Where are you from? (MOMS)
P.L: I grew up in Los Angeles, California
P.O: I grew up in Youngstown, New York
Why did you choose BCP for your son? (MOMS)
P.L: Living here for the past 20 years has given me the opportunity to meet and spend time with former Brophy Students. I was always impressed by their confidence and willingness to serve others. Having a strong Jewish faith makes me admire the religious base that Brophy infuses throughout their education and everyday activities. I am grateful that the Jesuits are open to educating all children, regardless of religious affiliation. Finally, I am most appreciative that the Jesuit philosophy is about focusing on the whole child-that it’s not just about academics, but being a good person.
P.O: Actually, my older son Nick, who graduated from Brophy in 2011, first heard of Brophy in the 5th grade when his teacher told him that Brophy was the high school for him and if he worked really hard in middle school he could go there. Being new to the area, we were not familiar with Brophy. As we learned more about Brophy we loved the Jesuit approach to education and wanted both our boys to have the opportunity to attend such a special place.
Why did you want to attend Brophy College Preparatory?
S.L: When I talked to older kids about Brophy all I heard was great things. They all loved the school, so I wanted to see what it was all about.
A.O: I wanted to attend Brophy because my older brother attended Brophy and based on his experiences, I could tell that it would be a great place to go for school. Along with the major influence from my brother, I listened to a presentation about Brophy by Mr. Ward. After listening to his presentation and stories from my brother, I knew that Brophy is unlike any other school and that it was the school I wanted to attend.
What makes BCP different from the other schools in the Valley? (BOTH)
P.L: The religious aspect is foremost. Even though we are Jewish, we believe, like the Jesuits that there is a greater power beyond ourselves. Also, that we have an obligation to leave this world a better place than what we came into.
P.O: Everything about Brophy makes it different from other schools in the Valley. Not only do the students receive a top-notch education, there is also a focus on service and the boys have so many opportunities for growth. Each year the students are required to do a community service project and many work for local organizations. In addition, many boys attend service immersion trips in the United States to Los Angeles, Appalachia, and New Orleans, and internationally to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador and Africa. Developing future leaders with global awareness is truly unique.
A.O: Brophy is different from other schools because of the opportunities that it offers its students. While it is the most academically challenging school in Phoenix, it is also gives its students the most opportunities to have fun through clubs and sports. No matter who you are at Brophy you can find something that you will enjoy being part of. Along with the many opportunities that Brophy offers its students, Brophy also separates itself from other schools in its goal to form men for others. Brophy students are challenged to serve their community and those around the world through service projects and immersion opportunities.
What is the funniest thing that has happened at BCP since you started? (BOTH)
P.L: I have to say that the dogs roaming the campus is quite a treat. So one day I brought my dog. She was treated like royalty. Now, every time we drive by the campus, Hanna (my dog) goes crazy!
P.O: One funny thing that comes to mind is the time both my boys needed to attend a play for extra credit and the tickets were sold out. My husband, Paul, called to see if he could secure a couple tickets for any night and could not believe how nice the person he talked to was. It wasn’t until he went to pick up the tickets that he received a strange look and finally…”you’re not Paul Olson.” They were expecting, Paul Olson, the Choir Director. Paul Oleson and Paul Olson have often received each other’s emails.
A.O: I cannot think of one particular thing as the funniest thing that has happened since I have begun my schooling at Brophy because there are so many funny experiences that I have been a part of. Every day at Brophy is a fun new experience and no day is the same as another. If I had to think of the funniest thing however, it would be how my physics class this year raised money to adopt an Antarctic penguin. It’s the fun things like this that makes Brophy the place it is.
