Trinity Voice_Summer 2013

Volume 24 • sUMMER 2013

Dear Trinity, Editor’s note: On June 5, Trinity held its tenth commencement ceremony. This year’s class consisted of 42 students. We hope you enjoy reading their letters to Trinity below and on our Web site, www.TEScharlotte.org.

Mario Jerez, Class of 2013

I

will never forget the fun times we have had together. I would like you to know how much you matter to me and how much you have shaped me. I want you to know how important you are to me.

my best as an individual and as a part of a team. I shall never bully or be a bystander to bullying because I will always respect the uniqueness and the gifts of others.

I will always follow Do you remember WOW week when you showed me Parkour with friends? You showed this Honor Code and me to connect with my fellow sixth- and seventhgraders. You showed me to trust my body enough will always keep the spirit to allow it to do what I wanted it to do. Before of Trinity with me. you, I did not allow my body to do anything risky, but you allowed me to take a chance and my body did not fail. You encouraged me to break my I will always follow this Honor Code and will comfort zone which allowed it to expand. You always keep the spirit of Trinity with me. Trinity, taught me to trust myself.

I will miss you, and I will definitely come to visit you, and I will always keep a part of you with The Honor Code, the pledge that I have recited me. The part that gives me honor. The part every Monday for these past two school years, that gives me soul. will come with me everywhere I go. You, Trinity, will come with me everywhere I go because the Thank you, Trinity, for letting me be Honor Code is your soul. When I go to high a part of you. I will not say goodbye school, I will be respected by my friends because because this is not the end. This is the I will not lie, cheat or steal. I will keep up with beginning. school work, and I will be responsible for my actions when I mess up. People will want to Sincerely, do school projects with me because I will do Mario Jerez

T

Pictured: Mario Jerez, with TES spanish teacher Paola Saavedra, (top) and Mikaila Roncevich (bottom).

Mikaila will attend Myers Park High School and Mario will attend East Mecklenburg High School in the fall.

Mikaila Roncevich, Class of 2013

hank you. Thank you for the good times and bad. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong, how to add and read; thank you for giving me the experience of a lifetime.You have been my second home since Kindergarten, and I love you more than words can explain. Since the beginning, I have made lifelong relationships because of you. All of my teachers have put in so much extra time to make sure that they got to know me personally, and that they were never just another teacher. They cared for me and treated me like family. When I look back on it, I realize how much that means to me. I have found a place where I am truly loved, and I know I can always come back here to see my Trinity family.

When I was little, I didn’t understand what you were offering me and how different it was from other schools. You basically raised me, and I’ll be forever grateful for that. You exposed me to so many new things.

The Haiti trip was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had, and I will never forget it. I found God there.

I would never have had that if you hadn’t pushed me. You pushed me and challenged me to be the best I could be because you knew I could always do better. Because of you, I have the confidence to try harder. You made me feel special and unique, yet appreciated. I am proud to say that you have made me me.

Wow. It’s so weird saying goodbye to you.

You have been there for nine whole years of my life, and it’s so strange to be leaving that behind. I know I’ll never leave completely, though.

You will always be the biggest part of my life, and I will never stop coming back. The memories, the friendships, the knowledge: it will always be there. Thank you for that.

I love you, Trinity.

XOXO, Mikaila Roncevich

Creating Scholars, Nurturing Spirituality and Embracing Diversity in Charlotte’s Center City

In this issue... > A Time for Reflection: Baccalaureate & Beyond > Collecting Change: Words of Gratitude > Why We Love Trinity

Grandfriends’ Day 2013 through the eyes of a Trinity Grandparent.

> Commencement, Post-Trinity Plans & Alumni Updates

The Trinity voice

Volume 24 • SUMMER 2013

A Time for Reflection: Baccalaureate & Beyond

Collecting Change:

Words of Gratitude from the Advancement Office

Tom Franz, Head of School In schools, the first week of summer provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the preceding school year before we begin the scramble of planning for the upcoming year. One end of year event I reflected on was baccalaureate. During a long career in schools, I have found baccalaureate services to be one of the most meaningful and enjoyable celebrations because of their communal focus. Baccalaureate has been defined and described in the following ways: • A farewell address in the form of a sermon usually delivered to a graduating class.

