magazine | spring 2022 Trinity-Pawling School
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STRATEGIC VISION GUIDES THE SCHOOL ONWARD
DON PETTIT ’72 SETTING COURSE
JANET KEATING P’99 20 YEARS AS TRUSTEE, AND STILL GOING STRONG
YOU SPOKE UP. WE LISTENED. ON I N U RE
D! E V O M HAS
Join your classmates, friends, and faculty on September 30-October 1, 2022 for a fun-filled weekend! www.trinitypawling.org/reunion
EMBRACING THE ENVIRONMENT STEWARDING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
Headmaster’s Message
IT’S A VISION THING The Book of Proverbs famously warns that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” For schools, a translation could easily be created that reads “where there is no vision, the school, its students, and its faculty languish.” Vision is critical for teachers and for the schools in which they teach. Importantly, a teacher must first begin to plan the year with a vision of what is to be accomplished. Then, the teacher must plan by working backwards from the end goal of the vision. The same process works for schools. A school that wishes to continuously grow must envision forward and then, collectively, work backwards from that goal. If it does not, then it will languish under the seemingly inexorable forces of repetition and the comfort of what is familiar. Unfortunately, too many schools fall victim to such forces. The custom of formal strategic planning at Trinity-Pawling began in 1990, when Headmaster Arch Smith formed the School’s first 10-year Long Range Plan. In 2000 and again in 2010, this process was repeated. I was on the Long Range Planning Committee in 2000, and it was a tremendously rewarding experience to have the ability to dream of what the School could accomplish over the next ten years and begin to see that plan’s achievements. The Long Range Plan of 2010 was equally as compelling and was instrumental in drawing me back to Trinity-Pawling as Headmaster in 2015.
As we approached the year 2020, the Board of Trustees and I began to reimagine what the School’s next Long Range Plan might look like. We quickly realized that the pace of change in our world is too fast and relentless to be accurately captured by a ten-year plan. In the face of such rapid change, schools must be agile and able to respond to unexpected developments — such as a global pandemic. During the 2018-2019 school year, we began the groundwork for a strategic vision that would ensure a bright future for Trinity-Pawling, prepare the next generation of students for their futures, and be adaptive to the ever-changing world in which we live. Ironically, a year into the planning process, the School was forced to adapt in significant and unprecedented ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With thoughtful foresight, the Board of Trustees made the bold decision to forge onward with our planning, despite the challenges. The strategic vision planning committee was comprised of a dedicated and creative group of board members, faculty, and administrators. The collaboration was essential in meeting the challenges — working together, the planning committee envisioned the depth and breadth of what is possible in boys’ education and focused on goals that could be achieved in the next 3-5 years. In this magazine, you will read more about the goals of the School’s vision. The new strategic vision for Trinity-Pawling School was approved by the Board of Trustees in September 2021. Importantly, it is grounded in a revised mission statement for the School. Ultimately, a school’s mission should direct its visioning, and the work of creating the vision should reinforce the mission. It should be cyclical and generative. Our vision is directed by a mission that is committed to growth, both for the boys and for the School: Trinity-Pawling School will provide an educational experience that makes a transformative difference in the lives of its students by enabling them to discover and pursue their distinctive gifts and talents. Despite its aspirational nature, this mission captures nothing new about the Trinity-Pawling experience. Indeed, it is something that I hear frequently from graduates of the School in almost universally identical words: “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my days at TrinityPawling and the difference it made in my life.” I cannot think of a better launching point for a vision, other than to make a transformational difference in the lives of young people. Onward!
Follow Headmaster Bill Taylor’s blog: www.trinitypawling.org/headmastersblog
Trinity-Pawling Magazine is published by the Office of Communications for alumni, parents, and friends of the School.
