INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
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.
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Great work!!
A wonderful accomplishment!!
Best of luck!!
Go head Niece pooh. Congratulations Kennedy. T.T Love you
Congratulations! Enjoy all the opportunities opening before you.
As a scholarship student from Illinois many years ago to Harvard, I congratulate you, your family and teachers. Some advice: You will feel like a fish out of water. Don’t worry. Most of us were fish, too!
You will feel like an imposter, as in “How did I get in here when there are so many geniuses around?” Don’t worry. Harvard loves to tell you it doesn’t make mistakes!
Good luck and feel free to reach out over the summer if you like.
Congratulations to my beautiful and intelligent niece Kennedy Hackett. We are so proud of you. Keep reaching for the stars beautiful. You deserve it and so much more.
Congratulations! Kennedy From your grandpa and grandma Hackett I have something for you Love you Grandpa and Grandma
Kennedy, you are an inspiration to everyone. May God bless you in your journey to shine your bright light as you soar❤️
Congratulations Kennedy, your hard work is paying off. Best of luck as you move on to Harvard and beyond. You make us proud. Go Mustangs!
Congratulations!!wishing you continued success at Harvard!!
Congratulations! My daughter graduated from Muir in 2009 with enough PCC credits to graduate university a semester early. I love hearing good news about the kids in our schools
Congratulation Miss Hackett! All the best on your journey!
Awesome!! Muir’s Early College Academy is making leaps and bounds!!
Bravo! Congratulations!! Pasadena is proud of you!!👏🏼👏🏼💗
Well done Kennedy!!! Congratulations on your hard work paying off!!! 😍💐👏🏻💙🐎💛 We are so excited to see what you do next!!
Congratulations!! Well done.
Well done Ms Hackett. Hopefully you can find time to breath and enjoy all that college offers, too.
What a remarkable accomplishment (two degrees upon graduating H.S. and a valedictorian).