RE Log Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 Ransom Everglades LOG 61 Ludington Hall Room Eleven was dedi- cated on Dec. 21, 2018, to the memory of Francisco Triana ’09 , a brilliant student and significant contributor to cam- pus life during his time at RE. Francisco’s family honored his memory by making a special gift to name the room in which he led Student Government Association meetings as president, and in which the SGA continues to meet. Francisco, who attended Harvard University, also served as captain of RE’s cross country and track and field teams. During his time at RE, he received numer- ous honors including the Paul C. Ransom Founder’s Cup, the Mike Stokes Award, the Robert Segall ’82 Leadership Award and the Harvard Book Award. Family and close friends joined Francisco’s parents Claudia and Enrique Triana and brothers, Enrique Triana ’06 and Pedro Triana ’13 at the dedica- tion. Head of School Penny Townsend also attended along with current SGA president Henry Schermerhorn ’18 and officers Sarah Rahman ’18  and Jake Schwartz ’18 . Classroom dedicated in honor of Francisco Triana ’09 A plaque created to hang in Ludington includes these words about Francisco: “Though his life was short, Francisco left a long legacy. Respected for his leadership and success, he was beloved for his modesty, kindness and warmth of character. The awards he collected recognized his profound influence on others. He elevated and motivated those around him. He lived out Paul Ransom’s vision, and made everyone who knew him proud.” Francisco’s classmates plan to pay tribute to him during their 2009 10-Year Reunion in November 2019. Ransom Everglades dedicated the Middle School conference room on January 29, 2019, in the memory of FJ Pollak, a de- voted husband, father and philanthropist. Abigail Pollak, FJ’s wife, made a special gift and selected the room near the entry of the Middle School so it would be readily visible to her children Jonathan Pollak ’23, Matthew Pollak ’25 and Abby Marie Pollak. Chair of the Board Andy Ansin ’81 and Head of School Penny Townsend met with the Pollak family and shared remembrances before presenting a plaque inscribed with a lengthy tribute. “You had an amazing father,” Penny Townsend said to the children. “He was a very successful, loving human being, and you were the lights of his life.” FJ Pollak helped transform the wire- less industry, making cell phones more ‘A Life of Purpose’ RE dedicates MS conference room in memory of FJ Pollak affordable and widely available through his company Tracfone Wireless. He prioritized his children’s education, sending them to the Cushman School, where he served on the board of trust- ees, and then to Ransom Everglades. He honed his passion for golf at the La Gorce Country Club, and shared that passion with each of his children. He and Abigail contributed to many philan- thropic causes, including aiding orphans in Latin American countries. The plaque outside the conference room that leads to the Middle School Atrium states: “FJ led a life of purpose and meaning, making a difference in the world through thoughtful philanthropy and socially conscious leadership.” Board Chair Andy L. Ansin ’81, Jonathan Pollak ’23 , Abigail Pollak, Abby Marie Pollak, Matthew Pollak ’25 , Head of School Penny Townsend Claudia Triana, Enrique Triana, Jr., Enrique Triana, III ’06, Pedro Triana’13 , Head of School Penny Townsend