by kfi | Jun 26, 2025 | Archives |
2023 Kirchenwald Labor Day Reunion
By Charlie Franklin (edited by Bob Edwards)
For those of you who were unable to attend the Kirchenwald Reunion, we missed you, and you missed out! This year’s reunion was attended by 121 Alumni, Staff and Friends, all duly registered and charged by our dedicated treasurers, Joe Kessler and John Gibson. It was truly a great success, smoothly run by the organizing committee, and helped along by all who pitched in.
Organizing this reunion is a huge undertaking and we salute and recognize the dedicated people who accomplish it. The efforts begin in March, lining up stalwarts who will volunteer to cook and prepare meals and getting lists of supplies they will need. Arranging with suppliers of condiments, produce, meats and beverages; checking inventories of paper goods and equipment; reserving the camp and paying deposits and scheduling venues such as rock climbing and swimming pool; placing orders with caterers, Sam’s Club and beer vendors; and many more tasks go in to the event, mostly unseen and underappreciated by those of us who just go along for the ride. This early work is mainly undertaken by two people: Rani Maloney and Bob Edwards, both of whom also work tirelessly through the weekend to keep things flowing. Rani and Bob, we salute you!
This year a small group of campers arrived early, on the Tuesday before to take on the work of setting things up and ferrying new arrivals in from train stations and airports. Each year this group gets larger and comes earlier, enjoying the peace and intimacy of the first few days. Tuesday arrivals included Teresa Teves (T), Lyn Krause, Bob Edwards, Ted Hahn, and Jack and Sarah (Weddington) Smith. More trickle in on Wednesday and Thursday, with the larger groups arriving on Friday and Saturday.
Among the events of this year’s reunion, a number of things stand out:
Of course, Memorable Meals heralded by glorious renditions of the Doxology directed by Wendy Osterling and accompanied by animated conversations were at the heart of everything:
• Ted Hahn prepared a goat biriyani and a chicken biriyani for those who arrived early to help with receiving deliveries and setting up.
• Teresa Teves made a marvelous Sri Lankan Shrimp Curry (with a chicken version for those of us who can’t eat shrimp) to greet early arriving campers on Wednesday.
• Rob Granner’s Tandoori was exceptional. Of course, calling it ‘Rob Granner’s Tandoori’ is just shorthand since it is cooked in the space-age Tandoor Rocket Oven that he designed and built. We could call it Mario Bellido’s Tandoori, or Bob Edward’s Tandoori, or any of many others who pitched in to chop and grate to make the marinade and skewer the chicken pieces. Many hands were involved and this time they got the timing just right in spite of a major setback when the critical S-hooks turned up missing.
• Rani Maloney’s Keema was perfect! It was even better as a leftover. She also made her famous idlis with coconut chutney for one breakfast, supplemented by Ted Hahn’s Sambar.
• John Franklin greeted us all with hot, delicious coffee every morning from six o’clock onward, supplemented by Joyce Hauze’s Pandi coffee straight from Kodai on Saturday morning.
• Charlie Franklin chimed in with his Battlagundu green chili omelets (made with fresh red Thai chili peppers from California) for Thursday breakfast, as well as brinjal masala and bhindi masala which accompanied a number of meals. Premu Ninan was instrumental in getting the flavors of the masala’s just right.
• Manjusha Ninan whipped up a succulent, delicious Kerala Eggplant dish.
• Bob Edwards was the genius behind the tandoori marinade, and turned out a fabulous dry bean curry.
• Mike Kolumban and his ‘sous-chef’ Deniece Mason made fresh, hot crispy Dosai supplemented with Ted Hahn’s sambar and Rani Maloney’s coconut chutney for Friday’s breakfast.
• Joe Rittmann outdid himself with eight or nine dishes garnered from his travels and time in India and elsewhere, including Chapli (lamb) kebabs, Jeffrey Kashmiri meatballs, Mathias ki tarkari (meatball curry), Chikpea meatballs, Kaccha Kheema Kofta curry (meat ball curry), Kerala style chicken fry, chicken Bhuna curry, cauliflower cutlet, shalgam ke kebab (turnip Pattie’s) and mint and tomato chutneys. He was assisted by a whole army of helpers who somehow put up with his aggressive style of management.
