Upper School

King School is proud to announce that Guilbert Francois, Class of 2013, will serve as this year’s graduation speaker. Currently working in Product Marketing at OpenAI, Guilbert has built an impressive career across leading organizations, including the NBA, Instagram, and Microsoft, where he has helped shape innovative digital products and strategies. A Duke University graduate with a degree in Economics, he has consistently demonstrated adaptability, leadership, and a commitment to connecting people through technology. As an engaged alumnus whose journey reflects King School’s mission, Guilbert brings a powerful perspective on navigating a rapidly changing world, and his experiences are sure to inspire the Class of 2026 as they prepare for their future.

The King Debate Team concluded a remarkable season with a championship victory at the Connecticut Debate Association State Finals, as seniors Steven Blanco and Ryan Jakubowski captured the state title and earned a bid to the National Parliamentary Debate League Tournament of Champions in April. Competing against top teams from across Connecticut, King saw strong performances from Ty Srihari ’27 and Derek Shah ’28, who placed fourth overall. The team’s success reflects a season of dedication, collaboration, and growth, supported by a strong team culture and committed coaching.

The 11th annual El Sistema Residency brought together 150 student musicians for a weekend of intensive collaboration, where participants worked in small, cross-program ensembles to compose and perform original pieces built on a shared musical foundation. Beginning with a showcase of visiting programs and culminating in a seamless, symphonic-style performance, the residency emphasized both individual expression and collective creativity. Guided by professional musicians and fueled by long rehearsal days, students developed musical skills and formed connections, reinforcing El Sistema’s mission of using music as a powerful tool for community, collaboration, and personal growth.

King School’s Advanced Science Program for Independent Research and Engineering (ASPIRE) and Honors STEM Research students delivered an outstanding showing across three of Connecticut’s premier research competitions, earning multiple top placements and special awards while demonstrating the depth and breadth of the school’s science program. At the Connecticut High School Science & Humanities Symposium (HSSHS), King students excelled in both oral and poster categories. Days later, they continued their success at the Connecticut STEM Fair, earning top finishes in Environmental Science, Physical Sciences, and Health & Medical Sciences. Their achievements were further highlighted at the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF), where students earned finalist distinctions and multiple special awards. Together, these accomplishments reflect the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of King’s student researchers.

Following milestone achievements in the 2026 Regeneron Talent Search earlier this year, senior Leon Wang placed eighth in the competition’s final national bracket, earning $60,000 and recognition as one of the nation’s top high school scientists. His advanced research on Alzheimer’s disease, conducted through King’s ASPIRE program in collaboration with the Blanchard Lab at Mount Sinai, explored potential treatments for patients with the APOE4 genetic risk factor. Leon is the only student from Connecticut to reach the Top 40 this year and the first from an independent school in the state in several years, making history for King’s research program.

King’s Upper School brought big laughs and sharp satire to the Performing Arts Center with “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The classic musical lampoons corporate ambition while showcasing students’ vocal talent and stage presence. Creative choices, including Head of School Carol Maoz as the recorded narrator and a technically ambitious moving set, added layers of humor and spectacle. The production also marked a milestone for seniors, whose time on the King stage culminates with this lively show.