Sarge is known for delighting audiences of all ages with humor that comes straight from the heart. He’s not just a comedian – he’s a self-taught piano savant, an engaging motivational speaker, and the author of Black Boychick, a memoir that chronicles his life’s ups and downs with both laughter and wisdom. His comedic style, often compared to that of Don Rickles, blends rapid-fire observations with a spontaneous, uproarious energy, leaving audiences enthralled and entertained.

Born in Miami Beach, Florida, during the Civil Rights Movement to a Jewish mother and a Black father, Sarge’s journey was marked by its challenges from the start. Adopted by a loving family in Great Neck, Long Island, he was raised in an upper-middle-class Jewish household. It was here, at the age of six, that his musical gift first appeared. After attending a Broadway performance of The Sound of Music,Sarge sat down at the piano and began playing songs from the show entirely by ear, a talent he would develop over the years.

South Kent School Alumni shares his story on the Hillside.

As he grew up, Sarge’s comedic talents were just as evident as his musical skills. By age seven, he was cracking jokes and doing impressions at his grandfather’s card games. His exposure to live entertainment in the Catskill Mountains ignited a passion for performing that would shape his future.

Sarge’s path, however, was not without its difficulties. As an adult, he wrestled with feelings of confusion and identity, having been raised with little connection to his Black heritage. These internal conflicts led him down a dangerous road of addiction and homelessness. Yet, on December 26, 1990, Sarge experienced a life-changing epiphany. He committed himself to sobriety, and from that day on, has been dedicated to helping others overcome addiction, even pioneering a groundbreaking “Comedy Therapy” in recovery centers.

After attending South Kent School, where he was honored for his musical talent and lettered in football, Sarge went on to study at Boston University’s School of Public Communication, where he was dubbed “Sarge” by the football guys on his floor. His career in entertainment took him from working as a talent representative to performing on some of the most famous stages in the world. He’s shared the spotlight with legends like Aretha Franklin, Paul Anka, and Natalie Cole and has performed for our troops in Iraq.

Today, Sarge is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, bringing humor and healing to audiences across the country. His work has even extended to prison recovery programs, with his documentary Sarge Behind Bars receiving critical acclaim.

In his return to South Kent School, Sarge is set to inspire and entertain, giving students a firsthand look at how humor, perseverance, and talent can overcome even the greatest obstacles. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Hillside for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

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This past week, South Kent alum Jacob Fowler and the nation’s top-ranked Boston College Eagles completed an incredible showing at the Hockey East Tournament, going 3-0 and winning the Hockey East Championship. After winning a tightly contested matchup versus the Connecticut Huskies in the Quarterfinals 5-4, Fowler and the Eagles shipped up to TD Garden in Boston and dominated the Semifinals and Finals against UMass Amherst and Boston University respectively. 

While the Eagles’ offense excelled and outscored their opponents 19-7 in the three tournament games, Jacob Fowler continued to prove why he is one of the best goalies in college hockey. Fowler played in every minute of the tournament, recording 92 saves and stopping 93% of shots faced. During the semifinals and finals, the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year turned his stellar play up a notch, tallying an impressive 62 saves on 65 shots faced. As a top-10 finalist for the Richter Award, the award for the best goalkeeper in all of college hockey, Fowler has seamlessly transitioned from the junior ranks, playing well beyond his years as an Eagle. 

His resilience and maturity reigned supreme in the championship as he defeated the #2 Boston University Terriers for the third time in four meetings, bouncing back from a gut-wrenching loss in the Beanpot Tournament. Furthermore, Fowler has posted jaw dropping statlines against other national powerhouses including Michigan State, Maine, and the defending national champion Quinnipiac Bobcats, all top-10 teams. Boston College has proved to be the deepest team in college hockey throughout the 2023-24 campaign, and it would not be the case without the lionhearted performances of Fowler in his 23 games in net.

After concluding conference play with a 12-game win streak, the Eagles hold the nation’s best record at 31-5-1, earning the number 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Jacob Fowler will look to continue bolstering his resume as he and the Eagles will face off against midwest giant Michigan Tech in the Providence Regional Semifinal this Friday, March 29. Puck drop is at 2:00 on ESPNU, as the Eagles look to climb the mountaintop and become NCAA Tournament Champions.

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Dorell Wright ’04 shares his experience of moving from Los Angeles to South Kent School and his transition from the Hillside to the NBA in Episode 4 of South Kent School’s Masterclass Series.

South Kent School is proud to invite SKS Alumnus Dorell Wright ’04 back to the Hillside for this special Father’s Day episode in our Masterclass Series. In this episode, Wright discusses how South Kent helped him develop on and off the court, leading to his success in the NBA.

