During the Board of Trustees meeting in May 2022, members of the board adopted a new proclamation. This proclamation came about as a reflection of the Board’s profound gratitude for and pride in the work of the faculty since the impact of COVID-19 hit in earnest in March 2020. The Board wanted to manifest its deep appreciation for the courage, perseverance, and professionalism of the faculty whose collective efforts led to a highly successful response to this challenge, and prioritized student learning, mental health, and overall support. The challenges of COVID-19 forced schools and students to react and adapt to constantly changing parameters in ways that were foreign to the somewhat predictable rhythm of boarding school life. Trinity-Pawling’s adaptation was creative, dynamic, and student-centered. This proclamation provides a tangible expression of acknowledgment that the success of the School’s adaptability was the direct result of the commitment and professionalism of the faculty. It was presented to the faculty at the School’s final faculty meeting before the summer break.
Resolution of the Trinity-Pawling School Board of Trustees
WHEREAS the coronavirus pandemic has created disruption for everyone and every institution; and
WHEREAS boarding school communities have faced unique challenges while trying to maintain and preserve their programs and fulfill their mission; and
WHEREAS the pandemic has caused anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty; and
WHEREAS usual teaching methods and evaluation practices were rendered insufficient; and
WHEREAS social distancing is unnatural and antithetical to the boarding school experience, and masks have shielded smiles and soaked up tears;
WHEREAS remote teaching and learning was an ineffective substitute for direct face-to-face interaction between student and teacher;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, by the Trinity-Pawling Board of Trustees that the Board:
1. Acknowledges and applauds the sacrifices and adjustments made by its Faculty, staff, administration, and students to ensure student and community safety;
2. In particular, expresses its gratitude to the Faculty for its continued goodwill;
3. Appreciates the Faculty’s extraordinary efforts to maintain its high standards of excellence in all areas;
4. Recognizes and values the extra time and effort of the Faculty and its willingness to learn new methods and approaches to teaching and its ability to adjust to these challenges;
5. Admires and celebrates the Faculty’s continued commitment to the ideals and mission of the School.
Each spring at Trinity-Pawling’s time-honored Stepping Up ceremony, a small group of rising seniors are elected to be the Prefects for the upcoming year. Derived from the Latin word for ‘leader’, Prefects are voted in by the student body and faculty, serving as student leaders and modeling the School’s ideals of honor, respect, and hard work.
On May 27, 2022, eight Trinity-Pawling Prefects were elected for the 2022-2023 school year, earning the honor by demonstrating their commitment to the School and most importantly, to their peers.
Here’s a snapshot of the Class of 2023 Prefects and their thoughts about the year ahead.
Cristobal Tola, Head Prefect
- Hometown: Georgetown, ON
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 2 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing hockey, spending time with family, and hiking
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
“To be Prefect means to represent and lead the other members of the Pride community. It grants me opportunities to really embrace being a leader and support my fellow brothers throughout their journeys.”
Shun Shiraishi, Junior Prefect
- Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 4 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing soccer, watching soccer, and playing squash
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
“I am very grateful that the T-P community voted me into this important role. Being Prefect means being an example for other members of the Pride. It also means I have more opportunities to give others advice and to support them.”
Kojo Arthur-Mensah
- Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 6 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Football, basketball, and listening to music
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Crooked Smile by J Cole
“To me, being Prefect means being an example for others to follow in the School, as well as being a voice of reason and inspiration for younger students. I am very grateful to have been voted into this role by my fellow peers and teachers.”
Garrett Backus
- Hometown: Ithaca, NY
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 4 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Football, video games, and music
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? New York, New York by Frank Sinatra
“As Prefect, you must lead by example. Students in all grade levels look up to you for help and guidance. At the end of the day, my main goal is to maintain and help to add to the strong brotherhood that we have here at Trinity-Pawling.”
Andrew Belcher
- Hometown: Dover Plains, NY
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 5 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Soccer, hunting, fishing, squash, lacrosse, and playing bass guitar
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Just Breathe by Pearl Jam
“To me, being Prefect means being an authentic figure in the community. Stay true to who I am, and show my peers that you don’t need to change who you are to fit a certain part. Knowing your identity strengthens you as a person and as a result, can strengthen the community. Be real.”
Raphael Denis
- Hometown: McMasterville, QC
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 2 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Playing sports and watching TV
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Happy by Pharrell Williams
“It’s a privilege to be one of the Prefects this year. They were always there for me when I had a question, and now I will do my best to be there for everyone. As Prefect, I will include everyone and work hard to create a great Trinity-Pawling environment.”
