Celebra te the
ENDURING Spring 2022
THE TRINITY
VOICE m a ga zin e
2 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
DEAR
Trinity families, This spring marks 20 years since Trinity students began work on what would become part of our bedrock: the Honor Code. It calls on every member of the community - students and staculty - to act with responsibility, respect, kindness and integrity. Among the Honor Code pledge is to “celebrate the joyful, beautiful and enduring.” For this edition of The Trinity Voice, we celebrate the enduring as our community emerges from two years of living in a pandemic. The history teacher in me is excited to look back, the Head of School part of me wants to notice the blessings our school community has experienced this year, and the retiring part is excited to look with great hope and expectation to the future of Trinity. I remember Wednesday, March 11, 2020, as the pivotal point in the life of the school. I was on calls with other independent school leaders in North Carolina and in discussions with Trinity’s senior leadership. To give you an idea of how far back this was, these were old-fashioned conference calls on phones. Remember those? Zoom wasn’t yet part of our daily vocabulary. Student-led conferences would go on as planned that week. I remember greeting many of you with elbow bumps as you arrived on campus, and for the rest of the school year the campus would be closed. We used the week before spring break to practice at-home learning, and the teachers worked their entire break planning for what was uncharted territory. As we all became more comfortable and adept with remote technology last school year, there were many other unique challenges: masking, canceling programs, putting students into cohorts, temperature checks, surface sanitizing, and fearing the toll the pandemic would have on our community’s health. We pushed through those challenges and were excited to learn in person last year, but we missed the heart and soul of Trinity - its community - as we went without the regular interactions we might have taken for granted in the past: Greet the Week in the courtyard, K-8 Chapel in the gym, walks to ImaginOn, servicelearning, welcoming parents on campus, and many of the things that make Trinity so special. For the 2021-22 school year, we resolved to provide the full Trinity experience with the needed protocols to maintain our school community’s health. Of course, the omicron variant slowed us down a bit, but Trinity’s heart keeps beating and its soul endures, this spring and for years to come. It has been a joy to experience the endurance of this community and the things that make us Trinity. We look forward to sharing a window into Trinity and our community in this edition of The Voice. With Peace, Hope and Love,
Head of School
IN THIS
4-7
The Buzz at Trinity
8-11
20 Questions
12-13
TES Shelfies
14-15
What Makes Trinity “Trinity?” A New Chapter for Trinity
16 -17
Q&A with incoming Head of School, Imana Legette
18-19
The Show Must Go On
20-21
The Nurse Is In
24-25
Science Buddies Creates a “Lifelong Bond” Tom Franz and Trinity: A Tribute
26-27
11 Years of Growth
28-29
Good Boy: Cisco Heads for Retirement
30-32
New Wildcat Families Enter the Den
34-35
Historic Year for New Staculty
38-39
Transitions: Class of 2021
42
22
43-44
43
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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3
12
ISSUE
45
Q&A with Alum Gaila Fosbinder Alumni News and Notes Thank You, Mr. Franz
46-47
Parting Words
48-50
TES’ 21-Day Equity Challenge
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
4
the
BUZZ at
TRINITY
Math With a View Learning is not one-size-fits-all at Trinity. It looks different from classroom to classroom. In Mr. Plum’s Middle School math class, students can bypass the whiteboard and work out their math problems on the windows overlooking uptown. Get to know Mr. Plum and other new faculty members on page 34 of this issue.
2022 Freedom Fete We were thrilled to welcome artist and activist Edwin Gil as our featured speaker for the 18th annual Freedom Fete celebrating those working to further social justice in our community and beyond. Mr. Gil met with students and staculty during his two-day visit, sharing how art can unite. He stopped by Ms. Rankey’s art room to talk with Grade 5 artists about their creations, and inspired Middle School students to begin an art quilt that will connect to symbolize our togetherness as a TES community. It was also wonderful to gather in person, in the CCA auditorium for his conversation with Trinity’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging, Ayeola Elias.
5 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
A New Dimension of Learning One of the more-recent arrivals at Trinity is a 3-D printer in Ms. Griffin’s Innovation Lab, where it quickly went to work creating “the impossible box” and a few other student designs. Ms. Griffin incorporated the printer into a student-created winter enrichment, and is looking forward to using it in her technology curriculum.
Spirit Week Returns! For the second year, Trinity celebrated Spirit Week! There was no shortage of creativity for each day’s theme, from “chose your own theme” Monday, when some Middle School students dressed as tourists, to “Freaky Friday,” when students dressed as staculty and vice-versa.
Many Hands Make Light Work Trinity’s 8th Street Garden is a true community effort and a centerpiece of the Trinity experience. From Kindergarten through Middle School, students tend to the garden throughout the school year, pulling weeds, planting flowers, herbs and seeds, connecting the tasks in the garden with what students are learning in the classroom.
6 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
Wildcats Bring Home the Hardware The 7th/8th Grades girls’ basketball team had a championship season, defeating Charlotte Prep to win the Queen City Conference title. Wildcat fans filled the gym with cheers! The girls’ team also finished the regular season in first place, while the boys’ 8th Grade team finished second and also made it to the championship game.
Festival del Día de los Muertos Café con Padres, a parent affinity group of families from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, hosted a very colorful carpool celebration in honor of El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)! This joyful holiday was a time for people to remember and honor the lives of their loved ones who have passed away. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Trinity families to come together in a vibrant and unique way!
On with the Show! Performing arts and in-person audiences are back! Students, families and staculty have been able to enjoy many performances this year, starting with the 4th Grade’s staging of “Aladdin” in the CCA auditorium. Read more about the return of concerts and plays on page 18 of this issue.
7
Building Community Through Service Learning
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
When the surge in COVID cases this summer disrupted plans for Grade 7 students to visit retirement center residents for their service learning, Trinity grandparents answered the call and offered to meet virtually with students and help with their listening and relationship-building skills. During this school year, students used these visits to write biographies of their grandparent partners.
Black History Month at Trinity Black History Month was a community-wide celebration at Trinity built on the theme of “Black is… Excellence.” Each grade level studied notable graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and created hallway and door displays about those figures. The month was capped by a powerful Sankofa Chapel filled with music, prayers and reflection.
12 Tribes of Trinity Students in Grades 3-5 eagerly await getting together with their tribes every other week. Tribes are a longtime Trinity tradition based on the 12 Tribes of Israel, giving students in those grades an opportunity to get to know each other and build relationships with their tribe’s staculty leaders. Activities and lessons are designed to reinforce Trinity’s Honor Code and offer fellowship through hands-on learning and games, such as their March Madness pinball tournament in the gym.
What is your go-to morning drink?
1
with TES Alumna
Alexis
Coffee!
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
8
GEIGER class of ‘09
2
What did you want to be when you grew up? A “baby doctor” (pediatrician).
3 5
4
Who inspires you?
Ms. Rankey’s classroom!
Artists, quilters, tailors, gardeners, foragers. Just about anyone who works with nature or makes things with their hands.
7
Favorite Trinity moment?
6
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen or read this week?
Pretending to be dinosaurs on the playground with my best friends Jessie and Julia, who are still my best friends.
What’s your cure for hiccups?
I’m listening to a podcast about the controversy surrounding quilt clothes - or clothing made from upcycled quilts. It’s a fascinating intersection between quilting and fashion design, heritage and trend, and the value of secondhand textiles.
Favorite spot on Trinity’s campus?
Swallowing a spoonful of sugar raw. It’s kinda icky but it does the trick!
9
8 If your life were a film, who would play you?
10
What’s your favorite Charlotte-area restaurant?
Is cereal a soup?
Dogwood. I always go with my folks when I’m back in town!
Me! No way am I letting someone else have all the fun.
11
The ability to summon collective calm over myself or a group of people.
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16
15
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What was the last gift you gave someone? A flight, but for myself! I’m going out to visit a friend I haven’t seen in a while.
Which historical figure(s) would you invite to dinner? David Bowie
If you could only eat one gas station food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Quik Trip Taquitos. It’s scary how quickly I knew my answer.
Moonstruck! With Nicholas Cage and Cher!
Remembering very specific, very insignificant details.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
13
What’s your favorite movie?
What’s your secret talent?
QUES
No way.
12
2
Which foreign language would you like to be fluent in?
17
Italian
If you were a dessert, what type would you be? Chocolate ice cream
19 Spontaneity or stability? Why? I lean toward stability most of the time, but I need both to thrive.
20
Favorite Trinity song? My friends and I rewrote the words to the Trinity creed in middle school as a joke. That version is still my favorite.
1
What is your go-to morning drink?
with TES Parent
Star
Coffee
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
What did you want to be when you grew up?
9
HUNTER
2
3
Actor on Broadway
Who inspires you?
4
My son, Adam
Favorite spot on Trinity’s campus?
5
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen or read this week?
Benches out front near the big oak tree What’s your cure for hiccups?
6
0
National Geographic show about the Clotilda, last American slave ship
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Boo! Scare them away
9
Favorite Trinity moment? Reading birthday books
If your life were a film, who would play you?
What’s your favorite Charlotte-area restaurant?
10
Firebirds
Gabrielle Union
Is cereal a soup? Most definitely not.
TIONS
11
What’s your secret talent? Imaginary hula hooping
12 What’s your favorite movie?
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Shrek
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8
If you could only eat one gas station food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Oatmeal pie/cake
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Time manipulation
15
What was the last gift you gave someone? Money
16 17
Which foreign language would you like to be fluent in? Spanish
If you were a dessert, what type would you be?
18
Red Velvet cake
Which historical figure(s) would you invite to dinner? Malcolm X
20
Favorite Trinity song? Trinity school song
19 Spontaneity or stability? Why? Stability, makes being spontaneous more interesting.
What is your go-to morning drink?
