Question
Volume 28 • Fall 2014
The Episcopal
The Reverend Kevin S. Brown, Trinity Board of Trustees, Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter
I
f you have been around Trinity for very long, you likely have been asked the “Episcopal question.” You probably have asked it yourself.
Our Episcopal Identity (Adopted 2012)
This is it: What does the “Episcopal” in Trinity Episcopal School mean? The word stands at the center of our name and the heart of our identity, yet its impact upon us is not always explicit. In late 2012, the Board of Trustees chartered a task force to articulate just how and why the “Trinity” we know and love is truly “Trinity Episcopal.”
What does the ‘Episcopal’ in Trinity Episcopal School mean? Trinity Episcopal School was founded upon the long and rich educational tradition inspired by the Episcopal Church. Our mission of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity was shaped from the start by Trinity’s growth from Episcopal roots. In particular, three distinctive features of the Episcopal school tradition have marked and shaped Trinity’s approach to education and our community of students, families, educators and staff.
The task force took a two-pronged approach. First, we looked closely at Trinity itself, combing through our defining statements, most notably our history, mission, vision and core values. Second, we studied resources and examples from across a broad range of Episcopal schools. We naively hoped to uncover Christ as the foundation. some kind of template in use by schools we admired but found none. What we Our common life -- in the classroom and beyond -- is rooted in the life and teaching did learn, however, reinforced what we long suspected: of Jesus Christ. Jesus proclaimed the inclusive power of Trinity was and is doing many, many things well; we God’s love to transform the world and his way shapes We support children were admired for it in the wider independent school ours. We celebrate human diversity because Christ saw all community and much of that success grew from people as worthy of love and care. We seek to serve each academically as well as remaining close to the founding decision to be an other and our community because Christ taught us that in socially and spiritually, Episcopal school. humble service we will find God.
and as a result, we have a
Trinity affirms the talents of our students and the gifts Our report back included a one page statement school full of students who of our community, and we challenge ourselves to offer called, “Our Episcopal Identity,” which the Board are kind, gracious and have our best efforts. The love of God is not incidental to the heartily adopted. Here is my ultra-condensed version Trinity experience; it is central to how we understand who of it: Because of Trinity’s roots in the Episcopal the capabilities to go out we are and what we are called to be. school tradition, at Trinity (1) Christ is foundational and conquer the world. and central; (2) we educate, we don’t indoctrinate; Education as expansive. - Trinity Faculty Member and (3) our spiritual life shapes who we are and what Education is exploration, not indoctrination. While our values are rooted in Christ, our mission is not one of we do. I hope you will read “Our Episcopal Identity” conversion but rather one of expanding students’ horizons. The Episcopal for richer detail (shown on right); my summary here is much too brief. tradition has long held that one of the most powerful means for understanding meaning, purpose and fullness of life is through the use of human reason and Why is this important? Most immediately, we can answer the “Episcopal creativity. Minds expand as they are challenged, and with greater learning comes question” with pride in distinctive traits that make Trinity special. Trinity is not the capacity for greater understanding, compassion and achievement. only another independent school; we are one with a Christ-based moral center. This Christ-centeredness shapes us and our decisions, but (unlike some schools) Spirituality is essential. we don’t require or coerce anyone to this faith. And An intentional, school-wide spiritual life is an essential means for shaping there is a genuine spirit in this place, a real community norms, inspiring compassionate hearts and developing caring citizens. In worship we understand ourselves in relation to God, to our neighbors and to animating difference, that arises out of ourselves, and we celebrate our achievements and mark our successes illuminated praying, worshipping and serving by the light of a higher moral life. together in community. Our Episcopal Identity is much like the foundation of a house: it provides essential structure, stability and strength, day in and day out, even when we forget it is there. It is central to our name and to our common life. It informs who and whose we are, how we live and where we go next.
Creating Scholars, Nurturing Spirituality and Embracing Diversity in Charlotte’s Center City
Spirituality expands well beyond Chapel; indeed, it is woven into the fabric of our school and community life. Its persistent call toward a responsible life beyond ourselves shapes decisions across the school, from the classroom to the playing field, from admissions to administration. Trinity is an independent school within the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, not linked to a specific Episcopal church but supported by many. Our Episcopal roots are deep, and like the roots of many trees that often go unnoticed on the surface, they are strong and essential components of our community and mission.
