BISHOP KENNY HIGH SCHOOL VIEWBOOK 2021 - 2022
Integritas Sapientia “Integrity of Wisdom”
Letter from Our Principal TODD ORLANDO Welcome to Bishop Kenny. We are a Catholic college preparatory school where messages rooted in the Gospel and strong Catholic values inform everything we do. With great joy, we celebrate our 70th year as we, “Remember Our Vision, Renew Our Mission, and Rejoice in Our Catholic Identity.” This milestone not only calls to mind the history that has shaped our school, but also reaffirms our commitment to providing an excellent Catholic education to every student we serve, and it encourages us to look brightly towards the future of this special place so many have called home. The BK community includes a faculty of 93 men and women and approximately 1,296 students in grades 9-12. As a Catholic school, we welcome and value students of every background who wish to contribute to the BK community and to be nourished by it. Bishop Kenny Crusaders are encouraged to assume responsibility for gaining both academic knowledge and sound judgment. Each year we expand our academic, athletics, and student life programs as we rise to meet the ever-changing needs and talents of our students. The availability of Christian service opportunities, on-campus Mass, prayer, and religious education, allows students and staff alike to strengthen their faith, their membership in the life of Bishop Kenny, and ultimately their contribution to our wider community. Above all else, however, Bishop Kenny is a Catholic school. Our faith is our true north and the Catholic virtues upon which BK was founded echo throughout our halls, calling those who enter our school to live a life of purpose and service, here and beyond. As I enter my 33rd year at BK, I am continually grateful for this community of faith and family, and the ever-present challenge to grow and learn. We are delighted that you are interested in our school and hope this viewbook will give you more insight into who and what make Bishop Kenny a special place. I would like to extend a special welcome to our new BK families and to our Crusader alumni who now join us as parents of students continuing the Crusader tradition. Four years at Bishop Kenny are the entry point to a lifetime of being a part of the Crusader family. Remember, Renew, Rejoice. We are Bishop Kenny.
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Catholic or not, you can be anybody and Bishop Kenny will treat you as a brother or sister.” Jonathan Lumbag, ‘21
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VISION Guided by the lessons of the Gospel, Bishop Kenny graduates will be persons of integrity capable of making life-decisions and positive contributions to their faith, family, and global communities.
MISSION Rooted in Catholic values and traditions, our mission is to partner with parents in the education and formation of their children by providing a culture of faith, a rigorous curriculum, and personal enrichment opportunities through which all students can achieve and excel as they prepare for college and life.
VALUES As a Catholic high school community we: Consecrate ourselves to Jesus through Mary under the title of Our Lady of La Leche. Proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. Build a Catholic faith community. Celebrate the gift of our faith through prayer and worship. Promote service to others, especially the poor and vulnerable. Provide opportunities for spiritual growth.
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Located on the beautiful south bank of the St. Johns River in
Jacksonville, Florida, Bishop Kenny High School opened its doors in 1952 as Central Catholic High School. Later that same school year, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley renamed the school Bishop Kenny High School in honor of the Most Reverend Bishop William J. Kenny, third Bishop of St. Augustine. Today, Bishop Kenny’s iconic 55-acre riverfront campus continues to be a vibrant community in the historic St. Nicholas neighborhood. The ever-changing array of student needs and interests continues to shape our campus, but Crusader families will find the 70-year tradition of excellence is unwavering.
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BY THE NUMBERS
BISHOP KENNY
Faculty
93 15 52%
faculty members average years experience hold advanced degrees
Students
1,296 49% 51% 83% 18% 23% 28% 53% 48% 82% 49
students in grades 9-12
Boys Girls Catholic Hispanic / Latino Minorities Receive financial aid Participate in athletics FL Bright Futures recipients AP Exam pass rate Zip codes represented
Advanced Placement
24 316 787
AP courses offered at BK AP students in 2020/21 AP exams taken in 2020/21
55 21 138
28 32
acre campus average class size course offerings
performing arts courses
STEM courses
$20.8M scholarships awarded to the Class of 2021
37,592
student service hours completed in 2020-21 7
BK + YOU Bishop Kenny is dedicated to customizing a unique four-year academic plan for each student. Our five school counselors in the Office of School Counseling focus on all Crusaders as individuals, guiding them as they move through high school and ultimately as they prepare college applications that represent their values and talents. Planning for what comes after graduation is an integral part of a BK education - we want to support our students in their college selection process and help them follow the path that suits them best.
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OFFICE OF SCHOOL COUNSELING GOALS Freshman:
Transitioning to high school, refining study skills.