1
with TES Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Milk - with pop tarts. Of course, I have been known to drink a Coke in the AM also.
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Grady
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
SMITH 2
What did you want to be when you grew up? An armored car driver for Brinks or Wells Fargo. I even wrote a letter to Wells Fargo when I was young, telling them I wanted to drive an armored truck. They sent me a nice return letter and a real badge.
3
Who inspires you?
4
My wife, Lolly. All my colleagues on the third floor. John “Good Trouble” Lewis.
5
Favorite spot on Trinity’s campus? Room 312!! It was re-numbered this year and is now room 12. Best views in the school.
6
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen or read this week?
What’s your cure for hiccups?
9
I read an interesting article about artificial intelligence and professional poker. I am not sure how much I understood, but it was fascinating.
I like to scare people or really get in their personal space and demand intensely that they hiccup right away for me.
What’s your favorite Charlottearea restaurant?
7
8
Favorite Trinity moment? My first Blessing of the Pets, dressing as the Gingerbread Man and being chased by kindergarteners, hearing civil rights icon Rev. Dr. Jesse Douglas sing in chapel, going with students to D.C. for presidential inaugurations, and so many more!
11 I have incredibly good hearing, like the alien monsters in “A Quiet Place.”
14 If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Hulk-like strength
18
Which historical figure(s) would you invite to dinner?
Abraham Lincoln. He was well known for being a great storyteller and for being very funny. And, he loved banana pudding.
Is cereal a soup?
Charles Bronson
What kind of question is that? Cereal is life. Cereal is not soup.
12
13
“Jeremiah Johnson” (1972) and “Glory” (1989)
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15
What was the last gift you gave someone? A four-color pen for Mr. Wertz for his 30th birthday.
QUES
10
If your life were a film, who would play you?
What’s your favorite movie?
What’s your secret talent?
2
The Diamond Restaurant. It has been around since ‘45. I have not been eating there since ‘45.
If you could only eat one gas station food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Those little plastic wrapped brownies with nuts (and a red cap plastic bottle of milk).
Which foreign language would you like to be fluent in? Spanish
17 If you were a dessert, what type would you be? Banana pudding (from The Diamond!)
19 Spontaneity or stability? Why? Spontanability? I love a little chaos, but as I get older stability seems, well, more stable.
20
Favorite Trinity song? Old school: “Sanctuary” or “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” New school: “Crowded Table.”
1
with TES Board of Trustee Member
What is your go-to morning drink?
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a teacher!
Favorite spot on Trinity’s campus?
4
The field. I love to see the students running and having fun, and I love to be in community with other parents during afternoon carpool.
Who inspires you? My students. They work so hard and keep me on my toes every day.
0
6
What’s your cure for hiccups?
7
Hold your breath while swallowing five times.
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THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
BOWMAN
2
3
11
Anne
Coffee and water
What’s your favorite Charlotte-area restaurant? Barrington’s
TIONS
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen or read this week?
5
I’m currently reading “Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Approach to Reading, Spelling, and Literacy.” Favorite Trinity moment? Moving-up Chapel.
10
8 If your life were a film, who would play you? Amy Poehler
Is cereal a soup? No- is that even up for debate?
11
What’s your secret talent? Knowing song lyrics
12 What’s your favorite movie? Shawshank Redemption
13
If you could only eat one gas station food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Doritos
14
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
15
I would love to be able to fly.
I gave my co-worker a mantra bracelet that I knew she would like.
17 If you were a dessert, what type would you be? I’m not sure but my favorite dessert is anything chocolate.
20
Favorite Trinity song? The Garden Song (“Inch by inch”) because it reminds me of my time teaching kindergarten!
What was the last gift you gave someone?
18
Which historical figure(s) would you invite to dinner? Rosa Parks and my grandfather, Sam Ray, who worked to desegregate schools in Norfolk. I’d like to hear them discuss their vastly different experiences, and I’d love to learn from Rosa Parks about the courage and responsibility to stand up for what is right, especially when it is not easy.
16
Which foreign language would you like to be fluent in? I was a French major in college, but I am nowhere near fluent. So I’d love to be fluent in French.
19 Spontaneity or stability? Why? With four children, there are many moving pieces coordinating carpools, activities, meals, etc., so stability is necessary to keep us all sane.
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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TES
#SHELFIES Feel like you’ve read everything on your book shelf? Is it time to spruce up your home library or podcast feed, especially with some summer downtime and road trips on the horizon? The Trinity community is full of voracious readers and podcast listeners who have just the recommendation you’ve been looking for!
ANDY WERTZ Middle School English Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher Young Adult Novel: “Nowhere Boy” by Katherine Marsh. Beware! This book will make you cry in the first chapter, but I promise, if you give it a chance, the end will make you smile. It is a courageous story of a Syrian refugee alone in Brussels. It’s everything a young adult novel should be by teaching the reader while keeping them entertained. Adult Novel: “Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller. This novel is a retelling of the love story between Achilles and Patroclus as they grow up until the Trojan War. It has everything one could want from a story: history, fantasy, action, love, and insight. It’s one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. Non-Fiction: “The Wreckage of My Presence” by Casey Wilson. In this collection of essays, actress and comedienne Casey Wilson tackles FlyWheel and the death of her mother with humor and steel-eyed insight. This book had me laughing out loud and teary-eyed. Poetry: “Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings” by Joy Harjo. This earlier collection of poetry by our nation’s poet laureate, Joy Harjo, is beautifully profound. She grapples with the abstract and concrete, the natural world and ultimately the connection between us.
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NORA HUDSON
Music Chaplain
English Language Learning Catalyst
Listening to the audiobook of “Dracula” by Bram Stoker Who doesn’t love a good horror novel? Especially one with one of my favorite types of fictional monsters - vampires. For years I have enjoyed vampire folklore, although I’m not quite sure how it happened, but nevertheless here we are. From the WB’s “Vampire Diaries” to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and even “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” I’ve always been drawn to the genre.
I am always talking about what I heard on a podcast recently! Driving to school and back home, I listen to a slew of podcasts, but my go-tos are: “Hidden Brain” “This American Life” “Rough Translation” “Radio Ambulante”
SIOBHAN REDDICK Associate Director of Admission “Think Like a Monk” Jay Shetty
“Think Like A Monk” brings peace and nourishment to your mind, body and soul at a time where things can feel so uncertain.
MATT PISCITELLI Grade 5 Teacher
GLENN DAHLEN Business Officer
“The Paper Menagerie” a short story collection by Ken Liu, who is my favorite new author. He pushes the reader to think profoundly about life, the universe, and everything in between. “Inward” by Yung Pueblo is deeply meditative poetry.
“To End in Fire” by David Weber & Eric Flint
Two of my favorite space opera authors combine to write another novel in the 30-plus volume Honor Harrington universe (Honorverse). You’ll turn 696 pages of pure entertainment!
The “Upside Down Magic” series by Emily Jenkins, Laurne Myracle, and Laurne Sara Mlynowski is so good and I’m reading the series with my daughter right now. “What Would You Do with a Chance?” by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
QUANTICE WHITE
WHAT MAKES TRINITY, THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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“TRINITY?”
“The community and the sense of togetherness.” Jimi Dunbeck, 8th Grade
“Our ability to change and grow.” Dawn Wheeler, 2nd Grade Instructional Assistant
“I feel like it’s my family.” Vynn Peltz, 4th Grade
“The teachers.” Ashley Rodríguez Castillo, 6th Grade
“Trinity accepts anyone who comes here as their very own.” William Rojas, 5th Grade
15 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
“The kids. It’s like I have 400 grandchildren.” Roland Jenkins, Facilities Director *Mr. Jenkins is retiring in June after 12 years of service to Trinity. Thank you, Mr. Jenkins, for all you’ve done for our community!
“Science buddies.” Gabriela Pareja Castro, Kindergarten
“Kindness.” Saraya Newberry, 3rd Grade
“The people.” Margaret Dickson, 1st Grade
“The Honor Code. I’ve never heard of any other school that has another code, and that the kids there embody it every day.” Austin Redmond, 7th Grade
“This is THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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WHERE I NEEDED to be.”
There have been a few “is this really happening?” moments for Imana Legette since her appointment in January as Trinity’s next Head of School, effective July 1.
“I’m still pinching myself,” she said. “This really is a dream come true.”
Similar to Ms. Legette’s eagerness to begin work at Trinity is the enthusiasm in the community - both the Trinity community and the broader Charlotte community. Whenever Trinity comes up in conversation, it’s likely that someone knows Ms. Legette or has heard about her appointment. Below is a conversation with Ms. Legette shortly after her Head of School appointment. We look forward to welcoming her to the Trinity community as we begin a new chapter in TES history! __
Leading a K-8 school has been a life-long goal for Ms. Legette, whose education roots run deep in Charlotte. An alumna of West Charlotte High School and UNC Charlotte, Ms. Legette began her lengthy career in education as a teacher at the Chantilly Visual and Performing Arts School (now Chantilly Montessori). She also spent nearly 15 years at Charlotte Country Day School before moving to Pennsylvania, where she is currently Head of Middle School at The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square. “When I think of all the experiences I’ve had, it all led me right here” to Trinity, said Ms. Legette.
Q: How does it feel to be chosen as Trinity’s next
Head of School?
A: I just thank God every day that I was chosen. It’s an awesome responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I wanted to be a head of school for the right reasons - and the right school. It had to be a good fit for me, a place where I could really make a difference with students and faculty, and move the school forward. Trinity checked all those boxes. Becoming a head of school aligns my passion for challenging and nurturing students with my deep commitment to equity and inclusion and a sense of belonging for all.
