South Kent School recently welcomed back Marge Smith— a school historian, former Director, and current Curator of the Kent Historical Society—for a captivating Pathways Series talk that bridged generations and continents.

A lifelong member of the South Kent community, Marge reflected on her upbringing on the Hillside as one of the large group of “Faculty Brats”—a term affectionately used to describe children of faculty members who grew up immersed in campus life. Her personal stories painted a vivid picture of South Kent’s past, grounded in the values that continue to shape its future.

Marge’s connection to the School runs deep, shaped by the legacy of her parents, Maggie and Art Smith. Her mother, Maggie Smith, was a beloved art teacher whose creative spirit still echoes through the halls of the Maggie Smith Visual Arts Center, named in her honor. Through her teachings in oil painting, watercolors, etching, sculpture, and art history, Maggie empowered generations of students to explore and express themselves. Her frequent trips to New York City exposed students to world-class museums and the transformative power of art.

Marge’s father, Art Smith, served as a dedicated faculty member and crew coach, and a new boy mentor during the 1950s and ’60s. Together, the Smiths left an indelible mark on South Kent, retiring in 1979 after decades of service. Their commitment to education, culture, and character helped define the South Kent experience.

During her talk, Marge spoke about the evolution of boarding schools, with a focus on how South Kent has grown while holding fast to its core values. She shared the story of Suke Hasegawa, the School’s first Asian student, and the early exchange program fostered by her father—a reflection of his deep appreciation for Asian cultures. The Smith family warmly welcomed international students, facilitating a powerful cross-cultural exchange that highlighted shared humanity in the years following World War II.

One of the most moving traditions that grew from this connection was the planting of cherry trees to commemorate each Japanese student’s graduation. These trees remain a living symbol of South Kent’s commitment to global friendship and understanding.

Though South Kent has evolved, Marge reminded listeners that its essence remains unchanged. The School still cultivates curiosity, resilience, and global citizenship—values instilled in her own childhood and carried forward by today’s students.

Her talk was not just a trip down memory lane—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of South Kent, and a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future.

Join Marge at Alumni Weekend for book signings, and talks.  For information about preordering visit, South Kent School’s 100 Year History Book.

The post Ep. 9 | Pathway Series: SKS 100 Year History & Cultural Ties appeared first on South Kent School.

In recognition of Presidents Day and all of the esteemed service members from South Kent, we are excited to welcome Dr. Sean McFate ’88 for a virtual Pathways talk about his time on the Hillside and his extraordinary career in the military and beyond. McFate’s journey has taken him from the classrooms and athletic fields of South Kent to the front lines of modern warfare, global strategy, and academia.

A Visionary in Future Warfare

Dr. Sean McFate is a strategic maverick. Once in a generation, a uniquely qualified scholar-warrior with rare insight emerges to offer a divergent vision of future war. While many emphasize technology and firepower as the key to military dominance, McFate argues that the real battlefield advantage lies in strategic thinking. He challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for a paradigm shift in how Western powers approach conflict and security.

A Career Unlike Any Other

After graduating from South Kent in 1988, McFate embarked on a military career that saw him serve as a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. His path then led him into the world of paramilitary contracting and private intelligence, where he operated in some of the most volatile regions of the world. From negotiating with African warlords and raising armies for U.S. interests to conducting strategic reconnaissance for oil companies and preventing a potential genocide in the Rwanda region, McFate’s experiences are as diverse as they are impactful.

Scholar and Author

Despite his deep involvement in high-stakes global affairs, McFate pursued academic excellence, earning degrees from Brown University, Harvard University, and a PhD from the London School of Economics. Today, he is a leading voice in military strategy, a professor at Georgetown and Syracuse universities, and an acclaimed author. His writing, both non-fiction and fiction, sheds light on modern warfare in ways that traditional analyses cannot. His 2016 novel, Shadow War, originally conceived as a memoir, evolved into a gripping narrative exploring the shadowy world of covert operations in Eastern Ukraine—drawing heavily from his own experiences.

