March 8th One Year Anniversary of a Former Student's Murder

Today is a solemn day of remembrance for me.  A year ago on this day a student of mine, Levan Kennedy, was shot and killed in his car in the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Philadelphia.  It is painful to think about, but it is essential for the healing process to recall the grief and misery I felt when I had learned of his death and to remember the positive influence he was at my former workplace.  

Levan, or as his teachers and friends called him "Van", was a brilliant young person.  He was talented in music and had a knack for song writing.  I took a lot of pride in how we connected over music and how quickly he picked up the guitar.  He was a deep thinker with a lot of generosity, empathy, and kindness.  He was the prime example of someone who made the most of a crappy situation and never seemed to let himself become a victim of circumstance. While I was his teacher I can say I learned as much, if not more from, him as he did from me.  

His life was taken at the early age of 18.  I continue to mourn his passing. He had so much potential to do good in this world and I can only hope that he is able to continue being an inspiration to everyone he knew.  I take the the lessons I learned from teaching him and working with him with me everywhere. 

You can see his obituary below.   

https://www.phillyobitproject.com/levan-kennedy-18/



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