{"id":4862,"date":"2023-02-27T16:10:16","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trinitypawlingthequad.org\/?page_id=4862"},"modified":"2023-02-27T16:11:34","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:11:34","slug":"february-2023","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/trinitypawlingthequad.org\/?page_id=4862","title":{"rendered":"February 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\n\t\t
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\n MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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In education, there is much to say about the importance of balance. This is especially true in a culture where there can be so many distractions. It is important for students to learn that there needs to be a balance in their lives. This is why Trinity-Pawling embraces the value of a holistic approach to education, when a student\u2019s mind, body, and spirit can be nurtured and nourished. Such a holistic approach to education, in my opinion, not only acknowledges our access to multiple intelligences and multiple modes of learning, but it also leads to a life and love of learning. Balance is enriching.<\/p>\n

With this said, though, I would also like to make the case for the importance of imbalance in learning and in life. As we grow, we are constantly in a state of imbalance. New, unfamiliar material is introduced. Academics grow more challenging. There are frustrations, and sometimes failures. Where answers once dominated, questions now loom. As new goals are established, there is a feeling of discomfort that comes from unfamiliarity. Mistakes are made. This, though, is all part of healthy growth. If students are always in a state of balance, they will not move forward. Rather, moving forward through growth necessitates a certain degree of imbalance.<\/p>\n

Imbalance should neither be feared nor should it be isolated from the experience of the learner or the teacher. If we seek to protect our students, children, or ourselves from the necessary periods of imbalance, we thwart possibilities for substantive growth. Imbalance allows for vulnerability. It is precisely at these points of vulnerability that can lead to the most significant growth. Vulnerability can lead to revelation, resilience, and confidence. If we are constantly in a state of balance, however, we lose opportunities for such vulnerability and growth.<\/p>\n

In schools, as in life, there is always a quest toward balance. But, an imbalance is a necessary ingredient in this objective and should not be feared. It is in the interplay between balance and imbalance where true growth is attained.<\/p>\n

by William W. Taylor<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

A CASE FOR IMBALANCE<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n THE BLACK STUDENT UNION AT TRINITY-PAWLING<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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\u201cThe Black Student Union creates a space on campus that inspires our students to work together toward equity and justice for all,\u201d began Tarik Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Self-Awareness (DEISA) and the Trinity-Pawling Head Basketball Coach. Smith also serves as the faculty advisor for the Black Student Union on campus.<\/p>\n

The Black Student Union (BSU) was founded at the School in 1993, originally named the Minority Student Union. One of its founding members was Osei Mevs \u201994, who is currently a trustee at Trinity-Pawling and chairs the DEISA Committee. Now 3 decades later, the BSU\u2019s positive presence and unified voice on campus continues to enrich life at Trinity-Pawling for students and faculty alike.<\/p>\n

Emeka Nwogugu \u201924 serves as the BSU President this year. With the support of faculty advisor Smith, Nwogugu leads the group\u2019s 12 members in bi-weekly meetings and helps to spearhead various DEISA programming and all-school presentations that focus on education, advocacy, and connectedness.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mission in the Black Student Union is to promote unity and beneficial change on campus,\u201d Nwogugu shared. \u201cWe want to advance political and cultural awareness of the issues that affect the Black community, which is why we encourage students of all races to attend our programs.\u201d<\/p>\n

In honor of Black History Month this year, for example, Nwogugu shared a presentation with the School community celebrating 10 important Black trailblazers in American history, shining a spotlight on their accomplishments, contributions, and lasting impact on the world. Earlier this month, the BSU also led discussions of the book Our PSA: A Public Service Announcement on Mastering Your Personal Evolution<\/em> by Terrance \u2018Munch\u2019 Williams \u2014 an interactive guide on how young men and women, especially people of color, can navigate their everyday lives, from school and relationships to dealing with adversity. Members of the BSU also work together to organize off-campus DEISA events with neighboring independent schools. Through all of its activities and programs, the group focuses on unity and fosters an open and encouraging environment on campus.<\/p>\n

