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WE ARE MKA Stories of Giving
W
WE ARE MKA
Georgia (top left) and her classmates from the Class of 1954 gather for a Reunion photo.
Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk: Stories of Extraordinary People and Why They Give
Georgia Carrington ’54
The Emerson quotation next to Georgia Carrington’s yearbook photo reads, “Nothing is ever gained without enthusiasm.” It is clear that the enthusiasm for life that she embodied at The Kimberley School in 1954 has not dimmed 67 years later. Georgia has maintained close ties with classmates across the United States and Europe, though she was only at TKS for three years. Reflecting on those early years, Georgia shared, “The whole school welcomed new students so completely - within a month, everyone made me feel as welcome as if we had been in school together for years.” Additionally, she was “majorly impressed” with the way in which Montclair Academy, The Kimberley School, and Brookside successfully merged in 1974 and created a vibrant and impactful community for students and families. She thinks this cohesive community was evident when the school sent a holiday video showcasing unity and a sense of fun, not to mention the singing talents of Head of School Tom Nammack, the Heads of Campus, and several students.
Georgia was voted “Best Athlete” by her class, and she was inducted into MKA’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998 for Racquet Sports. An accomplished tennis player and recipient of the Harold Cook Tennis Trophy after winning the school tournament, Georgia also played badminton and squash. In addition, Georgia participated in field hockey and basketball and enjoyed learning from PE Teachers Miss Stone and Miss Brock. When not on a court or field, Georgia recalls participating in the Fall Frolic and believes the Class of 1954 may have pulled off a win in the student-written, directed, and judged dancing and singing competition at some point. In class and other school productions, music teacher Wallace “Bucky” Coursen’s leadership and sense of humor were much appreciated.
In the years following her graduation from Hollins University in Virginia, Georgia traveled the world and then served as a creative drama teacher, dorm parent, coach, and administrator at several schools including Garrison Forest, Ethel Walker, Springside, and Westtown Friends. It is clear that the balance of academics and athletics she experienced as a TKS student informed Georgia’s illustrious career.
An active volunteer now, Georgia has spent her time assisting many worthy organizations in the southewestern corner of Connecticut, including the Ridgefield Library, the Danbury Grassroots Academy, and Renewal House, a resource for homeless seniors. Even in the face of restrictions due to the pandemic, Georgia has gone out to stock shelves and distribute food and meals. Her commitment to her community includes MKA, and Georgia is a proud member of the Heritage Society. Choosing to include MKA in her estate plans will enable future generations of scholars and athletes to find and pursue their own passions.
India Larrier ’80
Describe your family. What are some things you love to do?
The Larriers are family, church, and neighborhoodoriented. We enjoy getting together with neighbors— socially distanced due to COVID, these days—and with family. Holidays are a great time, often with 15-20 of us around the table laughing and teasing. We give back to our community: volunteering in town or for advocacy organizations, such as Maplewood’s Senior Advisory Committee, Planning Board, and (at one time) First Aid Squad. For leisure, Kendall ’20 loves riding and spends time at the barn (she has deferred college for one year) and Sydney ’14 loves to design and create outfits.
What drew you to MKA?
MKA drew us in even before it was MKA. My mother, Rebecca Hayes, joined the faculty at the Brookside School. My siblings and I attended Brookside until the merger in 1974 when we went to MKA’s Middle School. Later, my aunt, Thelma Habron joined the English Department, and cousins, James Habron ’81, Mary Hayes McDaniel ’82, and Geoffrey Habron ’83, joined us at the Upper School.
Decades later, when Sydney and Kendall were entering high school, they opted to attend MKA for the activities and college-prep opportunities that were available.
What about MKA means the most to you? Has that changed over time?
What means the most to me is the education and college preparation we received and the legacy that our family has there. My family has lifelong friends from MKA. One great loss to our family was the death of Mr. Ken Gibson, whom my children came to know more as a family member than Mom’s teacher.
It has been disheartening to see the difficulties in racial relations at the school. While it feels as though this is a low point for MKA, sometimes the best way to overcome persistent struggle is to expose it to the much brighter light of day. The Board’s and Administration’s commitment to improving the school in this area, for the long-term, is encouraging. We look forward to seeing what changes will come moving forward, especially those that come about as a result of the Black
Student Experience Task Force. Many eyes are watching as this important work builds on the school’s legacy.
What is your proudest achievement as a family (at MKA or in general)?
For any family, watching your children grow and care for and about their families, learn how to interact positively with others, and take their place in the world with integrity and courage is a great achievement. By God’s Grace, John and I have had the joy of seeing this growth, as I think our parents did before us. MKA played a big part in this achievement.
How do you work to make an impact at the school?
Over the years I have been involved in the Alumni Council, The Black Alumni Network Initiative, and have participated on occasion in Career Day. I have enjoyed the opportunities to interact with the students. Sydney coordinated a Zoom call with the Black alumni to congratulate and welcome the Black students of the Class of 2020, which—even remotely —was uplifting. As a monthly recurring donor, giving every month is an extension of our desire to connect with the school community.
Why do you give back to MKA?
We give back to MKA because MKA gave to me and my family. It has been a pleasure to watch the process as Sydney and Kendall grow into strong and discerning young women. MKA, like most schools, is not without its issues, but I was raised to believe that if you want a community to become and stay the place you want it to be, you must give if you can and get involved. This goes for the MKA community as well as our own neighborhood.
