Kent Place Turns 130: The 2024–2025 Academic Year Has Begun

It was a bright, sunny day on Wednesday, September 4, when students, faculty, and staff returned to Kent Place for the beginning of its 130th academic year. The Class of 2025 lined the campus sidewalks holding up colorful signs and welcomed the community back to school with zeal. Chumley the Dragon danced, waved at cars in the drop-off line, and high-fived students.

Students then filed into the Field House for the traditional Opening Convocation, a ceremony at which the entire school gathers to experience the spirit of community and welcome the new academic year. 

“Since 1894, when Kent Place welcomed 60 girls, to today, when we’re 674 students strong, the heart of our mission has remained the same,” Head of School Jennifer Galambos began her remarks. “Kent Place has always believed that girls matter. Your ideas matter. Your voices matter. Your actions matter. Being part of the Kent Place community means you have a team who believe in your potential, who will cheer you on, celebrate your growth, and support you on the road you travel — wherever it takes you. And today,” she continued, “Kent Place has a birthday: 130 opening days, and that’s cause for a celebration. Let’s take the opportunity to express our gratitude to our school and our pride and joy in being the ones who get to be here to enjoy this landmark occasion. Happy birthday to us!”

Dr. Galambos then introduced three student speakers, one from each division — Milly Popper ’31, for the Primary School; Naomi McCreary ’29, for the Middle School; and senior and Senate President Dvita Bhattacharya, for the Upper School.

“As I reflected on my goals and hopes for this upcoming school year,” said Milly, “I thought about all we achieved last year when we took risks. We tried new things, learned new skills, and pushed our boundaries. We challenged ourselves and grew a lot as students. For this year, I hope we’ll all step out of our comfort zones. We have amazing teachers and resources at Kent Place, and we’re so lucky to be part of such a great community. And remember that you’ll always have friends supporting you.”

Said Naomi, “My advice to you, especially if you love a particular subject or class, is to raise your hand. Don’t hesitate to express your passions. Be confident in your own skin, in and out of the classroom. It is important to always be yourself.”

“I’ll always remember the traditions that make Kent Place Kent Place. From STIX to Step Sing to Woodloch, Kent Place traditions are the foundation of our community and connect us to the generations of students who came before us, as well as the ones who’ll arrive long after we leave,” said Dvita. “The theme for this year is ‘Preserve Tradition, Pursue Possibility, Promote Community.’ When thinking about the Kent Place community, the Presidents Council and I want to acknowledge both the value our traditions hold and the potential of the future. I hope you’ll join me in promoting the community this year, and forming memories and friendships that will last us a lifetime.” 

A longstanding tradition at Convocation is a ceremony that embodies the school’s maxim, “With Wisdom She Lights the Way.” Dr. Galambos began by lighting the first of four candles, then each of the student speakers lit one. The ceremony included a moment of silence to reflect on the year ahead. The Chamber Singers brought the event to a close by leading the community in the Alma Mater.

As Convocation ended, “lifers” — girls who have been at Kent Place since Preschool, Kindergarten, or first grade — distributed daisies, the school flower, to their fellow students.

The 2024–2025 academic year is officially under way!