Happiness, Inc. Alumni Page

05/25/2026

Hey Happiness family! Welcome the new Kennedy choir director, Luigi Enriquez! He’s a perfect fit and will do amazing things with our young musicians in the years to come.

🎶Music to our Ears 🎶

We are pleased to announce that we have a new Vocal Music and Varsity Show Choir Director: Mr. Luigi Enriquez! Mr. Enriquez comes to us from Iowa City West High School where he directs Good Time Company Varsity Show Choir, Bass Choir, Concert Choir, and Vox Novus (pop acapella), and also teaches AP Music Theory and voice lessons.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Enriquez has maintained an active profile as a vocalist, performing with nationally recognized ensembles including The American Spiritual Ensemble and Stacey V. Gibbs & Just Music. He has earned callback and finalist consideration with internationally respected choral organizations including Cantus and VOCES8. He is a member of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and remains engaged in the state’s broader music community. He currently serves as Music Coordinator at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, Iowa.

Mr. Enriquez earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Luther College and his Master’s degree in Music Education from The University of Kansas.

Welcome to your new Green and Gold home, Mr. Enriquez!

05/08/2026

Thirty-one years ago, I walked into Kennedy High School as a terrified student teacher. A year later, I would take the assistant director position, working and learning with the amazing Kevin L. Benford, and then never leave.

Today, I am announcing that I have accepted the Specialized Content Area Lead position with the Cedar Rapids Community School District and will begin the role for the 26-27 school year. This new role will allow me to work across K-12 music, art, PE, and world language programs throughout the district, and I cannot think of a more meaningful way to spend the next chapter of my career.

I will support the students, teachers, and teacher leaders in these subject areas, with an emphasis on the fine arts. I’ll be part of a great team working to ensure that our restructure provides even better opportunities for CRCSD students.

To all the current and former Kennedy choir students and parents, a most heartfelt thank you to you all. The blessings I have received from knowing and working with you are more than I deserve. This place will remain in my heart forever. My new work will help ensure that new generations of singers will be able to build their own amazing musical memories in the halls of Kennedy.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in making music in a truly special place, please have them contact me at [email protected]. As soon as the job is officially posted I’ll get the application link posted as well.

04/04/2026

Happiness alum Kiera Werner at Iowa’s Got Talent!

04/04/2026

Happiness alum John Schultz performs at Iowa’s Got Talent!

04/03/2026

Use the code BOGOCOUGS to get 2 for 1 tickets for tonight's show!

Join Kennedy High School for an unforgettable evening of talent, creativity, and community at Iowa's Got Talent: Live and Local, a variety show competition, proudly supporting the Kennedy Choral League! Friday, April 3rd from 6pm - 10pm

Purchase tickets at: https://www.tourismcedarrapids.com/events-calendar/iowas-got-talent-live-and-local/

03/30/2026

Tickets are still available! There are Happiness alum performing! Jaeda Hernandez, Kiera Werner, and John Schultz! Come support them and the program at CSPS this Friday night!

Join Kennedy High School for an unforgettable evening of talent, creativity, and community at Iowa's Got Talent: Live and Local, a variety show competition, proudly supporting the Kennedy Choral League! Friday, April 3rd from 6pm - 10pm

Purchase tickets at: https://www.tourismcedarrapids.com/events-calendar/iowas-got-talent-live-and-local/

03/03/2026

Last chance to see the 2026 Happiness and Protege competition shows! This Thursday, March 5th is the Going Out Concert in the Kennedy Auditorium. Festivities include the two show choir shows, a performance by Moonlight Express, the 2026 world premiere of Moodiness, Inc., and, of course, the performance of "Forever." We'd love to have all of you alums join us on stage for that tradition! Get your tickets at the link below.

12/21/2025

Support Happiness with the purchase of "I Heart Happiness" gear! This year's heart design reflects our prom theme! Shipping is available for out of town purchases. Deadline is 12/18!

Online ordering for Kennedy Show Choir Happiness Winter 2026 ends on Sun, Dec 28, 2025 (11:59 PM CST)

12/15/2025

Happiness’s newest choreographer received her yellow jacket last night. She was so excited! It’s always a special moment when we officially welcome a new member to the family. Congratulations Lexi Buglewicz!

10/06/2025

Would you like to help support the production of the Happiness, Inc. show this year and contribute to kindness in the Cedar Rapids Community at the same time? You can! This year, we are using RaiseCraze to support our fundraising efforts. Every donation we receive supports a Happiness member who will pay that donation forward by doing good deeds in the community. Whether it is picking up litter, hosting a trunk or treat for kids, reading to elementary students, or bringing music to our care facilities, every donation that comes in results in kindness going out! Thank you for considering supporting Happiness 25-26!

Help support Kennedy Vocal Music! During the fundraiser, Storm Ziegler will be paying it forward by giving back to others. Thank you for your support!