If we could only use one word to describe 11-year-old Kennedy, it would be joy. It shines from within and she shares it generously and purposefully. Kennedy, who has epilepsy and developmental delays, attended Easterseals inclusive preschool, the Friendship Academy from age three to six.  According to her parents, Matt and Bekah, that is where she developed important early childhood skills. Through the Friendship Academy, Kennedy learned to communicate with full sentences, understand and follow daily routines, and improve her fine and gross motor skills. She even learned to ride a bike. Kennedy also learned about empathy – she loved helping classmates however she could. This strong foundation allowed her to be ready for a mainstream classroom setting; she is currently in the fifth grade. When she’s not at school, she loves swimming, horseback riding, playing with Barbies and trying to prove it’s impossible to watch the Smurf movie too many times. When the weather is just right, she can be found cruising her neighborhood or her vacation spot in the Outer Banks in a golf cart. She loves to be with her grandma, Dottie and recently she became an aunt is obsessed with her niece Lainey. Kennedy has found that most problems can be solved with music and humor and is confident there is a song for every situation. From Metallica to Taylor Swift, she has yet to meet a genre she doesn’t like. Kennedy is silly, smart, determined, and always in tune with those around her. Her quick wit will make you smile, her joy will touch your heart.