On Friday, June 7, families, friends, teachers and mentors gathered to honor the sixteen members of Kent School’s graduating class. The Class of 2013 is made up of students who have been at Kent School for one year to eleven years. “No matter how long they’ve been with us, each shared a special gift with the community. Their talents were on display in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage and as creative writers. We are going to miss them and we are proud of what we know they will accomplish as leaders and scholars in high school and beyond,” said Middle School Division Head, Debbie Williams.
Graduation speakers were Molly DiGregory, Ben Byerly and Ben Jones. Each spoke of his or her Kent School experience from a different perspective, but all agreed that challenges made them stronger students, better friends and more prepared for the future.
In addition to celebrating their commencement, several awards were presented at graduation. The Americanism Award is presented by the Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post #36. This award is given each year to an eighth grade student for exemplary citizenship. The award places emphasis on the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Mr. Jack Diller of American Legion Post 36 presented the award to Ben Jones.
The Joan C. Merriken Award for Excellence in Literature is awarded to an eighth grade student who demonstrates a love of reading, an appreciation of and sensitivity to the writer’s art and the ability to respond to literature on an intellectual as well as emotional level. This year’s recipient was Ben Byerly.
The Osprey Award is given in recognition of the student or students who best represent the most positive qualities of service and excellence to the Kent School community. This contribution can take many forms: athletic, artistic, academic or personal. One graduate’s quiet dedication to academic excellence earned him Gold Honors every quarter of all four years of middle school. That student, and the winner of this year’s Osprey Award, was Jordan Reed.
Finally, seventh grade student, Henry Parkhurst, was honored with the Brian B. Kane award. This scholarship is given every year to a seventh grade student who maintains a determined effort to produce quality school work. The recipients must also have an attitude that is helpful, cooperative and responsible.
Kent School Headmaster, Chris Gorycki said, “We are proud of our award winners and all of our graduates. We look forward to hearing about their accomplishments in high school. They are well prepared to step into leadership roles at each of their schools.”
Secondary School Acceptances and Selections for the Class of 2013
Albuquerque Academy Kent County High School
Deerfield Academy Queen Anne’s County High School
The Gunston School Severn School
The Hill School St. Andrew’s School
St. Mark’s School
Sarah Lyle says
As a proud auntie, may I add the name of one graduate omitted from your photo caption– back row, back, at Miss Roddy’s right hand is Stephen Kirk Patrick (Paddy) Keating.