One of the Homecoming traditions enjoyed by the community each year is the celebration of the Poly Spirit Award recipients. The Spirit Award is presented annually by the Alumni Association Board of Governors to a Poly faculty or staff member who embodies the values and spirit that Poly seeks to represent as an institution and encourage in its students, and who has worked at Poly for at least five years. This year, the celebration will be twice as special as the custom expands to honor two long-standing, beloved Poly colleagues, one from the Dyker Heights campus and one from Park Slope.

Congratulations to Assistant to the Head of Lower School Pat Harrigan P’01 and Middle School History Teacher Caesar Fabella P’18. Their immeasurable contributions over seasoned careers at Poly will be celebrated in a special reception ceremony at Homecoming on October 19 at 4:00 PM.

Middle School History Teacher Caesar Fabella P’18 

Caesar Fabella P’18 joined the History department at Poly in 2001. For over 20 years, his remarkable contributions to academics at the school has been defined by his passion, innovation, and a genuine love for his students. His teaching career spans the globe, having taught in the U.S., France, and the Philippines at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School, the Allen-Stevenson School, and the American School of Paris. Fabella’s curricular designs include award-winning lesson plans, notably the Master Teacher Award in 2020. Invested in student development beyond the classroom, Fabella also served as the faculty adviser for the Tower Times, the Middle School newspaper from 2004 to 2010, encouraging budding writers to express their voices. You can also find him strumming his acoustic guitar at Middle School Rienzi as students sing a song or at Poly’s holiday chapel when the faculty chorus performs.

“Mr. Fabella is such a kind and helpful teacher, ” one of his students, Brendon M. ’29 shared, “and a great role model… If you’re a teacher, he’s the one you want to be [like]. His lessons are exciting and he builds lasting relationships with his students. I often stop by his office just to say ‘hi.’ He completely changed how I view history. He [created] ‘Fabella Fridays,’ where we play Kahoot and guess historical events from pictures. We work hard all week because we can’t wait for Friday—he’s made learning fun for me.”

Building connection with his students and making learning fun is one of Fabella’s greatest strengths. “He cares about students,” Brendon continued. “Even though I’m not in his class anymore, he still goes out of his way to check in. One day, as I was getting picked up, he came over to talk to my mom about how I was doing in class. Everyone should get to know him.”

Another one of Fabella’s students, Lucas B. ’30 describes him as a teacher that treats everyone—even people he doesn’t know—with care and respect. “Whether it’s in the classroom or in the hall, he treats everyone with the utmost respect. He is the embodiment of a caring spirit,” Lucas said. “Mr. Fabella makes all his classes engaging with ease.”

Assistant to Head of Lower School Pat Harrigan P’01

Patricia ‘Pat’ Harrigan P’01 has been a pillar of support and guidance at the Lower School for more than 35 years. During her tenure at Poly, she has worked for six different former heads of Lower School, Francis Yasharian P’36 being the seventh. Working with children and helping them thrive has always been an inherent part of Pat’s life. Before coming to Poly, she worked for over a decade as a Recreation and Play Therapist for Pediatrics at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, departing to look after her family. 

“Pat is a blend of a mom, a colleague, and a close friend all in one,” said long-time colleague and Lower School Art teacher Heidi Zarou ’86, P’22, ’22. “She is always available, offering support, feeding us, bringing laughter, and providing a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Pat is the heart of Poly, and I can’t imagine the Lower School without her.”

When her son Peter Soto ‘01 was in first grade, she came across a small local newspaper with an advertisement for a job at the Woodward Park School. She began there as an assistant teacher, and remained when Poly Prep acquired the school in 1995. Peter would join the Poly community as a third grade student and go on to earn his diploma as a member of the Class of 2001. She describes her career at Poly as rewarding and fulfilling; she has always had an affinity for working with children.

“For thirty years, Pat has been the heart and soul of Poly Lower School,” shared daughter-in-law Bette Soto, who is also a former Lower School teacher. “The constant flow of people through her office is a true reflection of the warmth and compassion she so naturally shares. Whether it’s a colleague needing a quiet moment, someone seeking advice, or just a friendly chat, Pat welcomes everyone with her cup of tea in hand and a reassuring smile. Each morning, Pat stands at the top of the stairs, greeting students with open arms and kind words as they rush to class, always ready with gentle encouragement for those who need it. From her time in the classroom to ensuring the faculty are well-fed and cared for, Pat’s far-reaching kindness makes her the perfect recipient for this award.”

Read more about past Spirit Award winners >>