Service learning is a key component of Trinity-Pawling’s project-based curriculum. By participating in community service projects near and far, students are given the opportunity to engage with the world around them and make a tangible and positive impact. At the heart of Trinity-Pawling’s service learning program is a focus on empathy. It’s about making an effort to go outside of ourselves and understand the other — be it a person, culture, or situation.
On March 4th, as Spring Break began, a group of Trinity-Pawling students and faculty and a group from Westover School embarked together on a week-long service trip to the Dominican Republic, hosted by Bridges to Community. Bridges to Community is an international nonprofit organization that engages in sustainable long-term community development projects in developing countries.
For six days, the Trinity-Pawling/Westover group worked in a village in La Guama. Their main project was building a home for a local resident, Mareleida, and her family. In just one week, they were able to stand in front of the almost-completed home, just waiting for the roof and small finishing touches. Perhaps the best finishing touch of all — before packing up their tools, each team member wrote a message to Mareleida’s family and placed it into the walls, wishing them happiness in their new home.
“I am really proud of the boys for diving into a new experience with open minds and positive energy,” shared Spanish Teacher Liz Conti, one of the faculty members on the trip. “Physically, we built a house in La Guama, but we also impacted the community in many other ways. The boys built a rapport among the members of the community, practiced the language, tried new foods, played baseball with the children, danced with the locals, and truly demonstrated what it means to be a global citizen. It was an incredible experience.”
Rodger Ecker ’20 shares his experience on the service trip and the lasting impact it left on him: “Traveling to rural Dominican Republic, I learned what it was like to live outside of the comforts of home, appreciate people’s connection to the environment, and recognize the many opportunities that the US offers. I gained insight into just how fortunate we are to have all our basic needs taken care of and to have endless opportunities available to us. The entire experience made me reevaluate what I want to do in life. I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor and I was originally drawn to trauma and the ER. But after this trip, I am inspired to study international relations along with medical sciences and broaden the service I will give. I will use the knowledge and experience that an American college and medical school will give me to help those who may not have access to healthcare.”
by Emma Christiantelli
Trinity-Pawling is a proud member of the New York Association of Independent Schools, an organization that supports the independence of approximately 190 schools in New York State. Much of Trinity-Pawling’s proud identity centers on its 112-year history as a preparatory school and, for most of these years, a boys’ boarding and day school. None of this identity would exist, however, if it were not for the fact that Trinity-Pawling is an independent school, which is to say that it is a non-public school.
Independent schools are distinctive by design. Each independent school is guided by its own mission and philosophy toward education. It is their mission and philosophy that will ultimately attract families, students, teachers, administrators, and headmasters. This means that there is often a special energy that is created in an independent school, a generative force that exists because there is a commonality of purpose and presence.
Trinity-Pawling’s Episcopal heritage and identity stems from the fact that we are an independent school. That we can gather for chapel services and speak of time-honored values revolves around the fact that we are an independent school. The fact that our seniors do not have to sit for state-mandated Regents Exams and, more importantly, do not have to be taught the prescribed curriculum to be prepared for these tests stems from the fact that we are an independent school.
Because we are accredited by rigorous standards created by the New York Association of Independent Schools, Trinity-Pawling is free to shape its own curriculum. Furthermore, we are able to hire teachers who are prepared academically in the disciplines they will teach. We are free from the mandates that restrict hiring to those who have teaching certificates, and like most independent schools, prefer to hire teachers who are steeped in the discipline they will be teaching. Trinity-Pawling provides professional development to prepare young teachers for the demands of the classroom. Importantly, teachers in independent schools are given greater autonomy to create their own lesson plans, rather than having to teach to a prescribed curriculum, which attracts many ambitious, academically-minded young teachers to the profession of education.
Independent schools are also distinguished by the depth of relationships that develop between the students and teachers and between the school and the home. Because the classes tend to be small, teachers at independent schools have the ability to develop relationships with their students that are meaningful and rich. As a result, they have a keen insight into their students’ learning and potential, inside and outside of the classroom, and teachers often become life mentors for students. Such a distinction has been a long-standing attribute of a Trinity-Pawling education.
