Senior Prefect Ryan Pignataro ’27 led the way for the Cardinals, finishing first overall. His performance reflected the work he put in over the summer and set a strong tone for the season ahead.

“Ryan clearly did a lot of training over the summer. He looked great and very relaxed in cruising to the win,” shared Head Coach Rev. Steve Klots. “I am very grateful that Kent School decided that it was time to have a ‘derby’ race for the three schools in the town of Kent.”

With only one week of practice before the meet, the Cardinals showed promise in their opening competition. For some runners, it was their first cross country race ever, and the team competed against a larger Kent School squad.

Looking ahead, ������ Kent will welcome Kent School to the Hillside in late October for the next chapter of the local cross country rivalry. The Cardinals are eager to see how the visiting teams handle the challenging course leading to the top of Spooner Hill.

������ Kent looks forward to building on this strong start as the season continues! View the full season schedule here:

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Dr. Melissa “Missy” Andrews joins ������ as a member of our Humanities faculty. Missy brings 12 years of experience teaching English at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island—another all-boys school. During her time at Hendricken, Missy served as an English teacher, department chair, class advisor, and instructional coach, while also leading service-learning trips to Brownsville, Texas, and Peru and working as an SAT prep teacher.

Missy earned her bachelor’s degree from Canisius College and her master’s degree in Literacy Education from Providence College, where she also served as an adjunct professor supervising student teachers in the program. She earned her doctorate from the University of ������ Carolina in 2024. While completing her doctorate, Melissa received the Outstanding Research Award for the Curriculum Studies program.

Outside the classroom, Missy enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. A former Division I athlete, she competed in artistic swimming at Canisius College, where her team became ECAC champions and earned a No. 3 national ranking. As she begins her first experience with boarding school life, Missy is especially excited to immerse herself in the SKS community and embrace the rhythm, relationships, and opportunities that come with living and learning on campus. Welcome, Missy!

Matthew Alexander joins ������ as a member of our Humanities faculty and faculty advisor for the Advanced Media Group, bringing more than two decades of experience in network news and television production.

Most recently, Matthew served as an Executive Producer at MSNBC (MSNOW), where he spent more than a decade in editorial and production roles. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Political Editor at Fox News and held editorial roles at News Corp and ABC News. He is a graduate of New York University, where he double-majored in History and English Literature.

Matthew lives in ������ Kent with his wife, Allison, their three children—Julian, Helena, and Tali—and his 91-year-old father, Jonathan, along with Marcel, their eight-year-old Dachshund. Outside of school, he enjoys podcasts, cooking, historical documentaries, and cheering on Manchester United. Matthew is looking forward to meeting students and embracing the curiosity, spontaneity, and new ideas they bring to the ������ Kent community. Welcome, Matthew!

Nicholas Silverson joins ������ as a member of our STEM faculty, while completing his Master of Science in Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Maryland. He previously worked as a Museum Specialist and Educator at the Smithsonian Institution, bringing a hands-on scientific background to courses including Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Environmental Science, and Advanced Environmental Science. He will also lead ������ Kent’s Outdoor Club.

Outside the classroom, Nick enjoys quilting and making his own clothes. He has two cats, Muppet and Dee Dee, and has traveled as far as the Arctic Circle. This year, he is especially excited to incorporate ������ Kent’s North Campus into the Environmental Science curriculum and bring students into the field for hands-on learning. Welcome, Nicholas!

Franklin Williams joins ������ as a member of our STEM faculty. Franklin is a graduate of Kenyon College, where he earned degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy. With experience in mathematical modeling research and sustainable agriculture, Franklin will teach Calculus, Advanced Calculus I and II, and Algebra 2, while also contributing to the Robotics Club, Math Center, and the North Campus agricultural program.

Outside the classroom, Franklin enjoys rock climbing, gardening, weight training, and cardio kickboxing. A graduate of Mercersburg Academy at age 16, he believes he may be the school’s youngest graduate to date! He also has a particular interest in phenomenology, the study of lived human experience. Arriving on the Hillside, Franklin is especially looking forward to rehabilitating the North Campus farm and creating opportunities for students to engage with sustainable agriculture firsthand. Welcome, Franklin!

Mark Schnoor joins ������ as a member of our STEM faculty. Before joining the Hillside, Mark was a Professor of Economics and Statistics at Kankakee Community College. He holds an M.A. in Economics and an M.B.A., both from Clemson University. At ������ Kent, Mark will teach Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Statistics, SUPA Economics, and SAT Prep, while also supporting students in the Math Center.

