Reunion dinners, moments reconnecting with friends and classmates, dedications honoring community members, a panel discussion with notable alumni, the Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, and relaxing time spent around campus – seeing so many alumni back here together filled us with tremendous PRIDE.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2022 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend so memorable!
Early in the weekend, in a heartfelt ceremony, on the occasion of their 50th reunion, the Class of 1971 memorialized Pawling firefighter Nicholas Taska with the dedication of a pin oak tree planted on the south side of Cluett Hall. Taska sacrificed his life in the line of duty during the Cluett fire of 1969, protecting the Trinity-Pawling community and ensuring no people were left behind in the burning building. Members of the Taska family, the Pawling Fire Department, Head of School Bill Taylor, and the Trinity-Pawling community gathered with the Class of 1971 as their classmate Gregg Sanik ’71 spoke of the tremendous impact Nicholas Taska had on their young lives and the importance of honoring Taska’s legacy at the School. Watch the Dedication in Memory of Nicholas Taska here.
Saturday kicked off with an Institutes for Active Learning and Career Panel. Alumni and students enjoyed a lively discussion with a panel of notable alumni who have discovered their calling in areas that correlate with our Institute themes — Citizenship, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Stewardship, and Leadership. Alumni panelists included Vermont House of Representatives member Jay Hooper ’12, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers eight-year veteran and neurolinguistics master practitioner Chukky Okobi ’96, a national leader in environmental conservation Allison Whipple Rockefeller ’76, and business founder and art and history preservationist Jim Bellis ’72. Bellis is also a Trinity-Pawling School Trustee, serving on five trustee committees, among them the Beautification and Preservation Committee and the Building and Grounds Committee. Watch the panel discussion here.
Always a highlight of the weekend, our community gathered in All Saints’ Chapel for the Alumni Memorial Service and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony. Alton W. “Terry’’ Ray ’55, P’01, W. David Coughlin ’56, and Joseph L. Rice Ill ’50 were honored for their significant professional achievement and outstanding lifetime service to Trinity-Pawling School. Watch the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony here.
Honoring the memory of Tyler Mabon Benham ’90 and his love of the outdoors, the Class of 1990 gathered with Tyler’s family for the Dedication of the Benham Family Pond Terrace and Fire Pit. Located on the shore of the pond, this beautiful outdoor space allows all members of the Trinity-Pawling community to enjoy this special place here on campus. Following the dedication, retired Orvis executive Leigh Oliva ’82 provided instruction in fly-fishing, sharing one of Tyler Mabon Benham’s passions with those in attendance. View the Dedication of the Benham Family Pond Terrace and Fire Pit photo album here.
Moving down to Smith Field House, the weekend continued with the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, honoring Kevin McClatchy ’81, Dan Rooney ’81, and Chukky Okobi ’96 for their outstanding athletic performances and exemplary contributions to their alma mater, career, and community.
Following the exciting football and soccer competitions on Saturday afternoon, the weekend culminated with cocktails on the Smith Field House Terrace and special reunion dinners. The 50th Reunion Classes, 1971 and 1972, dined with the Head of School in Gamage House, while the 25th Reunion Classes, 1995, 1996, and 1997 enjoyed a meal in the Barone Dining Room in Scully Dining Hall along with many faculty who have been with Trinity-Pawling since their time as students.
Thank you to everyone who came from near or far! For those of you who could not attend, we missed you and hope to see you soon. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our 2023 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on September 22-23, 2023!
Check out the full 2022 Reunion and Homecoming Weekend photo gallery!