Mary Kate Kenna

Mary Kate Kenna, an English major with a minor in Children’s Literature, attended Seton School in Manassas, Virginia and is currently student-teaching English and Drama at Greensburg Salem High School. She has been active in varsity swimming, was named first-team All-President’s Athletic Conference and is recognized as a team record holder in 200-yard breaststroke and 400-yard medley relay. In addition, Kenna is an active member in Campus Ministry as a member of the advisory council and a lector. She volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity in Washington, D.C. and at an orphanage at Shishu Bavan in Calcutta, India. “In Calcutta,” said Kenna, “I worked with children at the orphanage that had been dropped off at the door. These children showed us unconditional love. This experience taught me to never take anything for granted and to appreciate everything I have, including my own faith.” Kenna also participated in a service trip with International Samaritan to Guatemala. Kenna has served as president of the Respect Life Club and said she wanted to be president of this club because she “believes in the dignity of all human beings. Being the president and member of the Respect Life Club has emphasized to me the Catholic belief that life in all people should be respected, from conception to natural death. Being president allows me to stand up for all people.” Kenna is also a member of the orientation committee and Activities Programming Board, is the treasurer of the Education Club and Sigma Tau Delta and is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma and Kappa Delta Pi. She has served as a hall representative and senior class secretary on student government and has also tutored at the Ketterer Charter School. Kenna expressed that she is “honored for the nomination. Being here at Saint Vincent, I tried to make the most of it—to grow in my faith, as a person and in my studies. I am grateful for the SVC community, and come May 11, I’ll be able to say that I don’t have any regrets. I am so thankful for the priests, monks, professors and friends I have made here.” Kenna will complete her Secondary Education Certification and begin teaching Language Arts at St. Mary’s School in Alexandria, Virginia.