Join Us for This Special Event

South Kent School invites students, faculty, and alumni to join us for this exclusive virtual Pathways talk with Dr. Sean McFate. His insights into military strategy, national security, and global conflict promise to be both enlightening and inspiring. “I’m honored to share my journey with the South Kent community,” McFate said. “My time at South Kent shaped my character and leadership skills in ways I still draw upon today.”

Peter Thompson, a fellow South Kent alumnus and military veteran who works with the Advancement Team to support alumni engagement, emphasized the significance of McFate’s visit: “Sean’s career exemplifies the values we uphold at South Kent—courage, intellect, and service. His perspective on modern warfare and leadership will be invaluable for our students and alumni alike.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from one of South Kent’s most distinguished alumni as he shares his remarkable journey and groundbreaking ideas on the future of warfare.

For more about Sean McFate and his work, visit [www.seanmcfate.com].

The post Ep. 8 | Pathway Series: SKS Serves & Sean McFate ’88 appeared first on South Kent School.

Happy Super Bowl!  Here are a number of items, and I urge you to get them out to your classmates:

SKS Centennial History Book

As you know, for the past three-plus years Marge Smith (daughter of Art and Maggie, and sister of Lawrence) has been working on a history of South Kent School from the founding in 1923 up through last year’s Centennial observance.  This 500-page work is nearly complete, and will be sent to the printer in the near future.  To give you an idea of what the book will be like, take a look at Chapter 1 (sorry, but because it’s more than 25 MB I’m forced to give it to you via Google Drive):

IMPORTANT: The School needs our help to get an idea of how many copies to print for the new book release.  Please forward this link to your classmates, and ask everyone to take a moment to indicate whether they are interested in purchasing one or more copies (Note: This is NOT a commitment, just an indication; you’ll be asked to confirm later):

South Kent School History Book: Community Interest Survey

To give you an idea of what the book will be like, take a look at Chapter 1

 20250207 – SKS – Centennial History Chapter 1.pdf

SKS Alumni Connection

Did you know South Kent has an alumni platform?  It gives you an alumni directory, and exclusive alumni talks like the one today with Sukehiro Hasegawa ’62:  Professor Hasegawa ahead of the Alumni Reunion in Asia next month.  Think of it as a Facebook-like site where Alums can connect, learn about upcoming events, exchange memories, post photos, volunteer to mentor recent grads, and so forth.  If you haven’t already, join to connect with friends and please urge your classmates to click on this link: 

South Kent School Alumni Connection

Mark Your Calendar: Spring For South Kent 

This year’s Annual Giving springtime fund drive, Spring for South Kent, will be held on April 8th.  As always, the objective is to get as many of our classmates to participate as possible.  This requires preparation, so please begin to socialize this event NOW with your classmates.  Regardless of what other contributions they may have made, please emphasize the desirability of taking a moment on April 8th to give online, or make a pledge!

Alumni Weekend 2025

It’s not too early to start thinking about Alumni Weekend.  This year it’ll be Friday-Sunday, June 6th-8th (there will be a golf tournament on Thursday the 5th).  For members of “The Old Guard” (1975 and earlier) there’s no charge for meals, and accommodation is available on campus (dorm rooms) at no cost.  All you have to do is register in advance.  Please urge your classmates to click on this link for more info, and to register:

Alumni Weekend 2025 – South Kent School

Spread The Word!  We Need Your Help!

SKS is trying to win this year’s “Best of Connecticut” contest from Connecticut Magazine.  This is a great way to get the School’s name in front of a wide audience, so your nomination really matters!  Please urge your classmates to take a moment to nominate South Kent School for BEST PRIVATE OR CATHOLIC SCHOOL in Litchfield County.  Please vote for us here:

https://www.ctinsider.com/best/votelitchfield/#/gallery?group=504256

   AND … you can VOTE EVERY DAY between now and February 14th, so please come back and nominate daily!

As always, please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.  Stay warm, and enjoy the game tomorrow!

Pig Tail Against The World!

