On Saturday, November 11, the Trinity-Pawling community gathered in the newly restored All Saints’ Chapel to pay tribute to Phillips Smith P’79, the fifth Headmaster, whose indelible impact can still be felt in the success of our institution.
Our School was honored to have Phil’s widow, Holly, and his son Mark ’79, along with other family members in attendance. Mark Smith led the ceremony with a heartfelt address, illuminating his father’s profound love for the School community and how it fueled his achievements as Headmaster. Board of Trustees President Erik Olstein ’86, P’11, ’14, ’17 followed, sharing valuable lessons he learned from Phil. He emphasized that to know Trinity-Pawling is to know Phil Smith, as his legacy echoes in the people he brought to the School, the foundations he laid, the programs he nurtured, and the students he mentored. Alumnus and Director of Athletics Brian Foster ’79 spoke eloquently about Phil’s passion for sports, unwavering dedication to scholar-athletes, and his expectation of excellence from the entire Trinity-Pawling community.
Head of School Bill Taylor spoke of Phil’s tremendous influence on his life. Bill recounted how Phil Smith provided him the opportunity to pursue his dream of teaching as a form of ministry, setting him on the path to achieve success as an educator. The focal point of this poignant ceremony was the unveiling of a memorial plaque in tribute to Phillips Smith, in an honored space at the front of our chapel — a tangible testament to Phil’s enduring legacy at Trinity-Pawling. The all-school service of reverence and reflection was enhanced by the resonant voices of the Trinitones. Surrounded by our students in their traditional chapel Blues and Grays, the attendees felt the warmth of the School’s history, embodying the continuity that defines Trinity-Pawling.
As the plaque stands proudly in All Saints’ Chapel, it serves as an eternal reminder of the transformative difference made by Phillips Smith on the heart and history of our community.
You can watch the full ceremony here.
by Tom Javery