“I knew this was going to be more than a place of work,” recalls new staff member Emma Christiantelli. After day one of Headmaster Bill Taylor’s back-to-school Faculty In-Service, new faculty members had a genuine first impression of the friendly, warm humans who are the tone-setters of the Trinity-Pawling community. Noting a distinct comfort level at Trinity-Pawling, Christiantelli continues, “My best friend was also just starting a new job at a nearby college—and I know she was NOT sitting in a Quaker Circle listening to her colleagues speak from the heart.”

Headmaster Bill Taylor knows how to set the tone—this is what gives Trinity-Pawling the institutional depth that one often struggles to put into words. It’s the feeling of being welcomed. It’s making people comfortable. And it’s transformational. Tenured faculty of 30 years and fresh-out-of-college, first-time teachers alike were made to feel at home while sitting side by side in a circle in Taylor’s back yard.

Taylor first experienced a Quaker Circle at a NYSAIS Conference in the 1990’s. The Executive Director of NYSAIS at the time, Fred Calder, was a former head of a Quaker school. “When I began my experience at St. George’s in Memphis, I introduced this concept and modified it for the original group of faculty I had hired to start a new middle and upper school campus. It was a tremendously valuable bonding experience,” Taylor recalls, “and it was fairly normal that participants would become quite emotional in reflecting on the gratitude that they have for their colleagues, students, and chosen profession.”

Quaker Circles are a very meaningful way to establish a common vision and common narrative about a school culture. “I have wanted to introduce it to Trinity-Pawling for the past two years, but never thought that the timing was just right. This year, I decided that I would move forward and see how it went over,” says Taylor.

The experience of Taylor’s Quaker Circle underscored the mutuality of the faculty’s professional journey. The common narrative reflected a school culture that is student-centered, is distinguished by sacrifice and hard work, and is dedicated toward helping young men find their gifts & talents.

“The Quaker Circle worked very well here because people were open to being vulnerable and taking the types of healthy risks amongst their colleagues that would promote such a shared experience, ” says Taylor. After many positive comments and requests to do this again, a wonderful new Trinity-Pawling tradition may begin.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was developed to recognize an alumnus’ outstanding lifetime service to Trinity-Pawling School.  Recipients of the award are members of the alumni community who have an established record of service to the School, and have demonstrated significant achievement in his or her profession.  This is the highest award presented by the Alumni Association. During Reunion & Homecoming Weekend on October 6 & 7, Headmaster Bill Taylor presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Phil Haughey ’53, Bill Scully ’57, and Tom Linacre ’62.

Phil Haughey is a member of Trinity-Pawling’s Class of 1953.  He was a prefect and a tri-varsity athlete who has been recognized in the School’s Hall of Fame.  Following Trinity-Pawling, Phil studied at Harvard University and then had a successful career in real estate, which he continues today.  Phil and his wife, Peggy, support various organizations in the Boston area in addition to Trinity-Pawling.  Phil regularly hosts the Boston Trinity-Pawling reception, started the Tri-Varsity Athlete Award for Trinity-Pawling student athletes, and recently established an endowed scholarship fund for tri-varsity athletes.

Bill Scully has made a transformational impact on Trinity-Pawling.  As a member of the Class of 1957, Bill was a prefect, and a tri-varsity athlete.  He even lived for a time as a student in Gamage House with former Headmaster Matt Dann.  Following Trinity-Pawling, Bill attended Trinity College.  Today, Bill is a private investor and philanthropist and we are lucky to be the recipients of much of his generosity.  Together with his wife, Marlynn, Bill has funded many capital projects on campus, including the newly dedicated Smith Field House, and has established an endowed scholarship fund to support Trinity-Pawling’s student athletes.

Tom Linacre graduated from Trinity-Pawling in 1962 and celebrated his 55th reunion this year.  As a student, Tom was a tri-varsity athlete and a member of the choir and Glee Club.  After Trinity-Pawling, Tom attended Ohio-Wesleyan University and then had a long career in sales and marketing for Xerox and Siemens, and now runs his own business, Career Pathfinder.  Tom serves as a class agent for 1962, chaired his 55th reunion this year, and has been instrumental in keeping his class connected.  Tom is a member of the Pawling Circle (Trinity-Pawling’s Planned Giving Society), and has plans to bequeath his entire estate to the School.

