This past Sunday at Brown Gymnasium, South Kent School celebrated a special Senior Day for our Prep and Development Basketball teams, recognizing the 19 graduating players who have been instrumental in our program’s success. Senior Day is an annual tradition at South Kent, where we honor our seniors with their families, coaches, and teammates, celebrating their hard work, dedication, and leadership on and off the court.

The gym was packed with students, families, and staff, all coming together to cheer on our graduating players. The celebration included custom posters, framed photo collages, and a special on-court ceremony, where each senior had the opportunity to present flowers to their parents or guardians as a token of appreciation. The event was decorated with balloon bouquets and a team banner, and attendees enjoyed special cupcakes and cookies to mark the occasion.

Our seniors have shown tremendous growth, leadership, and commitment throughout their time at South Kent. Each of them has contributed something special to our basketball program, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.  More photos on Alumni Connection and all photos available for families on SmugMug

Prep Basketball Seniors:

🏀 Jaryn Aguiar – A standout guard with an incredible presence on the court, Jaryn was surrounded by 20+ family members sporting custom shirts in his honor. His infectious energy and skill made him a fan favorite.

🏀 Rashawn Tibby – A versatile post player, Rashawn’s ever improving skill set, made him an essential part of the team. His family celebrated his journey with a beautiful collage of memories from his career.

🏀 Adam Chicacchia – A true leader and one of the most improved players this season, Adam’s growth as both an athlete and teammate has been inspiring to watch.

🏀 Badara Diakte – A skilled player with great potential, Badara battled through injury this season and will continue his basketball journey at Iowa next year.

🏀 Dapo Kruyswijk – A solid post player, Dapo brought strength and intensity to the court every game.

🏀 Alexander Bryant – A hardworking, uber athletic student-athlete, Alexander has been a dedicated learner of the game, always looking to improve and push himself.

🏀 Tim Walker – A versatile skilled scoring guard, Tim brought toughness and a competitive spirit that the team sorely needed the season.

🏀 Shawn Spencer – A dedicated team member,and hard nosed defender, Shawn brought effort and energy to every practice and game.

🏀 Nathan Brazil – A tough competitor, who can also have big scoring nights, never backed down from a challenge.

🏀 Diallo Long – A key presence on the team, always pushing himself and his teammates to be better. Brought that Maryland area toughness every team needs.

🏀 Kaizen Settles – A determined player who worked tirelessly to develop his game.

🏀 Jonas deKrassel – A sharpshooter who consistently drained three-pointers all season. His impact as a long-range threat was undeniable.

🏀 Tres Luzey – A strong, determined guard who always gave maximum effort, even in limited playing time.

Development Basketball Seniors:

🏀 Liam Mail – A calm, composed guard who kept the team steady in crucial moments.

🏀 Nathaniel Horovitz – A high-IQ guard who brought strong leadership and decision-making to the court.

🏀 Lucas Land – A lightning-fast guard from Atlanta, Lucas’ speed and agility made him a tough matchup for any defender.

🏀 Johny Mathiang – A dedicated and hardworking team player who contributed in all aspects of the game.

🏀 Maddox Hughey – A solid post player who battled in the paint and showed great development.

🏀 Isaiah Young – A committed athlete who consistently brought energy and focus to practices and games.

At South Kent, our basketball program is about more than just wins and losses—it is about growth, teamwork, and preparing our athletes for success beyond the court. This year’s seniors have paved the way for future players, and we could not be prouder of their accomplishments.

To our graduating seniors, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and passion for the game. We wish you all the best in your next chapter—whether it be at the collegiate level or beyond. You will always be part of the South Kent brotherhood.

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Advisory teams, consisting of two advisors and their students, rotated through eight different events, testing their skills, teamwork, and school spirit. The competitions ranged from athletic challenges to winter-themed fun, with one particularly popular stop: a s’mores bonfire by the pond, where students could warm up, enjoy some classic winter treats, and sip on hot cocoa, which was available all day.

Unforgettable Moments from the Games:

The Winter Olympics produced plenty of highlight-worthy moments, proving that this event is not just about competition—it’s about community, laughter, and creating memories. Some of the most talked-about moments of the day included:

🔥 Students Ditching Phones for Sleds – At one point, a group of students eagerly handed over their phones just so they could fully enjoy sledding without distractions. A rare sight and a testament to the fun had on the Hillside!

⚾ Harry Scott ’25 vs. Coach Hodge – In what almost became a legendary moment, Harry Scott ’25 nearly struck out Coach Hodge, but Colin got bailed out thanks to a hit-by-pitch. We’ll count it as a close call!

🚀 Brian’s Home Run to the Stratosphere – With the game on the line, Brian Vega ’28 sent a ball into orbit, tying up the score and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

❄️ Telmo’s Sledding Streak – We lost count of how many times Telmo Reino Perez ‘26 flew down the hill, but it was clear he was determined to set a record for most sled runs in a single day.