• Ray Weddington gave us Bombay toast, bacon and sausage for Sunday breakfast.
• Saturday lunch was catered Biriyani from Bollywood Restaurant in Hershey, and this year they made it right.
• Delicious garden salad made by Dash.
• Karis Llewellyn brought a celebratory cake in Kodai colors with iced wording from the old Kodai School Song.
• And all the trimmings you can imagine! Raita, papadam, fresh fruit, chai, chutneys, just to mention the ones that spring to mind.
All of these meals were supported by wonderful crews of volunteers, organized and supported by Rani Maloney, who set up the banquets, brought out leftovers, cleared and wiped tables, washed pots and pans and cleared the decks for the next meal. Honorable mention goes to Steve and Margaret Holler, Emily and Beth (the Grumm sisters), and others, too many to mention here.
Some of the Main Events:
• Official Kodai Business was discussed: KFI President Meg Greene gave an inspiring presentation about the activities of KFI. The KIS Presentation was by Kalyani Ghandi who brought us up to speed on how our contributions are making a difference in Kodai. Manjusha Ninan also welcomed us to COME TO kodai, to have our class reunions in Kodai, and as Alumni Coordinator (speaking from personal experience) she really does roll out the red carpet!
• Charlie Franklin offered a Book Signing session, signing many copies of Manjampatti Passage and answering questions. Proceeds from the sales of his book, totaling $589, were donated to Bethania Kids.
• Sunday Services featured an enlightening message from Deniece Mason about true love based on the Old Testament story of Hagar and Ishmael. The ad hoc choir supported the message with songs of love and faith, directed by Wendy Osterling and accompanied on piano by Barb (Pickard) Hays. Also Rob Granner and John Franklin provided a duet (title: “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”) for communion during the church service, accompanied by our keyboard artiste, Ellen (Dash) Walter. After the final blessing was spoken it was sung by Deniece Mason and Chris Granner (also on guitar).
• Class of ’66 Happy Hour with wine, cheese and appetizers, was offered in the Schreiber Haus foyer Saturday evening, hosted by Maureen Aung Thwin.
• The cabin crew had happy hour every evening, competing with the pavilion, and making it hard to find Lyn Krause to get him to serve up his famous G & T’s.
• Friday night Karaoke style was a song fest, with Dash providing live piano accompaniment to a number of talented singers, interrupted occasionally by background shouts of “JENGA, JENGA, JENGA!” It was a blast!!!!
• Saturday night Canteen, with great music, tested the stamina of all who participated and brought back fond memories of Wednesday nights at Kodai.
• Campfires were an end-of-day favorite, with impromptu campfires blossoming in front of the cabins every evening. The highlight campfire on Saturday night featured Chris Granner on guitar and Ron Nunn on mandolin, Daniel LaChance from Quebec on guitar. Campfire kicked off with the trio of Chris Granner, Rob Granner and Bob Edwards singing ‘Helplessly Hoping’ and ‘Attics of my Life’, followed by many more favorites joined by the wonderful voices of Kodai alumni and friends.
Activities:
• Swimming for 3 hours a day was offered, and many took advantage of cooling off in the large camp pool. The swimmers were also accompanied by two swimming, jumping, barking dogs and Champagne and appetizers provided by Dash.
• Rock Climbing and five segment high tree walk (a thirty foot high, five segment walk on a wire … strapped in,) lead to a zip line, where one has the reward of sailing a couple hundred yards above a grassy field.
• Hikes also were organized for various scenic destinations including the observation tower on Mt. Gretna.
There are so many more details that I can’t include here, but ones that each of us will carry memories of for years… Joe Kessler manfully downing the worm from the bottle of mescal; corny jokes told by Hans Schmitthenner; rounds of ‘Naughty Shakespeare’ sponsored by Dash, with quotes from Shakespeare’s plays inserted into suggestive phrases; private conversations and quiet moments. The weather was glorious, with sun, puffy clouds and gentle breezes. Fabulous!
