Every fall at Trinity-Pawling, the School presents one faculty member with the Arditti Fellowship Award — an endowed fellowship that celebrates “teaching excellence.” The Award was established in 2000 by Edward Arditti ’51 and his son Ted ’94 as a way to honor Trinity-Pawling teachers for their distinguished work and dedication. The criteria for consideration include outstanding knowledge of one’s field, commitment to our students, fellow faculty, and the educational program at Trinity-Pawling, and inclusion of new techniques and information in one’s teaching. Members of the faculty nominate the individual who best exemplifies these qualities.
During a recent presentation to Trinity-Pawling students, parents, faculty, and staff, Headmaster Taylor shared several excerpts from faculty nominations and proudly presented the 2019 Arditti Fellowship award to Chris Gillman ’05!
“First and foremost, he is an excellent teacher and advisor,” shared Taylor. “Chris has not only mastered the three English courses of the LEAD program — he has mastered the unwritten curriculum of how to support and persuade students to take risks.”
Taylor continued: “His passionate advocacy is unmistakable. In addition to his passion for teaching, Chris’ impact on the School has no boundaries. He is an alum, a form advisor, a dorm parent, and a coach. Unselfishly, he never says no when approached with a task. He bleeds blue and gold. Out of all his remarkable qualities, the trait that I find most admirable is Chris’s appetite for his own personal growth. Trinity-Pawling is a better place because of Chris Gillman.”
“There are almost no words to express how I felt when I heard my name,” Gillman shared. “It’s an incredible honor.” It is especially meaningful, he said, to join the list of previous winners — many of whom he had as teachers during his time as a student. “To be put in the same category as some of the amazing recipients before me…those who have had such an impact on me, personally and professionally…it’s so very humbling.”
Gillman began working at Trinity-Pawling in the summer of 2011 as a member of the Alumni Office. Over the course of the next few years, he was drawn to teaching and in 2015, he joined the Center for Learning Achievement as a teacher in the LEAD Program. Gillman also coaches varsity hockey and lacrosse, serves as Dean of the Senior Class, and is a dorm parent in Starr Hall. To top it all off, he is a new father. Gillman and his wife, Ariana, welcomed Brady Clifford into the world this past spring.
“Working, living, and now raising a family on this campus is truly special,” Gillman shared. “Over my years of teaching here, I’ve had the unique opportunity to see each of my students on a different level. I get to be with them through the good and tough times. I get to watch them grow and mature and help them find their place in the world — just as my teachers did for me.”
The Trinity-Pawling community extends a heartfelt congratulations to you, Chris, for winning the 2019 Arditti Fellowship. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to the School. As Headmaster Taylor said: Trinity-Pawling is a better place because of you.
by Emma Christiantelli
The last stanza of the wonderful hymn, Come Labor On reads:
Come Labor on. No time for rest, till glows the western sky, Till the long shadows oe’r our pathway lie, and a glad sound comes With the setting sun, “Servants, Well Done.”
Indeed, we are all servants to our mission of educating young people. As teachers, we have been “laboring on” since September! As we begin a much appreciated Thanksgiving break, I want to extend my gratitude to my colleagues for their hard work, especially over the past few weeks. Their work is challenging and extremely important. In the life of a school, the fall term can be extremely demanding of time and energy. My colleagues have sacrificed time with family and friends to complete the demands of their many responsibilities. This hard work is greatly appreciated and meaningful to our students and families. Personally, I am grateful to my colleagues and give thanks for their significant work at Trinity-Pawling on behalf of our students.
This week’s setting sun affords us the opportunity to reflect on the meaning and significance of the work of educators. There is tremendous value in the work that they do. Though the days and weeks can be long, the difference that they are making in the lives of young people and this community is a true gift.
Please join me in recognizing their hard work and extending gratitude for the impact that they make each day.
by William W. Taylor
For Lucas Hughes ’20, serving as the Prefect of Zeal is all about building connections. “My role has given me a pathway to meet everyone and really get to know them,” Hughes began. “And it allows other students, who may not necessarily know one another very well, to come together in the same place, doing the same thing. It’s so rewarding.” As the Prefect of Zeal, his main focus is school spirit — keeping the excitement and support high in the stands, on the sidelines, and across campus.