Headmaster William W. Taylor Director of Advancement Elly Erickson Director of Communications Judy Redder Senior Writer Maria Buteux Reade Class Notes Editor John Newman Photo Credits Bizzy Amor Matt Bresler Ashley Frost Jen Harris Tom Javery Tom Kates Nicolle McDougal Connie Rafferty Judy Redder Jeanne Shi Justice Williams Copyright © 2022, Trinity-Pawling School Trinity-Pawling School 700 Route 22 Pawling, NY 12564 845-855-3100 www.trinitypawling.org
Trinity-Pawling School admits students of any race, color, creed, sexual orientation, 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, creed, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other School-administrated programs. For Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Office of Advancement with the correct mailing address. Email alumni@trinitypawling.org or call 845-855-4831. SPRING 2022
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ta bl e of Con t en t s | sp ring 2022
Features DEPARTMENTS
2 THE SCROLL 4 A VIEW FROM THE QUAD Jason Temple ’91, P’15 is a curious, bigpicture thinker…Stephanie Busby ’79 is building a growth mindset culture… Joon Sub Lee ’11 is leaving the comfort zone behind…brotherly love with Christopher and Michael Pellitteri ’22 Newsworthy
22 Embracing The Environment STEWARDING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
Faculty Minute with Cody Doyle In the Classroom with Joe Poon
32 PRIDE ATHLETICS Sports Section Pride Spotlight: Danté Milligan ’03
38 CONNECTIONS Janet Keating P’99 has been a trustee for 20 years and is still going strong …Phil Chasin ’05 is succeeding at serving others
28 Trinity-Pawling’s
Strategic Vision GUIDES THE SCHOOL ONWARD
4 Don Pettit ’72 – SETTING COURSE
Upcoming Events Class Notes In Memoriam From The Archives: Dick Colhoun P’70,’72
52 END NOTE Geri Barker P’06,’10
8 Dean Bennett ’84 – IMPRESSIONS 10 Alex Scrymgeour ’92 – ACTOR, WRITER, PRODUCER ON THE COVER: “Farming team member Nate Bock ’24 is a leader and hard worker, who shows up every day and gets along with everyone on the team.” Photo and quote by faculty member Ashley Frost
Editor’s Note: All events are subject to change if forced by the response to COVID-19.
the scroll T W I T T E R : F A C E B O O K : I N S TA G R A M
HEADMASTER BILL TAYLOR IS TWEETING — FOLLOW @TPSHEADMASTER!
“Congratulations to all of our newly accepted students for the 2022-2023 school year! We are happy to have you in the Trinity-Pawling family. WELCOME TO THE PRIDE!” #mytrinitypawling — @TPSHEADMASTER
WE TWEETED
Have you heard? Trinity-Pawling Soccer has officially partnered with SoccerViza! Starting this summer, our varsity players will participate in preseason training at SoccerViza's Pro Development Center in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica. What an incredible opportunity!
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TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE
Write to us: Trinity-Pawling Magazine, 700 Route 22 Pawling, NY 12564 Email: communications@trinitypawling.org For class notes and alumni matters, email alumni@trinitypawling.org
WE POSTED ON INSTAGRAM
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Congratulations to Devon Diaco ’22 for winning the New England Wrestling Championship in the 126-pound weight class over the weekend! Devon went 5-0 in the tournament, with an incredible triple overtime victory in his final match, and was also presented with the Most Outstanding Wrestler award. What an accomplishment! “Let’s go!!!” — JEFFREYTHOMPSON24
“Big congratulations from the ’97 wrestling team, way to keep the Pride tradition up and good luck at National’s from all of us!” — GESSWINS
WE POSTED ON FACEBOOK
Saturday Programming focused on Environmental Stewardship as the #TPcommunity participated in “Love Your Planet Saturday.” From hiking on campus and constructing sleds out of recycled materials, to screening a variety of environmental documentaries and building beehives for campus, it was a day full of active learning and eco-focused conversations! #EthosOfEffort
ON CAMPUS
The Trinity-Pawling community welcomed Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz, USCG (ret) to campus for a series of leadership workshops as part of our Saturday Programming! After leading small group discussions with students from each Institute for Active Learning, Vice Admiral Stosz gave an engaging presentation to the entire student body and faculty, in which she shared experiences and leadership insights from her 40+ years in the United States Coast Guard. Vice Admiral Stosz was the first woman to command a Coast Guard ship and the first woman to lead a U.S. service academy, among many other accomplishments. Thank you, Vice Admiral Stosz, for joining us on campus and sharing your incredible experiences! #EthosOfEffort
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD Don Pettit ’72 SETTING COURSE BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI
Don Pettit remembers feeling at home at Trinity-Pawling long before he enrolled as a student on campus. He has fond memories of driving to Pawling every Saturday in the family station wagon to support his older brother, Bill (Class of 1967), during his athletic competitions. “On every Saturday, in all three seasons, the Pettits were there on the sidelines,” Don began. “Bill had such an incredible experience, there was never any question of where Jon (Class of 1970) and I would go to school. And so the oddity of a three-brother legacy came to be.” As an honors student, valedictorian, varsity athlete, yearbook editor, drama club performer, and even a dishwasher in the dining hall kitchen, Don learned a great deal during his time at Trinity-Pawling. “I discovered that I could set my own course in life. I learned to be responsible, self-disciplined, and how to persevere when things got tough. Being a good student became a part of my personal definition. Trinity-Pawling set me up for success in all aspects of my life.”
