The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
Student fear for their safety as the potential for threats increases.
Prioritizing Protection: Kennedy High School Implements New Safety Precautions
Violin members of the Kennedy Symphony Orchestra lead as an example for the Harding violins.
Kennedy Musicians in Band, Orchestra and Choir Accepted into All State Music Festival
Kennedy's art classrooms are full to bursting with students developing their creativity skills.
Kennedy Students Featured in Coe College’s First High School Art Show
Hiawatha Library roaches out to local teens through activity nights.
Hiawatha Library Offers Teen Involvement Program
Kennedy Symphony Orchestra performs Swan Lake at annual winter concert.
Kennedy Orchestra to Host Fall Concert at End of October
Tackling a Davenport North player, Henry Wilkes nears the 50 yard line.
Henry Wilkes: Students, Athlete, Musician
Junior Adam Gray enters the homestretch sprinting.
Two Kennedy Cross Country Runners Qualify for State
The varsity team huddles during a time out.
Photos: Varsity Volleyball Defeats Washington Warriors
Sophomores Addy Phillips and Charley Lovell block the Linn-Mar hitter at the net while Amling covers the off-block.
Kennedy Varsity Volleyball Sweeps Davenport Central in Round One
Freshman Tanner Stockert pulls ahead in his race to the finish line.
Photos: Cross Country Runs at Seminole Valley on September 26
Women and men must stand united against the issue of rape on college campuses.
The Risk of Rape: Sexual Violence Concerns Sway College Decisions
Voter registration forms were brought for students.
Disengaged and Disinterested: Student Voting Registration at Kennedy High School
Seniors Maggie Goldberg and Ella Moser pose after being crowned "Homecoming Royalty."
Homecoming Royalty Controversy Sparks Social Media Debate
Colleen Hoover's bestseller "It Ends With Us" stirs up controversy as film adaption causes sparks between cast members.
From Book Pages to the Big Screen: “It Ends With Us” Raises Concerns After Hitting Theaters
Iowa's New attendance policy took effect on July 1.
Iowa’s New Attendance Policy Takes Effect on Cedar Rapids Schools
Instructor Brain Jeffords adds weight to a bridge.
Photos: Kennedy’s Project Lead the Way Experiments with Engineering and Construction
Senior Willa Bowman joins second and third graders in a cheer.
Junior Cougars Get First Glimpse of School Spirit at Kennedy’s Annual Cheer and Dance Clinic
Holding off a defender, Junior Hawkeye football commit, and left tackle Nicolai Brooks helps open a gap for running back senior Trevor Scott.
Brothers: Together as One
The Kennedy Girls Varsity Volleyball team regrouping during their match.
Bump, Set, Spike
Teachers Patrick Cory and Katie Peterson dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus the day before winter break. They dope to spread joy among the students.
Walking in a KHS Wonderland
Tackling a Davenport North player, Henry Wilkes nears the 50 yard line.
Henry Wilkes: Students, Athlete, Musician
Kennedy Alumni Cael Joens Back to Teach Social Studies and Direct Theater
Kennedy Alumni Cael Joens Back to Teach Social Studies and Direct Theater
Senior Safal Bhattarai participates in the 'Best Outfit' challenge at a pep rally.
We Did It, Safal.
Senior Jersey Bilyeu plays vibraphone with Kennedy Jazz 1.
Jersey Bilyeu: Making Her Rounds Across Kennedy Fine Arts
Ella Brown pins opponent down.
Ella Brown Returns to State
Halloween costume ideas can be found across any social media this October.
Best 2024 Halloween Trends: Couples, Singles and Friend Groups
Violin members of the Kennedy Symphony Orchestra lead as an example for the Harding violins.
Kennedy Musicians in Band, Orchestra and Choir Accepted into All State Music Festival
Kennedy's art classrooms are full to bursting with students developing their creativity skills.
Kennedy Students Featured in Coe College’s First High School Art Show
Seniors Conner Below, Max Leno and Blake Kroemer join their buddy Joe Lutz.
Photos: Best Buddies Holds Matching Party on October 16
Now-graduated Happiness members sing the 2023-2024 ballad.
Brett Carroll Camp Comes to Happiness, Inc.
The varsity team huddles during a time out.
Photos: Varsity Volleyball Defeats Washington Warriors
Seniors Conner Below, Max Leno and Blake Kroemer join their buddy Joe Lutz.
Photos: Best Buddies Holds Matching Party on October 16
Sophomores Callum Fortune and Sam Myers assists John Bednar.
Student Government Hosts Circle of Friends on 10/15
Freshman Tanner Stockert pulls ahead in his race to the finish line.
Photos: Cross Country Runs at Seminole Valley on September 26
In unison with her teammates, sophomore May Turner spins her flag.
Kennedy Marching Band Takes on Starfest in Sioux City
The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
Jami Martin-Trainor

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief

Hi! I’m Jami Martin-Trainor, I’m a senior at Kennedy, and this is my second year as Editor-in-Chief of the Torch. I dance on the Kennedy Varsity Dance Team and have been dancing at Cherie’s Dance Studio for 14 years. My favorite animals are cats and my current favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. While this year has certainly been unique for everyone, I cannot wait to see how our staff is able to overcome the obstacles that this year has thrown our way.

All content by Jami Martin-Trainor
The 2021 graduation ceremony was held Wednesday, May 26.

Senior Blues

Jami Martin-Trainor and Olivia Riley-Schmelzer
June 18, 2021
Photo Via Iowa Public Radio Images. Kim Reynolds speaking to her constituents in Iowa.

