The Hotchkiss student body is made up of a rich cross-section of interests,
backgrounds, and talents. The heads of our Blue Key Society
provide just a few examples of what makes living and learning in this
community so exciting.
During the school year, we encourage you to get in touch with these students
by
emailing bluekey@hotchkiss.org
with your questions.
Chris
Hometown: Clifton Park, New York
Activities: Football, Basketball, Baseball, President of Veteran's Club, KIVA
Favorite class: History of the Middle East -- The class showed me how imperative an understanding of the past is to forming effective policy in the present. You can't fix the problems of the region without realizing how those problems were created in the first place. We had numerous debates including mock peace accords. We put ourselves in the shoes of the people who shaped the Middle East, and compared their decisions to what we would have done. I wrote my final paper on the financial network of Al Qaeda, which was the most fascinating assignment I've ever done.
Favorite way to spend free time: Hanging out with friends, golfing, and watching movies
What I love about Hotchkiss: I graduated 8th grade with 12 boys who were all from the same town. So, having friends from Ghana, Nigeria, and France is incredible. Last year in class, I debated the Afghanistan war with a student from Afghanistan. And although everyone here is interested in different things, they're really into whatever they're doing. From a history teacher, to a linebacker, to an art student, everyone has this passion for what they're doing that's hard to find in many other places.
Corina
Hometown: York, Maine
Activities: Varsity Tennis Captain, JV Hockey and Cross Country; China Care Club Head; Semester Abroad in China
Favorite classes:
Chinese. I started taking Chinese my prep year at Hotchkiss. The teachers are all originally from China and have amazing backgrounds and stories. My Chinese classes have always been engaging and productive. The Hotchkiss Chinese program challenged and encouraged me to take the next step and study abroad in China. I look forward to my final year of studying Chinese with Hotchkiss and hope to continue in college.
Favorite way to spend free time: Hotchkiss's campus is beautiful, and there is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than sitting down at the lake with your friends. On a nice spring day it can feel like the whole school has taken a minute to put down their books and enjoy the sun and water.
What I love about Hotchkiss: I love Hotchkiss because it has given me opportunities that I would have never been given anywhere else. I have been able to travel around the world and be an ambassador for Hotchkiss. It's an amazing feeling to be able to be in Beijing and speak with prospective Hotchkiss students and families. Hotchkiss isn't just in Lakeville, Connecticut; it's an international community that will follow you wherever you may be in the world.
Erica
Hometown: Palos Verdes Estates, California
Activities: Head Tour Guide, board of Junior Bearcats, Library/IT
Favorite Class: English
Favorite way to spend free time: Reading a book, hanging out with friends
What I love about Hotchkiss: I love Hotchkiss for challenging me like never before. Class discussions are exciting and dynamic, school work is rigorous, teachers are dedicated, and students are eager. Hotchkiss is a spectacular community full of spectacular minds, and I am proud to go here. Living on this beautiful campus among people who love being here has truly been an unforgettable experience.
Griffin
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Activities: Wieler Proctor, Human Development Teaching Assistant, Board Member of The Hotchkiss Lookbook, Re-Founder and Co-Head of Photography Club, Water Polo, Squash, Lacrosse
Favorite Classes: Definitely Stream Ecology with Mr. Oostenink. We spend the first few months of the semester-course discussing stream formation, BMIs (the bugs in the river), and general ecology of riparian zones. Then, in the spring, when the ice melts, we go out collecting water samples and BMI samples, bringing them back to the lab for analysis. Finally, for the last couple of weeks with warm(er) waters and hatching BMIs, we go out fly-fishing in the early morning. Coolest. Class. Ever.
Favorite way to spend free time: There's always something new to stumble upon in The Hotchkiss Woods. I love hiking the trails with friends or even sometimes just with myself and my camera.
What I love about Hotchkiss: I love that we live with our teachers. At the end of each corridor of every dorm at Hotchkiss is a member of the faculty and, often, his/her family–spouse, kids, dogs, the works. It makes life here feel extremely comfortable and honest. They invite us into their homes for tea or dinner or snacks; they're available in the evening for chats or tutoring. And most faculty serve as coaches. My English teacher is my water polo coach and my math teacher also coaches my squash team. Relationships with teachers outside of the classroom and in the rest of our lives here at Hotchkiss create an incredibly strong, close community and make me proud to call Hotchkiss my home.
Hughbo
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Activities: Varsity Water Polo, Varsity Swimming, Upperclass Proctor, Global Awareness Club
Favorite Class: English, because of the freedom of expression and imagination that the class allows.
Favorite way to spend free time: Hanging out with friends, watching the Giants game, sleeping, reading a good book.
What I love about Hotchkiss: I love the fact that Hotchkiss is big enough that there is almost always something to do, but small enough to create a sense of familiarity and coziness throughout my years here.
Isaiah
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Activities: BaHSA(Black and Hispanic Student Alliance), SPEAK (Slam Poetry Expressing Adolescent Knowledge), Drill Team, Gospel Choir, Varsity Girls Basketball Manager
Favorite classes: English is my favorite class because I love to formulate unique opinions and ideas that pertain to literary works of all kinds.
Favorite way to spend free time: I love to spend time with friends, meet new faces, and read.
What I love about Hotchkiss: What I love most about Hotchkiss is our community. I've met so many individuals from all ethnic and social backgrounds who I can truly consider as life-long friends.
Kendall
Hometown: Sanford, Florida
Activities: Track & Field, Harry Potter Club, Black and Hispanic Student Alliance, Soccer, and Basketball
Favorite Class: Philosophy, definitely. I love the things we talk about, our discussions, and hearing the opinions of others is so interesting, especially when they see something in a different way.
Favorite way to spend free time: In Main Building or out on the grass hanging out with friends or reading for pleasure.
What I love about Hotchkiss: The people you meet and the friends you make. You have such amazing experiences and relationships with all the people you meet at Hotchkiss, not just other students, but faculty and staff as well.
Michaela
Hometown: Chestnut Ridge, NY
Activities: JV Field Hockey, Varsity Ice Hockey, Varsity Softball, Proctor
Favorite class: English and Visual Art are my two favorites. I love English for the conversations. Each English class is different, and every person brings something different to the discussion. Visual Art is an outlet for me. The calm environment of the class makes it easy to learn and have fun.
Favorite way to spend free time: Hanging out with friends in the dorm or in Main Building, playing on the athletic fields, working in the art room, and going to the lake are some of my favorite ways to spend free time.
What I love about Hotchkiss: In my time here, I've developed a huge appreciation for the opportunities, friendships, and beauty that Hotchkiss has to offer. I really love the people and the campus. I have made some incredible friends that I know I'll be close with for the rest of my life. The teachers here do everything they can to help their students succeed, and a look around our campus can easily convince anyone of the beautiful facilities and resources we're lucky and grateful to have.