Join Raphael Chillious to learn more about Dorell Wright’s journey from South Kent School to the pros, and the importance of family support, good mentors, and hard work along the way.

Topics & Highlights

• Raphael Chillious and Dorell Wright discuss Wright’s South Kent experience.

• Wright shares what he learned on and off the court: getting out of your comfort zone, developing lifelong skills like public speaking, and learning how to be a good leader.

• Chillious and Wright discuss South Kent’s focus on culture and accountability, along with Dorell’s parents’ positive influence on his values and mindset during his teenage years, which contributed to Dorell’s readiness for the pros.

• The conversation shifts to fatherhood, with Wright emphasizing the need to be a good role model.

• Wright shares his parenting and coaching philosophy, highlighting the impact of his AAU coach’s advice to attend prep school for a direct path to the NBA. His parents emphasized the importance of education and college before pursuing a professional basketball career.

• Wright and Chillious share moments of realization of their NBA potential, including standout performances in games and recognition from coaches about their talent and future in professional basketball.

• Wright talks about his experience as a rookie in the NBA, playing with veterans and mentors like Shaquille O’Neal, Eddie Jones, Dwyane Wade, and Pat Riley, who emphasized the importance of hard work, player development, and adopting the ‘Mamba Mentality’ to succeed in the league.

• Wright highlights the importance of having options beyond the sport, such as college, and he and Chillious discuss the value of education and hard work.

• Wright reflects on his time at South Kent, highlighting the importance of navigating obstacles and staying focused on goals, despite challenges.

• Wright pays tribute to his inspirations, including his dad, coaches, and D-Wade, emphasizing the impact they had on his personal growth and development.

• Chillious and Wright end their talk with a nod to the South Kent “brotherhood” and lasting relationships formed at the School, highlighting the support and camaraderie shared among South Kent peers.

Want to Join The Chillzone?
Whether you’re an alum or a member of the extended South Kent community, we welcome you to our Masterclasses. Connect to learn more about upcoming sessions and how you can participate in this engaging series.

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Dorell Wright was a generational talent at the high school ranks, as he started his basketball journey in Los Angeles at Washington Preparatory School. Dorell then transferred to Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA, where his game began to take off and turn heads nationwide. This allowed him to play for a fifth year at South Kent, where he dropped over 29 points per game under coach Raphael Chillious. 

While Dorell Wright initially declared for DePaul for college, he ultimately decided to go into the NBA Draft out of high school, as he was drafted 19th overall to the Miami Heat. He played for the Heat until 2010 and won an NBA Championship alongside Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal. His NBA career continued through 2016 as he had stints with the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Philadelphia 76ers before returning to the Heat. Following his second time in Miami, Wright played overseas until 2020.

Along with his incredible basketball talents, Dorell Wright has done a lot of philanthropic work. After his playing career, Wright founded the Wright Legacy Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to cultivating young scholars into productive and active participants in society. The Wright Legacy Foundation, also co-run by his brother Deion Wright and his wife Mia Wright, gives money to schools in need for advanced classroom training and educational advancement, providing more opportunities for athletes to take the collegiate step. Furthermore, Dorell Wright is still an active member of the South Kent School community, as he is a member of the Board of Trustees.

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Elmarko Jackson, South Kent’s first-ever McDonald’s All-American, continues to impress the basketball world at every stage of his career, showcasing his athleticism at the guard position and becoming a reliable leader at such a young age. Already an impact player at Kansas, Jackson’s success on the court is another example of South Kent preparing elite players to handle the demands of the collegiate and professional levels. His ability to excel at South Kent and in his early tenure at Kansas makes him poised for a bright future, continuing to act as an ambassador for prospective South Kent Cardinals.

Get to Know Elmarko

A Marlton, NJ native, Elmarko Jackson did not always set his sights on basketball. Despite playing basketball since he was in fifth grade, Jackson originally played for fun, as his first love was lacrosse. In a family who loves sports, Jackson was inspired by his uncle Marlin Jackson, former Michigan football player and NFL draftee. It was not until COVID that he decided to shift his focus to basketball, training everyday on the court and working out to improve his physical strength. While he took initiative to improve his individual game, Jackson attributes his growth in basketball to his time with the We R1 program, an elite AAU program in the Under Armour Circuit. The 6’3” guard spent extra hours in the gym and received advanced guidance from influential basketball figures during pro runs, becoming an imposing presence on the court. As a result, Jackson took his game to new heights and dominated on both ends of the floor, averaging 17.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists as a junior for the Academy of the New Church in Pennsylvania.