We are tremendously thankful to these outstanding men, for their commitment to Trinity-Pawling School.

Bringing with him a genuine passion for science, Nate Jaffe has joined the faculty of Trinity-Pawling as a teacher of science and more specifically, to build momentum in our Science Research in High School (SRHS) program. “Once you fully understand a field of study—then you learn to ask questions.” Jaffe hopes to encourage his students to pursue their science studies with inquisitive minds.

Jaffe is from Sharon, CT and attended the nearby Hotchkiss School. At Princeton University, he studied molecular biology and completed a computational senior thesis on the Last Universal Common Ancestor. “It’s magical to think that you might be able to understand everything about the world,” Jaffe says. Following graduation from Princeton, Jaffe spent four years in graduate biology at Columbia University, working on single molecule studies of the bacterial ribosome.

The Science Research in High School (SRHS) program at Trinity-Pawling gives Jaffe the opportunity to pass on his own experience as a researcher. “I’m passionate about science, and I hope to get my students to that point.”

SRHS is a collaborative effort with the State University of New York at Albany. The three-year program gives Trinity-Pawling students the opportunity to participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience.

Through a three-year self-guided process, students will identify a research topic to pursue, read many research articles in their field—with the intention of developing their own project. “This step helps students understand what active research is going on in their area of choice,” says Jaffe. Students will present some of the articles in class throughout the year, but their main focus is on developing and completing their own research project—with hands-on lab work or technology development. “This is NOT a grade-school style “research project,” Jaffe points out.

Mentorship is also an important aspect of the program. Students are encouraged to contact the authors of the scientific journal articles for suggestions on future research that they themselves may undertake, or seek mentorship.

As soon as students are ready, they begin their own personal research under the guidance of their mentor and Jaffe. Using technology and computer software, students will conduct statistical analyses and present their findings to their class, school, and to regional and statewide symposia. The students earn college credit from SUNY Albany.

Jaffe places emphasis, not only on the scientific work the students pursue, but also on their ability to develop autonomy, and fine-tune their presentation skills. “This is an opportunity for the students to see what real science looks like,” he adds.

This year’s SRHS students include four sophomores, six juniors, and one senior. The diverse array of research topics include: allergy management apps, brain computer interfaces, bacterial production of biodegradable plastics, AI directed robotics, bodyweight and the leptin hormone, the connection between metabolism and lifespan, GMO vegetables, VR technology, neuropsychology of video gaming, lithium-air batteries, and high-frequency stock trading.

Though most student work is independent, Jaffe meets with students individually at least once a week to help guide them through the process. “Victor Zhu ’19 has already spent a year reading up on brain-computer interfaces (previous research) and will soon acquire an EEG headset to begin his own research project producing original data and hopefully discovering new information,” Jaffe concludes.

If you would like to learn more about Science Research in High School (SRHS) at Trinity-Pawling or offer professional support to the program, please contact Nate Jaffe – njaffe@trinitypawling.org

Toussaint (TC) Romain ’96 is one of those guys who watch movie credits straight to the end. “Seeing 200-plus names responsible for producing a two hour movie over a five year period just blows my mind. From the executive director to the key grip, each person has a role in shaping the success of the final product. It always makes me think, Who’s in the credits responsible for the Toussaint movie? But even more importantly, where will my own name appear on the credits of someone else’s movie?”

Romain understands the role of mentors and other impactful people who shape lives. “At T-P, I had teachers and coaches who stayed on me and pushed me not to be complacent. Everyone on the campus played a role in helping me become the man I am today, from the administration to the dining hall staff and the nurses. T-P’s whole package shapes young men, period.”

After graduating from University of North Carolina-Charlotte where he ran Division I track, Romain earned his law degree and now serves as an assistant public defender for Mecklenburg County. He is also an adjunct professor of criminal justice at UNC-Charlotte. “As a public defender, I don’t choose my clients or the facts. Knowing what my clients face makes me dig in even harder to defend them, and understanding that my students need some direction just inspires me to be there for them.” Romain has won 75% of his jury trials, a stunning record for a public defender.

