Willy Stewart – Class of 1977

I studied at KCP from kindergarten through graduation so there are many great memories across the years. Many friendships built throughout the years still remain. Great times on the soccer field, staying overnight at a friend’s house studying for a test, practicing for the talent show, and being inspired to learn by wonderful teachers. As a member of the golf team, perhaps our trips to Bogota and Cali to play against Nueva Granada and Colegio Bolivar.

The graduation class of 1977 has a very active WhatsApp group and it is clear that our KCP experience impacted all of our lives, as we talk about it all the time. In addition to the obvious, learning English from the start which allowed me to come to the United States to get an engineering degree, the incredible positive influence of the teachers throughout my elementary and high school education. There are teachers that I remember dearly for their commitment and passion to their profession and making sure we learned the subject. Consuelo Mejia who taught calculus was a huge mentor and counselor who challenged me to be a better student and person. Eva Fallaice taught us Chemistry and she was strict, which helped us build resilience to face a tough world. El Profesor More who taught Civics was a true example of a committed teacher who had compassion and love for everyone – he also stayed after school in our senior year to oversee our teaching to those who could not read or write. Ms. Constable in the 6th grade, Ms. Mills in the 5th grade, and many more. The biggest impact in my life at KCP came from Dr. Burton Fox, who took it upon himself to get me a golf scholarship at Western Carolina University and allow me to come to the US. After two years at WCU, I transferred to North Carolina State University in Raleigh and graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering.

I truly believe that bilingual education, combined with a holistic educational curriculum, was paramount to my life and career. I definitely felt prepared as a freshman in college taking courses in calculus, physics, chemistry, and even English.

To the students at KCP: first and foremost be disciplined about learning and studying as the KCP education will prepare you for future success, embrace the friendships that will last a lifetime, and be grateful to the teachers and staff that have your best interest in mind. Later on, you will be thankful to your parents for enrolling you at KCP.

The education experience at KCP allowed me to build a career in the United States and gave me the confidence to build a company and compete with the best in the world.