Sophomore:
Beginning the college search.
Junior:
Focusing the college search, finding the right fit, college admissions exams.
Senior:
Applying to college; applying for financial aid and scholarships.
Counselors help students continually update their academic plans, review their scholarship program eligibility, and discuss college exams, selection, and application process. All students have access to software that allows them to research colleges and universities, as well as request documents needed for college applications. Various evening programs about important milestones for each grade level are hosted throughout the year for parents and students.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT LABS & LEARNING RESOURCE PROGRAM We offer math support labs three afternoons weekly. The English Department offers a writing lab to assist students one afternoon each week. These labs are free to all students and led by faculty. The Learning Resource Program assists students who are diagnosed with a learning disability and are in need of additional academic support in order to be successful in a college preparatory learning environment. Students in the program experience an intellectually stimulating and caring environment that will maximize their personal and academic potential. Students also learn strategies for managing a mainstream classroom setting. In some cases, support services outside of school may be necessary.
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Bishop Kenny wants children to grow, to thrive, and to reach their potential. That’s very important to me as a parent.” - Tim Monahan, ‘90 and BK parent
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COLLEGE MATRICULATION Top colleges and universities where our 2016-2021 graduates have continued their educations
Boston College College of the Holy Cross Emory University Florida State University Georgia Institute of Technology Johns Hopkins University New York University Northwestern University Pennsylvania State University Savannah College of Art and Design United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy West Point United States Naval Academy University of Florida University of Miami University of North Carolina University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Virginia Villanova University Wake Forest University
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ACADEMICS
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Bishop Kenny’s academic program integrates faith, culture, and academic excellence. Our dedicated and caring faculty and staff prepare students to put their intellect, character, and personal integrity to meaningful use in school and in the future.” - Michael Broach, ‘99 Vice Principal of Academics and Student Services
What does a Bishop Kenny graduate look like? Our graduates have the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary to meet the demands of college study and ultimately thrive in their chosen careers or vocations. BK students learn how to discern, take risks, fail, persist, and succeed. During their years as Crusaders, they deepen their theological understanding of our faith, are enlisted as environmental stewards, and learn the importance of civil discussion and academic discourse.
ENGLISH Through the formal study of languages, students develop the skills to help them cross cultural barriers, grasp how language works, and how it shapes their understanding of the world. Four credits in English are required for graduation, and students have a total of 12 courses to select from, including two at the AP level and four at the honors level. English is a requirement all four years and our classes focus on the power of individual and group inquiry. Whether mastering grammar, developing clear, fluid written expression, or analyzing essays, poems, plays, and novels, students learn from teachers and each other. To prepare students for a world that demands many forms of literacy, teachers guide students to think about the many ways text communicates, with an emphasis on vocabulary enrichment and the writing process. At every level, students learn the basics of good writing, perceptive reading, and thoughtful analysis. Creative Writing and Writing Workshop courses hone the skills of students who show interest in creating original forms of descriptive writing, poetry, drama and fiction. Vocabulary development and creative writing techniques are also explored.
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AP CAPSTONE The AP Capstone Program is an innovative diploma program that prepares participants for college level academic inquiry and research through two yearlong courses. Accordingly, many colleges and universities recognize Capstone courses for college credit and participation in Capstone can help a student stand out in college admissions.
MATHEMATICS Our 14 mathematics courses, including three at the AP level and six at the honors level, help students discover and appreciate the power, logic, and beauty of mathematics. Students learn to read, write, and discuss math with clarity and confidence as they solve problems with creativity and perseverance. At all levels of math, students engage in a well-balanced curriculum with practical application and theoretical concepts, while learning to use technology thoughtfully and effectively. An academic placement process, which includes the high school placement test, determines the best starting point for a student’s four-year mathematics program of study.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Through sport and movement, our Department of Physical Education fosters each student’s personal health, fitness and safety. Using a wide variety of activities, students will learn the importance of and how to make educated decisions for a healthy lifestyle. We offer nine courses, which include four co-ed courses, two for boys, and two for girls. Students are required to complete one health education / fitness course for graduation, but they can opt to complete other elective courses such as tennis, weightlifting, team sports, and basketball. The entire student body is trained in hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed so that they can respond appropriately in health emergencies.
PRACTICAL ARTS Practical Arts courses provide real life, hands-on instruction for all students. A variety of courses are offered including Accounting, Business Management and Law, Family and Consumer Science, Journalism, Multimedia Design, Naval Science, Digital Information Technology, and Computer Science, including two computer science courses at the AP level. Students will gain skills and competencies that provide a solid foundation for transition from high school to higher education, as well as the workplace; prepare students for rapidly changing technology and the challenges of a global economy; allow career exploration, planning and exposure.
