A letter from Dr. James Dawson

It was a rather cold, windy, and misty Tuesday on January 6, 1914, with just a tiny bit of precipitation but, more than anything, it was cloudy and raw on the very day that Professional Children’s School officially opened. As we approach the 110th anniversary of that opening, we reflect on over a century of life, of change, of history – both good and bad – and we consider the innumerable young people driven to be a part of this community through their passions and their drive to realize a dream. To be a part of a community whose basic premise remains true to its origin 110 years after its founding, is, in and of itself, a remarkable feat, but even more, it is testament to a well-conceived mission over a century later – and in a world not known for continuity or consistency. Now, within days of this 110th anniversary marker, PCS remains true to supporting, affirming, and educating the truly extraordinary young people who have walked our halls, shared our spaces, learned in our classrooms, and thrived in the midst of the kinds of support, flexibility, and sense of purpose that has and continues to define us. 

To realize dreams is a commitment that requires incredible tenacity, endless drive, boundless hope, and perseverance by the young people who join our community; to teach such dreamers requires all of that and more. Our task, still as vital today as it was over a century ago, is realized by the remarkable teachers, administrators, staff, and Trustees who have shared their energy, their vision, and their hard work, so as to enable our students to combine their pre-professional and professional dreams with a rigorous academic program that is evidenced in our superb college and conservatory admissions history. Our commitment to realizing dreams for as many dreamers as possible is evident in our incredibly generous financial aid program which ensures that dreamers are embraced regardless of their financial ability to afford a PCS education; our dedication to academic excellence is reinforced by our superb teachers, our current and deeply thoughtful and relevant curriculum, and through our programs such as Guided Study and via our student support services that makes the duality of passion and learning a workable combination. 

Every single person who has been a part of this community – be it as a student, a worker, or as a supporter, shares in the joy and sense of accomplishment that this historic anniversary conveys. PCS has always been about hope; PCS has always been about endless possibility; and above all, PCS has always been about a commitment to defy the naysayers who relentlessly reinforce that things are not possible but, rather, in this vibrant, engaged, and energized community, we say – loudly, proudly, and proven by our history – that all things are possible –  and especially so when the members of the community themselves work tirelessly and with complete conviction and dedication to make it so. 

Be it via the lyricism of our musicians, the bold and graceful movements of our dancers, the evocative words of our actors, the gorgeous tonality of our vocalists, the endurance and stamina of our athletes, the brilliance of our entrepreneurs, the reach of our influencers, or the grand strategic minds of our young business people, PCS continues to make all things possible and, perhaps in contrast to that opening day in January 1914, today our work is bathed in perennial sunny skies,  filled with the enduring and stunning energy of light and life, of hope and possibility, of a combination of the heart and mind that keeps us – still – always on the threshold of captivating and alluring dreams.