When Hughes was first given his zeal assignment by Headmaster Taylor, he initially felt uncertain. “I’ll admit that it was hard to navigate at first, but the more I do it, the more I’ve realized that being the Prefect of Zeal really just means leading by example,” Hughes shared. “When I’m hyped and cheering at our games or school events, it helps to rally everyone to do the same.”
With the fall term behind us, Hughes is proud of his school spirit efforts and plans to keep that momentum. “Spirit Week was by far my favorite part of the fall term. Organizing the events was challenging at times but I think everyone had a blast and that makes it all worth it,” Hughes explained. “I’m so thankful for Ms. Najman, Mr. Keel, and so many other teachers. They really helped to put my ideas into action!” The fall Spirit Week featured a series of themed dress-down days, spike ball, dodgeball, and Capture the Flag tournaments in the Smith Field House, a free throw competition, ping pong tournaments, and much more. To top it all off, at the Friday night football game, Hughes put together a group called the Style Boys to perform a song and dance at half-time. “It was another fun way to get everyone excited, entertained, and having a great time. That’s what it’s all about!”
The fall athletic season may be over, but Hughes hasn’t missed a beat with keeping school spirit high. “I have some big plans for the winter term,” he shared with a smile. “I want to organize sled races, pond hockey tournaments, and ice-skating races. I’d also like to organize events on campus that help to raise awareness of important and relevant issues — like men’s mental health. And of course, another Spirit Week is in the works too.” It will be a busy term for Hughes, as he balances his senior wrestling season, AP classes, and extracurriculars; but he is excited to continue building the spirit of brotherhood that makes Trinity-Pawling so special.
“There’s nothing else like the support of the T-P brotherhood. Coming together and being there to cheer each other on is what makes this school so great, in my opinion,” Hughes concluded. “It’s about something bigger than ourselves. We can do anything with the right energy and support behind us. And that’s what we have here in the Pride.”
by Emma Christiantelli
On November 14, 15, and 16, Trinity-Pawling Theater Department presented four performances of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, after weeks of rehearsals and preparation. Following the upper school’s summer reading of the Mark Haddon novel by the same name, the boys attended evening showings of this deeply considerate coming-of-age story. “Labels say nothing about a person, they just categorize them,” says Theater Director Kent Burnham. “I believe this is a story about difference, about being an outsider and finding the courage or bravery to create your own journey.”
Jackson McAvoy ’21 showcased his budding talent in the lead role of Christopher, an autistic teenager living with his single father, played by Solomon Hess ’20. Christopher defies expectations as he takes A-level mathematics, and then battles to find painful truths as he is exposed to the vagaries of death and love. The simple set design, bordered by the narrative voice of Ben Yoon ’20, showcased Christopher’s strength as he navigates the deep questions that arise for young adults — no matter who they are or where they come from.
Congratulations to the many Trinity-Pawling boys and young women in our greater community who came together and produced such an incredible show!
by Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris
Photo by Rebecca Tocci
The varsity basketball team opened the season at Taft on Saturday, November 23, showing that they will compete with the best teams in New England this year. Although leading for most of the game, the Pride wasn’t able to put Taft away due to the Rhinos’ tremendous 3-point shooting. With less than a minute to go, Taft took the lead but a Justin Archer ’20 block gave the Pride a final possession to win the game. Game high scorer Truth Harris ’20 took the inbound and Chris Gleaton ’20 collected a loose ball to find PG Ronny Tool under the basket for a buzzer-beater final score of 73-71. The basketball team will look to extend their early-season success against the Hun School at Blair Academy on December 7, 2019.
The Trinity-Pawling varsity hockey team competed in two early-season scrimmages. On Friday, November 22 they traveled to The Gunnery in Washington, CT to face a top-tier NEPSAC foe. Although the Pride struggled to get anything going early in the contest, they managed to tally three unanswered goals in the third period to end the scrimmage at an even 3-3. After Thanksgiving, the squad will open their regular season at Loomis Chaffee on December 7.
