From the Kenny School, a message of hope, resilience in song and dance

Students at the Thomas J. Kenny Elementary School are shown in a music video called “Good & Swell,” a play on a popular song by Lizzo.

A new “viral” music video created by students and staff at the Thomas J. Kenny Elementary School with the intention of spreading “a message of joy and positivity” has been making its rounds on the internet since it was first published last Friday. In the video, which was filmed in January and February while school was still in session, Kenny students sing and dance along to “Good & Swell,” an education-themed reimagination of a popular song by Lizzo.

Principal Emily Bryan said the idea for the video hatched from her School Site Council after one member shared a snow-day music video made by another principal. “We were thinking about things we could do to help the community see the great things going on at the Kenny school, and at the same time show how loving and talented our students and staff are,” explained Bryan, who added they chose a Lizzo tune because of the artist’s message of self-acceptance.

“In interviews and on social media, Lizzo has shared a positive message about standing up to bullies, loving yourself, and accepting others for who they are. That message aligned with a lot of what we stand for at the Kenny.”

The original words of the song have been changed to Kenny-themed lyrics (“I do my schoolwork”) while keeping sentiments of hope and resilience (“Come now dry your eyes/ know you’re a star, you can touch the sky”). The video even includes a brief cameo from Superintendent Cassellius and Mayor Martin Walsh, who chime in on the song’s chorus.

While spreading positivity was the initial goal of making the video, Bryan said, the song has taken on a new meaning since the COVID-19 crisis closed schools for the rest of the year. She admitted she “felt nostalgic” while editing the footage of her students and staff.

“I struggled with whether or not it was appropriate to release right now because it’s very happy, and so many people right now are not ‘good and swell’; so many people are suffering. This time is even harder for families of students with disabilities, or those who are dealing with food insecurity or housing insecurity, and that’s a huge percentage of our school community.

I ultimately decided that sharing it would remind our community that we’re strengthened by our love for each other, and we’re not alone. The same message is there, but now it means something different. I think when this is all over, we may come back stronger and closer, and more grateful for each other than when we left off.”

The Kenny kids are aiming for a goal of reaching 10,000 likes on social media. You can view the “Good & Swell” video here.


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