January 21, 2020 —Every year Kendal at Oberlin honors its student staff members, who work in Dining Services, and are graduating from local high schools. Ann Pilisy, Dining Room/ Catering Manager arranges a reception for Kendal residents and staff to thank each student for their service and wish them well as they move to the next stage of their lives. Parents, grandparents and siblings also attend the event, often visiting Kendal and meeting residents for the first time. Over one hundred people attended the reception this year, the largest attendance ever.
The students hail from Amherst High School, Early College High School Lorain County Community College, Elyria Catholic High School, Firelands High School, Lake Ridge Academy, Midview High School, Welllington High School, Western Reserve High School and of course Oberlin High School. After graduation, they are headed off in different directions with hopes, dreams, goals and great enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
Ann Pilisy asked each student to list some of their high school activities and achievements and how they feel about their experience at Kendal. It is clear from their responses, that they are motivated young people, and both Kendal residents and staff influenced their experience here. Students consistently said they looked forward to being at Kendal, where they established strong bonds with residents, who always expressed interest in their lives. They also indicated that they were respected by staff and appreciated the fact that their busy school schedules were always considered.
Along with working, these students are engaged in numerous activities including choir, marching band, orchestra, theatre, Model United Nations, sports, cheer leading, and student council. All the while, maintaining good grades and academic honors including National Honor Society and Honor Roll.
The voices of all these young people can be captured in student Jakob McHugh’s words, “Kendal has been an amazing experience. The experiences and relationships I have had working here will last a lifetime, and I am very sad to be leaving in the fall.”
Post Script: Students shared that no matter what kind of day they were having, once at Kendal, residents always left them with a smile on their faces.
Wishing Bright Futures for Kendal’s High School Graduates!