Student Spotlight

My journey to discovering Kennedy Catholic was driven by my desire to have an international experience abroad. The main reasons that led me to study outside of Italy were my aspirations to meet new people, continue my studies in Chinese, and create lasting memories. When evaluating various schools, my family and I had no doubt that Kennedy Catholic was the right choice. It offered a Mandarin class, was located near a major city (Seattle), and had a substantial international student body, making up about 10% of the entire school population. 

One of the great things about Kennedy Catholic is the variety of AP and honors courses. Additionally, numerous leadership and extracurricular opportunities, such as clubs and sports, along with its strong academic programs, were highly appealing and looked extremely good to colleges.  

During my study abroad, I have primarily focused on taking several AP and Honors STEM classes. I have also actively participated in numerous leadership roles, which have provided me with a very strong curriculum. The mandatory service hours required for graduation, although often seen as an obligation, are another factor that enhances one's chances of being accepted into highly selective colleges. 

My major area of interest has always been STEM, with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Math. My classes that helped me decide on this major are AP Physics, Honors Chemistry and AP Calculus. My passion for science led me to pursue a major like Material Sciences with a focus in Physics.  This combination allows me to explore other disciplines while keeping my options open for selecting a concentration for graduate school.  

I have achieved so much during my time at Kennedy Catholic. One of my proudest accomplishments is getting into my dream university, Duke University-Kunshan China Partnership, a 200-acre campus, connected by high-speed rail to the dynamic city of Shanghai. Additionally, I have had the honor of being a leader in various retreats, including the FROSH Retreat, Link Crew, and SEARCH, as well as an ambassador for the Office of International Education. These leadership roles have allowed me to make a positive impact on my peers. I was nominated as the Rotary Student of the Month in December, an award that recognizes my leadership and service hours both inside and outside of school. These experiences have not only helped me grow as a leader but also reinforced my commitment to serving others and making a difference in my community. 

Quite possibly the most memorable experience I had at Kennedy Catholic was being a Fall SEARCH Retreat Leader this past October. SEARCH is one of the most well-known Kennedy Catholic Retreats, which is an experience for upper classmen that focuses on building a closer relationship to schoolmates and to God. Although I can't reveal the secrets of what happens at the retreat, as participants are sworn to secrecy once they leave the camp, I can share that it has been the main factor in creating memories I will cherish forever. I initially participated in Winter SEARCH during my junior year, which made me feel a sense of community and belonging I had never experienced at my previous schools. Being a leader for the same retreat had therefore become a dream of mine since last year, though I knew the selection was very competitive. When I found out during my Senior year that I had been chosen to lead Fall SEARCH I was super excited. The two months of training and preparations were demanding, especially during college application season, but the experience was worth every effort. Leading the retreat was the best time of my life, and I hope to participate in similar experiences during my college years.  

Some of my favorite teachers have been Mr. Roth (Honors English 11), Ms. Tran (Introduction to Catholic Theology), Mr. King (AP Physics) and Ms. Quitiquit (Digital Photography). Through their passion for their subjects, they have helped me discover new aspects of myself.  Mr. Roth has taught me how to be creative and fearless when writing, Ms. Tran nurtured my love for leadership and brought me closer to God, Mr. King has made a demanding class like AP Physics entertaining and fun, and Ms. Quitiquit has taught me how to use my once inactive creative side. I can confidently say that most teachers at Kennedy Catholic have always showed a deep respect for their students and their subjects, making the entire learning experience for enjoyable and fun. Their dedication and enthusiasm have not only enriched my academic journey but also helped me grow personally and spiritually. 

I would recommend Kennedy Catholic any day, but I think everyone should look for a school that would satisfy their priorities. Elements like academic excellence, the Lancer Family, and the many opportunities to serve and lead are only some of the factors that make Kennedy Catholic so special.  

I feel like I have mostly helped other students through my work as a leader. I have always been there to support other international students, especially in the first few months, which are often the hardest. Simple things like saying “Hi” to them in the halls, having small conversations in the IE Office during passing periods, and inviting them to hang out with me and my friends, have made a significant difference for many of my international peers. Gestures of kindness have helped them feel welcomed and supported during their transition to a new environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging. 

Moreover, during all the retreats I have led, my leadership has always focused on forming strong bonds with the members of my small groups. I have made a concerted effort to get to know them better and to make them feel comfortable around me. My ultimate goal has been to ensure they feel they can rely on me even after the Retreat is over and they see me at school. This attitude has allowed me to get to know more people and establish meaningful connections with students from all grades. 