Elmarko Jackson’s breakout season led to him transferring to the Hillside for his senior season, getting top-tier instruction from a revered coaching staff led by Raphael Chillious. Jackson believed it was the best decision for him to continue the momentum gained from his efforts at We R1, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. In a significantly more competitive league, Elmarko Jackson asserted his dominance from the onset, averaging 19 points and 6 assists per game. As a Cardinal, Jackson consistently showcased his scoring and defensive prowess while tallying multiple blocks and steals each game, disrupting opponents’ offensive strategies. His exceptional court vision and passing ability were evident in his high assist numbers, often setting up his teammates for easy baskets. Consequently, he helped the Cardinals to a 32-7 record, finishing first in the NEPSAC AAA regular season and cutting down the nets at the 2022-23 NEPSAC AAA Tournament Championship. Elmarko Jackson further cemented his legacy in the red and black by evolving into a consensus four-star prospect and a McDonald’s All-American, garnering a lot of attention from Power 5 schools. After careful consideration of all his offers, Elmarko Jackson firmly believed that Kansas was the place for him and he acredits his time at South Kent as pivotal for the rigor of the BIG-12, as playing against D1 competition every game became the stepping stone for his next destination.

Elmarko Jackson’s Legacy as a Cardinal

As a Cardinal, it is clear to see the impact that Elmarko had on the basketball court, aweing fans with his skill and leadership. However, much of his success is due to his steadfast devotion to the entire South Kent community. Peers and faculty members constantly allude to his humble nature and the way he applied himself in the classroom, seeking to strive for personal excellence but prioritizing collective accolades. Raphael Chillious praises Jackson for the way he represented the Hillside, describing him as the most “all about the team McDonald’s All-American I’ve ever seen.” He displayed that team mentality wherever he was, never putting himself on a higher pedestal than his peers. Elmarko reflects on the lessons learned on the Hillside as vital to his current success, excited to see how he continues to apply them while being with the Jayhawks.

“South Kent helped prepare me to make a proper schedule to ensure I am prepared for my daily activities. With the many games we played in a short period of time, my time management improved and helped me understand what college was going to be like. “

Elmarko is also thankful for the times spent with his peers on the daily, whether it was informally in the dining hall having great conversations or immersing himself in the community on service trips with Father Klots.

“The brotherhood is so strong [at South Kent], and being able to make connections with people from around the world made this journey special.”

As a member of the Cardinal family, Elmarko took full advantage of what South Kent has to offer, identifying areas to grow individually while contributing to all facets of the community.

Jackson as a Jayhawk

Once Elmarko Jackson visited Lawrence, KS, he knew it was the place for him to become the best basketball version of himself. He had many conversations with former Jayhawk players such as current Denver Nugget Christian Braun, gravitating towards the way head coach Bill Self pushes his players every day while instilling confidence. A major principle Jackson emphasizes in his basketball journey involves not being satisfied with past accolades, so Kansas became the perfect place for him to reach the next stage of his career before achieving the ultimate goal of flourishing in the NBA.

Elmarko has integrated into Kansas’s system as an immediate impact, showing an innate ability to play a physical style as a guard while scoring efficiently and electrifying fans with his athleticism. Despite his youth, Jackson has displayed incredible resolve on the defensive end, disrupting opposing teams’ game plans and causing turnovers and fast-break opportunities for Kansas. Recently, Elmarko Jackson’s tenacity on defense was on full display, compiling 6 steals in 2 games against Baylor and Texas Tech. Moreover, his versatility has been on full display, supporting the likes of seven footer Hunter Dickinson and All-American caliber point guard Dajaun Harris. In an ultra-competitive BIG-12, Jackson has helped the #9 Jayhawks boast a 21-8 record, racking up quality wins against #1 UConn, #2 Houston, #5 Tennessee, then #9 Oklahoma, and #11 Baylor. Because of their many ranked wins and overall challenging schedule, ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has Kansas projected as a 3 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. As we approach March Madness, Elmarko Jackson is poised for a greater role on the Jayhawks, a team who is primed for another National Championship run.

Elmarko Jackson’s greatness personifies the nurturing environment that South Kent provides for the student athlete. While every student gets the opportunity to raise their game, they more importantly learn the necessity of developing a proper routine centered around academic and athletic excellence. The tight-knit community at South Kent teaches student-athletes to work in union with their classmates to achieve desired goals.

As a young man who aspires to help future players thrive the way he has, Elmarko Jackson embodies the essence of South Kent’s Directness of Purpose, staying hungry to achieve his personal goals while creating a greater platform that educates future generations of basketball players. Elmarko Jackson’s legacy at South Kent places him on the Mount Rushmore of South Kent Basketball and Cardinal Athletics, and we look forward to all of his accomplishments in life beyond the Hillside.