Tyler Fogu
- Hometown: Bayonne, NJ
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 4 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Hockey
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay
“Being a prefect is an honorable position where I have the chance to share the experiences I have come across in my years here at T-P. Being Prefect gives me the opportunity to teach and prepare the younger generation of the Pride.”
Casey Sodolski
- Hometown: Hartland, WI
- How many years have you been at Trinity-Pawling? 3 years
- Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, video games, and lacrosse
- If you could have a theme song, what would it be? Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett
“I am honored that the community at Trinity-Pawling selected me as Prefect this year. During my first two years at T-P, I always looked up to the Prefects whenever I needed help with anything. Now, as Prefect, it is my duty to lead by example and be open to anyone who needs help. It is my goal to support, lead, and include my brothers in our Trinity-Pawling community.”
With heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Class of 1970 for their generous investment and commitment to the Pond preservation, Trinity-Pawling completed its hydro-raking project this summer.
Hydro-raking, also known as mechanical raking, is a widely-used and effective technique for selective removal of rooted vegetation and sediment in a body of water. A hydro-rake is a floating pontoon or barge outfitted with a backhoe and rake attachments, and is used to clear accumulations of decaying plant matter and organic debris from the bottom of a body of water. It is an environmentally friendly method of preserving the quality of water in a pond or lake and maintaining the health of the natural ecosystem.
The pond serves as both a classroom and recreation space for students and faculty throughout the seasons. With science research and experiments in the fall, pond hockey in the winter, and fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the spring, it’s an iconic place on campus for hands-on learning and time spent together as a community. The hydro-raking project will protect and prolong the life of the pond and ensure its enjoyment on campus for years to come.
Thank you, Class of 1970!
View more photos of the Pond transformation here.
Join us as we welcome our newest members of the Trinity-Pawling community!
Adam Bendon • English Teacher
Before arriving at Trinity-Pawling, Adam served as the Dean of Students at The Albany Academy. He likes to fish, cook, grill, and ride his bike. He will also be coaching football and wrestling for the Pride. Adam and his fiancée, Lily have two English labs, Puck and Freddy.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “Teaching English, coaching football, and living in Dutchess County!”
John Christian Ericson • English Teacher
Before joining the Pride, John taught history and English at the Selwyn School in Denton, Texas. He enjoys hiking, biking, reading, writing, playing soccer, and spending time with his family.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “Living and working in a close-knit environment that fosters true collaboration and learning among educators and students.”
Carolina Elosua-Portugal • Science Teacher
Carolina Elosua-Portugal is a familiar face in the Trinity-Pawling community! Carolina and her husband, Jesús, live on campus with their daughters Elena and Laura, and dogs, Laika and Lisa. Formerly a STEM teacher at South Kent School, Carolina will be teaching science and math this year in the Pride. She enjoys hiking, getting to know new places, and sharing her free time with friends and family.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “The opportunity of fully belonging to the community.”
Joseph Garguilo • Art Teacher
Joseph joins the Trinity-Pawling Art Department as a graduate of the University of Buffalo, with experience in art, theater and costume design, and teaching. He has also served as an Artist in Residence at Roswell Park, a renowned cancer research hospital, where he provided healing art activities for patients of all ages. In his free time, Joseph enjoys painting in his studio, hiking with his dog, photographing nature, and restoring historical cemeteries.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “The sense of community, emphasis on life-long learning, and the breathtaking landscape.”
Woo Chan Lee • Math Teacher
Woo Chan Lee is a recent graduate of Ohio State University. In his free time, he enjoys dancing, working out, reading, playing games, and spending time with friends.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “Being able to assist students achieve their goals in a place with the most opportunities to experience different fields.”
Nathaniel Lynn • English Teacher
Before joining the English Department at Trinity-Pawling, Nathaniel taught English at EF Academy and North Cedar Academy and served as a camp counselor at Odyssey Teen Camp. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at Blackhawk Technical College. In his spare time, he likes to read novels and short stories, and play chess, ultimate frisbee, and video games. Nathaniel and his wife, Lynelle (Mandarin teacher), will live on campus together.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “There is a mountain of things that excite me about working at Trinity-Pawling, but chief of which is the opportunity to become immersed in a community that values student-centered and project-based learning.”
Kyle Miller ’18 • Center for Learning Achievement Teacher
Alumnus Kyle Miller ’18 is joining the Center for Learning Achievement after graduating from Manhattanville College earlier this year. He enjoys watching sports, listening to music, and spending time with his 2-year-old nephew. Kyle will live on campus and looks forward to being back on campus in a new role!
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “Excited to be back in the Trinity-Pawling community, working closely with students both in and out of the classroom.”
Elizabeth Moore • English Teacher
Elizabeth is a graduate of St. Anselm College and Clark University, she spent her first two years of teaching at the Nativity School of Worcester. In her spare time, Liz enjoys reading, playing sports with friends, and trying new cafes and restaurants!
