On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the KO Upper School welcomed grandparents and grandfriends galore so they could get a special peek into student life here at KO.
Our grandparents serve as some of our biggest role models and support systems, and we share bonds and participate in traditions that have been passed down for decades. Grandparents Day at Kingswood Oxford School is known as truly the happiest day on campus.
The day began with refreshments in Roberts’ lobby, followed by an assembly for the Upper School. The assembly was hosted by senior emcees Leo Kollen and Betsy Slifka, who led a fun series of “Guess That Decade” games, with grandparent/grandchild duos winning KO merchandise. Crimson 7, the all-boys a acapella group, also sang their rendition of “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, which was a fan-favorite among the grands. Following the games and songs, the assembly closed with speeches from seniors Austin Perkins and Leilani Moyano, who spoke about what their grandparents meant to them and why we should take the time to celebrate them.
Leilani began by reiterating the importance of being surrounded by love and community, but also reflecting on what makes grandparents so “grand.” “Growing up, my grandparents lacked the opportunities I have now, and it was of utmost importance to them that I take this chance and challenge myself in such an environment,” she said. “I am a proud second-generation American, with both sets of grandparents immigrating to this country from the Dominican Republic and Peru.” Emphasizing her grandparents’ resilience and selflessness in immigrating to the United States, Leilani spoke to the purpose of grandparents’ presence in our lives as they challenge us to take opportunities.
Following Leilani, Austin spoke to the values and life lessons he learned from his own grandparents. “Throughout my journey, I’ve been reminded that my grandparents were some of the first people who taught me about responsibility, hard work, and perseverance,” he stated. He gave a personal shoutout to each of his grandparents as they each instilled a different core value that sticks with him to this day. He ended by posing a question to the audience, “It might be interesting to explore what you would want for your grandkids on Grandparents Day,” Austin said. “What if we were to swap seats? I’m reminded of just how meaningful a quick text, a phone call, or a dinner can be in keeping our connections alive.”
After assembly, the day began, and the grandparent and grandchild pairs headed out to periods four and six. Austin brought his grandparents to his English 6: New York Literature class, taught by Mr. Martino. “My favorite part of grandparents day was taking them to my New York Lit class and hearing them speak about their different experiences in New York City way back when they were my age,” he said.
Thank you to all the faculty, staff, but most importantly, students and grandparents who make this day so special for the community. Until next year!