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After Clarkson University, Mueller would play his first two seasons of professional hockey with the Springfield Falcons. Brian Mueller then went to Europe before coming back to North America, as retired in 2000 with the Saginaw Gears of the UHL. He continues to stay involved in the game today through coaching, as he has worked with juniors players, winning two junior national championships in 2012 and 2016. Mueller was also hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 to coach the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, a place he called home through the 2022 season.

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Prior to college, Megan was drafted by the Florida Panthers 138th overall in the 5th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Megan then went on to play four years of college hockey at Boston University, totaling 83 points in 151 games. He was a part of the 2012 team that made the NCAA Tournament, losing to Minnesota in the Regional Semifinals.

Unable to secure a contract with the Panthers out of college, Megan signed with their AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. After three years in the Panthers system, Wade Megan signed with the St. Louis Blues in 2016, making his debut in December of that year against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He became the first player in the NHL to play from his hometown of Canton, NY.

Wade Megan also scored his first goal in his debut, as he helped the Blues beat the Lightning 5-2. In the summer of 2018, Megan signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings, making his debut with them on October 31 of that year. During the 2019 offseason, Wade Megan decided to retire from professional hockey, as he founded the NoCo Hockey camp in Canton with Kyle Flanagan and Mark Phalon, two other pros from his hometown.

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After graduating from South Kent in the spring of 2011, Gostisbehere went on to play at Union College for three years (2011-14), racking up 82 points in 82 games. During his freshman season, Gostisbehere made the ECAC All-Rookie Team, leading all freshmen in goals (5), assists (17), and points (22). He continued to improve his game the following season, making the Second Team CCC All-American and Second Team All-ECAC teams. Although he was building a great resume early on at Union College, no year compares to what he did junior year. Along with leading the team to a National Championship, Shayne Gostisbehere was a Hobey Baker Finalist, a member of the ACHA First Team All-America East Team, Co-ECAC Player of the Year, Co-ECAC Best Defensive Defenseman of the Year, ECAC First Team recipient, Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four, NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team recipient, ECAC Hockey All-Tournament Team recipient, and more. 

In 2014, Gostisbehere began his journey with the Philadelphia Flyers, the team that drafted him 78th overall in the 3rd round of the 2012 NHL Draft. He would go on to have a successful seven year tenure with the Flyers, scoring 60 goals and logging 159 assists in 381 games. Even though he made his NHL debut in the 2014-15 season, Gostisbehere qualified as a rookie in the 2015-16 season. He finished as a runner-up for the 2016 Calder Memorial Trophy, which is given to the NHL’s top rookie. He also won the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers best defenseman and the Gene Hart Memorial Award for having the most heart on the team.

 Shayne Gostisbehere continued his career with the Arizona Coyotes during the 2021-22 season. The team struggled, but Gostisbehere took advantage of his opportunity, scoring the second most single season goals (14) and the second most single season points (51) of his career. He would play for the Coyotes through part of the 2022-23 season before being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes. During the 2023 offseason, Gostisbehere was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he currently plays today. 

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Instead of going the junior hockey route, Florentino signed with Providence College in 2013 and joined the team in the fall of that year. More good news for the Florentinos arose that year, as he was drafted 143rd overall in the 5th round by the Buffalo Sabres. Florentino compiled 22 goals on 32 assists in his Friar career, as he was selected to the 2014-15 Frozen Four All Tournament Team and scored the first goal in their National Championship game win against Boston University. Following a quick stint with the Rochester Americans played two seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones and one with the Worcester Railers, Kansas City Mavericks/Birmingham Bulls, Atlanta Gladiators, and the Kalamazoo Wings. Now, Anthony Florentino is in his first season with the Notre Dame Hawks of the SEMHL. 

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In 2015, Quinnipiac University became Priskie’s next home, where he left a legacy as one of the best defenseman in school history. His 39 career goals were the most of any defenseman at Quinnipiac, and he finished second all time at Quinnipiac in points (116) and third in assists (77). As a senior and second year captain, Chase Priskie was selected to the ECAC First Team while finishing as a top ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Also, Priskie was a Second Team Senior Class All-American while coming in as a finalist for the ECAC Best Defenseman Award. 

Between his freshman and sophomore years at Quinnipiac, Chase Priskie heard his name called in the 2016 NHL Draft from the Washington Capitals, as he was chosen 177th overall in the 5th round. He did not sign with the Capitals following his college graduation, so he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. Priskie played in their minor league system for the Charlotte Checkers. In 2020, he was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he made four appearances for the NHL team. He became the first player from South Florida to suit up for the Florida Panthers in team history. Since his NHL appearances with the Panthers, Chase Priskie has been moved to the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and the Washington Capitals, making appearances for their respective AHL teams.

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