Trinity-Pawling wrestlers look forward to opening their season at a meet on December 7 at Hopkins. The varsity squash players will also open against Millbrook on December 7 in Pawling.
by Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris
The holiday season is near, and with that comes the wonderful tradition of Candlelight services in All Saints’ Chapel. Join us on Sunday, December 15 at 5:00 PM for Trinity-Pawling’s Candlelight Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by a reception at Gamage House, hosted by Headmaster Bill Taylor & Jennifer Taylor.
Part of the glory and beauty that comes with the Candlelight services is the decoration of the chapel with poinsettias, provided in memory or honor of loved ones. It is a wonderful tradition and a beautiful way to honor and remember those in the community who have gone before. Trinity-Pawling invites you to consider remembering your loved ones by making a donation in their memory or honor. Your donations help us advance the mission of chapel life by allowing us to underwrite the cost of the flowers and holiday decoration.
By printing the names in the Candlelight service program, we are then able to honor their lives on this special evening and throughout the Christmas season.
If you would like to make a donation, please use this form on our website to share the name of your loved ones and to make an offering of $25 (or more). Please make your contribution before Tuesday, December 10 in order to include your loved ones in the service bulletin.
The experience is transformational. The traditions, time-honored. Your connections are the future of Trinity-Pawling.
Do you know a boy who would benefit from the Trinity-Pawling experience? Your neighbor, nephew, son, or grandson could be the next student to cross through Cluett on his way to a successful future.
YOU understand the value of a Trinity-Pawling education best. Spread the word and share the T-P experience today!
Refer a boy to Director of Admissions JP Burlington ’95 at 845-855-4825 or admissions@trinitypawling.org
Our Campus Preview Day is on January 25, 2020. It’s a great opportunity to meet our outstanding faculty and students, and see first-hand how Trinity-Pawling prepares students to enter college and the world as confident, well-rounded young men.
Alumni, as you reflect on this past year and start the new one, we hope you will share an update with Trinity-Pawling!
Did you get married, enter retirement, welcome a new baby into the family, embark on a great trip, switch careers, earn a new promotion, or win a prestigious award? Do you have any exciting plans for 2020? Let us know!
The deadline for the next Trinity-Pawling Magazine is January 10, 2020 — submit your class notes today.
Questions? Reach Out. Email alumni@trinitypawling.org or contact Peter Lockwood ’10 at 845-855-4881.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Alumni, parents, and friends — you’re invited to celebrate the season with Trinity-Pawling!
Join us at the Boston Holiday Reception
Thursday, December 5, 2019, 6:00-8:00 PM
Harvard Club of Boston
374 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA
This event is graciously hosted by Peggy and Phil Haughey ’53.
Join us at the New York City Holiday Reception
Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 6:30-8:30 PM
Union Club of NYC
101 East 69th Street, New York, NY
Please note: Jacket & tie are required for gentlemen and equal formal attire for ladies. No jeans or sneakers are permitted at the Union Club.
This event is graciously hosted by Jean Doyen de Montaillou and Michael Kovner ’58.
RSVP for both events to Janet Hubbard rsvp@trinitypawling.org 845-855-4830.
Join us for the inaugural Trinity-Pawling Alumni Basketball Game in memory of Miles H. Hubbard, Jr. ’57, P’82.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 4:00 PM
Where: Trinity-Pawling School – Smith Field House – Miles H. Hubbard Court
Please join us on January 18 for some basketball and fun on the Trinity-Pawling campus! All ages and skill levels are welcome. There will be a reception following the game and Pride Varsity Basketball will take on Kent at 7:00 PM.
RSVP to alumni@trinitypawling.org or call Janet Hubbard P’07 at 845-855-4830.
Show your gratitude for Trinity-Pawling on Giving Tuesday!
There is no better time to give thanks for your experience at the School, a favorite teacher, or a program that means a lot to you. Keep an eye on social media and your inboxes for more information.
To support Trinity-Pawling on this national day of giving:
Visit www.trinitypawling.org/give
Venmo @TrinityPawlingSchool
Call 845-855-4830
Thank you for your investment in Trinity-Pawling!