3:00 pm - National Association for the Education of Homeless Children

Unexpected Outcomes:
Profile of a Scholar
Kenneth Kurfis, LeTendre Class of 2006, joins us at the conference as the returning Le-
Tendre Scholar. Kenneth is a 2007 graduate of Denver South High School and is currently
attending The University of Colorado in Denver (UCD). He is studying political science and
public speaking, with an eye on politics for his future pursuits. Next year, he hopes to run
for student body president. If that goes well, Kenneth also aspires to represent Coloradans
in the state Congress one day.
LeTendre
Education
Fund
As a high school student, Kenneth stood out among his peers as one who did exceptional
work and who was praised highly by his teachers and adult mentors. In addition
to his busy academic schedule and his family responsibilities, Kenneth also worked to
help elementary school children improve their reading skills. One of his letters of recommendation
praised him as a “great role model for the younger children” in his community
because he always jumped in to offer assistance with projects and because of his dedication
to his education. Another letter praised his qualities of compassion and empathy and
supported his dream of “making a difference in the world.” Kenneth was the first member
of his family to attend college, the first step to building a better future through education.
In his 2006 LeTendre application essay, Kenneth wrote that he was touched by the
work he was doing with young children - providing them with necessary attention and
opening them up to the world of reading. He spoke of the work as “an honor.” Kenneth
saw a possible future role for himself as an educator, but through his experiences, he has
learned that educating others is a part of public life, as well. Even in his current job in the
Financial Aid Department at UCD, he helps students navigate the complicated world of
college financing and he directs them to people who might help solve their problems.
Wherever his path leads, Kenneth has many interests and is actively exploring avenues
and pursuing opportunities thanks to the world of education. He is reminded of his former
struggles with homelessness during adolescence, and in reflection he says that he
knew he could never give up.
“As I write this, I am reminded of all the students out there who face such difficulties
in their lives but refuse to give up and refuse to let the burdens of life consume
themselves. Their emotional and physical willpower to overcome obstacles inspires
me to remember that I was one of them, and that I still am. It reminds me that life
can be a burden, but it is also full of many rewards and wonderful opportunities.”
Kenneth recalls his trip to the 18 th NAEHCY Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he
met other students who had experiences similar to his. Those are the faces he thinks of
when he needs inspiration. For many others, Kenneth’s face comes to mind.
Visit the Silent
Auction in the
Colorado Ballroom Foyer
on Monday
from 8:00 a.m to 5:00
p.m. to support the
LeTendre
Education Fund!
We welcome Kenneth back to the NAEHCY Conference and extend a very warm appreciation
to all of the scholars’ achievements.
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