"What John F. Kennedy Means To Me" Annual Essay and Poetry Program
Local School Partnership
For 40 years, we have partnered with the Florida Ruffin Ridley School (formerly known as the Coolidge Corner School and the Edward M. Devotion School), the same school John F. Kennedy first attended as a child. Called "What JFK Means to Me," this partnership program immerses third graders in JFK's life, and encourages them to realize their own potential as leaders and citizens. During a public ceremony, students share their impressions of the President through essays and poetry.
A collection of images, including students and National Park Service staff, conducting the "What JFK Means to Me" program.
NPS Photos
2023 "What John F. Kennedy Means to Me" Program
The 39th annual essay and poetry program "What John F. Kennedy Means to Me" began with class visits to John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site in spring of 2023. Third grade students from the Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Brookline took part in an inquiry-based tour of the president's boyhood home and neighborhood and learned about the formative influences that shaped the boy who would become president.
Students also visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where they explored exhibits about Kennedy's personal achievements, service during World War II, political campaigns, and the accomplishments of his presidency.
Drawing on their experiences from the Birthplace and Library visits, students returned to their school and wrote essays on what JFK meant to them. Upon completion of the essays, students voted on their favorite through a blind peer review. Teachers then led poetry writing workshops in which students produced collaborative group poems on JFK.
On May 31, winning essays were revealed and class poems were read at a public ceremony at the Florida Ruffin Ridley School. During this special event, dignitaries joined with students to celebrate their accomplishments and encouraged them to realize their own potential as citizen-leaders within their communities.
The National Park Service congratulates all of the participants from the "What John F. Kennedy Means to Me" program. Follow along below to explore 2023 class poems, winning essays, and photos. Please click here for an archive of essays and photos.
2023 CLASS POEMS
“We Are Grateful for J.F.K.” (Autobiographical Group Verse Poem)
By 3A, Ms. Albertini’s Class:
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Grandson of Ireland, Son of Joseph and Rose, Brother to Joe Jr., Rosemary, Kick, and Eunice, Father to Caroline and John
Intelligent, heroic, courageous, competitive, humorous, mischievous, frosting stealer
An amazing swimmer, a sailor, caring, inspiring, thoughtful, and a leader
He felt strongly about his family, doing his best, reading, writing, the ocean, serving his country, putting a man on the moon, peace, having no segregation, working together, and taking risks
He worked hard to be a role model for his siblings, to save a crewmate and show us the importance of bravery, to write books, to be President and do his best, to create the Peace Corps, to stop segregation, and to create a better world
He imagined a world of peace and equality, where there was friendship, teamwork, and harmony, where everyone worked together, and everyone was treated fairly
J.F.K. taught us the importance of family, curiosity, imagination, working together, being helpful, determination, responsibility, fearlessness, selflessness, and never giving up
Jack
“The Life of a President” (Haiku Poem)
By 3B, Ms. Bordieri’s Class:
Wealthy family
Taught to always win first place
Close-knit family
Jack loved to read books
Jack loved swimming and sailing
He was very brave
John helped gold star moms
Joined the Navy during war
Kind and brave he was
Strong he was that day
A huge ship hit his boat—OW!