Warm Regards,

Peter

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South Kent School is thrilled to announce the next installment in our Pathways Series, featuring an extraordinary alumnus, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa ’62. This highly anticipated talk is a unique opportunity to hear from a global leader whose life’s work has been deeply influenced by his time on the Hillside.

A Life of Global Impact

Professor Hasegawa has led a remarkable career as a diplomat, academic, and humanitarian. After graduating from South Kent School in 1962, he earned advanced degrees from institutions such as Stanford University and Yale University, building a foundation for an impactful career in international service. Among his many achievements, Professor Hasegawa served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Timor-Leste, playing a pivotal role in fostering peace and nation-building efforts in the region. His work exemplifies the values of resilience, leadership, and service instilled at South Kent.

Memories from the Hillside

During the Pathways talk, Professor Hasegawa will share reflections on how his South Kent experience shaped his worldview. From the rigorous academics to the close-knit community, he attributes much of his success to the foundational skills and mindset cultivated on the Hillside. This is a unique chance for current students, faculty, and alumni to connect with a true embodiment of South Kent’s mission to develop global citizens.

Preparing for Brian Sullivan’s Asia Visit

This Pathways talk also sets the stage for an exciting chapter for South Kent School’s international community. In March, Head of School Brian Sullivan will travel to Asia, accompanied by The Reverend Stephen Klots, Rich Brande ’88, and Dillon Duncan ’04. Their visit underscores the school’s commitment to fostering relationships with our alumni and families abroad, strengthening the bonds that tie our global community together.

Join Us

Don’t miss this inspiring Pathways event with Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a proud alumnus, this talk is sure to leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in South Kent School’s legacy of producing world leaders.

Stay tuned for details on how to attend the event, and be sure to follow our updates as we prepare for Head of School Brian Sullivan’s Asia visit in March.

The post Ep. 7 | Pathway Series: Global Peacekeeper Prof. Hasegawa ’62 appeared first on South Kent School.

Position: Goal

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Pathways: Jonathan Wilson ’84 – Crafting a New Instrument and Legacy

South Kent School alumnus Jonathan Wilson ’84 has charted an extraordinary journey from the Hillside to the forefront of musical innovation. Renowned for inventing the GuitarViol, a modern hybrid of the guitar and viola da gamba, Jonathan’s work bridges centuries of musical tradition with cutting-edge artistry. He will share his story and insights on the upcoming Pathways Alumni Panel alongside Dillon Duncan ’04 and Rich Brande ’88.

Watch Below

A Passion for Music and Innovation

Jonathan’s relationship with music spans more than four decades, with 30 years dedicated to realizing his vision for a modern Arpeggione—a bowed guitar first conceived by Johan Staufer in 1823. In 1993, he collaborated to create an early version of the instrument but found it lacking the versatility he desired. By 2002, out of personal frustration, Jonathan built the first “TogaMan” prototype to meet his performance needs.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Without even a dedicated website, Jonathan’s MP3 artist page drew inquiries, and by the end of that year, the first official TogaMan GuitarViol was commissioned. Demand grew so quickly that GuitarViols Inc. developed a lengthy waitlist, primarily comprised of Film and TV composers.

A Soundtrack to Modern Media

The GuitarViol has since become a go-to instrument for some of the world’s most notable composers. Its evocative tones, combining the resonance of a bowed instrument with the familiarity of a guitar, lend themselves beautifully to cinematic soundscapes. In 2006, Tyler Bates used the GuitarViol in his score for the movie 300, catapulting the instrument into the spotlight. Today, GuitarViols are a staple in film, TV, and video game soundtracks, with their distinctive sound heard daily across global media.

The TogaMan Identity

The name TogaMan was inspired by Paolo Veronese’s 1563 painting The Wedding at Cana, which features a toga-clad viol player holding the instrument like a guitar. Jonathan embraced this imagery to define his brand, opting for a name that set him apart from other builders while reflecting the instrument’s historical roots and innovative design.

