Derrick Miller
COMANCHE — When Patrick Kitendo joined the faculty at Comanche High School, he brought enthusiasm, a desire to teach and a difference in culture.
“I’m enjoying myself,” Kitendo said. “The students are great. I can’t complain.”
Educated in Kenya, Kitendo earned a bachelor’s degree in music and performance, which he followed up with a master’s degree. Later, he entered into an exchange program, which allowed him to travel to South Carolina.
It was there that he obtained his master’s degree in education and then spent two years teaching. Eventually, he left the exchange program and his visa was extended. Kitendo then decided he wanted to be closer to Texas, and set up several interviews with some Texas schools and some on bordering states.
Steve Dunham, Comanche High School principal, didn’t waste anytime in setting up an interview when Kitendo’s résumé came across his desk.
Kitendo can speak eight languages, from English to Swahili, and play an assortment of instruments, from piano to trombone to some African instruments.
“When I came, these guys worked fast,” Kitendo said. “The principal has instincts of good teachers.”
Dunham said he liked the fact that Kitendo has enthusiasm for the job and has set his goals high for the choir. He said Kitendo also provides students with experiences that differ from many of their other teachers.
“I love the fact that he represents something the students haven’t seen here,” Dunham said. “It exposes them to another culture.
“We’re really interested to see what he could bring to the school. We want this to be the premier choir program in the state.”
Kitendo said he plans for the choir to continue to improve and to be successful in competitions.
“My aim is the sweepstakes,” Kitendo said. “You can always tell a group that is going to do well.”
He said the students have already mapped themselves out for success, and not just in singing. Kitendo said many of the students have already started planning for their post-college careers and looking at what it will take to be successful in what they want to do.
“They have the drive to go to college,” Kitendo said. “That’s encouraging for me.
“I have students who have an idea of what they want to do.”
He said he wants to support the students and has found backup in the school district. Kitendo said the students know what they want and aren’t afraid to aim high.
“There’s talent in the music program in this school,” Kitendo said. “The principal is supportive. He supports me. The students are awesome.”
