Cougar Pride Shines as MKA Celebrates 50 Years at the All-School Gathering
With true Cougar pride, MKA hosted its All-School Gathering on Friday, October 18 – the only event of the year when all three campuses come together on one campus. Early in the day, each campus joined together to view a special 50 Years of MKA video which set the tone for this joyous occasion. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful sunny day, for the first time ever the Gathering was held outside on the Middle School Fields. With excitement and energy, students from kindergarten to twelfth grade gathered on the turf along with faculty and staff. This annual event never disappoints, featuring lively performances, and recognition of achievement.
This year set a special tone as MKA continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the merger between Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School. Head of School, Nigel D. Furlonge opened the ceremony by welcoming the community and acknowledging this major milestone as we honor five decades of excellence and growth. He then recognized our Physical Plant colleagues who help prepare for the event every year, many new students and colleagues, as well as the support and dedication of school administrators and volunteers on MKA’s Board of Trustees and PAMKA who were in attendance. Scott Coronis was applauded with roaring cheers as he held up the MacVicar Cane in tradition as the faculty member with the greatest seniority. Middle School fourth grade teacher Sheila Smith was also recognized as the 2024 recipient of the Founders’ Cup Award for Teaching Excellence.
Students from the Middle and Upper Schools delivered remarks brimming with wisdom. Eighth Grade Class President Jordan Fass looked back on how far he and his classmates have already come since being at the Primary School. He spoke with optimism, looking forward to their bright futures as they continue to grow within the MKA community. Upper School Student Council President Brooks Barrett encouraged students to reflect on their time at MKA whether they are preparing to graduate, or if they’ve just started. Barrett urged his fellow students to look around at the community that they have, to appreciate the moments and memories that matter most, and to understand the value that they bring to the school no matter how big or small.
The Pep Band and cheerleaders brought lots of energy to the ceremony, along with a performance by MKA’s acapella group REMIX. The air was filled with pride and unity as voices young and old came together to sing the school’s alma mater, “Oh, MKA,” led by Upper School students Katie Holzer, Alex Crespo, and Nate Chou. Seniors upheld a cherished custom by gifting stuffed cougars to kindergarten students as they made their way across the bridge.
The event concluded with a memorable moment as the youngest kindergarten student, Johanna M., joined the Head of School to ring the Academy Bell. The bell’s resonant chime echoed across the field as the community cheered, ringing in the official start of the 2024-2025 school year. All students returned to their campuses where they received 50th anniversary keepsakes with cookies as a special treat to remember the day.
View photos of the event by visiting www.mka.org/photogalleries.
