Meet John Muir Valedictorian Kennedy Hackett

INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS

Kennedy Hackett (Photo – PUSD)

A PUSD Valedictorian Headed to Harvard, Two Degrees in Pocket.

By PUSD

John Muir High School (JMHS) Early College Magnet Valedictorian Kennedy Hackett is headed to Harvard University this fall. She is the first student to graduate from Muir with a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree in Natural Science from Pasadena City College through a joint partnership between the college and the Pasadena Unified School District.

A scholar, leader, and athlete, Kennedy has a 4.2 GPA. Her academic achievements and involvement in the school and community are extensive. This includes: Associated Student Body Vice President, 2022 Class Treasurer, the pep squad, track and field, and the Black Student Union.

Outside of school, she volunteers as a tutor for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Kennedy describes this as the most meaningful experience in her life because she can see younger children’s academic growth and because it makes her proud that they see her as a role model. She also received valuable work-based experience as an intern at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Kennedy has received numerous awards and accolades, from the school Honor Roll to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Kennedy is also the recipient of the Student Spotlight Award through the California Coalition of Early and Middle College.

Kennedy said:

Dual enrollment at John Muir has allowed me to broaden my academic horizons. Through Pasadena City College I was able to cultivate new interests by taking classes that aren’t traditionally offered at my high school. Due to the rigor that dual enrollment classes provided to me, I now feel prepared to take my knowledge and apply that to my courses at a university level.

Kennedy plans on majoring in Biology and then Medicine and would like to be a doctor.