For his Senior Independent Project (SIP), Hunter Baran ’25 set out to leave a meaningful legacy at Trinity-Pawling — one that future students could enjoy and benefit from. A five-year member of the school community, Hunter drew inspiration from his love of kayaking and the peaceful moments he’s spent at the Trinity-Pawling Pond. His vision? To refurbish an old, broken-down canoe and return it to the water.
The canoe, originally donated by Mr. Mead, became the focus of Hunter’s Wintersession. With the guidance of Mr. Frost and Mr. Moreno in the woodworking shop, he spent two and a half weeks sanding, repairing, and applying epoxy. The process included extra time outside of the given SIP block — a full-time effort made possible because Hunter wasn’t involved in a winter sport. Mistakes were made, but those moments became valuable lessons in problem-solving and resilience.
Pushing the project further, Hunter chose to pursue an SIP with Distinction. This meant crafting a canoe paddle using repurposed wood from old benches removed during the old hockey locker room renovation. He’s now putting the finishing touches on the paddle, aiming to complete it before his mid-May presentation to the faculty.
Reflecting on his experience, Hunter appreciates how the Practicum — from Winter Projects to GCC to SIP — has prepared him for college life. Known for his independence, he learned the value of teamwork, compromise, and trust. “It felt very professional,” he shared, “especially the process of preparing and practicing for presentations.”
Most importantly, Hunter embraced the journey: stepping outside his comfort zone, learning from mistakes, and celebrating the satisfaction of hard-earned accomplishment. “It’s easy to talk about something you’re passionate about,” he said. When presentation day arrives, he hopes to share not just a project, but a lasting contribution to the place he’s called home.
by Judy Redder