Kent School welcomed back Harry Lightfoot '88, M.D., who visited the campus to deliver a chapel talk and engage with the community. During his visit, Lightfoot shared his insights on personal growth, leadership, and the importance of humility. Now a pioneering laparoscopic and robotic surgeon and the co-founder and CEO of Home Health Advocates, Lightfoot reflected on his transformative experiences as a student at Kent.

In addition to his chapel talk, Lightfoot visited a CommLife class and spoke with students around campus, including SoBHU, an affinity group for Black and Hispanic students. His presence on campus gave students the chance to meet and learn from one of Kent's many impressive graduates, whose successes show how the school helps students grow into leaders who excel in many different areas.

While at Kent, Lightfoot served as Senior Prefect, was on the Student Council, and captained both the football and basketball teams. After Kent, Lightfoot earned his bachelor's degree from Tufts University and then attended the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, graduating in 1999.

In his chapel talk, Lightfoot recounted his journey at Kent and a pivotal moment that challenged his assumptions about leadership and integrity. He shared a story about a regrettable decision he made as a prefect, sneaking off campus to attend a party after graduation.

"It was reckless. In fact, it could have ended disastrously," Lightfoot admitted. The close call prompted deep reflection on his choices and the realization of how easily everything he had worked for could have been lost.

Lightfoot's experience taught him the concept of "humility with dignity," which he described as "a balance that promoted mutual respect and facilitated positive, productive interactions." He learned to embrace his role as a leader "not with arrogance, but with a genuine desire to serve uplift others."

Lightfoot encouraged students to make good decisions and learn from their missteps, just as he did. "If you accept accountability and work as best you can to get better the next day, your response will make you better for the work you do, and ultimately continue to positively shake the Kent experience," he advised.

Looking back on his time at Kent, Lightfoot expressed his gratitude for the education, personal growth, and relationships he developed. "Embrace and celebrate each other with humility with dignity," he reflected. "I assure you, when you look back years from now, you will realize that choosing Kent was not just a good decision—it was a great one. And the decisions you make navigating the Kent experience will help you live a wonderful life."

Lightfoot's message resonated with the Kent community, inspiring students, faculty, and staff alike to embrace humility, learn from their experiences, and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others.