PT-109
Creates the Peace Corps
MLK and JFK
Fought for equal rights
“Heroic Soul” (Simile Poem)
By 3G, Ms. Gallagher’s Class:
JFK was as dutiful as bowing to a King
His dad wanted him to be competitive and he was
You have to listen to your parents and respect them
JFK was as funny as a clown doing tricks
He made his classmates laugh at his funny jokes
It’s important to have a good sense of humor
JFK was as ambitious as a soccer player who wanted to win the World Cup
He won different jobs in Massachusetts, like being a congressman and senator
You have to work hard to win
JFK was as intelligent as a dolphin learning new tricks
He published two best-selling novels because he loved to read and write
It is important to value education
JFK was as heroic as Luke Skywalker defeating Darth Vader
He saved a man seriously wounded from a crash on his ship PT-109, by swimming him to safety
Do the right thing at any cost
JFK was as fearless as a lion hunting its prey
He helped Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement
You have to be brave and strong no matter what
“Life of JFK” (Tanka Poem)
By 3J, Ms. Judd’s Class:
President of all
He loved his family most
Always together
He was so entertaining
Competitive and social
Was competitive
Jack liked reading and writing
He was athletic
Competed for President
Determined, educated
Jack liked to play golf
He liked to swim at the beach
He loved to play sports
He was very athletic
Competitive and playful
JFK was in
he military and fought
uring World War II
Courageous and helped others
He acted brave and helpful
Jack helped fight for rights
He fought to end the Cold War
Jack was determined
Was hard working and busy
Wanted a man on the moon
“From Birth to Death” (Cinquain Poem)
By 3W, Ms. Weiman’s Class:
Civil rights
Freedom, equality
Helping, fighting, protesting
Civil rights do matter
Struggle, peace
2023 Winning and Runner-Up Essays
3A Winning Essay by Nicole Polansky:
JFK was a thoughtful and courageous leader. JFK helped all of the USA and he taught us to be kind brave and thoughtful and to never give up.
There are so many things JFK did to help the world like saving a man’s life, stopping segregation, and sending a man to the moon.
JFK saved a life when he was in the Navy. His PT.109 boat was sliced in half. One of his crew was hurt and he could not swim. JFK pulled that crew member for five hours with a life jacket strap.
Another way he was brave was that he helped stop segregation, which is separating people by their skin color. He worked with Martin Luther King Jr. to stop segregation. They protested and worked together to advocate for equal rights. People disagreed with them but they did not give up and finally the court made it illegal to segregate people by color.
The last way JFK was heroic was by sending a man to the moon. This was brave because this was dangerous and also other countries were competing. JFK did not give up and finally after a lot of hard work he did it.
JFK and I are alike because we are both very helpful and brave. JFK was determined when he stopped segregation. I was brave when I stood up to a bully in my old school. We should remember JFK because he taught us to be kind, and brave, and to never give up.
3A Runner-Up Essay by Violet Ang:
Courageous, inspiring, and kind are just a few words to describe our amazing JFK. JFK is a legacy of the United States of America. The US would not be the same without JFK and his bold ideas.
An amazing thing he did was he helped beat the Soviet Union in the race for space. He helped the US build a rocket faster than the Soviet Union even though the U.S. was far behind. Eventually the US got Neal Armstrong to the moon before the Soviet Union!
Another thing he did was he stopped segregation even though lots of people liked segregation. He met with lots of civil rights leaders such as MLK. He talked on TV about segregation and wrote to newspapers. Eventually segregation ended thanks to JFK and lots of other civil rights leaders.
JFK started the Peace Corps which is still around today! You need a pretty intelligent mind to come up with something so thoughtful, caring, and helpful. John F. Kennedy was a very intelligent person so it’s not surprising. This is one of the amazing things JFK did in his lifetime.
The eternal flame really shows what JFK did for all of us. JFK is like an eternal flame. Never goes out! “A man may die, nations my rise and fall, but an idea lives on.” John F. Kennedy shows us the meaning of his love and teamwork. His strong words are still with us today.
3B Winning Essay by Liya Korover:
Do you have trouble with a sibling? How about eight? As a young boy John F Kennedy was charming, naughty, and ill, but grew up to be who he was: the President!
JFK, with a nickname of Jack, was one of nine children. They are all very competitive, as in one story where Joe Jr (the older brother) and Jack once played a game of chicken. This is how it works: both kids go on a bike and go in different ways. Then they come zooming back at each other. Whoever turned to the side loses. But something went wrong! Neither of the boys turned, and both zoomed and CRASH!!! Joe came out fine but Jack on the other hand had to get 28 STITCHES! But as Jack Fitzgerald Kennedy said, “Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” As we are talking about Joe and Jack, it leads us to another story…
Jack and Joe didn't go together, as a family it was pretty big. There are stories of how Jack didn't like Joe and how Joe didn't like Jack. But here is a good one; Joe Jr loved chocolate cake, but he loved the frosting way more. USUALLY, he puts the frosting on his plate and saves it for last. But naughty little Jack was up to no good, he sneaked and BAM! Joe’s frosting was gone off his plate and into Jack’s mouth. And SMASH! BAM! SMACK! A little frosting had turned into a fight! But fights fights fights, from a little to a smack, ouch, ow!
