TPH Academy Celebrates 2nd Annual TK Day

MAJ Thomas Kennedy

Major Thomas Kennedy (TK) was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a varsity defenseman on the Black Knight Ice Hockey team. He was a dedicated student-athlete, a cherished leader amongst his fellow soldiers, and an outspoken advocate for those who needed a helping hand. At TPH Academy, we strive to live every day “the TK way.” In the words of John Kennedy, brother of TK, that means:

“Treat everyone with respect. Be a good leader. Have a great work ethic. Solve problems. Be part of the solution. Lead by example. He always put his education first.”

Each year in April, corresponding with TK’s birthday, TPH Academy and the Impact Player Foundation celebrate TK Day, an annual event that seeks to honor the life and legacy of MAJ Thomas Kennedy, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on August 8th, 2012. TPH Academy campuses complete a community service project for local veterans as well as attend a national virtual event co-hosted with the Kennedy family where student-athletes learn lessons of servant leadership, community service, and dedication to living a life of humility, hard work, and kindness.

Lieutenant Ryan Wainwright

This year, we were honored to be joined by guest speaker Ryan Wainwright, Lieutenant, US Navy Dental Corps, and TPH Alum. Lieutenant Wainwright took time to speak with student-athletes nation-wide about approaching athletic progress moment by moment, being a servant-leader among their peers, and recognizing the ways they can live out TK’s legacy in their everyday lives through their own hard work, dedication to athletic and academic development, and service to others.

TK Day generates awareness for the TK National Leadership Award which provides financial assistance to deserving student-athletes each year who demonstrate the values Major Kennedy admired most. MAJ Kennedy’s legacy lives on through the recipients of this scholarship by providing financial assistance to elite student-athletes who demonstrate leadership, dedication to academic success, and a desire to train at the highest level in their sport. To learn more about the TK Leadership Award, and to donate to the award, please visit tphacademy.com/tph-impact-player-foundation/.

TPH Academy Detroit

In addition to attending a Virtual National event co-hosted by the Kennedy family TPH Academy student-athletes participated in athletic challenges, helped raise money for the TK Scholarship fund, and donated their time in community service projects.

TK lived his life in service to others, ensuring that the needs of his teammates, fellow soldiers, and family were met before his own. After learning more about his story, many TPH Academy student-athletes carried TK’s mindset with them as they participated in physically challenging exercises that emphasized teamwork, leadership and strength. TPH Academy student-athletes dedicated their on and off-ice training in honor of the life and legacy of MAJ Thomas Kennedy.

Committed to giving his all in everything he did, TK set a standard for what it means to be a dedicated athlete, student, and servant-leader in the community. TPH Academy student-athletes adopted this mindset as they aimed to be elite on and off the ice. At TPH Academy Nashville, student-athletes participated in a TABATA workout to push their bodies and challenge themselves to reach newfound levels of potential within themselves.

TPH Academy Chicago

TPH Academy is honored to share the life and legacy of MAJ Thomas Kennedy with student-athletes across the nation and looks forward to celebrating TK Day again next April.

Learn more about TPH Academy’s holistic approach towards academics, athletics, and mentorship at our next Virtual Open House. We’ll share why TPH Academy is the ultimate Study, Train, Play destination for student-athletes. See you there!