by kfi | Sep 25, 2026 | Announcements, Archives, North America Alumni Events |
Kodai Reunion, Sept 1-7, Camp Kirchenwald, Pennsylvania
We have all had a boost of Kodai flavor, companionship and energy to last us through another year. We had a great turnout this year, including the new Principal of KIS, Dr. Bradford Barnhardt, and the new Alumni & Development Coordinator, Tara Menon. It was wonderful to have them there to give the alumni a chance to have a one-on-one conversation as well as hear their presentation about the school.
The Reunion took place at Schreiber Haus until Friday, when we moved all the food and chit chat operations to the main building. We started easy on Wed with about 10 to enjoy a Parsi breakfast in Schreiber. While Ted Hahn bought supplies, many helped shift and store them in the pavilion. Meanwhile, Joe Rittmann and his helpers prepared a variety of veg and nonveg dishes for lunch. By Wednesday evening, more had arrived to enjoy Teresa, Jody and Sylvia’s spread of Sri Lankan shrimp curry dinner with sides. On Thursday morning, Charlie Franklin served up omelets to order, and the chai started flowing. By Thursday evening, the gathering hit unusually big numbers and the food ran out before all the newcomers had been fed. In spite of a few hungry people, that’s a good sign!
Fri morning started off with Mike Columban’s dosa breakfast. The KFI board went off campus for their meeting with President Dr. Meg Greene and administrator Louise Heineman. Friday lunch was catered after the traditional sung prayer led by Wendy. Friday afternoon there were some activities, including Tom Staal’s informal presentation on the demise of USAID, Yoga class by Sabrina Granner, and a hike for those that still had energy. Friday supper was Hans Schmitthenner’s chicken tandoori prepared with wholehearted assistance of many and grilled on open fire. Friday night pavilion became a mix scene of karaoke, canteen dance, pop vocals accompanied by Dash and Chris Granner.
This year we had an added attraction on Friday and Saturday – a Tiki Bar, thanks to the generosity of the Edwards/Granner extended family. It became an added and fun place to gather in smaller groups.
Saturday many more joined the group, and there were well over 100. The Class of ’76 had the largest showing since it was their 50th, with at least 22 (I even heard 28) people. The Class of ’66 came in second with 9 people joining for their 60th. Photos of individual classes and the whole group were taken, followed by presentations by KIS Principal Dr. Brad Barnhart and KIS Alumni and Development Coordinator Tara Menon. Their presentations gave all the eager alumni an impressive picture of KIS today. There was a lot of discussion afterward, with a Q&A. Later on Saturday, Ron Koepke did a presentation on Bethania Kids. Sat lunch was catered, and dinner was the ever-popular dosa truck, followed by a campfire gathering.
Sunday morning we enjoyed Ray Weddington’s breakfast before morning worship in Schreiber where Dr. Jim Fletcher shared his medical experience.
And please- let’s not forget the willing many who helped clean, clear, wash, cook and perform all manner of critical care to maintain food safety, hygiene, and quality plating of meals. Thanks to Teresa and Ted and their associates who took care of all of us, making this another successful KIS Reunion!
Thanks again to those critical few who stayed on Monday to take care of cleaning and closing 2026 Kodai reunion at Camp K. Next year, Sep 1-6, 2027, ya?
by kfi | Aug 25, 2026 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient: Thae Nandar Su
Thae Su joined KIS in Grade 11 from Myanmar. Studying Economics, Math and Physics at Higher Levels, Thae Su has consistently maintained high academic achievements with a GPA of 3.87. Recently inducted into the National Honors Society, Thae Su also has an interest in Finance and chairs the Finance Literacy Club on campus. In her own words:
“My KIS journey has been nothing short of wonderful so far. Over the past year, KIS has really changed my perspective of life. Here, opportunities are everywhere and I believe I am making the most of them. I’ve managed to score A and A+ grades across most of my subjects maintaining a good GPA. I’ve been actively involved in a lot of extracurricular activities such as the Financial Literacy club, Science National Honour Society, Vanam Diaries and more. This year, I initiated a TEDx talk at school. Through these activities, I’ve made many new friends from diverse backgrounds which enriches my Kodi experience. While this academic year will be much more demanding with deadlines for IAs and EEs, I can say that I am maintaining a good balance between academics, extracurriculars and life in general. Things are hard at home with the political instability however KIS has been one of the things that keeps me hopeful about life. Lastly, I just want to express my deepest gratitude for this scholarship that made all of this possible. None of this would have happened without your unwavering contribution. Studying at KIS has genuinely changed the way I see the world and my future.”
by kfi | Aug 25, 2026 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient Moe Phyu Aung
Moe joined KIS in Grade 11 from Myanmar. With a regular spot in the Principal’s list, Moe has ended Grade 11 with a GPA of 3.85. Moe has been recently been inducted into the National Honor’s Society and is developing a keen interest in Psychology and Biology. In her own words:
“I sincerely appreciate Ms Maureen Aung-Thwin and all the donors for providing me with this valuable opportunity to study at KIS. KIS is not only a school for me; it has become my second home- it is a place where I met my friends, my precious teachers, and a lovely dorm parent. Without this scholarship, studying for the IB diploma would be a significant burden for me, considering my family’s financial situation. With the help of this scholarship, not only am I now able to study IB, but it also enables me to further develop my tertiary education. It has been one year at KIS, and I have participated in various clubs, including Rotary and Girls in STEM, among others. It is also an honour to be a part of SNHS and NHS. Being able to join activities like camping at Poondi and hiking, has also developed my mental resilience. As a scholarship student, I am trying my best to be a well-deserved recipient of this scholarship by maintaining my GPA of 3.85, my character, and my relationship with my peers. I sincerely believe that the school and its community will prepare me for my future and help me develop my skills for university studies. At this moment though I must admit, I am stressed with college applications! Once again, I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s support. Studying in such a nurturing and inspiring environment would not have been possible without your generous contribution. Thank you once again!”
by kfi | Aug 10, 2026 | SEE Department Priorities Program |
The Social & Environment Experience Department (SEED) Priorities Program was established in recognition of a cherished classmate, Maj StormoGipson (’74), who left the world too soon.
Through the Social and Environmental Experience Department (SEED), KIS actively engages in initiatives that foster meaningful interactions between the students and the Kodai community, mutually enriching both parties. By integrating real-world experiences, the KIS Social Experience program blends comprehensive classroom teaching with a variety of community-oriented programs and activities. Participating in this program not only helps students to engage thoughtfully with others and respect the natural world, but it also prepares them to be responsible local and global citizens.
The objectives of the SEE Department Priorities Program is to accelerate experimentation and learning to achieve the KIS Social and Environment Experience Department (SEED) learning priorities. This would include the curricula-related priorities as well as other capacity building priorities, including staff training.
by kfi | Aug 10, 2026 | Teaching Endowments |
An exceptional education begins with exceptional teachers. This fund focuses on investing in faculty through named and endowed teaching chairs, providing long-term support for educators who teach with passion, innovation, and expertise.
With a focus on pedagogy, endowed positions allow KIS to attract and retain teachers with outstanding classroom practice. Such individuals may teach in any subject area and will serve as peer leaders and role models.
Your contribution here directly shapes what happens in every classroom, every day.
