KDS DAR School is pleased to announce Kenley Owens and Brody Smith as its 2024 Continental Congress Representatives. Following a thorough selection process, Kenley and Brody, KDS juniors, were chosen to represent the school during the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s 133rd annual Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., this June.
All junior students were invited to apply for this honor. Applicants’ names were passed on to a nominating committee, resulting in six finalists who were interviewed by a panel comprised of members of the KDS Executive Committee, Administrative Staff, High School staff, and other DAR members.
Kenley Owens is the 16-year-old daughter of Daniel and Kayla Smith Owens (KDS Class of 2002). She has attended KDS since kindergarten. An excellent student, Kenley holds a GPA of 98.4 and is ranked 8th in her junior class. She is currently a dual enrollment student at Northeast State Community College. Her favorite subject in school is math because it’s like solving puzzles and uncovering hidden patterns that keep her brain engaged and excited. Her future plans are to continue her studies in community health at Northeast, then enter the Wallace State Community College two-year sonography program to qualify her for a career as a traveling sonographer.
Kenley is a very active young woman, participating in and holding leadership positions in extra-curricular activities such as KDS Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and Leo Club, and serving as guide at the KDS Museum and Archives. She is also a member of the KDS Varsity Basketball team. In her free time, Kenley enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping and spending time out on the lake.
To Kenley, being a student at KDS has been such a meaningful journey. “As a junior now, I can’t help but reflect on all the memories and experiences that have shaped who I am today. From the friendships I’ve built, to the teachers who have inspired me, my school has become a second home; a place where I have learned, grown and discovered my passions. Being a part of this community has given me a strong sense of belonging and pride!”
KDS junior Brody Lane Smith is the 17-year-old son of Zachary and Tiffany Spurgeon Smith. Both of his parents are members of the KDS Class of 2004. Brody has attended KDS since kindergarten and is ranked 7th in his junior class with a cumulative GPA of 98.57. His favorite school subject is his AP Biology. After graduation Brody plans to attend the Drake State Technical College or perhaps the University of Alabama in Huntsville where he will study mechanical engineering and business after which he hopes to pursue a career at Redstone Arsenal.
Brody is a member of the National Honor Society, the KDS Historical Society, and is a participant in the HEO Skid Steer program. He is also a member of the Marshall County 4-H Senior Archery team and participates in his church youth activities. He works part-time after school as a welder at a nearby industrial park. Brody’s special interest in archery includes participating in tournaments and hopes of one day owning his own business making and selling archery equipment.
Sharing his thoughts on what makes KDS a special place, Brody said, “To me, attending KDS means that I am at my home away from home. It is a place where patriotic pride and kinship will always be a part of the atmosphere.”