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “I’m very excited to join the Trinity-Pawling community! I’m specifically looking forward to forming well-rounded relationships with both my colleagues and my students.”
Gretchen Sancher • Science Department
Gretchen joins Trinity-Pawling with 12 years of teaching experience. Most recently, she taught math at Westchester Community College. Gretchen has also served as an SAT/ACT math and science tutor. She enjoys spending as much time outside as she can. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, camping, and stargazing.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “I am excited about the strong commitment to experiential learning, which is what science is all about.”
Rob Sanders • Math Teacher
Before joining the Trinity-Pawling community, Rob taught math at Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. He is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and likes to play hockey, work out, go on walks, and play video games.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “Being able to connect with the students through all of the residential life activities.”
Lynelle Wang • Mandarin Teacher
Lynelle joins Trinity-Pawling after teaching Chinese in Janesville, Wisconsin for the last three years. She enjoys traveling, playing video games, and trying different foods. Lynelle and her husband, Nathaniel (English teacher), will live on campus together.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “The opportunity to become involved in a close-knit community and to be a parent for students who are away from home.”
Marc Welch ’18 • Spanish Teacher
Alumnus Marc Welch ’18 is thrilled to be back at his alma mater as a Spanish teacher. He is a graduate of Hamilton College, where he played lacrosse and club hockey. He enjoys golfing, playing word games like Wordle and Semantle, playing fetch with his dogs, and spending time with friends and family.
What about working at Trinity-Pawling excites you the most? “Meeting students, coaching athletes, and being a member of such a tight-knit community which I loved as a student.”
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is one of our most honored traditions and ways of celebrating you, our cherished alumni! It means a great deal to the entire Trinity-Pawling community and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
ALL ALUMNI are invited back to campus to celebrate Reunion Weekend 2022! Here are the weekend highlights:
Friday, September 30, 2022
- All-Class Welcome Reception in Gamage Gardens
- All-Class Welcome Dinner in Scully Hall
- Student Experience Panel and Lunch with Head of School William Taylor and Students
- All-Class 9-Hole Golf Outing
- Dedication in Memory of Nicholas Taska
- Guided Walks on the Walking/Biking Trails
- History of Pawling Tour with Town Historian Bob Reilly
- Student-led Campus Tours
Saturday, October 1, 2022
- 25th and 50th Reunion Dinners
- Distinguished Alumni Awards and Alumni Memorial Service at All Saints’ Chapel
- Athletic Hall of Fame Induction at Smith Field House
- The Institutes for Active Learning and Career Panel in Gardiner Theater
- Dedication of the Benham Family Pond Terrace and Fire Pit in Memory of Tyler Mabon Benham ’90 and Fly Fishing Experience led by Leigh Oliva ’82
- Historical Retrospective honoring Classes of 1971 and 1972
- Homecoming Football Game vs. Taft
- Varsity Soccer vs. Kingswood Oxford
- JV Soccer vs. Kingswood Oxford
- All-Class Farewell Reception
View the full weekend schedule here. We are expecting some hearty enthusiasm for our first in-person reunion in three years! If you haven’t done so already, be sure to REGISTER TODAY!
Reminder: Book Your Hotel Soon
Fall is a very busy time for hotels in the area, so we highly recommend booking your accommodations now.
Questions? Visit trinitypawling.org/alumni/reunion or please reach out to alumni@trinitypawling.org. Thank you!
Active, engaged, and out of their seats — this is how boys at Trinity-Pawling experience learning. Do you know a young man 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!
Trinity-Pawling will welcome prospective students and their families to our Admissions Open House on October 29, 2022, at 9:00 AM. Families will have the opportunity to meet the experts in boys’ education, and see first-hand why there is no better place to prepare boys to enter college and the world as confident, well-rounded young men.
The Open House activities include:
- Head of School Welcome
- Faculty and Student Panel Discussion Moderated by Head of School Bill Taylor
- Student-led Campus Tours
- The Trinity-Pawling Experience Meet & Greet with Faculty and Coaches
Pass this invitation on or REGISTER to attend at www.trinitypawling.org/
Questions? Reach out to admissions@trinitypawling.org or call us at 845-855-4825.
On September 3, we welcomed our Early Sports student-athletes to campus. Excitement is in the air as coaches and students are back on the fields, courses, and trails.
We’re counting on you, Pride fans — mark these dates and come out to cheer for Trinity-Pawling:
Cross country will start the season with travel to Choate Rosemary Hall for a scrimmage on September 17. The 2022 season opens with a showdown at Salisbury on September 24, running against rivals Salisbury and Avon Old Farms. Runners will be on the home course on October 15, as the Pride welcomes Hotchkiss and Millbrook.
