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.