Academic Standouts - Ben B., Raegan S. Brian K., & Kaleigh W.

Please join the KMS teaching faculty in congratulating Benjamin “Ben” Brown as this week’s Academic Standout! Ben is a 9th-grade U16 Alpine athlete who comes to KMS from Guilford, Connecticut. He received strong nominations this week, all highlighting his positive mindset, his willingness to challenge himself academically, and his consistent effort and focus within the classroom. Our community’s educators can think of no better student to recognize as we head into the third academic quarter of the year!

Putting for the first nomination as well as presenting for Ben at this week’s all-school meeting is Full-Term English teacher Lloyd Plourd.  Lloyd writes, “Ben consistently brings kindness, humor, and a genuine can-do attitude into our community. He approaches challenges with optimism, treats others with respect, and isn’t afraid to put in the effort when something feels hard. His positive mindset and willingness to try will take him far, and we’re lucky to get to see this amazing attitude everyday. Keep up the amazing work, Ben.” 

Seconding Ben’s nomination is Full-Term Math teacher Adrienne Long. Adrienne states, “Ben always has a positive attitude in math. He is the first one to help his classmates when they get stuck. Academically, Ben goes out of his way to make sure that he understands concepts thoroughly, and he produces consistent, quality work. Ben is never satisfied unless he has excellent grades on his homework, classwork, and assessments. Congratulations, Ben, you truly deserve this award!” 

Social Studies Department Co-Chair Ian Groezinger also offered his own nomination in support of Mr. Brown this week. Ian comments, “Ben has really stepped up this year and come in with a clear goal to do well in Modern World History. He’s put in consistent effort, stayed focused, and earned strong marks along the way. A well-deserved Academic Standout!” 

And rounding out this great list of nominations is Full-term teacher Kate Stone. Kate reflects, “This year, Ben has grown academically, socially, athletically, and he has brought a confidence to his learning that is exemplary for a high school student-athlete. Ben approaches challenges with an open mind and has persevered through every difficult task set before him. When he travels, Ben communicates with his teachers ahead of time to ensure he has the tools necessary to succeed. I am incredibly proud of Ben's progress- both on the hill and in the classroom!” 

Congratulations, Ben! We are extremely proud of your accomplishments so far! We look forward to what you will bring to the table each lesson for the remainder of the year! 

Please join the KMS teaching faculty in congratulating Raegan Skidmore as this week’s Academic Standout! Raegan is an 8th grade, Winter-Term Snowboard athlete, who comes to KMS from Hingham, Massachusetts. Raegan received several strong nominations this week, each highlighting her strong work ethic, her responsible nature, and her natural talent and creativity. Those who are fortunate enough to have her in class agree: Raegan is someone who showcases the best of what our Middle School program has to offer- student-athletes who are hard working, dedicated, and committed to academic excellence. 

Putting forth the first nomination as well as presenting for Raegan at today’s All-School meeting is Snowboard team Advisor and Full-Term Math teacher, Adrienne Long. Adrienne states, “Raegan is a strong student who always wants to understand the why behind the work we do in math. She actively seeks out extra work and goes above and beyond what is expected. Raegan is always respectful in class and she is kind to her peers. She is usually reserved, but she is a blast in the tramp room!” 

Seconding this nomination is English Department Chair, Dr. Mara Taylor. Mara reflects, “From day one, Raegan has been a responsible student who turns in her work on time, is proactive with her communication, and an engaged class participant. She is a strong reader. For writing assignments, analytical and personal, her responses are full, often exceeding the minimum word requirement. And she is committed to her growth as a writer, applying my feedback on her drafts. Nice work! ” 

Adding his nomination in support of Raegan is Golf Program Director, Yearbook Director, and Studio Art/Graphic Design/Photography teacher, Eric Kuntz. Eric writes, “Raegan is a pleasure to work with in the art room. She has a natural talent for being creative. She shows up on time and ready to explore new challenges. Reagan always lets her teachers when she is traveling, and stays up to date on her sketchbook assignments. Congrats Reagan on your recognition!” 

And rounding out this strong list of nominations is Social Studies Department Co-Chair and Advisory Coordinator, Courtney O’Keefe. Courtney shares: “I, unfortunately, do not have Raegan in class this year; however, I do see her in study halls throughout the week. What impresses me most seeing her in this context is that she always arrives with a smile and immediately gets to work. Raegan consistently uses this time effectively, staying on top of current work and even advancing in subjects when she can. She is polite, kind, and respectful in her interactions with both faculty and peers, and she brings friendliness and energy with her wherever she goes. When someone asks for help on a common assignment, she is always willing to assist- and does so patiently and thoughtfully. Overall, she demonstrates a level of maturity and work ethic that is truly admirable. I look forward to the possibility of having her in one of my classes in the future. Nice work, Raegan! Way to set the bar high!”

