Sewanhaka's New Principal!

“Loving, supportive, and hilarious”, three words Sewanhaka’s new principal believes encapsulate his personality. Raised on 127th Street, Mr. Kenny found his passion for education and connecting with people through working at local businesses in Rockaway Beach. Exploring jobs in domains from restaurants to Manhattan Beach concession stands, Mr. Kenny feels the work ethic he hones through labor drives his journey as an educator. He pinpoints his passion for working with children, however, to a job as a summer camp counselor. Furthering these interests, he studied history at the State University of New York New Paltz, returning to education as a social studies teacher and basketball coach at two separate schools. However, as he continued his career in teaching, he found himself more deeply connecting with students and listening to their stories. Finding his niche, he received his master’s in school counseling and in 1997 began authoring his career at Sewanhaka Central High School District. Beginning as a school counselor at Floral Park Memorial High School, Mr. Kenny eventually became the head of Student Support Services. Circulating through the district, he explored administrative responsibilities through his job as an Assistant Principal at Frank Carey High School and then Floral Park Memorial High School, roles he feels have allowed him to develop abilities in numerous domains and allows him to engage with his staff and the student body more effectively. 

Many know Mr. Kenny from his position of Director of Alternative Education at Prestige Academy, a position he calls his dream job. Working with students at risk, Mr. Kenny focused on mental health and wellbeing. He aims to apply his experiences to Sewanhaka through his position as Principal. Focusing on a hands-on and engaged approach, you can often find our new principal in the atrium, around the halls, and parking lot asking our students how they're feeling. Focused on the ethos of Sewanhaka High School, Mr. Kenny through his administration aims to increase school spirit and involvement through school events such as Challenge Day, Solidarity Day, and emotional curriculum in classrooms. The latter includes conversation circles where students discuss a question each week, allowing them to form stronger bonds within classroom settings. Emphasizing learning in all stages of his career, our new principal is looking forward to his informative first year at Sewanhaka, aiming to learn about the school and apply his experience to contribute to the Sewanhaka’s community and history.