Ms. Kennedy showcasing her fun and cool personality during Spirit Week. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
Maggie Kennedy inspires students to thrive through personal connection and lifelong learning.
Maggie Kennedy has been a dedicated counselor at Thomas Jefferson High School for seven years, and has had a profound impact on her students’ lives through deep connection and understanding their stories. Her journey began with Cooking Matters Colorado, where she discovered her passion for working with people. After discovering this passion for helping others and face to face connection, she sought out a career in counseling. Kennedy’s diverse experiences, which includes volunteer work in Honduras, have enriched her approach to public health and counseling. Here at Thomas Jefferson, she cherishes the strong sense of community and tradition, finding fulfillment in witnessing students’ resilience and achievements. What makes Kennedy’s role so impactful is her genuine interest in understanding the unique stories of each student she counsels. “Getting to know students’ stories and watching them cross the stage for their diploma is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job,” she shared. For Kennedy, each student is more than a name. They are individuals with their own challenges, dreams, and journeys. She takes pride in being part of that process, often serving as the one person who truly understands their path to success.
Kennedy’s path towards becoming a counselor here at TJ was driven by a passion for education, along with her desire to make a meaningful impact. For Kennedy, the saying “knowledge is freedom” resonated deeply. Growing up in Colorado, she attended Cherry Creek High School, followed by a move out to Creighton University for her undergraduate studies. Due to the enormity of Cherry Creek High School, she sought out a smaller community for her undergraduate education, exemplifying why she picked Creighton. It was throughout her time as a student that she began to feel a strong pull towards a career in education. Her experiences studying abroad and volunteering during her college time fueled this passion, and allowed her to broaden her perspective on how education can change lives.
One of the most defining moments in Kennedy’s path to counseling was her time spent volunteering and living in Honduras. In Honduras, she worked with local schools and medical organizations, observing firsthand how access to healthcare and education were often limited. Her ability to speak Spanish helped her forge strong connections with the people she worked alongside. During this time, she solidified her personal commitment to helping others, particularly the younger generations, as they overcome obstacles in order to achieve and work towards their goals and dreams. While in Honduras, she observed many resources that are taken for granted here in America, describing this as an “eye opening experience.” She explained that “in rural areas, kids often didn’t go past the sixth grade because fees were too high, and many families couldn’t afford it. This gave me a new appreciation for the educational opportunities we have here and made me more determined to help students take advantage of those opportunities.” Upon return from the Honduras trip, Kennedy continued her education, going on to obtain a masters degree in counseling. Her studies left her with a focus on academic and social emotional support for students, knowing that high school can be one of the most difficult periods of life for some people.
Kennedy’s greatest strength is her ability to connect with students on a personal level. TJ is known for its close-knit community and strong sense of tradition, so it is fitting that Kennedy has built relationships with hundreds of students. Her role goes beyond scheduling classes and providing academic support and guidance; she also supports students in their social and emotional development. In doing so, she helps students navigate everything from academic stress to peer relationships. Whether she is working with a student on how to apply for college, or assisting them through a personal crisis, her goal is always to ensure they feel heard, understood, and supported. “Counseling is about so much more than academics,” she said. “It’s about helping students build resilience, teaching them how to cope with challenges, and giving them the tools they need to succeed in more than just an academic setting.”
For Kennedy, one of the most rewarding parts of her job is getting to see the students she helps cross the stage at graduation. “Graduation is an amazing moment,” she stated. “It’s the culmination of years of hard work, not just for the students but for everyone who has supported them along the way. Seeing students who have overcome personal challenges achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling.” Kennedy understands that the road to graduation is different for every student. Some face academic struggles, while others face major personal dilemmas and challenges. She believes that her job is to help students find that road, no matter what obstacles they face. That means being a constant source of support and encouragement. “I want students to know that I’m here for them,” she said. “Whether they’re struggling with their classes, dealing with something at home, or just feeling overwhelmed, they can come to me for help. I’m here to listen and help them find solutions.”
As Kennedy continues her work at Thomas Jefferson, she will remain committed to helping students achieve their ultimate goals and unlock their full potential. From guiding students through their college applications, to supporting them through difficult personal situations, or simply just being a shoulder to lean on, she is determined to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students she serves. For Kennedy, the work of a high school counselor is much more than just helping students graduate—it is about helping them build the skills they need to succeed in life, and for the students of Thomas Jefferson, that makes all the difference.
