by kfi | Jul 4, 2026 | Announcements, Archives, North America Alumni Events |
Since 2004, the Labor Day weekend Kodai Reunion has brought alumni, faculty, and friends together in the woods of central Pennsylvania for a weekend of fellowship, food, and connection. From shared meals to long conversations and simple moments outdoors, the reunion is a place to reconnect with old friends and make new memories.
This year, the reunion will take place from Wednesday, Sept 2 to Monday Sept 7 at Kirchenwald Camp, half an hour out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Various types of accommodation are available, and of course fabulous Indian food all weekend long.
This year, we will be welcoming the new KIS Principal, Dr. Bradford Barnhardt, and the new KIS Alumni and Development Coordinator, Tara Menon. Please join us for this very special event. For more details and information, go to this link: https://kodaireunionusa.com/.
You can come for a day, or the entire long weekend! See you there!
by kfi | Jun 15, 2026 | Announcements, Archives, North America Alumni Events |
The Minneapolis area Kodai lunch reunion was held in May 2026, with 29 Kodai alumni and friends in attendence. This reunion happens twice a year, in May and October, with the great organization team headed by Joe Rittmann and Jody Ramer Chrastek. This is a great event where alumni in the region can get together for a nice Indian lunch, and catch-up with other Kodai friends in the area.
We were twenty-nine (29) KIS alum and friends from across MN and from California and Washington State at Park Ave United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave, Minneapolis on Sat, May 9, 2026. We honor Rev. Mark Garrison from class of 1958 our eldest and Lisa Lindell, class of 81, our youngest.
With Joe’s help, this event has brought in donations for KFI in our support for KIS. Much appreciation to all those who donate at this event. If you would like to know more about this event, please email Joe at: joeritt@gmail.com
by kfi | Jun 8, 2026 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient: Anastasiya Tserakhava
Joining us from Belarus, Anastasiya is known for her intellect, and deep passion for Science. Juggling an intense combination of Higher Levels in Physics, Mathematics and Psychology, Anastasiya has maintained a GPA of 3.82. An active ambassador for KIS, Anastasiya is constantly looking for ways to spread word about her KIS experience to her fellow country mates. In her own words:
“My name is Anastasiya and I’ve been a student at KIS for a year now. At KIS, I’ve undergone a transformative journey where I learned a lot not only in the classroom but through the experience of living in a residential school. I have tried to engage with the vibrant social life here and by participating in events like Dorm Dance, Hiking (I completed 6 hikes in total last year!) and being part of the Psychology club. Thanks to the Award for Women in STEM, I keep pursuing my passion for science here. Collaborating with my classmates, we recently created biodiesel from used cooking oil and conducted an outreach session educating children from Kodaikanal about sustainability. My passion for Math has led me to winning 2 global distinctions at Math competitions organized by the University of Waterloo. This year I was honored to join the school’s NHS and plan to keep pursuing my dreams her. As the college application process is approaching, life has become more intense but I still find time to enjoy with my new friends. I sincerely thank my donors for my KIS experience and for changing my life”
by kfi | Nov 16, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient Name: Navya Hariharan has been warded the Dennis Lettemaier scholarship for the 2022 to 2026 (Grades 9 – 12) academic years.
A diligent student, Navya has been studying at KIS for over 4 years now and takes a consistent spot in the Principal’s list for her academic achievements. Aside from her commitment for academics, Navya enjoys being part of the Advanced Choir group and is an active participant in our Hiking program. Navya concluded her Grade 11 with a GPA of 3.77 and is now channelling her efforts in applying for Medicine programs in the UK and beyond. Navya is no stranger to KIS as her sister Nina Hariharan graduated from KIS in 2021. Navya is a promising student and this scholarship was valuable for the family that required financial assistance as they supported both Nina and Navya with their educational endeavors. Outside of academics, Navya is a good singer and an enthusiastic member of the Advanced Choir Group participating in our annual spring and winter concerts. Her teachers describe her as an attentive and hardworking student, who is always keen on expanding her learning. In her own words, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to experience both education and residence at KIS through this scholarship. Last semester at KIS was an extremely busy yet fulfilling experience as I was exposed to a variety of events, clubs, and activities that made me grow as a person, not only academically but socially, emotionally, and physically. From hiking every weekend and earning a spot at Tahr camp, to performing at Kodi Unplugged and Rock Concert, to having fun and singing with the choir at music field trip, to running for Student Council as Creative Director and winning the position – all these experiences hold a close place in my heart. Being a part of so many helpful and uplifting clubs, including being a part of the social media team of Rotary Interact Club, a member of the National Honour Society, Girls in STEM, UNSDG Club, YouthRise, and SNHS, I had the opportunity to take up a lot of challenges and contribute to the Kodi community and student wellbeing. This year in KIS is my last, and I plan on shifting my full focus to my academics as I am planning to apply to medical school in the UK, which requires top grades and achievements. For this semester, I am focusing on getting my grades up in Chemistry and preparing for the UKCAT medical aptitude test. This year is going to be filled with discussions and decisions regarding college and my future after KIS, I am thankful to my donors for helping me experience this journey at KIS, which made me evolve as both a student and an individual.”
by kfi | Nov 15, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
DeJong Memorial Music Award 2025
Recipient 2 – Adam Jo, Class of 2025
Adam Jo has been a student at KIS since Grade 5. An avid bird watcher and hiker, Adam is a talented artist and has always been part of our advanced band and ensembles. In his own words: “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I had at KIS to develop my musical skills and contribute to the school’s music program as a trumpet player, starting from the beginning, intermediate then the advanced band, as well as in various smaller ensembles that my friends and I formed. Concerts, celebrations, field-day marches, music field-trips and the ABRSM exams were an important experience during my time at KIS. I was also able to contribute to the worship in the chapel on many occasions. This summer, before beginning my studies in Japan, I’ve been fortunate to stay musically active. I performed in a Wind Symphony concert in Budapest, joining rehearsals and the final performance with a combined ensemble from the Budafoki Fúvós Egylet (BFE) and the First Coast Wind Symphony from Florida, USA. I’m also planning to attend a music camp near Budapest with BFE in August. In September, I’ll begin studying International Relations at Ritsumeikan University on a full scholarship. Thanks to the DeJong Music Scholarship, I was able to purchase a high-quality intermediate-level trumpet that continues to support my musical growth. While I’m not pursuing music professionally, I have made arrangements to join the Ritsumeikan University Wind and Marching Band—a near-professional level orchestra—and continue lessons, with a special focus on jazz.”
