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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Pathways: A Life of Service 鈥� Peter Thompson 鈥�67

Peter Thompson, South Kent Class of 1967, brings a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and global service to the Hillside. From deployments in U.S. Navy ships and serving in Operation Desert Storm to advising top diplomatic and military leaders as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, Peter鈥檚 journey spans diplomacy, defense, finance, and most recently alumni engagement for SKS.

At 淫人色欲社, we celebrate the many journeys that begin on the Hillside and continue across the globe. In this edition of聽Pathways, we鈥檙e proud to spotlight聽Peter Thompson, South Kent Class of 1967, whose remarkable career has spanned the military, diplomatic, financial, and educational sectors鈥攁ll rooted in a deep commitment to leadership and service.

Since 2023, Mr. Thompson has brought his wealth of experience back to the Hillside, serving as聽Alumni Engagement Associate. A familiar and respected face among our graduates, Peter has also served as co-Class Agent for the Class of 1967 for nearly four decades, helping to foster connection and camaraderie among his classmates, and across generations of South Kent alumni.

A Global Career in Diplomacy and Defense

Peter鈥檚 journey has taken him far from the quiet strength of the Hillside. He served聽17 years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, retiring in 2014 with the diplomatic rank of聽First Secretary. His postings in聽Paris, Ghana, Iraq, and C么te d鈥橧voire聽placed him at the center of global affairs and U.S. foreign policy. His work culminated in leadership roles focused on聽counterterrorism,聽civil-military coordination, and聽interagency integration, where he advised U.S. military commanders and led international negotiations on behalf of the United States.

Before his diplomatic service, Peter dedicated聽28 years to the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of聽Commander (O-5). As a聽Surface Warfare Officer, he served in multiple ships and deployed around the world, including during聽Operation Desert Storm. He also earned qualification as a聽Master Wargame Controller聽and聽Combatant Craft Officer-in-Charge, distinguishing himself as both a strategist and a leader under pressure.

A Mind for Strategy and Stewardship

Between his naval and diplomatic careers, Peter applied his leadership skills to the financial world. From聽1985 to 1992, he worked as a聽Financial Advisor, managing more than聽$25 million in assets聽for private clients. This chapter added a new dimension to his already diverse career, one marked by a consistent focus on planning, responsibility, and service to others.

Peter holds a聽B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania聽and an聽Executive Master鈥檚 in Leadership from Georgetown University, academic foundations that helped shape his thoughtful approach to leadership across disciplines.

A Return to South Kent

Now, as he supports South Kent鈥檚 alumni community, Peter reflects the very best of what it means to be a Cardinal. Whether on the bridge of a ship, serving in a U.S. embassy overseas, or reconnecting alumni across decades, his life demonstrates that聽leadership and service never go out of style.

Peter and his wife, Lisa, split their time between聽northern Virginia and Maryland鈥檚 Eastern Shore, where they are active in聽dog rescue聽and enjoy time with their three beloved dogs鈥擲ammy, Poppy, and Bertie.

We are honored to welcome Peter Thompson back to South Kent in a role that allows him to connect, mentor, and inspire鈥攋ust as he has done throughout a truly extraordinary career.

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Ben Eisendrath 鈥�24, a standout student-athlete from 淫人色欲社, has just completed his first year at Harvard University, successfully balancing the demands of rigorous academics with the evolving world of college basketball. Originally from Southern California, Ben made the bold decision to travel across the country to attend South Kent, where he thrived both in the classroom and on the court. Now, as he wraps up his first year at one of the world鈥檚 most prestigious universities, he鈥檚 reflecting on his journey 鈥� from adapting to life in Connecticut, excelling at South Kent, and stepping onto the court at Harvard.

During his time on the Hillside, Ben established himself as a top student and a key contributor to South Kent鈥檚 basketball program. His work ethic, discipline, and leadership set him apart, preparing him for the next level of competition 鈥� both academically and athletically. Now, as a Harvard student-athlete, Ben is gaining firsthand experience in a rapidly changing college basketball landscape.

With March Madness just concluded, Ben is uniquely positioned to offer insight into the evolving NCAA environment, including the growing impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and the increasing influence of the transfer portal. These changes are reshaping the landscape of college athletics, and Ben鈥檚 perspective from within the system offers a valuable look at how student-athletes are navigating this new era.

We hope you enjoy this conversation exploring Ben鈥檚 path from California, to the Hillside, to Cambridge, Massachusetts. His journey is one of adaptability, growth, and excellence 鈥� an inspiring story for current and future South Kent students, and a powerful example of what鈥檚 possible through hard work and perseverance.

