Arts Spotlight: Kennedy Kea — Becoming Belle, Becoming Brave
At Innovate Academy, we believe the arts are a language of the soul—a way students learn to express truth, beauty, and faith. Through partnerships beyond our campus, scholars engage with diverse communities and develop their talents in real-world settings.
For Kennedy Kea, creativity is not just something she does—it’s part of who she is.
Finding Her Voice
Outside of school, Kennedy sings with the Chester Children’s Chorus twice a week, gathering on Tuesdays and Saturdays to rehearse and perform. The discipline of choir has helped her grow musically and has also shaped her confidence and sense of belonging.
“It’s a place where I can really build my talent,” she shared. “And I get to do it with other kids who love music too.”
A School That Sees the Whole Artist
When Kennedy talks about Innovate, one theme keeps surfacing: freedom.
“At Innovate, you’re free to be yourself,” she said. “They match classes with what you like, and it’s fun while learning—unlike other schools.”
She appreciates that students can be honest about what they struggle with and what they do well. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses—and learning those of your classmates—creates real collaboration instead of comparison.
“It’s normal here to grow,” Kennedy explained. “We help each other.”
Faith on the Stage
For Kennedy, music and theatre are deeply connected to her relationship with God.
“I try to give it my best,” she said. “Whether you get a big role or a small one, it’s about being a team player.”
She prays before she sings and eats, and carries a quiet confidence that comes from feeling safe in her school community. “I love walking into class and knowing nothing bad goes on,” she said. “There’s peace here.”
That peace gave her courage when she was invited to audition for Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr.—a role she wasn’t even sure she should try for.
“I wasn’t going to go for it,” Kennedy admitted, “but everyone encouraged me to.”
Now she is stepping into one of musical theatre’s most beloved characters, learning not only lines and songs but also bravery, discipline, and joy.
A Legacy of Music
Kennedy’s love for the arts is rooted in family. Her father plays piano at their church, and her grandmother plays for funerals—using music to comfort and serve others. She also looks up to her cousin Bree, who writes her own songs.
“Seeing people close to me make music—that inspires me,” she said.
Becoming a Culture Maker
Whether she is singing with the Chester Children’s Chorus, rehearsing for the stage, or learning in an Innovate classroom, Kennedy is discovering that the arts are about more than performance—they are about character, community, and worship.
Her journey reflects what we hope for every scholar: that they would grow confident in their gifts, courageous in their calling, and rooted in Christ.
We can’t wait to see Kennedy shine as Belle—and in all the roles still ahead.