The key to the whole reunion is the camaraderie born of our mutual experience of Kodai School, a fabulous school set in the green hills of South India. What fun we had!!!! We’ll do it again next year on Labor Day weekend, and we want you to join us!
by kfi | Mar 12, 2024 | Archives |
Please come and join us at the KIS Labor Day Reunion for hours and days of reminiscing and reconnecting with your classmates, teachers, and other alumni. All ages are welcome. KIS Principal, Corey Stixrud, KIS Development Officer, Kalyani Gandhi-Rhodes, and Alumni Coordinator, Manjusha Ninan will be in attendance to answer any of your questions on the exciting things happening at the school. The KFI Board of Directors will be having an in person meeting on Friday, so please approach our Board Members during the weekend to ask questions about KFI, how to donate, and share your ideas.
There is a Sunday service for those who would like to attend, complete with an always amazing volunteer choir, as well as swimming, zip-lining, rock climbing, volleyball and hiking. The days are spent for the most part sitting about in/outside cabins or at the tables in the pavilion chatting with classmates and alumni, those you know and new friends you meet. You may end up ‘chopping and chatting’ while in the pavilion. This usually involves the chef of the day placing vegetables and cutting boards in front of you to chop while you chat with your old and new friends. All meals are family-style Indian food cooked on site by our own alumni. Meals may include dosai, sambar, idli, tandoori chicken, Kerala fish fry, and various vegetarian dishes, among other dishes. There are also non-Indian kids’ meals available for anyone.
The camp has lots of different styles of cabins that sleep between 4 -20 people, some with attached bathrooms, as well as Adirondack lean-to’s. You will need to bring your own bedding/sleeping bag and towel for these cabins. There is also plenty of space to pitch a tent. All accommodations are first come, first served. If you are not the camping type, higher-end rooms with attached bathroom, provided bedding, towels and AC are available but limited and in great demand. Please contact Mary Coleman Lowry about reservations, lowrymary36@gmail.com. There are also plenty of hotels and motels in the area.
Dates:
Wednesday, August 30 – Monday, September 4, 2024
Where:
Camp Kirchenwald
1 Cut Off Road
Lebanon, PA 17042
For more information, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @KISLaborDayReunion or email KISLaborDayReunion@gmail.com
Here is a brief statement on Covid Requirements for the Kodai Reunion:
“All alumni are more than welcome to attend the reunion at Camp Kirchenwald. Following Pennsylvania state guidelines, attendees will not be required to show proof of vaccination for COVID; however, we recommend that all attendees take the rapid test before they come to avoid the risk of transmission.”
by kfi | Aug 23, 2022 | Archives |
Recipient Name: Rajshree Ghimiray. Grade 11 and 12, 2021 to 2023. The Dr. Kunjlata Kothary Master Scholarship is awarded to a young woman entering KIS in Grade 11 with demonstrated academic excellence; an ambition to pursue studies and a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Math (a woman with STEAM!); and a commitment to serve her community.
Rajshree Ghimiray was chosen as the recipient of the KKM Scholarship for the Academic Year 2021-23. An Indian student, Rajshree hails from Darjeeling and demonstrated a strong academic background with passion for physics and engineering. Rajshree’s dorm parent describes her as a polite and affectionate student. She is usually well organized and consistent in her work. Her teacher observes that Rajshree has a keen interest in astrophysics. For her internal assignment, she thoroughly tallied her experiment-related measurements using a variety of different scientific tools.
A note of Appreciation from Rajshree: As I near the end of my high school experience here at Kodaikanal International School, I am grateful for the amazing opportunity that this STEM scholarship has provided me over the past two years. Taking physics, chemistry, and mathematics as my higher level subjects has been a challenging but fulfilling journey, and I could not have done it without the support of this scholarship.
