East Greenbush Central School District is proud to recognize its most recent graduate – Kenneth McKenzie.
Kenny’s path to graduation was not an easy one. His transition from Goff Middle School to Columbia High School was difficult. Columbia proved too large for Kenny, but with the help of the Columbia High Special Education department he was able to find placement in an alternative education program that provided him with a therapeutic learning environment where he could succeed.
Kenny was happy but humble when talking about his successful completion of high school. “The staff kept me here – definitely. They were always there for me when I needed help. The teachers made sure I was where I needed to be,” Kenny said.
Kenny McKenzie receives his diploma from Principal Kimberly Rockenstyre
Kenny’s placement at Questar III’s Sackett Educational Center in Schodack was critical to his success. The smaller setting allowed him to focus on his school work and limited distractions. But, Kenny acknowledged, “I never would have made it without my mom. She was with me through the hard times. No matter how hard things got, whether we were getting along or not, she stood by me.”
Kimberly Rockenstyre, principal of Sackett Educational Center, provided a moving introduction to the graduation ceremony: “Today is a day of fantastic celebration. Kenny, there were times when we were holding our breath when you deviated away from your school plan. But your hard work and dedication has served as a positive role model for the other students in the school.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Betty Belleau, Kenny’s grandmother. “Sackett was the best experience for Kenny,” she explained. “The smaller classrooms really helped him focus. None of us would let him give up, especially his mother.”
Kenny’s hard work continues outside of school. He volunteered for a number of years for the fire department and is involved in his church. Kenny’s mother, Laura McKenzie, said, “Getting involved in the church was a real turning point. It provided him with additional help and support.”
Rockenstyre said Kenny’s success is the result of collaboration. “We were able to create a real partnership between school and home to keep Kenny on the right path.”
The educational program that Kenny participated in truly is one of partnership and collaboration – between East Greenbush CSD and Questar III; between Questar III and the family; and between the student and his teachers.
Kenny’s mom, beaming with pride in her son, said, “Kenny overcame a lot of obstacles – perhaps his stubbornness made him bounce back. But I can’t say enough about the staff here at Sackett and the support system they provided for Kenny and for me. They went above and beyond – they were my sanity.”
In addition, the parent support group is a great asset. “To know there are other parents going through the same thing – that really helped,” she said.
Now a high school graduate, Kenny plans to enroll in college in the fall. “I’ve always been interested in being an EMT, so I may do that. Or I might get into HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) training.”
