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Paul L. Abbott

haasej@southkentschool.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:05:25 +0000

Paul L. Abbott, 86, a longtime resident of Kent, CT, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was an educator who played many different roles at his beloved ��ɫ�� in South Kent, CT. He retired in 2014 after 49 years of dedicated service.

Born on September 26, 1939, in Newburgh, NY, he was the son of the late Nathaniel B. and Clara (Livingston) Abbott. Their example of unwavering devotion to teaching and interest in and respect for every member of the school community lived on in their son.

Paul grew up at the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York. Here, under the influence of brilliant educators, his passion for teaching was ignited. The interactions between faculty families and the Millbrook boys became his model for an ideal school community.

Situated in the rolling hills of Dutchess County, Millbrook School was the ideal place for our future ecologist to thrive. Paul and his siblings explored the diverse ecosystems of the beautiful campus. He was also involved in various projects in the evolving Trevor Zoo at the school.

Paul had a natural eye for photography. He was intrigued by the subtleties involved in the printing process. Long hours in the Millbrook darkroom perfected his skills. Paul covered all school activities, from sports to visiting lecturers, cultural events, and graduations. He graduated cum laude from Millbrook in 1957. Photography remained a lifelong hobby, and Paul built a darkroom in his Macedonia home.

At Kenyon College, Paul was enrolled in a liberal arts program. He thrived in the small classes. While he relished the new concepts learned in the arts, his passion for the logic and mysteries of science grew. He formed a deep friendship with one of his theology teachers and lasting relationships with some of the seminarians studying with him. Paul graduated cum laude in 1961.

He received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University in 1962. Paul’s goal was to teach in a boarding school, but he also wanted to experience the public-school environment. He started his teaching career at Staples High School in Westport, CT. He then taught at Uniondale High School in Uniondale, NY. In 1965, he came to the Hillside at ��ɫ��.

In the summer of 1962, a National Science Foundation Grant brought Paul to San Francisco State College, where he found Terese Wagner. He wooed her by mucking around in tide pools, swimming in the San Lorenzo River, walking among the redwoods, spending time in Carmel, and enjoying romantic evenings in San Francisco. His knowledge of poetry, deep theological discussions, commitment to family and teaching, and love of jazz won her heart. On July 4, 1964, at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, CA, he married the love of his life, Terese.

Paul brought his wife and infant daughter to ��ɫ�� in South Kent, CT, in the late summer of 1965. He was on duty from morning chapel services all the way through call-in at the end of the evening. He knew when the boys needed tough love or a peanut butter sandwich. He sympathized with them when they were sent home and rejoiced with them in both small and great achievements. He taught with great energy and love and lived by both the Millbrook School motto, “Not for One’s Self, But for All,” and ��ɫ��’s Trinity of Values: “Simplicity of Life, Self-Reliance, and Directness of Purpose.”

Following the example of his father at Millbrook School, Paul epitomized the best of boarding school teachers, wearing many hats with distinction. He was a master science teacher and served as Dean of Students, college guidance counselor, advisor, coach, business manager, Ambassador Program Director, and, at the end of his career, Senior Master.

Paul loved the beautiful town of Kent and felt compelled to give back to the community. He enjoyed politics and ran for Second Selectman at one time. The race was a close one. Following a recount, he was determined to have lost by a single vote. He also served on the Inland Wetlands Commission, the Zoning Board, and the Kent Center School Scholarship Committee.

Wanting to increase his knowledge and enrich his teaching, Paul spent several summers studying under National Science Foundation grants. In 1966, he and his young family headed to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. In the summer of 1968, he studied at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. During the summers of 1971 and 1972, Paul and Terese loaded their VW bus with food, clothing, paper, crayons, books, games, and their two young daughters, destined for California. Pulling a pop-up camper over the mountains was quite the adventure. Luckily, gas was selling for $.19 a gallon. He spent 1971 at NASA and 1972 at Stanford University. At the time, researchers were making massive advances in computing and analyzing data from the moon landing. The dinner table conversations were fascinating.

Paul was present at 49 Prize Day ceremonies honoring South Kent students. This included his daughters, Kate (1982) and Ruth (1984). For a brief period in the 1970s and 1980s, South Kent opened its doors to local girls as day students. Paul’s final year at South Kent coincided with the graduation of his grandson, Corey Greenberg (2014).

