Letter from the Head of School

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Progress and Growth, Even in Times of Crisis

VP

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, in last year’s Bulletin, my letter focused on Kiski’s tuition reset plan. Launched in October 2019, this new initiative lowered our tuition to be 20% less than the average cost at peer boarding schools. The reset was an unqualified success, producing a dramatic increase in inquiries and applications. As of early January, projections based on historic yield rates indicated that we were on course for a record opening enrollment for the 2020-21 school year.

And then, COVID-19 struck.

We sent the boys home for spring break in early March. Just a few weeks later, we announced that classes would be delivered online starting in April, with students working from home for the rest of the year. Our remote-learning program earned strong reviews, thanks in large part to the impressive adaptability of our students, their families, and the extraordinary efforts of our teachers.

As we began developing our reopening plan for September, we recognized that some of our students wouldn’t be able to return right away due to travel restrictions. We also knew that some parents wouldn’t want their sons to be away from home during the pandemic. Aiming to keep all of our students engaged and enrolled until they could all join us on campus, we developed a single integrated program called ONE Kiski to allow both in-person and online learning to happen simultaneously and seamlessly. The program was positively received by parents since it offered them maximum flexibility in deciding when and how their son would return to school, ensuring an uninterrupted educational experience in the meantime.

In early September, we opened the new school year with an enrollment of 172 students with 80% on campus and the rest studying remotely. We had six months without boys here and their return brought unique joy and enthusiasm that had been absent for too long. Our comprehensive Health & Safety Plan, which goes above and beyond CDC guidelines, has kept everyone well in an environment that limits outside exposure. The rapid-testing program we developed has allowed for safe athletic competition this fall. Masks and social-distancing notwithstanding, the school year continues to unfold positively and productively.

As much as daily operations have been running smoothly, COVID-19 has created some real financial challenges for Kiski this year. Summer programs, which are normally a major source of revenue, were canceled. Like all boarding schools and colleges, we’ve experienced a drop in enrollment and, at the same time, we’ve seen an increase in tuition aid as a result of financial stress on families. Taken together, these factors have created a significant financial gap, one that we are working to resolve with the help and support of those who have a special place in their heart for our school.

Recognizing that planning for the future is always necessary, even during a pandemic, we distributed our latest Strategic Plan last month, A Boys’ School of High Order. The title is a tribute to Kiski’s founder, Andrew Wilson. In Kiski’s first catalog, printed in 1888, Dr. Wilson stated that his goal was to establish “a boys’ school of high order that would prepare graduates to enter any American

"There are certainly some challenges on the horizon for this year. And yet, as always, with those challenges come new opportunities for growth and success."

college or scientific school.” In the interceding 132 years, our school has grown and changed in remarkable ways. Our new plan outlines an ambitious vision for Kiski’s future. With your backing, we will continue our growth, undeterred by the global health crisis.

A key part of this deliberate growth began in early 2020 with a comprehensive review of campus culture. Like the tuition reset that preceded the economic strain caused by the pandemic, the development of a Diversity Action Plan proved serendipitous. Candid conversations with students, parents, and alumni supplied us with valuable insights well before similar conversations were happening with greater intensity across the nation.

Armed with broader perspectives, we published our Diversity Action Plan in August. The plan contains words that have been politicized to a degree that can obscure their meanings. In our setting, we use “anti-racist” in the same way we do “anti-bullying.” That is, it’s not enough not to bully others; our expectation is that if you see someone being bullied, you will stand up and speak out. So too with racism. That ideal is altogether consistent with the principles and values that have always guided Kiski and a noble standard to which we should hold all members of our school community.

There are certainly some challenges on the horizon for this year. And yet, as always, with those challenges come new opportunities for growth and success. The unwavering support and kind words of encouragement all of you have offered during these unprecedented times have been very much appreciated by everyone here.

We look forward to a time when we can welcome you back to campus, hopefully sometime soon!

With all good wishes,

Chris Brueningsen Head of School

132 YEARS OF COMMENCEMENT TRADITIONS

Kiski’s end-of-year activities were moved online in order to celebrate the Class of 2020 virtually until we can safely welcome them back to campus for a more traditional closing during the spring of 2021. Speakers recorded their remarks separately. Dr. Olear put together a video that was shared via our website.

