DEIB In Action

Katie Ruhe ’25 was recently honored as a Gen Z Future Leader by Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Greenwich for her outstanding dedication to supporting refugees and immigrants. What began as an AP World History project interview with a Ukrainian refugee ignited a deep, ongoing commitment to service that has defined her years at King. Through her volunteer work with JFS, Katie has led initiatives including welcome basket drives and has helped preserve refugee narratives, contributing to King’s “Empowering Voices” project and the Fortunoff Video Archive at Yale. Beyond her service, she plays an active role in the King School community as a club founder, student leader, athlete, and mentor. Her work exemplifies the power of compassion and understanding to drive meaningful change.

Seven King School Grade 10 students participated in the Girls in Math at Yale 2025 competition on February 22, facing challenging math problems and gaining valuable insights from professionals in the field. The team included Marilyn Sommerville, Sammi Tillman, Lilah Mehta, Camila Pajares, Avery Murphy, Olivia Ajayi, and Mia Jakubowsky. With sharp skills developed in King’s advanced math classes, the team tackled Olympiad-level questions and embraced the power of collaboration.

Throughout Black History Month, students from all divisions came together to celebrate Black culture and excellence through a variety of engaging events. The month-long celebration highlighted the significance of community, empowerment, and cultural appreciation while creating an opportunity for important discussions on the complexities of identity and heritage within the Black community. Black changemakers were recognized through lively trivia games and research presentations. The culminating event, an upbeat presentation from Step Afrika!, provided a nuanced insight into the African American stepping art form that encouraged participation from all students, making it a truly inclusive and memorable celebration.

Lower school students welcomed author, actor, and entrepreneur Karyn Parsons for a day of storytelling, discussions, and inspiration. Class groups were captivated during Parsons’ presentations, where she shared her journey from acting as Hilary Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to writing, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and following one's passions. She also highlighted the mission of her nonprofit, Sweet Blackberry, which brings little-known stories of Black achievement to children. A special lunch with selected students provided an intimate opportunity for deeper conversation, leaving a lasting impression on the young learners.

History came to life for middle and upper school students through immersive experiences that deepened their understanding of the experience of Jews and Gentiles during the Holocaust.

In the Upper School, the Jewish Students Affinity Group (JSAG) hosted a presentation and a Q&A session with art teacher Ran LaPolla and her mother, Willy van Koten, whose family risked their lives to hide Jewish families during the Holocaust. Middle school advisory groups used the artificial intelligence program ChatGPT to hold virtual conversations with AI-generated characters depicting youth in Nazi-occupied Poland.

Both discussions highlighted resilience, moral courage, compassion, and the importance of standing against injustice.

Grade 2 students embarked on a deep exploration of identity as they investigated the driving question, “How do we share and celebrate our identity to create a classroom community where everyone belongs?” Over the course of six weeks, they engaged in interdisciplinary lessons that celebrated their individuality and cultivated an appreciation for the similarities and differences around them. The unit promoted academic growth and strengthened social-emotional skills, helping students build a stronger sense of community.

The annual Grade 8 cultural exchange program between King School and the Greenwich Japanese School (GJS) continues to build connections and global understanding. Following King students' visit to GJS in December, this year’s program concluded on Thursday, January 9, with King students welcoming their GJS peers for a full day of events and activities. The exchange provides real-world insights into global citizenship, leaving students and educators inspired by the connections forged across cultural boundaries.

The lower school courtyard was filled with a sense of belonging and pride as over 120 members of the King School community came together for the second annual Families of Students of Color BBQ. The lively event fostered a sense of connection and inclusion, underscoring King’s commitment to building a strong sense of belonging for all families. Families enjoyed food, music, games, and socializing throughout the beautiful evening prior to the start of school.

The lower school gym transformed into a vibrant culture hub during King School's annual Global Fair on Friday, April 26. Hosted by the PA KInD Committee, the event showcased the diverse tapestry of King's community, underscoring the school's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Each table offered a unique perspective, nurturing a sense of global citizenship. Lower school students collected flag stickers and participated in interactive activities, while live music performances added to the festive atmosphere.