• A baccalaureate service is a celebration which honors a graduating class...The event is typically a Christian-based interdenominational service...

• Baccalaureate is usually held within a few days of the graduation and/or commencement ceremony...Speakers selected tend to be community leaders, faculty members, students, or local religious leaders...Speeches are often intermixed with musical performances, drama, and worship.

While each of these describes baccalaureate services, like so many

Emily Johnson, Director of Advancement things at Trinity, none of these descriptions come close to capturing the spirit and magic of what happens during our baccalaureate service the evening before our eighth-graders graduate.

Since Trinity’s first graduation, our baccalaureate service has included remarks about each student delivered by his or her Koinonia leader. This sacred time provides a glimpse into the character and growth of each child. And, with twelve diverse koinonia leaders, the array of deliveries is an interesting element of the presentations.

While the idea of speaking about forty-two students individually seemed somewhat counter intuitive to one who had experienced more traditional baccalaureate services for decades, and it certainly has several potential pitfalls and challenges, in the end, the tapestry that was woven by the presentations provided wonderful imagery of the community that was created by this unique group of students and is at the core of what this school means to be for children.

Reflecting on the graduation has allowed me the opportunity to realize what incredible support this community provides to its members and to the school. As another graduating class moves on to high school, I am reminded how grateful I am to be a member of the Trinity Family who is working on behalf of our children each day.

Why We Love Trinity

As we opened the last metal can, Jessica and I couldn’t help but smile even bigger. Every single member of the Class of 2013 had monetarily given back to Trinity – 100%.

As the Advancement Office continues to grow Trinity’s Alumni program, we wanted to design a new campaign for the eighthgrade graduating class. The “Collect Your Change” campaign was something new and exciting for Class of 2013 that challenged them to collect their extra change for the month of May and give it to Trinity as their first alumni gift. The total amount given by the 42 students was just over $271, more than any prior year of alumni giving. To some, it may not sound like a lot of money, but to Jessica and me, the example of 100% participation was much more significant than the actual amount.

If there is one truth I have come to know in my first year at Trinity, it is that this community is a community of givers. These students have been learning how to give back for years. Maybe not with their money, but with gifts such as their energy, their time and their spirituality, which have been given to them by God to share with Trinity and the world. Gifts of time, talent and treasure are the qualities that make Trinity Episcopal School the strong community that it is.

While the effort of these eighth-graders is something to be celebrated, their contribution does not surprise me. They see giving all around them.

Teachers and staff give their gifts of knowledge, guidance, time, treasure and love to develop our children – body, mind and spirit. Parent volunteers give back by serving on committees, driving to Service Learning, cutting fruit in the Dickson Dining Hall, posting art throughout the building, tending to our Clothes Closet, taking pictures at

Grandfriends’ Day or diligently working to make our garden grow.

Alumni give of their time by volunteering in the 1st grade over Spring Break, working in Wildcat Summer Camps or reading to a Kindergarten class when they’re home for the holidays. Grandparents and special friends give back through their interest in and support of the school. Donors give of their money to make sure this school stays financially strong and true to our mission.

Families sacrifice to give their children the gift of a Trinity Episcopal School education.

And then there are the students – gifts of school supplies to children in Africa who need them, a cow to Heifer International to support a hungry community, can tabs to support Ronald McDonald House, toiletries for Urban Ministries. And other gifts more personal – holding a friend’s hand while they get a Band-Aid for a scraped elbow, throwing a baby shower to welcome Mr. Martin’s twins, making “just because” cards for staff in the Yellow House, creating a papier-mâché Cisco to say thanks to Ms. Rankey, giving their Science Buddy one last hug goodbye at the end of the school year.

They give respect to their classmates, kind words to their teachers and a generous spirit to all who know them. This paragraph could go on and on and on…

The point really is this: fundraisers love to talk about the “culture of philanthropy” and it is a personal privilege to serve a place like Trinity, where the entire community is “collecting their change” and spreading it beyond each and every day. On behalf of the Advancement office and Trinity Episcopal School, thanks to ALL for what has been given to make the 2012-13 school year stronger and richer in every way.