RELIGION As an integral part of the Catholic faith formation of BK students, religion is a required course all four years, for all students, regardless of faith. The curriculum reflects the guide approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and leads students to an encounter with Jesus Christ and His teachings in order that they might come to know Him and to be transformed by Him. Students learn of the life of Jesus, His teachings, and His call to each of us to follow Him. Included in the theological teachings are service as ministry, Catholic doctrine, stewardship, and discipleship.
SCIENCE BK science courses are built on the belief that science is creative, innovative, and dynamic. Teachers emphasize the importance of observation and analysis, oral and written communication, the scientific method, and creative problem- solving. Students explore the sciences through the lens of scientific inquiry and global ecology. Laboratory experimentation and hands-on activities are the basis for nearly all of our 15 science courses in Biology, Anatomy/ Physiology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Marine Science, and Physics, including four AP level and four honors level courses.
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SOCIAL STUDIES Fifteen social studies courses, including six AP level and three honors level, examine how people throughout history have tried to understand and organize their civilizations. Courses in economics, world and U.S. history, philosophy, psychology, humanities, and government emphasize critical and analytical thinking, as well as clear written and oral expression. Students study how people in diverse times and places made sense of themselves and the world around them by examining questions about knowledge, society, and the role of human beings in the natural world.
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS The Visual and Performing Arts Program thrives on the collaborative energy of dance, music, photography, theatre, and visual arts. With 28 courses to choose from, including three at the AP level, the program is designed to support and engage both the curious beginner and the committed art student. Through the arts, students develop the tools for authentic self-expression, gain confidence, and expand their capacity for reflection. In addition to the fully accredited academic program, the department offers a breadth of opportunities outside the class day that foster creativity, collaboration, and independent exploration such as theatre, speech, and debate.
WORLD LANGUAGES Classical language courses in Latin enable students to study the ancient world and gain invaluable insights into the vocabulary, structure, and meaning of English words. Modern language courses in Spanish and German expose students to new languages through listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural study. Upper-level and AP courses emphasize reading and literary analysis. Two world language credits are required for graduation, and students have a total of 14 courses to select from, including two AP level, and six honors level courses.
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FAITH
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CAMPUS MINISTRY The mission of the Office of Campus Ministry is to enable members of the school community to experience, claim, and celebrate the richness of the Catholic tradition and spirit by continually making God known, loved and served on the Bishop Kenny campus. Campus Ministry encourages students’ commitment to their faith, regardless of denomination or faith tradition. The ministry team includes clergy and laity who work together in forming graduates of competence, conscience, and compassionate commitment to Christian service through retreat programs and liturgical celebrations, including opportunities for Mass, adoration, and penance. Campus Ministry offers many opportunities to enrich the spiritual faith journey: Mass - Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in the chapel at 7:10 a.m. - Monthly school-wide Mass in gymnasium Confession - Every Friday Adoration - 1st Friday of every month, all day in the chapel Liturgical Ministry - Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (Seniors only) - Lectors, open to all grades - Altar Servers, open to all grades Penance Services - Advent and Lent Spiritual Conferences and Retreats - Quarterly per grade in the chapel - Kairos Retreat: Juniors and Seniors - The Calling: Freshman Retreat Spiritual Direction and Counseling - Campus Ministry is always available to accompany students in their faith journey
GOALS OF CAMPUS MINISTRY • • • • •
To form a faith community on campus. To assist in the formation of the Catholic conscience of our students, faculty, staff, and administration. To aid in making social justice an integral part of the school’s mission. To help form future leaders for Church and society. To ensure the Catholic identity of the school.
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WE ARE
ARTS
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“
The arts are a union of the academic and artistic worlds. From science and math in the art of set design to literary analysis and psychology in the writing process, the arts are a pillar of education and a healing refuge.” - Jeanie Wilks, BKHS Theatre Director
The arts program at Bishop Kenny offers many opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and pursue their passion for the arts. In each discipline - Art, Drawing, Band, Chorus, Drumline, Guitar, Keyboard, Theatre, Debate, Speech, and Creative Photography - students hone their craft and broaden their understanding of the role of fine and performance arts in our world. With 28 courses to choose from, including three at the AP level, there is something for every level of artistic interest. In addition to our music room and art studio, Bishop Kenny has a student art gallery and a performing arts center. Built in 2011, the Carla Harris Performing Arts Center seats 450 guests, and has a three-and-ahalf story stage facility with dressing rooms, prop and material storage rooms, performance sound and lighting systems, as well as an outdoor patio area.
