To the Class of 2024 — thank you, for your commitment to the School and, most of all, for your dedication to one another. You are gathered together this morning as a single entity, the Class of 2024. Sadly, this is the last time that this group will gather together as a single entity, so enjoy this time together. After this morning, you will always be members of the Class of 2024, but the class will never again be together here on campus. Instead, each of you will be ambassadors for the group as a whole. I challenge you to stay connected with one another and to this place. Hopefully, this School and its campus will hold a special place in your heart. As you grow older and your lives grow busier and your responsibilities greater, your time at Trinity-Pawling will stand out as that place or that journey where you were young and where you began to figure out who you are and who you were becoming. Your classmates and your friends have been your compatriots on this journey. In the future, wherever you are these classmates around you today, particularly your close friends, will be there for you. When you gather together, even thirty years from now, you will be a teenager again, perhaps to the shock and disappointment of those who may not have known you at that age!
As I have said before, you represent ½ of 1 percent of the American school-age population who have had the opportunity to attend a prep school such as Trinity-Pawling. You are in a distinct minority of students who have had this opportunity and this type of experience. You have had tremendous opportunities because you have been at Trinity-Pawling, but you have also had tremendous responsibilities at the same time. And, it has not all been easy. And, in a short time you will receive your diploma and become an alumnus of this School. You have learned a great deal through your time here, thanks to the dedication and commitment of your teachers.
I want to specifically highlight three important life-lessons that you have hopefully learned during your time at Trinity-Pawling.
Life Lesson #1: Be Self-Aware
Self-awareness sounds pretty basic on the surface: Know Yourself. Yet, I would argue that it is not as easy as it may sound. How do you know yourself? You may know that you prefer the color blue to the color red; or, you prefer steak over fish; or, you prefer Kendrick over Travis Scott. But, these are preferences. Preferences are a part of self-awareness, but they are more superficial. It doesn’t mean that they are not important, but they are not at the core of what it means to be self-aware. Self-awareness has much more to do with how well we, as human beings, can know ourselves. It is beyond the realm of preferences. To know yourself in a way that is self-aware is to have a perspective that you have gifts and talents.
At Trinity-Pawling, you have heard that phrase several times in chapel and perhaps in other areas, too. The idea of having “gifts and talents” relates to what makes you, you, and what makes me, me. Each one of us is uniquely different, and that is how we were created. We have our individual intellects, we have our individual personalities, and we have our individual souls. Embedded into all of this are our gifts and talents, those qualities that truly distinguish each one of us from others. Now, I am quite certain that very few high school students have had the opportunity to hear about gifts and talents as much as you have heard of them at Trinity-Pawling. In fact, you have heard “gifts and talents” when you have even heard those words. The concept of having your own gifts and talents is what your teachers and coaches have been tapping into as they have helped you learn and grow. When you have been working on various projects, choosing electives, or working on a senior project, you have been exploring your own gifts and talents. When you worked with Mr. Mead and Mr. Dunham, you were exploring your gifts and talents.
Realizing you have gifts and talents is the critical first step of self-awareness. This realization is like a door opening. Once that door is open to an awareness that you have distinctive gifts and talents, then you begin your journey into the exploration of what these gifts and talents may be. Exploration leads to discovery of your gifts and talents, which is when self-awareness is energized and given even more power. Once you discover your gifts and talents, then you can nurture them and make them stronger. When we nurture our own gifts and talents is when we find greater value and meaning in our lives and this is the result of self-awareness. And, this is part of the transformational power of the journey of self-awareness.Because you have been here, a place that places great emphasis on the power of self-awareness, you are so much further ahead on this journey than others your age. You may not see this difference now, but your parents probably do, and soon you will, too.
Life Lesson #2: Value the Art of “Sucking It Up”
(Not Sucking Up – Critical Difference)
Now, that is my terminology and likely not yours, but the art of “sucking it up” is the ability to persevere. Not everyone learns this skill in life, but you have here, at Trinity-Pawling. Things are challenging here and much is expected of you. It requires you to “suck it up” and deal with challenges, setbacks, and things you may not have wanted to do. Now, this skill is not one that is in high fashion today. Yet, the conditions that merit the importance of learning how to “suck it up” have not changed. In fact, these conditions don’t change because they are a part of life.