That success is drawing notice around the country, and Romain is frequently invited to speak to federal and state attorneys and share his own insight on how to challenge structural racism and implicit bias. “I try to show how they can use their privilege as attorneys to correct these wrongs. We all know something is wrong with our system yet no one knows how to rectify the problem.” Romain has traveled to 16 states in the last five months to address these issues.

What drives Romain? “Knowing that I’m impacting people. I encourage my students to be civic-minded, to begin to think of others and take steps to improve their community. My clients—I give them a shot, believe in them, fight for them, take care of them. That helps them recognize their own worth and value and sends the message that they do matter.”

Romain’s thesis in life? “All that evil needs to succeed is for good people to do nothing. So when an opportunity arises to do good, I’m all over it.”

Originally from Shenzen, China, Jie (Jay) Wen ’18 came to Trinity-Pawling four years ago as a repeat freshman. Now a senior and one of the School’s six prefects, Wen cherishes his time at Trinity-Pawling and is proud to spend his final year as a leader in the community. “I am looking forward to all the good I can do with my prefect title,” Wen started.

As a prefect this year, Wen is grateful for the opportunity to be a role model for underclassmen. He looks forward to guiding younger students in all aspects of life at Trinity-Pawling, just as previous prefects did for him in past years. Mentorship, according to Wen, is one of the School’s strongest attributes. “Trinity-Pawling offered me an atmosphere of mentors teaching younger students,” Wen explained. Now a mentor himself, Wen is eager to guide his younger classmates and, most importantly, emphasize connectivity on campus.

“Mr. Taylor assigned me as the prefect of connectivity,” Wen shared. “I will spend time with underclassmen to better connect them with seniors and each other. My goal is to have no “group” in this community that separates. I want everyone to feel that they are living in one big brotherhood.”

Last year, Wen started a video game tournament to link students with common interests. “I would love to do it again this year,” he said. It’s just one of his many ideas for connecting the School community.

In addition to his prefect duties and schoolwork, Wen can be found running on the cross country team and leading the chess and trading card clubs. He also enjoys playing videogames, listening to remix music, and spending time with his friends and fellow classmates. After Trinity-Pawling, Wen hopes to study engineering and is confident that he will go forth with the tools—and connections—to succeed.

“Trinity-Pawling is a place that builds up one’s character,” Wen shared. “I have changed so much throughout the four years I have lived here and I am truly grateful for what T-P did for me.”

On Tuesday, October 3rd, Trinity-Pawling warmly welcomed to campus Mr. Bob Murphy, Vice-President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) and Ms. Brianne Ellis, William Smith Class of 2013 and Associate Director of Admissions. Brianne met with interested students for an informative session about Hobart College. Murphy arrived to surprise both Slade Mead and Annie Keel with HWS Paddle Awards. These awards were established over ten years ago to honor the collective effort of community members “in the same boat” who contribute to the mission of the Colleges.

Mead, Director of College Placement, has worked closely with Murphy and several Admissions Directors. With Mead’s guidance, twenty-seven Trinity-Pawling graduates have gone on to further their education at Hobart College. Experience while at Trinity-Pawling has prepared our students well for a smooth transition to and successful undergraduate career at Hobart.

Last year, four Trinity-Pawling graduates matriculated to Hobart College. Keel, Science Department Chair and William Smith Alumna, had the pleasure of working through the college process with Dakota Harvey ’17. Keel had the opportunity to reconnect with her Alma Mater and be introduced to the incredible HWS Deans, Faculty, and Staff on campus now. She loves HWS and is thrilled that Harvey is a member of Hobart Class of 2021!

Murphy presented the paddles to Mead and Keel, which included a plaque reading, “In recognition and appreciation of the partnership for building our community with inspired students, future leaders, and caring global citizens of the 21^st century.” Sharing common goals for our students—there are sure to be more Trinity-Pawling graduates moving onto Hobart College in the years to come! We look forward to the continued good work together.

