Holly Kennedy is a kindergarten teacher at Mt. Olive Elementary School. She was recently awarded a $462 grant for classroom expenses from Bounty and www.teacherwishlist.com. Kennedy was one of only 100 teachers who received the grant.

How did you get the grant, and how is it going to help you?

I made a wish list of things at teacherwishlist.com, and in my application I wrote about how important classroom supplies are in kindergarten. After so many years, stuff goes missing or gets used up. Because of the economy, parents can only give so much money, and Jefferson County schools don’t have money, either. It really makes a difference because I’ll be able to focus on teaching instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford basic class supplies on my wish list like paper towels and pencils.

How did you get into teaching?

I went to school for something else at first. I studied to be an occupational therapy assistant, but I didn’t like it. I went to elementary education and loved it, and I knew then that I had to teach. I’ve taught for almost 10 years. I’m outgoing and I talk a lot, which is probably why I teach. If you are too serious, you can’t teach elementary school.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married for 19 years, and we have three children. Most of my time is spent with my little ones in my classroom and with my family, and there isn’t much time for anything else. My oldest son is starting his senior year in high school, and I’m very involved in that because he plays football. When we do get some time, we like to go swimming and go to the beach.