Kent School Celebrates Class of 2023 in 54th Graduation

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 marked the graduation ceremony for Kent School’s Class of 2023. Students, parents, employees, Trustees and community gathered in the M. V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium to celebrate the graduating class. The eleven member class was recognized for their embodiment of academic, artistic, athletic and moral excellence.

In her opening remarks, Head of School Nancy Mugele said, “To our graduates, I hope the memories you created here at Kent School will always be a part of your story. I look forward to hearing every detail of what comes next in your story in the years to come. My door will always be open for you.”

Ruby Cramer, Kent School graduate of 2004, was the 2023 graduation speaker. In her introduction by graduating student Julia Spero, Spero said, “Ruby Cramer is a national political enterprise reporter at The Washington Post, writing long-form narratives about the people shaping politics. She joined The Post in 2022 after covering politics and campaigns at Politico Magazine and BuzzFeed News. Cramer grew up in Chestertown and graduated from Kent School in 2004 before attending St. Andrew’s School (DE) and Vassar College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English.”

In her address, Ruby Cramer reflected on her time at Kent School saying, “You are about to go out into a world that needs the very qualities that are fostered here at Kent School: Curiosity, kindness and empathy.” Cramer continued, “I also want to talk to you today about critical thinking. It is the emotional and intellectual super-power that you have already developed here at Kent School. You will take it with you to high school. You will take it with you to whatever college or career you decide to pursue. . . . In matters of study you can do whatever you choose. I urge you to follow what makes you happy, what brings you joy. Your instinct for critical thinking will lead you there.”

At each graduation, several merit awards are presented. 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 Brinley Leech was awarded the 2023 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 Izzy Corero.

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 2023 recipient, Peri Overton, has been a finalist in the Kudner Leyon Creative Writing contest since the Fifth Grade and was the 2022 and 2023 winner. She is highly creative and is known for her original ideas.

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 consistently led by example in the classroom and through her passion for dance. She wowed us as the lead in Moana and placed second in the Kudner Leyon Creative Writing contest. Madeline Ortiz has been an overwhelmingly positive participant in the Kent School community and was the recipient of the 2023 Osprey Award.

Finally, remarks were shared about each graduate as they were awarded their Certificate of Completion. Members of the Kent School’s Class of 2023 will be attending the following secondary schools: The Gunston School, Kent County High School, Queen Anne’s County High School, Saints Peter and Paul High School and Severn School.

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 is an inclusive school community designed for effective learning, immersed in the natural environment. We are research-driven and committed to nurturing our students’ potential for active citizenship in a connected world through academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. For more information visit www.kentschool.org or email info@kentschool.org.