Soaring Eagle Leaders - 96 Years of Headmasters/Principals

 

Between 1923 and 2020 a period of 96 years of Kennett High School’s existence, there have been thirteen different principals, eleven men, and two women.  

Mr. Ernest Weeks was Kennett’s first headmaster and a graduate of Bowdoin College.  He served Kennett as its leader for 3-4 months in the fall of 1923 and then was forced to resign his leadership post because of illness.  He was well-liked by students and staff and did an excellent job of getting the school started.  He was succeeded by Mr. Ellis W. “Mac” McKeen, who took over in late 1923 and served Kennett High School with distinction.

To Mr. Ellis W. McKeen goes the honor of serving Kennett for the longest period of time, a span of twenty-four years. Mr. McKeen originally was hired as a teacher of math and science, but when Mr. Weeks became ill “Mac” took over the responsibilities of the School’s Headmaster and served Kennett High School from 1924-1947.  Born and raised in Fryeburg Maine, he graduated from Fryeburg Academy and went onto the University of Maine.  He taught Mathematics and Physics, was the Girl’s basketball coach for four years and coached the football team for two years. “Mac” was an outstanding administrator, loved by decades of students, faculty, and townspeople.  He motivated many and convinced scholars to obtain a higher education.  A strict disciplinarian, he instilled a sense of loyalty to the school and community.   Mr. McKeen resigned in the summer of 1947 because of failing health.  He taught for a few years at Bartlett High School and also served on the Conway School board.  As a token of the esteem in which he is held, Kennett’s Football field located at what is now know as the A. Crosby Kennett Middle School is named the Ellis W. McKeen Memorial Field.

Mr. George T. Davidson was Kennett’s leader for 10 years from 1947-1957.  Ask anyone who graduated from KHS in recent decades who epitomized the school, and they would undoubtedly say, George T. Davison.  A graduate of Bowdoin College, “Dave” was not only a teacher but a guidance counselor and principal.  He was for many years a baseball coach and the baseball field to the rear of A. Crosby Kennett Middle School is named for him. “Dave” also became an ordained minister of the Congressional Church under Rev. Williams.  His wife, Francis Raye, initially served as an English Teacher at KHS.  They married and had two children known well in the valley - Rick and Raylene.  Their camp in Freedom, Camp Wakuta, served as a practice venue for many Kennett Teams. One of the most honored scholarships is named for George T. Davidson and maybe the most revered of all along with the Kennett Club.

Mr. George Davidson was followed by Mr. William Robbins who served from 1957 to 1962.  Unfortunately no pictures or stories have been uncovered of Mr. Robbins at this time. 

In 1962, Mr. Robert Moulton, who had been principal at Goffstown High School came to serve a term of four years, 1962-1966.  He maintained the high ideals of Kennett with loyalty and devotion until he returned to Goffstown in 1966.

The second longest tenured principal was Mr. Paul Rodenhiser of twenty-two years from 1966 to 1988.  Mr. Rodenhiser came to Kennett with an extensive background from Junior High through college levels with a special interest in the curriculum.  Mr. Rodenhiser was remembered for his personal charm, soft voice, and impeccable manners.    He earned the respect of the students, staff, and community by paying attention to the various fractions of the school and community.  He performed his duties as a principal with skill and compassion.    

Mr. Larry Urda became principal in 1988 and served until 1992. Fellow alumni remember him as a nice fellow.  He, in turn, was followed by Mrs. Eileen Erwin (1994-1996) who happened to be our first female principal.  Both of these principals served for just two years each. 

Next up was Mr. Paul McMillan (1996 - 1998).  Though his time as Kennett High School Principal was short he instilled a sense of loyalty to the school and community.  This loyalty continued even after he left to become principal at arch rival Kingswood High School.  Mr. McMillan had three children that attended KHS and you could always count on him to cheer on the Black & White. 

 

Kennett’s second female principal was Mrs. Carol Blotner.  Mrs. Blotner came to us from an assistant principal position in Methuen, Mass for 2 short years 1998-2000. She did a great job connecting with students and can even be seen throwing a snowball in the 1999 edition of “The Conway Girl” starring Aimee Rabideau Frechette (principal of Pine Tree Elementary School) a remake from the 1949 “The Conway Boy” starring PeeWee French. 

Mr. Jack Loynd accepted the position of Kennett High School Principal in 2000 and retired in 2008.  Mr. Loynd is still a beloved teacher of Math at KHS and is the head coach of the Kennett Varsity Boys Basketball Team.  As a coach, he teaches his players that a victory is about more than the number on the scoreboard. He cares deeply for the athletes he leads and encourages them to be winners on more than just the court.

Mr. Neal Moylan served the Conway School District for 20 years as a marketing teacher, director of the MWV Career and Technical Center, director of Eagle Academy and lastly Principal from 2008 - 2019.  Mr. Moylan was a model for being a student principal.  He greeted students at the front door every day, gave high fives in the hallway, attended events and helped out with clubs and organizations.  He truly bled black and white.  Mr. Moylan was a role model, a mentor, and friend not only to his staff and students but to the community.  

Mr. Kevin Carpenter is new this year (2019) as a Kennett High School Leader.  He came to Kennett from Berlin High School where he taught science for 11 years and then was Principal for 2 years.  Mr. Carpenter hopes to learn every students name by the end of the school year and wants to get to know the kids and hear their voice.  Even though his first year was cut short due to COVID-19 and remote learning Mr. Carpenter continued to be a role model and pushed to make the end of the school year a memorable one for all students but especially our seniors who graduated from atop of our beloved Canmore Mountain. 

All of these leaders in the past ninety-six years have taught us to believe in ourselves, to be loyal to our community and to always soar like the eagle we are. 

KHS was a home away from home for all us at one point in our lives and we want to invite anyone who wishes to walk the halls once again to please let us know  by emailing the alumni at kennettalumni@gmail.com.