Grandfriends’ Day 2013 through the eyes of a Trinity Grandparent.

Ann Young, Trinity Grandparent (pictured right) As May 10, 2013, approached, I look forward with anticipation to another Grandfriends Day at Trinity. Jim and I are the grandparents of Trinity students, firstgrader Margaret and third-grader, James.

This is our opportunity to spend some quality time in their school world. As we approached the school at 8am, the school was alive with energy and a welcoming committee of both parents and faculty. Each time I enter this school, I am acutely aware of an atmosphere and spirit of cooperation, acceptance and eagerness to learn.

instead, I would be involved! In Margaret’s classroom, we participated in an activity comparing my experiences as a first-grader to those of Margaret’s. What a wonderful way to give us the chance to talk about “way back then,” as well as provide an atmosphere of understanding and connection between generations. In James’ class, James read a poem he wrote about his grandfather and then using words we were given, we wrote a poem together. In each class the teachers were waiting to answer questions and tell us more about the year.

After we checked-in, Jim and I spent a happy half hour greeting other grandparents and exchanging stories we have heard of the children’s experiences at Trinity this school year. As an educator, I appreciate the unique educational opportunity Trinity provides.

The combination of experiential learning, opportunities for mastery, the diversity of the student body, and the spirit of giving is what we love about Trinity.

As morning wound down, we headed to the gym to hear and participate in what really gives Trinity its guiding light, the word of God. In the traditional Friday Chapel, Bible scripture is both spoken and sung.

The enthusiasm and passion is contagious.

As we left Chapel, Jim and I knew that these teachings would be demonstrated daily in the example faculty and staff provide at the school. This is why we love This year, we had more than 250 grandparents and special friends attended our 2013 Trinity.

Grandfriends’ Day event on May 10, 2013. If you are a Trinity grandparent, we encourage you to come visit throughout the school year, attend Grandfriends’ Day, volunteer or share your story with your grandchild’s class. Please visit us online at www.TEScharlotte.org or call 704. 358. 8101.

As we left to go to the classrooms, I knew that I would not be just an observer today,

The Trinity voice

Volume 24 • sUMMER 2013

Class of 2013 High School Choices MC Beecy Grace Marie Bradham Hudson Brown Derek Burgess Oriana Cardarelli† Nigel Chambers† Kirkland Cobb Will Collins Lucy Conant-Keim Nicholas Cox Lillian Curme† Franccezka Descalzi† Ava DeVine Nora Duncan† Kendall Edwards Jake Everett James Ferguson Austin Glover Tyler Grier† Aisha Hoskins Mackenzie Hull

St. Mary’s School, North Carolina Charlotte Christian School Myers Park High School Phillip O’Berry High School Myers Park High School Phillip O’Berry High School Charlotte Latin School Northwest School of the Arts Carmel Christian Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Charlotte Catholic School Myers Park High School Putney School, Vermont Myers Park High School Hough High School Myers Park High School Charlotte Christian School Myers Park High School Rocky River High School North Mecklenburg High School †

Mario Jerez Hayes Johnson† Carson Jones† Isabel Kelligrew Anna Kilguss Cooper Knight† Charlie Knight† Anna Low† Ele McCarter† Tait McMillian† Lucy Murrey† Karina Orea-Vazquez Edward Ortega-Colon Conrad Pollock† Mikaila Roncevich† Kayla Saunders Landon Shelley† Terrell Spears Rachel Sundar Garrett Te Kolste† Camille Wilder†

Woodlawn School, North Carolina Woodberry Forest School, Virginia Providence Day School Charlotte Catholic School Myers Park High School Asheville School, North Carolina Virginia Episcopal School, Virginia Myers Park High School Charlotte Latin School Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Undecided Hickory Grove High School Charlotte Country Day School Myers Park High School North Mecklenburg High School Myers Park High School Home School Undecided Myers Park High School Myers Park High School

Denotes Lifer Student

Following Our Alumni (and first class of Lifer Students)

Class of 2009 College Choices Alexis Giger Allison Agnew Brent Milgrom Chris Bradham Daniel Kennedy David Wright Derek Fulton Emily Houpt Geoffrey Matthews Grace Ellen Bryant Jack Matkins Jeb Gebhart Jeremy Evivie Jessie Duncan Jordan Harris Julia Laughlin Kate Copeland