Not everything goes your way. Plans fall apart. You won’t get that job that you thought you deserved. Or, an important relationship is challenged and changes in your life. Tragedies happen. Life happens. Learning how to cope with setbacks and keep moving forward is an essential skill set for life. You have hopefully learned that here. Sometimes you have been aware of the fact that you are “sucking it up,” but there are times that you probably just shrugged and kept moving forward. Sometimes we need help and guidance from others in order to “suck it up” and this involves vulnerability, which is its own strength that, when combined with “sucking it up,” creates a powerful combination. Not everyone has learned how to “suck it up.” In fact, there is much more of the opposite happening, which is to invoke blame and excuses when things don’t go the right way. Practice the art of “sucking it up,” and you will emerge from the group as someone who copes with adversity and challenges differently. It will also give you greater confidence and strength as you work to solve problems and continue to move forward in life.
Life Lesson #3: Hold Fast to The Legacy of Mongolian Beef
Over your time at Trinity-Pawling, you have had many meals in Scully Hall. Some of you, for dietary reasons, have had a pretty stable supply of chicken and rice during family-style meals. Others have been sporadic chicken and rice devotees, depending on the main lunch choice. I must say that World Language Week did put a strain on our chicken and rice supply.As a keen observer of adolescent lunch choices during family-style meals, I have noticed that the Mongolian Beef has both passionate supporters, some dubious skeptics, and a contingent of people who will immediately jump to the chicken and rice as the alternative. Yet, there are some highly vocal supporters of the Mongolian Beef who can be relentless in their defense of the dish. Sometimes, to be honest, their ardor in their advocacy of Mongolian Beef seems a bit over the top, especially to the detractors of the entree. Now, Mongolian Beef stands in sharp contrast to Chicken Parm, an entree that almost everyone tends to like. Indeed, the approval ratings for Chicken Parm have always been historically high. Of course, there are times when it hasn’t always lived up to the expectations, but the loyalty to Chicken Parm remains strong so there has been a high degree of forgiveness if it underperforms from time to time. This has not been the case with Mongolian Beef. First of all, its base of support has never been as strong as that for Chicken Parm. So, if the Mongolian Beef is not as tasty, then its detractors have a pretty good opportunity to add to their ranks. This makes the Mongolian Beef menu option even more precarious in terms of student support.
But, here is the important lesson that Mongolian Beef can play in your life if you are wise enough to engage the idea. You never let Mongolian Beef divide your class. Sure, there were times when you didn’t always agree, but your attitudes and, for some, your passions about Mongolian Beef – one way or another – never became a dividing issue that tore the class apart. Why Not? Unfortunately, we live in a world that is terribly divided. While such division and tension are always a part of the larger world, it seems to be growing more acute and more nasty in its division, especially around issues of politics. One side is convinced that they are right and the other side is fixed onto the belief that the other side is blind and stupid. There seems to be very little common ground at times, and opinions are too often dialed in.
Now, I have a solution to fix this problem with our leaders in Washington, D.C., although surprisingly no one has asked my opinion. My solution would be to have Congress be forced to have family-style meals four times a week. The menu would be the same as ours. There would be Chicken Parm, Mongolian Beef, Buffalo Chicken wraps, Pasta and Meatballs, and four wildly unknown entrees during World Language Week. My guess is that they would learn how to work together pretty quickly. They would learn that the Chicken Parm sometimes has an off day and the Mongolian Beef will sometimes be surprisingly good.