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Following his graduation, Don attended Princeton University, where he continued to sharpen his academic and athletic prowess. After earning a four-year degree, he joined the advertising world in New York City, and soon after, he moved to Baltimore to discover the beauty industry. “I fell in love with the beauty industry very quickly. If you love inventing things and solving problems, it’s an ideal business, run by some of the world’s most creative people.” In just nine years, Don learned marketing with the team that brought the Cover Girl brand to #1 in the nation. In the industry, Don rose to prominence in a variety of roles and organizations, from
“BILL HAD SUCH AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, THERE WAS NEVER ANY QUESTION OF WHERE JON (CLASS OF 1970) AND I WOULD GO TO SCHOOL. AND SO THE ODDITY OF A THREEBROTHER LEGACY CAME TO BE.” corporate beauty brands like Estée Lauder to
of Fame Induction Ceremony on campus. Jon
founding his own companies and product lines.
was inducted posthumously into the Hall of
Then in 2020, while working as a consultant
Fame, celebrated for his nine varsity letters as
on the off-ramp to retirement, Don’s course
a tri-sport athlete and New England honors in
changed — a bit unexpectedly.
lacrosse, among other accomplishments. “It was
“My wife, Joan, and I visited New Zealand
a great honor to be a part of Jon’s induction.
in March 2020 to meet our new granddaughter.
Jon would have been so excited to receive
That’s when the pandemic hit and the country
this honor at an event with his classmates. His
closed its borders. We were stuck…in one of the
athletic journey at T-P was so important to who
most beautiful places on Earth,” Don explained
he became, and he embodied the values that the
with a smile. “It’s truly been a gift.” Although
School tries to instill in young men today.”
they missed their other three children in New
Now nearing his 50th reunion, Don
Orleans, Michigan, and London, and their lives
looks back on his years at Trinity-Pawling
and belongings were back in Baltimore, Don and
with heartfelt gratitude for the people, the
Joan felt immensely grateful for the unplanned
opportunities, and the experiences. “To all
life change. “We’ve stayed safe and healthy in a
the young men at T-P now, I encourage you
country with so much to explore and experience.
to connect as strongly as possible with the
Living next door to our family and watching our
community. Because later in life, you’ll find that
granddaughter learn and grow has been the best
the experiences there will sustain you when you
thing in the world,” he reflected. “We were forced
need it most,” Don concluded. “These formative
to focus on what matters. It’s been a revelation.”
years at Trinity-Pawling will shape your future in
In the fall of 2021, Don Zoomed in from New Zealand and spoke on behalf of his
surprising ways as you set your own course and move on to new adventures.”
