The Bellefontaine High School Class of 2021 selected their former fifth-grade DARE officer Andy Kennedy to serve as their featured speaker during their Friday night commencement service, and the recently promoted Bellefontaine Police Department sergeant said he owes a special debt of gratitude to the pupils graduating that evening.
“Thank you to the Class of 2021 for the role that you’ve played in my success,” he said, relating that this group of students were in his first DARE class at Bellefontaine Intermediate School when he began that position in 2013.
Sgt. Kennedy told the graduates that when he was sitting in their seats 20 years ago at the Class of 2001 BHS commencement, “the thought of becoming a Bellefontaine Police Department officer had never crossed my mind.”
As a recent high school grad, he said that public service interested him, and he initially thought of following in his older brother’s footsteps and becoming a Bellefontaine Fire Department firefighter and paramedic. He completed an EMT certification course, but then wasn’t sure if that was the path he was meant to take.
Coincidentally, it was a chance meeting with his former DARE officer, current Bellefontaine Police Department Lt. Rick Herring, that led to his career change and pursuit of becoming a police officer.
“Rick told me they had an opening and he thought I would be a good fit for the job,” he said. “It was all through this relationship that we had built way back when I was in fifth-grade, and taking a risk that led to success.”
Similarly upon his move into the DARE officer position, Sgt. Kennedy said he was apprehensive at first, but willing to take the chance and put forth the effort in this new role.
“Those relationships I’ve built and the risks that I’ve taken have brought me to where I am today,” he said. “Your class specifically made me push myself to be better and to build the DARE program into one that can benefit the students in so many ways. We were able to create the additional programs like Cops and Bobbers, DARE lock-ins and DARE summer camps as well.”
Upon receiving the sergeant promotion last year and having to leave his DARE officer role, Sgt. Kennedy said he felt those same initial fears and self-doubts as he did during other changes in his life.
“Now from those relationships that I’ve built in the seven years in the DARE program, I see the benefits in returning to the patrol position. I want to challenge each of you to build those relationships with people who will push you to be your best and don’t be afraid to take a chance on an opportunity that could be filled with a little uncertainty.”
BHS Class of 2021 valedictorian Evan Kauffman and salutatorian Samantha Starkey also took the opportunity to address their classmates.
Evan’s father, Dr. Ryan Kauffman, also was honored during the ceremony as one of the four 2021 BHS Distinguished Alumni recipients. Dr. Kauffman also was the valedictorian of his BHS Class of 1995.
Evan told his classmates that they should be proud of their various club, athletic and extracurricular involvement in high school that provided them with a purpose and helped to shape them. At the same time, he encouraged them to use “those little moments” throughout their day with that same purpose.
“If you’re using those five minutes a day to check on a friend, think of what that amounts to in a whole year, about 15 hours dedicated to looking out for someone and what a difference that could make.”
Samantha, who also recently earned her associates of applied science degree from Clark State College, urged her fellow graduates to venture out and “see the world,” but not to forget where they came from.
“Now the whole world is open to you,” she said. “I hope you look back and remember the good and the bad, and remember how this city has supported you…. We’ve spent of the best years of our lives here together. We’re a family.”
Rounding out the top 10 students are: Sarah Starkey, Connor Rose, Levon Howard, Anastasia Hiatt, Madison Taylor, Brenneke Wilcoxon, Meng Wang and Micah Woolf.
Graduates who have enlisted in the military also were honored during the ceremony, which includes: Ariel Burkholder, Noah Conner, Mya Godsey and Ethan Morales.
For the presentation of diplomas, each students selected their favorite Bellefontaine City Schools or Ohio Hi-Point Career Center staff member to read their names.