Mark lives with his wife, Sara, and their two daughters, Sophia and Madeline, along with the family’s bearded dragon, Onyx. Outside the classroom, he enjoys jogging, hiking, camping, baking, and spending time with his family. Mark is most looking forward to getting to know the SKS community and becoming part of life on the Hillside. Welcome, Mark!

Cailen Graham joins ������ as a member of our STEM faculty. As a recent graduate of Washington and Lee University, Cailen earned a degree in Mathematics. He will teach Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, while also coaching basketball and supporting students in the Student Success Center.

Outside the classroom, Cailen enjoys playing video games and watching YouTube videos and movies. A surprising fact about him? He can sing-–“a little bit.” As a first-year educator, Cailen is excited to experience the classroom from a new perspective and looks forward to being a positive role model and mentor for our students. Welcome, Cailen!

Abigail Dost joins ������ as a member of our World Languages faculty, where she will teach Spanish 1–4. A graduate of Gordon College, Abigail brings a strong background in linguistics and TESOL, along with experience from St. Ann Academy. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she will support students in the Student Success Center and lead the spring running club.

Abigail grew up in a big family and enjoys spending time with them whenever she can. In her free time, she loves writing and singing and enjoys traveling with her husband, Paul. A surprising fact about Abigail? She loved skateboarding as a kid! This year, Abigail is especially looking forward to building meaningful relationships with students and supporting them both inside and outside the classroom. Welcome, Abigail!

Tim Seaman, NASM CPT, joins ������ as a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer, bringing a professional background rooted in health, fitness, and sports medicine. His experience includes working as a personal trainer, physical therapy aide, and Flexologist specializing in one-on-one assisted stretching. These roles deepened his understanding of anatomy and athlete care while inspiring his continued education and licensure as an Athletic Trainer.

A lifelong sports and outdoors enthusiast, Tim enjoys fishing on Candlewood Lake, playing golf and baseball, and competing in a summer industrial softball league. He is also a passionate Boston Red Sox fan and has visited an impressive 45 states. Tim is excited to work with ������ Kent’s motivated student-athletes while continuing to learn, grow, and build relationships as part of the Hillside community. Welcome, Tim!

Anna Jette, BSN, RN, NCSN, joins ������’s Health Services team with more than two decades of nursing experience in neonatal intensive care, pediatric practice, and school health. After earning her BSN from the University of Connecticut, she began her career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she spent 10 years building a strong foundation in clinical practice and nursing education.

After returning to Connecticut, Anna continued her work in neonatal care before transitioning to pediatric practice and school nursing. She served in the Danbury Public School System and joined the Wooster School community in 2019, where she helped implement campus health initiatives. She is an American Red Cross Certified CPR Instructor and Nationally Certified School Nurse.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, photography, skiing, car shows, and traveling with her husband. They live in New Milford with their Goldendoodle. Anna is excited to bring her experience and passion for student health and well-being to our Hillside community. Welcome, Anna!

Nicholas Kent joins ������ as an Assistant Hockey Coach, bringing experience as a former NCAA hockey player at both Mercyhurst University (NCAA Division I, Atlantic Hockey) and Hamilton College (NCAA Division III, NESCAC).

A ������ern California native, Nick attended high school and a hockey academy in Canada before continuing his playing career at various levels of junior and collegiate hockey. This summer, he gained coaching experience through an internship with USA Hockey’s Western Regional High Performance Camp, and he is excited to begin his first full-time coaching role at ������ Kent.

Outside of hockey, he enjoys playing sports, especially golf, and traveling. He has visited nine countries and hopes to add many more to the list! Nick is also a proud brother to an NCAA Division I golfer. Nick looks forward to being part of the Hillside community and making a positive impact on our students as they work toward their goals. Welcome, Nick!

Erika Rothkegel joins ������ as the Senior Associate Director of Admissions & Director of International Recruitment, bringing more than 25 years of experience in enrollment management and international recruitment at independent boarding schools and mission-driven organizations. A relationship-driven and data-informed leader, Erika has helped grow enrollment, strengthen global recruitment pipelines, develop financial aid strategies, and lead high-performing teams. She is passionate about connecting students and families with communities where they can thrive.

In her free time, Erika enjoys photography, spending time near the water, and traveling. Erika has ridden an elephant in Chiang Mai, attended the 1996 Final Four, and once spent a night with her family in the ruins of Machu Picchu! Originally from Chile, Erika spent 10 years living in Guatemala and has a deep appreciation for travel and experiencing new cultures. She is excited to help expand ������ Kent’s global community while building meaningful relationships with students and families around the world. Welcome, Erika!