Today, there are some alumni classes at Trinity-Pawling that are bitterly divided over issues of politics. In some cases, brother no longer speaks to brother. Reunions are impacted. Current tensions have replaced the great memories that bonded their class together when they were students at Trinity-Pawling. So, this is the legacy of Mongolian Beef for the Class of 2024. Don’t let things in the future take away the unity that has distinguished this class. If Mongolian Beef didn’t drive the class apart, at a time in your life when food takes on a disproportionate amount of value than it will later in life, then don’t let other things divide you in the future. As you get older, you will come to increasingly value the friendships and relationships you have in your life. Don’t let whatever the Mongolian Beef issue of the day take away these relationships you have with your brothers in the Class of 2024.
So, these are your three last take-away Life Lessons: Be Self-Aware; Value the Art of “Sucking It Up;” and, hold fast to the Legacy of Mongolian Beef.
And, my last word before you embark on this journey is, of course: ONWARD!
Congratulations!
Head of School Bill Taylor proudly introduced the Class of 2024 Commencement Speaker, “As a student, his classmates described him as thoughtful and kind; a mentor to underclassmen; and a well respected Head Prefect who represented the highest ideals of the School. As an alumnus, he remains connected to and respected by his classmates, who still see him as the leader of the Class. He makes a concerted effort to stay in touch with his Trinity-Pawling classmates. He is someone who is sincere and takes an active interest in the lives of his friends and classmates.
Gedney Webb is an award-winning, veteran Hollywood music editor. He has spent the majority of his career in the music side of the film industry, spanning more than 30 years. He has collaborated with top Hollywood talents, including Ron Howard, Robert De Niro, Wes Anderson, Adrian Lyne, Lasse Hallström, Ang Lee, and Jon Watts. Mr. Webb received a Golden Reel award for his work on the Oscar-winning film Chicago. In September, you can catch his latest film, Wolves, which reunites actors Brad Pitt and George Clooney for the first time since the Ocean’s 11 series.
Mr. Webb has taught Masterclasses, been a judge at several film festivals, and a mentor to many exploring a career in the music industry, including students at Trinity-Pawling through the SIP with Distinction Program. His career in music was inspired by his skills on the drums and keyboards, which he explored at a young age through many bands, often playing alongside his brother. At Trinity-Pawling, his musical exploration included singing in the Trinitones and sneaking into the Chapel late at night to play the piano in the dark.
After Trinity-Pawling, Mr. Webb continued his formal education at Kenyon College, graduating in 1990 with a double major in Music (with honors) and Psychology, which I might add, had greater distinction than a previous Kenyon graduate whom I know rather well. After Kenyon, Mr. Webb moved out to Los Angeles and launched his career in the film industry, learning from each film he worked on. After a decade in Los Angeles, Mr. Webb returned to the East Coast, settling in his hometown in New Jersey with his wife Nikki and son Nolan, who join him here today.
It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Gedney Webb, Class of 1986, back to his alma mater to give the Commencement Address to the Class of 2024. Watch Gedney Webb’s full speech here.
The Dunbar Award for Service honors Bill and Helene Dunbar, who dedicated over 30 years to Trinity-Pawling as Assistant Headmaster and Librarian. Head of School Bill Taylor included these comments as he introduced this year’s recipient:
“This year’s recipient exemplifies their selflessness and magnanimity, significantly impacting the Trinity-Pawling community. The recipient is an exceptional servant leader who navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially within the boarding school environment where communal interaction is integral. Despite the challenges posed by masks and social distancing, this individual worked tirelessly to maintain and revitalize communal life on campus.
Emerging from the pandemic, the community has shown impressive growth, particularly evident in chapel activities. Student engagement in chapel talks has reached unprecedented levels, reflecting the successful efforts to restore and enhance communal energy. This year’s recipient of the Dunbar Award is a vibrant, sagacious, and approachable leader of all aspects of community life at Trinity-Pawling. This year has been marked by challenges such as illness and unexpected departures. The recipient’s pastoral response has been crucial in helping the community navigate these difficulties, providing thoughtful and caring support.
This year’s Dunbar Award for Service goes to the pastoral leader of the School, The Reverend Danny Lennox. He is recognized for his wisdom, thoughtfulness, care, earnestness, and perseverance — despite his unwavering support for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It is a great honor to present the Dunbar Award for Service to Reverend Lennox.”