Washington University St. Louis, Missouri University of Nevada, Nevada Furman University, South Carolina Furman University, South Carolina East Carolina University University of North Carolina Asheville Gap Year - University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of North Carolina Wilmington Indiana University, Indiana Queens University Vanderbilt University, Tennessee Samford University, Alabama North Carolina State University Northwestern University, Illinois University of North Carolina Chapel Hill William & Mary College, Virginia Unknown

Kathryn Heynen Kelli Catoe Laura Gill Laura Wade Leighton Durham Lucy Pitts Madison McGrath Mason Dufresne Matthew Kirkland Myles Grier Parker Levy Reece Eldredge Sarah McDonald Stephen Good Sydney Slaven William Starnes

Appalachian State University Unknown University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Trevecca Nazarene University, Tennessee Duke University Rhodes College, Tennessee High Point University University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Mars Hill College University of North Carolina Charlotte Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia East Carolina University University of Virginia, Virginia Unknown University of North Carolina Chapel Hill United States Marine Corps

Upcoming Events

Summer Clothes Closet Sale

Wednesday, July 10, 3-6pm

Wildcat Round-Up

Monday, August 19, 11:30am1pm and 4:30-6:30pm

First Day of School

Tuesday, August 20, 8am

New Parent Reception

Thursday, August 22, 6:30-8pm

Community Chapel: Convocation

Friday, August 30, 8am, Gymnasium

Honor Code Week

August 26-30

K-5 Back-to-School Night

Thursday, August 29, 6-8pm

MS Back-to-School Night

Thursday, September 5, 6-8:30pm

750 E. 9th Street Charlotte, NC 28202-3102

Telephone 704. 358. 8101 Facsimile 704. 358. 9908 www.TEScharlotte.org

2012-13 Board of Trustees The Honorable David C. Keesler, Chair Philip C. Colaco, Treasurer Elizabeth G. Hobbs, Secretary Robert J. Miller, Past Chair Robert R. Anders, Jr. The Reverend Kevin Brown Ann Blakeney Clark Mary Anne Dickson Martha M. Eubank John F. FitzHugh Claudia F. Heath Elizabeth O. Kiser Albert P. Lindemann III Debra Plousha Moore Anna S. Nelson Joseph W. Pitt, Jr. S. Woods Potts T. Edmund Rast Stoney D. Sellars Caroline M. Stoneman David R. Tate Frank Toliver, Jr.

Trinity Alumni - News & Notes Ky Atkinson (‘08), rising sophomore at Elizabeth City State University, received the 2013 Aviation Science Faculty Award.

Atkinson is in the honors program at Elizabeth City and is studying to become a pilot.

Bethany Brewer (‘05), graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC State University with a Bachelors in Science in Chemical Engineering and a minor is Spanish. Brewer started working as an Engineer in the vaccine production unit of Merck Pharmaceuticals.

Louise Dufresne (‘05),graduated from Vassar College and was awarded the Tannebaum Fellowship for Journalism with her internship at CBSnews. Dufresne joined CBS’ Face the Nation program as an Associate Producer this summer.

Ellie Good (‘07), rising junior at Queens University, recently released her first studio recorded EP on iTunes and is performing at various venues around Charlotte, NC, this summer.

Kat Hall (‘05), recently graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelors in Psychology and Spanish. Hall will pursue her Masters in Education in Spanish in the Wake Forest University Graduate Program.

Troy Henderson (‘10), rising senior at Gaston Day School, was recently inducted to the National Art Honor Society. Henderson has also received three full athletic scholarships for basketball from University of Vermont, St. Mary’s and Mercer College.

Geoffrey Matthews (‘09), rising freshman at Indiana University, was accepted to participate in Young Life’s Frontier Ranch in Colorado this summer.

Send your alumni news & notes to Communications & Alumni Relations Manager Jessica Masanotti at jbmasanotti@tescharlotte.org or on our Website, www.TEScharlotte.org/tesalumni.

Ex Officio Thomas J. Franz, Head of School Jessica Solis-Ritchey, PA President

Trinity students and teachers say their goodbyes on the last day of school.