Kennedy High School is changing its name to John F. Kennedy Catholic High School.

Principal Mike Prato said, “Our name change is not about defining who we are with a word, but going back to our roots and being proud of our Catholic identity.”

Prato became principal in 2004. Talks soon began about possibly changing Kennedy’s name. In 2007, Kennedy held focus groups with constituents to get their opinions on the possible change. The focus groups supported the addition of Catholic to the Kennedy name; and in 2008 Archbishop Brunett gave his blessing to the addition.

Kennedy also has adopted a new logo. “We wanted a logo that would invoke emotions from our student body, staff and alumni,” said Jim Mesick, Director of Advancement. The new logo is in color, and shows a head on view of a knight on horseback wearing a red cape while holding a shield and lance pointed outward. This is a departure from the black and white side view of a knight on horseback with a shield and lance.