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At ������ Kent, leadership is not simply about setting direction. It is about creating the conditions for students to be known, challenged, and supported. Through clarity, structure, and meaningful relationships, the work of the Hillside community is designed to meet boys where they are while helping them move confidently toward what comes next.

That intentionality extends beyond the classroom. It shapes how faculty teach, how adults guide students through challenges, how expectations are established, and how a community continually invests in the development of its young men. At a school built around the principles of Simplicity of Life, Self-Reliance, and Directness of Purpose, leadership and education are deeply connected.

As Sullivan writes, “The way we lead a school shapes the way we teach. And the way we teach shapes the future of our communities.”

Read Brian Sullivan’s full Education Insider article, to learn more about his approach to purposeful school leadership and the work of forming young men at ������ Kent.

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Now based in Houston, Texas, Miller returned to the Hillside with a meaningful purpose: to film footage for an upcoming documentary on fellow ������ Kent alumnus Isaiah Thomas ’08, a professional basketball player and 2x NBA All-Star. Having been part of an Emmy Award–winning multimedia project based in Seattle, Miller brought both high-level experience and creative insight to campus. The project not only provided students with real-world filmmaking experience, but also created a powerful full-circle moment for alumni and students alike.

For Miller, coming back to ������ Kent was about more than just the project.
“The Hillside had a profound impact on me, and this was just one way I could give back,” he shared.

Throughout the experience, students were not simply observers; they were active collaborators. Miller encouraged them to think creatively, contribute ideas, and engage in the storytelling process.

“The students actually helped me a lot in the storytelling experience. I provided them the opportunity to have creative input, and in return, I received several great shots of the campus that I wouldn’t have captured �dzٳ����ɾ�����.”

In addition to gaining hands-on experience, students’ contributions may extend far beyond the classroom. The on-campus footage they helped capture, through camera operation, shot composition, and creative direction, positions them for inclusion in the film’s credits should the documentary be picked up by a major distributor such as ESPN or The Players’ Tribune. It’s a rare and meaningful opportunity for students to see their work recognized on a professional stage.

Moments like these highlighted not only the students’ growing technical skills, but also their confidence and creativity; qualities that are continually nurtured on the Hillside. Above all, the experience reflected the joy of the creative process and the supportive environment that makes it possible.

“We had fun. It’s fun to be creative, and I think SKS provides an environment where it’s safe to be yourself.”

By blending professional-level work with student collaboration, this immersive course exemplified the kind of hands-on, meaningful learning that defines the ������ Kent experience, where alumni return to inspire, and students are empowered to create.

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Pathways are rarely straight lines. Few understand that better than Gianluca Vallini ’11, whose journey from ������ to representing Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a story of resilience, adaptability, and belief in the long game.  See his interview on our .

As a student-athlete at ������ Kent, Gianluca was known for his work ethic, quiet determination, and commitment to growth both on and off the ice. Like many ������ Kent boys, his time on the Hillside helped shape not only his athletic foundation, but also his mindset: discipline, accountability, and the willingness to push through uncertainty.

Competing internationally requires more than talent. Gianluca’s Olympic journey demanded years of sacrifice, difficult decisions, and constant recalibration balancing training, travel, national identity, and the pressure of elite competition. Along the way, he learned that success is rarely about linear progress. Instead, it’s about responding to setbacks with purpose and staying grounded in why you started.

For current ������ Kent students, Gianluca’s message is clear: your pathway doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. The skills developed on the Hillside grit, curiosity, teamwork, and resilience apply far beyond campus, whether in sports, business, the arts, or service.

������ Kent’s Pathways program exists to highlight stories exactly like Gianluca’s real journeys shaped by passion, perseverance, and the courage to follow opportunity wherever it leads. His story is a powerful reminder that while the destination may change, the foundation built at ������ Kent endures.

As Gianluca prepares to compete on the world stage in 2026, the ������ Kent community proudly cheers him on, celebrating not just an Olympian, but an alumnus who exemplifies what it means to forge your own path.

