Black Bear Community Award: Toren G., Spencer C., Charlotte P., Audrey W.

Please join the KMS community in celebrating the first Black Bear Community Awards of the year! For those new to our community, the Black Bear Community Award is given by the KMS faculty, who recognizes those within our community who go above and beyond to benefit the many different demographics within our school and beyond. These individuals selflessly dedicate their time and energy to stepping forward to better their community without any expectation of recognition or reward. We continue to be incredibly grateful as well as humbled by the level of selfless commitment that many within our community show on a daily basis. Their willingness to contribute positively fosters an environment where all may live up to their fullest potential, strive for excellence via their personal as well as professional growth, and to provide for all the unique opportunities that differentiates KMS from other education and athletic institutions. 

The first recognition of the year goes to Senior Toren G.!

Toren, a Downhill Mountain Biker from Ludlow, VT, received multiple nominations for this week’s Black Bear Community Award, each reflecting the many roles he holds within our community. In the classroom, Toren demonstrates a genuine and consistent commitment to academic excellence- one that shines through both his actions and his words. What stands out most to his teachers is his willingness to engage respectfully with others, consider different perspectives and ideas, and lead by example. According to his English teacher, Mara Taylor, Toren “is a model for others to follow when it comes to engagement and preparation.” Outside the classroom, Toren is a highly supportive teammate who contributes to a positive as well as inclusive team environment and culture. Known for his collaborative spirit, he strengthens his team through encouragement, reliability, and shared purpose.

As Student Council President, Toren has raised the bar for leadership in this essential student governance role. His work can best be captured in a reflection shared by Social Studies Department Co-Chair and Student Council Faculty Advisor, Ian Groezinger, who writes:

“Toren’s leadership on this year’s student council has been nothing short of impressive. He entered the role with both prior experience and a clear, strategic vision for how to advance the work of the council, and he has consistently followed through on that plan. Toren has taken initiative in organizing and facilitating meetings, setting agendas, delegating responsibilities, ensuring accountability among members, and sending timely reminders to keep the group on track. He has also shown confidence and maturity in advocating for himself as president and in representing the council’s concerns to the oversight committee.

What stands out most about Toren’s leadership is the combination of his organizational skill and his determination to see tasks through to completion. Though it’s still early in the year, he has already demonstrated a strong commitment to clarity and efficiency—creating easy-to-follow documents and resources that help council members carry out their duties more effectively. His ability to balance vision with practical execution has elevated the productivity and professionalism of the council as a whole.”

And finally, Toren is one of KMS’s strongest student representatives. This was most recently demonstrated at the Killington-based US Fox Open in late September. Along with competing in the event, Toren spent time at the KMS event tent connecting with interested parties who sought more information about our community. He did an outstanding job representing our school. He was approachable, enthusiastic, and articulate as he spoke about both our academic program and Downhill Mountain Biking team. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and professionalism highlighted the very best of what KMS has to offer.

Congratulations, Toren! This recognition is well-deserved.

The second recognition this year goes to Audrey W., Spencer C., and Charlotte P.! 

These students recently participated in the Vermont Fairy Tale Festival, hosted by the Sherburne Memorial Library on September 20th. This wonderful volunteer experience connected local community members with the joy of exploring classic and modern fairy tales. The event featured themed booths, live performances, music, and crafts for families to enjoy. One of the highlights was the library’s Enchanted Forest, complete with water features, fairy trees, a dragon’s lair, and even a diamond mine- creating both a memorable as well as magical experience for young children.

Audrey, Spencer, and Charlotte volunteered at this event for five hours, helping wherever needed and engaging with families to make the day memorable for all. Their work included setting up and breaking down booths, assisting with activities, and even making snow cones!

Program Director Jane Ramos shared her gratitude, writing:

“The KMS kids were so helpful for the Fairy Tale Festival. They were kind and happy to help anywhere they were needed. It was indeed a huge gift to have them here, and we appreciate your support of the library. We are here to help KMS with whatever comes up in the future and hope you will call on us if there is something we can do for you.”

A wonderful example of community helping community! Thank you, Audrey, Spencer, and Charlotte, for representing KMS with such enthusiasm and kindness!

Please join us in celebrating these amazing community members!