Born in Portland and raised in Corbett since birth, Kendal Hocking attended Corbett schools K-12. She is the middle of three daughters born to Corbett High sweethearts, James and Sharon Hocking. Considering herself to be very quiet and shy as a child, Kendal said she had a speech impediment that led to four years of speech therapy. Interested in art and music, she also played volleyball and soccer for many years of her childhood. Kendal played the clarinet in the school band from 5th to 11th grade. She began playing the piano at age five and still plays today. Kendal loved art classes in school, but also did a great deal of drawing on her own at home. The family did a lot of camping every summer and were close with other neighbor families, spending a great deal of time with them. Kendal graduated in 2011 from Corbett High and then attended Capernwray Hall in England for a year. This was her first time away from home and she grew a lot, saying that she learned just how much she did not know! This was a time of great spiritual growth for her as she went alone, not knowing anyone. When Kendal returned to Corbett after a year, she worked as a nanny and also at Multnomah Falls Lodge to save for college. Kendal began classes at Seattle Pacific University in 2013 and graduated in 2017 with a major in General Music. She originally went to get her degree in Music Therapy, and that was why she originally chose SPU. Her time in Seattle was life-changing for her as she left with a strong sense of community. She says being with like-minded peers had a profound impact on her and she made lifelong friends. Seattle is now considered her second home. Corbett will always be her first love! After graduation, Kendal came home to work once again to save for college. She has worked in the food industry, working as many hours as possible to save for a master's degree program at Oxford University in England! She was accepted into their Musicology Master's Program that begins in October. There is no aide or scholarships available, so she is thankful for her neighbors that she grew up with. Chris Spanjer is hosting a dinner at the Corbett Grange for all who want to attend and support Kendal. Sunday, July 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm will be an evening of English Fare. Tickets are $50 and will include a British feast, live music, Oxford readings and trivia. Call 971-678-7663 or email cspanjer@lcmcs.org. All proceeds will go to Kendal's 2018 Oxford expenses. Kendal's desire is to come back and teach locally at a high school level. Maybe even at a university someday! She is clearly passionate about learning and passing education on through teaching.
