Kennedy Ann Nida, age 16, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Kennedy, as a part of the Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen Organization (MAROTeen) sisterhood truly lived her social impact initiative, “Work for a Cause, Not Applause”. She tirelessly raised funds through many projects to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital, including sewing over 7,000 masks over the past year with her family. She was the two-time recipient of the MAROTeen Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) Miracle Maker Award.
A giggly, smart and fun-loving girl, Kennedy was always the bright spot in the room, sharing her big heart with many friends, family and philanthropic ventures. She was an extremely bright sophomore student at Lakeside High School interested in sports medicine. She loved anything involving dance, going through a phase in life where she would more often stand on her head than her feet, and would rather tap her toes than stand in one place. Kennedy danced competitively for many years, enjoying tap as her dance of choice. She danced at Natural State Dance Company and taught classes to young dancers.
She is survived by her parents; brothers, Luke and Landon; and a multitude of amazing family, friends, and members of the MAROTeen sisterhood.
“The Miss Ouachita River family, along with our entire Miss Arkansas Organization, has forever been touched by Kennedy Nida. Even at Kennedy’s young age her kind, sweet spirit, and servant’s heart to do more for others made a difference in many lives. Our hearts are bigger, and we are better because she lived her platform “Work for a Cause, Not an Applause” and taught us the true value of a servant’s heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in the days and months to come.”
– Jamie Pafford-Gresham, Director, Miss Ouachita River