Thank you to everyone for joining us on campus to celebrate Trinity-Pawling!

More than 300 alumni from the classes of 1940-2017, trustees, parents, and friends came to support the School and celebrate Homecoming & Reunion and the Dedication of the Smith Field House honoring former headmasters Phil Smith and Arch Smith. What a wonderful weekend!

We hope everyone enjoyed reconnecting with friends and classmates, watching Pride football WIN 47- 37 against Taft, and had the opportunity to learn all about the exciting new things happening at Trinity-Pawling today.

Congratulations to the Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame 2017 inductees—Wally Danforth ’82, Peter Kirchmaier ’41, and the 1967 Lacrosse Team!

Marlynn & Bill Scully ’57—we can’t thank you enough!

Check out the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend photo gallery!

On a chilly Saturday evening in September, the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils played at Sacred Heart University against the Pioneers. On the sidelines were three familiar Trinity-Pawling faces—but this time, on opposite sides of the field. Najae Brown ’13 and Frankie Palmer ’14 took the field for the Blue Devils and Kenny McDougal ’17 for the Pioneers. For McDougal and Palmer, it was the first time they had been on the same football field since the fall of 2013.

“It was a surreal feeling walking out during warm-ups and running into Frankie and Najae,” McDougal shared. “Eighteen months ago, I would have never imagined playing college football, especially at Division 1. As I told Frank when we crossed paths at midfield, about two hours before kickoff, “Who would have ever imagined this? This is awesome.””

For Palmer and Brown, the mini Trinity-Pawling football reunion was equally exciting. “It’s not often you get to play against a high school teammate,” Palmer shared. “It’s like seeing your long lost brother with a different family.”

Palmer and Brown have played at CCSU together for three years and are grateful for their shared Trinity-Pawling experiences. “I was excited to have Najae as a Blue Devil; I felt relieved having an old teammate endure the same process as me,” Palmer explained, thinking back to his first year on the team. “Najae has been a humble leader and is an outstanding asset on the field.”

Though they have moved on from the Pride, the boys came away with an immense appreciation for the trust, camaraderie, and respect they experienced in the Trinity-Pawling brotherhood—and continue to carry into their new brotherhoods at Sacred Heart and CCSU. “The T-P brotherhood taught me most about forming bonds with my teammates,” McDougal explained. “I learned that it’s okay to put yourself out there and trust your teammates.”

Although the Sacred Heart/CCSU game is the first time that McDougal, Palmer, and Brown crossed paths in a while, it certainly won’t be the last. “There is nothing better than keeping in touch with your fellow classmates once you’re out of T-P,” Palmer shared. “It’s always a blast catching up.” The Trinity-Pawling brotherhood lives on.

Ramsay Antonio-Barnes has joined the faculty as a teacher of art, bringing his extensive talents in mixed media. “I get an idea then figure out which medium will express it best.” In addition to painting and drawing, Barnes works in photography, sculpture, printmaking, glass, bronze, and wood.

Barnes is fascinated with engines and draws inspiration from mechanical objects. “These perfectly machined circles and right angles also convey an organic life of their own.” He tends to work in smaller scale, sketchbook-size drawings, though he can also explode them to 5 x 9 foot pieces.

A Connecticut native, Barnes graduated from the University of Hartford Art School. He served as an adjunct professor of art at several colleges and universities in Maryland from 2007 to 2011. He taught at the Friends School of Baltimore for the past six years. Now at Trinity-Pawling, Barnes teaches Middle School art, Foundation Art, and three terms of photography, both digital and wet and dry lab.

What enticed Barnes and his wife, Momi, to uproot from Baltimore to Pawling? “After 11 years in the city, we were ready for a radical change. I had met Ned [Reade] and Bryn [Gillette] at the annual Independent School Art Instructors Association meetings, and they had seen me present on my teaching methods and assignments. So when I came here to visit, I already had some connections.”

“Professionally, I knew I would have unique opportunities at T-P. Our goal is to strengthen and enhance boys’ exposure to the full range of arts: music, studio, visual, and theatre. There are mentorship opportunities here that don’t exist as naturally in a day school. I can work on my own art in the studio in the evenings and also be present to help my students on their projects. This is the shift I sought in my life-work balance.”