It’s an awesome responsibility that I don’t take lightly when you’re responsible for 5- to 14-year olds, that is a huge responsibility, and I want to do right by them.
Q: What’s it like coming back to Charlotte? A: It’s a beautiful blessing to come back to a city I have so much respect for and that has grown so much. And Trinity wasn’t foreign to me. I watched Trinity grow and develop while I was at Country Day. I loved what Father Smokey (Trinity’s founding Head of School, Smokey Oats) created and that Uptown Charlotte is an extension of Trinity with opportunities for service learning and other partnerships. When I saw Trinity more than 20 years ago, it was just trailers and dirt when it was getting off the ground. To see how much it’s grown, it’s impressive and it’s beautiful, and it’s time to make sure that other people know about Trinity, to get Trinity’s name out into the broader community.
“When I walked in that door, the feeling of family and belonging was palpable. You could tell this was a community of people that cared about each other and that are happy to be there to support kids and families.” Q: What were your impressions of the Trinity
community when you were here to interview for the Head of School position?
They were happy to have my interview in person and not on Zoom! Every single person I spoke to didn’t dwell on what has been lost because of the pandemic, but what has been gained. Yes, you’ve had to deal with modifications because of COVID, but you’ve gained a newfound respect for each other and for being with the
Q: What do you see Trinity doing in the
community beyond our campus?
A: I think it’s important for Trinity to be the go-to school for people who are looking for K-8 education done right, that creates good people to go out into the world, which is what I think Trinity does best. We’re putting a strongminded but also heartwarming and inclusive community into the world. There’s enough unrest and discourse out there, and to create students that accept differences, understand various opinions and beliefs and still make people feel whole and seen, that’s Trinity’s role. I really want more people to know who we are, that students are at the center of everything we do. This is an amazing school that’s going to give your students a foundation for everything they need in life.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to meet Ms. Legette as she joins the Wildcat community.
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
A: I hadn’t even thought about coming back to Charlotte, but when I received an email that Trinity was looking for a new Head of School, I immediately felt excitement. I was eager to put my name in the hat, and when I went to the school website and saw what Trinity had become, I could not let this opportunity pass me by. Trinity’s three core values are who I am as a person, so I’m excited about how I can be a part of a community that shares the same principles. I listened to my heart. I didn’t want any other place. This is where I needed to be.
It was an endearing and heartwarming experience to talk with the kids and see them learning and laughing and enjoying their time together. The students I met with told the real story. They value their experience and the deep relationships they have established with the staculty, who are the true heroes. This is our community, and we all have a voice and a part in it.
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Q: What made you want to come to Trinity?
people we love and care about.
18 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
The Show
MUST GO ON
Performing arts venues from Broadway to the Blumenthal have been coming back to life after a lengthy pandemic intermission, as has Trinity’s Center for Community and the Arts, which had barely opened before COVID-19 brought the curtain down.
“Not fully making music felt like I’d lost a part of myself,” says Trinity Band Director David Wallace. “I’ve been performing music most of my life. Not having opportunities to lead performances or perform myself - well, can I use the phrase ‘identity crisis?’” Students found ways to flex their creative muscles during the early stages of the pandemic, such as a handbell performance over Zoom for Lessons & Carols Chapel and 5th Grade Shakespeare monologues in the courtyard. But it wasn’t the same without an audience. So it truly was a joyful noise this fall when the 5th and 6th Grade choir took to the CCA stage for the first live, in-person performance in more than a year and a half, followed by grade-level performances, band and choir concerts, and the Middle School winter play, “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza.” “Getting to create live theater again is revitalizing,” says Middle School Director of Theatre Arts Leslie Cossor.
“Seeing the kiddos take chances and explore and be more than just a tiny box on a screen” has been fulfilling, she says. 8th Grade student Andrew Ahdieh, one of the “Olympiaganza” actors, says “there’s some sense of normalcy now back in Trinity.” “We’re slowly getting back to what Trinity was like before” the pandemic, he says. Having audiences back provided an opportunity for Wallace to finally meet the families of Trinity’s “incredibly talented” students. “It’s been a terrific experience getting to see this community in-person, and seeing the pride on the faces of students as they perform for their loved ones,” says Wallace. Older students have appreciated regaining a space to “showcase their talents,” Wallace says, while Trinity’s younger students are experiencing “their first opportunities to perform.” “It’s always a pleasure to see young people discover the performer within themselves, but this year it’s been especially impactful,” he says. Darlene Cluff, Performing Arts Director, adds that the return of live performances has highlighted “how important the performing arts are in our students’ education in fostering the whole child.”
“Being a part of a performing ensemble allows students the chance to explore a different side of themselves and create in a different way,” she says. “We often receive comments from teachers and parents that they have never seen this side of their child.”
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5th Grade Choir Concert
6th Grade Band Concert
MS Winter Play: The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza
7th/8th Grade Choir Concert
MS Spring Play: Once Upon a Mattress
7th/8th Grade Band Concert
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
4th Grade Play: Aladdin
20 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
the
NURSE
IS IN School Nurse Rebecca Morris reflects on two years of COVID response
It’s a bustling Friday afternoon and the front lobby is a hive of activity as students leave for the weekend. Rebecca Morris has barely had a moment to sit down before duty calls.
pandemic upended the world. The past two years have “certainly been daunting,” Morris says.
“Do you feel better?” she asks a student. “Did you put ice on it?” A few minutes later, a student is asking for a Band-Aid and another is trying to get a hold of their parent for carpool. Being Trinity’s school nurse pulls her in many directions, but this is the type of work she looks forward to after two years of helping Trinity navigate COVID-19. “I feel like I’ve almost been in a maze with stops and starts, and you move forward and you get redirected,” says Morris, who is in her fourth year as school nurse and was previously in the position from 2002-2005. On this particular Friday afternoon, Trinity is days away from a milestone: shifting its COVID protocol to mask-optional indoors and outdoors almost exactly two years after the
“But, you know, what a time to be a school nurse.” It’s a critical role that has helped keep Trinity and schools across the country open, especially during this winter’s Omicron surge. Morris’ interest in nursing began as a child when she made twice-weekly visits to the doctor to receive allergy shots. “You’d have to sit and wait after you got the shot, and I would watch all the interactions between the nurses and patients,” she says. “That made me think, ‘I really want to be a nurse!’”
Another important relationship over the past two years has been with Trinity’s Physicians’ Council, a group of Trinity parents in the medical field who have advised school leaders on Trinity’s pandemic response, including protocols that have evolved with COVID’s presence in the community.
Morris says her mindset for dealing with the pandemic has been to take it “day by day.” “That’s helped me stay centered and I’ve just been committed to my job and committed to doing whatever it took, whatever came my way,” she says. Even with years of nursing experience, handling the pandemic required picking up new skills, such as contact tracing. “But I liked the challenge, too,” Morris says. “I love learning new things, even though I will be glad when all the things I learned become obsolete.” What she hopes lasts beyond the pandemic is a positive impression of the work that nurses have carried out the past two years, like the nurses she observed during her childhood shots.
She fulfilled that ambition and began her nursing career in 1986, going on to work in a hospital, county health department, physician’s office and operating her own business educating parents of newborns. Along the way she raised twins and Trinity lifers Marshall and Betsy (TES ‘12). Being Trinity’s nurse has been the most fulfilling part of her career. “You really get to know the students and the families,” Morris says, “whereas all the other nursing was just for a few days or one visit, and I just really love the connection and developing the relationships.” Relationship building with parents has been crucial for Morris as she and others worked to keep Trinity open and students in classrooms since fall 2020. While a phone call from the school nurse during a pandemic would no doubt cause anxiety, “you wouldn’t believe what all (parents) have done for me,” says Morris. “I mean amazing things. I’ve been very touched by the outpouring of care and concern and how well they take care of the community.”
“They are true heroes,” Morris says. “They are dedicated to their profession and their patients. I hope this is the image seared into the minds of young people considering nursing.” For now, she has another student in need of a Band-Aid and a new phase of the pandemic to help manage. “None of us really knows what this virus will do, but for now I’m going to take a deep breath,” she says.
DID YOU KNOW?? + Ms. Morris was Trinity’s first-ever school nurse during her first stint in the role, from 2002-2005 + Ms. Morris’ sister Woods Potts was the 2nd employee at Trinity Episocpal School and first ever Admission Director + Ms. Morris is a very skilled potter and has given her hand-crafted prayer towers to many TES faculty and staff
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
Dr. Katherine Addison, a member of the Physicians’ Council, says Morris “met the challenge of COVID head-on. She handled the ever-changing protocols and guidelines with grace and dedication, and still managed to keep Band-Aids on all the skinned knees. Her commitment and attention to detail have contributed mightily to the incredible success Trinity has had maintaining in-person school throughout the majority of the pandemic.”
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“I certainly could not have done it without all the physicians,” Morris says. “They’ve given us invaluable guidance and they’ve really supported me. There was a doctor on call every day when this started. If I had any questions, they were right there. That was amazing.”
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UNDER THE SEA The 2nd Grade hall turns into a magical, colorful world as students take their knowledge of coral reef and the plants and animals that make up the ecosystem, and paint the hall windows. “When the sun is streaming through the windows, these painted scenes take on the look of majestic stained glass windows,” says 2nd Grade teacher Ms. Dufresne, who adds that she often hears from alumni that the coral reef painting is one of their favorite TES memories.
