Upper School

King School is proud to announce that Dr. William Schpero KLHT ’06, a distinguished health economist and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 commencement ceremony. Initially scheduled to speak last year, unforeseen circumstances prevented his attendance, and King is thrilled he will join this year. Dr. Schpero, a proud alumnus of King Low Heywood Thomas, focuses his research on Medicaid and the U.S. health care safety net, aiming to reduce racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in healthcare. His work has been published in leading academic journals and featured in major media outlets. With his deep commitment to health equity and his inspiring professional journey, Dr. Schpero is an ideal figure to address and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025.

From life-saving medical research to futuristic engineering prototypes, King School’s Research and Innovation Night spotlighted the bold curiosity and real-world impact of student work. Projects ranged from AI-powered cancer prediction tools to carbon nanotube water filters, all developed by students through the ASPIRE program and Innovation Lab. The evening offered a hands-on look at how inquiry-based learning and student-driven exploration are fueling breakthrough ideas — and preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and changemakers.

King School’s Topics in Global Studies class took on the complex balance between national security and press freedom, using the recent Signal app leak as a real-world case study. Guided by Director of Global Education Laura Bowe and former journalist Adriana Hauser, students explored the ethical challenges faced by the media when handling sensitive information. Discussions focused on whistleblowers, misinformation, and the rigorous process journalists take to verify controversial stories. The session highlighted King’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with current global events and critical thinking.

King School’s ASPIRE and STEM Research Elective students are having an extraordinary year, earning top honors at prestigious science competitions across Connecticut. From cutting-edge research in cybersecurity and medical robotics to breakthroughs in environmental sciences, King’s students are proving their innovation and research excellence. With more students than ever before reaching finals and claiming podium spots, these accolades highlight not just individual achievements but the growing strength of King’s science programs in fostering independent research and discovery.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons visited King School on Friday, March 28, offering students an opportunity to talk about leadership, civic engagement, and the role of young voices in shaping the future. The event, hosted by the Young Democrats Club, provided students with an open platform to engage in thoughtful discourse, regardless of political affiliation.

King School Performing Arts upper school winter musical “Les Misérables” brought Victor Hugo’s timeless themes of justice, redemption, and sacrifice to life in front of a packed theater in late February. The show challenged a troupe of more than 35 students to develop technical skills and emotional depth. Through an immersive production process, students gained a deep understanding of 19th-century French history, while exploring complex themes of law, morality, and social justice. The camaraderie backstage strengthened connections across grade levels and translated into powerful performances on stage. Congratulations to all who made this amazing performance possible.

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.

The annual Career Day hosted by the Development and Alumni Relations Department is an impactful event for seniors, offering a window into life beyond King. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Sharon Belden Castonguay P’28, Executive Director of the Career Center at Wesleyan University, and alumni from industries including finance, tech, law, real estate, entertainment, education, and public service shared invaluable insights and mentorship with the Class of 2024 and King Connects students. Thank you to our alumni for giving back and inspiring the next generation of leaders.