Beyond the Music

Jonathan’s inventive spirit and entrepreneurial journey have turned his vision into an enduring legacy. His Valencia, California-based company, GuitarViols Inc., continues to refine the GuitarViol, pushing its design to new levels of artistry and craftsmanship.

Pathways Alumni Panel

Jonathan’s story reflects the South Kent ethos of embracing challenges, pursuing passions, and innovating boldly. We are thrilled to welcome him to the next Pathways Alumni Panel, where he will discuss his journey, the creative process behind his invention, and the impact of his work on the world of music and beyond.

Join us in celebrating Jonathan’s inspiring path from South Kent to a global stage of artistic achievement.

READ the Music on LA Times Article

Hear more from his musicians and creators on YouTube (WATCH)

SEE ALL SOUTH KENT SCHOOL MASTERCLASS TALKS

The post Ep. 6 | Pathway Series: Music Innovation appeared first on South Kent School.

   It’s Autumn, and the whining buzz of the leafblower is heard across the land…

Veterans’ Day

   November 11th was Veterans’ Day.  A salute and heartfelt thanks to all of you who served!

   Do you know whom of your classmates also served?  I urge you to poll your constituents to be sure you have a complete list, including those who may have passed away.  Please be sure to let the school know.  Veterans don’t expect a big fuss, but it’s nice to be acknowledged on our day each year.

249 Years

   And November 10th was the 249th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps (in a Philly bar, fittingly).  Happy belated Birthday to all Leathernecks (it’s a Marine thing)!  Semper Fi!

All Saints’ Day

    On Saturday, November 2nd, several boys gathered to clean and restore the gravestones at St. Michael’s Chapel Cemetery in honor of All Saints’ Day.  This has become an annual tradition, and holds special meaning for the South Kent community, connecting students with the school’s past and commemorating the lives of former students, faculty, and staff who have shaped the South Kent legacy.

    Fr. Steve Klots commented, “…during what might be called the octave of All Saints’ Day, we still pray in St. Michael’s Chapel by name for all former students, faculty, and staff members who have passed on to their eternal reward.  Each year, we also honor and remember those buried in the chapel cemetery by cleaning up the cemetery and their gravestones. In part, this is a mark of our gratitude for the school they have passed on to us.”

    The cemetery clean-up is a meaningful reminder of South Kent’s dedication to tradition and stewardship. The School instills gratitude through both words and deeds, linking past and present generations to the Hillside.

Wildfire

    Many of you are probably aware how terribly dry it’s been here in the East this Summer and Fall.  A couple of weeks ago our new Director of Communications, Sarah Chase, sent this photo of the smoke from a wildfire burning in Dover, NY, taken from the top of Spooner Hill.  The fire burned for more than a week.

Reunions

   It’s not too early to start thinking about reunions for the next few years.  Of course you know that the emphasis is typically on decades (40th, 50th, 60th, etc), with attention also given to the “fives” (ie. a class’s 55th).  Next year will be the five- or ten-year anniversary for classes that graduated in years ending with 0 or 5.

   It’s traditional that reunion classes make some sort of gift to South Kent.  This might be in the form of funding a specific project, or simply cash.  An easy solution is to set a target based on the anniversary year (ie. $60K for your 60th year).  For older classes where the numbers are dwindling, perhaps you might combine forces with other classes.  For instance, the 70th anniversary class of ’55 might propose joining with ’50 (75th) and ’60 (’65th) to muster up a substantial showing.  Don’t be bashful – reach out to your fellow Class Agents to talk over the possibilities!

   May I suggest you take the time to gauge your classmates’ sentiment on this, and guide them accordingly?  All techniques, including overt appeals to emotion and Rah-Rah, “Let’s Go Big Red!” cheerleading, are appropriate.

