Kevin Lakes Receives the 2026 Taylor Plaque - Issue 37

King's-Edgehill School is proud to recognize Kevin Lakes as the recipient of the 2026 Taylor Plaque, an award presented annually to a member of the KES community who has made a significant and longstanding contribution to the life of the School.

 

For more than 30 years, Kevin has been a constant at KES his roles as educator, mentor, coach, and champion for students and stands out amongst a hard working and committed staff. Throughout his career, KES students have noted his memorable classes, innovative teaching methods, and unique approach to learning. Among his colleagues, Kevin is known as a thoughtful collaborator who values the ideas of others, supports new initiatives, and continually seeks ways to improve the student experience while preserving the distinctive character of his courses. His commitment to education extends well beyond his own classroom to our shared global community. As a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, Kevin has enthusiastically supported the concept of net-zero in all aspects of his life as well as the green initiatives outlined in the School's strategic plan. This included opening his off grid homestead to the KES Earth Day visits of students to see sustainability in action.

 

What also makes Kevin remarkable is his continued passion for growth even late in his career. As he enters the final stages of a distinguished career, he remains eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Recently, he authored the children's book Blink and obtained his bus licence so that he could connect and support KES students and programs in new ways. His desire to be there for all aspects of school life reflects the same curiosity, energy, and dedication that have defined his decades at KES.

 

Kevin's contributions reach far beyond academics to our whole school community. Whether highlighting student achievements through articles and communications, leading Junior School athletics, organizing teams at a moment's notice, or welcoming visiting students through events such as the Hoopla basketball tournament and the Netherlands Cadet Exchange, Kevin consistently steps forward into multiple events or where the achievement of a student merits acknowledgement.

 

While it is difficult to measure the sum of all his behind-the-scenes impacts, Kevin's presence is felt throughout the school when he steps up as the face or voice of an event. In this area he can seem a bit like Roy Kent from Ted Lasso— as the chant goes, "He's here, he's there, he's every—where!" From announcing during the revamped House activities and delivering the Land Acknowledgement at Closing Exercises to facilitating Remembrance Day assemblies as a Cadet CI, Kevin's enthusiasm and commitment are woven into the fabric of school life.

He also continues to celebrate the success of KES students long after they become alumni. This commitment to community on top of all that he does at KES is evident in the "Connect, Converse, Catch-Up" interview series that Kevin initiated, featuring former students such as Jake Oulton '15 and Sean Morrison '01. The project and other articles he writes reflect his ongoing commitment to strengthening connections within the broader KES community.

 

The Taylor Plaque recognizes individuals whose dedication has helped shape the character and spirit of King's-Edgehill School. Through his long service, unwavering support of students, and enduring enthusiasm for school life, Kevin Lakes embodies the very qualities this award was created to honour—and the values of the Dick Taylor, a long-standing Board Member of KES for whom it is named.

 

Congratulations, Kevin, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for more than three decades of countless contributions to King's-Edgehill School.