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A sample of the 2026 courses included:

• Leather-working
• Culinary experiences making homemade pasta, ice cream, dumplings, gluten-free baking, and more
• Golf-course design and architecture
• College tours
• Carpentry
• Yoga & Meditation
• Wilderness First Aid Training with our community partner, Adventure Discovery

Beyond these daily course offerings, students also enjoyed a variety of evening programs. From relaxed community gatherings, such as a make-your-own pizza night, to creative sessions in our SKS Maker Space, the evenings offered students meaningful opportunities to unwind, connect, and decompress after full days of experiential learning.

Experiential Learning Week reflects ������’s commitment to a truly holistic education, one that extends well beyond textbooks and classrooms. Centered around student choice, the week gives students the freedom to follow their own interests, explore new passions, and step outside their comfort zones to try something new. With faculty, staff, and campus partners all taking part, the week becomes a shared community experience focused on helping students not only build practical skills but also create lasting memories in a supportive, dynamic environment.

Photos from this exciting week of learning can be found on our . Please reach out to communications@southkentschool.org, if you need guidance in accessing.

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and . A new initiative dedicated to strengthening the bond between ������ and the vibrant local community we’re proud to call home. Inspired by the success of our Parent Association, Friends of ������ Kent is a network of neighbors, business owners, civic leaders, alumni, and friends who want to engage with and support our mission.

Building Community Together

Through Friends of ������ Kent, we’re deepening local connections and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Here’s how:

• Stay Connected
  We’ll share regular updates, event invitations, and opportunities to contribute to student life on the Hillside.

• Engage with Pathways
  We welcome local professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share their expertise—offering talks, workshops, and mentorship to inspire and guide our students.

• Join Community Events
  From Community Days, athletics, Feed the Need, Open Houses, and North Campus celebrations, Friends of ������ Kent will have plenty of ways to engage, show support, and get involved.

• Partner for Impact
  We look forward to working alongside local organizations like the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Park and Recreation, Lions Club, CERT, Kent Land Trust, and the Kent Historical Society—building partnerships that benefit students and the community alike.

Friends of ������ Kent isn’t just a program—it’s a bridge between our school and the greater Kent area. It’s how we create real-world opportunities for students and celebrate the deep ties that make this place special.

Who Can Join?

We’re inviting individuals and organizations who want to stay connected and make a difference. Ideal members include:

• Pathways speakers and student mentors

• Local families, neighbors, and business owners

• Fans of ������ Kent athletics and alumni

• North Campus partners and collaborators

• Civic and cultural organizations

• Former teachers, coaches, and staff

• Community groups connected to SKS service projects

Know someone who’d be a great Friend of ������ Kent? We’d love to hear from you. and contact Lara Barrett, Director of External Affairs.

What’s Next?

Register to join—and help us grow by referring others who care about education, youth development, and community connection.

Member Benefits

As a Friend of ������ Kent, you’ll receive special emails and invitations to events like:

• Community Day celebrations

• Open Houses and seasonal gatherings

• Signature events like Thriller on the Green and Alumni Weekend Golf

• Big game days and Senior Day competitions

• Pathways panels, student exhibitions, and academic showcases

These events offer meaningful ways to connect with students, faculty, and fellow community members—and to share your time, talents, and voice in ways that matter.

We hope you’ll join us!

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Young Alumni Graduate Workshop Series: Preparing for Life Beyond ������ Kent

Led by Dillon Duncan ‘04 and Rich Brande ‘88 from ������ Kent’s Young Alumni and Advancement Team, alongside distinguished faculty and alumni, this workshop series will provide essential insights, tools, and connections to support you in your post-graduation journey.

The morning workshop will feature five interactive sessions each crafted to equip you with the tools to stay connected, build your professional network, and carry forward the values instilled during your time on the Hillside.

As we celebrate 101 years of exceptional graduates, ������ Kent remains deeply committed to fostering lifelong connections between our students and the alumni network. This upcoming event is designed to strengthen those bonds by focusing on professional development, networking, leadership, and continued engagement with your soon-to-be alma mater.

For student , or Alumni looking to participate in mentoring event like these please contact Lara Barrett. 

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������ recently welcomed back Marge Smith— a school historian, former Director, and current Curator of the Kent Historical Society—for a captivating Pathways Series talk that bridged generations and continents.

A lifelong member of the ������ Kent community, Marge reflected on her upbringing on the Hillside as one of the large group of “Faculty Brats”—a term affectionately used to describe children of faculty members who grew up immersed in campus life. Her personal stories painted a vivid picture of ������ Kent’s past, grounded in the values that continue to shape its future.