From a smack and an ouch and very many bumps, they were both like two racoons over a piece of food. Joe Jr was in charge. The father left for job trips and more. All the little kids loved Joe Jr, Jack’s not sure why because all he gets from Joe is: hits, bossiness, and mean words. But when Joe Jr is gone on a trip, then when Jack comes home everyone jumps. ZOOM on him. Jack wasn't a fan of that. When Joe Jr was giving food out to everyone, he might go “Sorry Jack No fish for you today” but Jack let it pass, even if he got mad, but as JFK said, “Things do not happen, things are made to happen.”
I believe he was a great person. He helped others when they needed help. “And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.” Even though he might have been naughty in the past you can grow up to do great things like John Fitzgerald Kennedy the 35th president of the United States of America. I have always wondered; can little kids grow up to be in charge? Can you become president? If yes, then I’d like to be like JFK. His mom made him play the piano. Jack didn't like playing piano. Sometimes I don’t too, but I’m happy my family makes me and helped me, just like JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
3B Runner-Up Essay by Molly Gao Bermiem:
Do you know what it's like to be a hero? We'll take a look at JFK’s life, and you'll see. JFK was the 35th president of the United States, his nickname was Jack. He had 8 competitive siblings, he was very courageous, he did many brave things during his life.
Jack was a war hero in 1943. Jack was in charge of PT-109 when suddenly a Japanese destroyer sliced his boat in half! Two men were killed instantly and 1 was badly burned. So, Jack put his life jacket strap between his teeth and towed that man for four miles until they found an island. Then they saw some friendly natives. He found a coconut and carved a message it said ‘native know pos’it he can pilot 11 alive need small boat.’ The natives gave the message to the Navy and they found the crew. Jack was given the Purple Heart and the Marine Corps Medal for his bravery. Reporters came and asked him questions. One of his answers were “it was involuntary they sank my boat!” and all of this led to…John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Just under two decades after the Soviet Union places missiles in Cuba! For days or a week straight, we had terror days because Cuba is close to Florida and Florida is in the USA!!! But little did we know that John Fitzgerald Kennedy was making a treaty with the leader of the Soviet Union. Eventually those tense days were over and the Soviet Union agreed they took the missiles out of Cuba; we did it, everyone cheered but that was not all that JFK had to face which sadly in 1 year his assassination would happen.
But also, I have a question for you? Do you know what segregation is? Well JFK certainly did. And he was not pleased with it but if you don’t it’s when Black and White people are treated differently. Black people couldn't drink in the same water fountains, same schools, or even sit together on the bus. Jack was not okay with this. He worked and spoke and worked and spoke. “One hundred years have passed since President Lincoln freed the slaves, yet their heirs are not fully free. This nation will not be free ‘til all its citizens are free.” But some people did not agree with this but he kept going he did not care at all he knew that it was very dangerous, but he kept going and maybe sadly that’s what led to his assassination later on in his life. Sadly, he was assassinated but he did amazing things in the time he had. One thing I did that was brave was when I ran a club with my friend. We made signs to protest, many kids disagreed with us, but we kept going, like he said, “Children are the world's most valuable resource and it's best hope for the future” but sadly his life came to an end. “A man may die, nations may rise and fall but an idea lives on.”
3G Winning Essay by Mia Williamson:
JFK was the 35 American president. But he didn't get there on his own. He was born on May 29th,1917 in Brookline, Massachusetts right near my school. He became our nation's president because of support from his family. Family helped during his childhood and presidency.
