Now based in Houston, Texas, Miller returned to the Hillside with a meaningful purpose: to film footage for an upcoming documentary on fellow South Kent alumnus Isaiah Thomas 鈥�08, a professional basketball player and 2x NBA All-Star. Having been part of an Emmy Award鈥搘inning multimedia project based in Seattle, Miller brought both high-level experience and creative insight to campus. The project not only provided students with real-world filmmaking experience, but also created a powerful full-circle moment for alumni and students alike.

For Miller, coming back to South Kent was about more than just the project.
鈥淭he Hillside had a profound impact on me, and this was just one way I could give back,鈥� he shared.

Throughout the experience, students were not simply observers; they were active collaborators. Miller encouraged them to think creatively, contribute ideas, and engage in the storytelling process.

鈥淭he students actually helped me a lot in the storytelling experience. I provided them the opportunity to have creative input, and in return, I received several great shots of the campus that I wouldn鈥檛 have captured 辞迟丑别谤飞颈蝉别.鈥�

In addition to gaining hands-on experience, students鈥� contributions may extend far beyond the classroom. The on-campus footage they helped capture, through camera operation, shot composition, and creative direction, positions them for inclusion in the film鈥檚 credits should the documentary be picked up by a major distributor such as ESPN or The Players鈥� Tribune. It鈥檚 a rare and meaningful opportunity for students to see their work recognized on a professional stage.

Moments like these highlighted not only the students鈥� growing technical skills, but also their confidence and creativity; qualities that are continually nurtured on the Hillside. Above all, the experience reflected the joy of the creative process and the supportive environment that makes it possible.

鈥淲e had fun. It鈥檚 fun to be creative, and I think SKS provides an environment where it鈥檚 safe to be yourself.鈥�

By blending professional-level work with student collaboration, this immersive course exemplified the kind of hands-on, meaningful learning that defines the South Kent experience, where alumni return to inspire, and students are empowered to create.

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Pathways are rarely straight lines. Few understand that better than Gianluca Vallini 鈥�11, whose journey from 淫人色欲社 to representing Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a story of resilience, adaptability, and belief in the long game.聽 See his interview on our .

As a student-athlete at South Kent, Gianluca was known for his work ethic, quiet determination, and commitment to growth both on and off the ice. Like many South Kent boys, his time on the Hillside helped shape not only his athletic foundation, but also his mindset: discipline, accountability, and the willingness to push through uncertainty.

Competing internationally requires more than talent. Gianluca鈥檚 Olympic journey demanded years of sacrifice, difficult decisions, and constant recalibration balancing training, travel, national identity, and the pressure of elite competition. Along the way, he learned that success is rarely about linear progress. Instead, it鈥檚 about responding to setbacks with purpose and staying grounded in why you started.

For current South Kent students, Gianluca鈥檚 message is clear: your pathway doesn鈥檛 need to look like anyone else鈥檚. The skills developed on the Hillside grit, curiosity, teamwork, and resilience apply far beyond campus, whether in sports, business, the arts, or service.

South Kent鈥檚 Pathways program exists to highlight stories exactly like Gianluca鈥檚 real journeys shaped by passion, perseverance, and the courage to follow opportunity wherever it leads. His story is a powerful reminder that while the destination may change, the foundation built at South Kent endures.

As Gianluca prepares to compete on the world stage in 2026, the South Kent community proudly cheers him on, celebrating not just an Olympian, but an alumnus who exemplifies what it means to forge your own path.

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A sample of the 2026 courses included:

• Leather-working
• Culinary experiences making homemade pasta, ice cream, dumplings, gluten-free baking, and more
• Golf-course design and architecture
• College tours
• Carpentry
• Yoga & Meditation
• Wilderness First Aid Training with our community partner, Adventure Discovery

Beyond these daily course offerings, students also enjoyed a variety of evening programs. From relaxed community gatherings, such as a make-your-own pizza night, to creative sessions in our SKS Maker Space, the evenings offered students meaningful opportunities to unwind, connect, and decompress after full days of experiential learning.