Proud to continue the legacy of Trinity-Pawling Black Student Union and its inspiring mission, Nwogugu concluded: \u201cMy favorite aspect of leading the BSU is allowing not only my voice, but the voice of so many students to be heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

by Emma Quigley<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

A UNIFIED VOICE<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n DEAN OF TEACHING AND LEARNING TOM CURLEY<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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Meet Tom Curley, Trinity-Pawling\u2019s new Dean of Teaching and Learning. Curley joined the School community in January 2023, bringing with him a wealth of independent school experience and the skills to lead the Academic Office into its next exciting chapter.<\/p>\n

A graduate of Harvard University (B.A. German History and Literature) and Boston University (M.A. European History), Curley has served as an educator and administrator in independent schools across the Northeast. He started his career at his alma mater of Eaglebrook School and served as the Chair of the History Department. After graduate school, Curley was the Dean of Student Life and a history teacher at The Derryfield School; the Director of Curriculum and Technology at The Wooster School; and most recently served as the Head of School at Soundview Preparatory School.<\/p>\n

Now at the helm of academics at Trinity-Pawling, Curley has brought with him a passion for lifelong learning, a commitment to innovation, and a profound belief in the transformative power of an independent school education.<\/p>\n

What drew you to join the Trinity-Pawling community?<\/strong>
\n\u201cTrinity-Pawling\u2019s mission and strategic vision stood out to me immediately \u2014 they are focused and aspirational. I\u2019m excited to work at an institution that values active learning and walks the walk when it comes to providing a transformative education.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Dean of Teaching and Learning, how do you hope to enhance the Trinity-Pawling experience for both students and faculty?<\/strong>
\n\u201cI want students to forget that they\u2019re in school because of our vigorous, hands-on, and student-centered curriculum. Learning can and should be energizing! I\u2019d like to make sure our course offerings capture that and get students excited to learn. For our faculty, I want to give them the same opportunities we give to our students \u2014 to discover and pursue their unique gifts and talents. Throughout the school year, I plan to provide our faculty with interesting and invigorating experiences and professional development opportunities that allow them to feel the reward of being a dedicated educator.\u201d<\/p>\n

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?<\/strong>
\n\u201cConnecting with the community! I\u2019m excited to work together to make thoughtful change and build on the wonderful institution that is Trinity-Pawling.\u201d<\/p>\n

With just over a month under your belt, what has been your favorite part of working at Trinity-Pawling so far?<\/strong>
\n\u201cSince my first day on campus, I have set a goal to sit down for one hour with every educator here at the School before Spring Break. It has been wonderful to get to know each and every person in this community and understand the landscape of teaching and learning. I\u2019m thankful for the warm welcome and looking forward to seeing what we can all accomplish together.\u201d<\/p>\n

by Emma Quigley<\/em><\/p>\n

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AT THE HELM OF THE ACADEMIC OFFICE<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n NURTURING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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At Trinity-Pawling, we believe that creativity should be nurtured in all areas. The School offers a variety of fine arts, music, and theater courses that allow students to explore and express their creativity, but our students also have the opportunity to go above and beyond in other areas. This past winter, our students have had many opportunities to express themselves creatively, with some amazing achievements that demonstrate their innovative spirits. Moreover, our dedicated teachers are always eager to provide students with the resources and support to foster their gifts and talents along the way.<\/p>\n

In December, seniors Casey Sodolski and Kento Maeda were immersed in their Senior Independent Projects (SIPs). Hats off to Sodolski for his impressive SIP! The creativity and craftsmanship that went into constructing a square table top with live edge wood slabs embedded in an epoxy resin, and then fabricating a metal base for his table with Trinity-Pawling’s new welding equipment is truly amazing. This is a great example of how students at Trinity-Pawling are encouraged to think outside the box and develop skills that will benefit them in the future. Another congratulation to Maeda on his incredible SIP! His flying owl art installation was an amazing sight to behold, and we are very proud of him for putting in so much hard work and dedication to create something so unique and special. We were honored to have his installation on display in the Arts Center on campus.<\/p>\n

In January, Maxx Miller \u201925 created a beautiful plein air painting of the lake at Innisfree Gardens in Millbrook, NY. It’s an impressive work of art that showcases his creative talents and dedication to his Studio Art class. We hope that Maxx continues to create stunning pieces of art. Kudos to Mr. Garguilo for providing an opportunity for Maxx and the rest of the class to visit Innisfree Gardens and create unique pieces of art.<\/p>\n

