It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Mrs. Madelyn “Matt” Hollis, former Board member of The Kennard Alumni Association, which owns and manages The Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center and Museum.
Ms. Hollis wasn’t just our past Board Member; she was a beloved teacher and friend whose warm spirit and unwavering dedication touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her passion for education inspired those she taught to reach higher and achieve great things. Ms. Hollis, having grown up in the era of segregation, began her teaching career at the segregated Kennard High School in Centreville, MD.
After the county schools integrated, she continued as Mathematics Department Chair at the new Queen Anne’s County High School until retirement. Ms. Hollis went on to become a QAC Board of Education member for 10 years, as well as leading the Lucrectia
Kennard Homemakers Club and the QAC Retired Teachers Association. She then, as an inaugural Kennard Board Member became the “Flag Bearer” and our inspiration to complete the Kennard restoration by 2017. Though we feel her absence deeply, the light of her legacy continues to guide us all and will constantly be remembered through the work of the Kennard Center and Museum.
In recognition of Ms. Hollis’ enduring legacy and vision, Kennard’s scholarship initiative is now the Madelyn Hollis Scholarship Fund.
Those wishing to contribute to this meaningful tribute can do so by visiting kennardheritage.com/
Please join me in keeping the Ms. Hollis’ family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Clayton Washington
Clayton “Clay” Washington
President
Kennard Alumni Association &
Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center and Museum