One of the most exciting things about a new school year is new faces. This year, one of the new faces at South Seneca Central School District is Colleen Kenney, who was hired over the summer to be the district’s new Middle School/High School Associate Principal and Athletic Director.
We recently sat down with Colleen to learn a little bit more about her, and let her introduce herself to the Falcon community. You can read that conversation below:
South Seneca: What were you doing before coming to South Seneca?
Colleen Kenney: Before joining South Seneca, I served as Principal for OCM BOCES Regional Summer School, where I worked with multiple component districts including Cazenovia, Chittenango, East Syracuse Minoa, Fabius Pompey, Fayetteville-Manlius, Jamesville-DeWitt, and LaFayette. Prior to that, I taught Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology at Jamesville-DeWitt High School, while also leading initiatives around culturally responsive education, chronic absenteeism, professional development, and program development. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve in higher education as an adjunct professor and supervisor of student teachers at Syracuse University and Le Moyne College, preparing the next generation of educators.
SS: What roles will you be serving for the district?
CK: At South Seneca, I am honored to serve as both Associate Principal and Athletic Director for grades 6–12. In these roles, I will support academic leadership, student development, and school culture while also overseeing the athletics program and working to strengthen opportunities for student-athletes.
SS: What about this opportunity are you most excited for?
CK: I am most excited to build meaningful relationships—with students, staff, families, and community members. Having grown up in a small town, I deeply value the sense of community, collaboration, and school pride that comes from working together toward a shared vision. I’m eager to support students not just academically, but as whole individuals, helping them discover their strengths and pursue their goals.
SS: As the new AD, what athletics experience do you have prior to this?
CK: Athletics have always been an important part of my life and career. I hold a minor in coaching from SUNY Oswego, played collegiate basketball and have coached at both the high school and youth levels. At Jamesville-DeWitt, I was an assistant varsity basketball coach, helping lead the team to NYSPHSAA Regional Championships and a New York State Final Four appearance. I also coached JV basketball and varsity soccer at Hannibal Central Schools and later spent nearly a decade coaching basketball and softball for the Jamesville-DeWitt Youth Athletic Association. I also enjoyed supporting my daughter and her athletic career while she played Division I lacrosse at Niagara University and The University of Nottingham in England. She is now part of the lacrosse coaching staff at Cortland State.
SK: What are some things pertaining to Athletics that you are excited to hopefully implement and work towards?
CK:I am excited to continue building a program that emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also character, teamwork, and resilience. Athletics provide an incredible opportunity to teach life lessons—perseverance, leadership, and integrity—that extend far beyond the playing field. I look forward to fostering school spirit, celebrating student-athlete achievements, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to feel proud of being a Falcon.
SS: What is a fun fact or two about yourself?
CK: I am 100% Irish, and in keeping with Irish tradition, I try not to collect “things”—instead, I enjoy collecting people who are kind and radiate positive energy.
SS: What is something you hope the district and community come to learn about yourself?
CK: I am the proud mom of three grown children—Logan, Liam, and Riley—and we also shared our home with a turtle named Dexter. I hope the community comes to see that I truly value kindness, fairness, and treating others the way they want to be treated. I was raised in a small town where being kind was a way of life. I bring that same philosophy to South Seneca and hope to foster an environment where students, staff, parents and community members feel seen, supported, and respected.
SS: Anything you’d like to add?
CK: One of my favorite Celtic Irish sayings is: "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí, ní neart go cur le chéile"(but please don't ask me to pronounce it properly!)
Translation: “Praise the young and they will flourish, for there is no strength without unity.”
This reflects my belief in encouraging growth, lifting others up, and remembering that true strength lies in teamwork and fairness. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the South Seneca community—and I say with pride: Go Falcons!