2026 James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Recipients

This year, our family had the profound honor of presenting the 2nd Annual James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship at the Crystal River High School Senior Awards Ceremony.

Representing our family was CRHS CTE teacher Bill Linthwaite, a childhood friend and extended family member, who helped announce this year’s recipients in loving memory of my parents, James and Clarine Kennedy.

Established through the Citrus County Education Foundation, this scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to their legacy of faith, service, and dedication to health care. It is awarded to students in the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS, a program especially meaningful to our family, and two Kennedy grandchildren are proud alumni.

This year, we were especially grateful for the opportunity to expand the reach of the scholarship. With great joy, we recognized not just one student, but seven outstanding seniors whose commitment and character reflect the very spirit of this award.

MAIN AWARD | $1,000
Ava Newton will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She sees the science behind health care not simply as a field of study, but as a pathway to transform lives. Her passion lies in using STEM as the foundation for modern medicine, with goals that include developing new pharmaceuticals and advancing bionic technologies to improve patient outcomes. Her curiosity, academic excellence, and strong sense of purpose reflect both the spirit of this award and the heart of the chemical engineering profession.

RUNNER UP | $750
Jeremiah “Jerry” Randall will attend Florida Southern College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in pre-dental studies. He has earned acceptance into the Early Acceptance Program for the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, a distinction that reflects both his dedication and preparation. Known for his leadership and genuine compassion, he brings academic discipline and a service-minded character to his future in dentistry.

Keira Elizabeth Lee will attend the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. For her, veterinary medicine is a calling rooted in advocacy and protection for animals who cannot speak for themselves. She is especially driven to preserve exotic species and improve animal welfare. Her clinical strength, compassion, and determination reflect both her potential and the deeper purpose guiding her path.

HONORABLE MENTION | $500
Lane Komara will attend the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He is motivated by the critical connection between animal health and the well-being of agricultural communities. His goal is to provide dependable care to livestock producers and farming families. His work ethic, humility, and resilience form a strong foundation for a life of service in veterinary medicine.

Kaitlyn Smith will attend Fordham University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience. She is drawn to understanding the complexities of the human brain and neurological disorders. Her aspiration is to become a neurologist who not only treats illness but also advocates for comprehensive and compassionate care. Her initiative, leadership, and academic drive define her commitment to this field.

Jeralyn Marie Lay will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Animal Behavior. She is passionate about improving the mental and behavioral health of animals, including exotic species. Her approach combines compassion with scientific curiosity, reflecting a commitment to healing through behavioral insight and care.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION | $250
Julia Santiago will attend the College of Central Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is dedicated to pediatric care and aspires to serve communities in need as a travel nurse. Her resilience, maturity, and sense of purpose reflect a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

These seven students exemplify the compassion, determination, and dedication that defined the lives of James and Clarine Kennedy. Their commitment to health care not only honors that legacy, but also inspires confidence in a future shaped by capable and caring professionals.

A Legacy of Service and Care

James E. Kennedy Sr. and Clarine Kennedy shared nearly 58 years of marriage and more than five decades of devoted service in health care and health care administration. Their lives were grounded in Christian principles, with a shared commitment to healing, dignity, and service to others.

Clarine Kennedy’s path into nursing was deeply connected to her faith and sense of purpose. She began her studies at Madison SDA College in Madison, Tennessee, before returning to New England to balance family responsibilities and complete her Licensed Practical Nurse certification at the Rhode Island School of Practical Nursing at Kent County Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Her career reflected both strength and vision. In 1984, she became the first Director of Patient Relations at New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, Massachusetts. She later served as Director of Risk Management and Director of Quality Assurance, consistently raising standards, improving care systems, and opening doors for others.

James E. Kennedy Sr. also began his career at Kent County Hospital in the Housekeeping Department. Through steady dedication and quiet leadership, he advanced to Supervisor. His commitment to service extended beyond his civilian work as he also served in the Army National Guard during the Korean War with the 147th AAA Detachment Operations.

In 1977, James became Director of Environmental Services at New England Memorial Hospital, where he played a vital role in maintaining a safe and supportive healing environment. Despite early challenges with severe dyslexia, he never allowed those obstacles to define him. Later in life, he returned to school and completed all coursework toward an associate degree in Business Management at the University of Massachusetts, reflecting his perseverance and commitment to lifelong learning.

Building a Future of Compassionate Care

The James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship continues to grow as a living reflection of a life devoted to service. Each year, it not only honors the past, but also invests in the future by supporting students who are called to care for others through health care.

Our family created this scholarship to recognize more than academic achievement. We seek students who lead with compassion, demonstrate resilience, and are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In doing so, each recipient becomes part of a legacy grounded in humility, purpose, and service.

As Ava, Jeremiah, Keira, Lane, Kaitlyn, Jeralyn, and Julia step into this next chapter, we are confident they will carry these values with them and shape the future of health care in impactful ways.

We are deeply grateful to the Citrus County Education Foundation, the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS, and the dedicated educators and mentors who have helped guide these students. This scholarship, and the continued growth of the James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Endowment, is made possible through the generosity of those who give in honor of my parents. Their support ensures that this mission will continue to expand and inspire.

More than anything, this scholarship stands as a reminder that a life committed to serving others does not end. If you are interested in contributing to the James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Endowment through the Citrus County Education Foundation—which funds the James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship—tax-deductible donations may be made at https://www.citruseducation.org. Once there, follow the instructions and select James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Endowment. This endowment supports the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS, advances Career and Technical Education (CTE), and provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in health care or related fields in honor of James and Clarine Kennedy.

 

 

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