Last weekend, King School’s Performing Arts Center reverberated with passion as 160 students, 20 professional musicians, and numerous dedicated parent volunteers convened for the ninth annual El Sistema residency. The beloved event was a testament to King’s commitment to music and its ability to foster connections between communities of different socioeconomic backgrounds, give voice to diverse cultural identities, and amplify lived experiences.

The fifth grade Advocacy Café returned for a second year, showcasing students’ passions for social issues through presentations detailing student-driven research. Building upon the success of last year's event, this year's Advocacy Café encouraged students to delve into a broader range of topics. The work culminated on Friday, February 22, in fifth grade classrooms transformed into hip cafes where friends and families were invited to hear the final presentations.

During Black History Month, the Black Student Union (BSU) and advisors recommended initiatives for the Upper School to celebrate Black excellence. This week, students learned about Black history through the lens of hip-hop culture with an informative King Talk from Staff Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator and BSU Advisor Lakeya Newton.

Over 100 students and coaches participated in last weekend’s Male Athlete Leadership Day at Pickleball America. Attendees discussed resilience, honed pickleball skills, and participated in a tournament, making the event a huge success. This weekend is positioned to be just as successful as momentum builds for the Winter Showcase. Teachers and students will face off on the court for a basketball game that is sure to be a blast. Varsity Basketball and Hockey games will continue the action, food trucks and raffles will add to the fun, and the Project Music Band will make the event even more festive. Don’t miss it!

Continuing an annual tradition, Grade 8 students welcomed peers from The Greenwich Japanese School on Wednesday, January 10, as part of their Cultural Exchange Program. The meeting marked a decade of exchanges and provided a valuable opportunity for students to examine the similarities and differences between the two communities.

Six students and nine faculty and staff members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend the annual National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (PoCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) from Wednesday, November 29 - Saturday, December 2.

The middle school community enjoyed an engaging presentation from Rodney Eric Lopez, a motivational speaker and educator who teaches about community, growth mindset, and generosity through dance. Lopez spoke with students and faculty in the middle school atrium on Thursday, November 9, where he shared how dancing and departing from comfort zones can bring a community together.

This week, King’s Middle School introduced two new programs designed to foster inclusion and belonging between students from different grade levels: Middle School Families and Fellowship Fridays. The programs will increase the number of opportunities students have to mingle, find common interests, and develop new relationships in the King community.

This year’s Global Fair, sponsored by the PA KInD Committee, was a beautiful showcase of King’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. After a three-year hiatus, the event returned to the lower school gym, where families transformed the space into a multicultural hub.

Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a Day of Action hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Awareness Club (GSA) in King’s Upper School. Community members gathered during the FLEX period for activities and speeches focused on promoting acceptance and a greater understanding of issues relevant to trans youth. 

Members of the middle school affinity group, Students of Color at King (SOCK), enjoyed food, games, and bonding with upper school students from the Black Student Union (BSU), Hispanic and Latin American Affinity Group, and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Affinity Group (AAPI) over lunch on Wednesday, April 13. Led by faculty advisors, the cross-divisional gathering inspired conversation and camaraderie in a welcoming setting.

Eight members of the King community attended the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Commission on Diversity’s Student Diversity Leadership Conference on April 2 at Hopkins School. The event brought independent schools across the state together to foster cross-cultural understanding and take action to improve the school communities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A delegation of students, faculty, and staff proudly represented King School at the NAIS’ People of Color Conference and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Throughout the year, King School celebrates the different cultures of members of the community. Recently, King parents Prachi and Rahul Iyer talked with second grade students about the significance of the Diwali holiday. During the discussion, students learned about the meaning of the holiday as well as the traditions, foods, and decorations that accompany it.

During this year’s Sukkot holiday, the Jewish students’ affinity group shared a meal and conversation under a sukkah.

Through weekly meetings, the group aims to build stronger connections with each other in spaces where they can discuss their shared experiences.

In its first year at King School, the Hispanic/Latinx affinity group aims to create a safe space for students who identify as Hispanic or LatinX to share and celebrate their heritage. Members of the group have begun to plan activities for the year to raise cultural awareness and help Hispanic communities in need.

Parents journeyed through the Lower School and learned about countries around the world during the annual Global Studies Celebration. Each grade was provided an age-appropriate theme to discover their shared humanity while they investigated the world and strived to understand new perspectives.

