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Eddie Kennison

Eddie Kennison credits the high standards of English teacher Jacquelyn Stevens for taking him out of his comfort zone and into a life of success. “It didn't take us long to realize that if we didn't want to do an assignment over and over, we'd better just do it right the first time,” the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver recalls. “I began to focus my attention on becoming the best I could be at everything."
"I love what I do," enthuses Mrs. Stevens. "When I raise the bar, my students reach up and grab it.” Behind every famous person is a fabulous teacher.

Eddie Kennison and Jacquelyn Stevens

Eddie J. Kennison III, grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he attended Washington-MarionHigh School and became a Parade All-American. He recorded 27 receptions for 497 yards in six games as a senior and hauled in 59 passes for 1,205 yards with 23 TDs as a junior. In fact, Eddie made history as Washington-Marion's first player to have a number retired. Eddie was also gifted with great speed and became a standout performer in track.

Eddie furthered his football career and education at Louisiana State University (LSU) and received his degree in Physical Therapy along with countless awards for his outstanding football and track career. Through hard work, athletic ability and perseverance, Eddie was able to achieve his dream of becoming a NFL player.

In the summer of 1996 Eddie was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Rams, 18th pick overall. He spent 3 seasons with the Rams before joining the offense in New Orleans in 1999. Year 2000 was spent with the Chicago Bears.

It was not until 2001 that Eddie feels he really “found his home,” when he became a Kansas City Chief.  Under the direction of Coach Herm Edwards, Eddie proudly wears #87 forthe Chiefs!   

Jacquelyn Stevens graduated with a BA degree in Speech/English in 1971. She also graduated with a M. Ed. in Administration/Supervision in 1977. Both of her degrees are from McNeese State University.

Her personal cheerleaders are her beloved husband, Harry; son Herman, and daughter, Christalle. They have always been a source of inspiration for her.

The following is a list of accolades:

  • Three nominations by former students for the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding Teacher in 2005/2006
  • Four nominations for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2004/2005 and two in 2006/2007
  • Nominated by Zeta Psi Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-Senior Honor Program to recognize a teacher who was most influential in a student’s high school success
  • Recognized by The National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D. C. for achievements in teaching and mentoring
  • Considered for inclusion in the 2007/2008 Cambridge Who’s Who America Executive & Professional Women in Teaching & Education
  • Recognized for lighting the fires of young imaginative minds in the local community paper
  • Nominated in 2004 for the DisneyHand Teacher Awards, honoring creativity in teaching
  • 2007 NFL Teacher of the Year, nominated by former student/Kansas Chiefs Wide-Receiver Eddie Kennison

Below is an interview with Jacquelyn Stevens about teaching and her experiences with star pupil Eddie Kennison:

TeachersCount: What’s your favorite part of being a teacher?

Jacquelyn Stevens: My favorite part of teaching is when a student gets his light bulb moment. This is when they actually get it, the lesson for that the day.

TC: What do you wish everyone understood about teaching?

JS: Everyone needs to understand that every child needs just a taste of success. Because success is so sweet, they can’t help but come back for more and more and more!

TC: What do you most recall about having Eddie as your student?

JS: When he realized how genuine/sincere/caring/relentless I was about my passion for teaching, he was in awe! The world now knows about his light bulb moment and where it has taken him.

TC: When Eddie was your student, were there any indications of what the future held for him?

JS: I could look in his eyes and see how hungry he was for guidance, knowledge, self-discipline, motivation, direction, and someone to care enough to take him out of his comfort zone and into to a life of success.

TC: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

JS: I sometimes refer to myself as a quarterback. Without me, where would my students be? I guess that is why I have want/need to be with them everyday. I love what I do. I enjoy what I do. I see each student as someone I dearly love. I never hold grudges. I am always forgiving. I teach by example. When I raise the bar, they reach up and grab it. I tell each and every student to never, ever give up; never, ever stop.

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