Kenley Baber walks into Prytle Elementary each day as a proud Prytle Panther and a beloved member of the Panther Pack. At school, she is known for her bright spirit and the way she includes everyone around her. Whether she is helping at PTO events, cheering on her classmates, or simply making someone laugh at recess, Kenley shows what it means to be part of a caring community. She is also a wonderful big sister, someone younger kids look up to and someone who naturally steps in to help when needed. Teachers and friends alike see her as a leader—not because she tries to be, but because kindness seems to follow her wherever she goes.
But Kenley’s story also holds a deeper kind of strength.
When Kenley was very young, her family faced something incredibly hard. She lost her father, Kolby Baber, to COVID. Losing a parent is a kind of sadness that many adults struggle to understand, let alone a child. The world can suddenly feel quieter, heavier, and different.
But Kenley did something remarkable.
She carried on.
Not in a way that meant she forgot her dad—because she didn’t. She carries him with her. In the way she shows kindness. In the way she lifts up her friends. In the way she chooses laughter even when life has given her reasons to be sad.
Every day she walks into school and makes a quiet decision to keep shining.
She has become a champion for courage and bravery without even trying to be. Courage doesn’t always look like big speeches or heroic moments. Sometimes it looks like showing up with a smile. Sometimes it looks like helping a classmate who is having a hard day. Sometimes it looks like being her wonderfully silly self when others need a reason to laugh.
Kenley is a leader in her community simply by being the kind of person others want to be around. She welcomes everyone. She notices people who feel left out. She believes that friendship is something meant for everyone, not just a few.
And even on days when the world feels heavy, Kenley’s light keeps shining.
Her story reminds people of something important: courage isn’t about never feeling sad. Courage is choosing to keep going, to keep loving, to keep laughing, and to keep being yourself.
Kolby Baber may not walk beside Kenley every day, but the love he gave her still lives in her heart—and in the way she moves through the world.
And that light shines brighter every year. ✨ Join her on her 5th year walking for her dad, Corrections Corporal Kolby Baber.
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. Built upon the mantra, “While we have time, LET US DO GOOD,” the Foundation supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes and their families.
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