Alumni Spotlight
January 2023
Dominic O'Brien, Class of 2020
Why did your family choose Kennedy for your education?
My family chose Kennedy primarily because of the family tradition and it is a Catholic high school. My parents both graduated from Kennedy and so did my aunts, uncles and cousins. It is a very family-oriented school for us!
What is your favorite Kennedy memory?
A few memories come to mind, but I don't believe there is a single memory I could pick to top every other one. If I had to pick a couple, my time involved with WJFK my Senior year was very memorable, and a time I will never forget. It helped me put smiles on the faces of students and faculty members and I loved seeing that. There is also the 2016 State Championship football team where our team played in the Shoe in Columbus. Classmates or not, everyone came together to celebrate that victory.
Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?
As for teachers that influenced me over the years, I sincerely appreciated the help of every teacher I had a class with. Mrs. McGuire helped me understand math really well, Mr. Klockner helped me examine my faith at a deeper level, and Mrs. Consiglio alongside Mrs. Phillips helped me come out of my shell with WJFK. One teacher I have probably spent the most time with out of anyone is Mrs. Welch-Young. Before JFK, she and I came from the same middle school, so I already knew her teaching style and got to be really close with her as time went on. I would like to think that she is the one to blame for my interest in journalism and writing. She was so helpful when I had issues with a question, but also challenged me to figure it out myself. My time with her was amazing and she's the one person I look back on when I think about my current career.
Education/Professional Experience:
Right now, I am studying journalism at Kent State University to work towards a career in sports broadcasting. As for Spring of 2023, I will be joining TV2, a television production group on campus, to take a dive into our news program specializing in sports. I currently work for a broadcast company called YSNLive and I cover most of Warren JFK's athletic events. I also have a part-time job covering Kent State's eSports team in Rocket League every Fall. This quickly became one of my favorite accomplishments of 2022. I'm also working towards getting internships in certain areas of my study to help build my resume. All in all, I'm working to be the best I can be in my field.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I would have to say an accomplishment I'm most proud of is being the voice of the John F Kennedy Eagles. That title itself is something I never thought would be granted to me in my wildest dreams. To be able to commentate my previous high school sports programs is a gift from God that I still have a hard time believing. I'm also extremely proud of being a part of the Class of 2020, which will never be forgotten.
What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?
If I would give a piece of advice to anyone in the class of 2023 it would be this. Trust yourself. Be the best you that you can possibly be. I know everyone says to cherish this time in your last year as high school students, but instead, be excited for your future. Don't be sad that it is coming to an end, be excited for a new beginning. Make new friends, learn new things, find new interests, challenge yourself, but at the end of the day, be you. I would rather spend the rest of my life being myself than spend one day being someone I'm not. That being said, NEVER forget where you came from.