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TECHNOLOGY
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From STEM curricula to technology programs, Bishop Kenny maintains a strong commitment to
providing academics, facilities, and resources for students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in a digital world. We offer 32 STEM courses that encourage students to engage in studies, events, and careers involving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. BK implemented a 1:1 iPad digital learning environment in 2013. Students receive an iPad at the start of the year, which is how they access the majority of their textbooks in a digital textbook format. The iPads enhance the classroom experience, offering interactive tools for reading, note-taking, research, multimedia design, and collaboration. Since this program began, the nature of learning at Bishop Kenny has fundamentally changed for the better. Students now create, curate and collaborate with each other and faculty as they develop a digital skill set for the future, while continuing to be formed by the school’s Catholic, college-preparatory curriculum. The school has supported this technology initiative with infrastructure upgrades to the campus, including Apple TVs, interactive projectors, and wireless connectivity in every classroom, a maker-space used by the Robotics Team, and the Demetree Learning Commons, a collaborative, multi-media workspace for students and teachers. Students can visit the help desk, meet in a lounge area to work on projects, gain access to a variety of digital and print resources, use 3D printers, and more. The emphasis on technology has also redefined professional development. Teachers collaborate more frequently in person and online as they learn about and implement new learning strategies using technology in their classrooms.
The Robotics team increases analytical and programming skills through the use of artificial intelligence and robots built by the students. Students participate in regional competitions, such as the First LEGO League’s First Tech Challenge and have the opportunity to qualify for competitions on the state and international level. The Esports team promotes a healthy use of strategy-based video games that encourage teamwork, education, healthy lifestyles and leadership. Students learn to use technology, not just video games in a manner that will benefit them greatly in college and life. The Esports teams compete in the national High School Esports League playing Rocket League, League of Legends, and Smash.
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ATHLETICS
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BISHOP KENNY CRUSADER SPORTS BK has always recognized the importance of combining academic pursuits with a strong physical education. Our athletic program helps students become more confident, both physically and mentally. That confidence carries over into all areas of campus life. Our programs emphasize sportsmanship, accountability, and teamwork. We have 23 teams, including varsity, junior varsity, and freshman, and more than 50% of students participate in athletics. All 2020/21 Crusader teams were recognized as Academic Team Champions by the Florida High School Athletic Association, placing BK 4th overall academically in class 4A for its sports teams. Baseball Basketball - Boys Basketball - Girls Beach Volleyball Cheerleading
Cross Country - Boys Cross Country - Girls Football Golf - Boys Golf - Girls
Sailing Soccer - Boys Soccer - Girls Softball Swim - Boys
Swim - Girls Tennis - Boys Tennis - Girls Track - Boys Track - Girls
Volleyball Weightlifting Wrestling
“At BK, I learned to compete and play the game the right way, while bringing home a state baseball championship and making lifelong friendships. I still enjoy catching up with Coach Edwards and working out at the field when I’m home during my off-seasons.” - Ben Gamel, ‘10 , Pittsburgh Pirates MLB
A rich history of championships began with the first Crusader state title in 1957 for basketball, and has been followed by 29 additional state titles in athletics. The most recent state championship was won by boys’ swimming in 2021.