brother, Jon, at the Class of 1970 Athletic Hall
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD
Jason Temple ’91, P’15 A CURIOUS, BIG-PICTURE THINKER BY MARIA BUTEUX READE
Even as a sophomore in 1988, Jason Temple displayed an aptitude for technology. That natural curiosity was not lost on former faculty member Ted Kneeland who took Jason under his wing and tapped him to take care of the new computer lab in the Dann Building. “I would start the computers up in the morning before chapel and close down the room at the end of study hall in the evening,” Temple recalls. “Having that responsibility, along with the freedom to tinker with the machines and help maintain the system, was a dream for an easily distractible kid like me. Being trusted and encouraged to explore new technology clearly sparked what would become a lifelong interest.” Temple graduated from Union College in 1996 with a degree in computer science and has remained in the field, experiencing every wave of technological evolution over the last three decades. “In the old days, you would do everything by hand on a computer. Then, little bits of automation came around to install and remove programs. When I was with Ask.com in the early 2000s, we would build enormous server farms — 18,000 machines in data centers around the world managed by a small team. Now with the cloud, no one needs to buy that capital, ship, configure, and set it all up. We can generate everything digitally, on demand.” A leader in cloud technology infrastructure, Temple is the vice president for DevOps (development and operations) at Keeeb Inc., a Cambridge-based company
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that builds and hosts enterprise search technology for global business services. “I’m the architect and leader of teams that build cloudbased infrastructure needed to support SaaS products (software as a service) for enterprise customers. We focus on the development, security, and scalability of these systems that we manage with custom software to control servers, storage, and networks around the world. This needs to happen 24/7 all while remaining compliant with international government regulations and security requirements.” Jason’s goal is to find the right people who have the qualifications and the aptitude, even if they’ve not done this work before. The primary traits he looks for? Natural curiosity and the desire to learn. “I’ll guide a person through the process of creating these systems, which involves stepping and stumbling, failing, getting up, and doing it again and again until we get it right. You don’t deliver a perfect system in the first round — you have to prove it out with iterative attempts to get it to where it needs to be. This is a cutting-edge field, with no rule book to follow. You need to be curious and willing to see or make connections, drawing upon experiences with other systems, and run with the idea. If it works, great; if not, move on to the next idea.” Jason has worked for a variety of companies throughout his career. “I’ll often look for a business in a field I don’t
know much about so that I can challenge myself and learn something new, a place where I can wear different hats. That keeps it fresh for me. I love start-ups. I’ve created some and joined others. I try to stay alert to new technology and emerging trends that can be impactful for a larger audience, in the way that the internet and cell phones have transformed the way we live.” What does he love about this constantly evolving field? “Collaborating and problem-solving with a team. Building and maintaining complex systems. Working with loose guidance and finding my own solutions. Developing a company’s long-term vision.” Jason and his wife, Annabelle, live in Acton, Massachusetts and have three children in their early 20s. His son, James, graduated from Trinity-Pawling in 2015. When not tethered to a computer, Jason races vintage Porsche 911s; hunts elk and deer in the Montana and Idaho wilderness; and serves on the Acton Land Stewardship Committee, helping to maintain his town’s trails and conservation properties. Another hobby, astrophotography, merges photography, hardware hacking, and computers — three outlets he explored at Trinity-Pawling. “I tinker with hardware and software all the time — it doesn’t end with the job! There’s always something more or new to learn.” Temple captured this photo of Crescent Nebula (distance: 5,000 light years) in July 2021, with 2.5 hours of imaging.
“BEING TRUSTED AND ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE NEW TECHNOLOGY CLEARLY SPARKED WHAT WOULD BECOME A LIFELONG INTEREST.”
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD
Dean Bennett ’84 IMPRESSIONS BY THE REVEREND DANIEL D. LENNOX
“I’m proud of the growth and strength of Trinity-Pawling during these challenging times,” was the way that Dean Bennett started our most recent conversation. Bennett has left a lasting impression on me, which is exactly what Trinity-Pawling did for him nearly forty years ago. “You know, it’s all coming full circle. It’s like I’m in my dad’s head. I can feel what he was thinking when he sent me to Trinity-Pawling. I’m in that spot now with my son.” Bennett is in the stage of life where his own children are the same age as he was when he matriculated at Trinity-Pawling. As such, he’s in a reflective mood as the impressions of Trinity-Pawling now begin to crystalize in a new way — through the lens of his role as father, and through the lens of his own father. “My father wanted to set a good foundation. Looking back at my time at Trinity-Pawling…well, it’s as simple as the dress code, the discipline, the athletics, and the academic expectations. It’s important at T-P — it’s almost like a badge of honor. It’s a place of pride, pardon the pun.” Pardoned. “You know, I recently came across my graduation picture — it was fun to see myself through the eyes of my 14-year-old son. It was like I was looking at him and me, in the picture, as if it were a mirror to the past and the present. I could see in my young eyes how proud I was of representing something important. It’s a beautiful experience. Something offered and earned. It’s important at that age because you are looking for identity.” Impressions.