TO VIEW THE AWARDS AND COMMENCEMENT VIDEOS, VISIT YOUTUBE.COM/THEKISKISCHOOL

May 24, 2020

HONORS CONVOCATION AND SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY

Cum Laude Speaker, Haotian Wu ’20, opened the first of our two virtual ceremonies. He focused on the journey he shared with the Kiski community that led the group to and through the challenges of the final weeks of remote learning. Haotian, sharing his recording from his home in China, spoke fondly of overcoming language barriers during the summer session before the start of his first Kiski year. He acknowledged he has come a long way from accidentally signing up for American football while thinking he was going to join the soccer team.

Ultimately, he credited the full community for helping him to adjust. “Together, we have formed countless discussion groups, finished hundreds of group projects, completed all kinds of Spanish conversations, spent days and hours in the library studying, and also just hanging out, or talking, or playing video games,” he said.

Learning Center Director, and parent of both T.J. ’18 and Christian ’20, Mrs. Darcie Spahn pondered the concept of life being a gigantic jigsaw puzzle that needs to be solved. “Some puzzles—the best ones—take a lifetime to construct,” Mrs. Spahn stated. She echoed a sentiment shared by many Kiski faculty members, that “perseverance is something that is instilled in every Kiski student, as they move on their different paths.” She advised the boys to continue improving their strategies for solving puzzles they will encounter, and to keep avoiding approaches that include procrastinating.

The CEO for the Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education (FAME), Mr. Darryl Wiley, offered his own advice to the Class of 2020, while recognizing the senior FAME Scholars – Kiski Boys that received tuition assistance from FAME. His inspirational guidance touched on six themes: listen to your parents, trust your genius, there is no substitute for hard work, love on those closest to you, remember the values and all that you learned at FAME, and find the opportunity in this crisis.

The final speaker was, Mr. James Perry, who was departing after 11 years of service to Kiski in multiple roles. The multitalented Mr. Perry may have been best known as the head coach for Kiski’s football team. Coach Perry drew from that experience to share football metaphors and pass along his “gems” and “nuggets” to the viewers.

He emphasized the importance of preparation by stating, “If you fail to prepare, to perform at a high level during the week, you will not be able to perform at a high level on game day. This axiom, you will find, applies to every facet of your life.”

Similarly, he cautioned against apathy concerning perceptions of your own talent. “Effort takes no talent. You can perform at the highest levels as long as you are willing to put forth the highest level of effort,” he bellowed in a tone he used to capture the attention of locker rooms and classrooms full of teenage boys during his Kiski career.

His parting advice highlighted perhaps the biggest advantage of learning in a boarding school environment. “Don’t ignore the lessons learned on bus rides, in the schoolyards, at the kitchen table, at formal dinner. All of your learning here at Kiski and beyond will not take place in a classroom,” he remarked.

Many Kiski Boys were recognized individually with awards for applying a mixture of their own talents and efforts. They were all dared to contemplate their own experiences, strategies, and circumstances by the enlightening collection of speakers.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS English Department Achievement Award: Sulayman Bah ’23, Robert Burr ’22, Cato Legaspi ’21

Fine Arts Department Achievement Award: Antonio Stabile ’23, Timothy Allshouse ’22, Shantao Xu ’21

History Department Achievement Award: Isaac Weissman-Markovitz ’23, Alex Figueroa ’22, Griffin Hill ’21

Mathematics Department Achievement Award: Ian Bigler ’23, Kirill Lazebnyy ’22, Shantao Xu ’21

Science Department Achievement Award: Ian Bigler ’23, Noah Bole ’22, Giovanni Cicala ’21

Inventionland Institute’s Certificate of

Excellence– given to those students who exemplify the highest levels of innovation and engineering in the creation, design, and marketing of an original problemsolving invention: Jahmeir Adderley ’20, Solomon Brown ’21 for the invention of the Glow Cone Agility Builder.

World Languages Department Achievement Award: Ben Feinstein ’23, Chris Kendall ’22, Dante Parisotto ’21

NAMESAKE AWARDS

Bausch and Lomb Award– given to a member of the junior class in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of science: Yuelin Wang ’21

Blake-Hamill Award– given in memory of Joseph Blake and John Hamill, members of the Class of 1971, who perished in an automobile accident on the eve of graduation in 1970, established the following year to recognize a junior

COMMENCEMENT

of special promise who best exemplifies the spirit of Joseph Blake and John Hamill: Caleb Leechalk ’21

Bortz Sophomore Improvement Award –given to a sophomore who has shown marked improvement throughout the year in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities: Omer Shahar ’22

Bortz Junior Improvement Award –given to a junior who has shown marked improvement throughout the year in academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities: Ewaen Osunde ’21

Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and

Social Sciences – attained by a member of the junior class in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the Humanities and Social Sciences:

