Senior Spotlight: Memorial’s Patrick Kahite Leads with Inclusivity and Community

Spend just 10 minutes with senior Patrick Kahite and you will feel like you’ve read every book in the school library–specifically, the one at Vel Phillips Memorial High, where he spends most of his free time. Kahite is the history book that tells the story of resilience and community, the psychology guide that seeks to understand human behavior, and the collection of memoirs that share tales of travel and connection.

His resume is as expansive as a well-stocked library catalog, full of experience in: president of Memorial’s Black Student Union and Multicultural Club, Spartan News, Spartan Youth Service, track and volleyball teams, lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA, multiple community organizations and more, all while balancing his academics as a student in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and PEOPLE programs. 

“Giving back to my community and being an active part of it are the things that motivate me most,” Kahite said. “I believe the work I do helps others by fostering an inclusive environment, and I’m always striving to make school a better place for everyone.”

Born in the U.S. and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from ages one to seven, Kahite brings a global perspective to everything he does. He speaks English, French and Swahili, but points out that it’s nothing compared to his parents, who emigrated from the DRC and Zimbabwe, and speak about 10 languages between them.

But this multicultural experience also brought challenges for Kahite, who shared he was bullied and often othered; “too American” for cousins in the DRC, but “too African” for classmates in America. 

“In reality, the classmates who made those comments, we probably shared a room at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison where I was born,” Kahite said, rolling his eyes. “Experiencing that, it made me want to go into human rights. I need to be able to advocate for myself, and I need to be able to advocate for others.”

Once he graduates this June, Kahite will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study political science and psychology, with an ultimate goal of attending law school to become a human rights lawyer.

For every scholarship earned or new club he leads, Kahite will immediately credit his family and a multitude of school staff who helped him achieve: the three Memorial library staff members that welcome Kahite into the space almost every day, Kristin Delorme, Jamie Bradley and Stephanie Weis, recently retired Memorial social studies teacher Cathy Patton and Multicultural Student Services Coordinator Andrea Jones.

“Ms. Patton always pushed me to do my best. Even when I was worried or feeling down about things, she reassured me that everything would be okay,” Kahite said. “Looking back, I didn’t think I’d be where I am now, but she saw potential in me and reminded me there was a path ahead.”

That same encouragement echoed daily in Memorial’s library, where Kahite found more than just a quiet place to study. He found a second home. “The three librarians have been my stronghold,” he said. “They’ve listened to school gossip, household problems, and supported me through every academic challenge. They bring out the best in me through their energy, parenting skills, and kindness.”

Delorme, Bradley and Weis shared the feeling was mutual. 

“Patrick has been a bright light in the VPM Library since he started visiting 3 years ago as a sophomore. He's helpful, kind, and a positive role model for other students in the library,” Delorme said. “He has grown so much as a person and as a student–we will miss him so much after he graduates, but we are so excited for him to start his next adventure as a student at UW-Madison.”

Kahite has spent his high school years learning, leading, and lifting up those around him. As he turns the page to college and beyond, he’s bringing his values—and his voice—with him.