We all know there are teachers and then there are those who dedicate themselves to challenge, motivate and inspire to change their students' lives. They are more than educators. They are agents of change.
East Chicago Central High School choir teacher Leon C. Kendrick, whose class motto is "never let your good be evil spoken of," is one of those agents. Kendrick has been teaching in East Chicago for 29 years and has been hailed as more of a "father figure" than an instructor.
His choir classes are self-titled "Kendrick's kids" because of their tight-knit family-style relationship. I witnessed this closeness first-hand a few years ago when the city partnered with the student organization Youth of East Chicago and hosted an "American Idol" like competition coined "East Chicago Superstar."
Three of the four finalists were "Kendrick's kids." I was tremendously impressed to see these young vocalists practicing and challenging one another to shine instead of bickering and letting the competition distract them from their music.
"Mr. Kendrick taught us to respect each other's talents," said Roderick Brown, East Chicago Superstar winner. "We all have a gift and he encourages us to share it and understand that it is God given."
Kendrick, who has written, produced and directed numerous shows such as proverbial favorites "The Wedding," "From Crabs in the Bucket to Ants on a Hill," "Don't Let the Devil Ride" and the holiday classic "Christmas with Ken and Barbie" has humbly shared his talents for years.
"Mr. Kendrick is the best teacher I have ever had," said Cheyla Camacho, East Chicago Central choir alum (2004-08). "He is a master motivator that is dedicated to encouraging his kids to pursue their dreams. He actually loves his students and isn't afraid to show us and lead by example."
Not only do his students appreciate Kendrick, but his colleagues have a fondness for him as well. "Leon is a humble and compassionate person who is a model teacher," said Patrick Weil, East Chicago Central High School principal. "I have only known him for a short period of time but I have been thoroughly impressed with his commitment to reaching his students. Our school has benefited tremendously from his leadership."
"The talent of our youth is simply unbelievable," said Mayor George Pabey. "I have seen Mr. Kendrick's shows and it is quite amazing to see the amount of hard work and passion that goes into each production."
Leon C. Kendrick is another example of an ordinary individual doing extraordinary things in East Chicago. We are lucky to have role models like him. Thank you, Mr. Kendrick, for sharing your gift with East Chicago!
Damian Rico is a public relations consultant to the City of East Chicago. The opinions expressed are solely his very own.