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Bennett has had a successful career since graduating in 1984. A graduate of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University, he is the founding President of J.K. Bennett and Associates, a New Yorkbased management consulting firm. He has had a long and active role in politics. He served as Executive Director for the Empire State Development Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise, a program that aims to expand governmental contracts and other opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses in New York State. Dean also served as Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and Deputy Director for the Office of Minority Affairs for Nassau County. As he puts it, “2022 looks very promising for diversity and inclusion.” But in the same breath, Bennett added, “it took endurance. Keeping the faith in the Holy Spirit and recognizing that goals might not happen tomorrow. The whole point: you have to stick with it. If you stick with it, the principles will shine, and so many of those principles I learned at Trinity-Pawling. Charity. Unity. Diversity. Community.” Impressions. Lasting. Recently, Bennett was honored for his service to the Roman Catholic church when he was installed as a member of the Knights of Columbus, a global Catholic order aimed at putting faith into action through service. “It was a good thing. It made me reexamine what I’ve done and
what my purpose is in life. It made me want to leave some lasting impressions. You know, there’s a saying: Through service we grow. That’s really the truth.” For Bennett, there was a deep yearning at the forefront of our conversation to both connect with the past and to strive for a better future. He recalled that his late father was a contemporary with The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and that his dad had gone to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. “He was trying to be intentional while at the same time preparing me for my future. I’m trying to do the same. Through challenge, we grow. You’re not putting old wine into old wineskins.” Bennett talked to me from a cluttered room filled with boxes he’d packed up and which had sent him down memory lane. He was in the process of moving his home office to the basement so that his growing son, Joshua, could take over the larger space. Bennett was alight with wonder at this reality. “I used to be able to eat off the top of his head,” he laughed heartily as he used an old expression of his grandfather’s. “Now, he’s 14, and almost 6 feet tall.” Time flies and memory boxes fill, but impressions are pressed into a way of life, even decades later. Trinity-Pawling is still leaving its lasting impression on Bennett and — certainly — he has left his lasting impression on us. Impressed.
“I could see in my young eyes how proud I was of representing something important. It’s a beautiful experience. Something offered and earned. It’s important at that age because you are looking for identity.”
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD
Q&A with Alex Scrymgeour ’92: Actor, Writer, Producer BY MARIA BUTEUX READE
persistence are the keys to making content which will engage, entertain, and educate the audience. I’ve experienced fakes, flakes, and snakes in my career, and each instance provided a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. I knew, in a world of ‘no’, all it takes is one ‘yes’. MBR: Take us back to your early days.
Alex Scrymgeour has dedicated more than 30 years of his life pursuing — and achieving — his dream of acting, writing, and producing. Here follows a conversation we had in January 2022, while Alex was at his home in Santa Monica, California, getting ready to start production on season one of his TV show, Eddie’s. MBR: Describe a typical day in the life of Hollywood mogul Alex Scrymgeour!
AS: Okay, rewind to June 1995. I was home in Bermuda for the summer after a successful year studying video and film production at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts (SMFA). There wasn’t a lot of video production in Bermuda at that time, and the best company was Fresh Creations, which produced television programming, corporate videos, commercials, and live video recordings for the Bermuda market. I knew I had to work with them to keep learning and growing. One night I saw the Fresh Creations van parked outside my house. I ran inside and printed off my résumé and crafted a cover letter explaining my passion for making film and television. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I put my résumé and cover letter on their dashboard. I was 20 — whatever it takes, right? A week went by and I figured that my résumé had ended up in the circular filing cabinet. Then I got a call from Elmore Warren, Fresh Creations president, who had found my résumé, thought it showed initiative, and hired me for the summer. That was the start of my professional career in film and television production. MBR: Tell me about Scrimmy Media.
