News Summary
On May 1, 2025, Powell High School’s auditorium was filled with emotion as the Powell High Singers held a concert to honor their retiring choral director, Jim Kennedy. With 36 years of dedicated service, Kennedy’s impact on music education was celebrated through performances from current students and alumni. The concert featured heartfelt tributes, nostalgic performances, and showcased the profound influence he had on many young lives, marking a significant farewell to a beloved mentor.
Knoxville, TN – Powell High School’s auditorium was filled with emotion on May 1, 2025, as the Powell High Singers paid tribute to their beloved choral director, Jim Kennedy, who is retiring after an impressive 36 years with Knox County Schools. The concert, which turned out to be a heartfelt celebration of Kennedy’s contributions to music education, showcased performances from both current students and around 100 alumni, creating a nostalgic atmosphere as many remembered their musical journeys under his guidance.
The evening commenced with the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner”, setting a patriotic tone for the event. The well-curated program featured various performances, including a touching rendition of “Be Okay” by Kenzie Elliott, performed in memory of her father, Chad Elliott, who passed away in August 2024. As Kenzie sang, photos of her with her father, celebrating their memories, were displayed on big screens, evoking strong emotions.
Further highlighting the program, senior Jaber Wilson presented an original rap titled “Mr. Kennedy,” expressing deep gratitude for the mentorship and fatherly role Kennedy played in his life. Another notable performance came from Elliot Hager, who delivered a heartfelt interpretation of “What I Did for Love,” celebrated as a favorite among the audience from Act One.
Act Two leaned toward a more lighthearted theme, featuring renditions of popular songs including “Good Vibrations” and “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” The female singers performed a military-themed version of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” further entertaining the audience. The youthful energy continued with a collaboration from Jameson Vaughan, Graham Sexton, and Gabe Walker, who engaged the crowd with “Paper Dance.” Additionally, six seniors graced the stage with a harmonious version of “Calling My Children Home.”
As the event neared its conclusion, Kennedy took the opportunity to perform three classic songs that had previously been featured in competitions. This was followed by an emotional rendition of “My Way / My Tribute,” accompanied by his daughter Krista Kennedy on the piano. The closing act saw a gathering of alumni on stage, uniting generations of singers, before the final performance of “That Lonesome Road.” This marked a poignant farewell to both Kennedy and the Powell High Singers, as the curtain came down for the last time.
Throughout his long tenure at Knox County Schools, Kennedy’s teaching philosophy incorporated “tough love,” emphasizing high expectations while fostering significant growth in his students—not only in music but in life lessons. Many former students have reflected upon their experiences in Kennedy’s classes as transformative, citing the impact he had on their personal development.
Jim Kennedy, a graduate of Doyle High School, has dedicated 43 years to teaching in Knoxville. Under the leadership of principal Allen Morgan, Powell High School gained recognition as one of the top educational institutions in Knox County, with Morgan playing a significant role in recruiting remarkable educators like Kennedy.
The concert served not only as a farewell to Jim Kennedy but also celebrated the enduring spirit of the Powell High Singers, strengthening community ties through the shared love of music and memories. As Powell High School begins a new chapter, the legacy of its talented choral director and his students will resonate long into the future.
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Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Jim Kennedy Wraps Up 36 Years at Powell High
- Google Search: Powell High School
- Knox TN Today: Neighbors – Hats in Bloom
- Google News: Powell High Singers
- Knox News: Shopper News Latest Happenings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jim Kennedy
- WATE: Powell High School Singing Club
- Google Scholar: Music Education
