KO Hosts College Fair for Independent Schools

The Hoffman Field House was buzzing with energy on April 13 as KO hosted the annual Hartford Area Independent School College Fair. The consortium of schools includes AOF, Ethel Walker, Porter’s, Suffield, Watkinson, and Westminster.  With nearly 1,000 attendees filling the space, the evening offered students a powerful glimpse into what comes next, an opportunity to explore, ask questions, and begin shaping their future paths.

Students circulated from table to table, engaging directly with college representatives, gathering information, and beginning to imagine themselves on campuses near and far. Representatives from various colleges and universities were in attendance, including small, private schools like Colby, the University of Richmond, Oberlin, and Colgate; large state universities like Penn State and UConn; and even foreign schools like Trinity College Dublin. And, everything in between.

While the event was coordinated by the college office, its success was unmistakably a full-school effort. Faculty and students across grades 6–12 adapted to schedule changes and logistical shifts with flexibility. Buildings and Grounds and Sage Dining, always essential to event success, were on hand. KO students themselves played a leading role. Twenty-seven juniors from Shield and Dragon volunteered their time, assisting with setup, parking, and welcoming guests. Their poise, professionalism, and warmth drew praise from many college admission officers and served as a proud reflection of the KO community.

At its core, the college fair is a moment where students stand at the intersection of who they are and who they are becoming. Here’s to big, next steps!