Kent J. Kirker

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ABOUT ME:

 

My name is Kent but most of my friends call me Rudy. As of January 19, 2017 I am 26, about average height, 5'7, with brown (occasionally in the summers blonde) hair, and brown eyes. I am an alumnus of Coshocton High School where I played football #73 ('03-'06, '08), and baseball #54 ('04-'05, '07-'09) for the Redskins. GO SKINS! I graduated from CHS in 2009 with a College Prepartory Diploma. I was able to meet Donna Douglas, who played Ellie May Clampet on The Beverly Hillbillies at my baccalaureate. While attending CHS I was also a part of the Key Club, German Club, Spanish Club, Quiz Team, Morning Announcement Crew, Varsity C, Prom Promise, and the School Newspaper , the Red & Black.

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I love Sports, I'm a big Ohio State Buckeye football & basketball fan. Occasionally I'll root for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. I pretty much support any Kent State athletic team. (GO FLASHES!) As for pro sports, I am primarily a Cleveland supporter, including the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA Champs 2016!), I was a fan of the Miami Heat when LeBron James was on the roster. (NBA Champs '12, '13!) I am also a fan of Cleveland Indians baseball, (GO TRIBE) and somewhat of Cleveland Browns football. My favorite team though is the New England Patriots. I consider LeBron James, Omar Vizquel, Tim Tebow, and Urban Meyer to be my favorite athletes, coaches and role models of mine!

 

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Anybody who knows me knows I love to sing, I've always had this crazy hope of becoming a contestant on American Idol. In High School I was a 4 year member of the Chamber Select Choir. During those four years, I attended the Ohio District X Honors Choir twice, East Central Ohio League (ECOL) Honors Choir twice, and the Muskingum University Fall YouthFest twice. I was a part of the Choir trip to Kings Island during my junior year  in Spring of 2008. I was a 3 year member of the All-Ohio Youth Choir (AOYC) from 2007-2009; A 4 year member  of the Coshocton Youth chorale (CYC) from 2005-2009; A 5 year member of the Coshocton Children's Choir (CCC) [now called the Coshocton Singers] from 2000-2005; And a 4 year former member of the Coshocton Presbyterian Church Celebration Singers from 2009-2012. All of these are directed by Mr. Charles R. Snyder to this day. I continued to assist with the CCC, and the CYC from 2009-2013.

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I like most genres of music except screamo, extreme heavy metal, or anything overly simplistic/over produced. I like to say I was raised on great music from my parents generation. From the late 60's, 70's, 80's, and practically all of the 90's and 00's holdovers. Mostly I listen to Classic/Modern Rock, Urban/Indie/ Contemporary/Rock - Folk, Modern Country, and Christian with hip-hop, pop, and R&B mixed in. Some of my favorite artists/bands include John Mellencamp, Rascal Flatts, tobyMac, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Josh Garrels and most recently Chris Stapleton. I've seen all of them aside from Mellencamp, Paisley, Jovi, Garrels and Stapleton in concert. I've seen several other Country and Christian artist in concert.

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I was pretty active in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) or Scouting, joining the program as a Cub Scout [boys Kindergarten to early 5th Grade] in 1998. I earned my Arrow of Light (Cub Scouting's highest award) in 2001, and Crossed over into Boy Scouts [Boys 10.5/11 to 18] in 2002. I attained my Eagle Scout rank with Troop 402 on February 26, 2009. I was a member of the 2006 and 2011, Summer Camp Staffs at the Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation (MVSR) in Coshocton. The duration of the Summer Camp is 8 weeks. These are separated into three parts: 2 staff weeks, one at the beginning to set up camp, and one at the end to tear down. Five Boy individual Boy Scout camper weeks. Finally Cub Scout Adventure Camp week following the final Boy Scout Camper week. During 2006, I was a camp wide Program Assistant. I worked in the Dinning Hall (kitchen/central camp building) for the first three weeks followed by a week as a Camping Merit Badge Counselor, and then other duties at the direction of the Camp Director. In 2011 I was tapped as the Netami (First year Camper) Program Director. In June of 2008 I took a 15 day backpacking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in the back-country of Cimarron, New Mexico. Our trek ID was 615-G1 (a.k.a. the G-unit) and we traveled the 2008 version of itinerary 16, with side hikes, about 80 miles over-all!

