Student Spotlight

Kennedee Arianna Cox: Kindness and responsibility lead her way

by Corey Peña

Kennadee Cox, who is also known as “Ariannah” by her friends and teachers, is our December choice for Student of the Month at Heritage Elementary School. She is in Mrs. Pierce’s fourth grade classroom.

Kennadee enrolled in Stockbridge Schools in the second grade after overcoming great obstacles. COVID took both of her great-grandparents and her grandfather and grandmother, leaving only Kennadee and her mother, Ashley Evans, in her family. They were welcomed by a local family, Brian and Debbie Rushlaw and their children, where they have thrived with “invaluable support,” according to Ms. Evans. Both mother and daughter are finding a way to bravely forge a new path in our community.

Despite this inconceivable loss, Kennadee has made remarkable strides in school.

Ms. Evans calls her daughter a “superb student who gives her all toward comprehending her classwork and doesn’t mind raising her hand in class even when she is unsure of the answer. She is ready to complete her homework voluntarily when she returns home, which is not every child’s favorite thing to do.”

Mrs. Pierce agrees wholeheartedly. “Kennadee is always putting her best effort into her classwork.” Being responsible in and outside of school will help her reach many goals.

Overcoming the challenges that Kennadee faced has not changed her wonderful spirit.

“Always smiling, always laughing, often offering to help others,” commented Mrs. Pierce.

Her mom added, “She always treats people with respect and takes pleasure in making new friends.”

It is no surprise that this student’s favorite thing about school is being around Mrs. Pierce, who is also known for the kindness and empathy she shows her students.

Kennadee also enjoys cooking, shopping, swimming, movies, and playing with her dolls. She has participated in gymnastics at Champion gymnastics in Ann Arbor. She is currently in our local Girl Scouts and a member of the community basketball team for her age level. Her future aspirations include singing, gymnastics and teaching. From the perspective of all who know her, this last aspiration gives us pure joy to think that we could welcome a future teacher into the profession with her character and determination.

Where her heart goes, her mind will follow! Congratulations, Kennadee Ariannah Cox.

Corey Peña is a recently retired Stockbridge school teacher. With a bit more time on her hands, she has volunteered to write occasional student profiles for Stockbridge Community News.