- Explore KJ Pimentel’s journey from Magnet School 582 in Williamsburg to Millbrook School, highlighting his pursuit of opportunities and new experiences.
- Delve into KJ’s passion for baseball, including his early start at age three and his involvement with Millbrook’s team under Coach Del Valle.
- Discuss KJ’s interest in wildlife and his work at Millbrook’s zoo, focusing on his experiences with Goliath the Alpaca and other animals, and his ambition to work with Red Pandas.
- Examine KJ’s academic interests, emphasizing his enthusiasm for physics taught by Mr. Howe, and his future aspirations in Sports Media or Sports Medicine.
- Reflect on Millbrook’s zoo as a community engagement tool, offering educational insights into wildlife conservation and animal safety.
KJ Pimentel’s story begins in Brooklyn, where he attended Magnet School 582 located in the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood. This school is known for its emphasis on creativity and innovation, setting a solid foundation for KJ’s academic and extracurricular pursuits. His transition to Millbrook School marks a significant chapter in his life, as he sought out new opportunities far from the city’s hustle and bustle. The choice to join Millbrook was influenced by the tight-knit community and the exposure to diverse experiences, an element he found lacking elsewhere. For KJ, Millbrook represents a fresh start and an arena to refine his interests.
Baseball has been a defining aspect of KJ’s life since he was three years old. The discipline and teamwork inherent in the sport have played a crucial role in his development. Under the guidance of Coach Del Valle, KJ has found a platform in Millbrook to hone his skills as a middle infielder and pitcher. The decision to move from Brooklyn to Millbrook was strategic, aimed at gaining more visibility and enhancing his potential on the field. Baseball is not just a sport for KJ; it’s a lifelong commitment and a source of personal growth. His alignment with a coach who understands urban to rural transitions has been instrumental.
The Millbrook zoo, a unique feature of the school, provides students like KJ hands-on experience with animals while fostering a sense of responsibility towards wildlife. KJ’s attraction to working with animals is evident in his interactions with Goliath the Alpaca and other residents of the zoo such as ducks and turkeys. He sees the zoo as an extension of the community, offering students practical exposure to zoology. One of KJ’s aspirations is to work with Red Pandas, animals that require specific care due to their status as a vulnerable species. This experience at the zoo not only enriches his understanding of animal behavior but also engages him in conservation efforts, a fundamental aspect of sustaining biodiversity.
Academically, KJ has shown a keen interest in physics, particularly enjoying his classes with Mr. Howe. The subject intrigues him, possibly due to its practical applications in everyday life and its role in enhancing his analytical skills. Physics is a critical part of KJ’s educational journey, aligning with his interests in sports, where the physics of motion and mechanics has real-world applications. KJ’s eyes are set on playing baseball at the University of Tennessee, a well-regarded institution for both academics and athletics. In parallel, his ambition to pursue a career in Sports Media or Sports Medicine underscores a dual passion for sports and analytical thinking, reflective of his academic pursuits.
The zoo at Millbrook stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. It acts as an educational gateway, providing students firsthand experiences with wildlife and the principles of conservation. The students’ interaction with animals like alpacas, ducks, and turkeys offers practical knowledge that’s not only academic but also vital for developing empathy and stewardship. It emphasizes safety, ethical treatment, and conservation, essential components of modern zoological practices. The zoo introduces students to crucial concepts like habitat preservation and the importance of species diversity, fostering a deep understanding of the natural world.
Through KJ Pimentel’s journey, we see the synthesis of academic pursuit, sports excellence, and wildlife conservation efforts come together. His story underscores the value of community, education, and exposure to nature as integral components of personal and professional growth. The momentum he has gained at Millbrook speaks volumes about his dedication and the environment that nurtures such passion and commitment. As KJ continues to explore his potential, both on the baseball field and within the zoo, he embodies the spirit of discovery and responsibility that Millbrook seeks to instill in its students.
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Source Description
Our Zooie of the Week is KJ Pimentel ’28. KJ is from Brooklyn and attended Magnet School 582 in Williamsburg before coming to Millbrook.
“I looked at other schools besides Millbrook but the community here stood out compared to other places. I came to Millbrook for new opportunities, new experiences, and a new life. I play baseball, middle infield and I pitch, and I’ve been playing baseball since I was 3-years-old. Coach Del Valle brought me to Millbrook. I wanted to go somewhere where I could get more exposure than I would in the city.
I like the zoo because I like to work with animals. So far I’ve worked with Goliath the Alpaca, the ducks, and the turkeys. I’d like to work with the Red Pandas. The zoo brings good exposure to our school. It shows who we really are as a community and how we take care of everything. It exposes us to the natural world and teaches us how to keep the animals safe.
My favorite class right now is physics with Mr. Howe. I like the way it’s being taught to us. For college I’d like to play baseball at the University of Tennessee, and eventually I’d like to go into Sports Media or Sports Medicine.”
Congratulations KJ! We look forward to seeing you play baseball this spring, and continue your work in the zoo during the years to come.
