Senior Spotlight: Kenley Harris, a Senior at Middleton High School Who Values Creativity and Authenticity
By: Hannah Thompson
Perhaps you know Kenley Harris from her time on the Hardeman County Arts Council’s stage. Her role as Amy March in Little Women may have kept you laughing, or maybe you witnessed her win 1st place at the 2024 Hardeman’s Got Talent. What you may have not known, is that Kenley is a senior at Middleton High School who has always had a passion for art and creativity. Kenley enjoys singing, performing, thrifting, and cooking. Kenley says that her creativity has allowed her to express her most authentic self. “Music has always been important to me and got me through some hard times. Due to my creativity, I have won many awards, and get to feel happy being true to myself. My passion is to always stay true to myself and get closer to God every day by being active in my church, youth group, and doing what’s right.” Participating in theater has allowed Kenley to make many new friendships. After Kenley graduates, she hopes to have inspired underclassmen to not be afraid to express themselves through art and hobbies.
After graduation, Kenley plans to attend Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Both of Kenley’s parents were teachers and she has known she wanted to be a teacher, too, ever since she was a young girl. “Even as a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and often pretended I was a teacher to my dolls and stuffed animals.”
High School has brought Kenley many unforgettable memories. “One of my favorite memories is when I participated in the school talent show. I didn’t even win, but it was amazing to hear all the compliments I received. That was better than winning a trophy. A second memory I have that is my favorite is homecoming my sophomore year. That whole week was filled with fun, creativity, and laughter. Then, I was a part of the homecoming court and I loved getting to get all dolled up and wear a pretty dress. It was so cool that my grade wanted me to represent the sophomore class.”
Kenley shares that she will miss her teachers most of all because they have made her feel like family, highlighting one in particular. “The most influential teacher was Mrs. Null-flake. She was so caring and helped me and other students understand math. Overall, she was an excellent teacher and changed many students’ lives, including mine.”
In addition to theater arts, Kenley has participated in the Middle College Program, Beta Club, Aspire, and Culinary Arts. The biggest lesson that Kenley learned in high school was that in order to achieve anything, you have to work hard and not give up. If she had to give advice to incoming freshmen, it would be that. “High school will be hard at times, but always keep pushing because it will be worth it in the end. My hype song is Fuel by Metallica.”
The one person that Kenley would like to thank for helping her along the way is her mother. “She has been my number one supporter since day one and she is always there for me. My mom is so strong and caring and has helped me get to where I am today.”
If Kenley could describe herself in three words, she would use the words “caring,” “original,” and “creative.” It is likely that if you know Kenley in any capacity, whether that be her friend, family, an audience member at the Hardeman County Arts Council, or through this article, you would agree with her choice of words.
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