Kenary Family School Store - Two Generations with Lifelong Connections
Please join us in thanking Joe '82 and Cecilia Kenary, P'18 '20 '23, for their generous gift to The Campaign for Landon. The Kenary Family School Store reflects two generations with lifelong connections to Landon. For Joe and Cecilia it was not a question of “if” their sons would go to Landon, but “when.” “No other institution has had a larger impact on me than Landon," said Joe. "Landon taught me the value of commitment, hard work, loyalty, and integrity that I have carried throughout my life." Joe and his brother, Patrick ’84, built lifetime friendships at Landon that endure today. |
Joe has remained connected with several teachers, some of whom taught and coached his sons as well. “My Landon teachers set a real example for me, demonstrating the difference between a job and a profession, a distinction that had an effect on my career and my life,” Joe says. “Their commitment to us as people extended beyond the classroom or the playing field, instilling values and lessons that never leave you.” Joe went on to Harvard and UCLA and into finance. He served on the Landon Board of Trustees for 10 years, the last three as the Board Chair. He and Cecilia are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in January 2024, their first as empty nesters. Nico ’18, was an All-Met soccer player at Landon, who played in two NCAA finals at Amherst College and now works for the Vanguard Network in Boston. Tommy ’20 is playing football and majoring in neuroscience at Middlebury College. Sofia graduated from Stone Ridge in 2022 and is studying psychology at Boston University. Sebby ’23 plays rugby at Boston College. Both Tommy and Sebby were student leaders at Landon, serving on the Student Council throughout their time at the School. “We have three sons who have very distinct personalities and unique interests,” Cecilia notes. “During their time at Landon, all three of them were able to find close friendships, establish long-lasting relationships with teachers, were academically challenged while also emphasizing the importance of being a good guy. To this day, when they come home, all three of them are drawn to campus. They also look forward to using the gym, either to exercise or, what I think is the real reason: to cross paths with fellow alumni or their esteemed former teachers, coaches, and administrators. They have left Landon, but Landon will never leave them.” Cecilia adds, “As a mother, I consistently felt warmly embraced by the Landon community and established enduring friendships with other mothers. What truly filled my heart with joy during our time at Landon, however, was witnessing our boys' profound affection for their alma mater. Their deep-rooted connection and dedication to their friends has always been a source of happiness for me. It really is a special place.” Joe adds, “I love Landon, and I want it to be here for my grandchildren. Every organization that endures must continue to improve and grow. The transformation of the campus is part of that commitment to constant improvement. At the same time, Landon preserves the vision and values that has served our family for two generations. Navigating that path of change and tradition requires thoughtfulness, discipline and financial strength. Success requires the support of all of us, in time and energy, as well as philanthropy.” Joe and Cecilia decided early on to support The Campaign for Landon with a naming gift. Their sons are also donors to the School. Explains Joe, “As an alumnus, I appreciate Landon for what it gave me. More importantly, as parents, Cecilia and I owe a debt of gratitude to the School. We trusted Landon with our most precious gift – our children – and now they are men who are ready for whatever life hands them.” Landon School is grateful to the Kenary family for their gift to The Campaign for Landon. If you are interested in contributing to The Campaign for Landon and making a gift that is meaningful to you and the School, please contact Director of Development Peter J. Gallo Ph.D., at peter_gallo@landon.net or 301-320-1004.
The Kenary Family School Store is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:30 to 5 p.m. It is located in the Boehly Upper School. |