KENNEDY

Kennedy (known as Ken or Jay by loved ones) has a voice that’s warm and full of joy. Even through the phone, her smile can be heard. In an interview about her, she asks questions about the interviewer. That compassion, that other-centeredness - is the essence of who she is.

With everything she’s accomplished, Kennedy still wonders if it’s enough. In the midst of a busy schedule, her high standards keep her busier. She’s involved in cheer practice, two National Honor Societies, service clubs, and graduated from Highland Springs High School with an associate’s degree in business administration. While her resume is intimidating, she is not. Rather, Kennedy is genuinely, unfailingly, kind.

When she found out she won a Pedestal Scholarship, Kennedy immediately called her mother, who was just as excited as Kennedy was about this, her largest financial award. But she describes receiving the scholarship not only in terms of excitement, but gratitude. She says, “I was very grateful to receive a Pedestal scholarship. And excited. I still am excited.”

Kennedy has always dreamed of becoming an attorney. Her family used to joke about it; she’s been debating them since she was little. But only recently did the dream become a plan. A major motivation for Kennedy occurred when a close family member struggled with the legal system. Kennedy wants to make sure everyone’s voice is heard, no matter the circumstances. Her other driving reason? “I love Law and Order, Criminal Minds, all the lawyer shows.”

The time has come for Kennedy to turn dreams and plans into actions, and go after what she wants. “I know I have really big goals. One day, when people hear my name, I want them to recognize it. And trust it. I know that will take a lot work. I’m willing to put in the work.”

At eight years old, Kennedy lost a sibling. The grief, and the quiet drive that loss planted, stay with her. She lives for more than herself, imagining that she will do and accomplish things her sibling never got the chance to do. She envisions sticking thumbtacks in a map then visiting wherever they land, across the globe, to mountains or somewhere with palm trees, then bring the world back to share with her friends and family. Kennedy wants to help assure that the voices of the unheard have a strong advocate, whether as an attorney, judge, or an elected representative. For her, helping is a core value, woven into everything she does, dreams, and plans.

The Pedestal Fund is honored to help Kennedy Smith make her name one that will matter, stand strong, and be remembered.