 

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I am a Vigil Honor member (Highest Honor) of The Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society) where in 2011, I was the Chief (Head/President) of the Yandata Chapter (Coshocton County, Ohio and some surrounding areas), of Netawatwees Lodge #424, in Section C-4B, of the Central Region. I kept the Vigil on Sept. 18, 2011. My Vigil Name is "Amangiechsin", which roughly translates to "One Who Speaks Loudly." I have attended 6 Sectional Conclaves 3 in Ohio (2009, 2012 at MVSR, and 2013) and 3 in West Virginia (2008, 2011, 2014), and been on Staff for three. I have also attended 5 consecutive ALTC's (Area Leadership Training Conference) in November 2010-14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I joined Venturing (Co-ed branch of the BSA) on September 1, 2010. Venturing is the co-ed branch of scouting for scouts 14-20. I was the President of Venture Crew 447 (July 2011-Jan. 2012) charted at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. I was also the Vice President of Administration and at one point Secretary of the Muskingum Valley Council Venturing and Explorer Officer Association (VEOA). In the Fall of 2011, I planned and led the Arrowhead District Fall Camporee, the theme being "Where In The World Is Lord Robert Baden-Powell". I earned my Venturing Silver Award on January 18, 2012, and was a 2012 recipient of the Council Venturing Leadership Award (VLA). The Silver Award was the highest achievement in Venturing, equivalent to the Eagle Rank in Boy Scouting, until it was switched out with the Summit Award in 2015. The VLA is the highest honor a Council can bestow on a Venturer.

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I am a former Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Cub Master, and Assistant Adviser. I was the Communications Adviser for the Netawatwees Lodge #424 of the Order of the Arrow from 2012-2015! I was a trained leader in both indoor and outdoor Cub and Boy Scouting. In 2012 I was a participant and member of the Eagle Patrol for Wood Badge Course C-4-467-12l. Woodbadge is an advanced leader training course within the BSA. The course was held at my home camp MVSR. I completed my ticket and earned my Wood Badge Beads on March 29, 2014.

 

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History, Science, Education, and literacy are some of my passions, and I'd like to have a career in some capacity that includes some or all of them later in life. I was a student at The Ohio State University on the Newark Campus from 2009-2011 where I majored in History, and Political Science. I took a year off to intern with Political campaigns in 2012. From there I transferred to Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus in the Spring of 2013. While there I was elected as a Senator to the Student Activities Council (SAC). As a Senator I helped plan various events, activities, and shows on campus including concerts, and student involvement fairs. After one semester at the Tusc. campus I transferred up to the Main Campus in Kent, Ohio for the Autumn 2013 semester.

 

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My first two semesters at Main campus, I lived on campus, and was elected by the members of my residence hall as the Vice President of the Centennial Court A&B Hall Council. While at Kent State I majored in Education with a focus on Social Studies and Science. I later switched from science to language arts. Kent State was a much better experience for me than Ohio State, academically and recreationally. I made the Dean's List, and met cool people like renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Historian/Documentarian Ken Burns, Poet Nikki Giovani, Academy Award winning Director Oliver Stone, women's equality activist Lilly Ledbetter, Activist and Daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nontombi Naomi Tutu, nationally renowned educator and reading-strategy author Donalyn Miller, and Taylor Goldsmith the  lead sing of the band Dawes, as well as the rest of the band. That's just to name a few. In the Spring of 2015 I became a technical graduate of Kent State University, earning an Associate Degree in Science.

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I love American Politics; I consider myself a progressive Liberal (A mostly straightline Democrat). I formulate my views based on various ethical lines. One, the logical system of what I believe is best for the greatest amount of people, or utilitarianism. Two, what my inner moral logic views as correct, as pertaining to policy and issues. Three, how policy applies to the most equal and beneficial of the social issues, and civil actions most important to me. In that sense I am egalitarian, and by a simple proud nature, Feminist. Though it really be of no one else's concern, I am bisexual, and therefore a member of the LGBTQ+ community. From my acceptance and understanding of this I believe that gender/sex/orientation are non-binary concepts. Meaning they don't conform to limited perceived societal molds. I believe that capital punishment, or the death penalty is a hypocritical, unethical, violation of the moral contract our government has with it's constituency.

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The environment is of major importance and concern for me. I disagree with the excessive exploitation or our fossil fuels including natural gas, oil, and coal. I believe that hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is dangerous and disadvantegous of it's benefits, and should be banned. I believe that climate change, and global warming, are harrowing crises, and a threat to our planet that can be compounded by taking advantage of renewable energy sources and technologies. I believe in commonsense gun legislation including universal background checks, and a ban on assault style/automatic rifles. They are weapons of war and unnecessary for normal citizenry. I believe in a women's right to make her own decisions about her own body, counting access to medical care, and birth control. I believe in national legalization of Cannibus/Marijuana, both medicinally and recreationally. I believe as a Christian in a strict stance of seperation of church and State. I believe in affordable and excessible education, and an educated society. 

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I have been involved with politics and political campaigns for nearly 17 years. I have worked for Presidents, Governors, Senators, Congressman, and a myriad of State and Local races. I saw President Barack Obama speak three times in person! Once as a US Senator in 2008, and twice as President in 2010, and 2012. The 3rd time I saw him speak was during his 2012 Re-election Campaign kickoff in Columbus on May 5. I got meet him and the First Lady as well as US Senator from Ohio Sherrod Brown. The President and I exchanged a handshake, and an exploding fist bump! I met Vice President Joe Biden working an event at the Staffilino Car Dealership in Martin's Ferry, Ohio on May 17, 2012, and again at the Zane Gray Elementary School in Zanesville later that year. I was recommended for a State level Internship with training at Ohio Wesleyan University and was a Summer/Fall Organizer for Obama For America - Ohio (OFA-OH) in Coshocton and Muskingum counties. I believe that under the leadership of President Obama and his Administration our country has, an will continue to move Forward. I feel proud to have contributed to his reelection! Now, I continue the political process by resisting against the major fraud America has unfortunately put into the white house to succeed our first African American President.

