Vincent Dotoli ’87 has always been passionate about education. Kent spoke to him when he was recognized by Forbes Magazine for his groundbreaking work in founding the Harlem Academy. Here’s what he had to say:
“Forbes Magazine thoughtfully recognized Harlem Academy’s growth as a unique and critically needed school for developing academic potential in an underserved area. The article, “Country Day In Harlem,” focused on some of the school’s inspiration, but left out the transformative role Kent played in my life and how the ideals of our alma mater have translated into the program.
Harlem Academy holds a weekly community meeting; while this is not chapel in the strictest sense, it is our opportunity to address moral and character building issues while also taking silent time for prayer or personal reflection. In the classroom, our fifth graders read (Bill Armstrong's) Sounder in the fall and learn as much from the ideals of its author as from the wonderful story. We also appreciate that Kent students have served as volunteers at the school and that FABB, one of Kent’s community service clubs, has made a donation to send our fourth and fifth graders on a field trip this spring.
Harlem Academy is growing from humble roots much as Kent did almost 100 years before. In September 2004, we opened with a class of 12 first grade students and have added a grade for five consecutive years only because generous people continue to get involved.”
