Giving Impact on the Boys

Solomon is from Kigali, Rwanda — a long way from Woodberry Forest, Virginia. His sister went to St. Mary’s School, which is how he first learned about Woodberry. When he arrived on campus as a third former, he was a “gangly, funny little kid who loved history and math and was looking for an academic challenge,” said Karla Vargas-Kennedy, assistant headmaster for enrollment. During the application process when he was a student at Kigali International Community School, he told the admission office that his goal was to make his parents proud. That skinny little boy has developed into an impressive young man. Last spring it was announced he would be one of the school’s eighteen prefects, and this summer his peers voted him as the senior prefect. His growth at Woodberry has been remarkable. 

“The first word that comes to mind when thinking of Solomon is kind,” said his advisor, Dr. David McRae. “He is one of the kindest young men I have met. He consistently considers how his choices influence others. He is also keenly aware of himself. He once commented that if he had half his parents' work ethic, he would be a top honors student.”

DK arrived at Woodberry from South Korea a year ago. During his brief time here, he has already established himself as one of the school’s best tour guides. When he is giving a tour, it doesn’t matter where the family is from—he makes them feel comfortable. DK’s family was also quick to get involved— his mother is head of the Korean Parents’ Association this year. 

“DK exudes joyfulness—he warms up any room he’s in with his genuine interest in others, his contagious smile, and his enthusiasm for life,” said his advisor, Ryan Alexander. “My three kids (4, 6, and 8 year olds) rush DK when they see him to tell him their latest joke or ask him to play soccer with them. He is a unique young man who can connect with anyone—adults, his peers, and little kids. He is certainly a talented athlete and student, but as his advisor I'm most proud of the way that DK treats others with kindness and respect.”

Joseph came to Woodberry through Global Scholars Academy in Durham, North Carolina. Global Scholars hopes to foster in their students a sense of personal, financial, and academic responsibility they can carry with them throughout their lives, and they certainly succeeded with Joseph. Soft spoken, Joseph loves math and soccer. He first looked at Woodberry during the height of the Covid pandemic and enrolled as a third former. 

“When Joseph first arrived at Woodberry his father told me that Joseph played soccer like Messi, but better,” said Joseph’s advisor, Andrew Handelsman. “While this may have been a slight exaggeration, Joseph has found many ways to contribute on and off the field. Not least of these is as a good friend to his peers and a positive influence to the whole community. Joseph likes to be involved and try new things, from studying Chinese to playing JV baseball. In our advisee group, Joseph often adds wise words to the younger students in our group.”

Penn comes from a long line of Woodberry alumni, including his father, grandfather, uncle and cousin, but Penn’s decision to enroll here was based on his desire to take advanced, challenging classes. He has been a standout from the beginning. In fact, when he toured the school, his interviewer commented, “Wow, what a smart, interesting kid!” His little brother, Laurie, has followed in his footsteps and is currently a third former. 

“Penn is my advisee, so I’ve known him since he was a third former,” said Greg Jacobs. “I’ve also taught him in AP Physics and am now working with him in our Science Thesis Seminar. While Penn’s intellectual thoroughness has always been obvious, I am equally impressed by Penn’s willingness to help everyone else in the class. Penn has embraced taking on the role of master collaborator, talking through difficult concepts with classmates until he and they both understand them.”