Kenwood High School Seniors Celebrated at Ceremony

Kenwood High School staff joined with local business owners and charities to award over $200,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the Senior Recognition Program in the school's auditorium on Thursday night.

“Tonight we turn our thoughts and our focus on a special group of the class of 2011,” Kenwood principal Paul D. Martin said. “Most of the young people tonight are going on to college some are going on the the military but the most important thing is that they were hard workers, they persevered and they met the challenge.”

The event started with a procession of the scholarship winners, in their graduation gowns, down the aisles of the auditorium, proud parents jostled for a picture of their children as they walked past. Then a few short words from Martin, followed by the awarding of the scholarships.

The first award given out was the Adam Michael Copinger Opportunity Fund, a financial scholarship given in the memory of Adam Michael Copinger who passed away in 1986 of a genetic blood disease before he had the opportunity to attend Kenwood.

His mother Nicky Copinger presented the award to Sara Soistman.

“Sara's father is a co-worker of mine at CCBC Dundalk,” Copinger said. “I have seen her grow in her accomplishment. I know that she has educational goals to reach and I know she will reach them. She plans to attend CCBC next year.”

Other students honored included Angel Cotto who received the Army Recruiting Scholar Athlete Award, Robert Riser who received the Army Recruiting Command Cadet Award, and Joseph Ficca in recognition of 10 years of perfect attendance as well as a multitude of other scholarship students.

Graduation will be held at CCBC Essex on June 6 at 7 in the evening.