It's a Rousing Start to a New School Year at MKA's Annual Gathering
From MKA's first official Gathering selfie to student performances that brought the house down, today's All-School Gathering exemplified everything that makes the MKA community so special.
Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack welcomed close to 1000 students, 200 members of the faculty and staff and guests drawn from the parent, trustee and alumni communities to "such a special, magical day."
Student talent was showcased by stellar performances from the Primary School Bellringers, the Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Chorale Ensemble (channeling Duke Ellington) and the Combined Middle and Upper School Jazz Band (covering the Temptations). The Upper School was represented by the Mastersingers (singing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody) the Choreography Workshop dancers, the Unaccompanied Minors (with a rousing rendition of Michael Jackson's Startin Something) and celebrated senior pianist Isaiah Thompson, a former finalist for the prestigious national YoungArts program and two-time recipient of the Outstanding Piano Soloist Award in the Jazz at Lincoln Center completion, who received a standing ovation for his extraordinary performance of Cole Porter's Night and Day.
MKA's successful athletics program was celebrated in the hanging of new banners to celebrate last year's team championships as well as by rousing performances from the MKA Cheerleaders and Step Team.
Academics were also celebrated, not only in the presentation of MKA sweaters to deserving students (also given for Fine & Performing Arts and Athletic achievements) but also in the content of speeches made by 8th Grade President Dylan Ladda '19 and Upper School Student Government President David Crichlow '15. Ladda spoke about his appreciation for a school that "let's you be independent but you're never alone" while Crichlow (the instigator of the selfie) transfixed the audience with his tribute to MKA: "First and foremost, we're a community ... With every improvement and change underway, MKA realizes the full potential of each and every student.I love this school - I really do ... it will forever be a part of me. So stop, look around and appreciate everything MKA has to offer ... Celebrate what it means to be a Cougar."
The school's renowned faculty was recognized in the presentation of two 30-year service awards to Primary School music teacher Jane Smith and Upper School science teacher Laurie Smith, and of a 40-year service gift to 1st Grade teacher Pat Parke.Alumni Council President Jaclyn Spedaliere '00 also presented the Founders' Cup for Teaching Excellence to Upper School Latin teacher Dr. John Jacobs.
From the sea of MKA spirit clothing to the cheers for Kindergartners receiving MKA Cougars from members of the senior class, community spirit was high, and the morning concluded with the youngest member of the Class of 2027 helping Headmaster Nammack officially ring in the start of the 127th school year.
Click here to see photos from the event
Click here to watch video from the event