The road beyond Poly Prep diverges in countless directions. This year’s Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award honorees—Robin Bramwell-Stewart ’86, P’16; Alyson N. Fox ’96, MD, MSCE; andArtemy Kalinovsky ’01—reflect the many meaningful careers and personal paths that can follow graduation day, and the lasting connection alumni have with our school. The honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Association Awards Ceremony during this year’s Reunion on Saturday, April 25.

What unites them is the enduring pull of Poly: the teachers who shaped and inspired them; the extracurricular experiences that helped them discover and deepen their passions; and the friendships and sense of community that continue to resonate wherever they go.

From Poly Student to Poly Parent: A Connection That Blossomed Over Time

 “I really enjoyed my Poly experience—I got a great education, made lasting friendships, and learned a lot about myself. I’m interested in other people being able to have that same experience. Poly has a unique balance of mind, body, and character that allows students to grow in a way that isn’t replicated in many other places. That’s something I’ve always wanted to champion and support.”

From student to parent to trustee, Robin Bramwell-Stewart ’86, P’16 has forged a strong connection to Poly over the years. She recalls how Poly pushed her beyond her comfort zone through required participation in athletics, public speaking, and a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. These experiences taught her early on not to shy away from unfamiliar challenges, but to approach them with confidence and persistence. That mindset stayed with her into adulthood, shaping how she navigated professional environments. She attests to the strength and reach of the alumni network, recalling that from her very first classes at Brooklyn Law School, she was comforted by familiar Poly faces.

Equally formative were the friendships she built, particularly through her involvement in theater production, where working on set design and lighting brought together students with diverse interests and created lasting bonds among them. She also credits these experiences with helping her develop essential skills, curiosity, teamwork, leadership, and resilience that carried into her career. For Bramwell-Stewart, Poly’s unique balance of intellectual, personal, and extracurricular growth—of mind, body, and character—made a lasting impression, one she later sought for her own son and continues to champion through her ongoing involvement with the school.

Find out more about Robin Bramwell-Stewart ’86, P’16. 

A Physician’s Path Shaped by Inquiry and Purpose Nurtured at Poly

 “[Teachers at Poly] inspired me to strive for excellence. Looking back, I value that so much—teachers who showed me what it meant to go the extra mile. It was like we were taking college seminars in high school.”

Arriving at Poly in the early 1990s, Alyson N. Fox ’96, MD, MSCE vividly remembers her days at Poly, from her admissions interview to cherished memories of her classes. She recalls being “blown away” by a school that, although in the middle of Brooklyn, felt like a college campus and a place where she truly belonged. From her earliest days as a seventh grader, she experienced a welcoming environment where she was accepted and supported as an individual.

Poly’s academic culture of challenge and intellectual depth fostered Fox’s lifelong curiosity and multidisciplinary approach to learning, informing her own teaching philosophy. Friends made at Poly have remained a steady source of support through medical school and personal milestones. She continues to feel deeply connected to the school through these lifelong friendships, professional ties, and a sense of belonging at Poly that has extended beyond graduation. It has reinforced her belief that Poly is a place that shapes not only students’ education, but their identity and sense of community for life.

Find out more about Alyson N. Fox ’96, MD, MSCE.

From Student Journalist to Author: How Poly Inspired a Life of Inquiry

“Poly encouraged me to think more broadly about the kind of life I wanted—what I cared about, and how to make that part of my life, both professionally and personally. I think [a Poly education] pushed me beyond practical questions and more toward meaning.”

Artemy Kalinovsky ’01 remembers Poly as an “an embarrassment of riches,” a place that encouraged students to explore interests beyond classwork and to be creative intellectually and outside the classroom. Through his work in The Polygon and theater, along with supportive teachers, he learned practical skills like writing concisely, meeting deadlines, thinking critically, and becoming comfortable speaking in front of others. Just as importantly, Poly helped him discover that he did not need to rush to define his future; instead, he could stay curious, explore different paths, and build a life around what mattered to him.

He encourages younger students to be patient and open as their paths unfold. Rather than feeling pressure to have everything figured out early, he underscores the value of allowing time for interests and identity to develop and it reflects his belief that growth is often non-linear.

Find out more about Artemy Kalinovsky ’01.

We look forward to welcoming Poly alumni back to campus at Reunion 2026.

Find out about the Poly Reunion events and more.