A Masterpiece of Ingenuity
In South Kent School’s history, there is one senior prank that stands out as a masterpiece of ingenuity and creativity. It was 2012, a Sunday night shrouded in secrecy, when a group of seniors orchestrated a prank that would go down in the school’s lore as one of the best ever pulled off. Under the cover of darkness, they snuck into the Assembly Room and carefully replaced the portraits of the Head of School with brilliantly doctored reproductions.
What made this prank so remarkable was not just the execution, but the the likenesses were so convincing that many members of the school community didn’t even notice the switch until it was pointed out to them a few days later.
Among the altered portraits were Daniel DeRocco as Samuel Slater Bartlett, Patrick Magliano as Wynne Wister, Alexandre Poulin as Amy Lyon, Sotirios Athanasopoulos as Richard Cuyler, Benjamin Welton as George Bartlett, James O’Connor as Noble Richards, and Thomas Coleman as Samuel Woodward. These clever substitutions not only showcased the seniors’ creativity but also their knowledge of the school’s history and its notable figures.
Head of School at the time, Andrew Vadnais, was quick to praise the seniors for their prank. In an interview following the incident, Vadnais described it as the best prank he had seen during his tenure at the school. He commended the seniors for their wit and humor, as well as for their consideration in not causing any damage during the process. The attention to detail and subtle approach to replace these historic paintings with care received admiration and applause from both faculty and students.
The 2012 senior prank became a cherished memory for the South Kent School community. It was a reminder of the camaraderie and spirit that thrived within the student body, as well as the importance of laughter and good-natured fun. Even years later, alumni still reminisce about the prank with fondness, a testament to its lasting impact.
Do you have your own South Kent School prank stories to share? Contact the Alumni Team and let us know.