Tonawanda Middle/High School

The connections Melissa Kennedy builds with her students often last long after they leave her classroom at Tonawanda Middle School.

Melissa currently teaches sixth-grade financial literacy and still keeps in touch with students from her first Tonawanda class, whom she met for the first time 25 years ago, on September 11.

For Melissa, hearing from former students about how her encouragement made a difference in their lives remains one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

Beyond the classroom, she helps lead the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program and is continuously working to empower student leadership.

Middle School Principal Kristine Strible praised Melissa’s commitment to students and her colleagues, saying: “We are grateful for the many years of service, the memories made and the positive impact she continues to have each day.”

Join me in recognizing Melissa for her years of service to the Tonawanda City School District.