A 1979 graduate of Wheelersburg High School in Wheelersburg, OH, Mrs. Kennard’s 38 years in music education (1984-2023) began after graduating from Capital University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Music Education (voice and piano). She first taught General Music at both Bloom-Vernon and New Boston schools (K-8) where she even pioneered the “Fascination” show choir in grades 6-8. In 1989 she was hired by the Chillicothe City School District to teach vocal music at J. A. Smith and Mt. Logan Middle Schools. She was enormously popular growing the size of the 6-8 choirs to a whopping 105 in one 7th grade at Smith. She created a show choir program at each school. Her love of musical theater led her to be the Music Director and Choreographer for nearly 50 shows for high school and community theater. Some of her favorites include Guys and Dolls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Bring It On.

Mrs. Kennard earned her Master of Education (Behavior Management) from Marygrove College. She has presented sessions on Choral Techniques at both the state and national level, and in 2018 was awarded Music Educator of the Year by the Ohio Music Education Association. She was also recognized with Proclamations by both the Ohio House and Senate. And, to cap off her career, her CHS Symphonic Choir achieved superior ratings at the state level of the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Events in both 2022 and 2023. She retired in May of 2023 and remains active as an OMEA Adjudicator and accompanist.