Eric Gary ’21

George Eastman Young Leaders

Award – given to a member of the junior class who has shown outstanding school leadership as well as academic achievement: Caleb Leechalk ’21

Mathias Award – given to a member of the junior class who adheres to the highest personal standards and at all times displays chivalrous conduct on the athletic field as personified by Robert Mathias, Class of 1949: Cato Legaspi ’21

King Award – given in loving memory of Coltart King, Class of 1970, to the member of the junior class who has earned the highest scholastic average:

Giovanni Cicala ’21

Rensselaer Medal – to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men, to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology, and awarded to promising secondary school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and in science: Giovanni Cicala ’21

Xerox Award for Innovation and

Information – for outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches, and appreciation of the possibilities of technology: Devon Root ’21

ADDITIONAL HONORS

Cum Laude Society – is based on academic excellence, scholarship and love of learning, consistency in performance with special attention to achievement in grades 11 and 12, degree of difficulty of course load, and character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of school life:

Patrick Jacob ’20, Gaoyongqi Pan ’20, Shijie Rao ’20, Stephen Watson ’20, Giovanni Cicala ’21, Caleb Leechalk ’21

Fund for Advancement of Minorities

through Education (FAME) Scholars –Students of exceptional promise that earned the financial scholarships and mentoring support of FAME to further their studies with all the advantages offered by the life-changing Kiski experience. Archie Kimbrough ’20,

Omari Johnson ’20, Xavier Lyons ’20, Micah Tillman ’20

Colonel John J. Daub Society – recognizing students who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to community service in memory of Col. Daub, Class of 1907 and longtime Kiski faculty member, for his service to his country and his School: Timothy

Allshouse ’22, Nicklas Darrington ’20, Alex Figueroa ’22, Eric Gary ’21, Thomas Heatherington ’23, Patrick Jacob ’20, Matthew Lampard ’21, Caleb Leechalk ’21, Binghan Li ’21, Ewaen Osunde ’21, J.P. Suozzi ’20, Zixuan Wang ’22, Haotian Wu ’20, Yuzhi Xie ’20, Xiaoyu Zhao ’21, Zhengyang Zhou ’22

Outstanding Big Brother Award – given to boys that serve as exemplary members of Kiski’s mentoring program created to ease the transition of new students into the community: Timothy Allshouse ’22,

Zhengyang Zhou ’22

Leadership Awards: Ben Feinstein ’23, Amani Clark-Bey ’22, Yuelin Wang ’21

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Carl L. Arnold Award for Excellence in Mathematics: Haotian Wu

Bates Award– given in memory of William Palmer Bates ’29, killed in service to his country in 1945, to a senior who most exemplifies the qualities of honor, sacrifice and concern for others through dedication to his school and country: Coby Schwartz

Eugene L. Biddle Award for Excellence in Science: Haotian Wu

Bortz Improvement Award– given to a senior who has shown marked improvement throughout the year in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities: Liam Howe

Clifford Brett Award– recognizes a junior who has been elected the next Head Prefect of The Kiski School: Caleb Leechalk ’21

William V. Grier ’14 Award– recognizes a senior who has compiled the highest scholastic average: J.P. Suozzi

Kiski Award– presented to a graduating senior who in the opinion of the faculty and the Head of School through his scholastic achievement, leadership, breadth of interest and high personal standards has been of greatest value to the School: Patrick Jacob Kiski International Award– recognizes a senior international student who has made a significant contribution to The Kiski School community through his proven leadership and active participation in organizations and extra-curricular activities: Mark Shoebridge

John A. Lombardo Award for Excellence in World Languages: J.P. Suozzi

William H. McKillop Award–recognizes a graduating senior who in the opinion of the faculty has at all times displayed chivalrous conduct on the athletic field: Christopher Rubino

Joseph H. Millar Award for Excellence in English: Alexander Stewart

John A. Pidgeon Head of School Award–presented to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty and the Head of School and through exemplary accomplishments, dedicated leadership and uncompromising habits of mind and heart, embodies the admirable qualities and high standards of Mr. John A. Pidgeon, who served The Kiski School as a teacher, coach, and Head of School for 45 years: Christian Spahn

Harry A. Stuhldreher Award– given in memory of Harry Stuhldreher ’21 to a senior who has made an outstanding contribution to the School’s athletic program: Micah Tillman

Russell C. Swank Jr. Award– given in memory of Russ Swank Jr., Class of 1942, to a member of the senior class whose optimistic outlook and positive school spirit has had a beneficial impact on his classmates and our school: Ben Nauenberg

