Kent School Celebrates Class of 2020 at Graduation

On Wednesday, June 3, 2020 members of the Class of 2020 and their immediate families were invited to a socially distanced, drive-in style outdoor Graduation celebration. Weather conditions favored the graduates as they arrived on Kent School’s riverside field for the event. Families remained with their cars as the graduates processed across the field and met their families at their cars. Each graduate returned to the stage to receive their Certificate of Graduation as Head of School, Nancy Mugele, read remarks about each individual.

While this was not a typical Kent School graduation, the School was able to maintain a 51 year-old tradition. Several awards were presented during the graduation ceremony, including the recognition of retiring Kent School Faculty . Each year, the Brian B. Kane, Jr. Scholarship Award is presented to a Seventh Grade student who maintains a determined effort to produce quality work. The recipient has an attitude that is helpful, cooperative and responsible. This year, Jude Gross embodied these high standards. The Americanism Award is presented by the Frank M. Jarmon American Legions Rock Hall Post 228 and emphasizes the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. The Americanism Award was presented to Allie Butler. Tilghman Overton was the recipient of the Joan C. Merriken Award for Excellence in Literature. Tilghman earned this award due to his love of reading, appreciation of and sensitivity to the writer’s art, and his ability to respond to literature on an intellectual level and emotional level. The final award of the day, The Osprey Award, was presented in recognition of the student who best represents the positive qualities of character and excellence in the Kent School community. This contribution can take many forms: athletic, artistic, academic or personal. This year, The Osprey Award was presented to Sophia Kent. Sophia was also selected as one of three student speakers. Mason Cole and Allie Butler were also selected to address the group.

In her remarks to the class and their families, Nancy Mugele said, “When I began my journey at Kent School, this class was just entering Middle School as 5th graders. I have had the distinct honor and privilege to witness their process of becoming the determined young men and women here today and, I could not be more proud of each of them. Individually, they possess wonderful gifts and talents, and collectively they share a bond that I know can never be broken.” Mugele continued, “I am grateful for the opportunity to see this class complete their Middle School years and am excited to imagine the amazing things they will do with the wings we have given them, as they soar like the Osprey they are, in their years beyond Kent School.”

Two Kent School employees were also recognized at Graduation due to their announced retirement.

Betsey Hottel is retiring after teaching Spanish for 14 years at Kent School. Betsey’s impact on students has been admirable, as she expertly prepared graduates for advanced level Spanish classes . Mugele said, “During her tenure, Betsey transformed the world language program and she will be greatly missed. Our graduates often place directly into Spanish II in Upper School (bypassing Spanish I) and generally perform exceptionally well on the National Spanish Exam. I know of one graduate today who received a 100% on her Spanish Language high school placement test, placing easily into Spanish II. I am deeply grateful to Betsey for her service and love of Kent School.”

Jim Landskroener is retiring from his many roles at Kent School after 37 years. In those years, he left positive, lasting impressions on scores of Kent School students as he taught several subjects. In her recognition remarks, Mugele said, “Jim, the longest serving member of our faculty, is the Director of Technology, a Middle School Advisor, the 7th and 8th Grade Mathematics teacher, Director of our 8th Grade musicals, a member of the Administrative Council and so much more. Jim joined the faculty of Kent School in the fall of 1983, during the tenure of founding Headmistress Joan Merriken. He is a jack-of-all trades and is always quick to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed. Organized, calm and dedicated, Jim has been instrumental in launching our technology program and our online reporting.”

Members of the Class of 2020 will be attending the following secondary schools: The Gunston School, Mercersburg Academy, Archbishop Spalding High School, Sanford School, Severn School, St. Mary’s Parish School, Woodberry Forest School, and Caesar Rodney High School

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~ Kent School
For more information about Kent School, visit www.KentSchool.org. Kent School, located in historic Chestertown, MD, is an independent day school serving children from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.