Congratulations to Andover Alumna Kristina (KC) Wenson!

Bloomfield Hills Schools is proud to share that Kristina (KC) Wenson, graduate of Andover High School’s Class of 2012, won an Emmy Award at the 78th Emmy Awards last week! Wenson is an Executive Producer of "DTF St. Louis", a dark comedy on HBO MAX that earned the Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

BHS reached out to Wenson to learn about her path to the Emmys, and how experiences at BHS may have shaped her career:

Share a bit about your educational and career background. What led you to where you are now? 

After graduation I went on to play volleyball at Lake Forest College in Illinois. My goal was to go to law school for contract law. My parents told me if I could read and write I could be successful at anything, believing that the ability to communicate effectively was the basis for any job. With that advice I decided to major in English which led me into creative writing.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in the TV/film industry?

I fell into it. I wanted to be a sports agent for the longest time, and then woke up one day during my junior year of college and decided that wasn’t the path for me. I wasn’t sure what my next steps would be. Fortunately, my dad worked in the film industry and helped me get a Production Assistant job on the movie, "Oceans 8" and I fell in love with the work. I never imagined myself working in the film industry but now I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. 

Were there any classes or teachers at BHS that were particularly inspiring?

I remember my teachers more than my classes. I wasn’t the best student; I was more focused on sports and friends, but there were a few teachers that really saw me and spoke to me on a level that reached me. Looking back, I realize these teachers saw my potential, not who I was right then and there. Mrs. Buford, Bruce Kezlarian (at Model) and Skillman were really good to me. They allowed me to be the silly teenager I was but also set boundaries to reel me back in. I wish I took school a little more seriously, because I think Mrs. Fagenson could’ve taught me a lot more than I was capable of absorbing at the time. She was someone special and had a real passion for English and the power of storytelling. One I now have! 

Were there particular experiences (or challenges) that shaped your career path?

Playing sports my whole life taught me to deal with and manage all types of personalities. The film industry comes with all shapes and sizes of personalities, and everyone is trying to achieve the same goal. I feel I can adapt to and manage all of those different personalities because I played sports.  I think growing up in an affluent community also helped. Nothing shocks me. 

Share a bit about yourself!

I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia because we are filming a lot down there. I was in New York for nine years, and I plan to move to LA soon. When I am not working I like to read, play volleyball (I have found a great volleyball community in ATL), go to dinner with friends, and catch up on sleep. I work a lot so my free time is limited, but I try to soak up things and people that ground me and bring me joy. 

What advice would you give current students or alumni?

Work really hard. Being great at something isn’t easy and there will be a lot of sacrifices, but if you love it keep going. And if you're stuck doing something you don’t love, find something you do love, because life is too short to wake up every morning not liking what you do. The film industry can be incredibly demanding, with long hours and a lot of sacrifices, but I’m very grateful that I found something that I genuinely love doing. I often tell people I feel like 10% of my job feels like work, the other 90% is just me living my life. Don’t be afraid to take chances; life is scary, but it can be rewarding. 

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Wenson is very close with her family and frequently visits her childhood home. Her mother, Carol Wenson, is currently a paraeducator at South Hills Middle School and has coached several BHS sports teams over the years. Congratulations, KC for a fantastic achievement in the film industry! BHS is proud to call you one of our own!