Photo: Father Lennox with 2024 graduates after Commencement
This year’s Valedictorian, Leo Liu, is an outstanding scholar who has excelled both academically and in co-curricular activities. Over his four years, Leo has completed 7 AP classes and 8 AP exams, consistently taking a challenging course load, including 6 to 7 classes each year. He has actively participated in various programs, notably serving as the editor of The Phoenix during his senior year, demonstrating remarkable leadership and commitment. Additionally, Leo has been a key member of the squash and tennis teams at Trinity-Pawling.
In Head of School Bill Taylor’s introduction of Leo, he commented, “Reflecting on the time I first met Leo in September 2020, the School was just reopening amid the global pandemic after significant efforts to adapt to the new normal. Leo, along with other students, began his journey at Trinity-Pawling with a two-week quarantine in Johnson Hall. The challenges posed by COVID-19 have significantly shaped the experiences of this graduating class, making their achievements even more commendable. Leo’s ability to adapt and grow through these trying times is particularly noteworthy. Under the guidance of his advisor Mr. Slade Mead, Leo has even overcome his aversion to pizza, symbolizing his personal growth. As Leo prepares to attend Johns Hopkins University in the fall, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on his numerous achievements and wish him continued success. It is my honor to introduce the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, Leo Liu.”
Leo Liu, the Valedictorian of Trinity-Pawling’s Class of 2024, began his commencement speech by expressing heartfelt gratitude to various key individuals, including his parents, sister, friends, and teachers, for their unwavering support. He humorously acknowledged his discomfort with public speaking and shared his initial reluctance to accept the honor of delivering the speech, yet a conversation with his friend Cabby (Charles-Antoine Boucher ’24) ultimately convinced him to embrace the challenge.
Leo recounted his journey from Hong Kong to the United States amid political unrest and the pandemic, described his initial culture shock and the difficulties of adapting to life at Trinity-Pawling. He humorously noted his first impression of the School and his uncomfortable quarantine experience, which eventually led him to appreciate his surroundings and become a proud member of the community. Despite early struggles, Leo highlighted his growth over the years, crediting sports and extracurricular activities with helping him step out of his comfort zone and develop valuable life skills. He mentioned the supportive faculty and friends who encouraged him along the way, particularly during difficult times like the loss of his grandparents.
Leo emphasized the importance of brotherhood, resilience, and continuous personal development. He concluded by urging his classmates to cherish their memories and maintain their connections as they move forward, borrowing a quote from Julius Caesar to celebrate their collective achievements: “We came, we saw, and we conquered.” He ended with a congratulatory note to the class of 2024 and a spirited “Roll Pride!”
Photo: Leo Liu with his family and Head of School Bill Taylor at Commencement
Congratulations Class of 2024!
Below is the matriculation list for the members of Trinity-Pawling’s Class of 2024. We wish our graduating seniors all the best in college and beyond!
Bard College
Barry University
Bentley University
Boston University
Bucknell University
Chapman University
Clarkson University
Cornell University
CUNY City College
Dickinson College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Fairfield University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Franklin & Marshall College
Gettysburg College
High Point University
Iona University
Johns Hopkins University
Kenyon College
Lehigh University
Loyola University Maryland
Marist College
Merrimack College
Michigan State University
New York University
Northeastern University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Onondaga Community College
Penn State
Providence College
Purdue University
Rollins College
Sarah Lawrence College
Seton Hill University
Sewanee: The University of the South
Skidmore College
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
SUNY Maritime College
SUNY Ulster
Syracuse University
The University of Tampa
Towson University
Trinity College
Tulane University of Louisiana
Union College
United States Military Academy at West Point
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Kentucky
University of Lynchburg
University of Mississippi
University of New England
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
Ursinus College
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wesleyan University
Williams College
Be sure to join us in celebrating the college commitments of the Class of 2024! Follow the Trinity-Pawling School Class of 2024 College Decisions IG page here.
