When asked why he made this unconventional design choice, Thomas simply replied, “Why not?”

This playful yet skillfully executed piece is just one example of the innovative work on display at this year’s show. STEM faculty member Sarah Cassidy, who brings an engineering perspective to South Kent’s arts curriculum, believes pieces like Airplane highlight the deep connection between art and science.

“Leonardo da Vinci didn’t separate the two, and neither do we,” Cassidy said. “Art allows us to see the beauty in science, and science gives us the tools to bring art to life. Thomas’ work is an example of that intersection.”

With a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media projects from students across the region, the 34th Annual Student Art Show is a must-see event for art lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates the creative spirit. Don’t miss the chance to support young artists and experience the future of art firsthand.

📍 Kent Art Association
📅 February 22, 2025
🎟 Admission is free

For more details, visit www.kentart.org.

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“Almost no one likes grammar,” jokes Francesca Romani, World Languages instructor and part of South Kent’s Humanities Program. “You rarely hear someone say, ‘Let’s have a good hour of grammar!’ But at South Kent, we’ve taken an entirely different path. We equip students with a strong, essential foundation from the start, helping them realize how much they can express in another language with just a few core concepts.”

Instead of overwhelming students with grammar rules from day one, the program focuses on communication and practical application. Students begin by mastering essential structures—such as the present tense of ‘to have’ and ‘to be’—before progressively building their understanding of past participles, continuous tenses, and an expanded vocabulary.

“The words we learn most easily are the ones tied to our passions,” Romani explains. “So we help students build vocabulary in ways that feel personal and engaging. If they love sports, they watch games in the target language and annotate their new words in a journal. If they love travel, they create ‘tourist toolboxes’ with essential phrases for navigating a new country.”

Language courses at South Kent incorporate a variety of engaging real-world projects that go beyond textbooks:

French Sports Journalism: Inspired by their interest in sports, students launched “L’Équipe,” a French-language newsletter covering South Kent’s hockey and soccer teams.

Film & Literature Analysis: Students watch classic and contemporary films in their target language, then write and discuss their reflections entirely in French. “Our students were particularly drawn to François Truffaut’s Antoine Doinel films,” Romani says. “They connect with the mischievous, love-struck character on a personal level.”

Paris on a Budget: In this interactive exercise, students receive an imaginary budget and must plan a weekend trip to Paris,using only French-language travel websites to book hotels, transportation, and dining.

Create Your Own French Company: Students design a business from the ground up, writing an “about” section, mission statement, and contact page, then building a functional website using a French-language template.

Capstone Project—The French Revolution Reenactment: In collaboration with South Kent’s Student Clubs, language students will bring history to life by portraying real figures from the French Revolution, from farmers to noblemen to the king himself. “It’s an exciting way to immerse them in language while deepening their understanding of history,” Romani says.

South Kent’s Humanities Program emphasizes a well-rounded, intellectually rigorous education—one that cultivates engaged, thoughtful, and articulate students.

“Our commitment to the humanities is an essential part of preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world,” says Head of School Brian Sullivan. “Languages, literature, history, and the arts challenge students to think critically, engage with different perspectives, and communicate effectively. Whether they are analyzing historical events, debating philosophical ideas, or learning to express themselves in a new language, these experiences help build well-rounded individuals who will thrive in any field.”

Through interactive projects, global perspectives, and a commitment to experiential learning, South Kent’s World Languages Program is helping students become true global citizens—one conversation at a time.

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Watts, who was in the National Press Building that morning, was on his way to Capitol Hill when news broke of the attacks. He was at his bureau when the Pentagon was struck, and the Capitol was swiftly evacuated. Speaking to students, he described the “fog of uncertainty as people tried to figure out what was going on,” as news reports came in rapidly, and misinformation spread in the chaos of the moment.

While inside the National Press Building—just three blocks from the White House—Watts and others felt the impact of the plane hitting the Pentagon. The force of the explosion shook buildings in the heart of Washington, leaving many to wonder whether the White House or Capitol might be next.

Beyond the immediate devastation and loss of life, Watts also emphasized the stark impact on the financial system, along with the real sense of sadness and danger that lingered in the days and weeks after the attacks. Markets were thrown into disarray, with banks and financial institutions paralyzed by uncertainty. He spoke about the ripple effects of the disruption, as Wall Street ground to a halt and global markets reeled.

