Why did your family choose Kennedy for your education? My family's commitment to Catholic education began with my grandparents, whose passion for faith-based learning greatly influenced my parents' decision to choose the same path. My grandfather, Francis O'Brien '47, attended St. Mary's and both of my parents graduated from Kennedy; my mom, Annette Tatalo Drummond '76, and my dad, Michael O'Brien '73. They had such positive experiences, continuing the tradition felt like a natural choice for our family. Today, that tradition continues with my own children. My son, Michael '36, will be entering third grade, and my daughter, Mila '39, will be starting kindergarten this fall. They are proud fourth generation members of our family's Catholic education legacy, and we feel incredibly grateful that they can grow in faith, academics, and community at Kennedy, just as generations before them did.
What is your favorite Kennedy memory? My favorite Kennedy memories were being part of the wrestling and cross-country teams. The friendships, competition, and life lessons I gained through those sports are memories I'll always cherish.
Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you? Mr. Karrenbauer’s Wood Shop class was probably what had the biggest influence on me. It taught me practical skills that I still use today. Now that I have a family and a house of my own, I’m grateful for everything I learned because it helps me take on projects, make repairs, and be more self-sufficient. The skills have also allowed me to help my friends and neighbors as well. I’ve carried all the skills from that class with me long after graduating from Kennedy.
Post High School Education/Professional Experience. After graduating from John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in 2004, I attended The Ohio State University and earned my degree in 2009. Graduating during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis made finding a job challenging so I decided to pursue something I had always wanted to do; serve in the military.
Military service has always been an important part of my family's history. Both of my grandparents served, and my grandfather was a Marine. I always admired his dedication and sense of service, which inspired me to join the United States Marine Corps. I proudly served for four years, and the experience taught me discipline, leadership, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. After meeting my wife, Kelsea, I made the decision not to reenlist. We wanted to put down roots, start a family, and build a stable home together without the uncertainty of relocating every few years. Looking back, it was the right decision for our family, and it led us to where we are today.
What career did you choose and tell us a little bit about how you got there. After leaving the Marine Corps, I used the GI Bill to continue my education. I earned two master's degrees, one in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Youngstown State University. My undergraduate degree was in Human Ecology, and I'm fortunate that I get to use all those educational experiences in my career today.
I currently work as a Homeless Outreach Social Worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs, serving veterans throughout Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Jefferson, and Carroll counties. It's an incredibly challenging yet rewarding career because I can serve my fellow veterans every day.
I believe veterans often feel more comfortable working with other veterans because we share many similar experiences. That common bond helps build trust and rapport, making it easier to connect with those who may be going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Being able to help veterans find housing, access resources, and improve their quality of life is one of the most meaningful parts of my job.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of being married to my wife for 13 years and building a strong family together. Raising our two children in a loving, Catholic household has been my greatest accomplishment.
What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior? Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
