Q&A With Red Key Tour Guide Co-Presidents
Through campus tours, Red Key tour guides play a vital role in presenting Rivers to prospective students and their families. “The Red Key co-presidents play a critical leadership role in this process, ensuring that every prospective student who visits campus is paired with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Red Key tour guide who can bring the Rivers experience to life,” says Admissions Visitor Coordinator Katherine Warming. Meet this year’s Red Key co-presidents, Kathryn Butkus ’27, Sophia Capodilupo ’27, Ethan Goldberg ’27, and Alex Ho ’27!
Kathryn Butkus ’27
Kathryn Butkus ’27 came to Rivers in Grade 9 because she was struck by how welcoming everyone was during her campus tour. She’s played varsity ice hockey all four years and will co-captain the team this season. She’s also played JV and varsity field hockey. Last year, she managed the varsity field hockey team and served as a Community Engagement Fellow through the Community Engagement office. She’s been a Red Key tour guide since Grade 9.
Why did you become a Red Key tour guide?
Kathryn Butkus ’27: As soon as I found out about Red Key, I made sure to join, because I loved the idea of showing prospective families around and giving them good first impressions of the school! I knew that my tour helped me decide what school I wanted to go to, so I wanted to help other families make that choice easier, too.
Kathryn Butkus ’27: As soon as I found out about Red Key, I made sure to join, because I loved the idea of showing prospective families around and giving them good first impressions of the school! I knew that my tour helped me decide what school I wanted to go to, so I wanted to help other families make that choice easier, too.
What’s your all-time favorite course you’ve taken at Rivers?
KB: Most likely my intermediate ceramics class with Ms. Nash. I got to make, shape, and glaze all my pieces, and I even still use most of them daily. Academically, I would say my favorite class was my advanced “U.S. and the World” history class with Mr. Sullivan, because it was always a fun class, but I also learned so much.
KB: Most likely my intermediate ceramics class with Ms. Nash. I got to make, shape, and glaze all my pieces, and I even still use most of them daily. Academically, I would say my favorite class was my advanced “U.S. and the World” history class with Mr. Sullivan, because it was always a fun class, but I also learned so much.
What’s your favorite part of campus to show off on your tours?
KB: My favorite part of Rivers to show my tours is MacDowell. I think that it is so special and that we are so fortunate to have our own rink and gym on campus that are not just restricted to athletes. I love to talk about the rink not only because I am biased and play hockey, but because it can be so fun for people to try it out and skate on it even if they never have before.
KB: My favorite part of Rivers to show my tours is MacDowell. I think that it is so special and that we are so fortunate to have our own rink and gym on campus that are not just restricted to athletes. I love to talk about the rink not only because I am biased and play hockey, but because it can be so fun for people to try it out and skate on it even if they never have before.
What’s one thing you always make sure to tell visitors about on your tours?
KB: Our tradition of senior speeches. I think it is so special to have that tradition, and I love telling stories about my favorite speeches from past years.
KB: Our tradition of senior speeches. I think it is so special to have that tradition, and I love telling stories about my favorite speeches from past years.
What advice do you have for prospective families?
KB: It’s so helpful to meet with teachers. When I was in public school, it was never a normalized thing, and it usually meant that you were doing badly in your class if you had to meet with them. I emphasize that your grades don’t have to be anywhere close to slipping to meet with your teachers, and that it is encouraged to build your relationship with them and with the material they’re teaching.
KB: It’s so helpful to meet with teachers. When I was in public school, it was never a normalized thing, and it usually meant that you were doing badly in your class if you had to meet with them. I emphasize that your grades don’t have to be anywhere close to slipping to meet with your teachers, and that it is encouraged to build your relationship with them and with the material they’re teaching.
Lastly, what’s a lesson you learned at Rivers that you know you’ll carry with you beyond your time here?
KB: Even when you feel like you don’t fit in somewhere, wherever that may be, never change who you are or what you like to satisfy anyone.
KB: Even when you feel like you don’t fit in somewhere, wherever that may be, never change who you are or what you like to satisfy anyone.
