The Albany Academies’ annual concert for a cure was a big hit once again this year. With teachers and students alike taking the stage, the excitement in the audience was palpable. A question that not many of us in the Academy community ask is, Who is behind this memorial concert? His name is displayed on boards placed strategically around the school, but who is aware of who the Academy alum really is? The history of this event can be easily ignored, because Sol Kahn’s tragedy occurred years ago. However, time’s passing does not mean we must forget about Sol’s battle. His unique story never ceases to be significant and puts a very real face on the school’s effort and the effort of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. We, as the present generation of Academy students, owe it to Sol to appreciate and reflect on his memory, especially in the context of the recent concert.

Teachers who had personal interactions with Sol describe him as personable, outgoing, and a great person. “His influence was always extremely positive,” Mr. Centofranchi states. Mr. Centofranchi had Sol in his classes, and knew him on not only an academic level, but also a sports level. While coaching JV football, for which Sol was the manager, Mr. C was soon convinced that Sol’s great energy affected everyone around him. Dr. Stephen Brown, history department chair, also had interesting and warm things to say about Sol. He recalled that Sol always made him smile, was carefree and fun loving, and was a good friend to others. While  sharing laughs with Sol, Dr. Brown, like many others, did not know that Sol was sick.

Mr. Scott Milliken, the head of the upper school, was a supporter and mentor of Sol. As he would be for any other student of the Academies, he was there for Sol in his extreme time of need. Mr. Milliken described Sol as the type of person who put true effort into everything he did. “He was truly selfless,” he states. Sol always asked what he could do to help other people, not what others could do to help him. He did not even have to be asked; he always took initiative. In January 2006, the diagnosis of Sol’s cancer was official. Mr. Milliken spent time at Sol’s home, tutoring the weak young man who was just shy of his nineteenth birthday. He put all his effort into his school work, even in his deteriorating state. Mr. Milliken recounts the sight of Sol walking proudly across the stage to accept his diploma, IV and all.

There were many ways that the Academy community supported and comforted Sol and his family in a time of devastation. One substantial and appreciable accomplishment is the raising of $17,000 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in order to help people like Sol, beginning with the first Concert for a Cure in the spring of 2006, before Sol died.

Sol was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers. Organized by the “Fairy Godmother” foundation, which services kids who are too old for Make a Wish, Sol was able to meet the whole team. Lining a wall in Mr. Milliken’s office are memorabilia and souvenirs from the game, including pictures, footballs, figurines, all given to Mr. Milliken by Sol. Sol was also able to meet Brett Favre, a highlight of the trip. Keeping Sol’s memory alive is an important part of the Academy community, represented in an award that is presented to one lucky young man at the end of every school year. The Sol Kahn award is given to a student whose first thought is for others, and for whom bettering the community of which he is a part is second nature. “We are looking for the student who is most like Sol,” Mr. Milliken said. Sol’s father is extremely involved with the Academy community, pledging to give back to the place  where his son thrived.

Stefan Kuhar, a prefect of the Olcott House, which helped to organize the concert, states that most people realized that this concert for Sol. Dozens of students as well as guests from outside of the Academy community performed and showcased their talents in honor of Sol. Aly Selchick and Bayly Reid performed a melodic and sweet version of Adele’s “Someone Like You”. Shannon Windle took the stage with “Hands” by Jewel, an appropriate ballad that emphasized lifting spirits in times of distress. More upbeat acts included Daddy Jive, Dan Carroll and Mr. Collett, bringing the evening to a rambunctious close. The audience hooted and hollered for “Cento” who performs music professionally. Stefan got very positive feedback about the event  from the audience, who generously donated roughly two-thousand, two-hundred dollars. The concert itself was a wonderful time for everyone who attended.

Sol will always be remembered as a person who embodies the Albany Academy spirit and tradition. Sol even created a senior page, which can be found on Mr. Bob Neudel’s website. The following quotation from Sol’s senior page sums up his effect on the Academy community and exemplifies this community’s stress and power: “I am blessed to be touched by so many true friends and love ones. I equally want to touch as many lives and be able to make a difference in the welfare of people and the community.”