At Trinity-Pawling’s 117th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 25, 2024, the following Commencement Awards were presented to these outstanding graduates:
Valedictorian for the Class of 2024: Fanghan (Leo) Liu
McCollum Award to the Head Prefect: Brayden Lahey
Archibald A. Smith III Mandarin and Chinese Studies Award: Troy Peter Ashkinos
Baldwin Award: Charles-Antoine Boucher
Biology Award: Charles-Antoine Boucher
Citizenship Award, Senior: Trey L. Boula
Colley Award for Leadership: J.P. Macrigiane
Creighton E. Gatchell, Jr. Sportsmanship Award: Kurt Patenaude Mauser
Elizabeth Peale Allen Community Service Award: Robert Emmett Croddick
Elliot Prize in Senior Mathematics: Fanghan (Leo) Liu
Excellence in Art Award: Angus McDaniel Deely
Excellence in Environmental Science Award: Troy Peter Ashkinos
Excellence in History Award: Fanghan (Leo) Liu
Excellence in Instrumental Music Award: Nicolas R. Caruso
Excellence in Theater Award: Pearse John Prendergast
French Award: Jesus U. Fierro Pineda
Gamage Award for General Excellence: Ethan Samuel Fehrenbaker
Head of School’s Award for Excellence: Ian James Williams
Henderson Prize in English: Troy Peter Ashkinos
Honor Student, Grade Twelve: Fanghan (Leo) Liu
Kevin Neal Acrish Award: Ethan Samuel Fehrenbaker
Norwood L. Pinder Prize in Journalism: Fanghan (Leo) Liu
Outstanding Achievement in Global Collaborative Project, PG: Jaret Bosarge and Ian James Williams
Religion Award: Connor Huguenard
Spanish Award: Henry Michael Diggin
Tennant Drama Award: Kurt Patenaude Mauser
Weeman Athletic Award: Michael Paul Dearborn
Wells Award: Max Lieman
Trinity-Pawling’s beloved Stepping Up Ceremony was held in All Saints’ Chapel on Friday afternoon, May 24, 2024. The Stepping Up tradition traces its roots all the way back to the 1930s. In this service, held just before Commencement, each class steps up to the next level. Underclass academic honors are awarded, leadership roles for the following year are announced, and the service concludes with naming the next group of Prefects who will lead the School in the coming year.
We extend congratulations to the following students who won awards and honors, or were named to leadership positions at the 2024 Stepping Up Ceremony:
Bausch and Lomb Award: Maxx Miller ’25
Chemistry Award: Calvin Gong ’25
Citizenship Award (11th Grade): Justin Fugelsang
Citizenship Award (10th Grade): Axel Caramico
Citizenship Award (9th Grade): Mikey Prince
Clarkson Achievement Award: Gavin Burke ’25
Clarkson Leadership Award: Robert Edwards ’25
Colhoun Award to Most Improved Freshman: Andrew Costantino
Colhoun History Essay Prize: Jackson Crisp ’25
Ernest J. Reiter Award for Physical Science: Guanzong “Mark” Wang ’25
Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award: Kweku Arthur-Mensah ’25
George Eastman Young Leaders Award: Hunter Baran ’25
Harvard Prize Book: Hunter Baran ’25
Hastings Award to Most Improved Sophomore: Maxwell Baret
Honor Student (11th Grade): Maxx Miller
Honor Student (10th Grade): Dominic Zani
Honor Student: (9th Grade): Mikey Prince
Kathleen Claypool Prize for Dramatic Arts: Robert Edwards ’25
Matthew E. Dann Award for General Excellence: Guanzong “Mark” Wang ’25
Mayflower Award: Justin Fugelsang ’25
Outstanding Achievement in Global Collaborative Project: Team Icemen – AJ Halpy ’25 and Justin Liu ’25
Penn Book Award: Justin Fugelsang ’25
Rensselaer Medal: Guanzong “Mark” Wang ’25
Saint Anselm College Book Award: Andy Matousek ’25
St. Lawrence Book Award: Ryan Bellamy ’25
Vocal Music Award: Patrick Marco Ferreira ’25
Sacristan: Joe Sposato ’25
Head Vergers: Jack Fries ’27 and Axel Caramico ’26
Senior Warden: Robert Edwards ’25
We are excited to announce the Prefects for 2024-2025! The School’s highest leadership positions for students are determined by the vote of the student body and the faculty. Every vote is counted — the boy who receives the most votes is named the Head Prefect, and the second most votes is the Junior Prefect.
