Alumnus Ernie Badynski; ‘46 – ‘53 was an experienced sculptor born in Chicago, Illinois. While at camp in 1954 with Tony Toro; '48-'54, they discovered a used telephone pole along side the road and acquired it from the power company. Back at camp Ernie turned the power pole into the totem pole still on display to this day.

From his boyhood design and construction of miniature machines and animal figures, he moved into the creative arts. His studies continued at the Chicago Art Institute, Illinois State University, a B.A. degree at Western New Mexico University and graduate studies at New Mexico Highlands University. Ernie was most renowned for his welded and cast sculpture of animals and natural forms.

Ernie was certainly one of the most original and exciting sculptors in the country today. His work, whether welded or cast, is contemporary without being frivolous. In addition, Ernest is a masterful technician... skillful with and knowledgeable about the materials he uses. Ernie lived and worked at his Santa Fe hilltop home overlooking the ski basin. Ernie passed this past summer, July 15, 2011 at age 77. He had many friends at Glenwood School and will be sorely missed.