Those who invest in an independent education for their children are selecting to make an investment in their future. It is an investment that reflects an understanding that there is a value-added proposition inherent in a school’s mission and philosophy and that this value will have a life-long impact on their child.
This spring, we will welcome new families to the Trinity-Pawling family, families who believe that Trinity-Pawling to be a valuable investment in their sons’ future. We are humbled by this investment and motivated to deliver the best experience that we can for their son. This type of institutional motivation stems from both pride and from the independence that has always invigorated people, institutions, and nations.
by William W. Taylor
JP Burlington ’95 returned to Trinity-Pawling to lead the Office of Admission in 2015. “Driving through the School gates in 2015 was just as exciting as it was nearly 25 years before, when I arrived as an eager ninth-grader from New Jersey,” recalls Burlington. The four years he spent as a student at Trinity-Pawling made a tremendous impact on Burlington. “This is what motivates me to travel the world and share my experiences with other young men. As so many of us know firsthand, there is no better place for boys to reach their potential than at Trinity-Pawling.”
The admissions team seeks young men who not only wish to excel academically, but who also want to attain new levels of success and self-awareness at every level — as leaders, friends, athletes, global citizens, and good men. “Trinity-Pawling is a community that values and inspires all those attributes,” says Burlington. An ethos of effort is one example of how these attributes are instilled in students. “Many alumni describe the meaningful role that the Effort System has played in their lives. I want as many boys as possible to encounter this experience for themselves,” says Burlington.
Since joining Trinity-Pawling as the Director of Admission, Burlington and his team have implemented many changes that have improved the admission process for families, including streamlining our web and print communications. “One thing that hasn’t changed is our need for enthusiastic ambassadors and advocates — alumni and parents who understand the impact of our distinctive academic programs, the strength of the brotherhood, and just how transformative this community can be.”
“Please join us is in spreading the word about Trinity-Pawling,” Burlington concludes.
Raiquan Clark embodies the persistence instilled in Trinity-Pawling boys before they leave Pawling and go into the world. Originally from New Haven, CT, and a graduate from the James Hill House High School, Clark remembers when he visited campus and Trinity-Pawling felt like a new home. “I liked that it was an all-boys school. No one was trying to prove themselves, everybody got along.” Joining Coach Casson’s talented group as an experienced PG, Clark led the Pride to the Founders League Championship in their 2015 campaign.
Clark says that the freedom afforded at Trinity-Pawling helped him grow academically. “It was like a college schedule,” he says, “I was ready to be on my own and grow up, and since I was on my own, I could choose what to do with my free time.” Clark has always had an interest in theater, and served on the tech crew during his time at Trinity-Pawling. In addition, Clark says it was an advantage in his athletic development to have access to the gym and weight room every day, and the results have shown. “Coach Casson always told me I had to catch up to the D1 pace where you can’t stay in one gear, you have to step up to the speed of everyone else.”
After his acceptance to LIU Brooklyn, Clark walked onto the basketball team as a freshman. Despite only playing two minutes the entire season, he earned a full scholarship his sophomore year. Since then, Clark has never looked back. Over his 100-game collegiate career Clark has averaged 14 points a game on over 50% shooting. In the 2018-2019 season, he averaged almost 20. Last year’s conference championship sent LIU Brooklyn to the NCAA tournament’s First Four against Radford, a dream come true for Clark. Despite his anticipated graduation in May, LIU’s top scorer is coming back for more. He will begin his Masters degree at LIU next year while playing out his final year of NCAA eligibility.
Clark says he is still in touch with Coach Casson and many of his athlete friends from Trinity-Pawling. He hopes to play basketball professionally once his collegiate career comes to a close. Keep an eye out for LIU Brooklyn in next year’s NCAA tournament.
by Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris
What do you get when you combine an interest in business with a love for dogs? Just ask Griffin Moore ’19 about his Senior Independent Project (SIP) — he designed and created a Trinity-Pawling branded dog bed to sell in the School Store!
