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Robin Gottlieb

Kenny Coard '85 with his wife, son, and daughters

Volunteer service is a way of life for Kenny Coard ’85, P’22,’23. Twenty-two years ago, Coard founded Hoop Skool Foundation, a nonprofit that targets at-risk student-athletes and identifies potential boarding schools to help them succeed academically, athletically, and socially. He is also a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and has been the director of the Shinnecock Indian Education Program on the Shinnecock Indian Reserve for over 13 years. In addition, Coard is a former Berkshire faculty member and a longtime volunteer for the School, currently serving on Berkshire’s Board of Trustees. He has also been a leader in supporting the School’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) alumni.

While at Berkshire, Coard played varsity basketball, twice leading his team to the New England Championship tournament. After graduating, Coard attended Clarkson University and earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in industrial marketing and managing. On the court, he was awarded First Team All-Intermountain Collegiate Conference honors. He later received a master's degree in school administration and supervision from Mercy College.

Prior to working in education, Coard was a stockbroker on Wall Street. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, school administrator, and basketball coach, he currently serves as the Assistant Principal of the Edmund W. Miles Middle School in New York. Coard lives in Southampton, NY, with his wife June, daughters Autumn ’22 and Chelsea ’23, and son, Kendall.

January 20th marked the 30th anniversary of recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a Day of National Service. Read the Q and A below to learn more about Coard’s work serving children, young adults, and the BIPOC community.

Tell us about your involvement with the Hoop Skool Foundation and the Shinnecock Indian Nation.  

The vision of the Hoop Skool Foundation stems from my experiences both as a student at Berkshire and as an educator and coach in New England boarding schools. For me, attending Berkshire was transformative. I grew up on an Indian reservation and later in Harlem, so my time under the Mountain provided me with an environment where I could thrive. It set me on a path of success that has positively impacted my family and will continue to benefit future generations. I strongly believe in the scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required.” This drives my mission to extend similar opportunities to others, offering them the same life-changing experiences I was fortunate to receive, and have been doing so for over 25 years.

While providing young people with access to independent schools is crucial, it’s equally important to ensure they have the same experiences as their peers in those environments. This includes offering guidance throughout the college application process, securing college scholarships, and forming partnerships with corporate America to support them from the moment they step onto a boarding school campus.

As the Director of the Shinnecock Indian Education Program, I work daily with Native American students from the Shinnecock Indian Reservation to enhance the education they receive from the Southampton Public School and Tuckahoe Common School Districts. Our primary goal is to close the achievement gap that exists between Native American students and their white counterparts in these districts. To further empower our students, I founded the Shinnecock Cultural Camp. It gives Shinnecock youth the opportunity to strengthen their academics, build self-esteem through cultural engagement, and learn from educators and counselors who share their cultural background.

What inspires you to volunteer your time and energy?

Earlier in my career, I pursued financial success, but over time I realized that true fulfillment comes from being deeply invested and passionate about one’s work. Helping young people achieve success is what I love and am most passionate about. Their energy inspires and motivates me to give my best every day. Ultimately, when my time on this earth comes to an end, I want to be remembered for positively impacting the lives of others.

Why is it important to intentionally engage Berkshire’s BIPOC alumni community?

It is vital to engage the pool of alumni like myself–people of color who have successfully navigated these spaces and emerged with positive experiences from Berkshire. I believe that leveraging BIPOC alumni expertise, financial contributions, and networks can strengthen the Berkshire community in countless ways.

What makes Berkshire so special? 

Berkshire has an incredibly unique sense of community and a powerful strength in its relationships. While the location and campus naturally foster this sense of belonging, it’s the genuine bonds that students form with faculty, staff, and peers that sets Berkshire apart. Whenever I conduct professional development with current faculty and staff, I always reference the passion and energy that educators like Mr. Clifford, Mr. Gulotta, and Mr. Bellas brought to the classroom. That kind of passion isn’t something you can teach, and it was a hallmark of my Berkshire experience.

What are your fondest memories of your time at Berkshire? 

Without a doubt, my fondest memories of Berkshire revolve around my time on the basketball court, spending time with the Duryees, building friendships in the dormitories, and playing “cross-campus golf.” It’s during those moments in-between classes that lifelong friendships and connections are forged. Whether hanging out on the high jump mats, hiking the Mountain, visiting Shawn’s Place, attending Senior Prom and the Sadie Hawkins Dance, or cheering at sporting events, those experiences were the glue that held everything together.

I will always have a special love for the Class of ’85; words can’t fully express how much they mean to me.