Lorraine Poppe, Longtime Kennedy High School Principal, Dies

Lorraine Poppe, the longtime principal of John F. Kennedy High School, died on Tuesday. She was 67 years old.

Poppe was an educator for decades. She started her career in the Baldwin School District, teaching English at Baldwin High School in 1973. Through her career at the school, she became a master teacher, dean of students and eventually assistant principal.

She came to Kennedy in 1995 as principal, and held the position until she retired in 2018. She was the longest-serving principal in the school's history.

"Lorraine’s commitment to improving instruction and ensuring that all students are given various opportunities to succeed have been the hallmark of her success," Ronnie Steiger, the public relations director for the Bellmore JFK Alumni Association, wrote. "An ardent supporter of all student activities, Lorraine could be seen cheering on students at virtually every co-curricular event. She took tremendous pride in the success of the students and staff and was proud to be the leader of her beloved Cougar Nation."

Many past students remembered Poppe's unending enthusiasm and care for the children she taught. She created a legacy of love at the school.

"Her legacy and love for Kennedy is unmatched and we are forever grateful for her service to this community," Gerard Owenburg, the current JFK principal, wrote in a letter to families. "Our hearts go out to her family and to the thousands of lives that she has impacted throughout her career in education. For more than two decades, Ms. Poppe has looked after the students and staff of Kennedy High School as if they were a part of her family and she will be profoundly missed by all."

Poppe retired in 2018 due to her declining health, according to the Bellmore Herald.

Visitation for Poppe is being held today at the Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, located at 49 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park, from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church of Mineola, at 182 1st St. in Mineola.