In this issue...
• Our Episcopal Roots • The Trinity Fund: Supporting the Trinity Experience • The Three C’s of Faith Studies and more...
The Trinity voice
Volume 28 • FALL 2014
Trinity Fund Our Episcopal Roots The Supporting the Trinity Experience Tom Franz, Head of School
During the fall, independent schools have admission open houses where missions and core values are shared, hallmark programs are showcased and school culture is experienced in a tangible way. In my role, I spend a good bit of time describing and explaining what it means to be an Episcopal school. In particular, I talk about the four pillars of being an Episcopal School and the importance of having a spiritual foundation for the morals, ethics and values we want to instill in our students. Moreover, I explain how we differ from parochial schools in our governance and funding structure, how we differ from most schools with a religious affiliation because we embrace religious diversity in our school community, and how our approach to faith studies and school worship is different than most religiously affiliated schools. A common challenge for Episcopal Schools nationally is helping people understand the unique way in which Episcopal Schools approach religious education and school worship. Simply put, our faith studies classes are not intended to be Sunday school classes, and our school worship is not intended to be church worship. Faith studies classes are different than Sunday school classes because we are not training our children to be Episcopalians. As an Episcopal school, we have an obligation to open our students’ eyes to the broader world of faith traditions as part of their academic experience, and we believe this will also help them during their spiritual journeys. Moreover, school worship is significantly different from church worship in that we are called to honor the religious traditions of all of our students during worship. When describing the Principles of Good Practice for Chapel and Worship in Episcopal Schools, the National Association of Episcopal Schools describes it this way, “Episcopal schools are called to fulfill two simultaneous commitments: to provide students with an authentic experience of Christian worship that is unapologetically and identifiably Anglican; and to welcome, affirm and support the spiritual development of students of all faiths or no faith at all.” While we understand that this approach does not match all perspectives about how religious education and school worship should be implemented, it is a distinctive and important part of our Episcopal School Identity. And, there is a consistent need for all of us to communicate this unique approach to school that we call our Episcopal School Identity. Thank you to our founding trustees, founding families and pioneer families for establishing these roots as an Episcopal school, which provide valuable guidance as we mature as a school. I am so grateful to all of you who have provided support so we can wholly live into our core values and mission.
Thank You to our 2014-15 Trinity
Fund Co-Chairs
Trinity Episcopal School would like to thank Trinity Fund Co-Chairs Amy and Ned Carroll for their volunteer leadership, dedication and support to this year’s campaign. As Chairs, the Carrolls work closely with the Advancement Office team to set goals, enlist Grade Level Ambassadors and attend committee meetings and school events related to the Trinity Fund. Amy and Ned have one son, Noah (Gr. 8) and one daughter, Annie (Gr. 6) and have been involved in the Trinity community for over nine years.
for Our Students & Teachers
Amy & Ned Carroll, Trinity Fund Co-Chairs, and Nancy Tribble, Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Manager
When Trinity was founded in 2000, we were planting our seed in Uptown Charlotte with hopes of growing to be an established educational institution with core values of creating scholars, embracing diversity and nurturing spirituality. Now, fourteen years later, we find ourselves deeply rooted in the surrounding community with a student body that comfortably walks down the streets of Charlotte greeting our neighbors and visiting local museums, libraries and parks. The lasting impact that our founders envisioned of an Episcopal School located in Uptown Charlotte is alive and well. Parents send their children to Trinity not only for academics but for many other reasons: for the experience of learning with other children who may be different than them; for the spiritual nurturing children receive from being in an Episcopal environment; for the extreme dedication and love every teacher gives his/her class each day; for the child that emerges in 8th grade, instilled with confidence and character to succeed and make a difference in the world. All of these experiences that take place at Trinity are made possible in part by the Trinity Fund, which supports our teachers through professional development and our families by providing financial aid. Tuition at Trinity is intentionally kept at a reasonable level, encouraging all who actively seek the Trinity experience. This year, 22% of Trinity students receive financial aid, continuing the commitment to socio-economic diversity established by our founders. We also have the most enthusiastic and inspired faculty and staff you’ll encounter. A key to recruiting and retaining this talent is funding more than 2,500 professional development hours during the 201314 school year, including opportunities like literacy workshops, STEM Fellows programs, Teachers College at Columbia University and our annual Light the Fire grants. Keeping tuition reasonable and having an exceptional Trinity education and program accessible while providing abundant opportunities for teachers takes substantial financial resources. Tuition covers 88% of the cost of this Trinity experience. The gap is closed in part with the Trinity Fund! This year, and in many years past, we have had 100% participation from our Board of Trustees and our Faculty and Staff. Along with these individuals, we also receive support from our current parents, alumni parents, alumni, grandparents, community members and friends of Trinity. In the past two years, our Alumni participation to the Trinity Fund has grown from 8 donors in the 2012-13 school year to 68 donors last school year, a 750% increase in participation.
