CHESTERTOWN — Students, parents, employees, trustees and community members came together to celebrate Kent School’s 12-member Class of 2025, a group that was recognized for its “embodiment of academic, artistic, athletic and moral excellence.”
The graduation ceremony was held June 4 in the M.V. “Mike” Williams Gymnasium.
In her opening remarks, Head of School Nancy Mugele said, “Kent School has given you an extraordinary foundation and instilled in you a love of learning — a love, I hope, that will last a lifetime. We have taught you how to think for yourself and how to ask good questions. You have learned many lessons inside and outside of the classroom, and have grown into empathetic, honorable and responsible citizens. And, I know you are ready to take your place in your new high school communities.”
Kirk Wright ’82, who grew up in Kennedyville on the farm across from Molly’s Place sporting goods store, delivered the keynote address.
Today, Wright lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and their teenage son.
He leads global demand generation for Storable, a technology provider serving the self-storage, marine, recreational vehicle and camping industries.
“It’s surreal to stand here today,” said Wright, whose educational path took him from Kent School to the Lawrenceville School to Vanderbilt University and ultimately to The University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned an MBA.
“I’ve worked with some of the world’s largest tech companies and traveled to over 25 countries,” said Wright. “But I can honestly say some of the most important things I ever learned, I learned right here at Kent School.”
“The secret I want to share is this: If you’ve been paying attention, you already have most of what you need to succeed,” said Wright.
He said that Kent School doesn’t just teach reading, art, science, music and math.
“These teachers have helped grow your emotional intelligence — how you treat people, how you handle setbacks, how you find courage,” Wright said.
“The words of the year you’ve had — joy, believe, imagine, grateful, connect, kindness, courage — are more than decorations. They’re skills. Real-world, grown-up, career-changing skills. And this year’s word, courage, might be the most important one of all. Because courage isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet voice that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’ Or, ‘I’ll introduce myself, even if it’s awkward.’ Or, ‘I’ll admit I was wrong.’”
As part of the ceremony, the following merit awards were presented.
• The Brian B. Kane Jr. Award, given to a seventh grader who demonstrates determined effort and quality academic work, and displays a helpful, cooperative and responsible attitude: Anderson Kaiser. This award is the only Kent School award with a monetary value.
• The Americanism Award, presented in recognition of the student who demonstrates the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service: Zac Gray. The award is presented by the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post 228 in Rock Hall in recognition of this student’s outstanding servant leadership, compassion and, most importantly, outstanding citizenship and service to the school. John and Genie Larrimore made the presentation.
• The Joan C. Merriken Award for Excellence in Literature, given in recognition of a student who demonstrates a love of literature, appreciation of and sensitivity to the writer’s art, and ability to use reading as a wellspring for rich self-expression: Mackie Zierfuss. The recipient of this award exemplifies a profound passion for literature. She consistently engages in thought-provoking discussions, eagerly dives into her reading assignments and is excited to express her thoughts through writing.
• The Osprey Award, given in recognition of the student who best represents the most positive qualities of moral leadership and excellence to the Kent School community: Ava Goodall. Whether participating in the classroom, on the sports field or performing on stage, she continually motivated her classmates with positive affirmations and helpful suggestions and was an outstanding role model for younger students.
Finally, remarks were shared about each graduate as they were awarded their Certificate of Completion. Members of the Class of 2025 will be attending the following secondary schools, The Gunston School, Queen Anne’s County High School, St. James School and Woodberry Forest School.
