KENT – A former teacher, who knows the graduating eighth graders at Kent Center School well, shared some of her own experiences to encourage them not to limit themselves.
Lee Sohl, who retired several years ago but still serves as a substitute teacher, was an integral part of the faculty at the school for decades.
She reminded the students of a book they read in sixth grade, “Bud Not Buddy,” which had a quote that she focused on. “When one door closes, another door opens,” she shared.
“Most of you have been part of this eighth grade family since you were in pre-K or kindergarten,” she said, adding some joined in recent years.
While each student might have a role or title that was given to them by their classmates, they should not let that limit them as they open their next door, she said. Whether they are seen as the “quiet one” or the “baseball star,” it shouldn’t be seen as a limitation.
“Now you have a chance to be more than how your classmates see you at school. I don’t want you to close the door on your experiences at Kent Center, but I hope that you’ll open new doors to new opportunities as you move onto high school,” Sohl said. “Take advantage of the choices you’re given and try new things.”
Sohl shared that when she left middle school, she was known as an artist, reader and the animal lover. In high school, she was known as the “loud” one, motorcycle girl, she took auto mechanics and played park and rec field hockey. Writer, pharmacy apprentice and wife were how she was known in college. Later on, she became teacher, mother and animal control officer, followed by ice hockey coach and musician. However, she was still an artist, reader and animal lover.
The KCS Class of 2024 stands in front of family and friends at the graduation ceremony June 11 in the school courtyard. Principal Michelle Mott is to the left. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington 
Katherine Joseph shares her essay during the Kent Center School graduation June 11. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington 
Lee Sohl, a longtime teacher at Kent Center School who has retired but still serves as a substitute, was the graduation speaker June 11 at the ceremony. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington 
Graduate Jessica Watkins smiles after the KCS graduation ceremony June 11. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington
“Trying new things isn’t always easy but Kent Center School has given you a solid foundation to be the confident people I’m positive you can be,” Sohl said. “Open those doors and have a wonderful time doing it.
Principal Michelle Mott congratulated the eighth graders and encouraged them to also take advantage of opportunities.
“Your achievements thus far are a testament to resilience and determination to succeed. As you embark on the next phase of your journey, I encourage you to embrace every moment, seize every opportunity and never stop reaching for your dreams. Remember that the lessons you’ve learned and the friendships you’ve made and the values you’ve learned here, will serve as your compass as you navigate the adventures that lie ahead,” Mott said.
Essayist Beatrice Gifford reminded her classmates of memories they’d shared and what they’d learned during their years together.
“Every year, from great to small, the traditions that we’ve participated in have created a community that incentivizes kindness and generosity. This community has left space to grow and change in ways that have encouraged us to look forward to our futures with hope instead of fear,” she said.
She credited KCS for giving them a strong set of skills to lead them to success in high school.
The 24 graduates were presented with their diplomas by Mott and Jenn Duncan, chairman of the Kent Board of Education.
Essayist Katherine Joseph shared her thanks on behalf of the class to all the teachers who helped them over the years, as well as their parents. As fourth graders, their grade had to learn online during the Covid pandemic.
“We all know how difficult it was during lockdown,” she said. “Even though our parents probably struggled with kids at home, they were able to keep it together and made sure we stayed connected to the wifi. Our parents have always been able to give us love and motivation when we need it most.”
She also thanked her classmates for their support and “all the fun times we had together.” Joseph encouraged the graduates to use their past successes to bolster themselves when things get tough.
“Let us take on the future with excitement, determination and bravery on whatever is yet to come,” Joseph said.
The graduates are: Baylee Alderman, Elizabeth Austin, Benjamin Baird, Mason Basile, Lyla Banffy, Charlie Collins, Andrew Gawel, Dylan George, Beatrice Gifford, Myers Gifford, Addison Green, Katherine Joseph, Lincoln Kennedy, Alyssa Kovacs, Alison McCarron, Katherine Money, Kadence Parsons, Richard Patterson, Vincent Roberti, Owen Schnepf, Andrew See, Juliette Trabucco, Jessica Watkins and Emery Wisell.
Achievement Awards
These awards were presented to the graduates earlier in the day:
Academic Excellence Award: Alison McCarron
American Legion Awards: Andrew Gawel and Juliette Trabucco
Chorus Award: Alyssa Kovacs
Classroom Music Award: Alison McCarron
Computer Science Award: Jessica Watkins
Connecticut C.O.L.T. Awards: Elizabeth Austin, Benjamin Baird, Myers Gifford, Alison McCarron, Owen Schnepf
DAR Citizenship Award: Dylan George
DAR History Award: Owen Schnepf
David Armstrong Art Award: Kadence Parsons and Jessica Watkins
Drama Award: Vincent Roberti
Gail Oslin Leo Award: Alison McCarron
Instrumental Music Award: Elizabeth Austin
Kent Education Association Award: Emery Wisell
Library Award: Katherine Money
Lions Club Awards: Benjamin Baird and Katherine Joseph
Norman Stoddard Sports Awards: Alyssa Kovacs and Andrew See
Physical Education Award: Benjamin Baird
Presidential Awards: Owen Schnepf, Elizabeth Austin, Katherine Money, Juliette Trabucco, Alison McCarron
Principal Awards: Addison Green and Katherine Money
PTO Citizenship Award: Beatrice Gifford
Ron Viafore Arts Alive Award: Myers Gifford
Spanish Awards: Alison McCarron, Elizabeth Austin, Myers Gifford, Owen Schnepf, Benjamin Baird
