GLOBAL
SCHOLARS
Reflect on PolyGlobal
Upper School Students in Capetown, South Africa
Katie Sam,
Dylan Lam,
Greg Panossian
“We live in a rapidly changing world, and Poly students are hungry to explore, discuss, and understand these headline-dominating global issues,” shared Rick Caragher, director of the Global Initiatives Program (GIP), History faculty, and retired cross-country coach, as he reflected on the importance of instilling a global mindset in students.
GIP is a component of PolyGlobal, the signature Poly K-12 program that seeks to develop and instill within students the tools and experiences necessary to become considerate, contributing, and connected global citizens. Upper School students who are deeply invested in the pursuit of global experiences and perspectives can earn the Global Scholar designation, which is recognized upon graduation. This past spring, Global Scholars from the class of 2025 — Dylan Lam, Katie Sam, and Greg Panossian — spoke about their experiences in the program at the Grace Henley and Oak Tree Societies’ annual donor luncheon. The gathering coincided with our Giving Day celebration, which you can read more about in this edition of the Report of Giving here. Head of School John Bracker and Rachel Countryman welcomed guests to their home for an al fresco lunch and panel discussion on GIP.
“GIP discussions shaped the way I see the world and helped me understand that history is something we have the power to change. I’ve found my voice through this program. Thank you for supporting programs that prepare us for life and for believing that young people, when given the tools and trust, can lead with courage and empathy,” said Dylan Lam.
Upper School Students in Nirayama, Japan
Rick Caragher, pictured with Grace Henley and Oak Tree Societies luncheon attendees.
Dylan, Katie, and Greg’s testimonials on their experience in the program clearly had an impact on our audience members.
“I was just reminded by three well-spoken Poly seniors what wonderful, challenging, and broadening experiences they had as part of the Global Initiatives Program. These and other unique opportunities are the things that make a Poly education such excellent preparation for college and far beyond. My confidence in tomorrow’s leaders grows whenever I get to visit the campus,” said Wendy Edwards, P’88, ’92, Grandparent ’18, ’20, ’20, ’23.
Thanks to the generosity of Virginia Noyes Armstrong ’63, Poly put forth a $20,000 Giving Day match to raise support for the GIP program. Thank you to the seventy-three donors who successfully unlocked the match! Their munificence will amplify the program’s positive impact for years to come.
We are grateful for the longstanding philanthropic foresight demonstrated by Poly’s Grace Henley and Oak Tree Society Members. The Grace Henley Society honors those who have made planned gifts and provisions for Poly in their estate plans, and the Oak Tree Society recognizes our donors who have given for twenty or more years.
To learn more about making a planned gift to Poly and to be included in our annual luncheon honoring these society members, please email giving@polytechnic.org.