Moore has two Australian Shepherd dogs at home, Winnie and Biscuit. At the beginning of his freshman year, Moore and Biscuit took a course to become a part of The Good Dog Foundation. “The course was a training session to become a handler and therapy dog,” explained Moore. “It enabled us to work in hospitals and nursing homes.” The mission of The Good Dog Foundation is to promote recovery from trauma and stress using animal-assisted therapy services. Together, Moore and Biscuit frequently visit hospitals and other healthcare centers.
Moore’s experience with The Good Dog Foundation and his interest in business and sales sparked his project idea and propelled it forward. After working closely with his alumni mentor, Mike Quartararo ’85 of 3Dog Pet Supply, Moore’s designed dog bed and business plan quickly took shape. “I learned so much about sales and business products from the process,” he shared. “I made my own business plan, sales sheet, and hangtags. I really enjoyed putting the spread and business sheets together. It has helped me grow as a student and become more aware of tactics used in the business world.”
As his designed dog bed came to life, Moore also wanted to incorporate a way to benefit The Good Dog Foundation — the inspiration behind his project. “The impact that The Good Dog Foundation has on people is like nothing I’ve seen before,” Moore shared. “A visit from a dog while a person is hurt or sick can turn their day around. The more awareness and funds that the Foundation receives, the more people they will be able to help.”
As a result, a portion of the sales from the dog beds in the School Store are donated directly to the organization. With five bed sales so far and more to come in the spring, Moore is very pleased with his project’s results — bringing comfort to our four-legged friends, school pride to our homes, and support for a cause close to his heart.
To purchase a Trinity-Pawling dog bed, please visit the School Store.
by Emma Christiantelli
Pride Baseball
Coach: Mike Webber P’17, P’18
Last year’s record: 9-6
Returners: Seniors — Capt. Will Rickert (1B, P), Capt. Jesnel Soto (SS, Dayton), Connor Bradshaw (OF, Pepperdine); Juniors — Nick Selden (P); Sophomores — John Link (P, OF)
New Faces: PG — Connor Harris (P, George Washington), Pat Metzger (P, Dickinson), Kareem Holloway (3B); Juniors — Lucas Shliger (C, Maryland), Julian Uejima (2B), Jake Repaci (OF), Kendall Greene (OF, P), Kyle Hammel (OF); Sophomores — Tyler Gmyr (P, DH), Rory McLaughlin (OF), Kyle Stober (OF)
After a March trip to Ft. Pierce, Florida, the 2019 Trinity-Pawling varsity baseball team looks to continue their success as the northern campaign begins. The six-day trip afforded five practices and five games against NEPSAC and Canadian opponents, and the Pride ended the trip with four victories, dropping just one contest by one run to top New England opponent Andover. In true spring training fashion, every player appeared in every game.
As the regular season begins, Coach Webber will look for strong starts from pitchers Harris, Rickert, and Metzger, with support from new arms Gmyr and Greene. The Pride will rely on a quick middle infield with future Division 1 players Soto and Uejima at shortstop and second base. PG Holloway steps in at third base with great athleticism and a valuable bat. The outfield is ripe with new talent, led by senior returner Bradshaw. Junior, Maryland commit, Lucas Shliger will dig in behind the plate as a trusted leader and pitch-caller, while also occupying the third spot in the batting order.
Webber said the spring trip was a challenge because the team played a doubleheader after just one practice. “This week was a week of work, a week of building relationships and chemistry because it’s all baseball, all the time.” Some highlights include: a four pitcher combined no-hitter, a lot of power-hitting (including a 17-run game), and competing under the lights in the Florida Coast Spring Training Association’s featured game of the week against Andover. Members of the team want to express gratitude for the generosity of donors that have made the March trip possible for the past five years.
The Pride’s home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, at 3:30. Pray for the rain gods to rest this spring.