Congratulations, Raegan!

Please join the KMS teaching faculty in congratulating Brian Keefe as our Academic Standout for March 10th. Brian is a 9th grade Freestyle athlete, who comes to KMS from Killington, VT. Brian received several strong nominations this week, each highlighting his consistent commitment to learning, his good-natured personality, and his determination to tackle any academic challenge. The level of grit and focus he brings to the classroom is unmatched and makes him a true asset to any classroom.

Putting forth the first nomination for Brian, as well as presenting for him at this week’s all-school meeting, is Social Studies Department Co-Chair Ian Groezinger. Ian reflects, “Brian began the year with a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn, two aspects that have only grown stronger as the winter has progressed. Each day, he arrives on time and prepared to engage with new material. He demonstrates solid skills in annotating and interpreting primary sources, and he consistently produces clear, concise, and well-organized analytical essays.” 

Seconding Brian’s nomination is Full-Term English teacher Lloyd Plourd. Lloyd writes, “This award isn't just about getting the highest grades, it’s about who Brian is as a person. Every day, he brings a level of focus and kindness to the classroom that lifts everyone up. Whether he is tackling tough passages or helping a classmate who’s struggling, Brian leads by example. Congratulations on this month's shout out.” 

Adding his own nomination is Full-Term Science teacher Adam Boshart. Adam states, “Questions, questions, so many questions...sometimes a little silly, but always the good kind. They are always the questions that guide the class to make connections to the topic to come next. That's what stands out with Brian. He's not only looking at the content in front of him, but he's trying to visualize where we are going to be next week...next month. Science needs these kinds of thinkers because science is not only about understanding, it is about progressing. How can we do what we're doing better? Are you sure we're not overlooking the little things? Thanks, Brian, for challenging me with questions. Searching for the answers helps us build the understanding we need to begin looking for the next big thing. Congrats!” 

And rounding out this list of amazing nominations is Full-Term Math teacher Adrienne Long. Adrienne writes, “Brian has a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Along with Adam, I agree that Brian asks great questions that further the class conversations and leads classmates to have a deeper understanding of the material being covered.” 

Amazing work, Brian!

Please join the KMS teaching faculty in congratulating Kaleigh Waters as our Academic Standout for March 17th. Kaleigh, a 9th-grade Freestyle athlete from Marblehead, Massachusetts, received several strong nominations this week. Each highlighted her consistent engagement in the classroom, her natural curiosity, and her dedication to producing high-quality work. Everyone agrees that Kaleigh is the type of student who makes any learning experience more meaningful and impactful for those around her. She is truly an asset to our academic program!

Putting forth the first nomination for Kaleigh this week is Social Studies Department Co-Chair, Ian Groezinger. Ian reflects, “Kaliegh consistently demonstrates responsibility and engagement in the classroom. She is punctual, participates actively in discussions, and asks thoughtful, on-topic questions that deepen learning for herself and others. Her quality work and strong analytical thinking make her a deserving choice for Academic Standout.”

Seconding this nomination is Full-Term Math teacher, Adrienne Long. Adrienne writes, “Kaleigh works incredibly hard in math. She is never shy about asking questions, and she will continue with her line of questioning until she thoroughly understands a problem. Keleigh's work ethic is fantastic - she will stay after class when possible to ensure that she has completed all of her classwork. She never has missing assignments and she turns in high quality work. In addition to her excellent academics, Kaleigh has a positive attitude towards her peers and teachers. Congratulations, Kaleigh, you truly deserve this shoutout!” 

Adding his own nomination as well as presenting for Kaleigh at this week’s all-school meeting is Science Department Chair Brendan Bucksbaum. Brendan writes, “Kaleigh has been an exceptional student throughout Winter Term. While Biology can be challenging, Kaleigh always perseveres. She is committed to her own success and learning. Great work!” 

Rounding out this week’s nominations is Social Studies Department Co-Chair, Advisory Coordinator, and College Counseling Co-Advisor, Courtney O’Keefe. She shares,"I, unfortunately, do not teach Kaleigh this year; however, I have had the opportunity to witness her learning in action- both in our Productivity Hub and the few times I’ve heard her participate in her history class across the hall. In class, Kaleigh is highly focused and driven to understand the material from multiple perspectives. She is unafraid to ask questions and offer ideas and insights that contribute to deeper exploration of the topics being covered. It is refreshing to see a student so engaged and personally dedicated to getting the most out of her Social Studies education. In the Productivity Hub, Kaleigh consistently uses her time effectively. She works diligently to stay on task and ahead in her classes. When she completes her assignments, she uses the time productively by helping peers, cleaning her dorm room, doing laundry, and taking care of essential responsibilities. It is inspiring to watch her make the most of her open periods, building the skills that will allow her to excel as she moves forward. Way to go, Kaleigh!"

Please join us in congratulating Kaleigh!