Say “heyyyy” to one of our newest students.
Kapia Kabongo—Kay—came all the way from Brussels, Belgium to start his senior year at Beaver Area.
He moved here after his mom (who also happens to be a Grammy winner for Best Contemporary Jazz Album!) married an American, and now they live in Bridgewater.
“I lived in Brussels for 17 years, and this is my first time really living in the US for a prolonged time,” Kay shared.
“So far, I’m enjoying the area and finding the people here nicer and more open minded than back home,” Kay also said. (Let’s keep that going, guys.)
He continued, “Making friends here has been easier and has been a more positive experience overall.” (Again, let’s keep it going everyone.)
However, this isn’t Kay’s first time in the States as he previously spent a few months living in New York and got to know the US through the lens of the Big Apple.
“I do miss the bigger cities I’ve lived in, but I’m really enjoying getting to know a smaller town like Bridgewater,” he said.
Some of Kay’s favorite parts of our beloved school are the more hands-on tech classes like woodshop with Mr. Cam Brown.
“That class is really fun and interesting to me,” Kay noted.
However, Kay is also loving his digital art class taught by Senora Rachel Zahn where students create their art using a variety of technology.
Comparing his schooling experiences in Belgium to BAHS, Kay shared that “The academics here are a lot more relaxed, and the teachers are much nicer and more understanding.’
Think about that the next time you’re complaining about your math homework . . .
Kay added: “[The teachers] also seem to really care about students' mental health, which I
think is so important.” (Preach!)
As for his future plans, Kay says he’s not quite sure yet whether he’ll stay in America for college, but is definitely open to the idea.
“America is also my home, so I’m excited to see what the rest of my senior year and the future will hold,” he said.
Be sure to give Kay a big warm welcome and show him the kindness that I know BAHS has🥳