It was just another normal day for Channelview High School senior Kennedi Henderson. All of the sudden, in the middle of class, some visitors known to Houston area television viewers entered the room with a welcome surprise.
Henderson’s face lit up with a wide grin as morning news anchor Owen Conflenti called her to the front of the classroom and presented her with KPRC’s $2,500 Senior Scholarship. She is the first recipient out of 20 Houston area students to receive the award, sponsored by Texas Mattress Makers.
“This is amazing,” Henderson said. “This was such an unexpected surprise, but I am excited that my family is here to share it with me.”
Several of Henderson’s family members, including her grandmother, whose home was affected by Hurricane Harvey were in attendance. Her parents, who are both Channelview educators, were also there to support their daughter, along with her brother, who is a junior at CHS.
Henderson is an outstanding student, ranked sixth in her class. She plans to attend Prairie View A&M University in the fall, where she will major in Chemical Engineering. Her involvement at CHS includes serving as a member of the National Honor Society and participating in the Modified Early College Program (MECA) at San Jacinto College. Through her success in MECA, Henderson will receive her Associate’s Degree in May, along with her high school diploma.
In addition to her academic success, Henderson has excelled in athletics. She is a Class 6A State Powerlifting finalist, a three-time Region III Track and Field finalist and the 2016-2017 Area Shot Put champion.
“My parents have shown me that education is the key to success and the door to many opportunities,” Henderson said. “As I begin my college journey, I know it will further develop my perspective of looking at life as well as broadening my ability to think critically and solve problems.”
The scholarship presentation and feature story on Henderson recently aired on KPRC Channel 2. It can be viewed by going to www.click2houston.com/community/scholarships.