When I was deciding where to study in the United States, I wasn’t sure which school to choose. But knowing that my close friend was already attending Kennedy Catholic High School made the decision much easier—and it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. 

At Kennedy Catholic, I found a supportive environment where teachers genuinely care about students’ futures. They were always willing to write strong recommendation letters and have meaningful discussions that helped me discover my academic interests. Through these conversations, I realized my passion for Applied Mathematics, and I’m excited to be attending the University of California, San Diego to pursue it. Although I initially chose Applied Mathematics without a clear direction, my research and exploration led me to plan a future transfer into engineering. 

My academic journey began with computer science, a field I’ve loved since I started programming at age 13. I even founded the Coding Club at Kennedy Catholic to share that passion with others. My experiences in Chemistry and Physics further shaped my interests, showing me how scientific concepts can be applied in real-world engineering problems—something I truly enjoy. 

One of my most memorable experiences at Kennedy Catholic was being part of the Varsity Tennis team. It taught me the importance of teamwork and communication and gave me the chance to visit other schools during away games, which was both fun and eye-opening. 

I’d also like to thank Mr. Josie, my computer science teacher for two years. He played a huge role in helping me understand how to use computers effectively. His class sparked my curiosity beyond programming and led me to explore the electrical side of computing on my own. 

Throughout my time at Kennedy Catholic, I had many opportunities to connect with domestic students, which helped me broaden my perspective and improve my communication skills. I also enjoyed helping classmates by explaining difficult concepts step by step—it was rewarding to support others in their learning. 

If you’re looking for a school that values diversity and encourages students from all backgrounds, I highly recommend Kennedy Catholic. You’ll meet people from all over the world and find a community that helps you grow both academically and personally. 

Recalling January 2023, when I made the life-changing decision to pursue my dream of studying abroad in the U.S. at Kennedy Catholic High School, I was filled with gratitude for the experiences, lessons, and opportunities that have shaped me both academically and personally. From the moment I chose Kennedy Catholic, I knew I was stepping into a place that would challenge and inspire me. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, service, and character development not only prepared me for higher education but also helped me grow into a more compassionate and driven individual. 

As an international student, I was also drawn to the diverse and inclusive environment, which provided me with the opportunity to learn from peers of different backgrounds. Over the past three years, Kennedy Catholic has played a significant role in helping me achieve my goal of gaining admission to University of Washington, Seattle. 

To me, school isn’t just about grades, but it is about relationships and memories. I have made many friends from different cultures through various activities such as retreats, camping, and the Asian Student Union (ASU) affinity group and participation in the Cultural Assembly. These experiences allowed me to proudly represent my identity, culture, and heritage. The strong connections between teachers and students reflect the inclusive and supportive nature of this community.  

Last but not least, Kennedy Catholic also offers a wide variety of classes that allowed me to explore my interests and discover new passions. Among the many dedicate teachers, Mr. Barbarossa, stands out as someone I deeply admire. I had the privilege of learning Calculus from him for two years. I once thought Calculus was extremely difficult, but Mr. Barbarossa’s patient and clear teaching style helped me understand it in a much simpler and more meaningful way. Thanks to his support, I significantly improved my math skills and gained confidence in my learning. 

To choose a U.S. school, I always advise other international students to identify their interests and needs first. If a student wants to take challenging courses like Honors or AP, then find a school that has a good academic program. If a student wants to play sports in a well-structured program, find a school that has a strong athletic program. On my first campus visit, I saw that Kennedy Catholic High School has a good balance between academics and sports. It was this depth that led me to choose Kennedy Catholic High School. 

Different from my home country, American high schools highly value the importance of working together as a team. All the studies that I did in Korea were by myself, however at Kennedy Catholic, I was able to learn even better by having constructive discussions with my classmates. 

Kennedy Catholic taught me the importance of cooperation. When I took my first class, I thought it was impressive because of the cooperative learning environment. American high school students are open to almost everything.  You can try new sports or take rigorous courses. Taking a class in a U.S. school is different because “peers” function as the most important influence. When I was in Korea, individualism was key. In America, we work together, help each other, and most importantly, care about our classmates.  

AP Calculus AB and AP Environmental Science during my sophomore year helped me to decide on a STEM field because I gained interest in those subjects as well as confidence. Anatomy and Physiology also helped me decide on my major since I was fascinated by how human organs and systems work. Additionally, I was fascinated by the mechanism of the human immune system. 

I am planning to study public health on the pre-med track. Specifically, I am interested in studying contagious viruses and their prevention methods since I am also interested in working for the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Three years of being on the golf team was my most memorable experience at Kennedy Catholic. As a varsity player, I was able to learn how to balance academics and sports, how to be in a good mindset, and how to apply “sportsmanship” to real-life situations. I especially remember my senior night. It was my last home game at Glen Acres and my family and friends came to cheer me on.  