AS: I’m an early riser who believes the early bird gets the worm. I’m up by 5 AM, at the gym by 5:30, then working and writing by 8 AM, until the end of day. Three children keep my wife, Julie, and me busy! Jonah, 20, lives on his own near us, but our other two children, Louis and Sophie, 13 and 9, are still home and keep us on our toes! At day’s end, I am watching new content to see what’s being produced and what’s currently on air. In 2021, there were 559 new, original scripted television series. And throughout the day, I’m always reading. You cannot output as a writer if you are not inputting by reading.
AS: Being a one-person filmmaker creating content and making something from nothing, with no network, is not easy. But as Teddy Roosevelt said, “Nothing in this world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty. No kind of life is worth leading if it is always an easy life.” So, in 2000, I created Scrimmy Media and steadily built a solid team of professionals. We are a ‘can-do’ only squad who works nonstop to ensure that the show must go on. File that under the T-P Group One effort! MBR: When did your TV career start to take off?
MBR: How did you get to where you are today: an awardwinning creator, writer, producer, and actor? AS: The ability to face rejection and hear ‘no’ thousands of times helps! But seriously? Passion, professionalism, perseverance, and 10 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
AS: After years of working and creating content for other people, I decided to create and pitch my own television and films. In 2014, I attended the Banff World Media Festival, which was a content creator's dream come true and forever changed my course in life. By
the time the festival ended, I had a five-year plan to prove Scrimmy Media can deliver scripted and unscripted TV pilots from concept to final delivery. MBR: And then? AS: Among other projects, I made Pizza Perfect in Rome, Italy during the summer of 2017, filming my pursuit for the perfect slice. In 2018, we had produced the Eddie’s TV show pilot, and we took it on the circuit in 2019 where it won some great awards. Eddie’s should be up and running as we produce season one. I am very excited for what 2022 has in store and am thankful to Global Genesis Group for the opportunities they have given me for Eddie’s, Pizza Perfect, and my other show, Native States! MBR: Give us a teaser of Eddie’s. AS: Eddie’s, a cross between Mythic Quest, Cheers, New Girl, and Ted Lasso, takes place at Eddie’s Bar & Grille, a rustic tavern on the beach in Venice, California. The show’s diverse group of characters deal with the issues of our present-day world (inclusion, economics, relationships) with grace, humor, and camaraderie. New Yorker Eddie Doyle, the bar’s disabled owner/bartender, is a fish out of water in Venice trying to save the world to make up for his checkered past. Despite his gruff exterior, he cares for everyone and manages a quirky staff while keeping the regulars and tourists out of trouble. George Wendt, the infamous Norm from Cheers, plays a salty sea captain named The Captain, who is always ready to dish out wisdom and whose mouth always gets him in trouble. MBR: At what point did you know you wanted to pursue a career in entertainment?
MBR: What are the most challenging aspects of your profession? AS: Facing constant rejection. If you can handle that and keep going, you’ll make it! MBR: What keeps you inspired? AS: Being able to keep working and see my creations come to life from idea to script to production. It’s also the little things like writing a good scene, getting constructive feedback on stories or scripts, or having the ability to pitch your content to others in the industry. MBR: How did your four years at Trinity-Pawling prepare you for what you’re doing now? AS: I learned to work hard for the things I want — to focus not just scholastically, but on bettering myself. I learned to rationalize, and analyze facts, and to make solid decisions based on data. T-P taught me how to study, how to network, and form new positive connections with people. MBR: Who were your mentors? AS: Teachers like Chris Hiland, Clarence Perkins, Ted Kneeland, Maria Reade, Brian Foster, and Bruce Dersch had a positive impact on my life. They were kind, generous, patient, understood the creative mind, demanded and got the best from me. Creative types often have our heads in the clouds, and these teachers were able to ground me and get me focused. They were also great sounding boards and listened when I needed an ear to bend. MBR: Guiding mantras?
