Parents, alumni, and friends recently gathered for Trinity-Pawling receptions at the elegant homes of Dick Bauer ’70 in Palm Beach, FL on March 19, 2024 and Polly and Michael Brandmeyer P’25 in New York City on April 11, 2024. These events not only provided a delightful opportunity to reconnect but also served as a platform for sharing cherished stories about Trinity-Pawling and celebrating the vibrancy of our community — the evenings epitomized the essence of community and excellence.
Polly Brandmeyer P’25, parent and trustee, delivered a poignant speech highlighting the superior and indispensable role of boys’ education at Trinity-Pawling in today’s society. Drawing from her own family’s experience, she eloquently underscored the transformative impact that Trinity-Pawling has had on her son’s life and their family as a whole. Here are some highlights from her captivating comments:
“We chose Trinity-Pawling because we wanted our son to learn how to be a confident man with moral grounding and the ability to discover and define himself before others had the chance and under the stewardship of both men and women. In elementary and middle school, my son’s teachers were predominantly women. In fact, 75% of teachers nationwide are women. Don’t get me wrong, I think all teachers are amazing, but I wanted a better gender balance for my son.
At Trinity-Pawling, my son has so many great examples of men as role models — as teachers, leaders, coaches, dads, and community members. I couldn’t be more proud of the young man my son has developed into thanks to Trinity-Pawling.
I joined the board because I care about boys’ education and I also care about the state of education more broadly. In January, the WSJ reported on why Americans have lost faith in college. One of the overarching themes in the article was how schools were failing to move nimbly and adjust to a rapidly changing labor market — that there is a misalignment between what schools are teaching and the actual skills kids need in today’s world.
I tip my hat to Bill Taylor and the leadership team at Trinity-Pawling for not only recognizing that the world has changed, but for getting ahead of it and redeveloping a curriculum for this modern era. To emphasize critical thinking, project-based learning, collaborative problem-solving and by setting up institutes to give boys a preview and sense for where their passions reside and where they might have impact in their calling — whether in leadership, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, or citizenship, Trinity-Pawling has done the hard work to figure out how best to prepare its students for this rapidly changing world.
The School has been a gift to my son. It has given him a place of belonging, encouraged him to be his best self in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. Thank you all for staying connected and for your support of this wonderful school.”
Further adding to the meaningful conversation, Head of School Bill Taylor gave a captivating update on the School’s ongoing progress, emphasizing the essential role that boys’ schools play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the significance of Trinity-Pawling’s mission in providing a holistic and empowering education to young men.
Moreover, the reception in Palm Beach was complemented by an enjoyable golf outing at the esteemed Old Palm Golf Club, where friendly competition and camaraderie flourished.
In essence, these alumni gatherings were more than just social events — they were a testament to the rich history, enduring values, and promising future of Trinity-Pawling. They encapsulated the spirit of unity, excellence, and lifelong connections that define our School, leaving all who attended with cherished memories and a renewed sense of pride in being part of such a remarkable institution.
View photos of the Palm Beach Reception and Golf Outing and the New York City Reception via these links.
by Rebecca Smith