Mr. Stephen Barbarossa is my favorite teacher. He has not only taught me AP Calculus but also taught me the power of enthusiasm. It is a lifetime lesson because I believe that nothing, whether it is talent or something else, can beat an enthusiastic individual. Mr. Barbarossa spends time with students who have questions even after school. There were practice sessions during off days or Saturdays so that students could better prepare for the AP exam. By providing this opportunity to students, I was able to be even more engaged in his class. Also, he does not just tell the answer at first when students ask him a question. He encourages us to figure out the correct processes by ourselves by simply providing helpful hints. By following his curriculum and his distinctive teaching style, I was able to do my best in his class. 

My high school years were filled with some difficult personal moments, but I never gave up.  Challenges I faced almost made me give up on everything I was working on, including academics and sports. Despite all these hardships, I was able to overcome them with the help of my family and teachers. They inspired me to keep going, and now I am graduating high school with high academic standing. It is my major achievement at Kennedy Catholic because I learned how to deal with stressful moments, which will make me a stronger person in the future. 

One of the biggest influences in high school was my involvement in the Forefront Club. A UW suicide prevention club, Forefront, teaches students how to support others going through challenging times. In my role as one of the LEARN presentation leaders, I trained about 15-20 freshmen on how to deal with crisis situations. This was a valuable effort because many students are struggling with mental health issues, and it's one of the biggest public health issues these days. 

As a National Honor Society member, I helped students with math questions during class or after school. Since it is important to go over the correct processes, I helped others make sure they are on the right track.  As a Link Crew leader, I mentored new arrivers. The first few months in a new high school and a new country could be stressful, so I could appreciate that and connect with them.  This year, I was able to help one student who was willing to try golf which was new to him. It was great to see him putting his best effort on the course. Like my personal journey, I am helping students to try new things. 

My teachers here at school always supported me and gave me opportunities to gain experience and become a better version of myself. Outside of the classroom, Kennedy Catholic provided me countless ways to serve as a leader and walked with me in forming my leadership skills. As a student leader during the new international student orientation week and Link Crew leader in August, I developed my leadership skills.  I helped first-year and new students adjust to school. I gave them advice about choosing classes and other tips about going to an American school and how to deal with differences between the U.S. and in their home country.  

One of the most memorable experiences at Kennedy Catholic High School was the Cultural Assembly. For months before the cultural assembly, students began to prepare for the performance. The school was full of excitement as the cultural assembly approached. Students from diverse cultural backgrounds performed in front of the school, representing their culture and everyone gathered and became one community, appreciating each other's culture. It was not only the detailed and eye-catching performances but also the way students respected each other’s cultures that was truly touching.  

I love all Kennedy Catholic teachers, but Mr. Barbarossa, Mr. Munro, and Mr. Cascio are my favorite teachers. I had Mr. Barbarossa’s class for two years for AP Calculus AB, BC, and theology, and I was fascinated by the energy he brought to the class and the encouragement he always gave. With my preexisting interest in psychology, Mr. Munro’s AP Psychology class really introduced me to the study of psychology in approachable and entertaining ways. Mr. Cascio’s American Government and Pacific Rim class were great, though the government class was a bit challenging for me as I had to memorize a lot of information. I’ve always wanted to study a business-related field. During my college application process, I felt like hospitality would be a good fit for me, so I decided to major in Hotel Administration at Cornell University.   

During my sophomore year, I was on the Girl’s Bowling and Tennis teams. Though I didn’t have much experience in playing tennis, it was one of the best times I had ever had. By having matches with other schools, I formed a keen sense of community and teamwork within the girls on my team.  

Every time I participated in an assembly, spirit week, or other school events, I was always astonished by the energy and inclusiveness that Kennedy Catholic brings to every single student. During my four years here, I’ve learned much more than academic knowledge. Constantly being influenced by peers, teachers, and staff members, I learned leadership skills and communication skills. Kennedy Catholic is very inclusive in the sense of bringing every single student together to join this strong community. I felt very included during my time here.  

Accepted by following colleges: Seattle University, University of Washington, University of San Francisco, Loyola Marymount University, Gonzaga University. Attending: University of Washington 

I initially chose Kennedy Catholic because it simply sounded better than my old school (funny enough, the 2:30pm dismissal time was one of the reasons why I wanted to attend the school). But as I thought more about it, it was because I had a gut feeling that Kennedy Catholic would be a great opportunity and that I had to take that opportunity because it would never happen again and I’d spend the rest of my life pondering about ‘what-ifs’ if I missed it.  

