2020 has been a unique and historical year for Kent School. After Father Schell’s retirement last spring after nearly four decades of service, Michael C. Hirschfeld became Kent’s sixth Head of School, guiding us through one of the most difficult years in Kent’s history due to having to navigate the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition to having a new Head of School, we also welcome a few more new faces, as well as some familiar ones, to our campus this fall. 

Cara Clarke is Kent’s new Assistant Dean of Students & 4th Form Dean. She is joined by her husband Wayne Clarke, who is Kent’s newest Associate Director of Admissions. Drawing from their combined experiences at St. Paul’s School, Wilbraham & Monson, Cushing Academy and Forman School, they will be much appreciated additions to the Kent community. In addition to their day jobs, the Clarkes are also serving as Dorm Parents for Hoerle Hall. Mr. and Ms. Clarke have two children: Morgan, a 3rd former at Kent and Shawn, a 7th grader at nearby Rumsey Hall. 

College Counseling welcomes Daniel Zurolo, who is no stranger to Kent School, who has worked for the school in various capacities over the years, including as a softball coach, Theology teacher, Admissions Associate, and College Counselor. He brings a wealth of experience in the field from both the private and public education sectors. Though many of us were nervous about losing our college counselor so close to senior year and in the middle of a pandemic, Mr. Zurolo’s expertise and familiarity with Kent has made the transition both seamless and painless.  

Next, we have two welcome additions to the Mathematics Department: Torrey Hall and Kevin MacNeil.  Mr. Hall is teaching Algebra 1 & 2 this year, as well as working in ARC to help students in need of a little extra Math support.  Mr. Hall will also coach boys varsity football this year, but seems to enjoy all sports as a Patriots, Celtics & Bruins fan. Dr. MacNeil, on the other hand, has been a teacher-administrator at several schools, including St. Paul’s School and Culver Academies, as well as serving as an Advanced Studies Program Teacher at St. Paul’s; he has taught not only Math but Philosophy and Biomedical Ethics. Also a sports fan, his favorite teams are the Red Sox and Arsenal FC.  

Returning to the Science Department is Judith Rokous, who has also taught previously at The Governor’s Academy and St. Paul’s. Ms. Rokous will also be working in ARC and be faculty-in-residence on the 3rd floor of Hoerle North. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking. 

Meanwhile, the English Department’s newest member is Joelle Troiano, who majored in both English & Biology at Williams College. Ms. Troiano, who will be teaching English 2 & 3 this year, is a Kent alumna and will be contributing to the Kent Dance Program, as well.  She will be the faculty-in-residence on the 3rd floor of Case and is interested in journalism and animal care.

The History Department welcomes Micah Duhaime, who will be teaching both Modern Euro and U.S. History this year, and brings experience from both Chase Collegiate School and Shenzhen Middle School in China. Mr. Duhaime has always enjoyed history and is particularly interested in the role of social media and propaganda in today’s fast-changing world, which is likely to be more relevant than ever during this year’s U.S. presidential election! Mr. Duhaime will also serve as assistant coach for JV Volleyball and as a second advisor for the Kent Model UN club.

Finally, though not new to Kent, Heather Holohan-Guarnieri has become Kent’s new Dance Program Director. Ms. Holohan-Guarnieri had already worked as dance instructor, choreographed Kent musicals and served as acting coach. She lives in Millbrook, NY with her daughter Caelyn, enjoys kickboxing and yoga. We look forward to what her leadership will bring to both Kent’s dance program and future musical performances.

I know I speak for all Kent students in saying “Welcome!” and that we look forward to meeting and getting to know you this year!