JPS-TV and the Jeffco Schools Foundation are partnering to present this special series, honoring Jeffco Public Schools students and teachers of extraordinary character, leadership, and strength.
Meet 2016 Jeffco Hero Award honoree Annalise Kendrick who is one of five Jeffco Public Schools students being recognized by the Jeffco Schools Foundation for their extraordinary character, leadership, and strength.
Spend just a little time around Annalise Kendrick, and chances are you’ll be laughing along with her. This 5’2” powerhouse of energy, curiosity, and wit brings much into the lives of everyone she meets. Whether it’s mentoring younger Rebels at Columbine High School or riding the Light Rail to Metro State to take a class, this fifth-year senior and soon-to-be December grad is a naturally gifted people ambassador.
“I love talking to people and I’m only like 5’2” and I guess I’m not very intimidating. So, people aren’t afraid to come talk to me on the Light Rail and so that get to have all these interesting conversations with people I never would have otherwise,” explained Kendrick. “Everybody has these amazing stories you think you know somebody and then find out all these just little interesting quirks about them or their story and you never know what everybody else can teach you.”
Her optimism is in stark contrast to a turbulent, traumatic growing up that eventually caused her to move on her own, paying rent with the help of a roommate. She credits her teachers at Columbine with helping her through the dark times.
“I mean, I really wouldn’t have been able to get through it without the people here who, I mean, I owe everything to. They just, they supported me through everything and I had teachers who just noticed that something was up and everyday would be like, ‘Hey, kid, you doing okay?’ and would there to make sure I knew that they were there if I needed anything.
Her high school education has given her a much-needed safe space.
“I had days where it was hard and those days that I just think like really short-term periods ahead and be like, ‘I can handle the next hour or all I have to do is this,’” explained Kendrick.
Along the way, Annalise has earned straight A’s and strong bond with her Columbine family.
“I just think that’s so powerful that her education is just that important to her,” said Columbine High School counselor Noel Sudano.
“I had some people reach out to me and it meant the world to me just knowing that there were people who cared,” said Kendrick.
Humor helps her deal with the stress of a full school and work life, including the joke she likes to tell about her job at Papa Murphy’s.
“It’s a really difficult job, making pizzas that I don’t even have to bake,” joked Kendrick.
Those who know Annalise best say her inner strength, positivity, and an endlessly caring heart set the tone for this Jeffco Hero every day.
“Your story of such pure and genuine curiosity and love for people around you is so inspiring and you have made be a better person for knowing you. So, thank you” said Sudano.
Watch the JPS-TV version of this story here.