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Kent School

The Reverend Frederick H. Sill, O.H.C. Society

Fr. Frederick H. Sill founded Kent on three fundamental principles: Simplicity of Life, Directness of Purpose, and Self Reliance. These principles have successfully guided our School community for more than a century. 

As a tribute to our Founder, the Alumni Council established The Reverend Frederick H. Sill, O.H.C. Society in 2006. The Sill Society honors Kent alumni/ae whose personal achievement and distinguished service bring distinction to themselves and the School, particularly when such accomplishments positively impact the broader community, nation, or world. All alumni/ae of Kent are eligible for consideration, except those currently serving on the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Council, or as an employee of the School.

The Sill Society Committee considers nominations annually. A showcase of current and past recipients appears below, and those wishing to nominate an alum are invited to complete the nomination form at the bottom of the page. For more information or questions, please contact Candie Fredritz at fredritzc@kent-school.edu or 860-927-6230.



 


 

2024 Recipients

Edward B. "Ted" Danson '66

Kent School is proud to call Edward B. “Ted” Danson ‘66 an alumnus. His achievements range from entertainment to activism. After graduating from Kent in 1966, Ted Danson, attended Stanford University, later transferring to Carnegie Mellon for the acting program. Ted is well known for his countless roles on television and the big screen. He has been nominated for over 50 awards and won many, including Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys and more. Several generations have laughed with him and enjoyed his entertainment from his days on "Cheers" as Sam Malone to "Curb Your Enthusiasm." 

Ted is equally well known for his activism for ocean conservation. He co-founded the American Oceans Campaigns in the 1980s, which later merged with Oceana, where Ted remains on the board. Ted has also co-authored a book, "Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them." Ted has testified in front of Congress and the World Trade Organization regarding destroying the oceanic biosystem. He truly brings honor and distinction to himself and Kent School.

John H. Magruder III '36

Col. John Magruder ‘36’s (retired) achievements and service brought honor and distinction to himself, Kent School, and the United States. Col. Magruder graduated from the Naval Academy and served the United States honorably as a Marine during World War II in Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. Col. Magruder was one of the few Marines who served in the European Theater of World War II, where he was a liaison between the Free Dutch Forces and the 21st United States Army Group during the liberation of Holland. He created the Marine Corps exhibit at the Hall of Military and Naval History at the Smithsonian Institute in 1954. In 1960 he developed the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico and served as its first director. He was the director of the Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board of the Smithsonian until he died in 1972. The Marine Corps continues to honor Colonel John Magruder by awarding the Col. John Magruder Award for Exhibit and Historical Display. This award is given out to recognize exemplary work that furthers the understanding of Marine Corps history, traditions, culture, and service. It is a great honor to call Col. Magruder an alumnus of Kent School.

Past Recipients



 


 

Required

The Reverend Frederick H. Sill, O.H.C. Society
Honoree Nomination Form

We respectfully request that you keep your nomination confidential. This helps prevent any unintended expectations or potential disappointment for the individual nominated, should they not be inducted into the Sill Society.

 

Nominee's Namerequired
First Name
Maiden (optional)
Last Name
Must contain only numbers
The Nominee is:required
If the Nominee is living, are they aware of their nomination?required

 

Biographical and Contact Information for Nominee

 

Criteria for the Nomination Submission

The Sill Society honors Kent School alumni who exemplify the School’s values through exceptional achievement and service. Nominations should highlight how the candidate demonstrates:

  • Distinguished professional accomplishment that reflects excellence and leadership in their field.
  • Meaningful contributions to society, such as philanthropy, volunteerism, or public service, that have a positive impact on communities.
  • Integrity and character align with Kent’s motto of simplicity in life, directness of purpose, and self-reliance. 
  • Influence on others, through mentorship, advocacy, or initiatives that create opportunities and inspire change.

 

 

References

List 2–3 references (including at least one Kent School alum). For each, provide phone, email, and relationship, and indicate whether the individual is aware of their role as a reference.

 

Reference #1required
First Name
Maiden (optional)
Last Name
Does this person know they are a reference?required
Reference #2required
First Name
Maiden (optional)
Last Name
Does this person know they are a reference?required
Reference #3 (Optional)
First Name
Maiden
Last Name
Does this person know they are a reference?

 

Person Submitting Nominationrequired
First Name
Maiden (optional)
Last Name
Must contain only numbers

Please note that the Committee relies chiefly on the information you provide. To best serve your candidate, it is important that your nomination be as detailed as possible. Complete nomination forms are required. Nominators will be contacted by a Sill Society Committee Member to discuss their nominee.

If you have questions, please contact Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement Candie at (860) 927-6230 or FredritzC@kent-school.edu.