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“A LIFE-LONG BOND” for Trinity students On the first day of March, the school field is soaked in sunshine. 8th Grade student Megan Tucker and Kindergarten student Stevie Wing are sitting together, trying to make a catapult out of popsicle sticks, a plastic spoon and rubber bands. Once they figure it out, they try to launch a cotton ball into a red solo cup. Their eyes widen with each try until they finally make it! As they exchange high-fives, they’re fulfilling the mission of the program that brought them together: Science Buddies. For more than a decade, 8th Grade and Kindergarten students have paired up each school year not only to learn, but also to build unique relationships. “I like how it gives us a chance to connect with other grades and bring us back to when we were in kindergarten and those happy memories, and help our buddies have happy memories, too,” says Megan. Her connection with Stevie is one of a long line that stretches back to 2010 when the program was born out of a walk between then-Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Moore and Margaret Rudisill, who was a Middle School science teacher. Moore, who is now Trinity’s Director of Admission and Financial Support, was Rudisill’s mentor, and during one of their regular walks they brainstormed “how we can bridge the gap between the oldest children in the building and the youngest.” What if they met at a regular time, they wondered? Since Rudisill taught science, why not meet during her class? Rudisill, who now lives in Mount Pleasant, SC, remembers that the early lessons charted the changes kindergarteners went through, such as their height and the number of teeth lost. The buddies would also read together.
Megan Tucker and Stevie Wing
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SCIENCE BUDDIES CREATES
“We had no idea” the program would become a Trinity mainstay, Rudisill says. The reaction among students was immediate that first year. “We couldn’t believe how excited the kids were,” Moore recalls. “From the beginning, the 8th graders were more excited than the kindergarteners.” Linda Minor, a longtime Trinity kindergarten teacher from its founding in 2000 until 2018, says Science Buddies was a way for school to be less daunting for kindergarteners. “Here they were, these little tots, practically, that were coming in with all these big people,” Minor says.
“Suddenly, the little ones had a connection with the Middle School. They could see somebody that they knew, somebody who would come and hug them.” That enthusiasm continues today, says Middle School science teacher Sean Casey. During exam week this February, students “were just exhausted and tired, and they looked out the window and their Science Buddies were out on the playground playing,
and they were desperate to go out and hang out with them. So we left! We took 20 minutes to go outside and hang out with their buddies.” Casey, too, looks forward to the weekly gatherings.
But beyond the time together and rekindling of kindergarten memories, Moore says Science Buddies gives 8th graders a level of responsibility “that gives them an opportunity to be a leader.” Rudisill says it’s also a chance for students to live into the Honor Code pledge to “celebrate the joyful, beautiful and enduring” by learning more about a different group. The program’s learning component has evolved from its origins of measuring height and counting teeth. Casey says their activities reflect the kindergarten’s science unit. If they’re learning about sound and sound waves, Science Buddies will make telephones with cups and strings. To learn about plants, pairs will plant seeds in the garden, where Minor continues to volunteer her time. As the 8th graders, some of whom are Trinity lifers who were Science Buddies as kindergarteners, near the end of their time at Trinity, Casey says they will take with them “an experience that they’re not going to lose.” In fact, many Science Buddies remain connected long after their time at Trinity. “I honestly think it’s like a life-long bond that they’re going to hold on to,” Casey says. Clare Low, a Gr. 4 instructional assistant and TES alumni (TES ‘12), pictured as an 8th grader with her Science Buddy in the program’s early years.
It’s an enduring example of what makes Trinity special: its community. “It’s a piece that makes us who we are,” Minor says.
SCIENCE BUDDIES Trinity 8th graders who have been at TES since Kindergarten look back on being a Science Buddy then and now. Brielle Newberry “In kindergarten, they seem so big. It was fun having the 8th grader be with you and having a guide. Now, I like to be the one who is responsible for them. Science Buddies helps you have friends. If we didn’t have it, the kindergarteners and the 8th graders would be separated. I doubt they would talk to each other at all. But because of Science Buddies, it helps them to expand their friendships.
Julian Culbertson “It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s good to have this opportunity.”
Amir Boyce-McIntyre “When I was younger, I really relied on my Science Buddy for a lot of things and I looked up to him a lot. Now, I have to set a good example. I have to make sure that we get things done, but also have fun.”
Eduardo MendezHernandez “It’s a privilege to have interactions and make new friendships. Kindergarteners look up to us now. I think it’s a really, really special thing we have here at Trinity.”
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The students’ eagerness to connect in person is an effect of the pandemic and Science Buddies having to meet over Zoom last year. “Seeing each other through a computer screen, it’s not the same experience,” Casey says. Now, 8th graders “are upset if we don’t meet, if we miss a week,” he says. “They want to see them whenever they can.”
reflect on
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“It is probably my favorite 30 minutes of the week, just to watch them together, to watch the bond that forms,” he says.
TES LIFERS
Tom Franz and Trinity: A Tribute THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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11 YEARS OF GROWTH Charlotte has seen many changes in the past 11 years. Trinity Episcopal School has grown alongside the greater community as the school entered its second decade, from record admissions and increased financial support to the hiring and retention of an exceptional faculty and staff and the opening of the Center for Community and the Arts. Trinity’s growth and the impact our school has had on our community is a result of Tom Franz’s leadership and vision. Tom’s enduring legacy will be his steady commitment to the TES mission of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity and his dedication to the people who bring it to life.
January- Trinity’s Board of Trustees appoints Tom Franz as Head of School Trinity begins hosting Collaborative Improvement Visits, connecting school departments with outside experts to set goals for departments, develop talent, and ensure departments align with Trinity’s mission, vision and philosophy.
2011 September- Mr. Franz is installed as Head of School, the second in TES history
2011-12 The “Light the Fire” grant program is launched, providing unique opportunities for faculty and staff that go beyond traditional professional development by allowing grantees to pursue a passion or interest that will kindle their continued love of education, and will benefit students’ learning experience.
“Tom took us out of our first 10 years into adolescence and adulthood as a school. He brought a professionalism and “grown-up ness” (not sure if that’s a word) to our practices while still ensuring that our community remained close-knit.” Chris Weiss, Ph.D., Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School
The Outstanding Teaching and Service Endowment is established to recognize and support exceptional faculty and staff and to demonstrate Trinity’s appreciation of and commitment to them.
2013
2015 A new Episcopal Identity statement for Trinity is approved by the TES Board, recommitting Trinity to its Episcopal roots while also ensuring the school’s spiritual core is reflected in the daily life of Trinity.
David Keesler former chair, Trinity Board of Trustees
Trinity begins its third capital campaign in school history, Together for Trinity, raising $15 million to grow endowments for financial support and staculty development; secure and sustain the Trinity Fund for five years, and build a community and fine arts space on campus.
2016
February- Trinity expands its footprint with the grand opening of the Center for the Community and the Arts.
2019 Trinity launches a five-year strategic planning process to recruit, develop and retain exceptional educators; build on Trinity’s student-centered constructivist approach to education; reflect the diversity of the Charlotte community; improve school communications; address campus space needs; and fortify Trinity’s finances and development plans.
“Tom represented precisely what TES needed most at that point in the development of the school. We wanted a professional educator who brought a strong academic background, demonstrable school leadership skills and most importantly, a passion for the Trinity mission. Essentially, we wanted someone who could take what had been built to date and grow it into what it could become in its second decade. I’m very grateful for (Tom’s) broad contributions to TES, the school wouldn’t be where it is today without the combined contributions from our first two heads of school.”
Bob Miller, former chair, Trinity Board of Trustees
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“Tom was – and is – passionate about Trinity’s unique educational mission, deeply interested in doing what is good for kids, and gifted at making the tough decisions that come with his job. In its second decade, in no small part due to Tom’s leadership, Trinity grew to be a very special part of the Charlotte community – and those of us who love this place owe Tom a great debt of gratitude for that.”
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Join us in a journey through some of the milestones of the past 11 years:
August- Trinity welcomes students back onto campus under protocols to keep our school community healthy and safe. Trinity doors remained open from this point on, managing to keep the Trinity experience intact throughout ever-changing conditions and protocols.
2020 March- Trinity responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to remote learning for the remainder of the school year. A team of physicians forms the TES Physicians council, consulting with Tom Franz and Rebecca Morris as health and safety decisions are made.
2021 January- Mr. Franz becomes a grandfather to Jude Franz.
good
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BOY,
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
CISCO Trinity’s school dog heads for retirement
There are many roles in a school where the job responsibility is pretty straightforward. But what does a school dog do?
After a decade of service to Trinity and providing a steady presence for countless TES students, Cisco is retiring at the end of the school year. Cisco is the third school dog in TES history, and will be succeeded next school year by Gus, a member of the Keels family.
“He does what humans can’t always do,” says TES Visual Arts Director Jen Rankey, whose dog, Cisco, has served as Trinity’s school dog since 2012. “He comforts, encourages, entertains and loves unconditionally without invitation or demand.”
Gus meets Cisco
Gus
Gus and Winnie Keels
Here are just a few of the moments of love and joy Cisco has brought to Trinity over the years. We hope you enjoy as many goldfish crackers and tennis balls as your heart desires in retirement, Cisco!
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NEW WILDCAT FAMILIES
THE
Enter the Den
With each school year, the community of Trinity families grows larger and stronger. Whether you join us as a Kindergartener or as a Middle Schooler, we are all better because you are here. One of the most fun parts of each school year is meeting and welcoming these new faces and watching you discover the magic that happens when we are all together - something we have missed greatly these last two years. As we celebrate our being together as a community in person, join us in getting to know a little more about some of our (awesome) new wildcats.
MARTINEZ family: Adrian (4th Grade)
What drew your family to Trinity? Trinity’s spirit of inclusivity and the warm, caring atmosphere that can be felt the moment you walk in the door! There is a genuine enthusiasm here to welcome and include all who enter, and we absolutely love that. It really made Trinity stand out in the very best way.