Experiential Learning Week reflects 淫人色欲社鈥檚 commitment to a truly holistic education, one that extends well beyond textbooks and classrooms. Centered around student choice, the week gives students the freedom to follow their own interests, explore new passions, and step outside their comfort zones to try something new. With faculty, staff, and campus partners all taking part, the week becomes a shared community experience focused on helping students not only build practical skills but also create lasting memories in a supportive, dynamic environment.

Photos from this exciting week of learning can be found on our . Please reach out to communications@southkentschool.org, if you need guidance in accessing.

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and . A new initiative dedicated to strengthening the bond between 淫人色欲社 and the vibrant local community we鈥檙e proud to call home. Inspired by the success of our Parent Association, Friends of South Kent is a network of neighbors, business owners, civic leaders, alumni, and friends who want to engage with and support our mission.

Building Community Together

Through Friends of South Kent, we鈥檙e deepening local connections and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Here鈥檚 how:

• Stay Connected
  We鈥檒l share regular updates, event invitations, and opportunities to contribute to student life on the Hillside.

• Engage with Pathways
  We welcome local professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share their expertise鈥攐ffering talks, workshops, and mentorship to inspire and guide our students.

• Join Community Events
  From Community Days, athletics, Feed the Need, Open Houses, and North Campus celebrations, Friends of South Kent will have plenty of ways to engage, show support, and get involved.

• Partner for Impact
  We look forward to working alongside local organizations like the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Park and Recreation, Lions Club, CERT, Kent Land Trust, and the Kent Historical Society鈥攂uilding partnerships that benefit students and the community alike.

Friends of South Kent isn鈥檛 just a program鈥攊t鈥檚 a bridge between our school and the greater Kent area. It鈥檚 how we create real-world opportunities for students and celebrate the deep ties that make this place special.

Who Can Join?

We鈥檙e inviting individuals and organizations who want to stay connected and make a difference. Ideal members include:

• Pathways speakers and student mentors

• Local families, neighbors, and business owners

• Fans of South Kent athletics and alumni

• North Campus partners and collaborators

• Civic and cultural organizations

• Former teachers, coaches, and staff

• Community groups connected to SKS service projects

Know someone who鈥檇 be a great Friend of South Kent? We鈥檇 love to hear from you. and contact Lara Barrett, Director of External Affairs.

What鈥檚 Next?

Register to join鈥攁nd help us grow by referring others who care about education, youth development, and community connection.

Member Benefits

As a Friend of South Kent, you鈥檒l receive special emails and invitations to events like:

• Community Day celebrations

• Open Houses and seasonal gatherings

• Signature events like Thriller on the Green and Alumni Weekend Golf

• Big game days and Senior Day competitions

• Pathways panels, student exhibitions, and academic showcases

These events offer meaningful ways to connect with students, faculty, and fellow community members鈥攁nd to share your time, talents, and voice in ways that matter.

We hope you鈥檒l join us!

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Young Alumni Graduate Workshop Series: Preparing for Life Beyond South Kent

Led by Dillon Duncan 鈥�04 and Rich Brande 鈥�88 from South Kent鈥檚 Young Alumni and Advancement Team, alongside distinguished faculty and alumni, this workshop series will provide essential insights, tools, and connections to support you in your post-graduation journey.

The morning workshop will feature five interactive sessions each crafted to equip you with the tools to stay connected, build your professional network, and carry forward the values instilled during your time on the Hillside.

As we celebrate 101 years of exceptional graduates, South Kent remains deeply committed to fostering lifelong connections between our students and the alumni network. This upcoming event is designed to strengthen those bonds by focusing on professional development, networking, leadership, and continued engagement with your soon-to-be alma mater.

For student , or Alumni looking to participate in mentoring event like these please contact Lara Barrett.聽

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淫人色欲社 recently welcomed back Marge Smith鈥� a school historian, former Director, and current Curator of the Kent Historical Society鈥攆or 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 鈥淔aculty Brats鈥濃�攁 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鈥檚 past, grounded in the values that continue to shape its future.

Marge鈥檚 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鈥檚 father, Art Smith, served as a dedicated faculty member and crew coach, and a new boy mentor during the 1950s and 鈥�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鈥檚 first Asian student, and the early exchange program fostered by her father鈥攁 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鈥檚 graduation. These trees remain a living symbol of South Kent鈥檚 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鈥攙alues instilled in her own childhood and carried forward by today鈥檚 students.

