Coeur d’Alene High School Athlete of the Month: Kennedy Gelnette

At 16, Kennedy Gelnette has a long list of accomplishments. Her list of future goals is even longer, including possibly running for President of the United States.

But for now, the Coeur d’Alene High School junior is a student and teacher of ballet. She dances ballet, contemporary and jazz four days a week for three to four hours each night at Expressions School of Performing Arts.

In addition, Kennedy’s involved in the school’s book, French and key clubs, and she’s a peer tutor and office aide. In the summer, she volunteers at IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene and at a special needs summer camp.

Kennedy takes classes at NIC and hopes to complete her associate’s degree in science. She was the youngest person to compete at last year’s annual NIC speech competition and received second place.

Eventually, she’d like to get her bachelor’s degree in political science and go on to law school, and eventually seek a career in politics. Wherever she goes, she’ll keep dancing.

Life, especially ballet “en pointe”, is not without its challenges. “There’s constant blisters, calluses, broken toes, sore and tired muscles, but it’s all worth it,” she said.

The discipline of ballet has taught her grace, beauty, hard work and dedication. It’s taught her that, “Each person has something unique to offer and once you find that, it’s beautiful.”

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