Has anything surprised you about Trinity? We expected it to be pretty great, but it’s gone way above our expectations. It constantly amazes us to see just how much the staculty truly cares about each and every child and how committed they are to helping these kids achieve their best, both academically and socially. Although it’s clear that these kids are receiving an excellent education, they’re also learning to be compassionate members of society who understand and appreciate each other’s differences. The teachers facilitate this social-emotional learning in such a beautiful way!
What should other people know about Trinity? Trinity is so much more than a school- it’s a community! We have a younger child at a different school and even she is welcomed and embraced here. It’s a place for the whole family and there are countless opportunities to engage. You will not get lost in the crowd!
Do you have a favorite Trinity tradition so far? Our son wanted to answer this one, and said it was most definitely Spirit Week! He loved all of the opportunities to express himself in different ways. It was so fun to see everyone’s personalities really shine that week!
THE
PALMER/BERRY family: Riley Berry (Kindergarten)
What drew your family to Trinity? I picked Trinity for Riley most importantly because it’s faith based and I grew up learning and building a personal relationship with Christ and want the same teachings for my daughter. I also love the idea of community! The teachings about caring for one another. I also love all of the opportunities available outside of school hours. Like the enrichments, summer camp, and LEAP.
THE
HUGHES family: Ellie (1st Grade) and Dixon (4th Grade)
What drew your family to Trinity?
We have been surprised how much they care for each child not only academically but also socially and for their entire well-being.
What should other people know about Trinity? Trinity truly is a special place where your child is loved for who they are. They let children be children and embrace each child’s gifts.
Do you have a favorite Trinity tradition so far? It’s a new tradition but my kids would say Spirit Week! My husband and I also love the birthday book tradition.
THE
Grade), Madison (2nd Grade), LOEFFLER family: Grant (7thFord (5th Grade)
What drew your family to Trinity? Our family was drawn to Trinity by the opportunities that exist for all three of our children in a smaller school environment. The Episcopal model as well as the nurturing environment where each of our unique children would be known and loved is especially appealing about Trinity. Trinity’s focus on academics as well as social-emotional growth is also important to our family.
Has anything surprised you about Trinity? Not surprising but Trinity is absolutely as wonderful for our family as we hoped it could be. The joy of having our family together on one school campus has been so special for all of us. Trinity truly is such a unique and special place.
What should other people know about Trinity? Trinity is a school filled with joy and happiness. Our children love coming to school. Trinity is a place where every child is seen and loved for exactly who he or she is. All of the great things that people say about this school are true. The families are engaged, the staculty is amazing, and the community welcomes you with open arms. One of our favorite notes shared with us this year was that in the first week, Madison’s teachers had to remind themselves that she was new this year because she has fit so seamlessly and been so welcomed by her peers. Our children are so happy and are thriving at Trinity. There is nothing more as parents we could hope for our children.
Do you have a favorite Trinity tradition so far? Our family loves all of the chances for our three children to be together. Something as simple as all students from grades kindergarten through eight playing together on the playground before school every morning is such a special way to start the day. We love starting the week with Greet the Week and ending with a whole school chapel. These opportunities and traditions for our children to feel together in school are priceless memories in their childhood.
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Has anything surprised you about Trinity?
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The joy that was felt from everyone at school. It is a happy place where children want to go every single day and teachers are cared for by the community. We wanted a place where our kids learned to love school.
THE
RETI family: Cleo (6th Grade)
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What drew your family to Trinity? We were initially drawn to the K-8 school model, since it allows Middle Schoolers to be the ‘big kids’ and role models across the larger school. The spiritual and service components were also a big draw for us as well. We want our children to become well-rounded people, not just good students. We felt that Trinity matched our values the best.
Has anything surprised you about Trinity? Coming into Trinity, we had heard how wonderful the community was, but we really were surprised at how quickly we, and our daughter, got to know so many people. Across the board, we have made great connections with Trinity families and staff. It has been an almost seamless transition, which given that we are winding down from a pandemic, has been amazing!
What should other people know about Trinity? Everyone should know what an amazing learning environment Trinity is. It fosters personal, spiritual, and academic growth. Our daughter used to dread going to school; she now looks forward to it! The teachers and staff are truly committed to getting to know your child and helping them grow.
Do you have a favorite Trinity tradition so far? Not sure we have much experience with Trinity traditions yet, but we have really loved how pleasantly fast carpool is at Trinity.
THE
RICHARDSON/MICHEL family: Bella Michel (6th Grade)
What drew your family to Trinity? We were drawn to the strong sense of community. Trinity checked all of our boxes in our search for a middle school: offering a rigorous curriculum, the definite focus on spirituality rooted in love and acceptance of all of God’s children, service learning and that students were made to understand that is important as being a part of your community, to give back to your community.
Has anything surprised you about Trinity? The level of care and attention to detail when it came to supporting my family and our transition into the school was a pleasant surprise.
What should other people know about Trinity? When people ask me about Trinity, I like to describe it as a school with a big heart. That’s what people should know about Trinity, it’s the care and nurturing. This is truly somewhere that you would feel comfortable having your family and knowing that your child is supported and nurtured and challenged all at the same time.
Do you have a favorite Trinity tradition so far? So far our favorite tradition is WOW Week.
KNOWLEDGE TAKES FLIGHT 33 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
Hands-on learning at Trinity can create quite a buzz. Mr. Austin and Ms. Corley sent their 3rd Grade students outside to test solar-powered fans they assembled in the classroom. They first had to learn positive and negative connections, and then how to angle the solar panel for getting top speed on their fans. Giving students the tools to build their knowledge and understanding is a cornerstone of the Trinity experience.
NEW
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staculty
The ever-growing Trinity community includes new faculty and staff. Nearly 20 new ‘staculty’ joined Trinity this school year, from the classroom to the Admission office. Each new face has brought a fresh perspective and unique experience to our school, helping us continue to grow and learn together.
Get to know two of our newest educators:
JOEY PLUM Middle School Math Teacher What were you doing before Trinity? I was a high school assistant principal of sophomores at a high school outside of Philadelphia. Before that, I was the director of a college persistence program for firstgeneration college students for a charter network in North Carolina. I started teaching at a charter school that was founded in my hometown, Gaston, North Carolina (in Northampton County on the North Carolina - Virginia border). In my first year, my grade-level chair started a charter school in Charlotte, and so he recruited me to come teach in Charlotte, where I taught at KIPP Charlotte from 2009-2013.
What made you want to come to Trinity? As I was recuperating from a recent medical crisis, I was reflecting on what were the things that made me happiest because I felt like that would help me heal faster, and everything led back to teaching. I wanted to teach again, and because I’ve only worked in the charter school space, I liked the autonomy of charter schools and independent schools. And when I did the teaching fellows institute in Charlotte, we actually visited Trinity and I remembered being impressed by the school. Also, my upstairs neighbors were a married couple that taught at Trinity, and so when I was looking at schools to apply to, Trinity was definitely on the list.
What has been your favorite part about teaching at Trinity? The support of the teachers. I left the classroom in 2012, so it’s been about 10 years and having that support as I transition back has been great. The personality of middle-schoolers has been very interesting and fun, and I would say the parents here are truly supportive as well. And I’ve been luckily blessed with a great leadership team. I think that Charles King (Middle School Student Life Dean), Stephanie Griffin (Middle School Academic Dean) and Tracy Onze (Head of Middle School) have done a great job of leading us.
What inspires you as an educator? What drives me is being the educator that I needed when I was growing up. My hometown is 900 people, one stop-light, so I didn’t have many opportunities for a college prep education, so I had to supplement in a lot of ways. I think what drives me here is that each student needs something different and just wanting to be able to fulfill that need for them.
What has struck you about Trinity as a community? What I’ve noticed the most is that there’s an emphasis on helping people feel like they belong and truly meeting people where they are. When you don’t have to hide any part of who you are, you can show up as your best self, you have the most opportunity to grow and stretch and learn. Trinity has done a great job of making that the North Star and of really helping people be their authentic selves, welcoming it and honoring it.
What interests do you have outside of school? I’m a nerd through and through. I love trivia, I love “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” I read incessantly. I love anything related to science and math. I guess the MIT stereotype rings true with me (Mr. Plum graduated in 2003). I’m also a really big fan of historical fiction.
ANNIE KELLY Grade 3 Instructional Assistant 35
What were you doing before Trinity?
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
This is my fourth year as an educator. I started in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and before that I worked as an account manager for a benefits administrator. My favorite part of that job was training new hires, which is teaching in some respect, and I’ve always loved working with children, so I made the leap into education.
What made you want to come to Trinity? There are so many things! I love the K-8 approach to education and the Episcopal identity. It’s also so welcoming! I felt comfortable walking onto campus the first time. That doesn’t happen at every school. And the layout of the school - the beautiful campus, the uptown location - gives children room to grow.
What has been your favorite part about teaching at Trinity? The students! They are the highlight of my day. Their enthusiasm, their excitement, their zest for knowledge. They’re just always excited to learn something new and to share something they’ve learned.
What inspires you as an educator? Again, the students. Their learning never stops. You can learn just as much having a conversation with a peer as you can with a student. I see their passion and try to incorporate that into the curriculum. You can see their face light up, that they felt seen and heard, even if it’s something as little as incorporating their name into a word problem.
What has struck you about Trinity as a community? It was really intimidating to start a job in October when the school year was already underway, but this community made it seem so seamless. Everyone was so welcoming and made you feel like you are part of Trinity, whether you’ve been here for a month or for years. You see it on all levels, and students see that, too.
What interests do you have outside of school? I love to read, and I love going on my walks with my husband and our micro goldendoodle, Fletcher. I also love to bake, especially desserts; cupcakes are my favorite. My husband doesn’t like chocolate so that has pushed me out of my comfort zone to find things that he likes. I also make homemade pasta sauce every Sunday with my dad’s recipe that he passed down to my sisters and me.
