Each spring at Trinity-Pawling’s time-honored Stepping Up ceremony, a small group of rising seniors are elected as prefects for the upcoming year. Derived from the Latin word for ‘leader’, prefects are voted in by the student body and faculty, serving as student leaders and modeling the School’s ideals of honor, respect, and hard work.
This past May, eight prefects were elected for the 2021-2022 school year, earning the honor by demonstrating their commitment to the School and most importantly, to their peers.
Here’s a snapshot of the Class of 2022 Prefects and their plans for the year ahead:
Joe Porto ’22, Head Prefect
Hometown: Branchburg, New Jersey
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4
Interests and Hobbies: Woodworking, lacrosse, and hockey
“To me, being a prefect means being a model student. This is doing the right thing even when no one is watching and helping others when it’s easier to just walk by. As the Head Prefect, and the prefect of victuals (food) this year, I plan to listen to students and faculty for new ideas, and most importantly, help to bring back the pre-COVID traditions in the School community.”
Robbie Accomando ’22, Junior Prefect
Hometown: Newtown, Connecticut
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4
Interests and Hobbies: Guitar, running, and wrestling
“As the prefect of the arts, I plan to showcase the arts of Trinity-Pawling by promoting the works of others. I believe that students are more inclined to engage in and enjoy the arts if they see their peers participating and succeeding. My job as a prefect is to be a role model for new and returning students. If I can also help to reinstate the great traditions of Trinity-Pawling lost due to COVID, I will feel that I have done my job.”
Andrew Belcher ’22
Hometown: Dover Plains, New York
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4
Interests and Hobbies: Soccer, squash, lacrosse, futsal, and playing bass guitar and trumpet
“With many new students not knowing what everyday life was like at Trinity-Pawling pre-COVID, I want to make sure they have an experienced person they can trust and look to for help. For me, being a prefect means being an authentic figure in the community. I intend to stay true to who I am and show my peers that you don’t need to change who you are to fit a certain role. Knowing your identity strengthens you as a person and as a result, strengthens our community.”
Francisco Bendezu ’22
Hometown: Wingdale, New York
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4
Interests and Hobbies: Reading, writing, and playing squash
“As the prefect of honor this year, I want to expand the role of the Honor Council. I hope it becomes more present in our everyday routines here on campus. As Head Editor of The Phoenix, I also want more people to get involved on the staff. If more students contribute to the paper, more of the community can enjoy it each week. I was elected as a prefect by the School community, so my job is to do what’s best for everyone. I hope students and faculty can see me as an outlet for help and communication this year.”
Mason Clark ’22
Hometown: West Warwick, Rhode Island
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 3
Interests and Hobbies: Sports and playing games
“I was chosen as the prefect of zeal this year, so I’ll be rallying all students to go to the home games to cheer on the boys, and making sure nobody is left out. As a prefect, I know there are people in the School who look up to me as a role model. That is such an honor, and I plan to lead by example.”
Tony Gao ’22
Hometown: Chengdu, China
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 2
Interests and Hobbies: Piano, tennis, writing, reading, and politics
“As the prefect of academics, I look forward to keeping a positive attitude when facing any academic challenges and enjoying every in-person learning opportunity we have. Being a prefect does not mean that I am special. It only represents people’s trust in my ability to take on more responsibilities. This trust motivates me to consistently improve and set examples for others. I am proud of myself and my effort, and the title of prefect has taught me to be humble and thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given.”
Michael O’Rourke ’22
Hometown: Wingdale, New York
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4
Interests and Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and mountain biking
“I want to create a campus where we can all go outside with different interests, but still be together. As the environmental prefect, my goal is to bring the brotherhood of T-P out of the dorms. The honor of being prefect means the world to me, especially because my family has history here at the School. I feel as though I am showing them that this is where I belong.”
Ryan Walker ’22
Hometown: Braddock, Pennsylvania
Years at Trinity-Pawling: 2
Interests and Hobbies: Watching sports, listening to podcasts, and watching comedies
“I am the prefect of connectivity this year – bringing people together. I plan to carry out my duties by being a leader in the classroom, ice rink, and all around the School. I want to be known as approachable and willing to help anyone at all times. Being a prefect is an absolute honor and I take the responsibility very seriously. I hope to set a good example for the underclassmen here on campus, and hopefully leave T-P a better place.”
by Emma Christiantelli