NEXT GENERATION: Kenny Lacy

The Lacy family, from left: Kenny, Diane, Kenny Sr. and Dante. Kenny says his father has been the biggest influence in his life. “He’s instilled good values in me. He is a great father and husband. He’s taught me how to be a hard worker, he’s taught me right from wrong and to always be the best I can be.”

At 16, Kenny independent, a real leader

Kenny Lacy and his family have been parishioners for many years. He’s been an altar server and a lector. He likes being his own man.

How would you describe what Kenny Lacy is like?

I would say I am respectful, a leader, outgoing, athletic, talented and intelligent.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

Play video games with friends, watch the Atlanta Falcons play every Sunday, watching Syracuse basketball, get together with my family on the holidays, play baseball and basketball, and sing in the school choir.

What’s your family like?

My family is very close. We get together with our other family members every Sunday to watch football together and have Sunday dinner.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life so far?

I’d have to say my father. He’s instilled good values in me. He is a great father and husband. He’s taught me how to be a hard worker, he’s taught me right from wrong and to always be the best I can be.

Is it tough being an older brother? Do you feel any responsibility to set a good example?

Sometimes it can be tough being the older brother, especially when my brother was younger because he used to try to do anything that I did. We get along good, we are close and I’m glad we have each other.

You’ve been coming to church for a number of years. What’s your earliest memory of going to Mass?

I remember when I was about 5 or 6 years old going to Easter Vigil Mass. I remember everyone holding candles in the dark, and because I was so young it seemed like the Mass took forever.

What do you like most about Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament?

I enjoy listening to Father Cesta’s sermons. I also enjoy the friendly atmosphere when I attend Mass and I always have a good feeling when I leave.

You were an altar server for a long time and you’re now “retired.” What did you like best about being a server?

I enjoyed being on the altar and participating in Mass alongside of father. I also enjoyed training the younger altar servers when I had to, and I like participating in the special Masses and holiday Masses.

You’re now a lector? Why did you want to become a lector?

One Monday night in religion class, Father Cesta asked if I would be interested in becoming a lector, and since I knew I wouldn’t be an altar server much longer, I still wanted to participate, so I became a lector.

Lots of young people don’t like to talk about religion. What about you?

I would not go out of my way to bring up the subject of religion, but if it ever were to come up in conversation, I would not be shy to share my beliefs.

If you had a chance to tell your best friend about what your religion means to you, what would you say?

I would tell them that religion is a way for me to get away from the rest of the world for a little while and that it is a time for me to bond with God for guidance.

What’s the one thing about yourself that you’re most proud of?

I’m most proud of the fact that I have my own mind and make my own decisions.

What does the future hold for Kenny Lacy?

Hopefully in the future I will be going to Syracuse University to pursue my desire to be a sports broadcaster or a crime scene investigator.

KENNY LACY
Age: 16.
School: Thomas R. Proctor High School.
Grade: Junior.
Family: Mom, dad and one brother.
Employment: Work in the summer as a park adviser at Proctor Park.
Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Favorite movie: “Space Jam.”
Favorite TV show: “X Factor.”
What you like to do for fun: Play baseball, basketball and football with my friends; play video games; and I love singing.