FACULTY FIVE Nathalia Oliveira 1st Grade Instructional Assistant
Hometown: Rio de Janiero Biggest joys you find in education: I have a true passion for education because I see the teacher job as a contribution to the future. We play one of the most important roles in the lives of our students, and this comes together with a possibility of changing our world.
There are so many new faculty to introduce to you! One way to get to know them is by following Trinity on Instagram and Facebook, where you’ll find our regular “Faculty Five” feature. Here are a few highlights: Claire Lowe 4th Grade Instructional Assistant
Brandt Boidy Middle School Math and Science Teacher
Ms. Low is a TES alumni (TES ’ 12)
Hometown: Baltimore
Passions outside of education: I love playing guitar and spending time with family and friends.
@tescharlotte
Describe your students in three words: Hilarious, talkative, and curious.
@TrinityEpiscopalCLT
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SPRING at Trinity
The Trinity community was more than eager to be back in person for spring staples at Trinity. Students showed off their creative talents, whether in the form of art or music, in the Spring Arts Festival. For some families, it was their first time in the Center for Community and the Arts! A record 400 grandfriends attended Grandfriends’ Day - the first in-person Grandfriends’ Day in three years! Parent affinity group Café con Padres held a Latino Kermés Festival (pictured above) on the field, full of food, music and fun activities! It has been a joy to see the Trinity community being together again! (NOTE: The KINDRED Festival took place after publication of the Voice.)
GRANDFRIENDS' DAY
LATINO KERMÉS FESTIVAL 37 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
SPRING ARTS
Looking Back and Celebrating TES’ 2021 Graduates
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TRANSITIONS: I barely remember a time before this school. Honestly, I can’t imagine a world without it. This is the place where I have discovered who I am, who I want to be, and what I love. Trinity taught me respect, kindness, compassion, wisdom, and bravery. Through affinity groups, service learning, and even debates in seventh-grade science class, Trinity helped me learn and care for the world around me, as well as the people in it. This school has challenged the way I think and learn, and I am a better person because of it. - Claire Addison
When I describe Trinity, I describe a second home as a safe place for me to be who I am without worrying someone will bully me. Trinity teaches kids to be who they are, and I think that that trait in a school is extremely important. Trinity has been my home for nine years, but even after I leave this will still be my home. - Fiona Harper
Thank you for molding me into the person I am today. Trinity is the thing that has had the most impact on my life. Without the tight-knit community that I have been a part of for nine years, I would be a very different person. Thank you for giving me the skills I will need to succeed in high school. Thank you, Trinity, for putting me under stress and making me grow as a person. Where would I be without this school? - Dylan Rogers
39 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
The return to a sense of normalcy at Trinity has been a long process across two school years. Each moment in the life of the school that was able to continue under health protocols was a reason to celebrate. The 2020-21 school year was bookended by the reopening of campus and the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremony, which was held in-person to celebrate the Trinity Class of 2021’s accomplishments as they moved on to high school. These 8th Grade students persevered through a year unlike any other - hybrid learning, social distancing, masks, plexiglass shields - and these pages honor their embodiment of what it means to be enduring.
Before I came to Trinity I tried my best to act like the person everyone wanted me to be, I was so afraid of what everyone thought of me. Trinity has helped me learn that being myself is better than pretending to be someone else. I will always remember Trinity as the place that welcomed me with open arms and shaped me into the person I am today, you gave me so much more than I ever could have imagined.
My last two years at Trinity were less than normal, but they were no less amazing. This school prides itself on being a family, and while it has always felt like a second home, my cohort really did become my family. We saw each other all day every day and were basically forced together, but by the end of the year we became siblings. We like to pick on each other and we bicker constantly, but we also care for each other in a way that we would not have had it not been for Covid-19. I have many sisters and brothers thanks to Trinity. - Lillian Jarmosevich
- Lucy Coffron
CLASS OF 2021 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES Caroline Ackerman Claire Addison† Nathan Alrawi-Brown† Samuel Alrawi-Brown† Harrison Banker Caroline Banks Alex Bean Thomas Brennan Keith Brunnemer† Mabel Clark† Lucy Coffron Logan Crane† Sam Criscione Charlie Criscione Isabella Croker Poole Grey Durham† Ellie Eloge Genesis Flete Christopher Garcia† Danny Guenther† Fiona Harper† Hayes Hewett
Myers Park High School Charlotte Latin School Northwest School of the Arts Northwest School of the Arts Carmel Christian School Myers Park High School Charlotte Latin School Myers Park High School Charlotte Latin School East Lincoln High School Myers Park High School Charlotte Country Day School Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Chatham Hall, VA St. Andrew’s School, DE Myers Park High School Northwest School of the Arts Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Charlotte Latin School Christ School
Nathan Hohnbaum† Lillian Jarmosevich† Alex Jurch Gabe Lewis† Sara Lowe Scott Lyon Abdiel Moreno-Vazquez Leslie Osorio† Wells Peery Maeve Raible† Jhonnan Rodriguez† Dylan Rogers† Isabel Seifert† Alexander Semprit Forero Sydney Shaller Cici Shaw Kira Grace Smith Cooper Solomon† HT Stinson† Charlie Summerow Lalique Walk† Mabry Warren
Myers Park High School Charlotte Latin School Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Mountain Island Charter School Charlotte Latin School Myers Park High School Chatham Hall, VA Myers Park High School Myers Park High School Davidson Day School Southlake Christian Academy Myers Park High School Chatham Hall, VA Cannon School Charlotte Christian School Charlotte Latin School Hopewell High School Mallard Creek High School Myers Park High School
(† = Lifer Student; HS Choices as of August 2021)
“
I began school at Trinity when I was in kindergarten. I was so nervous. I had only attended school with other Spanish-speaking students, I had no idea what to expect from this place. All of my worries disappeared when I met all of the other students and teachers. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. I made so many friends! I looked forward to coming to school every day. I also learned so much that year. I discovered a passion for reading and writing, which I struggled with in the past. Trinity also allowed me to explore my creativity. I still have many of the paintings I made from that time. I truly felt like a valued member of the community. Trinity also taught me how to be confident, how to value myself just as much as I value others. Trinity helped me become the best that I could be. I will continue to uplift others and to be the best version of myself. I will miss all the teachers and all the students here. I’m proud to have been a part of this community.
”
- Leslie Osorio
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The Class of 2021 spent their final year at Trinity cohorted in makeshift classrooms, separated by plexiglass shields, fully masked and socially distanced, learning in a hybrid model. They computed, problem solved, read, and learned together. Though the Go Guardian software monitoring program restricted them from playing games on their Chromebooks, they still found ways to laugh and have fun together. This is the banner they designed together - and how they will be remembered!
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
Q&A with Alum
GAILA FOSBINDER TES ‘18, Myers Park ‘22 2021 International Tennis Federation Female Wheelchair Junior of the Year
Photo courtesy of the US Tennis Association
Gaila Fosbinder has served up an impressive list of accomplishments on the tennis court since her days as member of the TES girls’ tennis team. In December, the International Tennis Federation named Fosbinder its Female Wheelchair Junior of the Year, and last summer she debuted on the U.S. junior national team. She shared these reflections of Trinity and what the school continues to mean to her.
Q: What is one of the biggest lessons you learned at Trinity and have taken with you on your journey to where you are today? A: I learned that I could be an effective leader at Trinity. I began with leadership roles through Odyssey of the Mind (OM), which ultimately helped me in my leadership efforts outside of Trinity. Some of those include being a junior representative for the southern USTA and being selected to teach children adaptive tennis. OM and other Trinity competitions enabled me to gain confidence and hone skills performing in front of crowds (and bossing people around politely to get work done).
Q: When you think of your fellow Trinity peers, what words would you use to describe Trinity alums as a whole?
Q: Congratulations on being honored by the International Tennis Federation as its Female Wheelchair Tennis Junior of the Year! What do you think helped you achieve this accomplishment? A: I believe the ultimate factor in the decision was not how I played on the tennis court but who I am as a person off court. At the World Cup I think I showed people not only my love of tennis but also my joy from meeting new people and embracing all the new experiences I was offered. I wanted to bring a smile to any face that I could regardless of the language barriers. As the oldest of our Junior team, I tried take my fellow Junior USA members under my wing, encourage them on court, and help make their first World Cup experience one that we will never forget.
A: I associate Trinity with fond memories of self-discovery, friendships, and comfort. Those memories and the close-knit environment wouldn’t have formed if it weren’t for my peers. They had a critical role in my development from kindergarten through eighth grade. I have respect and admiration for all of them and always will. Trinity alumni are given the tools not only educationally but emotionally and spiritually to go outside of Trinity's walls and do good in the world.
Q: You were also invited to play with the US junior national team at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Sardinia last summer. How did it feel to represent our country in an international competition? A: Carrying the USA letters on my back and flying the flag proudly at a world event like this was taken very seriously by me. I wanted to give back to the US in some way like it has given to me. As many know I was not born in the USA, but it is this country that has given me the opportunities that I truly believe no other nation could offer.
NEWS &
Addison Harrill (TES ‘20) and the Myers Park Field Hockey team won the 2021 NCFHA State Championship. What an incredible accomplishment!
In their 10th season together, Caroline Damesek (TES ‘19), Virginia Ogburn (TES ‘19), Katlyn Saldarini (TES ‘19), Maggie Ryan (TES ‘19), Jane McBryde (TES ‘19), Lane Erwin (TES ‘19), Anna Rencher (TES ‘19), Joanna Ogburn (TES ‘20), Katie Zarzour (not pictured) (TES ‘19) captured the U18 MARS Elite Soccer Championship in the fall! Congratulations to Coach Saldarini and the team!
