Appreciating Poly’s scientific spark

Melany Hunt and Bruce Drolen
Both Claire ‘11 and Madelyn Drolen ‘14 have a strong affinity for science, which surprises the whole family a bit. As kids, they showed little tolerance for their parents’ scientific conversations at dinner time—Melany Hunt is Caltech’s vice provost and a mechanical engineering professor, and Bruce Drolen is an aerospace engineer at Boeing Company—but Claire and Maddy both developed a genuine interest in science over time, sparked and supported by Poly teachers.

From the time their daughters each started at Poly in prekindergarten, Melany and Bruce have found personalized attention from teachers has helped sustain the girls’ excitement about learning. Melany says there has never been a morning either of her daughters said she didn’t want to go to school. While delving into a rich curriculum in languages, the arts, English, and history, Claire and Maddy have also both excelled in and enjoyed chemistry.

“Over the years, we have looked for opportunities to give back to Poly,” Bruce explained. Their daughters have relished roles in the Girls’ Service League and as Poly Ambassadors, and Melany serves on the board of trustees. Their regular giving to the school reflects gratitude for all Poly offers. Bruce added, “We are inspired by how deeply Poly values a diverse environment, creative inquiry, and individuality.”
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