New York City Get-Together

    Speaking of reunions, there will be a gathering for all South Kenters on Thursday, December 5th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Racquet and Tennis Club at 370 Park Avenue.  Please let your constituents who live in the NYC area know about this, and urge them to attend.  For questions or to RSVP, please e-mail RSVP@southkentschool.org

Legacies…

    By now you all should have received SKS’s Annual Report of Donors 2023-2024 in the mail.  Your generosity as individuals stands out.  Along with the rest of our fellow Alums, our ongoing contributions to Annual Giving are what pays most of the bills, and makes it possible for Brian Sullivan and his team to provide an inspiring and challenging introduction to life for the boys. 

    One category in the report is the St. Michael’s Society, which lists donors who have made provisions in their wills for legacy gifts to South Kent, and formally advised the school that they have done so.  It’s possible that one or more of you, or members of your classes, have made such a provision but not yet told SKS.  If this is you, I encourage you to tell the school of your plan; it won’t change the fact of your generosity and will enable the folks on The Hillside to factor it into forward planning.  It’s a sensitive topic to bring up with your classmates, but it’s part of what we really need to get a handle on as Class Agents.

    Of course not all of us are in a position to leave a legacy to South Kent.  But with due regard for the ongoing and in many cases recent generosity of many of you and your classmates, there’s no time like the present!  We’re all undeniably getting older!  If you or one of your classmates are unsure how best to do this, I suggest you/they consult with an estate planning professional, or reach out to Carol-Ann Bruen at school (bruenc@southkentschool.org).  Let’s recognize the difference South Kent made in our lives in a direct and useful way now.

Thanksgiving

   I’m sure we all have memories of Thanksgiving at South Kent.  Because my family lived close by I was permitted to go home for the day, but one year I stayed on campus.  There was a special quality about dinner that day that sticks with me down through the years…

   Please accept my very best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

   Pig Tail Against The World!

Warm Regards,

Peter

Peter M. Thompson ’67

Alumni Engagement Associate

(571) 331-8143

“All things splendid have been achieved by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.”

Bruce Fairchild Barton

1886 – 1967

Co-founder and first president of the iconic Madison Avenue advertising firm Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn (BBD&O)

The post Autumn | Veterans’ Day appeared first on South Kent School.

South Kent School’s “Thriller” Group Takes Center Stage in Kent | Learn More About South Kent School

Check out the Live Stream from Student Group AMG

“Darkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand. Creatures crawl in search of blood, to terrorize your neighborhood …” These iconic lyrics from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” have echoed through the streets of Kent for over a decade, brought to life by the electrifying performances of South Kent School’s “Thriller” Group.

Originating in the fall of 2013 by South Kent student Jack (Chao) Huang ’14, a talented dancer with the Explore Affinity Group, the “Thriller” Entertainment Group has become a beloved tradition at South Kent School and in the town of Kent.

The group made its debut performance during Fall Family Weekend on October 18, 2013, captivating audiences with a spirited rendition of the iconic dance. Their performance was met with such enthusiasm that they were invited to perform again on campus during the School’s annual Haunted House event on October 29. The main event, however, took place on Halloween night, October 31, on Main Street in Kent.

Despite rainy weather, the streets were packed with eager spectators as the South Kent boys took to the stage, led by coordinator and instructor Wanessa Anderson. Their performance mesmerized the crowd, with an estimated 500 people witnessing their thrilling rendition of “Thriller.” According to the Republican-American newspaper, the group’s choreography seamlessly transitioned from eerie zombie movements to precision dancing, captivating audiences young and old alike.

Following their debut success in Kent, the “Thriller” Entertainment Group continued to dazzle with another Halloween night performance on the field next to Kent’s own Heron Gallery. Thanks to months of dedicated practice and guidance from South Kent School’s art department chair and coordinator of the “Call to Explore” affinity group, the boys delivered yet another unforgettable performance.

Reflecting on their journey, Wanessa Anderson praised the boys for their dedication and courage. “None of them had ever performed, let alone danced, in front of hundreds of people,” she remarked. “Dance is often seen as taboo for teenage boys, but they stuck with it and were pleasantly surprised by the experience.”