Looking to the future, I am excited about the possibility of continuing my studies in the Netherlands. The University of Twente is a top choice for me, with its excellent programs in science and technology, and I am hopeful that my conditional offer will become an acceptance. Studying abroad in a new and unfamiliar environment would be a major step for me, but I am eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
In addition to considering the University of Twente, I have also received conditional offers from five universities through UCAS, including the University of Birmingham, Queen Mary University London, University of Aberdeen, Newcastle University, and the University of Glasgow. While these offers are conditional, I am committed to maintaining my academic performance and meeting the requirements to secure my spot at one of these prestigious institutions.
Despite the challenges of my 12th-grade classes, I have also been actively involved in the Science National Honor Society (SNHS) at my school. As a member, I have had the opportunity to connect with like-minded students who share my passion for science and technology. I am particularly proud of my involvement in organizing a science quiz competition this semester, which aimed to promote scientific curiosity and knowledge among students in grades 9-12. Despite the effort and time required to organize the event, it was a success, with positive feedback from both students and faculty.
All in all, my STEM scholarship has been a transformative experience that has opened doors to countless opportunities. Additionally, my involvement in SNHS has allowed me to develop my leadership skills and connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for science and technology. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and am excited about what the future holds.
by kfi | Jul 1, 2022 | Archives |
Russel de Valois 2021-23 – Scholarship
Recipient Name : Aanya Chadha | Grade : 11 | Awarded for 2 years
At KIS, we truly believe that learning happens in many forms. When your roommate is from a different culture or nationality and your friend is from a different background, we learn through our differences and this is fundamental to shaping a child’s worldview and perspectives. As of today, our student body comprises students from 23 different countries. About 25% of our students reside in international locations and represent 12 faiths. Of as much importance to us is social economic diversity in our community. Through our staff benefits policies, financial aid program and scholarship offerings, an approximate 150+ students are able to access a KIS education at a highly subsidized cost. The Russel de Valois Scholarship is a phenomenal program that helps KIS attract meritorious students into our IBDP program offering them a full scholarship through their two years of study at KIS.
Aanya Chadha was chosen as the recipient of the Russel de Valois Scholarship for the Academic Years 2021-23. Aanya was chosen from a pool of Indian students, aspiring to study at KIS however requiring substantial financial assistance. Aanya was chosen for her meritorious accomplishments apart from showing a deep interest in Football and Music. It is no surprise that Aanya continues to perform exceeding well at KIS. (AY 2022-23: 4.00; AY 2021-22 : 3.96)
Aanya has represented KIS in our U-19 Football teams in the annual Ooty Sports Tournament and also in our very own Kodi Football League, where KIS was placed runners up for the AY 22-23. Aanya’s dorm parent describers her as a charming young woman! She is very hard working and dedicated towards whatever she undertakes– be it academics or sports. Her teachers find her to be an intelligent, sincere, and hardworking student who has an inquiring mind and a positive attitude.
NOTE OF APPRECIATION FROM AANYA CHADHA
Dear Scholarship Committee,
As my time at KIS is coming to a close, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the scholarship opportunity that has been provided to me. The financial assistance that I have received through this scholarship has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my academic goals at KIS.
My experience at KIS has been truly transformative, and I am grateful for the opportunities that the scholarship program has provided me. These last few weeks have been especially pensive, it’s hard to believe that I have been here at KIS for almost two years now and will be leaving in less than a month. I have been able to take advantage of various academic and extracurricular activities that have helped me grow both personally and academically. Coming from a nuclear family myself, suddenly living with twenty seven other girls in a dorm was truly an invigorating experience, and I will cherish the tomfoolery we have created. From playing cricket with a piece of wood as a bat in the courtyard of our open dorm to continuing the legend of the ‘Kennedy Ghost’- this has been nothing short of a dream. From being able to sit on the hammock and just look up at the stars at three am to being denied the wish to cry alone, living in this dorm and developing and working on different kinds of relationships has transformed me as a person and has altered some of my beliefs. Just a few days ago us seniors had a rough day, it seemed as though nobody got any studying done that day and we needed a break. Eight of us crammed up in a single room and played UNO cards. We spiced it up with some really childish bets but I didn’t lose so I didn’t have to do the chicken dance. We got scolded multiple times by our dorm relief as technically it was study hour. After a bit we played cards and returned back to our respective rooms. I have gained a family here and I could not be more grateful for the sense of belonging I feel. The scholarship program has not only provided me with the financial support that I needed but also with a supportive community that has encouraged me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life.