Mary Cate Kiser (TES ‘19) and Will Vaughn (TES ‘19) each received “The Breakthrough Award” for dropping the most time from the beginning to the end of the season on the Charlotte Latin Cross Country team. Way to go, Wildcats! Mary Ellis Stevens (TES ‘19) was recently selected for the Governor’s School of North Carolina for her achievements in violin. The North
Carolina Governor’s School is a 4-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students in the arts and academics. Jordyn McManus (TES ‘18) is ranked one of the top seniors within her class at Charlotte Engineering Early College and is part of the National Technical Honors Society. She is also an ambassador for the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, an initiative where high school students can earn a paid internship through the city of Charlotte with various companies in the area. Another update is that she is back at Trinity working in TED! Gaila Fosbinder (TES ‘18) was recently honored by the International Tennis Federation as its female Wheelchair Tennis Junior of the Year. Gaila made her debut for the U.S. junior national team in the summer of 2021 at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Sardinia, where the U.S. competed with a junior team for the first time in four years. The squad received the Team of the Year award at the close of the event. Gaila ended her season with a junior ranking of world No. 27th. Jack Guenther (TES ‘18) recently committed to UNC Chapel Hill for Men’s Swimming and is also a Morehead-Cain nominee!
Graham Hohnbaum (TES ‘18) recently committed to Southern Methodist University for Men’s Swimming. Jack Glassner (TES ‘18) recently committed to Hampden–Sydney College to play Men’s Tennis.
Grayson Woods (TES ‘18) recently committed to Randolph Macon College to play Men’s Soccer. Emily Horn (TES ‘17) attends the University of Virginia where she is an objective writer and photographer for the student newspaper’s abCD Magazine, writing about unnoticed buildings on grounds. She was also elected as the sustainability leader for her dorm building, working to promote sustainable lifestyles and creating programs for her peers. This spring, she joined the Kappa Delta sorority, and is currently working to start a sustainability committee within that organization. She also volunteers at the Haven, a shelter for the unhoused in Charlottesville. Griffin Pitt (TES ‘17) is currently working as a Congressional Intern in the U.S. Senate before starting at the University of Pennsylvania this August as a member of their rowing team. Kennedy Jones (TES ‘17) has signed with the Charlotte Independence USL W League team for the 2022 season. She is a freshman at Elon University where she played in all 16 games with 20 shots and one goal. In high school, Kennedy was a Gatorade Player of the Year nominee and an Academic All-American after her senior season in 2021. Their home opener is on Sunday, May 15th, at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Come cheer her on!
Kate Wolcott (TES ‘16) is working for the Charlotte Knights on their Promotions Team this summer. She is also the House Manager for the Tri Delta sorority at Wofford.
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
Grey Durham (TES ‘21) attends St. Andrews School (DE) where he has participated in football, indoor track, and lacrosse this year. He’s also discovered a love of woodworking, which has become his new favorite hobby.
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NEWS & THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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Tyler Bell (TES ‘15) has been accepted into the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Accelerated Masters Program at Fordham University. She will begin her graduate studies in Strategic Communications this semester while completing her undergraduate degree. Jailyn Feliz (TES ‘14) worked this fall as an Assistant Director for UNCG Theatre’s production of “As You Like It” (the Shaina Taub musical adaptation). “I was introduced to theater at TES with Megan Postle and now I’m going to college for it!”
From Wildcats to Entrepreneurs Three Trinity alumni were featured at April’s Together for Trinity event the first time the annual gathering was held in two years! The alumni shared the paths they took to starting their own businesses. Ky Atkinson (TES ‘08) brought her Snow Your Roll egg roll and shaved ice truck - which was a hit with the attendees - and David Oates (TES ‘08) was the evening’s featured speaker, telling the story of his clothing resale app, Curtsy. Guests also heard from Katie Zarzour and Maggie Ryan (both TES ‘19), who started M&K Macarons. Here are some of their memories of Trinity and how it helped put them on the path to entrepreneurship: “Being at Trinity definitely gave me some confidence. Ms. Rankey stood out as a teacher; she just noticed I was good at art. I think subconsciously she started pushing me a little bit. She challenged me. It helped me realize something that I’m really good at.”
Clare Low (TES ‘12) is back at Trinity as a member of our faculty! She joined the 4th grade as an Instructional Assistant! Alexis Giger (TES ‘09) was recently profiled in VoyageSTL magazine as a “Rising Star” in the St. Louis area. In addition to working a full time job in the fashion industry, Alexis has opened her own small business, Little Cliff. In the article she notes, “Little Cliff has become a space for me to explore mending, sewing, vintage repair, and experimenting with fabrics and dyes, while providing services to help others preserve their favorite clothes and textiles. I have also started teaching mending classes, I love to share all that I have learned through this project.”
THANK YOU! We have been so grateful to all alums who have participated in virtual Trinity events this past fall for rising high school families and prospective Trinity students. Your stories make a deep impact, and we are so proud to watch you shine! Tyler Bell Liv Eubank Jack Mast Sophia Powell Ryan Schang
Emma Colaco Clara Long Josie Pitt DD Saldarini Katie Zarzour
- Akyah Atkinson
(She is also a tattoo artist.)
“Trinity makes people that get to create things. Trinity taught us to be really hands-on, like service learning, being in the garden, doing crafts with Science Buddies. We try to do that with our camps and classes, teaching by doing, letting all the kids have a turn so they can really hands-on feel how it is to make macarons.” - Katie Zarzour “Trinity instilled that idea of never giving up. It taught me about day in and day out, putting in the work, putting in the effort, even if it’s moving slower than you’d want. The teachers always made it clear to me that they believe in me, that I could set out to do whatever I want to do. They gave me a lot of confidence, and that helps a lot when I’m working on something challenging. I definitely have a belief in myself, and I think part of that stems from my time at Trinity.” - David Oates
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THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
Thank you, MR. FRANZ
PARTING WORDS As we close out this issue of The Trinity Voice, we hope the “joyful, beautiful and enduring” parts of Trinity that we pledge to honor have been reflected in the faces and stories of our community. We leave you with some final reflections from staculty members answering the question:
“How does the Trinity mission - and its three core values play out in your life, both inside and outside of school?
DAVID MARTIN Athletic Director and Healthful Living Teacher Trinity has been a second home for me since I started here in 2004. I have spent so many hours in this building that it could be argued this is my first home. And it does feel like home. I have always equated living and working at Trinity to waking up and hanging out with my neighborhood friends when I was a kid. It has the same vibe. We all look out for each other and believe in our mission. In a large sense, I have grown up at Trinity. I always joke that when I started here I was 28-years-old, single and full of life. Now, I am 47 with a wife and three kids and more responsibilities than I even know. Our founding Head of School, Father Smokey Oats, was there for me in those early days and mentored me through a challenging time in my life. He told me it was my duty to take care of my personal Garden of Eden. At first, I thought that meant just understanding right from wrong, but I quickly learned how all of our gardens are interconnected and how important it is for us to establish and build relationships with each other. It is our duty and privilege to support each other and our students to protect our school environment and remain committed to our mission. To me, it is this commitment to these relationships and our environment - made up of hundreds of gardens - that make Trinity a unique place. And I feel fortunate to be part of a community that believes in our mission and its core values.
SUZANNE NEWSOM
I am grateful for the opportunities to be a part of the deep learning that happens here among teachers and students, parents and children, the entire Trinity family. This place brings comfort to me as I have been wrapped in the love of this community. Hearing children lead prayers of thanksgiving is a welcome sound. Learning about the diverse experiences of others enriches my understanding of the human condition, as opposed to my own condition. Being present during “lightbulb” moments of instruction brings me joy. At Trinity, my job as a Learning Catalyst is to honor the individual differences of our students. I look for solutions for students, families, and teachers as we navigate teaching and learning in 2022. I face each day asking to do God’s will, that my steps will be ordered so that I may be a blessing and receive blessings. One of my favorite Bible verses is, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” (1 Corinthians 12:4). I want to use my gifts well and help others to do the same.
TEMEKIA MORTON Director of Trinity Extended Day and Wildcat Summer Camp I have appreciated being a part of an organization that was founded upon similar principles as my own. The phrase ‘applied knowledge is power’ reverberates. To me, this means that the act of doing (whatever the task) is often more important than knowing what to do. So, helping to shape minds, whether through song, teachable moments or just in daily conversations/activities have been invaluable opportunities to live out many of my own convictions. Stressing the importance of kindness and consideration, especially, has seemingly been a daily iteration - with students, parents, colleagues, people with whom I cross paths as I’m out and about, etc. Over the last 2 years, however, my faith, patience and belief system has been challenged immeasurably by global health uncertainty, racial tensions and political upheavals, but I’m grateful that Trinity has made strides in offering the time and space for difficult, yet necessary, conversations about true diversity, not only of cultural background, but of thought and lived experience. Although we have not yet ‘arrived,’ we press toward the mark (Phillipians 3:13-16) in hopes that each member of the community (school or otherwise) truly feels ‘known and loved.’ After all, isn’t that who we are called to be and what we are called to do? Selah.
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
As I write this, I realize that one year ago, I was seeking employment to be a member of the TES staculty. I was looking forward to continuing my career in a new place and in a new way, and I feel blessed to be here.
