Community Building

The excitement surrounding the construction of Patriots Hall is at least partially tied to that fact that we have been able to see with our very own eyes a building grow before us.

From the initial site preparation to laying the foundation, to the erection of walls and installation of windows, to the current concentration on internal drywalling and painting, we have been able to visually watch as Patriots Hall takes shape.

While construction has been challenging and complex for those actually involved in the building project, the greater Brookfield Academy community interprets the building in a much different way. The BA community is not so much focused on the process, but derive their excitement from the building itself. Reality in this context is derived from what they see every time they pass Patriots Hall.

However, Patriots Hall and Brookfield Academy in general are the result of a far more complex kind of building, the building of the Brookfield Academy community. The spirit, unity, shared values, and common commitment to excellence are built over time and through a myriad of processes. The "school" is much greater than merely walls and buildings; it is the culmination of historical events, stories, anecdotes, myths, and people. All of these less observable and measurable factors combine to "build" the authentic essence of Brookfield Academy.

The opening week of school serves to more fully develop this concept of building. On Sept. 10, the school community came together to celebrate Founders Day, the anniversary of the opening of Brookfield Academy in 1962. It is perhaps one of the most important days in the school year because it offers us the opportunity to reflect on the rich history surrounding the school. Held on the very same spot where the first students assembled on that day 47 years ago, we hear about the pioneers who founded the school, those first students and teachers, and most importantly the values and beliefs that continue to serve as the foundation for the school community. The powerful images and symbols that accompany the various speeches are part of the "building process," nowhere near as tangible as the brick walls of Patriots Hall, but equally important and just as strong.

It was the Academy's great pleasure to welcome as this year's Founders Day speaker, class of 1998 alum Ryan Law.

Ryan's presentation reflected a genuine appreciation for the values and beliefs that Brookfield Academy taught him, made even more poignant by the fact that Ryan's grandparents were part of the founding families of Brookfield Academy and Ryan's grandfather was one of the intellectual architects of the Brookfield Academy philosophy of freedom. Ryan conveyed the fact that his personal and professional life are manifestations of the Five Stars and that there is a fundamental relationship between hard work and success.

Following in the tradition of Founders Day is the recently established Founders Fest event. While Founders Day is perhaps characterized as a bit melancholy and reflective, Founders Fest is a good old fashioned all-school cookout to celebrate the beginning of the school year. Food, rides, music, fun and fireworks are all part of the night's festivities. Founders Fest is an opportunity to assemble the Brookfield Academy community for camaraderie and celebration. With a record turnout of parents and students from across all three divisions, Founders Fest is achieving its purpose of creating community and unity throughout the school.

Whether through bricks and mortar or shared values and experiences, Brookfield Academy takes seriously the concept of "building" a community.

Pardon Our Dust

Over 300 donors took advantage of a special invitation to tour the new Patriots Hall Upper School building project. Although the building is still four months away from completion, the event offered supporters self-guided tours and a behind-the-scenes look at the magnificent new building. Faculty and staff were also there to answer any questions about the building.
Accompanying the event was a special announcement that the campaign recently achieved its $12 million dollar goal necessary to receive the $500,000 challenge grant. The four year, $12.5 million dollar campaign was the largest in the history of the school. A special thank you to co-chairs Dan and Carol Geenen, Jeff and Cynthia Harris, and Greg and Shobha Warren, and their volunteer team who worked diligently on behalf of the campaign. Over 1000 people donated to the campaign and many of those donors made the largest gift in their personal giving history. To all the donors and volunteers, Brookfield Academy salutes you for your generosity and commitment to the school.

As Stew Davis, Board Chair, has stated, the building of Patriots Hall and the other campus-wide initiatives associated with the Soar With The Stars...A Stellar Opportunity capital campaign are second only to the founding of the school in terms of importance and impact. While there are many additional needs that will arise as a result of the building project, all affiliated with the campaign can take a few minutes to celebrate this milestone in the history of Brookfield Academy. You can view more photos from this special event on Flickr.

Golf With Your Friends

Throughout the history of Brookfield Academy, there have been many attempts to organize a golf outing. The latest edition started thirteen years ago when a diverse group of 30 people ventured out to Willow Run Golf Club for a day of golf and camaraderie. Following golf, all participants were treated to a hot dog and limited refreshments. That was all the budget would allow! Over the years the outing has been played in oppressive heat, during biblical rain storms, in chilly August conditions. At the conclusion the golfers have been treated to a myriad of food options, both good and lousy.

Despite those fledgling first outings, the Academy golf outing has become a highly anticipated event, one that now attracts a loyal group of golfers who understand the reality that golf outings in Wisconsin offer all sorts of weather-related surprises. They willingly accept this reality in order to take part in the hi-jinks and whimsical foolishness that are trade marks of this particular outing.

The most recent outing was held Monday, August 24th, at Chenequa Country Club. Blessed with perhaps the nicest weather in the history of the outing, all who attended had an extraordinary time. Over 125 golfers and 150 dinner guests were treated to a great day of golf and fellowship. And, the food was terrific!

Eight years ago the outing was renamed the Wally Davis Memorial Outing, in honor of founder and avid golfer Wally Davis. Wally was one of those loyal participants, always appearing just prior to the shotgun start and sticking around for the awards ceremony and lousy food afterwards. One year later the outing name was expanded to include Wally's compatriot Bill Law, an equally avid golfer and also a founder of the Academy. Given their love of the Academy and golf, naming the outing in their memory was both most appropriate and quite logical.

Tradition is important to the BA outing. Every year the outing recognizes Mary Law and Betty Davis, the matriarchs of Brookfield Academy and the resolute women behind Bill and Wally. Their attendance and support for the outing makes it a very special event. It is always a highlight when Mary and Betty are introduced and recognized for their support of the outing and the Academy in general.
Four years ago it was decided that outing proceeds would benefit the Five Stars to Success Scholarship program. The scholarship program was established in order to provide city of Milwaukee students with an opportunity to attend Brookfield Academy. It provides tuition, transportation, and additional needs to worthy students. Thanks to the generous support of golfers and sponsors, the outing has generated almost $100,000 in support for this program.

Mark August 23, 2010 on your calendar and be sure to get in on the fun! You can view all the photos from this year's golf outing on Flickr.