We caught up with Kathryn Buccelli ’08 for the 80th anniversary of Poughkeepsie Day School’s founding. Kathryn spent 17 years as a member of the PDS community as both a student and as the daughter of former Head of School from 1991 – 2001, the late Anthony Buccelli. Here’s what Kathryn had to say about what’s she is doing now and how her PDS education helped shape her journey:

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY, (currently living in Burlington, VT)

Profession: Senior project manager at CatalystMLM

Last Book Read: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Last Accomplishment: Being promoted to senior project manager after three months with the company.

How PDS Impacted My Life: “For as long as I can remember, Poughkeepsie Day School was somewhat of a second home for me. I attended PDS for 15 years and was introduced to the school’s community before the age of one. My family moved from Worcester, MA to Poughkeepsie when I was just six months old, after my father had accepted a job as the head of school. Up until I graduated, I can remember having countless faculty members mention that they met me when I was “this big” (motioning their hands to show a baby’s size).

Much of the faculty and staff at PDS raised me in a way, but this closeknit, caring community didn’t only have an impact on me because of the relationships that I created and developed throughout my years there. Much of what I learned during my years at PDS has greatly affected both my character, and the person that I have become today. I believe that I can attribute much of my caring, hard working nature to the years I spent learning within the walls of Poughkeepsie Day School. PDS goes above and beyond to make sure students truly understand what is being taught to them.

While the curriculum is an important schedule to stand by, I have witnessed firsthand that many teachers will work closely with a student to ensure they understand, tailoring lessons and explanations specifically for the individuals who cannot grasp certain concepts, whether it be math, history, art, or English. This type of hands-on work develops confidence within the student and therefore enables them to excel. Even beyond the community and teaching style, PDS teaches its students (including myself) to be accepting of any type of person and willing to try anything that is thrown in their direction. PDS opens the eyes of its students, enabling them to see much of the world in a different light. It breeds go-getters, explorers, and success stories. To me, this is no accident.

Could I imagine my life without Poughkeepsie Day School having been a part of it? Absolutely not. Having spent 17 years of my life surrounded by the PDS community, I can surely say that I will never forget my years at PDS and will forever celebrate the ways in which the school has shaped the person that I have grown into thus far.”