By Mia Fatuzzo ’15, News Section Editor

Country Day juniors Sean O’Brien and Soham Basu saw nearly an entire year of labor come to fruition on Monday, April 27th. The Fred Carey Golf Classic surpassed their goal and raised $16,581 for the Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund in honor of beloved Country Day alum and English teacher Mr. Fred Carey. The Classic included a scramble-style golf tournament, a cookout, and a silent auction.

After attending Mr. Carey’s memorial service last spring, O’Brien was inspired to honor his former teacher with an event that would “make some good out of the bad.” He spoke with his father, who suggested a charity golf tournament. O’Brien teamed up with classmate Soham Basu and by the beginning of summer, they were hard at work planning the event. They worked alongside faculty advisor Mr. Peter Fossett and a board of ten Upper School students.

The event benefits the Bridge the Gap Scholarship, a fund created in honor of Mr. Carey’s legacy. The scholarship “bridges the gap” between the price of tuition and the actual cost of a Country Day education.

O’Brien, who had Mr. Carey as a freshman, remembers his kind, cheerful nature. “He was great – not only as a teacher but also as a person. He was there for everyone, whether you liked English or not.” Basu, who met Mr. Carey when they served together on Honor Council, recalls Mr. Carey as incredibly egalitarian and nurturing.

Although the tournament proceeded perfectly, O’Brien admits the planning wasn’t easy. He and Basu attended eight meetings with Dr. Macrae, Department Heads, teachers, and the Development Office just to set a date. They learned about the importance of communication – Basu checks his email at least six times a day now. O’Brien has a newfound appreciation for the Development Office.

Upper School history teacher Peter Fossett served as the faculty advisor to Sean and Soham. He describes his role as “very hands-off.” He noted,”I served as a liaison with the other adults, but had very little to do with formally organizing the show. [O’Brien] and [Basu] handed out responsibilities to the committee, made arrangements with the club, and secured sponsors. I think it appeared to be less work than it was because they did such a great job.”

The tournament, which took place on Monday, April 27th, was busy with not only golfers but also supporters. Ms. Deborah Floyd, Mr. Carey’s wife and Country Day English teacher, who notably stepped on a golf course for the first time in her life to attend the event, was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the event. She was also amazed by the generosity of sponsors Procter and Gamble, Friends of Gibby Carey, Bahl and Gaynor, and the Parents’ Association. Mr. Fossett described the day as “hard, but also gratifying.”

Ms. Floyd also designed the tie-dye t-shirts which were sold in the weeks leading up to the tournament. She notes that, while a golf tournament was the perfect way to raise money and awareness for Mr. Carey’s Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund, Mr. Carey was never a huge golfer. She chose a tie-dye design in order imbue the tournament with a bit of Mr. Carey’s Grateful Dead hippie-ness.

Ms. Floyd loved that the event allowed Mr. Carey’s loved ones to see the impact that he had on the community: “I don’t think, in his life, Mr. Carey ever got credit for being such a great man. We should be more generous with our celebration and not take for granted those who do such good work.”