Four Kennett High School teachers, representing 113 years of service to the Kennett Consolidated School District with additional years in teaching outside the district, retired following the 2012-13 academic year. 

Marty Beech taught music and life lessons to elementary, middle and high school students throughout his 39-year career at Kennett. He encouraged many students to excellence in the Kennett High School Orchestra and String Ensemble. He mentored many students through private lessons and group practices to qualifications to district, regional and state orchestra slots.  This year, the Kennett Education Foundation recognized Beech as Kennett High School’s Teacher of the Year.

Mike King, chairperson of the Special Education Department at Kennett High School, came to Kennett after several years of service at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.  He led the KHS Sunshine Club to respond to needs of teachers, students and families in the district. He often reaches into his own pocket to help students down on their luck or temporarily displaced. An advocate for children, teachers, and fairness, King was a representative to KEA. He was a finalist in the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards during his career.

Connie Logan spent 20 years as a teacher in the Kennett Consolidated School District, the last several at Kennett High School as director of the Title III Mathematics Program. Prior to that she directed the 21^stCentury Grant Program. She worked with gifted students at both the elementary and high school levels, most recently helping students to prepare and present projects in their areas of interest at the high school. Logan also coordinated the ACCESS program for English language learners within the English as a Second Language Program in the district. 

Jane Stoutland, chairperson of the Social Studies Department, spent 18 years at Kennett High School.  She taught Advanced Placement U.S. History as well as psychology and sociology within the department.  She also coached the Girls’ Tennis Team through district and league championship games.  She has mentored students in special projects within their gifted education programs.

The retirees were honored at an event on June 12 at the Kennett Country Club.  The luncheon was organized by Sunshine Club co-worker Christine Wilson, a member of the English department, and Kennett Country Club member Alicia Tamargo, a member of the mathematics department. Current and former colleagues presented the retirees with signed and matted sketches of Kennett High School’s grand facade.