AS: I’ve known my whole life I wanted to be in entertainment, either as an actor or a storyteller. I remember seeing The Muppet Movie as a kid thinking: “One day, I’ll work at The Magic Store!” MBR: Refresh our memory of your participation in theater at Trinity-Pawling. AS: I was in all the plays as well as the theater class, and I also was part of the Broadway Theater Club. We saw some great shows during my four years at T-P.
AS: Be a gentleman and go forth with kindness in your heart. Work hard and don’t get distracted by things which will take you off the path to success. MBR: Words of wisdom to aspiring creatives? AS: Keep creating and writing. Read On Writing by Stephen King, Save The Cat! Writes for TV by Jamie Nash, and The Executive Chair by Kelly Edwards. Learn to accept rejection and never give up on your dreams. Every ‘no’ is a chance to learn and grow.
MBR: What appeals to you about acting, writing, and producing? AS: Acting gives me the opportunity to be another character. Writing gives me the opportunity to create characters. Producing gives me the opportunity to make the character(s) jump from page to screen.
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD
Stephanie Busby ’79 BUILDING A GROWTH MINDSET CULTURE BY MARIA BUTEUX READE
Stephanie Busby understands the value of self-confidence and clear communication. For the past 30 years, Busby has immersed herself in the world of learning and development, training emerging leaders to improve on crucial ‘soft skills’ such as communication, team effectiveness, people management, and career growth. “The people I’m training are young, smart, and tech-savvy. I’m here to teach them strategies for how to approach their work and be more productive and engaged.” After earning her master’s degree in counseling psychology and education from Columbia’s Teachers College, Busby spent 22 years with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting company with 10,000 employees. “My job was to develop and teach talent management practices — hiring, onboarding, managing, driving engagement, and building a learning culture among employees.” At Korn Ferry, Busby helped the company pivot overnight to virtual learning as the pandemic took hold in the spring of 2020. “A large part of Korn Ferry’s business is face-to-face training programs for our clients, and we had to transition all those to various virtual platforms and develop best practices.” Challenges of virtual training sessions? “It’s harder to engage people and make sure that the learner’s retention is strong,” Busby observes. “We have relatively short Zoom training sessions with follow-up activities geared to reinforce the learning.” In June 2021, she accepted a position as Senior Learning and Development Manager at MiQ Digital USA, a programmatic media company with 800 young and vibrant employees across the globe. “My students are 20 to 40-year-old digital advertising tech designers, marketers, and emerging leaders. I’m focused on building a company culture where employees know how to coach and give feedback to each other, to view learning as part of their job, and to have a growth mindset.” What nudged her to leave a secure job of 22 years? “I was ready to take my knowledge and experience and bring it to an evolving company. I was given a blank canvas to create the vision and establish a learning and development culture throughout the company. This is an exciting opportunity to guide leaders as the start-up grows.” “As head of this department, my goal is to help people understand that learning and development are more than just one-and-done training programs. I want to foster the mindset 12 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
that we are all teachers, that learning and development is everyone’s responsibility, that each person needs to take ownership, and that everyone has something to share as adult learners. We all can teach and be teachable.” To unplug from a day on screen, Busby goes out to dinner with friends, takes long walks along the East River, and bingewatches Netflix series. “Last fall, I was able to watch a number of my daughter Julia’s rugby matches. She’s a senior at Vassar and plays scrum-half, like a quarterback in football. Her team won the Division 2 Nationals, so that was super fun!” Reflecting on her two years at Trinity-Pawling, Busby says, “As 20 girls, we were in a minority. But that taught us how to navigate and get what we needed. We had a terrific group of strong, young women who were smart, determined, and achievement-oriented. We coalesced and supported one another. We had an excellent soccer team, coached by Lisa Carrill, and that gave us credibility and helped us bond as a group. Former headmaster Phil Smith was wonderful. He was kind and open and heard us. Eric Ruoss, Dean of Students, was a superb person and pivotal in my experience. He was a supportive and open-minded advocate.” Pleasantly persistent by nature, Busby believes in the power of both actions and words and shares this piece of advice. “When people say you can’t do something, prove them wrong. Believe in yourself, and pursue your dreams and goals. Whenever someone told me I can’t do something, like work for the Democratic National Committee at age 21, or be a single parent and adopt a baby girl from China, and then put her through private school, I just said, ‘Watch me.’”