Sophia Capodilupo ’27
Sophia Capodilupo came to Rivers in Grade 8 and says academic, athletic, and musical theater opportunities drew her here. “I wanted to be in a more competitive environment surrounded by peers who were ambitious and striving for success like me,” she says. She’s captain of the varsity field hockey and ice hockey teams and plays varsity lacrosse. In addition to being a Red Key leader, she’s a Rivers Givers leader, a member of the Athletic Council, a student advisor, a geometry class teaching assistant, and a member of the debate and yearbook clubs. Capodilupo has been a Red Key tour guide since she arrived at Rivers in Grade 8.
Sophia Capodilupo came to Rivers in Grade 8 and says academic, athletic, and musical theater opportunities drew her here. “I wanted to be in a more competitive environment surrounded by peers who were ambitious and striving for success like me,” she says. She’s captain of the varsity field hockey and ice hockey teams and plays varsity lacrosse. In addition to being a Red Key leader, she’s a Rivers Givers leader, a member of the Athletic Council, a student advisor, a geometry class teaching assistant, and a member of the debate and yearbook clubs. Capodilupo has been a Red Key tour guide since she arrived at Rivers in Grade 8.
Why did you become a Red Key tour guide?
Sophia Capodilupo ’27: Originally, my biggest motivator for joining Red Key was that I wanted to learn my way around the school as quickly as possible. However, the reason I stayed in Red Key throughout high school was that I love helping showcase all the opportunities Rivers gives students and how that could impact the life of the prospective student/family that I am touring. Additionally, I love getting to know each new family, and it’s so fascinating to see how different each applicant is and to learn about what each of them desires to get out of Rivers.
Sophia Capodilupo ’27: Originally, my biggest motivator for joining Red Key was that I wanted to learn my way around the school as quickly as possible. However, the reason I stayed in Red Key throughout high school was that I love helping showcase all the opportunities Rivers gives students and how that could impact the life of the prospective student/family that I am touring. Additionally, I love getting to know each new family, and it’s so fascinating to see how different each applicant is and to learn about what each of them desires to get out of Rivers.
What’s your all-time favorite course you’ve taken at Rivers?
SC: Honors Precalculus taught by Ms. Mizzi. Each lesson was super engaging, and my whole class became very close by the end of the year; for example, before every test we would have a math party together, aka a study session outside of class where we all reviewed for the test. Mrs. Mizzi is the sweetest, and she does an incredible job of teaching at a pace that works for everyone and always making her students feel comfortable asking questions or reporting their difficulties. The class was a great balance of fun and challenge. We did a lot of work collaboratively on the whiteboard, which was our favorite.
SC: Honors Precalculus taught by Ms. Mizzi. Each lesson was super engaging, and my whole class became very close by the end of the year; for example, before every test we would have a math party together, aka a study session outside of class where we all reviewed for the test. Mrs. Mizzi is the sweetest, and she does an incredible job of teaching at a pace that works for everyone and always making her students feel comfortable asking questions or reporting their difficulties. The class was a great balance of fun and challenge. We did a lot of work collaboratively on the whiteboard, which was our favorite.
What’s been the most valuable part of experiencing the arc of a Rivers education from Middle School through Upper School?
SC: Middle School humanities was a class unlike anything I have ever taken before, and I am really glad I got to experience its blend of current events, history, and English all in one. It was also nice to transition into high school on a campus that was already familiar—so much changes from middle school to high school, so having the environment be a constant was great.
SC: Middle School humanities was a class unlike anything I have ever taken before, and I am really glad I got to experience its blend of current events, history, and English all in one. It was also nice to transition into high school on a campus that was already familiar—so much changes from middle school to high school, so having the environment be a constant was great.
What’s your favorite part of campus to show off on your tours?
SC: I love showing off Revers, because the art gallery is so beautiful and open. Also, the art classes to the left and right of the hallway showcase all the amazing tools and materials Rivers offers students, like pottery wheels and cameras for photography. Additionally, in Revers, the breakout rooms and other study spaces are a great way to show how Rivers students are disciplined and motivated, and the Rivers schedule gives students free time to learn good time management habits and get their work done as soon as they can during the school day.
