A Legacy of Kindness
The Foundation honors the life of an extraordinary young woman, Kaeli Sara Kramer who was a passionate animal advocate and a kind equestrian. Kaeli loved animals and aspired to be an equine veterinarian. She was deeply concerned about the compassionate treatment of all animals and because of this conviction she was a vegetarian. The Foundation is a living tribute to the goodness in Kaeli and the goodness that is in each of us.
“As knowledge, responsibility and courage light our way, so does kindness. Everyone, somehow, in some way, affects one another.”
Kaeli's Valedictorian Speech
Remembering Kaeli
by Janice Zingale, Dean of Students and teacher at the Knox School
Sweet and friendly, kind and generous, intellectually curious and respectful, Kaeli Sara Kramer embodied the Knox School Core Values. She was one of our most esteemed graduates and the recipient of numerous permanent faculty awards, including the Poise Cup for “a student embodying graciousness and dignity of character” that she received as a freshman. Kaeli was valedictorian of her class and in her senior year she was awarded the school’s highest honor- the Semper Ad Lucem Plaque.
Kaeli came to Knox in the fall of 2004 from The Waldorf Schoof where she attended kindergarten through eighth grade. From the moment she stepped onto our campus, she distinguished herself as a highly motivated, dedicated and tenacious student who fully immersed herself in all aspects of school life. Her activities spanned from community service and the environmental club to visual arts and Habitat for Humanity. Kaeli was active in student government as Junior Class President and then Student Council President.
However, her greatest passion was her love of animals. Kaeli was an avid horsewoman who had earned numerous honors competing and showing her horse. She aspired to become an equine veterinarian, and she was well on her way to achieving this goal having completed her first year in the Honors College at Centenary College in Hackensack, New Jersey. Kaeli was selected to serve as a First Year Leader and Teaching Assistant for her Sophomore year. Kaeli volunteered in therapeutic riding programs, and at Centenary intended to obtain her certification in this field.
Kaeli had a special way of spreading light wherever she walked and her email address especially sunny- seemed to describe her perfectly. She had a positive and inspirational effect on all whose lives she touched. She is greatly missed by her Knox family, but her legacy of light will endure.
In 2010, the Knox School created the Kaeli Kramer Kindness Cup which is awarded each year to a graduating Senior whose character embodies the spirit of kindness.
Always Towards the Light
Excerpts from Kaeli’s 2008 Valedictorian Speech
Semper Ad Lucem means “always towards the light”. When we think of the word light, all good things come to mind. A soft candle light is romantic, a flashlight gleam keeps you safe in the dark, and we could never live or be happy without sunlight. “Always towards the light” means constantly moving toward greater knowledge and wisdom. It is also about learning better and brighter principles of humility and community. Since Semper Ad Lucem refers to always moving towards better philosophy and behaviors, it is closely associated with respect. It may inspire someone to be more sensitive to and more understanding of others, regardless of position, gender or race. As knowledge, responsibility and courage light our way, so does kindness. Everyone, somehow, in some way, affects one another. The people you meet and the things you experience will always remind you how to live by the words Semper Ad Lucem. This simple phrase will always lead you toward the light, wherever that may be.