Thanks to this scholarship, I have been able to explore my academic interests and pursue my passion for learning. I successfully completed an Extended Essay in Higher Level Biology this year that boosted my love for this subject and learning in general. Spending three months solely conducting my experiment, while waiting for my fungi and bacteria to grow in the incubator and tediously repeating trials, I spent a lot of time at the lab and created fulfilling relationships with the lab assistant and the ‘aakas’ that help maintain the lab. Ms Jasmine (the biology and chemistry lab assistant) just happened to walk in when a set of 80 petri dishes showed no results. Miss saw my face, and gave me a hug, told me to take a break and come back the next day. I hope she knows how much that one interaction meant to me. The opportunities to engage with faculty members, participate in research projects, and attend conferences have been invaluable in helping me develop my intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Having recently received the subject awards for Biology, Chemistry, French, TOK, CAS and a ‘K’ for football, I have been flooded by so much love and encouragement that I am quite frankly overwhelmed. The eleventh-grade higher level Biology students have an in class formative tomorrow and two of the kids came up to me for help today since I received the Biology award. KIS has introduced me to a kind of pseudo mutualistic relationship with peers concerning academics, it’s a rather wholesome way to approach learning. We don’t let the fact that boys and girls reside in dorms on separate campuses stop us, being on a discord server or google meet with friends on East Hill (senior boys’ campus) or getting permission to go to Upper Boyer (senior girl dorm) at ten at night isn’t uncommon. Slipping and tripping (and pretending it never happened) on your way to Upper Boyer is also not uncommon. These academic pursuits in the IB diploma program have helped my future too, I have committed to University of California San Diego for Bioengineering: Bioinformatics (so excited!) which I believe would not be possible without my time here at KIS.
As I reflect on my time at KIS through the scholarship program, I feel immensely grateful for the experiences that I have gained here. The scholarship has provided me with a platform to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
Once again, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the Scholarship Committee for their generosity and support. I am truly honored to have been a recipient of this scholarship, and I will always remember the impact that it has had on my life.
With the kindest of regards,
Aanya Chadha
by kfi | Apr 28, 2022 | Archives |
Russell De Valois Scholarship | $5,100
Funded by classmates, friends and family of Russell De Valois ’43, interest earnings from the endowed fund is offered every other year to a student entering grade 11 for the duration of his/her study at KIS to graduation at the end of grade 12.
The 2018-19 scholarship recipient, Anuja Baldota, is completing her senior year at KIS.
Dear De Valois Family,
I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me the Russell De Valois Scholarship and deciding to continue it for another academic year. This scholarship has helped me in many ways. Not only did it significantly reduce the financial burden, but it also gave me an opportunity to study at KIS and make the most out of my junior year here. Right from the start, I gave highest priority to my academics and as a result, it got me on the Principal’s list with a GPA of 3.8.
But at the same time, I involved myself in a variety of extracurriculars to develop my other skills too. I have a liking for nature and hence decided to hike and at the end of the hiking season I earned a Tahr pin along with the innumerable lessons only outdoors could offer. Besides hiking, I was also part of the basketball team and an entrepreneurship club and will continue the club by leading it as the president for my senior year. In addition to the classes and clubs, life in dorm and living in an international community has given me a priceless experience and pleasant memories.
Overall, my time at KIS has been wonderful and extremely enriching and this wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity. I would once again like to thank you for awarding me this scholarship and I am eagerly looking forward for another year to learn beyond the books and live the “Kodai experience” to the fullest.
Yours sincerely,
Anuja Baldota
KIS Class of 2021