As the South Kent boys continue to hone their craft and inspire audiences with their talent and enthusiasm, one thing is certain: the “Thriller” Entertainment Group will remain the life (or death?) of the party for many Halloweens to come.

___ ___
“All of the boys chose zombies in September. They’ve been practicing for two months, and it hasn’t always been an easy experience. Many had never performed, let alone danced in front of hundreds of people. They hadn’t anticipated how wonderful it would feel to have all those people cheering, clapping, and complimenting them.” – Cheryl Moore, Art Department Chair and Coordinator

“I’m a dancer, but not a teacher, so in the beginning, I was a little frustrated that others didn’t pick it up the way I did right away. But I learned that by repeating the steps, the other guys were able to catch on. When they finally got into full costume and makeup, they really embraced their characters.” – Jack (Chao) Huang ’14

“I had never danced before, so it was hard at first. I practiced in my dorm to make sure I knew the steps,” Jeff Charles ’14 said. “But I wanted to challenge myself since I’d never done this before. In my costume, I felt like a professional.”

The post “Thriller” Live in Kent appeared first on South Kent School.

We are thrilled to announce South Kent School’s first-ever All School Media Day, organized by the students of the Advanced Media Group (AMG)! Mark your calendars for Monday, October 21st, when the entire school community comes together for an evening of creativity and fun. Inspired by media days at colleges and professional sports teams, this event gives students the chance to capture memorable, lighthearted moments with friends, teammates, and faculty using props like team uniforms, sports equipment, and even personal accessories.

Parents can get involved too by encouraging their students to bring fun props—flags, accessories, or anything that adds a personal touch. From solo shots to group poses, Media Day promises to be a lively celebration of school spirit, diversity, and friendship.

But there’s more to this event than just photos. Media Day provides students with hands-on experience in media production, where AMG students will gain valuable skills in modern tools such as Photoshop, Canva, and AI. These photos will fuel engaging social media posts, graphics, and promotional materials for the school.

The idea for Media Day emerged in an AMG meeting, and after receiving enthusiastic support from school leadership, it has become a new, exciting tradition at South Kent. This event is just one of many ways South Kent School promotes experiential learning, encouraging students to expand their skills beyond the classroom in fun, innovative ways.

We can’t wait to see the creativity and excitement on display as Media Day brings our school community closer together!

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Join Us on the Hillside

Experience the excellence and tradition of South Kent School at our upcoming Open House on Saturday, November 2, 2024. As a top-ranked boys’ school with over 100 years of excellence, we invite you to explore our picturesque 650-acre campus located in the northwest corner of Connecticut, that is just over an hour’s drive from New York City. Watch our student-led Virtual Tour.

Register Now

Don’t miss this opportunity! Register now to reserve your spot at our Open House on November 2.

Discover South Kent School

• Explore Our Vibrant Campus: Take a tour of our stunning grounds and facilities, nestled amidst the beautiful fall foliage.
• Interact with Faculty, Staff, and Students: Engage in conversations with our dedicated faculty, friendly staff, and current students to gain firsthand insights into the South Kent community.
• Learn About Our Programs: Participate in presentations and panel discussions that showcase the unique features and benefits of our college prep programs and Future Literacies classes. Whether you’re interested in engineering, entrepreneurship, or technology, our tailored sessions cater to diverse academic interests.

Why Attend South Kent’s Open House?

• Behind-the-Scenes Preview: Get an exclusive look into prep school life at South Kent School.
• Build Connections: Meet fellow prospective students, families, faculty members, and alumni. Forge relationships that will support you throughout your high school journey and beyond.
• Ask Questions: Engage in meaningful conversations and ask questions to better understand how South Kent School can help you achieve your goals.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore prep school options or you’re ready to take the next step in the application process, South Kent School’s Admissions Open House is the ideal starting point. Join us to discover how South Kent School can empower you to make a lasting impact in the world and become a part of a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.

Looking Ahead

Can’t make it in November? The next virtual Open House will be held in March 2025. Registration for the virtual event will open in early fall.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Kent School and sharing our extraordinary community with you!

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