During his time at Blair, Kelvin Serem was known by many as a friendly and steady long-distance runner from Kenya, often spotted jogging around campus alongside his former running coach, Dr. Martin Miller, Hon. ’81. Fast-forward a few years, and most current students and faculty now recognize him as the humble co-leader and director of the Blair Serem School, a primary school Kibargoiyet, Kenya, built in partnership with the local community, history teacher Quint Clarke ’87 and the Blair in Kenya program. Blair was excited to welcome Mr. Serem back to campus on Tuesday, April 29, to engage with students on what it means to be the change they wish to see in the world. 

After reminiscing about his days as a student atop the hilltop, he plans to share stories of the Blair Serem School, and how, over the years, he’s been able to witness the profound impact the humble school has made in his village, community and the country at large. 

“Blair in Kenya is unimaginably transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families in Kenya, providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive,” he shared in a pre-event interview. 

“I strongly believe that giving back to our communities can truly transform lives. It begins with small actions that can lead to significant change. Nelson Mandela aptly stated, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ By helping others access education and good health, we provide them with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future.”

After graduating from Blair in 2013, Mr. Serem went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Government & Law from Lafayette College. It didn’t take long for Mr. Serem to find his way back to Blair in Kenya and begin helping in a more focused way, for he had always had a vision and deep desire to study sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. The foundation he gained at Blair provided the momentum to help Mr. Serem ignite that passion.

“The most gratifying part of my journey has been seeing lives transformed: watching children who once had no access to education now thriving in classrooms, dreaming big and believing in themselves. It’s about giving people the tools to change their own lives. Giving educational opportunities to the less fortunate in society, and creating job opportunities for others.

By appreciating ‘little things’ in life, you will be able to achieve so much. Moreover, it’s okay not to have everything figured out right now. In high school, you have got time to explore, grow and dream big. My advice is to stay curious, try new things and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Pursue what interests you. Be resilient. Your character and integrity matter.”

All are welcome to hear Mr. Serem speak in the forum of the Chiang-Elghanayan Center next Tuesday at 7 p.m.

History of Skeptics
 
The Society of Skeptics was established as a forum for students and faculty to discuss and debate important global issues; it has grown to become one of the premier high school lecture series in the United States. Each week, speakers from the political, social, scientific, economic and literary arenas share their unique perspectives with students, who are encouraged to engage with presenters, asking questions and debating points of view.

The program, which is funded in part by the Class of 1968 Society of Skeptics Endowment Fund, is an outgrowth of the Blair International Society, begun in 1937. Forty years later, former history department chair Elliott Trommald, PhD, Hon. ’65, established the modern Skeptics program as a regular forum for student discussion and debate; history teacher Martin Miller, PhD, took over in the mid-1980s and molded the program into a weekly lecture series, one that has since continued without interruption. Under the tutelage of Dr. Miller and his successor, history department chair Jason Beck, Skeptics has featured a wide variety of speakers who are thought-provoking, engaging, accomplished in their respective fields and often controversial. For a listing of upcoming Skeptics programs, please visit Blair’s website.