A Cadet and Athlete with a Friendly Smile: Meet Brooklyn '26 - Issue 27

This week the Commanding Officer, Captain James Skafte, sat down with Brooklyn Jefford ’26 to chat about her positive experiences at King’s-Edgehill School.

Capt. Skafte: Could you tell us about yourself?

Brooklyn: I’m from a small town in Clarenville, Newfoundland. My family and friends are a big part of who I am. I’m in Grade 12.

Capt. Skafte: What is your favourite sport?

Brooklyn: It is hockey. I started playing 13 years ago at the age of four. This is when my brother started playing and I wanted to be like him. I haven’t looked back since and have so many friendships from hockey. It has helped shape me into the person that I am today. I love softball and ball hockey too.

Capt. Skafte: How did you decide to join the Highlander hockey team?

Brooklyn: It all started with a conversation with Head Coach Cameron Scott. He invited me to tour KES. My mom and I made the trip and found everyone at KES to be so welcoming and friendly. You could see it was a tight-knit group, and it felt like it was the place for me right from the start. I’ve been here for my Grade 11 and 12 years.

Capt. Skafte: What position do you play in hockey?

Brooklyn: I’m a defenceman and play very offensively. I love rushing the puck and being involved in the offensive play. I love making seam passes and always finding open ice to create plays. It’s important to cheer people up and get the energy going. My style is to keep it light. I wear an “A” on my jersey (Assistant Captain) and am one of the leaders. Our season just concluded last Thursday.

Capt. Skafte: How has the team environment at KES helped you grow as a student, athlete, and cadet?

Brooklyn: As a student, it has been the small class sizes that create a tight-knit group with your classmates and in advisory. It makes me feel supported, especially with tutorials. When I go away for hockey, teachers go out of their way to help me, and it feels like they want me to succeed.

As an athlete, it helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills. It’s incredible to work with others and play against strong teams in hockey. You have to make sure that everyone is ready to compete, not just yourself.

As a cadet, there is a wide range of activities, from OnTree to going to the marksmanship range and hiking Mount Moses, which builds a lot of responsibility. You work with many people in your platoon. You don’t know many people when you first start, but you get to build friendships with those in your platoon throughout the year.

Capt. Skafte: What is a valuable life skill that you learned in cadets?

Brooklyn: A big thing that I took away from cadets is discipline and leadership. Always making sure that I show up on time and in the right uniform, whether it is the greens (FTUs) or Highland Reds. I learned to be properly prepared for any activity. If it was hiking Mount Moses, I would need sneakers; on the range I would be wearing greens. I really learned how to be prepared each week, which I’ll take with me to university. Cadets helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things that I never would have done, like canoeing. I’m so happy to have had these new experiences.

Capt. Skafte: What was a big challenge that you overcame?

Brooklyn: It was living away from my family in Newfoundland. I had to learn how to be independent. I grew up in a small community. The support that I received, whether it was from cadets, at the hockey rink, or in the dorms, helped me get to where I am today. Everyone helped me strive and succeed with the great support King’s-Edgehill School provided. This is my home away from home and a great place to be.

Capt. Skafte: Thanks so much for taking the time to be interviewed today!

Brooklyn: You’re welcome!