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When arrived on the Hillside from England, he was a promising hockey prospect. However, South Kent鈥檚 culture of discovery helped him find a new passion鈥攇olf. With relentless hard work, quiet leadership, and a fierce drive to improve, Luca quickly became South Kent鈥檚 top golfer and team captain.

鈥淟uca Alderson鈥檚 raw talent on the course has left an indelible mark on South Kent Golf,鈥� says Coach Bill Whittaker. 鈥淭hough his journey had its own rhythm, his skill never wavered. As he takes his next swing at Chicago State, we can鈥檛 wait to see where his natural ability takes him鈥攂ecause when he鈥檚 on, he鈥檚 unstoppable.鈥�

This spring, Luca led the Cardinals to an impressive finish at the Western New England Prep Golf Invitational, improving three spots from last season鈥檚 placement. He also captured the title at the SKS Spring Championship at River Oaks Golf Club, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the program.

On Decision Day, Luca was featured in a special Student Spotlight 鈥淧athways鈥� interview with Young Alumni leaders Dillon Duncan 鈥�04 and Rich Brande 鈥�88. There, he shared his journey from hockey to golf, his deep love of history, and his aspirations to pursue a career in the sport he now calls his own. He will be attending Chicago State University on a full athletic scholarship, where he will study history, while competing at the collegiate level.

Adding to the celebration, South Kent alumnus and NBA legend (recently featured on Pathways) shared a special video message for Luca. Wright鈥攁long with his former teammate Dwyane Wade鈥攔ecently launched , a groundbreaking initiative aimed at broadening access to the game of golf and empowering underrepresented youth.

鈥淕olf is one of those things that has opened up to us as access,鈥� Wade shared in a recent interview. 鈥淚t鈥檚 only because we鈥檝e been able to get out of our communities, travel the world, experience and meet people, and then be able to play this beautiful game.鈥� Wright鈥檚 message to Luca echoed that same spirit of opportunity and encouragement, recognizing the significance of young athletes like Luca stepping into leadership roles in the sport.

Luca is a respected and admired member of the South Kent community, and we are proud to celebrate all he has achieved. His story is a testament to what can happen when talent, curiosity, and character come together on the Hillside.

馃抠

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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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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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淫人色欲社 is thrilled to announce the next installment in our Pathways Series, featuring an extraordinary alumnus, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa 鈥�62. This highly anticipated talk is a unique opportunity to hear from a global leader whose life鈥檚 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 淫人色欲社 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 mission to develop global citizens.

Preparing for Brian Sullivan鈥檚 Asia Visit

This Pathways talk also sets the stage for an exciting chapter for 淫人色欲社鈥檚 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鈥檚 commitment to fostering relationships with our alumni and families abroad, strengthening the bonds that tie our global community together.

Join Us

Don鈥檛 miss this inspiring Pathways event with Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa. Whether you鈥檙e a student, a parent, or a proud alumnus, this talk is sure to leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in 淫人色欲社鈥檚 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鈥檚 Asia visit in March.

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Pathways: Jonathan Wilson 鈥�84 鈥� Crafting a New Instrument and Legacy

淫人色欲社 alumnus Jonathan Wilson 鈥�84 has charted an extraordinary journey from the Hillside to the forefront of musical innovation. Renowned for inventing the , a modern hybrid of the guitar and viola da gamba, Jonathan鈥檚 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 鈥�04 and Rich Brande 鈥�88.

Watch Below

A Passion for Music and Innovation

Jonathan鈥檚 relationship with music spans more than four decades, with 30 years dedicated to realizing his vision for a modern Arpeggione鈥攁 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 鈥淭ogaMan鈥� prototype to meet his performance needs.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Without even a dedicated website, Jonathan鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 historical roots and innovative design.

Beyond the Music

Jonathan鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 inspiring path from South Kent to a global stage of artistic achievement.

the Music on LA Times Article

Hear more from his musicians and creators on YouTube

SEE ALL SOUTH KENT SCHOOL MASTERCLASS TALKS

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SKSPA Pathway Series: Insights from South Kent鈥檚 Renowned Hockey Program

淫人色欲社 has a 100-year history as a nationally renowned hockey program, and this event is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while learning from distinguished alumni, coaches, and experts.

Panelists Include:

Andrey Uryadov 鈥�04
– Began his journey at South Kent as a student in 2000 and now serves as a Faculty member and Coach.
– Former captain of SKA St. Petersburg, leading his team to the Russian National Championships and earning a silver medal in the 1998-1999 season.
– Captain of South Kent鈥檚 hockey team, leading them to their first New England Prep School Ice Hockey Championship in 2004.
– Played Division I hockey at RPI and professionally in Europe.
– As a coach, he has led South Kent鈥檚 teams to multiple USPHL and National Championships, including the 18U National Title in 2017-2018.

