John F. Kennedy High School (Sacramento, California)

Small Learning Communities

Health Education Law and Marines (HELM)

Health Education Law and Marines is an SLC that focuses on preparing students for the education and medical fields. Through speakers, community, links and internship opportunities, students will have a myriad of opportunities to participate in related experiences. HELM also houses the Criminal Justice Academy; which has a partnership with the Sacramento Police Department and MCJROTC, where students are part of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Course.

Program in America and California Explorations (PACE)

Program in America and California Explorations is a Small Learning Community (SLC) at John F. Kennedy High School, which focuses on academic excellence, culture and civic events, and community service. PACE students are required to complete 30 hours community service or volunteering hours to pass your PACE classes each semester, as well as Cultural and Civic events. Students are required to complete two field trips at the end of the year. PACE emphasizes California history and literature.

Manufacturing and Design (MaD)

Manufacturing and Design provides opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in engineering, automotive, and architecture fields with an emphasis on technical skills necessary to secure gainful employment. Business and college connections are valuable aspects of the program.

Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

Visual and Performing Arts focuses on the core curriculum with an emphasis on music, drama, dance and art. Expressing one's creativity is important to being a well-rounded, successful member of society. VAPA encourages students to participant in events over the summer and throughout the school year.

Notable alumni

• Adam Bernero - seven-year MLB pitcher
• Steven Cheung (born 1982), White House Communications Director
• La Vel Freeman - former MLB designated hitter
• Lawrence Frostad - class of 1985, 1992 Olympian Swimmer.
• Brandi Glanville - Reality TV personality featured on Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and NY Times best-selling author
• Brotha Lynch Hung - Rapper and Community Activist
• Eric Mar - San Francisco County Supervisor, former School Board Member, and Professor at San Francisco State University
• Butch Metzger - former MLB pitcher
• Scott Moak - public address announcer of the Sacramento Kings
• Gift of Gab (Tim Parker) who is better known as part of the hip hop duo Blackalicious
• Geno Petralli - 12-year MLB catcher
• Michael Stewart - former NBA center who played for five teams
• Greg Vaughn - four-time MLB All-Star outfielder
• Cornel West - class of 1970, prominent African-American scholar

References

References

1. "John F. Kennedy High". National Center for Education Statistics.
2. (18 November 2024). "Trump's pick for White House communications director grew up in Sacramento - CBS Sacramento". www.cbsnews.com.
3. "La Vel Freeman Stats". Baseball Almanac.
4. "Butch Metzger Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball Reference.