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STUDENT LIFE
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There’s something for everyone at Bishop Kenny. With 50 different clubs and student organizations to participate in, more than 80% of students at BK are members of one or more organization. Anchor Club
NJROTC Cyber Patriot
Art Club
NJROTC Drill Team
BK Ambassadors
NJROTC UAS/Drone Team
Brain Brawl
NJROTC Orienteering Team
Cheerleading
Quill & Scroll Society
Chorus
Red & White Girls
Crusader Vision
Rho Kappa
Diversity Student Union
Robotics Team
Drumline
St. Vincent de Paul
Elite Dance Team
Science Club
English Honor Society
Science National Honor Society
E-Sports
Spanish Club
Family, Career & Community Leaders of America
Step Team
Forensics Team
Student Council
German Club
Student Government Association
History Club
Theatre
Interact Club
Tri-M Honor Society
International Thespian Society
Yearbook
Kenny Angels Latin Club Medical Career Club Mu Alpha Theta National Art Honor Society National German Honor Society National Honor Society National Latin Honor Society National Spanish Honor Society Newspaper NJROTC Academic Team NJROTC Air Rifle Team NJROTC Athletic Team NJROTC Color Guard
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CRUSADERS
JOHN CRATEM, ‘22
JANELLE SUMBELING, ’22
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion History Club Joe Berg Science Seminar Series Latin Club Latin Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta National English Honor Society National Honor Society Science Honor Society St. Vincent DePaul Varsity Cross Country
Bishop Kenny Ambassadors BK Diversity Student Union / BK Task Force on Diversity Environmental Group Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion History Club Interact Club Medical Career Group Mu Alpha Theta National English Honor Society National Honor Society Secretary Rho Kappa Science Club / Science National Honor Society Spanish Club / Spanish Honor Society St. Vincent de Paul Society Student Council / Student Government President Varsity Cross Country / Varsity Track
John is a standout Crusader student, varsity athlete, and embodies the values of our Catholic faith. He is an active altar server, lector, and Extraordinary Minister, and has been serving the Church since third grade. John is the chaplain of both the St. Vincent DePaul Society and National Honor Society. “Altar Serving helps me be more involved in the Church community and Mass. As a Catholic, I feel it is as important to give to our faith as it is to be nourished by it.”
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Janelle is a leader with numerous honor society memberships and student-elected positions. She completed nearly 448 service hours last year, serving as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and will serve as team leader for Kairos this year. “Being at BK has taught me how to have a servant’s heart and put my faith in action. The teachers and students push me to be the best version of myself and to unlock new skills and abilities I didn’t know I was capable of.”
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Being a part of Bishop Kenny is really being part of something bigger than just a school. You’re part of a community.” - Roshan Kallivayalil, ‘94 and BK Parent
The Bishop Kenny Alumni family is made up of more than 16,500 men and women. Stretching coast to coast and around the world, our alumni are leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, clergy, religious, parents, and more. Most of all, however, they are forever Crusaders. LATASHA GARRISON, ‘90 Latasha is a member of the Class of 1990. In addition to being an excellent student, she played on the school’s state championship girls basketball team. After graduating from Bishop Kenny, she went on to the University of Florida where she obtained both her bachelor’s and law degrees. Latasha practices employment law, is the proud mother of two children and is a member of both the Gateway Girl Scouts and Greenscape boards. Most recently, Latasha has entered into a new chapter of her BK life, serving as Chair of the Bishop Kenny Task Force on Diversity, an advisory board to the principal regarding diversity and inclusivity initiatives at BKHS.
TIM VERGENZ, ‘11 Tim is a 2011 graduate of Bishop Kenny. While at BK, Tim was involved in the Robotics Club, the Forensics Team, and Brain Brawl. After graduating, Tim continued his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology earning a B.S. in Computer Science. After graduating summa cum laude, Tim began his work as a Software Engineer for Udacity in California, eventually finding his way back to Jacksonville where he works as a data scientist for True Link Financial. A true Crusader family, Tim and his wife Amanda, also a member of the BK Class of 2011, are enthusiastic supporters of their BK alma mater.
CARLA HARRIS, ‘80 Carla is a summa cum laude graduate of the Class of 1980 and a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University. Ms. Harris, who also earned an MBA from the Harvard School of Graduate Management Education, has been an executive on Wall Street for more than twenty-five years. She is Vice-Chairman, Global Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Carla has been a major supporter of BK for more than 30 years; her philosophy is, “We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others.”
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BECOME A CRUSADER www.bishopkenny.org/admissions/apply
Step 1.
TELL US ABOUT YOU
Step 2.
VISIT
Step 3.
Fill out an inquiry form.
Schedule an on-campus tour.
LEARN ABOUT PLACEMENT TESTING
Find out when / where to take placement test. (9th grade only)
Step 4.
COMPLETE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Step 5.
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID IF APPLICABLE
Submit online through our admissions portal.
Submit online through our admissions portal.
MAKING BISHOP KENNY AFFORDABLE Our commitment to financial aid is rooted in our Catholic faith and we are steadfast in that commitment to making BK accessible, and to helping students in need receive financial aid. We encourage families to apply early to our financial assistance program. Students must be registered for the 2022-2023 school year to be awarded aid. Bishop Kenny accepts the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities, and the AAA Scholarship. For more information, please visit www.bishopkenny.org/admissions/financial-assistance-scholarships.
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BISHOP KENNY HIGH SCHOOL 1055 KINGMAN AVENUE JACKSONVILLE, FL 904.398.7545
ENROLL www.bishopkenny.org/admissions/apply
@BISHOPKENNYHS