I Am SKS: Kenzo Sadiku ’23
by Sarah Fulton ’09

People who are just getting to know SKS often wonder, “What are the characteristics of a typical Storm King School student?” If you are searching for someone who reflects our core values and culture, and represents SKS to a ‘T’, meet Kenzo Sadiku, a member of the Class of 2023 with his roots in Nigeria and his future dreams in New York City. From his contributions to our community as a co-president of the Black Student Union (BSU) and manager of the boys basketball team to his support of great causes as a National Honor Society (NHS) member and his talents in theatre and visual arts, Kenzo leads by example. This ‘straight A’ student who is famous for his easygoing, goofy nature and wearing his signature trench coat plans to attend Fordham University in the fall to begin his studies in medicine. Here is what Kenzo has to say about his experience at SKS.

Q: Please tell us about your background.

“I’m from Lagos, Nigeria, but was born in San Diego, California. As I’d imagine for most people, where I’m from is a big part of who I am. My connection to the places that have helped make me who I am, and have influenced how I see life and how I think, will be an ever-evolving part of me. Remembering and understanding the places that have helped shape you, and how they’ve shaped you, is vital to understanding who you are as a person.” 

Q: How did you come to The Storm King School?

“Where I’m from, it’s fairly common practice to go abroad for a higher degree of education. Many people go to school in England, Canada, or here in the US. My family and I were already in New York somewhat frequently, so attending a school here just made sense. We came across Storm King and it was everything we were looking for, whether the curriculum, the location, or the community. I still remember my tour of the School and how Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson in the Admissions Office greeted me with big smiles; the way they spoke of this place and the tight-knit community it was; the beauty of campus in the spring, and especially the food. It seemed like a dream to me. Now, looking back only a few weeks away from graduation, it all couldn’t have been more true.”

Q: What has your experience at SKS been like? What challenges have you faced?

“There have been a few little bumps in the road over my three years here, mostly health-wise, but that’s a tale for another day. So many aspects of this place are wonderful, from the weekend trips to somewhere local or New York City, to Chef Andy’s food, Mr. Freeman’s introspective conversations, or the kindness I’ve felt having Mrs. Van Dunk as a teacher. In spite of everything wonderful here, the most significant to me is the relationships I’ve built. I’ve met some of the most interesting, caring, and intelligent people I feel like I’ll ever meet (and I’m not even 18 yet). At SKS, you meet people from all corners of the world, compare mindsets and experiences, and have conversations you’ll never forget.” 

Q: What are your goals for the future? Where do you think you’ll be?

I will attend Fordham University. I’ll definitely be in New York City, at least until I have a family. Then, I think I’ll move to California to live life just a little quieter, but that’s getting ahead of myself.  New York has become home to me, with the places and experiences having left such an imprint on me, it would feel wrong to leave now. It’s also an amazing location for the field I’d like to go into–medicine. Right now, my plan is to start driving down the lengthy road that leads to medical school, then to become a psychiatrist, but we’ll see what happens. I’m choosing psychiatry, specifically, because I just find us as people so interesting; the way we think and behave, why we do all the things we do, and where all of our mannerisms come from. I also really want to help people through physical hardships, so maybe psychiatry won’t be where I end up, but I’m aiming for medical school right now as a good place to start.”

Q: What would say looking back at your time at SKS?

“How many things am I allowed to say? One thing, I’m so glad I tried as many things as I did here where so many potential interests are within arm’s reach. Where else would I have discovered how much I enjoy acting and learning American Sign Language? In my years at SKS, I’ve grown so much as a person that I look back at when I got here a mere three years ago and feel like I’m looking back 10 years. I’ve evolved how I think and perceive the world in ways that I can’t imagine I could have in other places. Storm King has helped mold me into who I’m proud to be today. The things I’ve been a part of have made me feel like I’ve made impactful and helpful changes at this place that’s done so much in helping me become who I am.” 

Q: What will you remember the most?

“One experience that I hold dear to my heart is all the time I spent volunteering at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center on weekends, especially in my junior year. The memories I made with the children who I helped to teach chemistry, or sometimes gardening, easily bring a smile to my face every time I reminisce. I know that no amount of preparation can truly compose me for the wave of emotion that will overcome me the day I say goodbye to Storm King as a student for the last time. I’ll look back and wish I cherished more of my time here while I had it, like each and every alum I’ve spoken to long after graduation has expressed to me. So here I am, trying to make the most of the little time I have left as a senior, knowing this handful of weeks ahead of me can only be the icing on the wonderful cake Storm King has been.”