STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: FRANCISCO BENDEZU ’22

Francisco Bendezu ’22

As a prefect, Head Editor of The Phoenix, and a member of the Honor Council, National Honor Society, and Model United Nations, Francisco Bendezu knows a little something about leadership. Over the course of his years at Trinity-Pawling, Francisco has worked hard to be a stellar student, teammate, and school leader while making meaningful contributions to the campus community. “Being a student leader has made my senior year a bit more difficult, but also more enriching,” he began. “I’ve learned a lot about what I and others value in leaders, which is something that will certainly continue to be important as I move past T-P.” Now a senior just months away from graduation, Francisco looks back on the last four years with pride and gratitude, and looks forward to a very bright future at Princeton University.

Francisco’s Early Action commitment to Princeton has certainly been a highlight accomplishment of his senior year. “It’s an honor. A part of me still can’t really believe it,” he shared, reflecting on the impressive feat of attending an Ivy League school. “It’s very daunting but also very exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting the professors and students at Princeton, forming relationships, and pushing myself to greater heights.” He will major in comparative literature, with certificate degrees (minors) in creative writing and journalism.

Since Francisco’s freshman year at Trinity-Pawling, the avid writer and published author has shared his writing expertise with the School community through the student-run newspaper The Phoenix — an experience he has treasured.

In addition to developing his academic skills and writing style, Francisco is also thankful for the sense of community that Trinity-Pawling has offered over the years. “T-P has exposed me to a vibrant community that encompasses much more than academics. In that sense, the School has prepared me to tackle both college and life from a holistic perspective, which is definitely invaluable.”

Now as he embarks on his final Spring Term in the Pride, Francisco plans to make the most of the last few months on campus. “I’m really proud of the fact that I still push myself to be invested in the community. As a senior, it can be easy to lose motivation when it comes to giving back. I always hoped that I could be present and active and I’ve pushed myself to do that.” What is he most looking forward to for his senior spring? “Being with my closest friends for a few more weeks and everything that comes with the end of senior year. I can’t wait for things like paintball and mini-golf.”

And then it’s off to the Ivy League! Please join us in congratulating Francisco…we wish him all the best!

by Emma Christiantelli