6 minute read
Bright Knights
STANDING OUT ON HIS OWN PATH
Quinn Charlton ’22
Quinn Charlton ’22 is known as a leader and willing to help where he is needed. He believes part of what has made him successful at EHS is how often he speaks up in class discussions. “It made things easier for me. It will give you a better relationship with your teacher when they can see you care and are paying attention in class,” says Quinn. “Talking in the class discussion also makes the information easier to take in when you’re actively responding and making your brain do something.”
Nancy Eisenberg, Associate Head of School and Quinn’s English teacher, says she experienced Quinn’s leadership qualities firsthand. “Quinn is a leader in-class discussion. He was the first to volunteer to recite a Langston Hughes poem, and when the class was having difficulty understanding a metaphor, he stood up to demonstrate. His insights are excellent,” says Eisenberg.
He is well‑known for his active involvement with DIA (Diversity in Action), one of the oldest student‑led organizations at EHS. “I got into DIA wanting to be around more of the students like me, getting to know them better.” Quinn adds, “The best part of DIA for me has been going to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference and participating in the multiracial affinity group at the conference. At the conference and in DIA I’ve gotten to meet more biracial kids like myself, and it makes me feel less alone.” Associate Director of Admission and DIA Sponsor Ayesha Spooner describes Quinn as a gem and a ray of sunshine. “I appreciate all that he offers in the way of being a student leader and I believe it’s his smile and genuine energy that makes the organizations, teams, and this campus better for everyone.”
Aside from playing an active role in campus life, Quinn is also very involved in sports, including football, wrestling, and tennis. “I like different aspects of all of them,” he says. “I love football games. I love wrestling practice. I love tennis as a whole, but that’s also because it’s something I’ve grown up with and is a big part of my family. It’s something everyone in my family does,” says Quinn.
Perhaps one lesser-known fact about Quinn is that he is passionate about dancing. He took his first dance class when he was four or five years old. His brother was a dancer, so Quinn always danced, too. Quinn focuses on Hip Hop for Boys at EHS, but he has also danced ballet. “I like the music,” Quinn adds. “The music makes me want to dance. My body just starts moving on its own.”
For prospective students, Quinn has this advice: “Be open-minded and get out of your comfort zone. Be open to making new friendships and meeting people that come from a different place than you do.” To teacher and Student Activities Director Courtney Lindloff, Quinn’s willingness to help other students stands out. “Before his senior year started, Quinn reached out to see how he could volunteer to work with our new Knights to help them make their transition to EHS even better. Quinn takes initiative, invites his peers to participate, and discovers joy in the many ways in which he connects with our community,” says Lindloff.
Quinn finds driving motivation in his two favorite quotes, one by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the other by musical artist Tupac. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” and Tupac said, “Long live the rose that grew from concrete. When no one else even cared.” Quinn hopes to attend the University of Miami to study intercultural communications.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
KitKat Kwiatkowski ’22
Many who know Katarzyna “KitKat” Kwiatkowski ’22 know she is a powerhouse cross country and track and field runner. Her signature running style is often marked by steady endurance and strength that pushes her to the top of the race. “What makes KitKat stand out as an athlete is her ability to focus and the determination she has to finish the race,” says Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant 12th‑grade Dean Julius Michael.
KitKat’s stamina has even earned her national recognition. This past summer, she placed 10th in the Outdoor Nationals, presented by Nike, with a time of 2:10 for the 800‑meter run. And impressively, she can run a 5k with a time of 17 minutes, 20 seconds. “Running takes patience, and I have to trust myself that I will get to where I need to go,” KitKat says.
One of the major reasons KitKat came to EHS was her interaction with Mr. Michael. After being introduced to him at an Open House on campus and later at her middle school meet, KitKat knew this was the place for her to take her running to the next level and grow as an athlete. “Coach Michael’s welcoming spirit influenced me to come to EHS,” KitKat says. “I felt that he would care about me and that I would have a support system here. He’s an amazing coach.”
Aside from being a stellar runner, KitKat is a multifaceted artist who plays the cello in the EHS Orchestra and the piano. Music has played a big part in her family’s life, and she began learning how to play both the piano and cello at age five. Playing music is something her mother wanted to instill in both KitKat and her brother. “My mom is from a piano family,” KitKat says. “My grandmother was a concert pianist in the Philippines, and my grandfather owned a piano shop, so my mom grew up playing on all the organs and pianos.”
While KitKat’s athletic and artistic abilities come natural to her, the accolades and praise she has received come from hours of practice and discipline. “Because KitKat is an athlete, I think the determination it takes to do that translates into her musical abilities,” says Music Coordinator and Performing Arts Teacher Grant Gould. “She is the best of both worlds in terms of being an artist and an athlete.”
While KitKat has developed her running and music abilities at EHS, she also notes that the faculty has helped her immensely. “Mr. Mark Mitchell is the first teacher that I could talk to about literature in an open and honest way,” KitKat says. “Also, Mr. Andrew Lauer has been someone I can go to with any problem.”
The future is certainly bright for KitKat. She is currently in the recruitment process for cross country and track and field for Brown University, Columbia University, and the Air Force Academy. Drawing inspiration from her family’s Filipino and Polish heritage, KitKat wants to major in foreign affairs, specifically Asian area studies, with a minor in a foreign language. Ultimately, KitKat hopes to pursue a career where she can help others and foster mutual understandings. “Coming from two cultures, I know what it is like to be on the different sides and bring people together.”
—Lauren West
MOMENTS
EHS student-athletes and coaches cheer on participants of the Challenger Football Game. The Challenger sports program provides children with disabilities the opportunity to play ball and experience team sports. Photo by Mauro Gomez