Congratulations to the following rising seniors, who were voted Prefects for the 2024-2025 school year!
Next year’s Prefects: Kweku Arthur-Mensah, Head Prefect; Jackson Crisp, Junior Prefect; Jackson Williams; Jack Rodman; Guanzong (Mark) Wang; Liam Lefebvre; Gavin Burke; AJ Turner
We would also like to give a final thank you to this year’s group of Prefects for all of their contributions to our community.
Photo: (Left, front to back) 2024-25 Prefects: Kweku Arthur-Mensah, Head Prefect; Jackson Crisp, Junior Prefect; AJ Turner; Jackson Williams; Guanzong (Mark) Wang; Jack Rodman; Gavin Burke; Liam Lefebvre; with (right, front to back) 2023-24 Prefects: Brayden Lahey, Head Prefect; Ethan Fehrenbaker, Junior Prefect; Asa Caramico; Trey Boula; Sean Wyman; Harry Clark; Maddox Rivera; Aidan Grahn
On the evening of Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Trinity-Pawling community gathered in Gardiner Theater for the annual yearbook dedication ceremony and presentation of other academic awards.
The 2024 Trinitannus was dedicated to Mr. Bill Dunham! In the 30 years that Mr. Dunham has been with Trinity-Pawling, he has made an incredible impression on students and faculty. Here are a few comments from the Class of 2024:
“Very good teacher, inspiration to many.”
“He’s the G.O.A.T!”
“He has been my person to lean on for 4 years.”
“Mr. Dunham is always approachable and helpful to any student that needs help.”
“Legendary figure within the school.”
“Inspired me to start enjoying English for the first time in my high school career and also happens to be my English teacher.”
“Mr. Dunham, because he helped me get into college and he was there for any questions I had.”
“From my start at Trinity-Pawling, Mr. Dunham has always been a great help.”
“He’s always looking out for people and is a great coach. He always jokes with us on the golf course and we know he likes to be included.”
Following the ceremony, students and faculty enjoyed a cookout on the quad while reading their new yearbooks. What a fantastic way to end the school year!
The following awards and honors were presented during the dedication ceremony:
Drama Officers, 2024-2025: Robert Edwards ’25 and Justin Fugelsang ’25
The Phoenix Article of the Year: Mark Wang ’25
The Phoenix Writers of Distinction: Leo Liu ’24; AJ Greier ’28; Nick McAvoy ’25; Mark Wang ’25; Kai Wilson ’26; Maxx Miller ’25
The Phoenix Editor: Jack Lashlee ’25
The Phoenix Associate Editors: Nick McAvoy ’25 and Sam Jaffe ’25
Head Tour Guides for the Office of Admission, 2024-2025: Braydon Sturino ’25 and Hunter Baran ’25
Junior Tour Guide for the Office of Admission, 2024-2025: Nolan Watts ’26
Model U.N. Student Leaders, 2024-2025: Justin Fugelsang ’25 and Fisher Winslow ’25
John Lloyd Owen Creative Writing Award: Fisher Winslow ’25
10-year Faculty Service Award: Josh Frost; Annie Keel; Bob Reilly and Arlene Toscano
Robert H. Yunich ’61 Award: Justin Fugelsang ’25
Phil Haughey ’53 Athletic Award: Mikey Malachi ’26; Asa Caramico ’24; Joe Tumolo ’25; Brandyn Hackett ’25 and AJ Turner ’25
Congratulations everyone!