To give students a sense of how the media documented this unprecedented event, Watts shared MarketWatch’s front page from September 11, 2001, as well as coverage from the following week—when his Washington bureau office received an anthrax-laced package, part of a second wave of terror that further heightened national fears.

Students engaged in a thoughtful Q&A session, asking Watts about the feeling on the ground in D.C. and how people reacted in the moment. He described a city caught between shock, fear, and resilience, as journalists, government officials, and civilians all struggled to comprehend the scope of the attack.

The visit was organized by Humanities faculty member Ross LeBlond, whose students have spent the trimester exploring themes of change in American lives. As part of their coursework, students have been reading Reluctant Hero by Mike Benfante, a survivor who carried a woman in a wheelchair down 68 flights of stairs in the North Tower. By hearing firsthand from individuals who lived through 9/11—including several members of our South Kent Community, and now a journalist who covered the event—students are gaining a deeper, more personal understanding of the tragedy’s lasting impact.

“Even though this happened before they were born, the impact is still felt by those who lived through it,” LeBlond said. “By bringing in guests who experienced 9/11 in different ways, we’re helping students see that this isn’t just a chapter in a history book—it’s a moment that shaped the world they live in.”

For many students, Watts’ visit was an eye-opening experience, offering a direct link between history and its long-term consequences.

As one student, originally from Korea, reflected, “I knew about 9/11, but hearing about it from someone who was actually there made it feel real in a way I hadn’t understood before.”

South Kent continues to emphasize the importance of understanding history through personal narratives, ensuring that students see events not just as distant moments in time, but as experiences that shaped the world they live in today. Bill Watts’ visit reinforced that 9/11 is not just history—it is a story that still resonates, still teaches, and still matters.

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South Kent School students are gearing up for an exciting evening of art, STEM, and sustainability at the inaugural Firefly Environmental Arts Festival, hosted by Millbrook School on February 21. This unique event brings together students, educators, and professionals to celebrate the intersection of science, creativity, and environmental advocacy.

The festival will feature keynote speaker Eileen Fielding, Director of the Sharon Audubon Center, who will deliver an inspiring talk on the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. For South Kent students, this event is more than just an opportunity to showcase their talents in nature photography—it’s a platform for meaningful collaboration with like-minded peers and professionals who are making a difference in sustainability efforts across the region.

“The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival is a perfect example of how art and science can come together to inspire change,” said South Kent STEM Dean Michelle Borsavage, who played a key role in ensuring South Kent’s participation. “Our students are thrilled to be part of this event, especially as it aligns so well with the sustainability and environmental initiatives we’ve been cultivating at North Campus. The chance to share their work and engage with others who are equally passionate about conservation is truly exciting.”

South Kent’s North Campus has been at the heart of the School’s commitment to environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and hands-on learning in sustainability. Through applied STEM coursework, ecological restoration projects, and farm-to-table initiatives, students have developed a deep connection to the land and an understanding of the role they can play in shaping a sustainable future.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival offers South Kent students a chance to further highlight their environmental work, exchange ideas with students from other schools, and gain insight from professionals actively working in conservation. The evening’s collaborative art exhibit, featuring nature-inspired works by both professional and student artists, will serve as a testament to the power of art in raising awareness and inspiring action for environmental causes.

As South Kent students prepare to take part in this exciting event, the importance of hands-on sustainability education at North Campus has never been clearer. Opportunities like these allow students to engage with the broader environmental community, strengthening their commitment to conservation, scientific inquiry, and creative expression.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival promises to be a dynamic evening of inspiration and action, and South Kent School is proud to be part of this regional movement toward a more sustainable future.

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Among the standout projects were those created by Lucas Hsuan ’27 and Ryan Jewer ’27, who demonstrated remarkable creativity, linguistic skill, and an entrepreneurial mindset in their work.

Their company concept? A sustainable clothing brand designed specifically for people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Understanding the importance of comfort and well-being, Lucas and Ryan designed a line of clothing made from materials tailored to different moods—some pieces are warm and cozy, while others are light, smooth, and luxurious, offering a sense of ease and reassurance.