Her talk was not just a trip down memory lane鈥攊t 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.聽 For information about preordering visit, .

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A Purposeful Start: Design Thinking for the Trinity of Values

The program kicks off during the first week of school with a Design Thinking workshop led by expert facilitator and SKS alumna Kathleen Lindemayer 鈥�79, former Navy Intelligence and Director of the Career Success at Western Connecticut State University. This hands-on session, titled 鈥淒esign Thinking for the Trinity of Values,鈥� brings together the Parent Association, College Counseling Team, and the Alumni Office to help students begin mapping their innate talents to potential college paths and careers鈥攁ll through the lens of South Kent鈥檚 core values.

Yearlong Exploration

Following the kickoff, students will be invited to attend a Career Pathways Speaker Series hosted in Bringhurst Hall throughout the year, with scheduled events in September, October, November, April, and May. These on-campus discussions will feature accomplished alumni and friends of the school who represent a broad range of industries and experiences.聽 View the Spring Bringhurst Pathways Panel.

Complementing the on-campus events will be a Virtual Monthly Alumni Series, launching in 2025. These engaging online conversations will be moderated by Rich Brande 鈥�88 and Dillon Duncan 鈥�04 of the SKS Advancement Team and are designed to deepen connections between students and our extensive alumni network.

Real-World Exposure: Panels, Networking & Career Day

In the fall, we will look to host Regional Career Panels and Networking Events in Boston, New York City, Pennsylvania, and potentially Washington, D.C., giving students and alumni alike opportunities to meet, share, and grow. Stay tuned to Alumni Connection for event details and RSVPs.聽

Then in January, during Experiential Learning Week, the program will culminate in a signature Career Day, featuring a speed networking session where students will practice elevator pitches, sharpen communication skills, and receive valuable feedback from industry professionals.

Preparing for Life After SKS

In the spring, graduating students will participate in the Graduate Series Workshop鈥攁 special session that formally welcomes them into the SKS Alumni Family and prepares them for life beyond the Hillside with tools for networking, job searching, and ongoing mentorship.

An International Network of Support

Looking ahead to the 2025鈥�2026 school year, the Advancement Team will expand the program with additional regional networking events聽 events in cities across the country. We鈥檙e also thrilled to announce an updated Alumni Directory, highlighting SKS alumni who are eager to support students through mentorship, internships, and career advice.

Industry Focus Areas

This initiative will connect students with alumni and professionals in a range of fields, including:

• Finance
• Law
• Engineering
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Medicine
• Sports & Entertainment
• Education
• Technology
• Media

With its unique blend of values-based exploration, practical career development, and powerful alumni engagement, the Career Pathways Program promises to be a transformational experience for South Kent students. We look forward to seeing our young men build confidence, find purpose, and boldly step into their futures鈥攃onnected, prepared, and inspired.

Want to get involved?

Become an Alumni Ambassador and help shape the next generation of South Kent leaders. Whether you’re offering mentorship, sharing your career journey, hosting a panel, or attending a networking event, your involvement makes a lasting impact.

馃憠听聽and support this exciting new program.

Stay connected through 聽 and join us in building a powerful, purpose-driven future for our students.

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In recognition of Presidents Day and all of the esteemed service members from South Kent, we are excited to welcome . McFate鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥攄rawing heavily from his own experiences.

Join Us for This Special Event

淫人色欲社 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. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to share my journey with the South Kent community,鈥� McFate said. 鈥淢y time at South Kent shaped my character and leadership skills in ways I still draw upon today.鈥�

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鈥檚 visit: 鈥淪ean鈥檚 career exemplifies the values we uphold at South Kent鈥攃ourage, intellect, and service. His perspective on modern warfare and leadership will be invaluable for our students and alumni alike.鈥�

Don鈥檛 miss the opportunity to hear from one of South Kent鈥檚 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 [].

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Who Are Alumni Ambassadors?

Alumni Ambassadors are passionate graduates of 淫人色欲社 who volunteer their time and energy to help strengthen connections within our alumni community. They serve as vital links between the School and fellow alumni, offering support, sharing updates, and fostering a sense of Cardinal pride wherever they are.

