Youth in Focus

By Richard A. Ross

Quiet efficiency defines take-charge teen

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Tegan Kern, a senior at Livingston Manor Central School, is president of her senior class and editor-in-chief of “Manorisms,” the school’s award-winning yearbook. She serves as a student assistant to journalism teacher Robert Farrell and plays striker on the Sectionals-bound Wildcats soccer team. (Click for larger image)

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Tegan Kern may appear modest and somewhat reserved.

Don’t mistake her for a shy, blushing beauty.

The senior from Livingston Manor Central School is a proactive, efficient leader. Put her in charge of a task and rest assured, it will be accomplished with style, precision and care.

Such traits have made Kern the perfect choice for yearbook and newspaper editor in Livingston Manor’s vibrant journalism program, run by teacher Robert Farrell.

Last year, Farrell spearheaded the decision to switch production of Manor’s award-winning yearbook, “Manorisms” to an in-house venture in order to cut costs and afford students a greater role in the process. Farrell needed a take-charge, no-nonsense, tireless editor to help steer the fledgling staff through the turbulent waters of the first-time venture. Up stepped Kern, who stayed the course with her friend and classmate Ashley Mann.

Referring to Kern, Farrell said, “Not only did she go full bore on the yearbook, she was the one who communicated with other students about what needed to be done without my telling her to do so. She has great pre-management skills.”

“We learned a lot last year and this year’s book should be even better,” Kern said. She is serving Farrell as a student assistant in journalism, helping new students get on task.

Leadership comes naturally to Kern, who also serves as senior class president and plays striker on the Wildcats’ soccer team. According to Superintendent Debra Lynker, “Kern has the respect of her classmates and a good working relationship with the administration. She just met with me about the senior trip and was extremely well organized right down to the details of the itinerary.”

Last summer, she worked for Steven Wilkinson and Gerard Ilaria at Catskill Morning Farm, where she served as a waitress, prepared food and worked the cash register. Wilkinson and Ilaria, the Livingston Manor Development Corporation duo, were duly impressed by Kern’s efforts. The feeling was mutual.

Working with two men largely responsible for Livingston Manor’s revitalization has inspired Kern to consider a minor in business management, hopefully at Hartwick University.

“I saw Steve and Gerard run businesses and make Livingston Manor a town again,” Kern said.

	(Click for larger image)

According to Wilkinson, “The customers loved her. She was reliable, always on time and even volunteered with the renaissance project, helping out with the Cine Park.” At present, Kern is considering a major in elementary education. Whether she ends up in the classroom or the boardroom, she is on a fast track for success.

Gaining success means dealing with setbacks, and adversity is no stranger to Kern. Her father, Dr. Arnold Kern, died unexpectedly a couple of years ago.

In addition, Kern had knee surgery to repair a damaged ACL and meniscus. She missed a whole year of soccer and softball. Despite some residual pain, she is right back out on the field and plans to play basketball and softball this year.

This past Friday, she participated in her last homecoming weekend pep rally. As her soccer coach Shirley Davis introduced the senior to the cheering Wildcat fans, Kern said she felt the first twinge of sadness, realizing that her high school days are waning. But not yet…there’s still plenty to do. There is much to learn, deadlines to make, games to play, and best of all, lots of time to spend with friends.

“I love my friends. We do everything together,” she said.

This week’s youth in focus is a dynamic leader, a great role model and source of pride to her family, her friends, her school and her community.