Leave School Decisions in the Hands of the Educators

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2021
The Cedar Rapids Police Department's car parked outside of Kennedy High School.

Students Raise Concerns Over Student Resource Officers

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2021
The CRCSD graphic telling students that the vaccine is available.

COVID Vaccines Available For CRCSD Students

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2021
Max White, sr., Drew Bartels, sr., Brody Lovell, sr., and Reid Pakkebier, sr., after placing first in the shuttle hurdle relays.

Kennedy Cougars Break Record at Drake Relays

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2021
A sign outside of the Cougar Corner Food Pantry. Donations for the NHS Senior Service Project can be dropped off at this location.

The Class of 2021 Tackles Food Insecurity in Iowa

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2021
Photo of the COVID-19 Coronavirus provided by the National Park Service.

One Year of COVID-19

Anabel Bradley, Joel Dillman, and Jami Martin-Trainor
March 22, 2021
Shawn Thomsen, facilitator at Kennedy High School, disinfecting a desk to help protect students and staff.

Protect Our Schools

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2021
The class of 2021 at the Winter Pep Assembly who emerged victorious. Which will win this year's virtual pep rally?

Virtual Pep Assembly

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2020
Cougar Pantry, the resource that Kennedy offered to students who needed or wanted food to take home.

CRCSD Offers Aid in this Time of Need

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2020
The Kennedy High School sign located in front of the building.

Gun Threat at Kennedy High School

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2020
Raafa Elsheikh, jr., who is forced to hear derogatory terms said to her constantly for merely existing. Photo edited by Ashton Nanke.

Hate Speech: Using Words as Weapons

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
January 30, 2020
Rick Nees playing guitar with the usual smile on his face.

A Year Later: Remembering Rick Nees

Jami Martin-Trainor and Steven Tolly
November 26, 2019
The Cougars playing at Kingston Stadium.

The Kennedy Cougars are Headed to the Dome

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2019
The lighting fixture at the Czech Museum, where the 2019 prom was held.

Kennedy Hoco: What Comes Next?

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2019
Disco lights at the 2019 Kennedy prom, contrasting the recent lighting situation at homecoming.

Was Kennedy Hoco a No-Go?

Jami Martin-Trainor, Editor-in-Chief
October 10, 2019
A Coca-Cola can found outside in the grass from littering.

The World is Dying

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
June 7, 2019
Members of the GSA at Kennedy Highschool, whose club was sponsored and supported the club.

Goodbye, Farewell

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
June 4, 2019
Mac and Cheese pizza with bacon and ground beef.

Fong’s: Pizza Paradise

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
May 30, 2019
Disco lights at the 2019 Kennedy prom, contrasting the recent lighting situation at homecoming.

[Photo] Prom Under the Stars

Haylee Brewer, Writer
May 10, 2019
Junior Betsy Marlow and senior Delaney Golden outside of the ballroom at the Czech Museum.

Seniors Austin Burkhart and Kaylee Waterhouse walking across stage at Grand March.

Rat number five named Anna playing with the toys provided by the AP Psychology classroom.

Oh Rats…

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
May 15, 2019
Lily Hartney, sr., dancing for her senior photos.

Move to Express

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
May 13, 2019
The Urinetown promotional posters.

Urinetown?

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
April 26, 2019
The white board outside of Chantelle Mobberley's office at Kennedy.

Dealing with Grief

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
March 1, 2019
Students studying in the library.

Pushing Yourself

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
February 22, 2019
Snow covered trees on a frosty night.

Snow Days ‘Must-Watch List’

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
February 18, 2019
The ACT website, which offers students information about registration and scores.

Equal Opportunity

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
February 4, 2019

Teaching Teens to Fight

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
January 9, 2019
Lydia Heskje, so., and Grace Ntanyungu, fr., studying for their tests and finals in French class.

Five Weeks of Smiles and Cries

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
December 21, 2018
Poster for the St. Luke's drive, containing the items that are needed for the cause.

The Season of Giving

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
December 14, 2018
Students at Kennedy high school preparing to spend the night outside at a previous homeless night.

Camping for a Cause

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
October 26, 2018
Participants walking together at the event.

Fighting Together

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
October 5, 2018
Lock screen of Lara Jean and Peter in the film.

Laugh and Fall in Love with Lara Jean

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
October 4, 2018
The Peter and the Starcatcher cast at their rehearsal.

You’ll Be Hooked!

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
September 25, 2018

Kennedy Cougars Take on the Valley Tigers

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
September 7, 2018
Netflix's official poster for Insatiable.

Is it Really Insatiable?

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
August 29, 2018
The students paid tribute to students who have been part of gun violence.

The Right to Live

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
May 15, 2018

Making a Change

Jami Martin-Trainor
April 30, 2018
Order forms for the walkout shirts.

Make Your Voices Heard

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
April 17, 2018
Is the Test Worth the Stress?

Is the Test Worth the Stress?

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
April 5, 2018
The group in their end pose after their performance.

All-Girls Chanteurs

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
March 14, 2018
Snapchat Switch

Snapchat Switch

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
February 20, 2018
Other Options

Other Options

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
February 14, 2018
Tim Tebow with a child from Night to Shine event.

A Night to Shine

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
January 31, 2018
Net Neutrality Gone?

Net Neutrality Gone?

Jami Martin-Trainor
December 14, 2017
Students can face difficult decisions about careers and college.

College and Beyond

Jami Martin-Trainor, Writer
December 7, 2017
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