Upper School
April 13, 2026
This year’s recipient of the Matthew C. Kraft ‘09 Memorial Award for Leadership, Bennett M. ‘27, returned from his outdoor adventure with a deeper understanding of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.
Established in 2021, in memory of Matthew Kraft ‘09, the award honors a student who exemplifies character, courage, dedication, and a love of the outdoors by funding an adventurous leadership experience. Kraft was known for his strong sense of leadership and teamwork, qualities that extended beyond his time at Rumsey Hall.
Continuing to inspire students today, Bennett used the opportunity to attend an Outward Bound expedition. This included backpacking through the Appalachian Mountains and canoeing on the Potomac River.
The journey pushed Bennett mentally and physically through long days of hiking and paddling the terrains. “While on the trip, the realization that struck me was that being a good leader is more than giving directions,” he shared. “It is understanding humility, accountability, and empathy.”
Through this experience, Bennett gained a deeper appreciation of what it means to lead with intention, bringing to life the values Kraft embodied.
Bennett's Adventure
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