With her graduation on June 6, 2025, Eisner Scholar and Roycemore lifer Keira Kim '25 became the final alumna in Roycemore history to have attended classes in Roycemore's original building located at 640 Lincoln Street on Northwestern's campus.

Keira began at Roycemore in Junior Kindergarten in 2011, shortly before Roycemore located to its current location on Davis Street at the beginning of 2012.

In a speech delivered at this year's Scholarship Fundraiser, Keira reflected on her 14-year experience as a Griffin and took us back to Roycemore's roots.

"I want to start by asking how many of you know about the old location of Roycemore School. You may have physically stepped foot inside the building, seen it from the outside, or even heard a story about it.

For those who haven’t, I will share with you what it was like to be a Junior Kindergartener at Roycemore’s original location on Northwestern University’s campus. As the final current student to attend school at the old building, I feel it is essential to share this part of Roycemore’s history.

I joined Roycemore as a small, rambunctious four-year-old who had too much energy and curiosity to fit in her small body. Roycemore was the perfect choice for my education because my Early Childhood teachers knew exactly how to drive my excitement.

Roycemore is truly an amazing place to learn through experience. As a young child, I looked up to the older kids in awe of their responsibilities and achievements. I carry my memories of being a little girl sitting in the gymnasium of the old Roycemore with me through my everyday life, and look back at them very often when I see the Lower Schoolers walking through the hallways.

In Junior Kindergarten, I remember watching the Upper Schoolers perform Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which I later got to perform in third grade. I was fascinated by the lighting on the stage and the fact that everyone memorized their lines. Seeing my older peers perform made me so excited to perform on stage when I reached their age. To the families of younger students here at Roycemore, I encourage you to foster those memories by bringing your little one to a Middle or Upper School performance because those are the moments that will stick with me forever.

If you brought my four-year-old self into this room right now, and asked her what she learned in the years to follow Junior Kindergarten, she would explain to you how to care for an ant farm, show you how penguins raise their chicks, explain to you what happens if the pigeon drives the bus, and maybe read you a short story that she created during Writers Workshop. I am so thankful for the support I received in Lower School, which truly solidified my foundations in learning."

Pictured: Keira featured in the 2011 yearbook in photos taken on the old campus!

"Throughout Middle School, I grounded myself through the relationships I built with my classmates and teachers. Fifth and sixth grade were two of the most fun school years of my life. Roycemore is so lucky to be near the third-largest city in the United States and surrounded by public transportation. I long for the days in Middle School when my class took the train to Downtown Chicago to visit the Christkindle Holiday Market and Maggie Daley Park.Learning to take the bus and train through field trips was integral for high school, where my independence would lead me to explore my curiosities.Though the COVID-19 pandemic brought a period of uncertainty, choosing Roycemore for Upper School was effortless. Thanks to the Eisner Scholarship, continuing my education at Roycemore became an opportunity that opened doors for my family."

Pictured: Keira's Middle School years 

"The start of Upper School and the end of the pandemic certainly came with changes, but also brought countless opportunities to my fingertips. Roycemore’s three-week January short-term experience allowed me to explore my passion for figure skating, redesign one of my favorite clubs, learn about the creation of wearable electronics, and attend school in France. Not only was I exploring Chicago on my own, but now I was venturing overseas to immerse myself in French culture. That trip was one of the best two weeks of my life because I could speak French with native speakers, build friendships internationally, and experience the culture firsthand.Entering my senior year, I was confident in my decision to apply to Northwestern University and return to the campus where my education began because of my experiences during JST. My continued exploration of figure skating, a sport I’ve done for thirteen years, has secured me a spot on the Northwestern Collegiate Figure Skating Team. My work as president of the Student Ambassador Club will allow me to take charge during large gatherings. Finally, my time as a French student will continue to influence my choice to study abroad in college.Without the Eisner Scholarship and Scholarship Fund, my peers and I would not have the opportunity to attend this school, participate in eye-opening JST activities, take frequent field trips to downtown Chicago, or learn to care for an ant farm.Attending Roycemore for nearly fourteen years was the best opportunity I could have ever asked for."

(Excerpt from Keira's speech at the 2025 Scholarship Fundraiser)

Without a doubt, Keira left her mark on Roycemore. Throughout her time, she held many titles: lifer, Eisner Scholar, Student Ambassador Club President, National Honor Society Member, Head of School Award Recipient, Volleyball Captain, Palio star, and now, Proud Roycemore Alumna. 

What an incredible journey! Congratulations and best of luck to Keira, who will make a full-circle return to Northwestern this fall — this time as a college freshman! Once a Griffin, always a Griffin.

Pictured: Keira participating in a variety of school activities including Palio, volleyball, and school assemblies.