JFK had an interesting childhood. JFK was the second child in his family. The Kennedy family would have nine children in the end, which were: Joe Jr, JFK, Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Bobby, Jean, [and Ted]. As a kid JFK had lots of illnesses such as whooping cough, measles, and chicken pox. One time he got sick with scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a very contagious disease. It can also be potentially life threatening. His father was afraid he was going to die. His father took him to the hospital every day. A few weeks later he recovered. When JFK was three the Kennedy’s moved into a new house a few blocks away from their old house in a town just outside of Boston. They had a wonderful house and very comfortable life. The Kennedy family had everything they needed and more. Nannies and maids helped JFKs mother and at the end of the school years they would go to their other house in Hyannisport, Cape Cod. There they enjoyed swimming, surfing and also touch football. JFK’s dad wanted all of his kids to win in whatever they did. Sports, games, everything! Sometime this went too far. One time Joe Jr. asked JFK to race on his bike. JFK and Joe Jr. started racing. But suddenly…”CRASH!” JFK and Joe Jr. have collided! Joe Jr. was okay, but JFK ended up in the Hospital. JFK got 28 stiches! His dad taught JFK how to be competitive and that came in handy later on in life. As you can see, his family taught him a lot of things that helped him when he grew up.
JFK was a great president but he didn’t get there on his own. Yes, I know what your thinking. All the people who voted for him! But no, the people who helped him the most out of all, was his family! Without his family, he would not have gotten anywhere! JFK’s dad gave him money to help him with his campaigns. JFK needed money to buy things like badges and bag with his name on them. People would wear these things and want to vote for him. This helped him a lot. His brother, Robert F. Kennedy, who was also nicknamed Bobby when he was a child, was JFK’s manager for his presidential campaign. This means that he helped hm practice speeches and travel to different places. As you can see, family helped JFK a lot when he was running for president.
JFK was brave and fierce but he also had his own tiny family that he cared for. It was made up of four family members: Jacqueline Kennedy, JFK, Caroline Kennedy, and John Jr. Kennedy. They also had pets. Caroline loved ponies and she had a pet pony named Macaroni. They lived in the White House and that’s where they would keep their pets. They also had a cat, five dogs and guinea pigs. The kids also liked to play in the White House. For example, they would hide under the big desk in the oval office. JFK had work to do but when he had the time he tried to play with his kids. JFK also liked to show off about his kids. He showed people how his kids dressed on Halloween. They also took trips out of the White House too. They would go to the same beach that he went to as a kid: Hyannisport. JFK loved his family very much.
As you can see, JFK’s family helped him so much. These three reasons are not even close to all the things his family helped him with. Through the help of his family, JFK learned to treat other people nicely and never give up give up. One way that my family helps me is when I’m stuck with my Japanese homework. My family gives me hints and helps me find it out. Maybe when JFK was a kid his family helped him with his homework. My family helps me all the time and JFK’s family helped him too. This is why we should remember not just JFK, but JFK’s family too. Right now, JFK and his family are buried in a national cemetery where other important people are buried.
3G Runner-Up Essay by Ethan Gottfried:
Courage. What does this have to do with JFK? There is so much to say about him, but I will just highlight three moments in history. From serving in the navy to running for President, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK was a courageous hero for our country. He would help no matter the risk.
One way that JFK unleashed his bravery was the destruction of PT-109. JFK was in charge as lieutenant of a patrol torpedo boat (PT Boat) called the PT-109 and had a crew of twelve men. They were on a mission to destroy supply ships carrying food and weapons owned by Japan. While on patrol, everyone was sleeping until a crewmember shouted, “Boat at 2:00!” A Japanese destroyer called the Amagiri collided into the PT-109, shattering it in two. Two men died while eleven other crew members, including JFK, survived. He and his crew held onto the remaining scraps of the PT-109 and swam for land. While JFK was swimming, he was holding an injured man’s life belt strap with his jaw! JFK and his crew swam for three miles even though JFK’s back was injured. Once they finally found land, they could only bear to drink so they drank rainwater and milk form coconuts. Four days later, two natives found the crew. JFK gave them a letter that was carved in a coconut: “NAURU ISI COMMANDER NATIVE KNOWS POSIT HE CAN PILOT 11 ALIVE NEED SMALL BOAT KENNEDY.” The natives gave the note to Lieutenant Reginald Evans who was an Australian coast watcher. Evans gave JFK and his crew some food and a small canoe. Once JFK got home, he got a Marine Corps Medal. Medal for “extremely heroic conduct” and he got a Purple Heart, which represents being injured in battle. He kept the coconut as a reminder to be brave, especially during his presidency.
