On Thursday, September 26th, 2024, the South Kent Community was excited to have Alumnus, Foster White, come and share the story of Founders’ Day in a Masterclass on South Kent School’s 101st year. Foster’s father was a Charter Member of South Kent School when it was founded in 1923.
See his video on SKS Alumni Connection.
Founders’ Day at South Kent School is a celebration of the values, mission, and history that have shaped the institution since its founding in 1923. It is a day when the school community comes together to honor the vision of the founders, who established the school with a commitment to fostering simplicity of life, self-reliance, and directness of purpose.
South Kent School has always been a place where boys are empowered to make a difference in their community while developing their potential as students, leaders, athletes, and citizens. From the start, the school has placed the student at the center of its life, supporting their growth through close partnerships with faculty and staff. This environment nurtures confidence and challenges each student to prepare for a life of accomplishment and service.
Core Values
– Simplicity of Life: The founders believed in the importance of responsibility and honesty. Simple actions, such as picking up a piece of litter, represent stewardship and appreciation for the gifts of the world. Simplicity serves as a reminder that there are no shortcuts to integrity and self-discipline.
– Self-Reliance: Through daily responsibilities and tasks, students learn to rely on their own abilities, fostering self-esteem and competence. South Kent places value on individual contributions, encouraging volunteers to take ownership of their roles, often before being asked.
– Directness of Purpose: Built on trust and openness, the South Kent community thrives on honest communication. Each boy is encouraged to embrace his potential, with the school offering a family-like environment that celebrates the differences in culture, background, and talents among its members.
A Rich Tradition of Growth
Founders’ Day also reflects on the early history of the school, as recounted by Foster White, a member of the class of 1955. In the fall of 1923, twenty-four boys gathered in what was still a construction zone, with incomplete buildings and makeshift facilities. Despite the initial challenges of a new system, unfamiliar faces, and limited resources, the school quickly took shape.
White’s recollections highlight the sense of camaraderie and perseverance that defined the early days of South Kent. From learning to clean the dormitories to building sports traditions and overcoming practical obstacles like dishwashing and water shortages, the students and faculty worked together to build the foundation of the school.
In its first year, South Kent School celebrated holidays together, held spirited hockey games on the lake, and developed the structures and routines that would carry it forward. Founders’ Day allows the current South Kent community to look back with pride on these humble beginnings, reflecting on how far the school has come while staying true to its founding principles.
Celebrating Founder’s Day
Today, Founders’ Day is a time to celebrate the school’s continued commitment to simplicity, self-reliance, and purpose. It’s a day when students, faculty, and alumni gather to honor the legacy of those who came before them and to reaffirm their dedication to the ideals that define South Kent.
Each year, Founders’ Day reminds us of the strength of the South Kent community and the ongoing importance of fostering a sense of family, honor, and service in the lives of its students. As we reflect on the journey from those early days to the present, we celebrate the traditions that have shaped generations of South Kent boys and look forward to the future with gratitude and purpose.