Thank you to everyone who has already given or pledged to the 2014-15 Trinity Fund. It is our hope that all of our community members will participate this year, helping to make this school the special place that it is. No matter the size of the gift, all will help us reach this year’s goal of $550,000. Tax-deductible contributions can be made by completing the enclosed envelope or by visiting our website www.TEScharlotte.org/trinity-fund.
A special thanks to our 2014-15 Trinity Fund Grade Level Ambassadors listed below that make this campaign possible through their leadership and peer solicitations: Katie & John Beam Candy & Darren Bing Christina & Keith Brunnemer Scott & Russell Bryan Sheryl & Brian Bucci Simon & Jill Cann Barbara Cantisano Delane & Walter Clark Erin Fleshood Leslie & Mike Fogarty Brooke & Mike Goldman Cindy & Walter Goldsmith Stephanie & Charles Grigg Jennie & Greg Harper Shyla & John Hasner Tiara & Boris Henderson Allison & Turner Herbert Katherine & Cory Hohnbaum Sara & Tommy Holderness Addie & Langdon Holzman Dorothy & John Killeen Kelli & Pete Lash Kim & Lamar Lloyd Kathy & Donn Martin Lori & Andy Martin Kerri & Patrick Mast Mary Richard & Chris McCoy Erin & Roger Mills Kimberly & Geoffrey Mize Deni & Bobby Pifer Carla & Chris Rosbrook Liria Sanchez Wendy & Jason Solomon Julie & Eric Szeker Karen & Rob Vaughn Tracy & Lawrence Watts Meg & John Wilkinson Virginia & Peter Wolcott Court & Andy Young
The Trinity voice
Volume 28 • FALL 2014
The Three C’s of Faith Studies at Trinity
Faith Studies classes have been an integral part of Trinity’s overall curriculum since the School opened in 2000. Through these weekly classes, students are asked to be reflective servants, thoughtful stewards and critical thinkers. Trinity’s Chaplains work in concert with Faculty to integrate faith coursework and service to the community into the daily life of the School. At Trinity, we embrace the religious diversity that exists within our community and nurture spirituality through the reason, acceptance and service found within the Episcopal tradition. We challenge our students to be socially-conscious and civically-engaged ambassadors of grace, honor and respect in the world. Here’s a closer look at the three C’s of Faith Studies at Trinity:
Community...
Each grade-level is partnered with a local community organization, and our students address real community needs that are connected to and informed by their classroom learning in core subjects and in Faith Studies. Last month, Trinity’s 1st graders held a food drive for their Service Learning partner, Loaves & Fishes. They collected, weighed and sorted the canned food and then wrote Prayers of the People as a blessing for the food before delivering to Loaves & Fishes.
Critical Thinking...
In 3rd and 4th grade, students learn how to look up scripture passages by chapter and verse to learn the different stories in the Bible. In 6th grade, students have two courses in Faith Studies. Sixth-graders study Hebrew Scriptures and also begin their Faith Journey course, which provides the opportunity for students to explore their own faith through the lens of worship in the Trinity Episcopal School community. The Faith Journey course continues each year through 8th grade, where students continue to examine their own faith and begin to respond to greater questions of life, life’s purpose and moral/ethical sturctures.
Collaboration...
As a culmination of their Faith Journey study and in partnership with 8th grade Language Arts, students write their “Credo” papers. Many of their “This I Believe” essays have been published online by National Public Radio’s featured series This I Believe Inc.
