Administration

Dr. John C. Kennedy is a native of Florence, South Carolina and completed his high school education at the renowned Wilson High School in 2000. He then attended South Carolina State University on a full athletic scholarship and obtained his BS in Business Administration with a focus on Business Management. Dr. Kennedy continued his education and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in Business Marketing Education from Winthrop University and an Educational Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University. 

Dr. Kennedy is married to Apryle (Funderburk) Kennedy and together they have three children - Joanah Yvette Kennedy, Joelle Catherine Kennedy, and John Cedrick Kennedy Jr.

 Dr. Kennedy's career in education began as a Business Education teacher and football coach at Wilson High School. He then went on to work in several other educational roles including Instructional Coach at Marlboro County High School, Assistant Principal at South Florence High School, and Director of Alfred E. Rush Academy for five years. Prior to his administrative work, Dr. Kennedy spent approximately seven years working in communities throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, gaining valuable leadership and teaching experience. 

In 2010, Dr. Kennedy was honored with the title of Turning Point Academy’s "Teacher of the Year" and was named one of the Central Secondary Zone's finalists for "Teacher of the Year" by the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. 

Currently, Dr. Kennedy is serving as the Principal of Lee Central Middle School, a position he began in June 2022. He is a passionate, energetic, and diligent educator and leader who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children. 

Dr. Kennedy's vision is to inspire hope, instill a strong work ethic, and encourage perseverance in students, so they can continue to achieve and succeed.