Pride football will scrimmage against Williston on September 10, and will take on Salisbury away on September 17. The Pride’s home opener will be on October 1 vs. Taft School — Homecoming and Reunion Weekend — don’t miss it!
The Trinity-Pawling soccer team will showcase their skills during their opening contest against Wooster, away, on September 14. The first home game for the Pride will be against the Frederick Gunn School on September 17.
The Pride mountain bikers travel to Hotchkiss on September 21 for their opening race of 2022.
Visit our website for the full Fall Athletics schedule. Please note: all dates are subject to change — please check the website often for updates.
From faculty and students returning to campus after their summer break to our beloved alumni soon joining us for Reunion Weekend, Trinity-Pawling School is a true home to so many. The School serves as a haven of life-changing opportunity, picturesque beauty, and close-knit community.
The creak of the pews in All Saints’ Chapel; the rumble of hundreds of fans cheering in Tirrell Rink, Hubbard Court, and on Coratti Field; and the sight of a “sunset o’er the western hillsides” — these moments evoke cherished memories for generations of Trinity-Pawling community members.
With your support and Trinity-Pawling’s commitment to student success, we will continue making a transformative difference in the lives of our students.
Please help maintain our long tradition of excellence in boys’ education by making a gift today — online at www.trinitypawling.org/give, via Venmo @TrinityPawlingSchool, or by calling 845-855-4830.
Thank you for your continued engagement with the Trinity-Pawling community!
Trinity-Pawling events provide a great opportunity to connect with the community. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events — we can’t wait to see you!
Parents’ Weekend
October 14 -15, 2022 | Trinity-Pawling School
More details and registration coming soon!
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Pride Parents Association (PPA) Social Gathering
November 18, 2022 | Trinity-Pawling School
More details and registration coming soon!
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Boston Holiday Reception
December 5, 2022 | 6:00-8:00 PM | Harvard Club of Boston | 374 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA
Hosted by Peggy and Phil Haughey ’53
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Candlelight Service for Parents & Community
December 11, 2022 | 5:00 PM | Service held in All Saints’ Chapel followed by Reception at Gamage House
Hosted by Head of School Bill Taylor and Jennifer Taylor
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New York City Holiday Reception
December 12, 2022 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Union Club of New York City | 101 East 69th Street, New York, NY
Hosted by Jean Doyen de Montaillou and Michael Kovner ’58
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Delray Beach Golf Outing
March 21, 2023 | 10:45 AM | The Seagate Country Club | 3600 Hamlet Drive, Delray Beach, FL
Delray Beach Reception
March 21, 2023 | 5:30-8:00 PM | The Seagate Beach Club | 401 S Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, FL
Hosted by Andy and Paul Miller ’63, P’92
Registration coming soon!
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Washington, D.C. Reception
April 25, 2023 | Washington, D.C.
More details and registration coming soon!
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Commencement Weekend
May 27, 2023 | Trinity-Pawling School
For event details and registration, please visit trinitypawling.org/events.
If you have any questions or would like to submit your updated contact information, please contact Advancement Coordinator Jenna Jonke at jjonke@trinitypawling.org or 845-855-4886.
All events are subject to change.
Pride Perspectives is a series of interactive webinars featuring members of the Trinity-Pawling community. This series keeps the School community connected and highlights the many advantages of a Trinity-Pawling education. Join Head of School Bill Taylor, along with Trinity-Pawling faculty and students, as the Pride Perspectives series continues throughout this year.
Upcoming Fall 2022 Webinars:
Thursday, October 27, 2022 — 7:00-7:30 PM (EST)
The Institutes for Active Learning — Student-Centered Teaching and Learning
During Saturday Programming, students participate in exciting and challenging learning experiences that follow a track of immersion in one of the four Institutes for Active Learning: Leadership, Citizenship, Entrepreneurship, or Environmental Stewardship. The Institute faculty guides, along with senior leaders, are charged with devising and orchestrating dynamic hands-on activities for the whole student body to experience, providing opportunities for teamwork and camaraderie. Register on Zoom.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 — 7:00-7:30 PM (EST)
The Center for Learning Achievement
At Trinity-Pawling, seeking help is a strength and a skill — the Center for Learning Achievement allows students to work with learning specialists for a range of guidance. Our signature programs are tailored to boys who have dyslexia or language-based learning differences, students with executive function challenges, and international students seeking academic English proficiency. As students learn and grow in our signature programs, we witness tremendous transformations. Join our dynamic Center for Learning Achievement (CLA) team and a panel of faculty and students as they discuss our nationally renowned program. Register on Zoom.
We look forward to connecting with you!