Dillon Duncan 鈥�04
– South Kent alum and Director of Constituent Engagement.
– Played USHL hockey for the Lincoln Stars, Division I hockey at Mercyhurst College, and professionally in Europe for two years.
– Recruited and Coached the inaugural U18AAA team at South Kent, 鈥�23 – 鈥�24

Rich Brande 鈥�88, P鈥�24
– A proud South Kent graduate who played at UConn and in the minor professional leagues.
– Former Director of Admissions at South Kent and leader in launching the South Kent Selects Hockey Academy, Currently Director of Engagement & Stewardship at SKS
– Recruited and Coached the inaugural U18AAA team at South Kent, 鈥�23 – 鈥�24

Todd Dougherty 鈥�90
– Current New England Scout for the Langley Rivermen (BCHL)
– Alumni scout for USA Hockey and former assistant coach.
– Played at Lake Forest College and Rochester Institute of Technology.
– Played 8 Professional sessions in the ECHL, CHL, CoHL, & WCHL

Paul Pechmann 鈥�87
– Captain and MVP of three sports (soccer , hockey, lacrosse) at SKS during his time on the Hillside.
– Was South Kent鈥檚 first ever New England Player of the Month, sponsored by the Hartford Whalers
– 16 years coaching Junior Hockey
– Head Coach and General Manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings
– Played for the UConn Huskies

This discussion promises to be insightful for parents, students, and alumni alike, with firsthand stories and expert advice on excelling in hockey while balancing academic and personal growth.

We hope you鈥檒l join us for this engaging event and learn more about the pathways available through South Kent鈥檚 hockey program and its remarkable network. Let鈥檚 celebrate South Kent鈥檚 proud hockey tradition together.

See the below QA Panel – please note the opening was not recorded but the majority of the QA portion is available online below.

Contact Lara Barrett to be added to the dial in.

SEE ALL SOUTH KENT SCHOOL MASTERCLASS TALKS

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淫人色欲社 is pleased to announce the launch of The Pathway Series alongside Masterclasses. Pathways is a dynamic program aimed at connecting our students with accomplished alumni, career experts, and notable figures across various fields. This series will offer our community an enriching platform to explore the diverse paths of success that South Kent alumni and other professionals have taken, demonstrating the enduring value of a Hillside education. ()

Designed to engage, educate, and inspire, The Pathway Series includes four unique components, each focusing on different aspects of career, academic, and personal growth. These events will provide real-world insights and mentorship opportunities that highlight the resilience and leadership qualities our students can aspire to emulate.

Pillars of the Series:

1. Alumni Stories
   Objective: Inspire students by sharing the unique journeys of South Kent alumni as they discuss career achievements, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
   Format: One-on-one interviews or panel discussions, followed by Q&A sessions, allowing current students to ask questions and engage directly with alumni.
   Purpose: To bring to life the many possible futures available to our students by showing how fellow alumni have leveraged their South Kent education to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
2. Hillside Masterclasses with the Head of School
   Objective: Hosted by Head of School Brian Sullivan, these masterclasses will invite alumni and special guests to speak on high-impact topics like leadership, innovation, and ethical decision-making.
   Format: Masterclasses and interactive workshops that encourage student participation and active discussion.
   Purpose: To foster intellectual curiosity and provide valuable life and career insights that can inspire students鈥� personal and professional growth.
3. Professional Pathways
   Objective: Offer students insights into a variety of professional fields, from finance and technology to public service and the arts, with real-world advice and career-building strategies from experts.
   Format: Career panels, breakout workshops, and networking sessions that provide practical guidance and actionable steps for career success.
   Purpose: To equip students with industry knowledge and mentorship that can help guide their future career decisions.
4. Performance Journeys
   Objective: Support student-athletes by featuring discussions with coaches, athletes, and sports industry professionals on achieving excellence both on and off the field.
   Format: Roundtable discussions, athlete spotlights, and skill-building workshops.
   Purpose: To inspire young athletes with firsthand accounts of perseverance and dedication, providing a roadmap for athletic and personal growth.

Get Involved: Calling Alumni and Guest Speakers

We invite our alumni to join The Pathway Series as guest speakers, mentors, and panelists, sharing insights and experiences that can shape the next generation of South Kent students. By participating, you have the unique opportunity to give back to the School and make a meaningful impact. Whether it is discussing career milestones, sharing valuable lessons, or mentoring students, your involvement will help reinforce the School鈥檚 Trinity of Values and mission.

Stewarding the Future

As we launch The Pathway Series, we look forward to welcoming alumni and guest speakers eager to share their expertise, motivate students, and strengthen the South Kent community. Together, we can guide and inspire the journeys of our current students and future generations.

For more information on how to get involved or attend, please contact Lara Hanson Barrett: barrettl@southkentschool.org

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