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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