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K-8 Learning Catalyst
TRINITY COMMUNITY CHALLENGED TO LEARN ABOUT PRIVILEGE AND BIAS THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
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(Published by QCityMetro in December 2020)
Through the challenges of the past two years, Trinity’s core - its community - has endured, whether we were together virtually or, more recently, in person. During our virtual togetherness in the 2020-21 school year, QCityMetro, a local online news site, featured the work of Trinity’s community with the 21-Day Equity Challenge. We share the article in this edition of the Voice as another example of the Trinity community’s endurance and its commitment to challenging itself to grow. For 21 days in the fall of 2020, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and parents of alumni were invited to spend at least five minutes a day learning how bias, prejudice, privilege and oppression can affect the everyday lives of some groups and individuals. In all, 224 people participated, including all faculty and staff and members of the Board of Trustees. Although most of the resources were curated specifically for Trinity, the school’s challenge was modeled on the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge created by Dr. Eddie Moore and Debby Irving. “Since it is such an excellent resource, we really wanted to borrow from the Moore/Irving challenge. However, it was also important for us to incorporate resources that made this our unique Trinity Episcopal School experience. Sharing experiences to develop a shared language is so important to our school community,” said Ayeola Elias, the school’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging. Some participants read books; others listened to podcasts or watched educational videos. Discussion groups were encouraged, and participants were invited to share their reflections in a school-sponsored blog. “The 21-day equity challenge was a way for us to pull our community together to think about what it means to embrace diversity and to create a community of belonging,” said Trinity Episcopal School Head Tom Franz. QCity Metro spoke with four participants about their experience with the challenge. Here are their stories, told in their words.
COURTNEY MIXON parent
Her challenge list included: I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness Between the World and Me White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism 1619, a New York Times podcast
In Courtney’s words: Considering the political climate and activity with Black Lives Matter, I had a desire to do something, but didn’t know what to do. I felt a weird powerlessness for how I could show my support for things I believe in. With the challenge, I thought, “This is great. Maybe no one will see what I’m doing, but it will make my heart wider and my brain more expansive.” I was intimidated at first. I’m a tall, white blonde girl from south Charlotte. I’m not educated on what language might be the best language, or what might be the wrong words. I had nerves, but I was excited about the challenge. I’ve heard for a long time words like “white privilege,” “white guilt,” “white innocence.” Initially I’d feel defensive. My father was an immigrant. He was born in Riga, Latvia and built himself from nothing. These books have taught me there’s no aggression in the words, and once I understood the definition of what these words meant, I was able to read these books with my head in a different place. What stuck with me the most were the “1619” podcasts. They aim to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. What connected with me, and one of the aspects discussed in the equity challenge and the discussions we had among our
GRIFFIN PITT alumna
Finally, this article was written in 2016, a week after the election. It was valuable to look back and see how little has changed. Morrison reminds us that the US is still in desperate need of its own vaccine against racism and a reckoning with what it means to be ‘white’ in America. I heard about the challenge in an email chain for Trinity alumni. No matter how educated you are, there’s still more you can always do to learn more. I thought I knew a lot about racism. And coming away from this experience I realize I don’t. One of the most important things I’ve taken away as a white person is that learning is the best thing you can do. I turned 18 five weeks before the 2020 election. Entering adulthood and really examining life and the privilege I have from another point of view has been really important and necessary. I think it’s the duty of citizens, especially white people, to educate ourselves. In some ways, I’m doing the bare minimum, but it is the first step of learning what more I can do.”
Griffin graduated from Trinity in 2017 after spending nine years at the school. She says her connection to Trinity remains a part of her identity.
LESLEY FIELDS
Her challenge list included:
parent
Making America White Again, a 2016 New Yorker essay written by Toni Morrison.
Photo courtesy of the New Yorker
Lesley and her family moved to Charlotte from Westchester, New York for work and to be closer to family. She and her husband had seen inequity in other school systems and chose Trinity for their daughter because of its focus on diversity.
In Griffin’s words: This feature was impactful for a number of reasons.
Fields serves as a co-chair on the school’s Diversity and Belonging Committee.
Firstly, the content was masterful. Morrison, as always, eloquently explains the oftentimes paradoxical definition and defense of ‘whiteness’ in the United States. She exposes the “sad plight of grown white men” fighting to keep the perception of white superiority alive, a notion frequently thought to have ended decades ago but is proven again and again to still persist.
Her challenge list included:
Secondly, at the time I decided to complete the 21-Day Challenge, my high school class was reading and discussing Morrison’s Beloved. The fictitious narrative of Sethe, Paul D, Baby Suggs, Stamp Paid, and especially, Denver, was given a
Without Slavery, Would the U.S. Be The Leading Economic Power? Why, I, as a black man, attend KKK rallies The urgency of intersectionality
THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
I’m still reading and finding different things to stretch my brain and perspective. I started a small book club of sorts with friends from my own social circle separate from school. I have made daily efforts to examine headlines, TV shows, commercials and movies to try and notice what messages are being sent out forth. Overall, the challenge has been an excellent opportunity to expose me to so much information. “Our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than our discomfort.”
whole new, very real, dimension through her article. Although Beloved is supposedly set in 1873, racism is not only alive but thriving in this country today, and the concept of identity is one that both black and white folks have to wrestle with in light of the ongoing racism. 49
participants, is that many White people feel sort of powerless in knowing what they can actually do to truly create change. If it weren’t for Covid-19 and shelter-in-place, I would have been at the marches in Charlotte. But, I do believe one of the very first things one must do is educate yourself, listen and learn about the real history of Black people and people of color in the United States, and not just the nicey-nice patriotic version a lot of us were taught in school.
50 THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
In Lesley’s words: “I am someone who is always vested in work like this and trying to better myself and my family and those around me. I thought the 21-day challenge was an amazing venture. Because we were so still because of COVID, we were able to see the mirror of all the injustices that plague our city, our town, our neighborhoods. It was an amazing opportunity for all of us to do this together and not just as individuals. There’s beauty in the collective. One of the things that stuck out to me was one of the TED talks — “Why I, as a black man, attend KKK rallies” by Daryl Davis. At the center of his conversation was respect, have an open mind and have an open heart. Actually listen to understand and not to respond to what people are saying. Then and only then can we get somewhere along this journey, because once we stop listening, that’s when the violence and the frustration and the anger pursues. There’s an interest in change and a thirst for learning, and with that we’re able to move forward and dive deeper together. We can learn more, respect more and hear other perspectives we might not have heard before. History has shown we have, unfortunately, misrepresented many different cultures, and now it is time for us to unlearn and undo that.
In her words: With my background in change management, I live for observations. Before the challenge I noticed side conversations happening in our Diversity and Belonging parent meetings. We were having meaningful discussions, but our experiences across race were limited. It was difficult for white parents to understand the effects of implicit biases and how they might be showing up. A silver lining to our country’s recent hardships is how they accelerated the racial reckoning we so desperately need. I love the context and shared language that’s developing for our Trinity community to discuss racial inequality. An Equity Challenge piece that really left an impression on me is the Serial/NY Times podcast “Nice White Parents.” It’s about white parents who inadvertently bulldoze their way into a school with less resources, making what they believe are improvements, but the changes are not what the existing school asked for or felt they needed. I really felt their disenfranchisement. I reflected on other examples across society where this happens and how I may have participated in it. It really does feel like an awakening to see things you have been oblivious to or unable to see due to ignorance. Learning about privilege is immensely humbling, but I think its connection to identity inherently creates a desire to know more. I’m excited for what we are all learning together at Trinity. This is a very personal journey, yet there’s so much to share with one another.
AUNDREA SCIPIONI parent
Aundrea has been a member of the Diversity and Belonging parent committee since her children started at the school. She has a passion for history and how it informs the present as well as for representation of African Americans as founders of our country. Scipioni worked in change management at Bank of America Corp. for 15 years before leaving the workforce to care for her family. Her challenge list included: Nice White Parents, a New York Times podcast Eddie Moore’s Racial Equity Habitat Building Challenge What Does It Mean To Be White? Nikole Hannah-Jones, “What is Owed”
One of the most moving Chapel services this school year was our Sankofa chapel to close out Black History Month in February. It was filled with powerful musical performances by Trinity staculty and students. Watch a recording of the service using this QR Code:
THE TRINITY VOICE
Trinity Episcopal School is committed to the breadth of the Episcopal tradition in both its unity and diversity.
is a publication produced by the Advancement Office of Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Volume 7, Issue 1
As faculty and families together influence young lives, students themselves will be affirmed as ambassadors of grace, citizens who live and teach an ethic of service and respect for others. A student of Trinity Episcopal School is trained in the example of Christ and toward a stewardship of healthy body, lively soul and discerning mind.
Porter Durham, Chair Casey Rogers, Past Chair David Hatch, Treasurer Barbara Cantisano, Secretary
Alexa Adams aadams@tescharlotte.org
Dr. Katherine Addison Anne Bowman Eugene Brown Rev. Joshua Case Ann Clark Marcus Clarke Amy Colaco Marisella Cuervo Tere Ey Terrie Hagler Gray Caroline Hobbs Jamie Kiser John Laughlin Sharai Lavoie Raj Natarajan Joe Pitt Rev. Amanda K. Robertson Maureen (Molly) Shaw Holly Welch Stubbing
Advancement Coordinator
EX OFFICIO
Joan Palumbo jpalumbo@tescharlotte.org
Thomas J. Franz, Head of School Brooke Smith, PA President
Director of Advancement
Lauren Harnett lharnett@tescharlotte.org Marketing & Communications Director
Chris Miller cmiller@tescharlotte.org Development Director
Katie Keels kkeels@tescharlotte.org Visual Communications Coordinator
Trinity Episcopal School admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school - administered programs.
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THE TRINITY VOICE · 2022
A student of Trinity Episcopal School is challenged to academic excellence while honored as an individual with unique potential.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ’21 - ’22
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OUR MISSION
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