Meet CHS Alumna Kenyetta Fears
In honor of Central High School’s Homecoming, we recently caught up with Kenyetta Fears. Kenyetta’s athletic accomplishments (see bottom of the page) are many and she was recently inducted into the Central High School Hall of Fame. Kenyetta attended Hawthorne Elementary and Lakewood Middle schools before graduating from Central High School in 1994.
What are you doing now?
I currently work as a social worker in child welfare for the city and county in Denver, Colorado. I’ve worked in Social Services for over eighteen years in the fields of probation, mental health and public education. I have a passion for empowering families faced with challenges and inspiring intrinsic change. My career has afforded me the ability to focus on making lasting and positive impacts in the community in which I’m highly grateful. I’m mom to a 23-year-old son, a 12-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old Peekapoo named Prince.
Who were influential in your younger years at school?
Mr. Ardrey was an awesome elementary Physical Education teacher who pushed me to my physical potential each time he had the chance to do so with that rigorous physical fitness testing back in the 80s. The expectation that I received from Mr. Ardrey was simply, “You can do it.” Such an expectation can go a long way in a child’s life.
Mr. Ardrey spoke with my mother and expressed to her that I was pretty speedy and recommended that she sign me up for the Salina Track Club in which she did. Salina Track Club was the start of my track career. My mother told me that I needed to make a choice between Track and Gymnastics, and I chose Track and Field.
I want to add that I also had a teacher named, Mrs. Millie Moye, who was also a long-time teacher of Hawthorne Elementary, who wouldn’t allow us to use “ain’t or can’t.” Her focus was always on what you can do and not what you didn’t want to do or thought you couldn’t do.
I was very blessed to be supported by a loving mother who was able to take notice of all of my abilities. My mother put me in many activities being that I was a very active child. My mother put me dance in which I learned Jazz, Karate and in competitive gymnastics at the YMCA. My mother also saw fit to put me in piano lessons after she saw my interest in playing the violin (shout out to Ms. Susan Higbee, Orchestra Teacher).
What advice would you want to share with high school students now?
Identify a school staff member that can provide you real mentorship as you proceed through high school. Nourish relationships and friendships with individuals that have future goals in which they are working towards. Understand that everyone’s journey or path in life is not the same but with focus and determination you will accomplish whatever goals you have set forth. It’s okay to be imperfect and remember to set the standard for yourself. If you have parents, listen to them but know that one day, you will be on your own and will have to stand on your own and make choices in life without them. Take this time to grow and glow and enjoy becoming you.
What did you like most about your time at Central High School?
Participating in sports along with my teammates and attending the football and basketball games. It has always been fulfilling to know that I left a mark in Central Sports History during a short period, although I wasn’t thinking about what history would look like when I was a young athlete so many years ago. Salina is my home in which I have many fond memories.
I always had coaches that pushed and encouraged me as a student athlete. If anything, skills that I’ve gained as an athlete gave me the confidence to push through whatever challenges life has presented or presents. I loved to compete as a Mustang and truly enjoyed being coached by every one of my coaches.
What might surprise people about you?
I still love to take on a good water slide. No room for roller coasters in my life anymore, only waterslides.