Photo: Bob Reilly, Yearbook Advisor with Bill Dunham, Associate Director of College Counseling, English Department Chair, English Teacher
On the evening of Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the Trinity-Pawling community, parents, families, and friends gathered in All Saints’ Chapel to celebrate Middle School Stepping Up — a ceremony in which the Middle School class celebrates the past year and ‘steps up’ into their new roles at the School. Let’s hear a round of applause for all students, award recipients, faculty, and Middle School Coordinator Todd Hoffman for a great year. Congratulations to all!
History Award: Cooper Nagel ’28
History Award: David Prince ’29
Science Award: Mac Hendrix ’29
Math Award: Ebo Arthur Mensah ’29
English Award: Anthony Gonzalez ’28
Foreign Language Award: Mac Hendrix ’29
Instrumental Music Award: AJ Greier ’28
Fine Arts Award: Sam Overman ’29
Performing Arts Award: Charlie Bocompani ’28
Choral Award: Charlie Bocompani ’28
Most Improved Middle School Student: Peter Savino ’29
Middle School Phoenix Writer of Distinction: AJ Greier ’28
Middle School Athletic Distinction Award: Teddy Murphy ’28
Middle School Athletic Distinction Award: Jackson Connors ’28
7th Grade Citizenship Award: Jack Fugelsang
8th Grade Citizenship Award: Alex Blake
Maurice Jackson Hoover Jr. General Excellence Award: Prokup Hrubec ’28
What do hard work, lightning, and baseball gloves have in common? Just ask Bruce Mayer. Bruce is a member of the Class of 1964. He attended Trinity-Pawling for three years along with his brother Tucker Mayer ’65, was a Prefect, and member of the varsity baseball, football, and basketball teams. He was inducted into the Trinity-Pawling Hall of Fame with the 1963-1964 varsity football team.
As a baseball player, he was the leadoff hitter and versatile field player filling whatever position was needed including shortstop and left field. He even enjoyed an undefeated season in 1964. Bruce went on to play football and hockey at St. Lawrence University and had a long career in coaching, teaching, real estate, and insurance. The key to his success was to work hard and be better, a virtue passed on to his children and grandchildren.
When his son Guard was asked by his grandson Bear for gas money, Guard told him that maintaining the car was Bear’s responsibility. But how does a 16-year-old make money? It was then that BRUCE BOLT was launched in Austin, TX. The company was started in 2017 by Bear Mayer, a 16-year-old baseball player who wanted better batting gloves but also needed money for his first truck, a ’93 Landcruiser named Jennifer! Knowing that the baseball gloves Bear used only lasted two weeks, he figured out how to make ones that could be better.
The name of the company was inspired by Bruce, a hard-working athlete with the distinction of being one of the few people to be struck by lightning … twice! Hence the name, BRUCE BOLT. A big shoutout and many thanks to BRUCE BOLT for donating batting gloves, sleeves, and pads for all the Pride varsity baseball players.
by Matt Soper
Photo: Bruce Mayer ’64 with grandson Bear
Honor Guard Reception
Friday, September 27, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Trinity-Pawling Campus, 2024 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
The Honor Guard stands as a timeless symbol of our cherished traditions at Trinity-Pawling. Its members have epitomized loyalty and dedication, embodying the very spirit that keeps our beloved School alive and thriving.
As alumni reach the milestone of their 50th reunion, they join the esteemed ranks of our alumni who have faithfully preserved our School’s legacy. The leadership of Trinity-Pawling bestows upon them a profound trust: to guard the honor and heritage of our institution for generations to come.
As members of the Honor Guard, they serve as custodians of our past and architects of our future. Their commitment bridges the gap between tradition and progress, ensuring that the essence of Trinity-Pawling endures, vibrant and strong, into the years ahead.
Classes from 1942-1974 are invited to join Head of School Bill Taylor, trustees, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni, at or beyond their 50th reunion, to kick off an unforgettable Homecoming and Reunion Weekend of camaraderie, reminiscing, and forging new connections at our special Honor Guard Reception on September 27, in the newly renovated Gardiner Library and Learning Commons.
This exclusive gathering welcomes the Class of 1974 into the esteemed ranks of loyal Trinity-Pawling alumni who, for over 50 years, have kept the spirit of our beloved School alive.
