Black Bear Community Award: World Cup Edition

Please join the KMS community in recognizing several individuals for the Black Bear Community Award this week! The Black Bear Community Award is presented by KMS faculty to those within our community who go above and beyond to benefit the many different demographics at our school. These individuals selflessly dedicate their time and energy to bettering our community without any expectation of recognition or reward. We remain incredibly grateful and humbled by the level of selfless commitment shown by so many within our community on a daily basis. Their dedication and willingness to contribute positively foster an environment where everyone can reach their fullest potential, strive for excellence in both personal and professional growth, and enjoy the unique opportunities that distinguish KMS from other educational and athletic institutions. We are excited to recognize several individuals for their exceptional contributions during this year’s World Cup.

The first recognition goes to several members of our student body who were instrumental in the success of KMS’ World Cup Party! The "Join Us at the Top" World Cup Party, held on November 29th at the Foundry, kicked off our home mountain’s World Cup festivities. Hosted by KMS, this community event brought together members of both KMS and the greater Killington community (and beyond!) to celebrate our school, specifically showcasing our incredible student-athletes and the amazing programming opportunities they receive through their KMS experience. The students who participated in this event—Jade Denker, Gabby Capizzi, Spencer Claffey, Liam Claffey, Ty Davis, Aleksa Lalic, Tommaso Sala, Ashley Petersen, Alice Padilha, and Sarah Hamlin—were essential in setting up and breaking down the venue, selling raffle tickets, and welcoming and interacting with the many guests who attended. We would also like to give a huge shoutout to our Student Council President, Liam Claffey, for delivering an amazing speech to roughly 300 people about KMS and its Student Council. We would also like to recognize Senior Pippa Scott for her passionate speech about her non-profit, Ride for Mental Health. Throughout the event, the Director of Advancement, Robin Debiase, received high praise from guests regarding these young men and women. Each of them showcased the best of what KMS has to offer, and we cannot thank them enough for their volunteerism. Thank you all!

The second recognition this week goes to an amazing group of faculty: the KMS Alpine Coaches! Not only do these professionals selflessly dedicate their time and energy throughout the year to coaching and mentoring our student-athletes, helping them realize and achieve their highest athletic potential, but they also played a crucial role in preparing for Killington’s World Cup. Despite coming back from extensive travel overseas with our students, these coaches pushed through their jet lag to volunteer many hours each day in the lead-up to the main World Cup events. Their contributions included setting up and eventually breaking down all 275 safety net rolls, as well as helping prepare Superstar by utilizing over 50,000 gallons of water to firm up the snow. Events like the World Cup are incredible, but what is even more remarkable is the hard work and dedication of those who make such events possible behind the scenes. We are proud to have our coaches involved in these preparations. Thank you to all our Alpine coaches!

Please join KMS in celebrating these individuals. We are incredibly grateful for you and are proud to have you as part of our community!