SC: I love showing off Revers, because the art gallery is so beautiful and open. Also, the art classes to the left and right of the hallway showcase all the amazing tools and materials Rivers offers students, like pottery wheels and cameras for photography. Additionally, in Revers, the breakout rooms and other study spaces are a great way to show how Rivers students are disciplined and motivated, and the Rivers schedule gives students free time to learn good time management habits and get their work done as soon as they can during the school day.
What’s one thing you always make sure to tell visitors about on your tours?
SC: That the small class sizes allow for students to build close relationships with their teachers, and every single teacher on campus highly encourages scheduling one-on-one meetings to make sure you are staying on track, to prepare for a big assignment, or just to talk about what has been going on lately. Knowing that your teacher wants you to be as successful as possible is so comforting.
SC: That the small class sizes allow for students to build close relationships with their teachers, and every single teacher on campus highly encourages scheduling one-on-one meetings to make sure you are staying on track, to prepare for a big assignment, or just to talk about what has been going on lately. Knowing that your teacher wants you to be as successful as possible is so comforting.
What advice do you have for prospective families?
SC: Your child is going to find the right fit for them; the most important thing is that they feel like they belong and feel comfortable at their new school! Rivers tries its hardest to make each student feel a sense of belonging, so hopefully this school can be the place your child calls home.
SC: Your child is going to find the right fit for them; the most important thing is that they feel like they belong and feel comfortable at their new school! Rivers tries its hardest to make each student feel a sense of belonging, so hopefully this school can be the place your child calls home.
Lastly, what’s a lesson you learned at Rivers that you know you’ll carry with you beyond your time here?
SC: Everything happens for a reason, and while the path might seem wrong or feel too hard at times, it will all work out. In eighth grade, I struggled to find my space socially and became very socially anxious. I went through some tough friendships and felt every single emotion. Now, as a senior, I can confidently say I have learned and grown so much from these experiences, and I have developed more empathy from everything I went through. Little eighth grade me would be amazed to see the role I have today at this school and how tight-knit our grade has become!
SC: Everything happens for a reason, and while the path might seem wrong or feel too hard at times, it will all work out. In eighth grade, I struggled to find my space socially and became very socially anxious. I went through some tough friendships and felt every single emotion. Now, as a senior, I can confidently say I have learned and grown so much from these experiences, and I have developed more empathy from everything I went through. Little eighth grade me would be amazed to see the role I have today at this school and how tight-knit our grade has become!
Ethan Goldberg ’27
Ethan Goldberg ’27 joined the Rivers community in Grade 9 “because of the people,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you are an athlete or an artist; this community makes everyone feel welcome.” Goldberg plays JV ice hockey and varsity lacrosse. In addition to being a Red Key leader, he leads the Heated Lions basketball club for Special Olympics basketball, the Rivers fan zone, and Jewish affinity. He’s a member of the stock club and serves as a senior advisor. Goldberg became a Red Key tour guide in Grade 9.
Ethan Goldberg ’27 joined the Rivers community in Grade 9 “because of the people,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you are an athlete or an artist; this community makes everyone feel welcome.” Goldberg plays JV ice hockey and varsity lacrosse. In addition to being a Red Key leader, he leads the Heated Lions basketball club for Special Olympics basketball, the Rivers fan zone, and Jewish affinity. He’s a member of the stock club and serves as a senior advisor. Goldberg became a Red Key tour guide in Grade 9.
Why did you become a Red Key tour guide?
Ethan Goldberg ’27: I knew right away I wanted to be a Red Key tour guide. I started in my first year at Rivers because I wanted to represent my school!
Ethan Goldberg ’27: I knew right away I wanted to be a Red Key tour guide. I started in my first year at Rivers because I wanted to represent my school!
What’s your all-time favorite course you’ve taken at Rivers?
EG: English 11 with tc. I loved the conversations and especially the “Consume Media Critically” activity on Mondays—a break from “regular programming” to focus on important events happening in the real world.
EG: English 11 with tc. I loved the conversations and especially the “Consume Media Critically” activity on Mondays—a break from “regular programming” to focus on important events happening in the real world.
What’s your favorite part of campus to show off on your tours?
EG: The quad. It is awesome. There are so many kids gathered, having a blast just hanging out with their best friends.
