BY: KATHY BAARTS, ALUMNI DIRECTOR, AND CLAIRE MCCARTHY '14, PHOTO: KEN WAZ
For a few days in the spring of 2019 JHS alumnus Keanon Lowe '10 was a household name. News stations and citizens across the nation praised Keanon for his act of heroism and bravery in disarming a student wielding a gun at Parkrose High School, where he worked as a security officer and coach.
"I had no idea that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students," Keanon tweeted after the incident. "When confronted with the test the universe presented me with, I didn't see any other choice but to act. Thank God, I passed."
In the moments following the incident, after the threat was controlled, Keanon said he immediately felt compassion for the student and spoke to him with kindness.
"I could comprehend what was going to happen next for the student, so I wanted to be there for him," Keanon told Portland sports writer John Canzano on the radio show 'the Bald Faced Truth'. "I was there for a reason."
Six days later at the Senior Awards Ceremony, Jesuit High School honored Keanon with a Man for Others Award "in deep gratitude for his outstanding character, courage on behalf of the Parkrose High School Community, and service as an alumnus of Jesuit High School."During the assembly, Keanon spoke to the student body about his journey to find meaning after the death of a close friend and classmate. His inspiring message to the Class of 2019 was centered on the importance of finding his purpose through service.
"Life is not about you at all," said Keanon, "but about what you are able to do for others."
Even as a young man, Keanon was focused on family and community. Through watching his older cousins attend Jesuit and compete under the lights of Cronin Field, Keanon knew he wanted that same experience. After talking to his mom about the possibility of attending Jesuit for high school, the family made the decision to move from Gresham to Beaverton in order to make Keanon's dream of being a Crusader come true.
In the fall of 2006, Keanon stepped onto Jesuit's campus not knowing anyone but determined to find a home in his new community. As a freshman football player he made enduring friendships with fellow classmates Nick Alfieri, Dominique Forrest, Jordan Lewis, and Taylor Martinek.
After attending public schools for nine years, Keanon appreciated the close community at Jesuit. He remembers that it was a breath of fresh air to come to a school where everyone was kind to each other and he was able to get to know his classmates on a deeper level.
Keanon recalls one class that set the foundation for his four years at Jesuit and beyond: Mr. Hazel's Freshman English Class.
"I was held to such a high standard, and I wasn't sure if I could get there," said Keanon. "I would come early or stay late to work through the material. I ended up getting a good grade, but the whole experience was the most rewarding part. I learned so much, and it set me up for success."
As a star football player, Keanon worked hard on and off the field during high school, and it paid off when he received a full-ride scholarship to play football for the University of Oregon. Keanon spent five years at the UO and was a three-year starter for the Ducks. During his senior season, he was voted Most Inspirational Player by his teammates and, as a team captain, led the Ducks to a Rose Bowl Championship.
"Keanon is an all-around great guy," said Doug Brenner '13 who played football with Keanon at Jesuit and the UO. "He was always a great leader and would go out of his way to help the younger players. Even as a star player, Keanon remained humble."
After college, Keanon took a position as a coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and later the San Francisco 49ers. He adjusted to the new lifestyle and appreciated the experience to work and travel across the country, but missed being home near his family.
In the summer of 2017, Keanon returned to Portland to coach at Jesuit for his younger brother Trey's senior year. He was glad to be home learning from Coaches Ken and Gene Potter again and loved the opportunity to see his brother's final year at Jesuit.
A year later, he accepted the position of head football coach and security officer at Parkrose High School in Portland. In one year as the head of the Parkrose football program, Keanon transformed the team. He propelled the Broncos from a 23-game losing streak to five wins in a single season and an appearance in the playoffs.
"Keanon's success at Parkrose does not surprise me," said Jesuit's head football coach Ken Potter. "During his playing days at Jesuit, he continually made those around him better by demonstrating a work ethic second to none, a genuine love for his teammates, and an understanding of the importance of community."
Keanon says he sees similarities between the Jesuit and Parkrose High School communities in the way that people know and care about each other.
"Being at Parkrose, I am inspired to do well," said Keanon. "There were so many adults that cared about me and helped me find success. I want to be able to carry that forward by caring about these kids and being a good role model for them."
Every day he continues to live out his message of serving others through his selfless and humble attitude. When he was presented with the opportunity to be a hero at Parkrose High School, he did not hesitate to risk his life to protect others. Keanon is truly a Man for Others and an exemplar of a Jesuit High School graduate.