Inaugural James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship Awarded at Crystal River High School Senior Awards

At this year’s Crystal River High School (CRHS) Senior Awards ceremony, our family had the profound honor of presenting the inaugural James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship. Representing our family, my cousin Clarine Nordell—my mother’s namesake—stood proudly to present this scholarship in loving memory of my parents, James and Clarine Kennedy.

Established through the Citrus County Education Foundation, this scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to the enduring legacy of James and Clarine Kennedy, whose lives were rooted in faith, service, and health care. The award is specifically designated for students enrolled in the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS—a program especially meaningful to our family, as several of the Kennedy grandchildren are alumni of this very academy. The scholarship supports students who plan to pursue healthcare-related careers at accredited colleges, universities, or post-secondary technical institutions.

Initially, we had planned to honor a single recipient. However, the extraordinary caliber of this year’s applicants left a deep impression on us. Their achievements, aspirations, and alignment with the values this scholarship represents inspired us to go further. With great joy, we expanded the award to recognize not one, but three outstanding recipients:

• Sienna Callaway – Selected as the primary recipient, Sienna plans to attend the University of Florida to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. For her, nursing is far more than a profession—it is a calling. She is deeply passionate about caring for others and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Her compassion, resolve, and purpose perfectly embody the spirit of this award and the essence of the nursing vocation.
• Sophia Riascos – Also honored, Sophia has accepted the UF Excellence Grant and will attend the University of Florida to major in Biochemistry. Motivated by a love for science and medicine, she intends to pursue medical school and specialize in pathology. Her goal is to become a medical pathologist, combining patient care with diagnostic innovation. Her intellectual curiosity and commitment to improving health outcomes reflect the scholarship’s focus on service through science.
• Sara Sterile – Likewise recognized, Sara will attend the University of South Florida to major in Biomedical Sciences on a pre-medical track. She aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon. A proud graduate of the Academy of Health Careers, Sara’s time in the program has only strengthened her desire to make a lasting impact in medicine. Her drive, perseverance, and compassion align powerfully with the values this scholarship was created to honor.

These three young women exemplify the compassion, determination, and dedication that defined the lives of James and Clarine Kennedy. Their unwavering commitment to health care not only honors the Kennedy legacy but also inspires hope for a future guided by capable and caring professionals.

A Legacy of Service and Care

James E. Kennedy Sr. and Clarine Kennedy were married for nearly 58 years. Together, they dedicated more than five decades to the field of health care and health care administration, consistently upholding the Christian principles of healing and service.

Clarine Kennedy found her calling in nursing as an expression of her faith. She began her education at Madison SDA College in Madison, Tennessee. However, due to family responsibilities, she returned to New England and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification through the Rhode Island School of Practical Nursing at Kent County Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Her career was marked by strength, leadership, and a deep commitment to patient care. In 1984, she became the first Director of Patient Relations at New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Her influence continued to grow as she advanced to roles such as Director of Risk Management and Director of Quality Assurance—each time setting new standards and opening doors for others.

James E. Kennedy Sr. also began his career at Kent County Hospital, working in the Housekeeping Department. Through quiet leadership and hard work, he advanced to the role of Supervisor. He also served in the Army National Guard during the Korean War, assigned to the 147th AAA Detachment Operations—a role marked by the same integrity and commitment he brought to his civilian work.

In 1977, James became Director of Environmental Services at New England Memorial Hospital, where he played a critical role in ensuring a safe and supportive healing environment. Despite struggling with severe dyslexia that disrupted his early education, he never let those challenges define him. Later in life, he returned to school and completed all coursework for an associate degree in Business Management at the University of Massachusetts—a remarkable testament to his persistence and passion for learning.

Building a Future of Compassionate Care

The James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship is more than a financial award—it is a bridge between generations. It connects the devoted service of the past with the promising aspirations of the future. Through this scholarship, our family hopes to empower students who, like James and Clarine, are driven by a desire to serve others through health care.

Each recipient receives more than support for their education—they inherit a legacy. A legacy built on humility, service, and a deep love for humanity. As Sienna, Sophia, and Sara begin their journeys, we are confident that they will carry forward the values and vision that shaped James and Clarine’s lives.

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 guided these students. These scholarships—and the ongoing work of the James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Endowment—are made possible through generous donations made in honor of my parents. I am profoundly thankful for this support, and it is our sincere hope that this work will continue to grow, inspiring future generations to lead with heart, purpose, and compassion—just as James and Clarine did.

Their story, and now this scholarship, serves as a reminder that a life devoted to service echoes far beyond its years—shaping lives, communities, and futures in ways that truly matter.

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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