Who Were the Founders We Celebrate on Founders Day?

These men knew the joys of family picnics, the frustration of leaky faucets, and the simple pleasure of walking their dogs on crisp autumn mornings. They were not immune to life's ups and downs. They faced the same challenges we all do – mortgages, career pressures, and the constant juggle of work and family life. But what set them apart was a vision. A vision of education that went beyond what they found in their public schools, beyond standardized tests and Dick and Jane readers. They dreamed of a school where children could grow in knowledge and also in character. A place where freedom of thought was nurtured, and virtue was valued. A place where children could put their hands over their hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance and say a simple prayer together around the flagpole. It began as a dream, but one day, it became a decision.   

This dream took shape around their dinner tables, in front of their fireplaces, and in conversations with their wives. As their children played in backyards, these fathers talked about the future – a future where their kids could receive an education that would truly make them free.

But dreams, as we all know, don't become reality without sacrifice and hard work. They took a chance, bought a simple ranch house, and converted it into classrooms. They recruited the first families and teachers to join in the project. Picture them on weekends, not relaxing in their recliners, but with rolled-up sleeves. They painted walls, built bookshelves, hauled in desks, and hung many, many blackboards. No one was left without a job - from cleaning bathrooms to washing windows to landscaping the yard. We need to remember these pioneers and the early Brookfield Academy families as we celebrate Founders Day.  

I can’t help but share some of my memories of these same men and women when I arrived on the scene in the late 1960s. I admired them all so much. Mr. Smeeth became the Head of School. He was my econ teacher and my creative writing teacher. He had a way with words that always captured my attention. His smile was broad and contagious. He welcomed us into a world where learning became a joy and an adventure. He managed to hire several others with that same enthusiasm for knowledge. Mr. Law was a business owner, and he knew the importance of competition. He did not shy away from competition - he knew it would make us stronger and better just by striving to do our best. He was not on staff at the school but was around enough that we all got to know him. He was brilliant, and I remember that since he knew I was taking French, he always addressed me in French, and, well, my mind usually went blank. I was in awe. Mr. Davis, a lawyer, always came around when we needed him. He was a positive force, and his love for the school was evident. His wife was the kindest woman and never shied away from lending a hand when needed. 

These men weren't professional educators. They were hard-working dads providing for their families. But they shared a common belief: that education, coupled with strong values, was the greatest gift they could give their children. They chose to remain free from government control of education.  Instead, they chose strong leaders and passionate teachers to carry out their mission. We continue to benefit from their great example. 

Today, as we walk across our thriving campus, it's easy to forget the leap of faith it took to get here. The Founders were not born heroes. They became our heroes through their actions, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to the education of their children  - and now, today, our children. They remind us that extraordinary change often comes from ordinary people who refuse to accept the status quo. People who look at their children and decide that "good enough" simply isn't good enough.

So the next time you hear the names of our school's Founders, I hope you are motivated by their story.   Happy Founders Day!