Come to campus for a game this season!
by
Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris
Warmer days, spring sports, outdoor classes, the annual Rock Concert, GRADUATION … there’s so much to look forward to as students return from Spring Break!
Trinity-Pawling comes alive as the seasons change, and your support makes a difference for each and every moment of campus life. It is the source that enriches all aspects of the Trinity-Pawling experience for students and faculty alike.
Help enhance the School today, and plant seeds of success for our students’ future. Make your gift to the Trinity-Pawling Fund today.
Contribute by June 30th to join fellow supporters this year!
Find your giving options here.
Pride Lacrosse
Coach: Andrew Kirkaldy
Last year’s record: 6-9
Returners: Seniors — Zack Conlan (D), Scott Stensrud (D, Navy), Ryan McBeth (M, Binghamton), Brett Ginac (M, Gettysburg), Griffin Moore (M, Dickinson), Jack Haims (M, Colorado College), Chad Langdon (G); Juniors — Kyle Playsted (A), CK Giancola (M), Solomon Hess (LSM), Eric Suits (G)
New Faces: PG — Daniel Manning (D, UVM), Timothy Manning (D, UVM), Nick Morgan (LSM, Hampton Sydney), Richie LaCalandra (A, Albany), Cole McKenzie (A, UVM), Andrew Poynton (FOGO, Endicott); Juniors — Jake Giannone (G); Sophomores — Stuart Phillips (A), Matt Bologna (M)
On a four-day trip to Florida this March, the 2019 Trinity-Pawling lacrosse team held seven practices and competed in three games. The Pride handled the University of Tampa freshman team 10-6, and smoked Tabor Academy 12-6. Although their goal was to come out unscathed, the Pride dropped their contest to IMG, one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.
The 2019 Pride defense will be anchored by returners Conlan and Stensrud with fresh size from the Manning twins that Coach Kirkaldy says will intimidate opponents before the opening faceoff. Kirkaldy is confident in all three of his goalies, noting that they continue to compete in practice for a starting spot on opening day.
PG Andrew Poynton looks to dominate on faceoffs in a new league this spring. He’s joined by a core of returning senior middies boasting McBeth’s offensive talent, Ginac’s all-around utility, and Moore’s strength. Newcomer Matt Bologna will add speed to this group. Returning attackman Kyle Playsted will aim to gel with PGs Lacalandra and McKenzie with support from Canadian sophomore Stuart Phillips.
With 11 players committed to play collegiate lacrosse before the season begins, Kirkaldy has posed an introspective question to his team, “How do we define success?” For now, his answer lies in John Wooden’s adage on effort: ‘Success is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.’ Kirkaldy implores his players to focus on themselves instead of their opponents. “At the end of the day, we can only control what we do.”
Thanks to the generous donors who make the Pride spring training trips possible.
Come to Trinity-Pawling for the lacrosse home opener against Loomis Chaffee on Wednesday, April 3, at 3:30.
If you can’t make it back to campus, tune in to watch Lacrosse games live on our YouTube channel.
by Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris
Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends showed up in a BIG way last month to support our 2019 Giving Challenge, “Go for the Gold.” 1,089 donors and $293,951 later, the School is truly strengthened by the generosity of its incredible community. Funds raised represent a significant portion of this year’s annual fund (which closes on June 30th), and are put to direct use bolstering everything from academics to athletics, maintaining our beautiful campus, and supporting Trinity-Pawling’s distinctive faculty and programs. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and creative efforts of a dedicated team of alumni and parent volunteers, who earnestly reached out to peers to encourage participation and widespread support.
Tommy Seitz ’90 has led his class to the top of the participation leaderboard for two years in a row! Asked how he maintains the momentum, Tommy states, “We developed a master list during our 25th reunion four years ago. Each year during the Challenge, I send out an email blast and incorporate a little jesting, to stoke the fire so to speak! It’s all in good fun, and really works for 1990.”