Trinity-Pawling School recently gathered for an alumni reception in Washington, D.C., where graduates from the Class of 1951 to the Class of 2019 came together, highlighting the enduring strength of the Trinity-Pawling brotherhood. Just a few blocks from the White House, the event provided a perfect backdrop for alumni to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
Head of School Bill Taylor delivered an engaging update on the School’s progress, reflecting on the critical role of education in shaping boys’ minds and the collective responsibility in this mission. He expressed pride in leading the School and its ongoing achievements. The evening was a fantastic opportunity for Trinity-Pawling graduates to reminisce, forge new connections, and celebrate their shared bond with the School.
Graciously hosted by Kathryn and Ken Weeman ’59, P’91, the event was marked by their warm hospitality, ensuring all attendees felt welcome. The reception was a resounding success! Enjoy the event photos here.
by Rebecca Smith
Mark your calendars to reconnect with your Trinity-Pawling friends at our unforgettable community events!
London, England Reception
Thursday, July 4, 2024
7:00-9:00 PM
The Minories, Aldgate, 63-73 Minories, London, EC3N 1JL
Hosted by Head of School Bill Taylor and Jennifer Taylor
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
September 27-28, 2024
Trinity-Pawling Campus
Registration is open!
Parents’ Weekend
October 11-12, 2024
Trinity-Pawling Campus
Admissions Open House
November 2, 2024
Trinity-Pawling Campus
Boston Holiday Reception
December 2, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Harvard Club of Boston • 374 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA
Hosted by Peggy and Phil Haughey ’53
New York City Holiday Reception
December 9, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Union Club of New York City • 101 East 69th Street, New York, NY
Hosted by Jean Doyen de Montaillou and Michael Kovner ’58
Candlelight Service for Parents and Community
December 15, 2024 | 5:00 PM
Service in All Saints’ Chapel, followed by Reception at Gamage House
Hosted by Head of School Bill Taylor and Jennifer Taylor
Palm Beach Reception and Golf Outing
April 8, 2025
Palm Beach, Florida
Hosted by Dick Bauer ’70, Trustee
For event details and registration please visit trinitypawling.org/events.
To receive details about our forthcoming events, please submit your updated contact information here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rebecca Smith in the Office of Advancement at rsmith@trinitypawling.org or 845-855-4886.
As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on how the support of the Trinity-Pawling community has profoundly shaped the Class of 2024’s incredible journey. Through gifts to the Trinity-Pawling Fund, our community impacts all aspects of the School and our students’ experiences.
• Scholarships provide opportunities to a diverse range of students, fostering ethical citizens who appreciate the value of community.
• Funds empower arts and athletic programming, developing effective communicators and thoughtful collaborators who express themselves and work together towards common goals.
• Gifts enhance our innovative curriculum, promoting critical thinkers prepared to navigate and contribute to a complex world.
• Investments empower our devoted mentors as they guide students in becoming self-aware individuals, understanding their strengths and values.
Your gift today, to the Trinity-Pawling Fund will make all this possible and turn dreams into reality.
One senior expressed this beautifully: “Seeing what Trinity-Pawling did for my two older brothers, I always wanted to come here and experience the brotherhood they spoke so fondly of. Now that my time here is coming to an end, I too can speak fondly of my time here. I am beyond grateful for Trinity-Pawling giving me the opportunity and tools to become the man I hoped I would when I stepped on campus three years ago. I am eager to pay it forward and give future students the same amazing experience I had.” —Sean Wyman ’24, Prefect
We invite you to join us in supporting the Trinity-Pawling Fund. Your gift has the power to make our students’ dreams possible, ensuring that future students benefit from the same exceptional experiences and community support. Together, we can continue to foster a legacy of excellence at Trinity-Pawling.
Online: www.trinitypawling.org/give
Venmo: @TrinityPawlingSchool
Phone: 845-855-4836
Help make dreams possible!
Photo: Trinity-Pawling 2023-2024 Prefects