Barnes sees himself as a 21^st century shop teacher, with 3D printers and computer design as his tools. “I want to show the School how easy it is to make things. For example, my seventh grade art class loves using the 3D printers in the Dann Building creative labs.” He also hopes to spark further collaboration among faculty across disciplines. “Helping the faculty to collaborate and explore a passion with a group of students fosters shared learning.”

Barnes’ outside interests include collecting and restoring vintage Vespa scooters (he has five, from 1962 to 1984), and he and Momi run “Hula Honey’s Hawaiian Shave Ice” food truck which they bring to festivals, farmers markets, gallery openings, and other events in the Baltimore region. Rumor has it that Hula may make an appearance here in Pawling at some point…

Momi is a textile artist with a background in graphic design and branding. The couple resides in Cluett 3 North with their Boston terrier, Dozer. “We feel so lucky to live and work in such a beautiful environment. All this wide open space is a welcome change from city living.”

For more information and visuals, check out his website, www.ramsay-barnes.com

At Trinity-Pawling, students gain the skills and self-awareness to navigate a complex and ever-changing world. We believe that critical thinking is key, and we teach our students to think outside the box.

We also teach something that can’t be measured—students will learn to respect themselves, their fellow brothers, their surroundings, and their future. Trinity-Pawling students graduate as the next generation’s problem solvers, game changers, and thought leaders.

Join us for our Open House on November 10, 2017—we’d love to show you around!

For more information or to register, visit www.trinitypawling.org/openhouse or call 845-855-4825.

The cross-country team is the youngest it has been in quite a few years. Coach McDougal is extremely pleased with the progress this novice team has made thus far.  Most recently, the team beat Berkshire and ran a close second to Kent. Nick Grande ’19, has emerged as the team’s top runner. Jimmy Nolan ’21 and Jack Long ’21 have filled in nicely in the number two and three slots. The future is bright for this developing team.

The JV soccer team has started the season 2 – 2 – 1. The most impressive win thus far was a 4 – 2 victory over a highly skilled Berkshire side. Ryan McBeth ’19 has provided much of the offense, while Mitch Bown ’19 and Tom Harkin ’18 have been terrific on defense. Their youth and athleticism gives this team the opportunity to win every game.

Varsity soccer began the season with two victories over Gunnery and Cushing. Following those games, the team faced excellent sides from Berkshire, Loomis, and Taft. New coach Sam Clougher and his assistant Taylor Pirie have worked hard to instill a positive attitude. Captain Marc Welch ’18 has been outstanding in the goal helping keep the Pride close in many of the contests. Huma Bekhiet ’19 has provided a spark at several different positions and Captain Joe Webber ’18 has displayed excellent leadership skills.

The third soccer team is having a slow start to their season but had a nice win last week against Brunswick as Willie Ackerman ’21 scored four goals in the game. Lucas Hughes ’20 has kept his team in many games with his excellent goaltending play.

The varsity football team has started the season 2 – 2, winning its last two contests against Taft and Williston Northampton School. Ray Davis ’18 has made the transition to Quarterback seem effortless. Postgraduate Chiz Umunakwe ’18 has been a force in the running game and has played well on the defensive side of the ball. The interior line, made up of Nate Miller ’18, Aleksi Olavuo ’19, Aaron Armitage ’21, Bim Gecaj ’18, and Eddie Gonzalez ’19 has been impressive.

Follow the Pride—schedules, scores, and webcasts are here!

Trinity-Pawling is inspired in its approach to education. Students are engaged in hands-on learning projects, evaluated not only for scores but effort, and encouraged to participate in all aspects of campus life, from athletics to the arts.

This progressive model is unique and its results—profound. Trinity-Pawling is truly AHEAD OF THE CURVE— educating young men for life.

Your gift to the Trinity-Pawling Fund provides the engine—the necessary materials, environment, and resources—that drives this exceptional experience.

Thank you for your support.

Discover giving options online at www.trinitypawling.org/giving