By Stacey Tucker (Contact / Staff Bio)
November 22, 2008 - 10:34 a.m. EST

CARO — A teen whose life ended too soon will now be remembered each day by her one love in this world - children.

Kenna Peet, a Kingston junior, died May 30, 2006 when her 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier was struck head-on by a southbound vehicle on Hurds Corner Road.

Peet, who dreamed of becoming a special education teacher, will live on in the hearts of many with the dedication of brand new playground equipment named in her honor at the Tuscola Technology Center.

“Kenna was an angel that walked the earth,” said Phoebe Bernhardt, principal of Highland Pines. “Her dream of teaching children will happen every day when children come to play at the Rainbow center.”

Peet was the daughter of Barry and Karen Peet of Silverwood, and the sister of Kyle Peet.

She was a National Honor Society Student who also attended the Tuscola Technology Center for Child Care Services.

Denise Harrington, former child care services instructor and Peet’s former teacher at the Tuscola Technology Center, said Peet would have loved this honor.

“She would have been so excited to have a really, really lovely place for children to play, Harrington said. “I’m just thrilled and delighted there will be something to remember her by.

“She was one of the kindest, most tender-hearted young ladies.”

The playground equipment was replaced, since new state regulations will be going into effect Dec. 1 of this year and the old equipment wasn’t up to code.

Kathleen Sweeney, Child Care Services teacher, worked hard researching the different playground equipment and writing grants. With the help of the Construction Technology class and the landscape program, the entire playground was re-built and up to code in 15 working days.

“All the three, four and five-year-olds are going to see that plaque out there and they’re going to ask me what that plaque is for and I’m going to tell them this was an extraordinary girl,” said Sweeney.

“A girl who loved children.”

Stacey Tucker is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at tucker@tcadvertiser.com.