When Vikings gather, they do so with lots of sparkle. The Forever King Gala brought parents, trustees, alumni, and friends together to sparkle, shine, and support the school with an evening of dazzling performances, spirited bidding, and the kind of generosity that defines this community.

Held Saturday, April 18, at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, the biennial event featured a live auction and silent auction to benefit the entire school as well as a paddle raise supporting the renovation of the lower school locker rooms, a space that will be in use by students in all divisions while the Campus Center construction takes place. The evening also featured moving student performances and parent testimonials, which reinforced the school's impact on each member of the community.

Opening remarks from Head of School Carol Maoz and Board Chair Mi-Sun Freeman P’22, ’29 set the tone for a night filled with laughter, pride, and plenty of generosity.

As they dined, attendees enjoyed student performances of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Move On.” Credit to the performing arts team, Amy Darnton, Eleanor Bach, and Andrew Wildman-Foster, for orchestrating the memorable performances, and to the talented students who took the spotlight: Steven Blanco ’26, Alex Burgoyne ’27, Leila DeSimone ’28, Hathaway Liparidis ’26, Ella McKee ’29, Lucas Pignotti Phillips ’27, Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26, and Isabella Ryan ’28.

This year’s honorees, Mini Nunna and Eric Gerster, whose daughter, Leena, graduated with the Class of 2022, were recognized for their significant impact on shaping King over the years.

Nunna served on the Parents' Association for three years, including as President during the 2020-21 school year — one of the most turbulent years any school leader could face. With the world upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, she kept the King community connected when connection felt nearly impossible. Trustee and close friend Sandy Burgoyne P'27 put it simply: "Mini navigated the ups and downs of that year with poise and grace, with thoughtfulness and resilience. Mini is strong, determined, passionate, giving of herself, and not afraid to speak her mind. She was always the voice of reason."

Gerster served as a King trustee from 2017 to 2025. As Chair of the Investment Committee and a member of the Finance, Executive, and Trusteeship committees, he brought rigor, care, and deep professional expertise to every decision. He also co-chaired the search for King's current Head of School, a significant undertaking that Freeman described with quiet admiration: "Eric led with thoughtfulness, patience, and a clear sense of what would best serve King's future."

Maoz also paid tribute to both honorees. "Mini and Eric have been instrumental in helping our school achieve its goals of strengthening community, thinking strategically, and making sound decisions. Their dedication and commitment have shaped not only the direction of the school but also the spirit of the wider community around it."

Following her remarks, Maoz presented the honorees with a King School bell, the same cherished symbol given to graduating seniors. 

In accepting the recognition, Gerster shared the spotlight with others. "None of these accomplishments belongs to one person. They are the result of many people working together, often behind the scenes, because they believe in what King School represents: a place where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to become their very best selves."

Nunna highlighted the power of the King School "circle of love," a phrase coined by Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky. "What becomes very apparent is that the circle of love and the circle of community is very, very strong, and it starts with every single person who works at King. Every single person on that campus is invested in you, your child, your family."

Special thanks to our Gala co-chairs, Dana Cyboski P’37 and Lauren Lazar P’32, Auction Chair Jennifer Munger P’28, the Gala Committee, our PA President, Hillary Rosenthal P’32, and the generous support of sponsors. Thank you also to Lindsey McIntosh, Director of Special Events, for her thoughtful and careful planning.

Our gratitude extends to everyone who showed up, contributed, bid generously, and helped King shine a little brighter.

View Event Photos Here | View Photobooth Photos Here