For Future Generations of Wildcats Do you have Trinity in your will? If so, please let us know. Contact Emily Johnson in the Advancement Office to discuss your bequest to Trinity. 980-207-5892 or ejohnson@tescharlotte.org
Upcoming Events
MS Music Ensemble concert
Thursday, December 4, 6:30pm, First United Methodist Church
Chapel: Lessons & Carols
Friday, December 19, 2pm, Gymnasium
Alumni Classes of 20082014 Holiday reunion Event
Friday, December 19 1pm | Alumni Book Buddies & MS Clubs 2pm | Lessons & Carols Chapel 2:45pm | Alumni Koinonia Project 3:30pm | Alumni Reception
Alumni Classes of 20042007 over-21 Holiday reception
Friday, December 19, 5:30pm, Cotter Commons at Trinity Episcopal School
Family chapel/Epiphany
Friday, January 11, 8am, Gymnasium
State of the School Address
Tuesday, January 13, 7pm, Dickson Dining Hall
Freedom fete w/ Special guest Stephanie Robinson
Thursday, January 22, 6pm, Gymnasium
750 E. 9th Street Charlotte, NC 28202-3102
Telephone 704. 358. 8101 Facsimile 704. 358. 9908 www.TEScharlotte.org
2014-15 Board of Trustees Philip C. Colaco, Chair The Honorable David C. Keesler, Past Chair Caroline M. Stoneman, Secretary Robert R. Anders, Jr. The Reverend Kevin Brown Ann Blakeney Clark Martha M. Eubank Edward Exson John F. FitzHugh Kenneth A. “Thold” Gill III Claudia F. Heath Elizabeth O. Kiser Albert P. Lindemann III Stephen A. Mayo Debra Plousha Moore Cynthia Oates Joseph W. Pitt, Jr. S. Woods Potts T. Edmund Rast Casey Rogers David R. Tate Frank Toliver, Jr. Court Young
Trinity Alumni - News & Notes
Ex Officio Thomas J. Franz, Head of School David Matvey, PA President
Lizzie Kingsley (‘10), freshman at University of Southern California, is currently studying abroad at the American University in Paris, France for her first semester.
Genevieve Becker (‘08), junior at Davidson College, spent the summer interning for Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina. Becker was accepted into the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir in Washington, D.C., this summer. She is continuing her studies abroad this fall in Granada, Spain. Dani Brown (‘11), senior at Providence Day School, was recently inducted into the Cum Laude Honor Society. Brown was also recognized as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.
Donovan Patterson (‘12), junior at Cannon School, was selected to attend the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference in December. Patterson was also selected to serve on the Honor Council at Cannon. He was awarded the Core Value Award and the Most Valuable Player Award for the JV Basketball Team.
Sam Potts (’04), graduate of University of Georgia, organized a 5K run in memory of his cousin and Trinity alum, Pete Sowell(‘04), to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Louise Dufresne (‘05), graduate of Vassar College, works as an Fund. Potts, joined by many other Trinity alums, family and Associate Producer for CBS News’ Face the Nation with Bob friends raised more than $32,000, the most money ever raised by Shieffer. Dufresne, along with her production team, recently won a third party for diabetes research. an Emmy for the public affairs program. Claire Ellis (‘14), freshman at Myers Park High School, is playing the viola in the Myers Park Orchestra. Ellis volunteered with the orchestra to teach children how to play instruments in their booth at Festival in the Park. Caroline Gill (‘06) graduated from Washington & Lee University with a Bachelors in Economics, and was hired as an Investment Banking Analyst for JP Morgan in New York City. Lelia Hoover (‘05) graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelors in Public Policy and a Masters of Accounting. Hoover currently works as Staff Auditor at Ernst and Young in Washington, D.C.
Cameron Little (‘10), graduate of St. Mary’s School, signed to play golf at The Citadel. Little is currently ranked third on the team as a freshman. She is majoring in Criminal Justice. Chase Mayo (‘14), freshman at McCallie School in Tennessee, was one of only 2 freshman to make the JV Golf Team.
Send your alumni news & notes to Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Manager Nancy Tribble at ntribble@tescharlotte.org.