Kent Pompey's Alter Ego is a  Kickboxing Champion  

Secret identities are usually for superheroes. Mild mannered Clark Kent turns into Superman, Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, and Peter Parker is also Spiderman.  

Northeast Dorm Leader Kent Pompey says most youth at our Children's Home don't know he has earned five kickboxing belts, including the World Kickboxing Federation Belt. Kent sees similarities between his two professions.

 

"Kickboxing gives me a chance to have an alter ego and compete against some of the best athletes on the planet. This is an opportunity to participate in something bigger than me; not unlike what I do at Northeast."

 

The Troy native first discovered his athletic talent by winning neighborhood parking lot races. An accomplished high school sprinter, Kent participated in national track championships and joined the U.S. Track and Field team.

 

At 13, Kent added martial arts to his repertoire by mastering Savate, also known as French kickboxing, at the local Boys Club. Through track and kickboxing, Kent traveled to New York City, Boston, Canada and France, beating a French Kickboxing champion. Kent still gets recognized from appearances on FX Network and Fox Sports between 2000 and 2002, when he participated in the World Toughman Competition.

 

At 14, Ken began working with youth through Troy's Parks and Recreation Department, teaching archery, arts & crafts, and working at a summer camp. In 1988, Northeast Parent & Child Society hired Kent as a child care worker. Kent's martial arts experience prepared him to excel at teaching youth self-sufficiency.

 

"You have to be really flexible and change as each youth changes. You learn to flow like water, which you master in martial arts."

 

Former Children's Home residents regularly stop Kent on the street or visit the residence. "These men are excited to tell me how much they appreciate me, how successful they are. They want me to meet their children."

 

Kent's longtime colleague Anne Blaauboer understands why staff and residents are drawn to him. "Kent is tremendously passionate about his job. His kindness and patience inspire staff to learn and grow, and help hurting youth trust him and renew their trust in others."

 

Kent remains dedicated to his calling. "Today I get the same satisfaction from my job at Northeast as the day I arrived: a sense of accomplishment from working with great people. I don't want to be anywhere else."