Each spring, Trinity-Pawling holds its traditional Stepping Up ceremony, where a select group of rising seniors are chosen as Prefects for the upcoming year. Prefects, whose title comes from the Latin word for ‘leader,’ are elected by both the student body and faculty. These student leaders embody the School’s values of honor, respect, and hard work. On May 24, 2024, eight students were named Prefects for the 2024-2025 school year, recognized for their commitment to the School and their peers.
As our new school year began in September, Head of School Bill Taylor hosted our new Prefects for dinner. During this time, they discussed their roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for the coming school year. Each Prefect was assigned a specific area of oversight, which is specified below.
Here’s a look at the Class of 2024-2025 Prefects:
Kweku Arthur-Mensah, Head Prefect: Victuals
· Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Six years
· Interests/Hobbies: Wrestling, lifting, football, shot put, politics, Christianity, boxing, UFC
· What is on your senior year bucket list? Starting up a Bible study/young men’s group and setting up fun events that will help strengthen the community
· What is your secret talent? I am really good at basketball and military rifle movements.
“Being a senior makes you a leader regardless, however, being a Prefect especially means that you have to set the example at all times regardless of the circumstance.”
Jackson Crisp, Junior Prefect: Connectivity
· Hometown: Poughquag, NY
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Five years
· Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, hiking, agriculture, and traveling
· What is on your senior year bucket list? Going back-to-back in the softball championship, winning a wrestling match, and of course, BEATING AVON
· What is your secret talent? Showing sheep
“To me, being a Prefect means leading by example, guiding underclassmen, and always putting in the most effort possible.”
Jackson Williams: Honor
· Hometown: New York, NY
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Five years
· Interests/Hobbies: Track, basketball, biology, psychology, politics relating to social justice
· What is on your senior year bucket list? Beating the faculty in softball
· What is your secret talent? I can skateboard.
“Being a Prefect means being a member of the community who sets the standard of an exemplary student, all the way from shaving and following dress code to starting events for the community.”
Jack Rodman: Environment
· Hometown: Vernon, CT
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Three years
· Interests/Hobbies: Hockey and lacrosse
· What is on your senior year bucket list? Just do the best I can every day and change someone’s day every day
· What is your secret talent? Sewing
“Being a Prefect means the world to me, as I am seen as a leader within the community.”
Mark Wang: The Arts
· Hometown: Shenzhen, China
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Five years
· Interests/Hobbies: Music and literature
· What is on your senior year bucket list? Start a band that attends the spring rock concert
· What is your secret talent? I’m a singer.
“Being a Prefect is a pride, a responsibility, and an honor.”
Liam Lefebvre: The Institutes
· Hometown: Montreal, QC
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Three years
· Interests/Hobbies: Guitar, golf, and movies
· What is on your senior year bucket list? Enjoy as much time playing sports on campus during the evenings
· What is your secret talent? I can play the guitar fairly well.
“For me, being a Prefect represents not only being a figure in the School that people look at and up to but also a person of trust, integrity, and character, which all go hand in hand with the values of the School.”
Gavin Burke: Zeal
· Hometown: East Granby, CT
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Two years
· Interests/Hobbies: Hockey, baseball, fishing, listening to music, and spending time with friends
· What is on your senior year bucket list? I would love to organize a senior activity for the senior class, but most importantly I hope to make the School a better place than how I found it.
· What is your secret talent? I am a great coach to younger kids. I work in the summer running hockey camps for young hockey players.
“Being a Prefect to me means to be responsible for what is asked of me. Also, to hold my friends, teammates, and classmates accountable to be the best versions of themselves.”
AJ Turner: Academics
· Hometown: Marietta, GA
· How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? Four years
· Interests/Hobbies: Lacrosse, football, wrestling, watching movies, and playing music
· What is on your senior year bucket list? I really just want to walk around the campus and explore the nature that the campus has to offer.
· What is your secret talent? I can play the stand-up bass.
“Being a Prefect means having the opportunity to give guidance to new and returning students and being that light when new students can’t see.”
by Missy McCluskey