Kennedy Catholic actually helped me solidify my goals for college. Before arriving, I only had a nebulous goal of going to college and being a psychology major, and that was pretty much it. But with the help of my college counselors and the college fair I attended in junior year, I was able to work out the details on what exactly are my college goals. The college counselors especially helped me in determining what is the process in applying and committing to a college and double checked my college essays to increase my chances of getting accepted.  

AP Psychology helped me decide whether I really intend to have psychology as a major. It was a test run on the topic. Though the subject is a bit hard sometimes, it affirmed my decision to have psychology as my major due to my interest in that field of study. 

One of my most memorable experiences at Kennedy Catholic is getting to participate in the Cultural Assembly in my senior year. It was not the first time for me to perform in front of a crowd, I did that occasionally back in my old school, but it was the first time I volunteered to do so. Even though practice was long and tiring, the Tinikling dance was the most fun I had while performing. It wasn’t perfect, and I got a bit hurt while doing it, but it was still fun and rewarding. I would do that again if given the chance, even with all the hardships. 

It's the same with the fashion show. I was never one to put myself in front of a crowd that way. It was different from dancing. While dancing, I would be too focused on trying to get the movements right to notice the crowd. With the fashion show, I was very aware that there was a crowd watching me as a took every step. It wasn’t as fun as the Tinikling dance, but it’s nice that I got to showcase my culture. 

I would honestly recommend Kennedy Catholic to a friend. Attending this school was a very enjoyable and unforgettable experience. This school gave me the freedom to breathe and not be constantly swamped with work. Though I am sometimes swamped with work, it’s not a constant thing. I have the time to hang out with friends and even join extracurriculars and it doesn’t hurt my academics if I do so. It’s easier to talk with people here and I managed to make some friends. The events the school set up for us is simply amazing and fun. I feel like I’m part of a community, something larger than myself. The main reason I would recommend Kennedy Catholic is that you get to be a student and a teenager. You still have to study, but you have the room to have fun and just be. 

The club I was most involved in was the Knowledge Bowl club. It’s a club that tests students’ general knowledge in things a high schooler should know in the form of a trivia game. I started attending this club a few months after I arrived at Kennedy Catholic during the second semester of junior year and went to almost every meeting until the end of senior year. We went to one competition during my time there, and I had fun. I wish I had more time at Kennedy. 1 ½ years was not enough, but I’m glad I was a part of it anyway.  

My name is Hanamichi. I began my studies at Kennedy Catholic High School in August of 2022. I’m graduating in May this year.  I am from Japan, and I decided to study abroad because I wanted to change myself, as I had been relying on my parents and home environment for my entire life. My goal was to become a strong person who could live on my own in a foreign country and culture. 

I chose the United States as my study abroad destination because ever since I was a little kid, my dream has been to become a professional basketball player. I have always wanted to challenge myself and grow in the realm of American basketball. One of the reasons for this aspiration is my desire to acquire English skills that I believe will be necessary in society in the future. 

Initially, it was difficult for me to fully understand conversations, American trends and slang. There were times when I felt limited by the language barrier, but I was able to grow by having more opportunities to learn how to convey my ideas. I noticed music always playing everywhere I went. Knowing lyrics and singing the words was an opportunity to have a conversation and make friends.  

I was able to take classes at Kennedy Catholic at the same level as the local students and was excited to join the basketball team. It was fun to experience the array of environments during the basketball season when we traveled to various schools for games. For accommodations, I stayed with relatives during the first year and then lived in a student dormitory the following year. I have many fond memories of the friends I met in the United States. I still can't forget the experience of staying at a friend's house in the summer and being treated like family, playing in the lake until I was tired, and sharing the hardships and joys of basketball. 

Living independently in a foreign country was more challenging than I had anticipated. In addition to managing household tasks, I had to handle all aspects of daily life on my own, including time management and taking care of my emotional well-being. I came to the realization that the lifestyle I had grown accustomed to in Japan was a sheltered one.  Living away from home helped me develop a deep sense of appreciation for my family and friends that I may have missed had I not come to study abroad.   

As the culmination of my time abroad, I have formally committed to play basketball at the collegiate level for Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom, in the NWAC Division. This decision marks a wonderful conclusion to my time at Kennedy Catholic which has helped me gain clarity on my thoughts and opinions, while also developing the autonomy to assert them. I have also learned to take proactive actions to achieve my goals. Through daily effort and challenges, I have realized the importance of clarifying the direction I should aim for and working towards it.