Q&A With Dr. Francesca Puggelli, Megan Martin, and Brian Long For Giving Day

Ahead of Giving Day April 16, PolyNews interviewed Megan Martin and Brian Long P ’34, and Dr. Francesca Romana Puggelli P ’28. Read on for our interviews with them.

We are both practicing attorneys and deeply value education and community.  We are a family who has been part of the Poly community for four years now. Our son, Elliott, is currently in third grade, and we have watched him grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing and inspiring environment. As a family, our commitment to Poly is rooted in the incredible opportunities it has provided for our son to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Outside of school, we enjoy travelling, visiting museums, going to Disneyland (in as many countries as possible), and hanging out with some of the great families and friends we have made at Poly. 

The Poly community feels like an extended family to us. It’s a place where our son has been able to build lasting friendships, explore his passions, and develop a strong sense of belonging. The teachers, staff, and parents work together to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can excel. We’ve also been impressed by how Poly fosters a culture of kindness, creativity, and resilience, which is evident not only within the school but in the students’ interactions with each other and the world around them.

For us, philanthropy is about giving back to the community and ensuring that future generations have the same, if not better, opportunities than we had. It’s a way of showing gratitude for the resources, experiences, and education that have shaped our lives. Supporting the Poly Fund and other initiatives is our way of helping provide those transformative experiences for all students, ensuring that the school continues to be a place of growth, learning, and opportunity for years to come.

Connecting with donors for the Poly Fund is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to see how many families, alumni, and friends of Poly are committed to making a difference in the lives of current and future students. The conversations we’ve had with donors often center on the shared values and love for the school community, and it’s clear that everyone wants to see Poly continue to thrive. It’s exciting to see how these donations help support scholarships, enrich the curriculum, and enhance the overall experience for students. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of something much bigger than just ourselves.

I'm originally from Italy and moved to the U.S. ten years ago with my husband and our two children, our eldest is a high school senior, and our youngest just started their freshman year at Poly. I teach in the Master of Applied Psychology at USC, where I pursue my passion for teaching. Outside of work, I love traveling with my family, making unforgettable memories, capturing the beauty around me through photography, and getting lost in a good book.

As a new parent at Poly, I’m excited to become an active part of this community. I deeply appreciate the supportive and welcoming environment, and I’m eager to connect, contribute, and grow alongside fellow families.

Volunteering during Grandparents and Special Friends Day was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the broader Poly community. It was especially meaningful because my mom was visiting from Italy, and it gave her the chance to be a part of her grandson’s school life.

Supporting Poly is my way of showing appreciation for the enriching environment that shapes my child’s daily experiences. It’s an opportunity to immerse myself more fully in this community and strengthen connections with other families and educators.