Each class has different strategies to inspire engagement. Social media has become an effective and fun way to spread the word, and the Class of 1991 incorporates Facebook in addition to “hammering the phones!” Another class that always dominates the leaderboard is 1988. “It’s all about consistency,” states class agent David Tyree ’88, regarding the connections he and his fellow class leaders make and have maintained over the years. “Don’t get me wrong, this is work and it takes time, but we laid a strong foundation during our 25th reunion and the Challenge provides a great excuse to get in touch with everyone each year!”
For the “Fighting Gentleman,” Trinity-Pawling’s alumni from 1948-1980, email is a critical tool. The Class of 1971 has captured 2nd place for two years in a row by reaching out to classmates multiple times during the 3-week campaign, utilizing gratitude and a willingness to engage with T-P history, current campus life, and humor! John McDermid ’65 finds that the yearly reach-outs provide a wonderful opportunity to reminisce. The Class of 1965 email thread, initiated by John during the Challenge, was filled with stories of their days at the School — conversations around a mini-reunion were even sparked by the group communications! Tom Linacre ’62, keeps in touch with classmates year-round via phone and email, and enjoys visiting with them on his summer motorcycle trips.
Those most-recently graduated alumni rely on their networks of prefects and alumni ambassadors. AJ Beckwith ’14 has a great system, dividing up the work between the class prefects and shares, “2014 wouldn’t have had the success we did if it wasn’t for our combined efforts and teamwork!”
This year, parents were just as busy connecting with their peers and their efforts reaped impressive results. Because of their emails and phone calls, there was a 63% increase in parent giving during this year’s Challenge! Many parent volunteers commented on how much they enjoyed the reach-outs, and that they made a few new friends along the way.
We couldn’t be more grateful to all of our faithful volunteers for the time and energy they put forth each year — because of their initiative, the School is able to thrive and flourish. It is certainly a team effort (driven by a little healthy competition!). No matter who tops the leaderboard in the end, however, Trinity-Pawling takes the WIN!!!
by Kate Vengrove
You are cordially invited to join Headmaster Bill Taylor, Jennifer Taylor, and hosts Kathy and Erik Olstein ’86, P’11, P’14, P’17, and Ryan Olstein ’14 for a reception celebrating Trinity-Pawling School.
Join us May 2, 2019 at The University Club of Washington, D.C., 1135 16th Street NW, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
RSVP for the reception by April 26, 2019 at 845-855-4830 or email rsvp@trinitypawling.org
Alumni, have you recently gotten married, entered retirement, welcomed a new baby into the family, embarked on a great trip, been promoted at work, or won a community award? Let us know!
Submit your class notes by June 1, 2019 to be published in the Fall 2019 issue of Trinity-Pawling Magazine.
The health and wellness of students and faculty is among Trinity-Pawling’s top concerns. The School has embraced several initiatives aimed at teaching students to stay safe and healthy, and preparing them for life beyond Trinity-Pawling. We are pleased to welcome Katie Koestner, an expert on sexual misconduct in schools, along with the Respect My Red Leadership Training Institute faculty to hold a one-day workshop at Trinity-Pawling on April 29th, for student leaders and school professionals.
Ms. Koestner is the Executive Director of Campus Outreach Services, which she founded in 1994 to educate schools about best practices in prevention of sexual misconduct, bullying, alcohol abuse, and other student safety issues. She has been a passionate advocate for student safety since she was the first woman to speak out nationally, at age eighteen, as a survivor of date rape, appearing on the cover of TIME Magazine in 1991. She has visited more than 3,000 schools to educate students, faculty, parents, and administrators on student safety, especially sexual and cyber-misconduct.
Several area schools have been invited to join the one-day institute at Trinity Pawling, which will highlight best practices to proactively address sexual misconduct issues, and will feature interactive case studies that encourage attendees to engage in discussion with colleagues and student peers. The instruction and resources will be provided by nationally-known experts on law, policy, and communications and will be appropriately presented to student and faculty groups separately. Participants will build skills, knowledge, and the ability to educate and impact their own school communities on respectful relationships and sexual misconduct. Certification will be earned upon completion of the program.