Each spring at Trinity-Pawling’s time-honored Stepping Up ceremony, a small group of rising seniors are elected to be the 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.
On May 27, 2022, eight Trinity-Pawling Prefects were elected for the 2022-2023 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 2023 Prefects and their thoughts about the year ahead.
Cristobal Tola, Head Prefect
- Hometown: Georgetown, ON
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 2 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing hockey, spending time with family, and hiking
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
“To be Prefect means to represent and lead the other members of the Pride community. It grants me opportunities to really embrace being a leader and support my fellow brothers throughout their journeys.”
Shun Shiraishi, Junior Prefect
- Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 4 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing soccer, watching soccer, and playing squash
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
“I am very grateful that the T-P community voted me into this important role. Being Prefect means being an example for other members of the Pride. It also means I have more opportunities to give others advice and to support them.”
Kojo Arthur-Mensah
- Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 6 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Football, basketball, and listening to music
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Crooked Smile by J Cole
“To me, being Prefect means being an example for others to follow in the School, as well as being a voice of reason and inspiration for younger students. I am very grateful to have been voted into this role by my fellow peers and teachers.”
Garrett Backus
- Hometown: Ithaca, NY
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 4 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Football, video games, and music
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? New York, New York by Frank Sinatra
“As Prefect, you must lead by example. Students in all grade levels look up to you for help and guidance. At the end of the day, my main goal is to maintain and help to add to the strong brotherhood that we have here at Trinity-Pawling.”
Andrew Belcher
- Hometown: Dover Plains, NY
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 5 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Soccer, hunting, fishing, squash, lacrosse, and playing bass guitar
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Just Breathe by Pearl Jam
“To me, being Prefect means being an authentic figure in the community. Stay true to who I am, and show my peers that you don’t need to change who you are to fit a certain part. Knowing your identity strengthens you as a person and as a result, can strengthen the community. Be real.”
Raphael Denis
- Hometown: McMasterville, QC
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 2 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing sports and watching TV
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Happy by Pharrell Williams
“It’s a privilege to be one of the Prefects this year. They were always there for me when I had a question, and now I will do my best to be there for everyone. As Prefect, I will include everyone and work hard to create a great Trinity-Pawling environment.”
Tyler Fogu
- Hometown: Bayonne, NJ
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 4 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Hockey
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay
“Being a prefect is an honorable position where I have the chance to share the experiences I have come across in my years here at T-P. Being Prefect gives me the opportunity to teach and prepare the younger generation of the Pride.”
Casey Sodolski
- Hometown: Hartland, WI
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 3 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, video games, and lacrosse
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett
“I am honored that the community at Trinity-Pawling selected me as Prefect this year. During my first two years at T-P, I always looked up to the Prefects whenever I needed help with anything. Now, as Prefect, it is my duty to lead by example and be open to anyone who needs help. It is my goal to support, lead, and include my brothers in our Trinity-Pawling community.”