One of the most courageous things JFK did was running for president. John was not the favorite growing up. His dad wanted his older brother, Joe Jr., to be a democratic politician. Sadly, he died in World War II. Now JFK was the only hope in his family to become a politician. His parents’ dreams were coming true. JFK ran for the House of Representatives. He received forty-two percent of the votes, which was the majority. He was one of the youngest congressmen at the age of twenty-nine! But he didn’t think that was enough. He later ran for the Senate. He was facing the favorite republic and current senator: Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. JFK won! He won by about 70,000 votes. His first year in the senate was very challenging. He had two back operations. During one of them, he developed an infection and almost died! Once JFK recovered, he didn’t think the Senate was enough. In 1960, JFK and his running partner Lyndon B. Johnson ran for president and vice president! JFK ran against Republican Richard Nixon. They participated in the first televised debate, so everyone all around the world could watch it. Shortly after, JFK got told that he won the election 303-219 electoral votes. On January 20th, 1961, JFK gave his inauguration address and spoke the famous words: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” His words teach us that you should look out for others, which is a very courageous thing to do.
An important way JFK looked out for others and was courageous was during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviet Union planted missiles in Cuba that could land anywhere in the United States. JFK wanted to make sure that this didn’t happen. There were rumors that the missiles were going to start a nuclear war. JFK wanted to stop it. He decided to send a blockade to Cuba. No one knew how the leader of the Soviet Union or Cuba would respond but JFK took the risk and this fearless act saved the country.
JFK was a courageous and important leader for the United States. One courageous thing I’ve done was playing at Carnegie Hall in New York. It felt freaky when I played at first, but after I felt honored. I am connected to JFK because my great grandparents witnessed World War II. Overall, I think JFK was a hero for the United States and we should continue to honor his legacy!
3J Winning Essay by Elliot Rousseau:
JFK was the 35th president, and one of the most famous ones, too. Jack had nine brothers and sisters. One of the most known was Joe Jr. He had three homes in his childhood. Beals, North Brookline and Cape Cod. Adult Kennedy had a lot of back pain and illnesses. He also had some government jobs before presidency, like senator or congressman. John also stopped segregation, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Cold War. He ran against Nixon in 1960 and won. Throughout his life, JFK showed that courage was important.
Jack was born on May 29th, 1917. He had 8 siblings. A famous one is Joe Jr. who he was competitive against. He was also a boy scout. Jack also wrote “hot” above “no dogs allowed,” making it “No Hot Dogs Allowed.” He went to Devotion (now the FRR). He was mischievous and sometimes got into trouble.
John served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. A Japanese destroyer sunk Kennedy’s ship. With that he swam for five hours with an injured crewmate on his back. Before he fought in the war, he a wrote a book called Why England Slept. It was about how bad England was in the European side of WWII. These actions demonstrated courage.
John was the thirty-fifth President of the U.S.A. He ran for presidency against Nixon who lost. He was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas. He was also the youngest president, in his forties. He delt with the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War. He was courageous enough to run for president.
JFK showed that courage was important in how he fought In World War II. He showed it in his childhood by being a boy scout. I can relate to this by me being at summer camp around his age. He had tons of illnesses and back pain. I can relate to this because I got Covid-19 once. He stopped segregation, even though it would’ve cost him a ton of political favors. I think people should be treated fairly, no matter what. Courage made John the man he was. He shows this by: Running for president, serving in World War II, stopping both the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
End.
