Image

In Service to Humanity

A Tribute to Mel Kieschnick

On December 26, 2024 Mel Kieschnick passed away peacefully the day after Christmas and shortly after his 97th birthday. Not only was Mel Kieschnick a founding member of HKIS, but he contributed significantly to the school's DNA around the value of service. Many of his thoughts and ideas influenced not just HKIS, but many schools and Lutheran communities around the world.

His legacy promoting the importance of serving others and finding value beyond riches will be remembered through the Mel Kieschnick Service Learning Coordinator Endowed Fund. Read more about the impact of that funded role here.

Image

"I think that when we talk with students about what vocation they are choosing, that we should talk about value other than riches. That we talk about the need to be of service, the willingness to accept service from other, and thankfulness for being able to both serve and be served."

- MEL KIESCHNICK

Image

Mel Kieschnick addresses a community of leaders in the Church of All Nations during his last visit to HKIS in 2018.

When Mel's family shared that his health was declining, it was clear that HKIS wanted to thank him for the impact his work made on the school. An idea to create a tribute video for Mel Kieschnick from the HKIS community was born. Very quickly, kind words and memories of Mel came flooding in. This included alumni and current and former faculty and staff.  So many people wanted to extend well wishes for Mel and his wife upon hearing that he entered hospice care in August 2024.

In one particularly touching moment, former faculty and staff that worked at HKIS decades ago recorded heartfelt words for Mel at a recent gathering in the US. Part of this group was Jim Handrich, former High School Principal and Head of School from 1994-2007.

Watch the tribute video for Mel Kieschnick below.

Mel was so touched by the heartfelt messages in the tribute video. He sent an email reply thanking Carrie Chen, HKIS Director of Marketing, for taking the initiative to gather the community's gratitude. Read his message below.

A RESPONSE FROM MEL KIESCHNICK

"I honestly don't have the ability to adequately thank you and your colleagues for all your words, work, and visions. Your kind words for me are overstated—yet deeply appreciated. What you say about HKIS is a wonderful reflection of who you are and what an incredible school you built and continue to develop. HKIS must be one of the top schools in the world, and you are the ones who made and are making it so.

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, words, and time. You put a lot of time, thought, and effort into your message.

I had so little to do with what HKIS has become. All I could do was dream, sell the HK Education Department on the idea of an "American school," and I did find that original site in Repulse Bay. I then convinced the Education Department that the site was too small for a government school but would work for "the American school" because our enrollment would never exceed 500!"

Image
Image