EG: The quad. It is awesome. There are so many kids gathered, having a blast just hanging out with their best friends.
What’s one thing you always make sure to talk about on your tours?
EG: The senior advisor program. It can be very scary to be a ninth grader, so having a senior as another member of your support system is a very important resource.
EG: The senior advisor program. It can be very scary to be a ninth grader, so having a senior as another member of your support system is a very important resource.
Alex Ho ’27
Alex Ho joined the Rivers community in Grade 6, finding small class sizes appealing compared to his previous school. “I was able to create stronger connections with my teachers and fellow peers,” he says. He’s involved in musical theater at Rivers through the Conservatory Program and by serving as a Coffeehouse leader and drama captain. He’s also an editor for the yearbook, a leader of AAPI affinity, a cellist in select chamber orchestra, and a student advisor. He became a Red Key tour guide in Grade 8.
Alex Ho joined the Rivers community in Grade 6, finding small class sizes appealing compared to his previous school. “I was able to create stronger connections with my teachers and fellow peers,” he says. He’s involved in musical theater at Rivers through the Conservatory Program and by serving as a Coffeehouse leader and drama captain. He’s also an editor for the yearbook, a leader of AAPI affinity, a cellist in select chamber orchestra, and a student advisor. He became a Red Key tour guide in Grade 8.
Why did you become a Red Key tour guide?
Alex Ho ’27: I became a Red Key tour guide in eighth grade because I wanted to try something new, and I ended up really enjoying being a tour guide and getting to meet all different kinds of families.
Alex Ho ’27: I became a Red Key tour guide in eighth grade because I wanted to try something new, and I ended up really enjoying being a tour guide and getting to meet all different kinds of families.
What’s your all-time favorite course you’ve taken at Rivers?
AH: My junior year AP English class. All of the literature we read really interested me, and all of the different projects we did in that class, like the author project and teacher of the day, excited me. Most importantly, my teacher Ms. Jacoby was the most engaging and captivating teacher I have ever had. She not only taught me a lot about writing and American literature, but also valuable life lessons and advice.
What’s been the most valuable part of experiencing the arc of a Rivers education from Middle School through Upper School?
AH: The gift of observation. As a middle schooler, I was in awe of the scary high schoolers and felt overwhelmed by all of the different clubs, programs, and events on campus. Getting to observe all of the amazing things that happen at Rivers taught me curiosity and bravery to try new things.
What’s your favorite part of campus to show off on your tours?
AH: Revers. The spacious and grand entrance of the building, along with the stunning art gallery on the first floor, never fail to impress my tours. Even though I walk through Revers multiple times every day, I sometimes still take a moment to admire the beautiful entryway and the fantastic art that is on display.
What’s one thing you always make sure to tell visitors about on your tours?
AH: How welcoming and helpful all of the staff and faculty are. They are always willing to meet one-on-one about anything, even if it’s not class-related, and I make sure to emphasize how normal and encouraged asking for help is at Rivers. It’s also always fun to run into one of my teachers on my tours and introduce them to the prospective family!
What advice do you have for prospective families?
AH: Embrace the transition. For me, coming into a new school and a completely different environment made me extremely nervous, and I was hesitant to be bold and put myself out there. Looking back as a senior, I wish I would have had the courage to be more proactive and open up to more people or attend different clubs, because I’ve learned over my time at Rivers how rewarding it can be to take risks like that. I’ve found my closest friends and the clubs I’m most dedicated to through taking that first step and trying something new that may have seemed scary.
Lastly, what’s a lesson you learned at Rivers that you know you’ll carry with you beyond your time here?
AH: Never be afraid to advocate for myself or take advantage of opportunities. Rivers has countless incredible opportunities to offer students, like high-level classes, internships, athletics, and arts, and I'm so happy and grateful that I got involved in the community here because it has led me to my greatest passions and lifelong friends. Looking ahead to college, I will be faced with a new environment and a whole other world of opportunity, and after being at Rivers, I feel prepared and eager to take chances, meet new people, and try new things.
© 2025 The Rivers School. All Rights Reserved
Rivers admits academically qualified students and does not discriminate against students or families on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.