During Mid-Winter Break, Rain Xia \u201923 and Sony Wang \u201923 braved the cold weather for some exciting experimental photography on the quad. The boys captured the exact moment that a cup of boiling water hit the air in sub-zero temperatures. They experimented with various angles, exposures, and shutter speeds, with amazing results. We are in awe of the results they achieved, and the skill and dedication it must have taken to execute them. Well done!<\/p>\n

The AP Studio Art students had a great time in New York City, taking in the Museum of Modern Art and the “Crafting Pinocchio” exhibition by Guillermo del Toro. Not only did they get to explore the museum but they were also able to experience the art of stop-motion animation production first-hand. It was a great way for them to get inspired and motivated to create their own works of art!<\/p>\n

Another great example of collaborative creativity is The Barstow Watcher<\/em><\/a> trailer \u2014 a short video based on the original series The Watcher<\/em> on Netflix, which was produced by students in Ms. Rafferty\u2019s Digital Storytelling class. Watch it until the very end \u2014 it’s not quite over when the credits roll!<\/p>\n

Well done, all!<\/p>\n

by Judy Redder<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT PROJECTS<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n MEET TOM DENSFORD<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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Tom Densford has dedicated his career to pursuing his passion \u2014 making a difference in the lives of young people. No stranger to the independent school experience, Densford dedicated the past 17 years to one independent school in particular, St. George\u2019s in Memphis, Tennessee. Although he was in one place, Densford had many opportunities to let his gifts and talents shine \u2014 as a dean of students, head varsity baseball coach, athletic director, and associate director of advancement.<\/p>\n

Born and raised in Millington, Tennessee into a family of teachers, Densford spent his entire 47-year life in Tennessee, until now. I sat with him during his second week at the School to find out how he\u2019s adapting to New York \u2014 the people, the place, the food \u2014 and to his new job at Trinity-Pawling.<\/p>\n

What was your first impression of Trinity-Pawling?<\/strong>
\nThe beauty! The way the quad is surrounded by the community gives a certain flow and symmetry to the campus. I love that I can watch the sunrise every morning and the sunset, over the mountains to the west, every evening.<\/p>\n

What are you most looking forward to in your new position as the Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Relations?<\/strong>
\nMeeting the community members and hearing their stories. I\u2019ve heard Bill Taylor talk about the School for many years, I feel like I know it. I am already hearing the same stories from alumni, whether they are from the Class of \u201952 or \u201922, of how positively Trinity-Pawling impacted them.<\/p>\n

Imagine three years from now, what do you hope to accomplish?<\/strong>
\nI want to touch base with every single alum once a year. I\u2019d like to cultivate relationships with alumni across all generations \u2014 just to help them remember their youth and encourage them to be more involved with their alma mater.<\/p>\n

Do you have a favorite place on campus yet?<\/strong>
\nScully Hall. I love seeing the entire community all together in one location. And the dining hall staff tries to do a pretty good BBQ!<\/p>\n

Who do you admire most and why?<\/strong>
\nBill Taylor. We share the same philosophy of putting students first in the work we do. He hired me almost 20 years ago (at St. George’s) because he saw something in me that I didn\u2019t know was there. He\u2019s a leader that cares and listens \u2026 and that\u2019s rare.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s one piece of advice that you share with students?<\/strong>
\nWhen there is a clear choice, chose right from wrong.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to meet Tom, reach out by email at tdensford@trinitypawling.org<\/a> or call him at 845-855-4831. He’s looking forward to meeting you all!<\/p>\n

by Judy Redder<\/em><\/p>\n

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NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: EVAN RUSCHIL \u201919<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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Former Pride goaltender Evan Ruschil \u201919 has had quite the run of success between the pipes, starting from his days here at Trinity-Pawling to where he is now. While a senior at Trinity-Pawling, he was on the team that won a Founders League championship. Now a four-year starter at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Ruschil has proven that he is one of the best Division 3 goalies in the country.<\/p>\n

Ruschil was the 2020 NESCAC Rookie of the Year and All-NESCAC second team in 2022. He has also put up incredible numbers while at Williams, another trend he started here at Trinity-Pawling. He has an average save percentage of .934 for his career at Williams, as well as a goals-against average of 2.47 \u2014 a feat that recently earned him a spot on the Team USA roster at the World University Games held in Lake Placid, New York.<\/p>\n

