Kendrion Keenon is a gifted athlete and strong student whose passion for sports has led him to study exercise science at the University of South Carolina Columbia this fall.
He can trace his success today back to Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg when he was part of its first class of 13 pre-kindergartners. Ten of those students will graduate high school in May; three others already graduated.
“There is no limit to what our students are capable of, and I’m really excited to see what they will accomplish,” said Academy Principal Siobhan Ragan. “We are definitely not saying goodbye, more of a congratulations on all your hard work, and we can’t wait to help with this next chapter.”
Siobhan has worked with this graduating class since they were in third grade when she served as the school counselor. Now, seeing them about to graduate makes all the hard work worth it.
The Academy’s first class has earned 33 college acceptances. The Meeting Street Schools alumni program has worked with most of those students to figure out the best path forward, and Kendrion’s family is no exception, said Meg Fischer, Meeting Street Schools program director for alumni services.
“A student’s success is a joint effort,” Meg said. “When the family, the student and their support system continue to work together, the opportunities for our alumni are endless.”
Fourteen years ago, Kendrion’s Mom, Terri, was searching for a place that would provide an academically challenging environment for her son. She was drawn to Meeting Street Academy because of its promise of a hands-on learning approach and opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom.
“You could get a private school education, but not private school cost,” she said. “They expected more, and they pushed them to reach their potential.”
Meeting Street Academy delivered on its commitment of ensuring a strong academic foundation, and when Kendrion entered middle school, he said he felt like he had a leg up.
“I liked how they spent individual time with you to make sure you understood, and if you were ahead they let you keep going at your pace,” Kendrion said.
Kendrion was not only strong academically, but he also showed athletic prowess. When he was in fifth grade, he came in second place in a 5K hosted by the school, only losing to his older brother.
Kendrion went on to become a multi-sport athlete; he played basketball, was the wide receiver on the football team, and is running his final season of track.
Last spring, Kendrion’s track coach, Oshay Davenport, had him run the 400 meter dash for the first time. Because of his performance, the Spartanburg High School boys’ track team won the county championship for the first time in 11 years. Kendrion went on to compete in the prestigious Nike Indoor Nationals track meet, running the 4×200 meter relay and placing eleventh.
“He’s a hardworking athlete,” Oshay said. “He always does what I ask of him and more.”
As a lifelong Gamecock fan, Kendrion said he’s looking forward to college and experiencing game days as a student.
“My goal for college is to maintain my grades,” Kendrion said. “I am most excited about being on my own and getting to meet new people.”
Terri admires how hard her son works in school and sports, and she’s constantly impressed by both his humility and drive.
“He doesn’t like to get bragged on, but he’s worth bragging on,” she said. “I’m proud of my son because he’s excelling in academics and athletics, and that’s very hard to do.”