 

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I'm a simple Christian man, very easy to get along with once I get to know you, and vice-versa. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior; I was saved while in the X4J Youth Group at the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle in 8th Grade! I'm currently a member of the Coshocton Presbyterian Church, where I have assisted with the Youth Group, and was a former 2 year member of the Vacation Bible School Staff! I was a part of the volunteer security staff for The ALIVE festival in 2010. ALIVE is one of the biggest outdoor Christian music festivals in the nation located along Atwood Lake in Mineral City, Ohio. While staffing there I met one of my all-time favorite Christian artists, Tobymac! I have also attended 7 annual Winter Jams in Columbus (2008. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 x2, 2014). I've learned a lot not to judge people because of what they may believe; I try to set an example for others to fellow. I may seem an annoying to some however I try to be friends with anyone I meet. God plays an important role in my life. Although others may not believe in or follow my faith or beliefs, I respect their opinions, as I would expect others to do with mine.

 

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I am an advocate of various causes. A lot of the background behind my activism of these causes comes from relationships I have, and have had with friends and family members. Raising awareness and helping to find a cure for cancer is something very close to my heart. My Grandmother passed away from it in 2003. A close friend of mine Alana Branstetter was struck with leukemia, and passed away Nov. 13, 2006. She was only 16. I always wore (until both broke) a yellow Livestrong band, and an orange Leukemia Awareness band (given to me by a young Scout, whose father had been dianosed, at MVSR Summer Camp 2011) in honor of her and others who have passed on. I now wear a glow-in-the-dark Nationwide Children's Hospital (where Alana resided) band, a blue "Smile More" band from Roman Atwood, and a rainbow "Love is Love" band from the Vlogbrothers for obvious reasons. Suicide is another issue that has close to home. I understand how depression and bullying contribute to suicide, and thoughts of, and therefore advocate for an awareness of mental illness, and a stance against bullying and negative peer pressure. I also feel strongly about raising awareness about the "choking game", where people (mostly elementary to High School age) intentionally choke themselves to get a euphoric since of pleasure. Also know as "space monkey" it is dangerous and deadly, I know of 3 personal situations where there have been fatal outcomes. Please if are reading this, just don't do it! I have a very strong stance against drugs and the excessive consumption of alcohol, having seen their affects on those around me. I encourage those I love to stay away from such substances, they corrupt the mind, and are just not good for us, this includes smoking. If you drink, drink responsibly. DO NOT DRIVE afterward. Click on the photos below for more information.

 

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My friends are an important part of my life. I praise God and I am thankful for those he provides me with everyday. I love the verses from Psalm 133:1 - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" and John 15:13 - “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." With the special faithful friends I have, I would gladly do this! ! I love helping others, but especially so with my friends in all that they do! To my friends, you all know who you are, thank you for so much encouragement and love, that is what fuels me and gives me a natural high! My friends are definitely my anti-drug! This friendship is able to be mended and repaired as well. If it weren't so what point would there be have friends in the first place? I am definitely willing to forgive, ask for, and accept that forgiveness, which, at times, is incredibly undeserved. If others can find it in their heart to forgive me of my past mistakes and misdoings, I promise, I will try my hardest to regain your trust and love. #Promise

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I love, LOVE to read and watch movies! Which is a complete understatement! I would say “Forrest Gump”, “Letters to God”, "Twister", "The Mummy Returns",  and "The Patriot" round out my top five favorite films! I have a movie poster signed by the cast and crew of “Letters to God”, and an original Forrest Gump VHS tape. I love to watch movie award shows such as the Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, The BAFTA's, the SAG Awards, and the Critic's Choice Awards, while bingeing their nominees in the weeks leading up to them. Some of my current favorite authors are Stephen King and John Grisham. I own ALL of Grisham's books including special editions and duplicates! I also absolutely love the Harry Potter, and Left Behind Series. I feel extremely lucky to have grown up with them! One of my favorite individual books by far is "The Hobbit". I have 5 different editions of it including my favorite edition of a book so far, a leatherbound gold gilded version! Another book I love is "Where the Red Fern Grows" which I first read in the 5th grade. For more about my reading habits past and present you can check out the reading page above under the "Personal" tab.

 

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I like to talk about random things such as the places I've been, the things I've done, old memories, I imagine anything really. Sometimes I may get carried away and off topic, I guess it’s just my ADhD showing (no really). . . ha! I'm a pretty easy going person though, and I just love life! Anything else you want to know just ask, but maybe you already know with as much as I share. 

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Peace & Love

-Kent