Head of School, Brian Sullivan, who also heavily values SG, asked Jesse Brennan, Dean of 6th Form and Postgraduates, to oversee the process for the ’24-’25 school year. Mr. Brennan has been at the forefront of these efforts, having previously worked closely with students like Graeme Russell to overhaul SG’s structure and election process in ‘22-’23. This year, Mr. Brennan took on the task of overseeing the elections once more, making it a particularly exciting and engaging event for the entire South Kent community.

The elections were not just about electing student leaders; they were a celebration of the values of student participation, leadership, and community. Students enter the race because they are passionate about giving their peers a voice and helping shape their school experience. “I promise to work hard and make your voices heard,” said Alec Johnson, the new 4th Form President, expressing his commitment to serve his classmates. Winners like Alec and the 5th Form’s Patrick Caillendee will not only lead their classes in SG meetings, but are also expected to organize community activities and uphold South Kent’s values.

This year, the election process was made even more exciting by real-time updates from Mr. Brennan, who added an element of fun with “CNN-style election coverage.” The tension was palpable as results came in from various dorms and districts, which are divided by form. Each dorm votes as a unit, and candidates must win a majority of districts within a dorm to secure its electoral votes. This year, new tiebreaker rules even came into play for the first time, making the results all the more suspenseful.

The 4th Form race was particularly competitive. Alec Johnson and Charlie Griffith ran against the incumbent Frank Fan, a student who had earned a reputation for his leadership and initiative. The race saw a mix of grassroots campaigning from Alec and Charlie, who connected with students through personal outreach, while Frank relied on a more strategic approach. In the end, Alec Johnson emerged victorious, securing a win thanks to strong performances in Gilder and several upper-form districts. “I am thrilled and honored to have been elected as your class president!” Johnson said. “I promise to work hard and make your voices heard.”

Meanwhile, in the 5th Form race, incumbent Patrick Caillendee faced off against challengers Julian Vollaro, Alex Mimaud, and Matthew Jankauskas. Despite a strong push from his competitors, Patrick’s wide-reaching popularity, bolstered by his involvement in campus life, led him to a decisive victory. “I promise to work hard and speak up for all students,” Patrick said after his win, expressing his determination to bring positive change for everyone.

The results of the election reflect a growing enthusiasm for student leadership at South Kent. As Mr. Brennan noted, “This year’s election was one of the most exciting I’ve seen, with the level of student participation and energy at an all-time high.”

Final Results:
• 5th Form Class President: Patrick Caillendee, McCoun, Class of 2026
• 4th Form Class President: Alec Johnson, Gilder, Class of 2027

The elections may be over, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. With the new class presidents in place, the students of South Kent are eager to see what the next chapter of student governance will bring.

Stay tuned for more updates as Alec and Patrick take on their responsibilities this coming year.

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The 2024 South Kent School Mountain Biking team may have been small in number, but their impact was anything but. Competing against much larger squads from schools like Trinity-Pawling and Hotchkiss, our boys brought skill, determination, and heart to every race, often punching above their weight to make a lasting mark on the circuit.

The season culminated in a thrilling finale at Norbrook, where Max Gerbilsky ’25 captured a 1st place finish in Category 3, cementing his place as one of the top riders of the year. Teammate Bodhi Walsh ’25 delivered a gutsy performance in Category 2, earning a strong 4th place finish despite battling minor equipment issues and injuries earlier in the season.

A Unique Home Course with Rave Reviews
South Kent’s mountain biking program boasts a distinct edge: a technical and downhill-heavy course unlike the cross-country tracks favored by other schools. This season, competitors and coaches alike praised the thrilling terrain, which added excitement and a unique challenge to the league. Many expressed eager anticipation to return next year.

Spotlight on Our Seniors

Max Gerbilsky ’25
Max is a fearless competitor and a true force on the trail. Whether racing downhill or tweaking the course’s technical features, Max’s adrenaline-fueled approach has elevated South Kent’s mountain biking program. His work on the school’s trails, particularly the tabletop section, has not only improved the course but also left a lasting legacy for future riders.

This season, Max’s skill, leadership, and passion earned him a Varsity Letter, an honor well-deserved for a rider who has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired his teammates.

Bodhi Walsh ’25
Bodhi brought determination, resilience, and infectious positivity to the team this year. A true outdoorsman at heart, Bodhi’s leadership as a school prefect and his family’s deep connection to wilderness adventures made him a vital part of the team.
While still honing his technical skills, Bodhi’s steady improvement and unwavering spirit propelled him to a stellar 4th place finish at Norbrook. This season, Bodhi, too, earned a Varsity Letter, a testament to his dedication both on and off the trail.

Looking Ahead
As the season closes, South Kent bids farewell to Max, whose legacy as the team’s most passionate and skilled rider will leave big shoes to fill. However, his influence has sparked new enthusiasm in younger riders like Yurii and Pavlo, ensuring a bright future for the program.

With efforts underway to recruit more mountain bikers and the steady guidance of Coach Eric Leitz, the program is poised for continued growth and success. Coach Leitz’s leadership and ability to inspire the boys have laid a strong foundation for the seasons to come.

Gratitude and Hope
Congratulations to the Mountain Biking team for a remarkable season of triumphs, challenges, and camaraderie. As we celebrate Max and Bodhi’s contributions to the program, we look forward to welcoming new riders and continuing to grow the legacy of mountain biking at South Kent School.

Keep pedaling forward. #GoCardinals

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