Ruschil, along with two other goalies and twenty other players from Division 3 college hockey programs across the country, joined to play against teams from 12 nations, including the United States. They split into two pools with the United States, Great Britain, Hungary, Slovakia, and Kazakhstan in Pool B. In Pool A, were Canada, Japan, Sweden, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Latvia.<\/p>\n

The pool play began on January 11, 2023 at Clarkson University, with the medal round moving to Herb Brooks arena in Lake Placid. The United States made it all the way to the championship game where they, unfortunately, lost to Canada. Evan played three games in total and although he only played in the third period of the first two games, he played the full game against Hungary when they won 9-1.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an amazing experience,\u201d Ruschil said. \u201cI can remember seeing the USA jersey with my name on it and thinking how this is something I never thought I would see. Then, to put it on and walk out of the tunnel to 7,000 fans in Herb Brooks Arena chanting \u2018USA! USA!\u2019 was one of the better experiences of my life. I even took more time to be on the ice in warm-ups in order to take it all in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ruschil played with other top Division 3 players from around the country, each coming from a different school and different background. Ruschil enjoyed being with his teammates and taking in the full experience outside the rink, just as much as he enjoyed his time in the rink wearing the red, white, and blue. \u201cIt was nice that our coaches wanted us to do more than just hockey while we were there. We got to see the ski jump facility at Lake Placid, talk to the other teams, and meet players from different countries, and I also got to meet kids I played against during the year. The whole experience was once-in-a-lifetime and something I\u2019ll never forget,\u201d said Ruschil.<\/p>\n

Ruschil is a senior this year at Williams and has a job in New York City waiting for him upon graduation. He will be working at Cowen Inc., an investment banking company where he interned as a junior.<\/p>\n

by Kyle Miller \u201918<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

WEARING THE USA JERSEY<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n PRIDE WRESTLING<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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The Trinity-Pawling wrestling team was young this year, both in terms of wrestling experience and age, with only two seniors on the team. However, after a slow start to the season, the boys improved markedly and ended up placing 3rd out of the 17 teams competing in the Western New England tournament \u2014 an accomplishment of which they should be very proud!<\/p>\n

Captain Christian Tacogue \u201923 led the way this season by posting an undefeated dual meet record. He placed 2nd at Western New England’s and qualified for the national tournament at New England\u2019s! Christian’s leadership, maturity, and daily approach were key to the overall success as a team, but also contributed to his individual growth as well.<\/p>\n

Perhaps for the first time ever, all of the 14 wrestlers competing in the Western New England tournament won at least one match. Not only that, but 10 out of the 14 placed. In addition to Tacogue, Joe Tumolo \u201925 placed 2nd while John Berlandi \u201927 and Axel Caramico \u201926 each placed 3rd. These three wrestlers, along with Christian Tacogue, are All-New England Wrestlers this season.<\/p>\n

Some other noteworthy finishes in the Western New England tournament were Maxx Miller \u201925, Angus Deely \u201924, Bradford Remsburg \u201926, and Kweku Arthur-Mensah \u201925 who placed 5th and Asa Caramico \u201924 and Grady Collins \u201927 who placed 6th.<\/p>\n

The team will have a strong nucleus returning next year, as all those who competed at Western New England\u2019s this year return with the exception of Tacogue. Many opposing coaches noted that the team they saw compete in the WNE\u2019s looked nothing like the one they had seen earlier in the year \u2014 a testament to their hard work and commitment this season.<\/p>\n

Head Coach Bill Dunham said about the team: \u201cWhile I have had teams that produced stronger results, the improvement these boys made over the course of the season was as significant as any I have observed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wrestling team ended their season with a dual meet record of 10 – 6, and with a core group of boys returning next year, Trinity-Pawling is excited to see what that team will have in store for them. We wish the wrestlers the best of luck in the future and in their respective spring sports next season!<\/p>\n

by Kyle Miller \u201918<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n\n
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The Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame honors former student-athletes, coaches, and teams for outstanding contributions to Trinity-Pawling School athletics. If you are interested in nominating a classmate, former coach, or outstanding athletic team to the Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame for 2023, please complete this nomination form<\/a>. All nominations must be submitted by March 1.<\/p>\n

Eligibility Criteria:<\/p>\n