Both Lucas and Ryan are hockey players, and their idea stemmed from a desire to support young adults who face mental health challenges by providing sensible, sustainable clothing that promotes emotional well-being.

World Languages Instructor Francesca Romani praised their efforts, sharing, “This project was an opportunity for students to connect language learning with real-world application, and Lucas and Ryan truly embraced the challenge. Their work demonstrates both linguistic growth and the ability to think critically about branding, marketing, and communication—all in a second language.”

Experiential learning opportunities like this empower students to deepen their understanding of both language and culture while applying creativity and business acumen—all valuable skills for the future. Congratulations to Lucas and Ryan on their outstanding work.

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South Kent School Transforms North Campus into Hub for Culinary Education and Sustainable Agriculture

South Kent School is proud to announce the ongoing transformation of its North Campus into a dynamic hub for hands-on learning in culinary arts and sustainable agriculture. The initiative, designed to deepen students’ understanding of food systems, sustainability, and climate solutions, has already achieved significant milestones with more growth planned for 2025.

The transformation focuses on two primary areas: weekly culinary experiences and enhancements to the campus’s agricultural infrastructure. Together, these efforts provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities that blend practical skills with academic study.

“The transformation of our North Campus reflects our commitment to experiential education, environmental stewardship, and the power of community collaboration,” said Brian D. Sullivan, Head of School. “By fostering enduring partnerships with local chefs, community members, and sustainability experts, we are creating a living, learning environment that benefits not just our students, but the wider community. This initiative invites people from all walks of life to join us in a shared mission to develop innovative solutions for food systems, climate resilience, and sustainable practices.”

Culinary Education Brings Food Systems to Life

One of the most celebrated additions to the North Campus programming has been the return of weekly Friday night culinary sessions. Each week, local chefs, South Kent faculty, and culinary experts from SAGE, the school’s food service partner, lead cooking workshops for students. From learning knife skills to preparing international cuisines, students are exposed to the artistry and science of cooking.

“The kitchen has become a space of creativity and collaboration,” adds Mr. Sullivan. “It’s more than cooking—students are learning to appreciate nutrition, cultural diversity, and the joy of sharing meals together. These experiences teach them to see food as a tool for connection, education, and wellness.”

These sessions emphasize the “plow-to-plate” philosophy, connecting the culinary experience to the sustainable farming activities happening on the rest of the campus.

Building Infrastructure for Sustainability and Student Engagement

While culinary lessons happen indoors, significant work has also taken place outside to create a hands-on learning farm. Students have played a direct role in several major infrastructure projects, including:

28 Custom-Built Raised Garden Beds – Designed and constructed by students using pine and aluminum to house a wide range of crops.

Upgrades to the Hoop House – Students installed a three-zone drip irrigation system to promote water conservation, and the entrance was renovated to meet ADA compliance, making the space accessible to all.

Future Projects – Plans are underway for the construction of large compost bins and chicken tractors in the spring, offering students hands-on experience in regenerative farming and waste reduction.

“Every project on the North Campus is student-driven,” said Richard Chavka, Director of North Campus Operations. “From designing irrigation systems to building raised beds, our students are taking an active role in shaping this space, which is at the heart of experiential learning. Our goal is to create a space where students, educators, and community members can come together to build something that endures beyond the school year.”

These developments are part of South Kent School’s broader vision to create a sustainable, student-led farm that incorporates no-till farming, carbon capture, agroforestry, and hydroponics. The North Campus aims to become a living laboratory where students explore food production, climate change, and ecological stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As winter approaches, South Kent School is working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) to pursue certified organic designation for the North Campus. This designation will ensure the farm follows sustainable agricultural practices and serves as a model for future student-led initiatives.

South Kent School is also developing a comprehensive North Campus Development Plan that will guide future activities, from farming expansion to student research projects. This plan will integrate sustainability concepts across the school’s curriculum, empowering students to address pressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

To support the further development of North Campus in 2025 the School will be launching a section of their web site solely devoted to North Campus programming and events, as well as a new student-led social media account for the program. For more information on South Kent School’s North Campus transformation or to learn how you can support this initiative, please contact Richard Chavka: chavkar@southkentschool.org

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