ALL SCHOOL GATHERING

Since 1993, the All-School Gathering has celebrated the community, highlighted the depth of talent across all three campuses, and officially started the school year. In his first All-School Gathering since becoming Head of School, Nigel D. Furlonge embraced the celebration and shared, “As we enjoy this community moment, I do so mindful that The Gathering is also a reminder for us to be grateful.” He recognized the support and dedication of school administrators, Board members, and PAMKA and gave an MKA Sweater to 2022 Founders’ Cup Award for Teaching Excellence recipient CherylAnne Amendola. The audience was greeted by the dynamic Upper School Pep Band combined with the Eighth Grade Band, and performances by groups from each campus, including the a capella group Remix, Upper School Cheerleaders, Upper School Advanced Dance

Ensemble, Middle School Step Team, Middle School Dance Ensemble, and the Third Grade Brookside Bellringers kept the program light, lively, and engaging. Eighth Grade Class President Layla Lynch shared her contagious enthusiasm for the year ahead, and Upper School Student Council President Amari Urquhart and Upper School Student Council Vice President Yousef

Abukwaik related a few cautionary as well as appreciative tales of their experience as MKA Lifers. Tradition abounded during the ceremony, including the singing of the alma mater, “Oh, MKA,” and the senior presentation of a stuffed cougar to Kindergarten students as they crossed a bridge. The event concluded with the ringing of the Academy Bell by the youngest student in Kindergarten, this year, in honor of the 30th Anniversary of the program, joined by the Brookside Bellringers.