3J Runner-Up Essay by Ananya Sankaran:
John F. Kennedy was the 35th president that loved his family. JFK was really close to his older brother Joe Jr. JFK also got really sick a lot as a child. He worked in the Navy and win the Purple Heart Award. He married JACQUELINE Lee Bouvier and he had two children, Caroline and John Jr. Kennedy. Jack resolved the Cuban Missile Crisis. Jack also started the Peace Corps. Throughout his life, Jack showed that family was important.
JFK was born on May 29, 1917. JFK was one of nine children. He had five sisters and three brothers. He was taught to be very competitive by his parents. He was very close to his older brother Joe Jr. He also went to the Devotion School until 3rd grade. JFK was really close to his family and spent a lot of his time with them. JFK has a lot of time with his brothers and sisters as he was a child.
JFK wrote a famous book called Profiles in Courage. JFK worked in the Navy and got the Purple Heart Award. He married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on September 12, 1953. He had two kids, Caroline and John Jr. Kennedy. After Joe Jr. died, his dad wanted JFK to run for president. JFK worked really hard as he was an adult. He spent a lot of time with his wife and two kids.
JFK problem solved on a lot of things that could lead to war during his presidency. JFK really wanted to help the world, so he made the Peace Corps. JFK also resolved the Cuban Missile Crisis. He became president on January 20th, 1960 and the end of his presidency was on November 22, 1963. JFK was supported a lot by his family by becoming the president. JFK’s family worked really hard for him to become the president.
JFK showed that family was a really important thing to him. JFK was really close to his family and spent a lot of time together. Like I spend a lot of time with my family and we have fun together. He worked really hard when he was in the Navy. Like I work really really hard and never really give up. He solved a lot of problems that could lead to war, like I problem solve when there are problems that are hard to solve. JFK’s family supported him a lot and he relied on them a lot that helped him become the president.
3W Winning Essay by Josephine Terrones:
JFK was born on May 29th, 1917 on 83 Beals Street in his parents’ bedroom. And no doubt, one day he was going to be awesome, no less the 35th and youngest and first Catholic President of the United States.
JFK was brave. A Japanese destroyer broke their boat: PT-109. After the attack, the remaining eleven survivors stayed at the boat for five hours Then the swam for four hours. JFK had to swim with somebody on his back. When his brother Joe Jr. died in his 51st flight in war, JFK decided to take his place and ran for office and easily won with his helpfulness and courage. He also ran for president. His parents, two brothers and four sisters supported him. JFK won a very close election and became president. His leadership inspired the whole world.
What JFK means to me is that he was brave throughout all of his life even when he was a kid. He would fight his older brother but never won but he would never give up. One thing I have in common with him is that I like to be brave. One example is that once I had to do a really hard thing for me I was scared to hurt my back landing but I was brave and I did it. Another time was I had to go into freezing cold pool and I was brave and did it. What does JFK mean to you?
3W Runner-Up Essay by Ethan Weiss:
JFK was very important to our country. He was a legend and left a legacy. During his lifetime, he: started the Peace Corps and became president. He also helped civil rights. I think JFK is brave because of all these reasons. JFK got hurt in a bike crash. I will tell you all about it. JFK was bike racing with Joe Jr. and lost. There was a bad bike crash. JFK had to get 28 stitches! It was hard but he was brave and powered through it. JFK was hurt! The next thing is sickness. He was sick a lot but he powered through with bravery. JFK was sick. Sick. Sick! It is how he came to love books. He got bad diseases, some more than once! The next thing is about PT-109. JFK was sailing PT-109 when a Japanese destroyer split it in half. He was really scared but that’s what makes you brave! One man was really hurt and said, “Leave me behind.” JFK said, “no.” He put a strap from the man’s clothes on his back.
JFK is very important to me. When I was two and a half I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. It was really hard on me. I lost most of my hearing. I was brave. He was brave. All the pieces fit. That is my connection to JFK.
Images on this page courtesy of NPS, Kennedy NHS. Second photo from the top by Matt Teuten.
Ranger Jason leads class on neighborhood tour
NPS
Looking for essays, poems and photos from previous years? Click here.
