Kent School Graduates Eighteen

Pictured left to right seated: Phil Ashley, Marisa Pisapia, Katie DiGregory, Sarah Caron, Michel Pagan, Zachary Goss.
Standing Left to right: Yanni Harris, Juan Cordero, Griffin Hecht, Aidan Buckley, Corey Robinson, Parker Keating, Matthew Grande, Will Cammerzell, Phin Howell, Ray Cutting, Cole Ferguson, Menel Harris.

On Friday, June 12 the members of Kent School’s Class of 2015 celebrated their eighth grade graduation. Friends and family joined the graduates for the ceremony which included several awards and speeches. Chris Gorycki, Kent School’s headmaster addressed the graduates and encouraged them to be inspired to do impossible things. “Class of 2015 believe in making the impossible possible. You are a very special class and it gives me tremendous pleasure to formally welcome you to the Kent School Alumni Association.”

Chris McClary ’91 and President of the Board of Trustees presented “The Navigator Award” to two members of the community who have served the school over a sustained period of time. According to the Trustee by-laws “The Navigator Award is presented to an individual who has made a special contribution of time, talent or treasure to Kent School over a sustained period of time, made a difference in the educational experience of a range of Kent School students and supports the school mission to help each student reach their full promise.” This year the award was given to two long-time faculty members, Karen

This year the award was given to two long-time faculty members, Karen Schauber and Pam Deringer. McClary described the recipients. “Karen Schauber has been educating our youngest students for the past twenty-five years. She is never jaded and always delighted by her students. She quietly goes about her job with professionalism and love for the children.” Of Deringer, McClary noted her numerous awards and recognitions from a variety of individuals and organizations including NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) The Governor of Maryland, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He also noted her commitment to teaching Bay Studies Science in our lower school and her passion that inspires her students no matter what age.

Awards presented to students on graduation day include the Brian B. Kane Scholarship which is presented to a seventh-grade student who maintains a determined effort to produce quality school work. The person has an attitude that is helpful, cooperative and responsible. The seventh-grade student recognized for embodying those characteristics was Sarah Bowyer.

The Americanism Award is presented by the Frank M. Jarman American Legion Post to the student who exhibits courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Eighth Grade student Matthew Grande was presented with The American Legion Americanism Award.

The Joan C. Merriken Award for Literature is presented to the eight grade student who demonstrates a love of reading, an appreciation of and sensitivity to the writer’s art and ability to respond to literature on an intellectual as well as an emotional level. In addition, the 2015 recipient used the reading experience to inspire his own writing with clarity, depth and style far beyond his years. Will Cammerzell was the recipient of this award.

The Osprey Award is given in recognition of the student who best represents the most positive qualities of leadership and excellence to the Kent School Community. This contribution can take many forms: athletic, artistic, academic or personal. The 2015 recipient, Kate DiGregory was selected for being extremely compassionate and supportive of her peers. In addition, Kate has become an outstanding leader and encourages others to strive for greatness.

Gorycki continued in his speech, “We have all gathered here today to recognize your accomplishment of graduating from Kent School. You are an immensely talented group of individuals. You are scholars. You are athletes. You are artists and you are citizens in possession of a strong moral compass.”

Members of the Class of 2015 will be attending the following secondary schools: The Gunston School, The Kent School (CT), Severn School, St. Andrew’s School, Tower Hill School, Queen Anne’s County High School, and Kent County High School. In addition to these schools, graduates were accepted to The Hill School, The Lawrenceville School, The Peddie School and Westtown School.

For more information about Kent School visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110.