Whether organizing a local gathering, helping to welcome newly graduated alumni into the network, or representing South Kent at events in their region, Alumni Ambassadors play an essential role in keeping our community vibrant and engaged.

What Do Alumni Ambassadors Do?

Alumni Ambassadors support the School and their fellow graduates in a number of ways:

• Stay Connected: They serve as points of contact for alumni in specific regions, industries, or class years.
• Build Community: Ambassadors organize informal meetups, attend School events, and promote alumni gatherings.
• Support the Mission: They help share news, opportunities, and updates from the School鈥攊ncluding mentoring current students, attending career panels, and supporting admissions outreach.
• Celebrate Milestones: Ambassadors help engage classmates around Reunion years, school milestones, and giving campaigns.

Why Become an Ambassador?

Being an Alumni Ambassador is a rewarding way to stay connected, give back, and make a difference in the lives of fellow Cardinals. It鈥檚 also an opportunity to:

• Reconnect with old friends and make new ones
• Strengthen your personal and professional network
• Represent South Kent in your community
• Share your story and inspire the next generation

How to Get Involved

If you鈥檙e passionate about South Kent and want to help build a stronger alumni network, we鈥檇 love to hear from you. No matter where you live or when you graduated, your voice and leadership matter. To learn more about becoming an Alumni Ambassador, please reach out to Lara Barrett or .

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As the Lunar New Year festivities continue, 淫人色欲社 reflects on the vibrant celebrations that brought the Hillside community together. The Lunar New Year, which began on January 29, 2025, marks the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world.

Observed primarily in many Asian cultures鈥攊ncluding Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino, and Indonesian traditions鈥擫unar New Year is a time of family reunions, festive meals, and cultural traditions that vary from country to country. A key aspect of the celebration is gathering with loved ones to share meals and welcome the prosperity of the new year.

South Kent students shared personal insights into how their families celebrate the holiday. George Wu 鈥�27, a student from Southern China, explained that chicken is a significant dish in his family鈥檚 Lunar New Year feast. 鈥淭he main thing we eat is chicken,鈥� he shared. 鈥淐antonese people love to eat chicken, and it is always on the table during Lunar New Year.鈥�

For other families, the focus is less on specific dishes and more on the time spent together. Jason Zhou 鈥�27, another South Kent student from China, described his family鈥檚 traditions: 鈥淭here isn鈥檛 a typical big event for us. We simply prepare a larger meal than usual, take our time at dinner, and enjoy conversation with family.鈥�

In the spirit of inclusivity and cultural appreciation, 淫人色欲社 embraced the Lunar New Year with special events designed to bring the community together.
鈥� Lantern-Making in the Dining Hall 鈥� Students created vibrant paper lanterns to decorate the dining hall, symbolizing reconciliation with the past and prosperity for the year ahead.
鈥� Cultural Dinner Experience 鈥� The dining hall featured traditional Asian dishes, giving students and faculty the opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the holiday.

By incorporating these celebrations, 淫人色欲社 honors the diversity of its student body while fostering a deeper understanding of global traditions. As South Kent celebrates Lunar New Year, the School is also preparing for a historic moment鈥攐ur first-ever alumni reunion in Asia, as part of our Centennial celebrations. The trip will begin in Shanghai on March 29, 2025, followed by alumni gatherings in Seoul and Tokyo, strengthening global alumni connections.

To kick off this exciting journey, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa 鈥�62 will deliver a special talk on Friday, February 7th, sharing memories from his time on the Hillside and insights from his distinguished career in international diplomacy. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, 鈥淪outh Kent instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and resilience. I am honored to share my journey and discuss how the lessons I learned on the Hillside have shaped my work in international diplomacy.鈥�

For more information about the Pathways Series Talks, please contact Lara Barrett, Director of External Affairs.

This upcoming trip will be an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate South Kent鈥檚 lasting impact, and reinforce the strong ties within our global community.

With the Lunar New Year celebrations bringing students together on the Hillside and the upcoming Asia reunion set to strengthen alumni connections worldwide, 淫人色欲社 continues to honor tradition while embracing the future.

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