Guest Blogger: Mrs. Sullivan
This is my 8th school year at Kennedy.
I have always loved my job. Some days more than others, but my devotion has never really wavered.
Working with teenagers keeps me young (I would also settle for "youngish" at this point).
Through my position as Director of Admissions I actively market and recruit students to our school community.
When meeting with prospective parents and students I oftentimes use the "Kennedy Community" as a selling point. I tell students about the family feel of campus, many students consider Kennedy "HOME."
I totally stand behind Kennedy. I believe in the product I sell. I couldn't do this job if I didn't.
In the past when talking about the community my comments were as a bystander, someone who has witnessed the caring and compassion of our students and faculty but had never really experienced it firsthand.
This has all changed.
My husband Casey lost his job on October 8. This was a devastating financial blow to our family. We have two young boys, a mortgage, car payments, tuition, and countless bills to worry about. Casey's job provided our primary income. Although I work fulltime the majority of our livelihood came from his paycheck. Needless to say we have been and continue to struggle financially.
On October 13 Casey was hospitalized for one week with a serious case of pneumonia. He is healthy today (knock on wood), but his hospital stay only compounded our financial stress.
While Casey was hospitalized I emailed the faculty asking for prayers and explaining my sporadic attendance at school. The outpouring of support I got was overwhelming. I don't know why I was surprised but I was.
Fast forward to the holiday season….Casey and I both knew that this would be a meager Christmas. We planned on buying a few gifts for our boys and forgoing the usual gift giving hoopla for the rest of our family and friends. This was somewhat embarrassing to admit to our family, but we needed to be honest and smart with our money.
On Friday December 3 I received a very special gift. Taped to my office door was an envelope. Inside the envelope was an anonymous letter. The copy of the letter is below:
"Advent is the season of giving- that's what we tell the students. I often wonder how many of any of us are truly aware of how giving is good for the soul. We say it, but do really do it and understand it? This year, I have been inspired to give. I know there are lots of opportunities to give in our community, but why not start at home.
Please accept this small gift in honor of Grant and Carter. Use it to put some extra gifts under the tree for them. I wish it was more, but I know you to be a frugal gal who can use resources wisely.
As for you and Casey, I give you my prayers for peace of mind. Please remember that God knows what he is doing and even though you cannot see the wisdom of His plan right now, know that good is coming your way. Take this opportunity to strengthen your love for God and each other. Things will get better and more importantly, be better than ever. Pay it forward one day when you have the chance – I just did.
God bless you and your precious boys this Christmas season.
Sincerely,
One Anonymous Celt caring for another Celt. "
Inside the envelope was $200. This left me speechless. I began to cry and called Casey and then my mom. It was such an unexpected gift that helped us so very much. It wasn't so much the money that moved me; it was the sentiment behind it. Someone cared enough about me and more importantly, my boys to go out of their way to make sure they were taken care of this Christmas.
This is practicing what you preach.
That is what makes this place so special.
Other schools may have more impressive athletic facilities, or glossier brochures, but there is no another school that can compare to the SPIRIT and HEART of Kennedy. This is home to so many students because of the caliber of people that walk our halls. This place has compassion. We live our faith.
I am so very thankful for the Anonymous Celt and I would like to express my gratitude to that blessed soul. This is my only way to do it.
Thank you for taking care of my family. Your gift means so very much and I promise to pay it forward. God bless. 
