What to Expect
Moderated by South Kent School’s Director of Communications, Sarah Chase, this discussion will explore the critical balance between preserving natural habitats and proactively managing fire hazards. With environmental challenges intensifying, the need for collaboration and innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The event will be especially valuable for students in Earth Science, Biology, and Physics, who will gain real-world insights related to their coursework.

Meet the Panelists

We are honored to welcome a distinguished group of experts:
Rebecca Neary – Board of Director for the Connecticut Land Conservation Council and member of the Board of Directors of the Housatonic Valley Association who will discuss conservation efforts and watershed protection for the Warren Land Trust.
Eric Epstein – Longtime Kent resident and Deputy Emergency Management Director, who will share insights on emergency preparedness and environmental safety.
Rich Chavka – SKS faculty member and manager of North Campus programs, who will discuss environmental engineering and sustainability initiatives at South Kent School.
Michael Kronick – Fire Control Officer for the Western District, who will provide expertise on fire safety and risk mitigation strategies.

This panel is a unique opportunity to hear from professionals actively working in land preservation, water resource management, and fire safety. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to steward natural resources responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future. We encourage South Kent School students, faculty, and staff to join us for what promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking discussion.

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📅 Wednesday, April 9 – South Kent vs. Gunn at 4:00 PM
📅 Saturday, May 3 – South Kent vs. Wooster at 4:00 PM

As a proud and collaborative member of the Kent Community, South Kent School is committed to offering Community Days throughout the year, centered around sporting events like Soccer and Basketball (Soccer Community Day). Beyond athletics, South Kent has long hosted Thriller at Halloween for nearly 20 years (watch here), supported Kent Park & Rec activities, participated in the Parade of Lights , and led the annual SKS Feeds the Need initiative to benefit the local food bank. Additionally, South Kent has upheld a 30-year tradition of local community service spearheaded by Father Klots.

If you or your organization are interested in collaborating with South Kent for events or future Community Days, please contact Lara Barrett, barrettl@southkentschool.org

We look forward to celebrating with you—Go Cardinals!

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Reflecting on this special group of seniors, Head Coach Andrey Urayadov shared, “Our seniors have left their mark on South Kent Hockey, embodying dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Their growth as athletes and individuals has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

The ceremony, arranged by the parents and coaches, was a heartfelt tribute, featuring banners, balloons, framed photos, and tote gift bags for each senior. It was a day filled with pride and gratitude, celebrating not only their achievements on the ice, but also the lasting impact they have had on the South Kent Hockey program.

18U AAA Seniors

🏒 Francis Dunham (#6) – A true leader on and off the ice, Francis’ work ethic and passion have set the tone for his teammates. His commitment to excellence will take him far in college and beyond.

🏒 Kristian Halbych (#21) – South Kent’s all-time leading scorer in 18U AAA history, Kristian’s playmaking skills and competitive spirit make him an asset to any program.

🏒 James Lu (#11) – James’ growth this year has been incredible, both as a player and a leader. His attention to detail and quiet confidence have made a lasting impression.

🏒 John McNamara (#24) – A relentless competitor, J-Mac pushed himself and his teammates every day, making massive strides both on the ice and in the gym.

🏒 Daniel Ragsdale (#1) – Known for his work ethic and infectious energy, “Rags” has been a driving force in the locker room and on the ice.

🏒 Thomas Puhalla (#30) – A rock in net, Thomas leaves South Kent as the record holder for wins, save percentage, and goals-against average—a testament to his preparation and skill.

18U Prep Seniors

🏒 Ethan Anderson (#6) – Though his path to South Kent was unexpected, Ethan quickly became an integral part of the team, bringing dedication and positivity to every practice and game.

🏒 Matteo Bertrand (#18) – Matteo’s journey from France to South Kent has been one of remarkable growth. His passion for the game and drive for excellence will serve him well as he pursues NCAA hockey.

🏒 Caylor Bullard (#11) – A three-year veteran, Caylor’s quiet determination and strong presence on the ice have been invaluable to the team.

🏒 Daniil Diachkov (#8) – A player with unmatched creativity and skill, Daniil’s unique approach to the game makes him stand out both on and off the ice.

🏒 Nick Kasich (#16) – Though Nick only spent one year at South Kent, his work ethic and coachability have made a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches.

🏒 Max Kogler (#1) – Focused, determined, and competitive, Max made the most of his time at South Kent and is well-prepared for the next step in his hockey career.

🏒 Bennett Law (#29) – A three-year veteran, Bennett excelled in both the classroom and on the ice and will continue his studies and hockey career at RIT.

🏒 Austin Michaud (#17) – Captain and Prefect, Austin’s transformation from young player to mature leader has been remarkable. His academic and athletic success have set him up for a bright future.

🏒 Mark Rosa (#19) – A recognizable leader in the community, Mark’s hard work and positivity have defined his time at South Kent.

🏒 Adam Salon (#23) – Adam’s unwavering positivity and dedication made his return after Christmas a huge boost to the team.

🏒 Jovanni Smeriglio (#15) – Jovanni stepped up when opportunity knocked, proving to be a key contributor in his time on the team.

As these remarkable young men move on to their next challenges in hockey, academics, and beyond, they leave behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and excellence. The South Kent Hockey program is stronger because of their contributions, and we know they will continue to make South Kent proud wherever they go.

With deep appreciation, we thank our seniors for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to upholding the proud tradition of South Kent Hockey.

The event was also live streamed and can be viewed here:
AAA Hockey Senior Ceremony | South Kent School Senior Day 2025
Prep Hockey Senior Ceremony | South Kent School Senior Day 2025

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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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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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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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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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