For the first time since 2019, the Kent School community gathered in the M. V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium to celebrate a graduating class. The sixteen members of the Class of 2022 were happy to be the class to resume this time-honored Kent School tradition on June 8, 2022. The class was recognized for their embodiment of academic, artistic, athletic and moral excellence.
In her opening remarks, Head of School Nancy Mugele said “When I began my journey at Kent School, this Class was entering 3rd Grade. I have had the distinct honor and privilege to witness their process of becoming the determined young men and women here today.” Mugele then addressed the graduates, “Kent School has given you an extraordinary foundation and instilled in you a love of learning – a love, I hope, that will last a lifetime. We have taught you how to think for yourself and how to ask good questions. You have learned many lessons inside and outside of the classroom, and have grown into empathetic, honorable and responsible citizens.”
At each graduation several awards are presented that include faculty service and student achievements. Mugele said, “The strength of the Kent School program is a result of teaching excellence and the long-term relationships that teachers and students form. We deeply value our teachers who have made their careers here.” Long-time teacher and dear friend to the school, Jim Landskroener, was properly recognized after his 2020 retirement. Jim dedicated his teaching career to his students and colleagues at Kent School.
Service awards were also presented to Art Teacher Amy Bower for five years of service, Middle School Learning Strategist Jess Thompson for fifteen years of service and Director of Athletics Erin Kent for twenty years of service.
The Brian B. Kane, Jr. Award is given to a 7th Grade student who demonstrates determined effort, quality academic work, and displays a helpful, cooperative and responsible attitude. The award is the only Kent School award with a monetary value. Seventh Grade student Madeline Ortiz was awarded the 2022 Brian B. Kane, Jr. Award.
The Americanism Award is presented in recognition of the student who demonstrates the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. The Americanism award was presented by the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post 228 In recognition of this student’s outstanding servant leadership, compassion, and, most importantly, her solid friendship, this award was given to Layla Kent.
The Joan C. Merriken Award for Excellence in Literature is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates a love of literature, appreciation of and sensitivity to the writer’s art, and ability to use reading as a well-spring for rich self expression. The 2022 recipient, Lia Schut proved that writing is an cyclical process and with practice and determination, writing is a skill that can be developed. Lia demonstrated great strides in her critical thinking skills and evaluation of literature.
The Osprey Award is given in recognition of the student who best represents the most positive qualities of moral leadership and excellence to the Kent School Community. This year’s winner exemplified these traits. She has consistently led by example on the field, in the classroom, and as the Student Government Association President. Haley Cole has been an overwhelmingly positive participant in the Kent School community and was the recipient of the 2022 osprey Award.
Cole Gray ‘22 introduced the guest speaker, Jamie Peace, a 1993 graduate of Kent School. Following his Kent School graduation, Jamie went to Woodberry Forest School, The United States Naval Academy and The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Peace retired as a Captain from the United States Marine Corps following several tours and recognitions for bravery and leadership. In his remarks, Jamie referenced Robert Frost in The Road Not Taken. Specifically, he pointed to the lines:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Peace went on to describe some of the difficult situations he faced on tours of duty in Afghanistan which were the result of choices he made as a leader. He concluded his speech by imploring students to “Do something hard. I want you to challenge yourselves. I want you to find something you are passionate about, I want you to sacrifice for it, and pursue it harder than you have ever pursued anything before. Along the way there will be adversity and failure, embrace the adversity and learn from your failures. And one day should you be fortunate enough to arrive at your destination, you’ll realize that the road you took to get there was far more important than the destination ever was.”
Finally, remarks were shared about each graduate as they were awarded the Certificate of Completion. Members of the Kent School’s Class of 2022 will be attending the following secondary schools: Avon Old Farms School, The Gunston School, McDonogh School, Severn School and Queen Anne’s County High School.
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Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence while fostering the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information visit www.kentschool.org or email info@kentschool.org.