room 230 and plans to start meeting outside in the school garden when the weather improves.
Renshaw explained that she started the club to bring together people who wouldn’t normally be in a club to share their love of gardening.
“[We’re] bring gardening to more people and spread inclusion,” Renshaw said. “Plus, we’re trying to bring together a group of people who normally wouldn’t approach each other to come and share their excitement about being a part of something you can get your hands on.”
This club allows people to relax after a hectic day. A study from Environmental Health Perspectives found that spending just two hours outdoors after a day of work or school can improve your mood, reduce stress, and improve your sleep.
“This club is open to everyone. I’m a big fan of gardening and there are people in the group who can’t keep a small houseplant alive. We like to invite everyone,” Renshaw said.
The agriculture club hopes to donate the food it grows to local food banks and shelters. They also work with Feed Iowa First, a nonprofit that helps local communities grow produce for those in need.
Students are welcome to join the agriculture club at any time. Renshaw is available to answer questions about the club at [email protected]
“This club is open to everyone, whether or not they have gardening experience. We just want to share the gardening experience with everyone,” Renshaw said.