Marge’s connection to the School runs deep, shaped by the legacy of her parents, Maggie and Art Smith. Her mother, Maggie Smith, was a beloved art teacher whose creative spirit still echoes through the halls of the Maggie Smith Visual Arts Center, named in her honor. Through her teachings in oil painting, watercolors, etching, sculpture, and art history, Maggie empowered generations of students to explore and express themselves. Her frequent trips to New York City exposed students to world-class museums and the transformative power of art.

Marge’s father, Art Smith, served as a dedicated faculty member and crew coach, and a new boy mentor during the 1950s and ’60s. Together, the Smiths left an indelible mark on ������ Kent, retiring in 1979 after decades of service. Their commitment to education, culture, and character helped define the ������ Kent experience.

During her talk, Marge spoke about the evolution of boarding schools, with a focus on how ������ Kent has grown while holding fast to its core values. She shared the story of Suke Hasegawa, the School’s first Asian student, and the early exchange program fostered by her father—a reflection of his deep appreciation for Asian cultures. The Smith family warmly welcomed international students, facilitating a powerful cross-cultural exchange that highlighted shared humanity in the years following World War II.

One of the most moving traditions that grew from this connection was the planting of cherry trees to commemorate each Japanese student’s graduation. These trees remain a living symbol of ������ Kent’s commitment to global friendship and understanding.

Though ������ Kent has evolved, Marge reminded listeners that its essence remains unchanged. The School still cultivates curiosity, resilience, and global citizenship—values instilled in her own childhood and carried forward by today’s students.

Her talk was not just a trip down memory lane—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of ������ Kent, and a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future.

Join Marge at Alumni Weekend for book signings, and talks.  For information about preordering visit, .

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A Purposeful Start: Design Thinking for the Trinity of Values

The program kicks off during the first week of school with a Design Thinking workshop led by expert facilitator and SKS alumna Kathleen Lindemayer ’79, former Navy Intelligence and Director of the Career Success at Western Connecticut State University. This hands-on session, titled “Design Thinking for the Trinity of Values,” brings together the Parent Association, College Counseling Team, and the Alumni Office to help students begin mapping their innate talents to potential college paths and careers—all through the lens of ������ Kent’s core values.

Yearlong Exploration

Following the kickoff, students will be invited to attend a Career Pathways Speaker Series hosted in Bringhurst Hall throughout the year, with scheduled events in September, October, November, April, and May. These on-campus discussions will feature accomplished alumni and friends of the school who represent a broad range of industries and experiences.  View the Spring Bringhurst Pathways Panel.

Complementing the on-campus events will be a Virtual Monthly Alumni Series, launching in 2025. These engaging online conversations will be moderated by Rich Brande ’88 and Dillon Duncan ’04 of the SKS Advancement Team and are designed to deepen connections between students and our extensive alumni network.

Real-World Exposure: Panels, Networking & Career Day

In the fall, we will look to host Regional Career Panels and Networking Events in Boston, New York City, Pennsylvania, and potentially Washington, D.C., giving students and alumni alike opportunities to meet, share, and grow. Stay tuned to Alumni Connection for event details and RSVPs. 

Then in January, during Experiential Learning Week, the program will culminate in a signature Career Day, featuring a speed networking session where students will practice elevator pitches, sharpen communication skills, and receive valuable feedback from industry professionals.

Preparing for Life After SKS

In the spring, graduating students will participate in the Graduate Series Workshop—a special session that formally welcomes them into the SKS Alumni Family and prepares them for life beyond the Hillside with tools for networking, job searching, and ongoing mentorship.

An International Network of Support

Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, the Advancement Team will expand the program with additional regional networking events  events in cities across the country. We’re also thrilled to announce an updated Alumni Directory, highlighting SKS alumni who are eager to support students through mentorship, internships, and career advice.

Industry Focus Areas

This initiative will connect students with alumni and professionals in a range of fields, including:

• Finance
• Law
• Engineering
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Medicine
• Sports & Entertainment
• Education
• Technology
• Media

With its unique blend of values-based exploration, practical career development, and powerful alumni engagement, the Career Pathways Program promises to be a transformational experience for ������ Kent students. We look forward to seeing our young men build confidence, find purpose, and boldly step into their futures—connected, prepared, and inspired.

Want to get involved?

Become an Alumni Ambassador and help shape the next generation of ������ Kent leaders. Whether you’re offering mentorship, sharing your career journey, hosting a panel, or attending a networking event, your involvement makes a lasting impact.

👉�� and support this exciting new program.

Stay connected through   and join us in building a powerful, purpose-driven future for our students.

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