Award-winning authors Veera Hiranandani, Sheela Chari, and Sayantani DasGupta have a few things in common – their Indian heritage, their love of writing, and motherhood. The authors have known each other for over 10 years and have developed a special friendship that offers advice, encouragement, and support in their accomplished careers as Indian-American authors. “It was enlightening to see how their diverse identities have influenced their writing as authors. With this event, we are continuing to provide experiences that seek to educate, engage, and empower students with new perspectives,” said Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Clyde Beverly III, who organized the event on May 11 in partnership with the Indian Cultural Center (ICC) in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. 

April 22, marks the annual Day of Silence, led by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), to raise awareness about the discrimination and harassment LGBTQ+ students face in schools. The Day of Silence has been held each year in April since 1996.

King School observed the day as a Day of Action with optional student-led initiatives to celebrate and support members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA) Club in King’s Upper School organized a gathering to mark the occasion. Students also participated by wearing pronouns pins, rainbow stickers, and colorful clothing. “Here at King, part of our values is that individuals are able to be seen as their authentic selves,” said Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr.Clyde Beverly III. 

When the Russian forces invaded Ukraine at the end of February, upper school students Anabelle Creveling ’22 and Meredith Joo ’23 sprung into action. They started to network, searching for ways to connect with those directly affected by the attacks.

Together they learned that history teacher Lindsey Rossler had a friend and colleague at the American School of Warsaw. Poland, which is adjacent to Ukraine, has welcomed the largest number of Ukrainian refugees since the onset of the conflict.

The seventh annual music residency, El Sistema, returned to King School in person this year with a powerful new sound. Talented student musicians from King’s Middle and Upper Schools collaborated with seven El Sistema USA music programs from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut. The collaboration resulted in an original composition that premiered at a community concert to showcase the learning and partnership that took place over the weekend. The overarching focus of the residency is to inspire a connection between communities of different socioeconomic backgrounds, using music ensembles to encourage deeper communication among its participants.  

King School’s sixth grade students revved their engines as they built custom-designed Lego cars for students in Peru and Costa Rica. The design process included competition, as students raced against one another, using balloons to propel the cars forward. After perfecting their designs, the students disassembled the cars, carefully packaged them up, and sent them off to fellow students in Peru and Costa Rica. The collaboration is part of King’s partnership with the Orphaned Starfish Foundation (OSF). 

Journey back to ancient Egypt with an exhibit curated by fifth grade students at King. The exhibition features Egyptian hieroglyphics, King Tut’s tomb, an informational display of the Nile River, pyramids, mummies, and more. Over the past few weeks, the class has explored the ancient culture and developed projects that best demonstrate their interest.

“I wanted to study sports because that’s something that I’m interested in,” said Paxton Freeman ’29. “I wondered about what types of activities the Egyptians used to do for fun and started researching sports that were around back then. That led me to archery.” Inspired, Paxton made a target, an arrow, and a crossbow out of cardboard box and wood for his project.

Throughout the month of February, as King celebrates Black History Month, a host of interesting guests have visited campus to share their unique stories with students. The Middle and Upper Schools welcomed Geiszel and Manual Godoy, owners of Black Sands Entertainment. The Lower School hosted Danielle Robinson, niece of prominent singer and record label executive Sylvia Robinson, and Rochelle Ballantyne, slated to become the first female African American chess master. Each visit contributed its unique perspective to the school’s theme for Black History Month, “Expressions of Excellence and Joy of the African Diaspora.” 

For Juana Martinez-Neal, being a children’s book author and illustrator is about more than just creating colorful imagery – it’s about telling a story. During her visit to King’s Lower School, Martinez-Neal shared a presentation that painted a picture of life growing up in Peru and how her upbringing and culture have influenced her interests and career path as an author and illustrator. Using paintings and drawings that spanned her career, Martinez-Neal shared the progression of her experience with various art mediums to tell her own story. 

This year, King School observed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with programming that explored the principles that build and strengthen a community. “Our youngest students learned about the importance of being an upstander and a good friend, while our older students deeply examined King School’s commitment to diversity as an essential element in the school's goal to prepare students to be true citizens of the world. Our entire student body was engaged in this work,” said King’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Clyde Beverly.