The dedication of the 1971 yearbook honored Paul and read:

“If there are perfect people in the world, then Mr. Abbott is one of them. He is an excellent teacher, advisor, and friend. In his classroom, anyone who has the slightest desire to learn, learns. Late in the night, sitting in his living room, he can make the days and weeks you have spent worthwhile and make the days ahead seem even more exciting than you thought possible.”

��ɫ�� established the Paul and Terese Abbott Cup more than two decades ago. It is awarded to a one-year postgraduate student who, during his time at ��ɫ��, most embodies the principles of the School. This year’s recipient will be attending Suffolk University in the fall.

In addition to his loving wife, Paul is survived by two daughters, Kate Abbott of Fairfax, VA, and Elizabeth Ruth Greenberg and her husband, Elliot, of Kent, CT. He is also survived by a brother, Donald B. Abbott of North Andover, MA, and a sister, Betsy Elkins of Syracuse, NY. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Sebastian, Joaquin, and Jacian Perez; Dillon Greenberg and his wife, Catherine; Kyle Greenberg and his wife, Kristen; and Corey Greenberg and his wife, Krystal; as well as a great-grandson, Paul James Greenberg.

A memorial service at St. Michael’s Chapel at ��ɫ�� will be announced in the fall.

In remembrance of Paul’s life and service, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to ��ɫ�� to establish the Paul Abbott Fund for Faculty Development. Gifts may be made online through the School’s giving page or sent directly to ��ɫ��, 40 Bulls Bridge Road, South Kent, CT 06785. Please designate “Paul Abbott” when making your gift.

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South Kent Celebrates Trimester 3 Honor Roll Students

andersong@southkentschool.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:59:48 +0000

��ɫ�� is proud to recognize the academic achievements of our students who have earned a place on the Trimester 3 Honor Roll. Their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to finishing the year strong embody the values of the Hillside and set a powerful example for our community.

View the

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��ɫ�� Launches Big Brother Program, Announces Inaugural Student Leaders

andersong@southkentschool.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:25:43 +0000

��ɫ�� is proud to announce the launch of its new Big Brother program, set to begin in the 2026–2027 academic year. Designed to strengthen community and ease the transition for incoming students, the program will pair new Cardinals with experienced student leaders who will serve as mentors, role models, and trusted guides throughout their first year on the Hillside.

The initiative reflects South Kent’s ongoing commitment to fostering connection, character development, and a supportive residential experience. Through regular check-ins, shared activities, and informal guidance, Big Brothers will help new students navigate academic expectations, dorm life, and the many traditions that define a South Kent education.

At the final all-school assembly of the 2025–2026 academic year, the School proudly introduced the inaugural group of student leaders selected to serve as Big Brothers. Chosen for their leadership, integrity, and commitment to their Hillside community, these students will play a foundational role in shaping the program and setting the tone for years to come.

“This program is about connection and responsibility,” said Assistant Head of School, Lindsey Lefevre. “Our student leaders understand what it means to support one another, and they’re ready to help our new students feel welcomed, confident, and prepared from day one.”

South Kent’s Big Brother program will officially launch in the fall, with training and planning already underway to ensure a meaningful and lasting impact. As South Kent looks ahead to the 2026–2027 academic year, the program reflects the School’s mission in action, highlighting a community committed to developing thoughtful, engaged young men of purpose.

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��ɫ�� Celebrates Decision Day 2026

Sarah Chase — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:37:22 +0000

��ɫ�� proudly celebrated Decision Day on Monday, May 11, 2026, as members of the Class of 2026 formally announced their college acceptances and postgraduate pathways. This annual tradition marks a defining moment on the Hillside, one that reflects years of hard work, focus, and personal growth.

Decision Day is more than a celebration of outcomes; it is a reflection of each student’s journey. Whether pursuing higher education, advancing in athletics, or taking the next step through specialized programs, our graduates embody the School’s commitment to preparing young men for lives of meaning and impact.

This year’s announcements include commitments to a wide range of institutions and opportunities, including:

University of Colorado Boulder
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Howard University
Clarkson University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of South Florida
Connecticut College
St. Lawrence University
Princeton University
Suffolk University
Occidental College
University of Montevallo
University of Miami
Brown University
Indiana University Bloomington
Trinity College
Chicago State University
Western New England University

In addition, several students will pursue elite junior hockey opportunities with organizations including:

New Hampshire Avalanche
Erie Otters
Philadelphia Little Flyers
Chicago Steel

“Decision Day is one of the most meaningful moments of the year,” said Head of School Brian Sullivan. “It represents not just where our students are going, but who they have become. These are young men of character, resilience, and purpose. We are proud of each of them and excited for what lies ahead. They leave the Hillside ready for the rapidly-changing world ahead.”