🏈 QB Javi to WR Zeek for the Game-Winning TD – In a thrilling football showdown, Javier Landin Madrid ‘25 launched a perfect deep ball to Isaiah ‘Zeek’ Young ‘25, who sealed the win with an epic touchdown catch.

🎿 Vignesh’s High-Speed Descent – In a moment reminiscent of National Lampoon’s sledding scene, Vignesh Reddy Paila ‘25 rocketed down the hill at lightning speed, barely avoiding Lew’s on his sled.

More Than Just Games:

While the Winter Olympics were full of competition, the true spirit of the event shone through in the camaraderie, laughter, and shared experiences. Our South Kent Winter Olympics were a reminder of what makes Hillside special—our strong community, our willingness to step outside and enjoy life together, and our ability to turn a simple winter day into an unforgettable event.

As we continue our Cardinal Games, the next round of outdoor Olympics will be in the Spring. Stay tuned.🏅🔥❄️

View all the PHOTOS HERE

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This week marks the beginning of South Kent School’s second annual Experiential Learning Week, a highly anticipated tradition that debuted in 2024 and quickly became a hallmark of the South Kent experience. Designed to spark curiosity, foster self-reliance, and break up the long New England winter, this week provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on, dynamic learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

For South Kent, Experiential Learning Week is about more than just trying something new—it’s about connecting to the simplicity and directness of purpose that underpin our school’s values. As Jesse Brennan, Dean of Mastery Learning & Curricular Innovation, explains, “Whether it’s building something with your own hands, discovering self-reliance on a hike, or mastering a new skill, this week is a chance for students to grow in meaningful and intentional ways while bringing energy to the winter season.”

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses that cater to diverse interests and spark exploration.

A small sampling of the offerings for 2025 include:

– Tapas: A Regional Tour of Hispanic Cuisine
– Exploring the Litchfield Hills Through Hiking
– Tastes (Culinary Arts) of Upstate NY
– Introduction to Bitcoin
– Mastering Chess
– Carpentry
– Introduction to Stage Combat
– Acting, Communication, and Media Techniques
– Spaces for God: Exploring Diverse Religious Traditions

Beyond the daily courses, the week is packed with engaging evening activities designed to bring students together in the spirit of camaraderie and competition.

Highlights include:
– A week-long 6v6 intramural tournament
– A “Chopped” cooking competition at the North Campus kitchen, culminating in a Friday “Tournament of Champions”
– An esports tournament
– DIY pizza-making
– Casino Night
– And other fun and interactive experiences

Experiential Learning Week is a reflection of South Kent School’s commitment to providing a holistic education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about helping students discover new passions, build practical skills, and create lasting memories in a supportive and dynamic environment.

As the second year of this tradition begins, the entire Hillside is buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this exciting week of exploration, creativity, and growth.

We look forward to seeing our students dive into these unique experiences and embrace the opportunity to grow in meaningful ways during this special week. More photos and updates will be posted at the end of the week – stay tuned.

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The team will meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the state-of-the-art Gaming Room on the lower level of the Martin Henry Building. The room is equipped with five brand-new gaming consoles featuring the latest technology. Students may also bring their own equipment, with the flexibility to play either in the gaming room or remotely.

A Thriving Industry with Real-World Impact
The esports industry is a global phenomenon, boasting a market revenue of over $1.8 billion in 2023 and a dedicated audience of more than 500 million people worldwide. Competitive gaming has evolved into a professional and collegiate landscape, with major leagues like the Overwatch League and League of Legends Championship Series offering multi-million-dollar prize pools and scholarships. The ind

Beyond entertainment, esports is a training ground for essential life skills. Players develop advanced hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication abilities. These competencies are in demand across various fields, from STEM careers to the military and intelligence sectors, where precision and quick decision-making are critical.

Program Details and Vision
The program, which was recently launched, will officially kick off in the first semester of 2026, with plans to announce team captains and a tournament schedule soon. Led by a qualified faculty member, the esports team will evolve from a club activity into a competitive league team, ensuring age-appropriate games and a safe, structured environment for all participants.

“Esports is a forward-looking initiative that prepares our boys for the demands of a digital world,” said Brian Sullivan, Head of School. “Gaming builds advanced technical skills, enhances cognitive abilities, and requires precision, strategy, and rapid decision-making—skills that are highly sought after in fields like the military, intelligence services, and beyond. Most importantly, it fosters teamwork and inclusivity, core values that are central to South Kent’s mission.”

Opportunities for Students
Esports opens doors to numerous career paths, including game design, event management, and broadcasting. Colleges and universities now offer over $15 million in annual esports scholarships, and students involved in gaming often excel in STEM-related disciplines, thanks to their exposure to technology, analytics, and problem-solving.

With the exponential growth of the esports industry and its potential for scholarships, career pathways, and personal growth, this program promises to be a game-changer for students and the South Kent community.

Stay tuned for updates on team developments, tournaments, and additional opportunities within this exciting new program.

For more information, please contact Aron Kowalski: kowalskia@southkentschool.org

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