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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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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This year, Michael led the music for our Martin Luther King Day Eucharist, bringing his inspiring artistry to this meaningful occasion. The Hillside community joined together to honor Dr. King’s teachings, reflecting on the principles of justice, unity, and service that continue to shape our School’s values. A formal dinner followed the 5:30pm service, providing an opportunity for further fellowship and remembrance of Dr. King’s enduring legacy.

The post South Kent Welcomes Michael Brown for MLK Day Celebration appeared first on South Kent School.

Brian D. Sullivan, Head of School, expressed his pride in these accomplishments, saying, “These recognitions are a testament to the incredible efforts of our dedicated students and Hillside Community. South Kent has always been about more than just academic success—it’s about developing thoughtful, resilient young men who are ready to take on the challenges of an ever-evolving world. We are honored to be acknowledged for our commitment to preparing students for college and beyond.”

Founded in 1923, South Kent has a long history of blending rigorous academics with values like self-reliance, resilience, and leadership. “From the start, it was about giving boys more than knowledge,” Sullivan notes. “It was about teaching them how to take on responsibility and face the real world.”

South Kent’s approach to education is both timeless and progressive. In its second century, the School continues to innovate, introducing programs like Future Literacies, a curriculum focused on artificial intelligence, finance, and entrepreneurship, to ensure students are prepared for a rapidly changing world. Additionally, the Stockdale Leadership Program, inspired by Vice Admiral James Stockdale, guides students through core leadership principles, preparing them for future roles across various fields.

Beyond academics, South Kent places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering students hands-on opportunities at the reimagined North Campus, where sustainability projects and culinary arts experiences take place. The campus also serves as a living laboratory for environmental science, giving students real-world, impact-driven projects that deepen their understanding of the world around them.

As Sullivan explains, “South Kent students aren’t just learning concepts—they’re applying them in real-world settings, preparing to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

South Kent also takes pride in its strong sense of community and its focus on holistic student development. Whether through academics, athletics, media arts, leadership opportunities, or service, students are encouraged to engage in activities that foster personal growth, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

With an enrollment that draws students from across the U.S. and around the world, South Kent School has become a thriving and diverse environment where young men are challenged to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

“We are honored to be recognized not only for our academic excellence but for the strong community we’ve built here,” Sullivan adds. “Our alumni are living proof of the Trinity of Values that South Kent stands for—Simplicity of Life, Self Reliance, Directness of Purpose.”

As South Kent continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide students with a well-rounded, impactful education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The post South Kent School Named Best School with A+ Rating appeared first on South Kent School.

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

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For nearly a century, this beloved play has been a central part of the South Kent holiday season, bringing the story of Jesus’ birth to life for students and their families. The tradition holds deep meaning, especially as the School, with its Episcopal foundation, embraces the power of prayer through its chapel services. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, students gather for chapel services, which serve to nourish their spirits and strengthen their resolve for the week ahead.

The Nativity Play is more than just a performance—it is a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story through the accounts of the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. According to The Reverend Father Klots, School Chaplain, “The Nativity Play uses scripture from the King James Version of the Bible–to recount the birth of Jesus. It also uses many of the great Christmas carols–ones that almost everyone knows like “O Come, All Ye Faithful”– to echo and proclaim that same story. The script that we use is the same one that was compiled in the late 1920s. I would say that it simply tells the whole story–from the first scene, which actually recounts a prophecy of the birth of John the Baptist to the final scene, the visitation of the three wise men (the three kings) to see the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.”

“What makes this play so special is not just its heartfelt storytelling, but its ability to resonate deeply with the students,” says Head of School, Brian D. Sullivan. “While many traditions have evolved since South Kent’s founding in 1923, I see some as more than just customs — they are woven into the very fabric of our daily life. This is one tradition that stands out as uniquely South Kent, something we do once a year that truly defines us.” Adds Mr. Sullivan, “At Alumni Weekend, it’s not uncommon to hear stories about who played the kings in their Sixth Form year — these shared moments transcend time, linking us all as part of the South Kent legacy.”

“It’s the event that leaves a lasting imprint on all who experience it, creating memories that connect generations of graduates,” says The Reverend Klots. “For all who hold South Kent dear, especially at this sacred time of year, the Nativity Play is a special opportunity to witness the timeless story of Christ’s birth in the beautiful setting of our School chapel.

South Kent School invites all members of the campus community to join us for this special event, which will follow the School’s Formal Christmas Dinner at 5:30 PM. Come experience the spirit of the season in the heart of St. Michael’s Chapel, and share in this time of warmth, reflection, and joy with the South Kent community.

For members of the South Kent School community attending in person the Nativity Play will begin at 7:30 PM. If you are unable to be with us and still wish to watch, the event will be livestreamed on the School’s YouTube channel and will be available for view during the holiday break.

Written by Jaewon Kim ’27

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Rafael, a native of Pointe-Fortune, Quebec, has had a remarkable 2024-25 season so far, with 40 points in 28 games, including 13 goals and 27 assists. Last year, playing for South Kent’s 16U team, he demonstrated his scoring prowess with 65 points in 50 games. His commitment to Clarkson highlights his potential to be a game-changing player at the collegiate level and beyond.

“Rafael’s growth over his time at South Kent has been exceptional,” said Head Coach Andrey Uryadov ’04. “He’s not only an elite talent on the ice, but also a leader and a dedicated teammate. His ability to create plays in tight spaces and his consistency in delivering under pressure have been instrumental to our team’s success.”

While Rafael is slated to join the Clarkson Golden Knights in 2026, he has the opportunity to continue developing his skills in junior hockey before making the leap to the NCAA. “His creativity, hockey IQ, and offensive capabilities make him a valuable asset, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish in his future,” added Coach Uryadov ’04.

The post South Kent’s Rafael Cloutier ’25 Commits to Clarkson appeared first on South Kent School.

Austin’s journey at South Kent has been exemplary. Serving as a prefect and team captain, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead by example while delivering standout performances throughout the season. His maturity, determination, and unwavering commitment to improvement have left a lasting impact on our hockey program.

Coach Andrey Uryadov ’04, Director of Hockey and 18U PREP Head Coach, praised Austin’s contributions:
“Austin has been an invaluable member of our 18U group this season. As a captain and prefect, he has set a high standard of leadership and commitment. His consistency on the ice, vocal presence in the locker room, and drive to improve every day have been incredible to witness. Over his time here at South Kent, he has grown into a well-rounded athlete and individual. I am confident Austin will continue to excel at the next level, and I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the future. He has made us very proud.”

Austin’s signing marks another milestone for the South Kent hockey program, highlighting its dedication to developing players for success at the highest levels of the sport.

Congratulations to Austin Michaud ’25 on this incredible achievement. We look forward to watching your continued success with the Danbury Hat Tricks.

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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.

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“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.”

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