Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
In celebration of the School’s 150th anniversary, the Student Leadership Committee has launched a new initiative: The Storm King School Core Values Pin Award. The award recognizes students who act in ways that go above and beyond their daily roles and responsibilities, exemplifying the aspirations and ethical values of our School—values that are communicated through our Motto, Mission and Core Values. The award is a limited edition lapel pin featuring a historical version of the School’s crest, originally designed by Margaret Clarke—the School’s first female faculty member—in 1934. The first pins of the year were awarded to two seniors.
Joan “Kakazi” Kacyira ’18
Joan “Kakazi” Kacyira was presented the first pin by Student Leadership Committee Chair David Mendlewski for her leadership, guidance, and mentoring spirit as a dormitory RA. “I am thrilled to be presenting the first pin award of the year to this very deserving student who has exhibited true leadership while going above and beyond in her responsibilities,” said Mr. Mendlewsi. “Kakazi has been observed truly engaging with her dorm mates through meaningful conversations and spending time with them during meals and free time. Kakazi continually creates a positive tone in the dormitory and performs her job as an RA with grace, kindness and professionalism,” he said as he awarded her the pin.
Songjun “Jim” Ning ’18 and Joan “Kakazi” Kacyira ’18
The second pin was given to senior Songjun “Jim” Ning by faculty member ESL Department Chair Cathy Hecht for his garden work on campus last month. She began with a fitting quote from Benjamin Franklin: “A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds.” According to Mrs. Hecht, “several students were diligently working on the garden outside Orr Commons pulling weeds. Sonjung, who was excused from athletic practice that day, saw the work being done and stepped in to lead the others in their task. Then he put on gloves and helped the students remove weeds from the entire garden. This was a true act of leadership and teamwork fitting of both SKS and this award.”