E. William Turley, Jr. Memorial Award–

given in loving memory of E. William Turley ’64, to a senior who most closely embodies the qualities of gentleness, propriety, and concern for others that so personified Bill Turley: Dylan Pettes

United States Naval Academy Appointments: Anthony Fiallo, Andrew Sowinski, and Matthew Sowinski

United States Merchant Marine Appointment: Coby Schwartz

Zachary J. Vlahos Award– for Excellence in History: Ben Nauenberg

Andrew W. Wilson Award– presented in memory of Kiski’s first Head of School, to a senior who best exemplifies the principles on which Dr. Wilson’s beloved School was founded: Faith, Humility, and Tolerance: J.P. Suozzi

Jacob E. Zeigler Award– recognizes a senior who in the opinion of the faculty has contributed the most cheer to the school year: Reese Bole

Excellence in Drama Award: Christopher Rubino

Excellence in Fine Arts Award: William Gillis

Creative Writing Award: Stephen Watson

Excellence in Fine Arts Award: Tianyang Xu

Faculty Appreciation Award: Tim Burgartz, Caleb Commandant, Nicklas Darrington

COMMENCEMENT

May 27, 2020

KISKI’S 132ND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

The Paradise Hall bell rang 20 times to announce the start of a unique commencement ceremony. The rite is usually held in the Yukevich Quadrangle. Occasionally, weather forces the gathering of Kiski Boys, their families, and friends inside. This year, the tradition was moved to a virtual environment.

Kiski families honored their graduates with small in-home viewing parties. Graduation ties, typically distributed to the seniors during a breakfast before graduation, were distributed before the boys left campus. Diplomas and other awards were mailed before graduation.

Head Prefect and Class Speaker, Patrick Jacob ’20, offered a solution to a challenge caused by the virtual setting. “I am going to pause in my speech whenever I think I said something funny because I’m sure you’re going to be laughing,” he joked. Patrick was known for sharing a groan-inducing witticism during each of his morning meeting addresses.

Patrick reflected on some of his fondest memories that included the boisterous celebration following the announcement of two Kiski Boys acceptances into their dream schools during a prefect meal at the Head of School’s house. “The roars that happened when Tony Wang ['19] got into U-Penn could be heard at summer camp hill. They were even louder when Brayant Garcia ['19] got into Harvard,” Patrick reflected.

The President of Kiski’s Board of Trustees, Mr. John Jacob ’89, spoke of how the current class will join other unique classes from Kiski’s history. Before introducing the parent speaker, he said, “although this will be a talking point for you for the remainder of your lives, I would suggest, like those before and those that will come after you, that your unique pandemic period of time will not define you, and will be simply a profound talking point.”

Mrs. Monica Tillman, mother of Micah ’20, echoed those thoughts sharing, “this class will truly go down in history as young men who triumphed in spite of adversity they faced.” She framed the moment by complimenting the ability of the School and its students to move from a brick and mortar structure to a virtual learning environment.

She also shared recollections of conversations with her son from each year that he attended Kiski. The comment she recalled from Micah’s sophomore year was

(Top left:) Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. John Jacob '89 addresses the virtual crowd.

(Top right): Head Prefect and Class Speaker Patrick Jacob '20 adds his remarks.

(Bottom left): Head of School Chris Brueningsen offers final thoughts.

(Bottom right): Parent Speaker Mrs. Monica Tillman speaks from her experience as a Kiski Mom.

(Top left, top right, and bottom left): Seniors are introduced individually with a slideshow of photos.

(Bottom right): Valedictorian J.P. Souzzi '20 reflects on the odd circumstances of his class' final year.

especially amusing, “Mom, your hormones and my hormones are clashing. I like [Assistant Athletic Director and Ethics and Personal Development Department instructor] Mrs. Muster because she’s teaching me to deal with you.”

Her memory of a conversation during the spring of 2020 carried a deeper message. “Mom, you can stop worrying about me. You and Dad raised me right. I’m not a little kid anymore. I’m glad I went to Kiski. Kiski was the place for me. I’m ready to go away to college. I’m prepared. I want the chance to live life and make my own choices,” Mrs. Tillman recalled.

Typically, graduates are called to the stage to receive their diplomas following the Parent Speaker’s remarks. This year, a slideshow of photos was played for each boy after his name was read by Associate Head of School Mark Novom.

