Alumni Spotlight
November 2024
Joey Canann '12 & James LaPolla '13
1. Why did your family choose Kennedy for your education?
My family wanted me to grow up with a strong Catholic background and have the best opportunities to succeed in my future. Kennedy was also the place where my older brother attended and it was a great experience for him.
2. What is your favorite Kennedy memory?
2. What is your favorite Kennedy memory?
It's hard to come up with one memory that stands out more than any other, but I would say the friendships I made with not only my peers but teachers and coaches that I still have to this day. One very unique thing about Kennedy is everyone knows your name and knows exactly who you are.
3. Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?
I enjoyed Mr Shilling's history class. He was able to make learning fun and enjoyable no matter what the topic was. To this day, I enjoy history and politics and that's probably due to his way of teaching and ability to keep my interest which was not always easy when it came to school.
3. Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?
I enjoyed Mr Shilling's history class. He was able to make learning fun and enjoyable no matter what the topic was. To this day, I enjoy history and politics and that's probably due to his way of teaching and ability to keep my interest which was not always easy when it came to school.
4. Post High School Education/Professional Experience.
While I enjoyed my time at Kennedy and the small community feel, I also wanted to experience a larger, more anonymous step that would change my comfort level of knowing everyone and being familiar with everything. After graduating from Kennedy I attended Youngstown State University and received my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
5. What career did you choose and tell us a little bit about how you got there.
I chose to become an engineer because I enjoy problem solving and thinking things out for myself rather than having a black and white answer to everything. Civil engineering was the best fit for me because I always had an interest in building things and never was interested in working in one place or sitting at a desk all day long.
I chose to become an engineer because I enjoy problem solving and thinking things out for myself rather than having a black and white answer to everything. Civil engineering was the best fit for me because I always had an interest in building things and never was interested in working in one place or sitting at a desk all day long.
6. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I couldn't possibly pick just one accomplishment to say I'm most proud of in my life so far. I'm proud of all my accomplishments. I don't have one that is more important than the other. It seems like one accomplishment leads to another to piece together a very happy life.
7. What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?
7. What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?
Luckily, one thing I learned a while ago is that there is not just one right way to live your life. If there is something that makes you happy, do it. If there is something else that would make you happier, then work toward it. Keep learning something new everyday and question everything. Never accept something that isn't up to your standards.
1. Why did your family choose Kennedy for your education?
For a wonderful school environment and a great Catholic education.
2. What is your favorite Kennedy memory?
Winning not one but two state championships as a coach.
3. Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?
Mr. Mike Klockner was, hands down, one of my favorite teachers.
4. Post High School Education/Professional Experience.
I attended Miami University and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science with a minor in Latin American studies. I also earned a Masters degree in Political Science from Miami University in 2018. After graduation from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2021, I now work as an attorney at Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd.
5. What career did you choose and tell us a little bit about how you got there.
I am a practicing attorney; I always wanted to be of help to those in need.
6. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud to have passed the Bar Exam and being the coach of the 2023 and 2024 golf state champions.
7. What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?
Never give up on your dreams and don’t second guess them. Your gut is always right. Stick with your instincts and you will succeed in school, life, and relationships and ultimately never waiver from the path that you feel you will most likely succeed.
