Welcome to the Notable Alumni section, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable journeys and achievements of South Kent School graduates. From pioneering leaders in various fields to individuals making a meaningful impact in their communities, our alumni continue to inspire and embody the values instilled during their time on the Hillside. Join us as we explore the diverse stories and accomplishments of our esteemed graduates, showcasing the enduring legacy of excellence fostered at South Kent School.
Sean McFate, South Kent School class of ’88, has had a career unlike any other. He served as a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, worked as a paramilitary contractor, and operated in the private intelligence sector. His experiences are wide-ranging, including dealings with African warlords, raising armies for U.S. interests, conducting strategic … Read more
Learn more about Shayne on Wikipedia. As a standout defenseman for South Kent Hockey, Shayne was selected as the 78th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, thus beginning his professional hockey career in 2014. He finished with the Flyers as a runner-up in the 2015-16 NHL Rookie of the Year … Read more
Having studied English at South Kent, Columbia, and Cambridge, John went on to teach at the University of Iowa’s Writer’s Workshop, Harvard University, Brown University, Princeton University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Minnesota. His 77 Dream Songs won the 1965 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and its sequel, His Toy, His Dream, His Rest, … Read more
Ambassador Oakley graduated from Princeton, then served as a naval intelligence officer before joining the Foreign Service. He rose through the ranks, eventually serving as ambassador to these countries. He came out of retirement to negotiate the release of the American pilot captured in the Black Hawk Down incident in Somalia in 1993.
Charles Clark Reid (August 12, 1937 – June 1, 2019)[1] was an American painter, illustrator, and teacher, notable for his watercolor style.[2] He won numerous national and international awards for both his watercolor and oil works, and also hosted many workshops in the US and abroad. He published numerous books and instructional DVDs and created a postage stamp and an iconic ad campaign with his watercolor … Read more
John was drawn to the Middle East and the Palestine problem as a graduate student and worked with service groups before a career with the CIA, residing in Lebanon, Pakistan, Jordan, and Indonesia before retiring in 2005. Since then he has focused volunteer e!orts on local issues and served as an o”cer of several area … Read more
Edward Herbert Beresford “Chip“ Monck (born March 5, 1939) is an American Tony Award nominated lighting designer, most famously serving as the master of ceremonies at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. With his free-spirited demeanor, Chip was the embodiment of counter-culture charisma and stage presence in the 60’s and 70’s. His name is etched in history after being drafted as … Read more
While Will is renowned for his exceptional banking and business career, his contribution to the horse racing industry is another one of his legacies. His keen eye for selecting promising bloodlines has earned Will’s Lanes End Farm the reputation for producing top-tier stallions. In 1984, the Farish Family and Lanes End Farm hosted Queen Elizabeth … Read more
Chip Bettle is an innovator and inventor whose name is on 42 U.S. patents. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and Master of Engineering (Chemical) degrees from Cornell University. Bettle’s patents include a range of subjects, such as beverage and food containers, wastewater treatment, the biological process for reducing pollution in a body … Read more
Mark’s journey in architecture began at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied under Louis Kahn, and then at Cambridge University, where he was a student of Sir Leslie Martin. Mark’s passion led him to teach at the University of Pennsylvania for over 20 years before founding his #rm, MBTA, in 1974. He is recognized … Read more