Once the last name was read, Valedictorian J.P. Suozzi ’20 shared his reflections on the current situation. “No matter how much we wished things were different, the outcome isn’t going to change. In a world where everything seems out of our control, we have to latch on to what we can control, our outlook,” he said. He closed with a challenge. “My fellow classmates, I ask you not to let our last meeting be that day before spring break. Don’t let this Kiski brotherhood sink to the back of our minds until it is just a memory. Let’s make an effort to see each other again,” J.P. stated.

Head of School Chris Brueningsen

closed the program by offering his praise of the Kiski Boys. “Under tough circumstances, you transitioned to learning online, and we all made the best of an imperfect hand that was dealt to us,” he reflected.

He concluded with a message of hope for the Class of 2020 and Generation-Z as a whole. “Even beyond COVID-19, the challenges facing your generation are big and urgent. Securing peace in a time of global conflict, bringing stability to a troubled world economy, finding cures for cancer and developing projects that will save the planet. You should probably get to work on all of that. Not right now, but sometime soon. More than any time in recent history, we need a heroic generation to lead us. A real measure of a generation’s strength is how they come together to master the challenges of their time,” he said.

We can look forward to the Class of 2020’s many returns, and updates concerning how they are confronting the trials of this era. In the short term, the virtual ceremony offered an opportunity to call the class together from all corners of the world and remind them that although their most recent departure from campus was abrupt and jarring, Kiski will forever be their home. Their returns will always be welcomed and celebrated occasions. They will always be Kiski Boys.

COMMENCEMENT

The Bole family found substitute “Old Main Steps” were they could celebrate Resse Bole's ’20 commencement. Future Kiski grad, Noah Bole ’22 joined their parents David and Heather for the virtual commencement photo. Congrats, Reese! Well before yards were crowded with election signs, families across the nation used them to honor their graduates, like this one for Archie Kimbrough IV ’20. If you want to reuse that, you’ve got our vote, Archie! What if your Kiski brother...is your actual brother too? You get him to present your diploma following your virtual commencement. Quinn Commandant ’17 welcomed his brother Caleb ’20 to the alumni family.

Hey, Post Office friends! You’re going to need a bigger truck! The Lance Tacke ’68 Room was filled with packages for the senior class. Each was stuffed with a custom set of commencement items. Kiski seniors and their families shared photos of their commencement celebrations from all over the world. They each received a package that included graduation materials sent from Old Main to the farthest corners of Kiski's virtual campus.

Those are some bright graduation smiles! Kiski Parents (now of an alumnus) Teresa and John with their newly confirmed high school graduate Grant Lumley ’20. #ParentsGraduateToo This year, commencement was carried across the globe. Jose Coto ’20 held a Kiski Commencement party with his family in the Dominican Republic. We see Crunch bars, Redi-whip and maple syrup (maple syrup?!?), and we are in!

THE KISKI SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 MATRICULATION LIST

The Class of 2020 is composed of 75 young men who through their experiences at Kiski, are prepared to succeed in college and in life. They have chosen to further their learning and continue their education at the following institutions:

The University of Alabama Allegheny College (PA) Community College of

Allegheny County (PA) American University (DC) Arizona State University – Tempe Babson College (MA) Bellarmine University (KY) Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Boston University (MA) University of California, Davis University of California, San Diego California University of Pennsylvania Case Western Reserve University (OH) Chatham University (PA) University of Cincinnati (OH) University of Connecticut Davidson College (NC) Dickinson College (PA) Drew University (NJ) Elon University (NC) University of Exeter (England) Fisher College (MA) Franklin and Marshall College (PA) University of Georgia Hampden-Sydney College (VA) High Point University (NC) Indiana University of Pennsylvania John Carroll University (OH) Johnson & Wales University (RI) Lycoming College (PA) Universidad Europea de Madrid (Spain) University of Maine Missouri Valley College University of Montevallo (AL) Morehouse College (GA) Mount Allison University (Canada) New York University North Central College (IL) University of Northern Colorado Old Dominion University (VA) Pontifica Universidad Catolica,

Madre y Maestra (Dominican Republic) University of Pittsburgh Queens University of Charlotte (NC) University of Richmond (VA) University of Rochester (NY) Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) Robert Morris University (PA) Saint Mary's University (Canada) Southwestern University (TX) St. Thomas University (FL) Texas State University Thomas Jefferson University (NJ) United States Merchant

Marine Academy (NY) United States Naval Academy (MD) Valparaiso University (IN) University of Waterloo (Canada) Westmoreland County

Community College (PA) Wheeling University (WV) William Penn University (IA) The College of Wooster (OH)