As the Class of 2026 prepares to take their next steps, the South Kent community celebrates their achievements and the enduring values that will guide them forward.

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Lawrence H. Jenkins ’74

haasej@southkentschool.org — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:25:51 +0000

Passed away in May 2026.

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Pathways Series: Careers in Sports Inspires Students

Sarah Chase — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:58:34 +0000

On April 22nd, ��ɫ�� welcomed students and faculty to the Hillside for the last installment of our Pathways Series panels, Careers in Sports. The panel featured two accomplished professionals whose journeys from athletics to leadership roles on the global stage offered powerful insights into teamwork, communication, and career adaptability.

Whit Mitchell ’72, CEO & President of Working InSync and former renowned crew coach at Dartmouth, brought both humor and depth to the conversation. Reflecting on his time on the Hillside, Whit shared memorable and often funny stories that resonated with students while reinforcing a central theme: the importance of being a great teammate. Drawing from decades of experience advising CEOs and professional sports organizations, he emphasized that effective communication is not one-size-fits-all.

Through interactive exercises, Whit engaged students in exploring personality attributes, demonstrating how leaders must adapt their communication styles to bring out the best in individuals. His message was clear: understanding how others think and operate is essential to building strong, high-performing teams.

Michael Donaghey, Senior Director of Global Safety & Security at PayPal and former Deputy Chief Security Officer for the NBA, shared a compelling and deeply personal journey. From his days as a student-athlete at Brown University where he competed in both football and baseball to a career-altering injury that shifted his path, Michael spoke candidly about resilience, reinvention, and the importance of being a good teammate on the court and in life.

He went on to serve in the United States Secret Service, protecting two U.S. Presidents and traveling the world, before transitioning into leadership roles in professional sports and global security. Today, his work focuses on protecting people and organizations in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Michael highlighted the growing sophistication of bad actors in the digital space and offered practical advice on how individuals can better protect themselves. His message underscored the importance of awareness, vigilance, and adaptability in a world where security challenges are constantly evolving.

Together, the panelists reinforced that the lessons learned through athletics teamwork, communication, perseverance, and leadership extend far beyond the field. Students left with a deeper understanding of how those skills can translate into meaningful and dynamic careers across industries.
The Pathways Series continues to provide South Kent students with unique access to alumni and industry leaders, offering real-world perspectives that inspire and inform their journeys beyond the Hillside.

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North Campus in Bloom: Students Grow Flowers for Prize Day

Sarah Chase — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:35:01 +0000

As spring takes hold on the Hillside, South Kent is doing more than preparing for the season. It is growing it. This year, for the first time, many of the ornamental flowers that will define the beauty of Main Campus for Prize Day and Alumni Weekend are being cultivated by students at North Campus.

Through a new pilot program, the North Campus afternoon work crew has taken on the challenge of growing decorative plantings on-site, creating a more sustainable, student-driven approach to campus beautification. The result is a full-circle effort. Flowers seeded, nurtured, and brought to life by students will ultimately be enjoyed by the entire community during some of the School’s most important moments of celebration.

Inside the hoophouse, students were tasked with a complex design challenge. They needed to expand production to include ornamental plants without sacrificing existing vegetable crops. Their solution was both efficient and inventive. By designing and constructing elevated growing platforms eighteen inches above the raised beds, they created a dual-use system that increases growing capacity while maintaining established yields.

Below, the original beds have been seeded with red clover, enriching the soil through carbon capture and supporting long-term ecological health. This layered approach reflects a thoughtful balance between productivity and sustainability.

Beyond the hoophouse, students have built two large seed-starting shelves equipped with LED grow lights. These systems have allowed them to begin cultivation earlier despite the challenges of a long and unpredictable winter. Ten varieties have already been started indoors and will soon transition to the hoophouse before making their way to Main Campus.

The program includes a vibrant mix of species, including begonias, Dusty Miller, coleus, dahlias, impatiens, nasturtium, salvia, zinnias, and dichondra. Together, these plantings will transform the campus landscape. This effort is made all the more meaningful by the fact that they have been grown by hand, on-site, by South Kent students.

This initiative represents more than seasonal preparation. It is a living example of student ownership, sustainability in practice, and the enduring connection between North Campus and the broader life of the School.

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South Kent’s Chris Birden Jr. ’26 Commits to Miami

andersong@southkentschool.org — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:18:24 +0000

��ɫ�� proudly congratulates Chris Birden Jr. ’26 on his commitment to the University of Miami. A dominant presence on the court, Chris has established himself as one of the top power forwards in prep basketball, earning the opportunity to continue his career at the Division I level.

Arriving on the Hillside from Louisiana, Chris has fully embraced the boarding school experience, developing into a confident and mature student leader. Both on and off the court, he has exemplified dedication, resilience, and character, using his time on the Hillside to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. On the court, Chris brings elite athleticism combined with knockdown 3-point shooting, making him a tough matchup on both ends. He rebounds at a high level and runs the floor extremely well in transition, creating constant pressure.

Chris’s growth on the Hillside is a direct reflection of South Kent’s individualized approach to player development. Through tailored and consistent training and a focus on both skill refinement and basketball IQ, he has used his time here with intention. That commitment has shaped him into a confident, mature player who understands the game at a high level and leads by example, fully maximizing every opportunity along the way.

“��ɫ�� is fortunate to have Chris on the Hillside and to feel the impact he has made on our basketball program. He’s an exceptional player and an even better young man. We’re excited to see him continue his journey at the University of Miami and will be cheering him on every step of the way!” – Director of Basketball, Craig Carter

The South Kent community looks forward to following his continued achievements in this next chapter. Congratulations, Chris!

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South Kent Lacrosse to Celebrate Senior Day on April 18

andersong@southkentschool.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:10:42 +0000

��ɫ�� will honor its graduating lacrosse seniors on Saturday, April 18, with a post-game celebration after their 3:30 p.m. matchup against Avon Old Farms. Senior Day is a chance for the entire Hillside community, families, teammates, coaches, faculty, and fans to celebrate the commitment, leadership, and impact these players have made on and off the turf, with all 7 seniors being multi-sport athletes.

Lacrosse Seniors Honored:
Robert K.
Brett M.
Kevin H.
Julian V.
Aidan Sh.
Issac P.
Aidan St.

The home game is expected to conclude around 5:00 p.m., with a post-game celebration to follow.

“Senior Day is a reflection of how far this program has come in a short time. Three years ago, we were revitalizing the program; now we’re celebrating a group of young men who helped build the standard, strengthen the culture, and show what South Kent Lacrosse can be. Their commitment, leadership, and belief in the program have pushed us forward, and this day is about honoring the role they’ve played in that growth.” said Head Coach, Rob Belger.

Families, alumni, and friends are encouraged to attend the game and ceremony as we celebrate these seniors and thank them for the legacy they leave behind.

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South Kent’s Tomass Rutulis ’26 Commits to Princeton

andersong@southkentschool.org — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:58:01 +0000

��ɫ�� is proud to congratulate 18U Prep goaltender Tomass Rutulis ’26 on his recent commitment to Princeton University. A standout on the ice and in the classroom, Rutulis has distinguished himself as one of the premier goaltenders at the prep level, earning the opportunity to continue his academic and athletic career at an Ivy League.

Arriving on the Hillside as a Third Former from his home in Latvia, Rutulis has fully embraced the boarding school experience, developing into a confident and mature student leader. Both on and off the ice, he has exemplified dedication, resilience, and character, using his time on the Hillside to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Over his three years with the Hockey program, Rutulis has been a cornerstone in net, known for his consistency, composure, and relentless work ethic. His ability to rise to the moment has made him a trusted presence for his team and a respected leader within the program.

“Tomass has time and time again demonstrated that he is one of the top goaltenders at this level over his last three years at South Kent,” said 18U Prep Head Coach Ryan Bliss. “The consistency he brings in his compete level and work ethic every day is second to none, and it has been a pleasure to coach him for the last three years. We are very excited for Tomass and his family and look forward to following his continued successes beyond South Kent.”

At Princeton, Rutulis will continue to shine on the ice while being challenged academically, well-prepared for success in all aspects of college life. The South Kent community looks forward to following his continued achievements in this next chapter. Congratulations, Tomass!

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