Joon Sub Lee ’11 LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE BEHIND BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI
Joon Sub Lee can still remember an AP Chemistry lab experiment he did during his sophomore year at Trinity-Pawling. Students were observing the change in flame color on the Bunsen Burner when different metal solutions were applied. “It was hands-on and exciting. We weren’t just memorizing the facts and results — we were learning the why,” Joon Sub explained. “That’s when I knew science was the field for me.” After graduating as the valedictorian of his class at TrinityPawling, Joon Sub earned undergraduate degrees in molecular cell biology and public health at the University of California, Berkeley. He then lived and worked in Philadelphia for three years, while also volunteering at various organizations, including the Franklin Institute and the VA Medical Center in the hematology/ oncology clinic. In 2018, he enrolled at New York Medical College (NYMC), where he is currently a fourth-year medical student pursuing general surgery. “Since my surgery rotation, I have been drawn to general surgery. It offers a new opportunity with each patient to visually identify a problem and find the right solution,” Joon Sub shared. “What really strikes me about the discipline is the interpersonal connections a surgeon can form with his or her patients. The trust and bonds built between a surgeon and patient can make a lasting impact, on both a medical and personal level. I’ve seen it firsthand and I’d love to make a difference like that.” Now just weeks away from medical school graduation,
Joon Sub looks back with gratitude on his experiences that have led up to this important moment. He is particularly thankful for the three formative years he spent on campus at Trinity-Pawling. From playing alto saxophone in the jazz band, to trying new sports and theater productions, to strengthening his academic skills in various AP classes, Joon Sub appreciates each and every experience — but none more than the bond he formed with his mentor and friend, MacGregor Robinson (former Director of Admission). “MacGregor took me under his wing as soon as I arrived at Trinity-Pawling. He was more than a mentor to me, he was family,” Joon Sub recalled with a smile. “MacGregor continued to cheer me on at UC Berkeley and during my gap years in Philadelphia. He always pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, and supported me in my decision to pursue medical school. I only wish I could have told him I made it. He was a very important person in helping me become who I am today.” Soon-to-be Joon Sub Lee, MD is proud to be in a field that helps people and fosters lifelong learning. Now, as he takes the next step on his journey in the field of medicine, he is grateful for the unwavering support of his parents, teachers, mentors, and friends. Recalling MacGregor Robinson’s sage advice: be comfortable with being uncomfortable, Joon Sub concluded: “We may not always like to leave our comfort zones, but I’ve learned that it can really make all the difference.” Please join us in wishing Joon Sub continued success!
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD
Brotherly Love CHRISTOPHER PELLITTERI ’22 AND MICHAEL PELLITTERI ’22 BY THE REVEREND DANIEL D. LENNOX
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Twin brothers, Christopher and Michael Pellitteri, naturally have a lot in common. They both share a quiet steadiness that steers their actions and interests. They both have caring and nurturing souls, and they both possess a vocation to serve people in need. They both are funny, thoughtful, and versed in the ways of the world — wise well beyond their years. They’re similar. They’re twins, after all. But…even still…they couldn’t be more different. “Yeah, we’re pretty much polar opposites,” they casually laughed as they unfolded their manifold differences. Christopher: Lacrosse, hockey, Relay for Life, finance, and the goal of starting an assisted living facility. Michael: Baking Club, head tour guide, theater, wrestling, and the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. “I’m the competitive one,” chuckles Christopher. “I’m described as loud — can you believe that?” retorts Michael in his mischievous way. “We’re both into different things — from the early days we have gone our separate ways, so there has never been a rivalry, which is good. I mean, I’m clearly the stronger one,” says Christopher with the cool cheekiness of the older brother…by 1 minute. Indeed, Christopher and Michael are similar and different, which makes them so distinct and so incredibly impactful on a campus like Trinity-Pawling. They provide the clear assurance that the boarding school life isn’t for a cookiecutter design, but that anyone can carve out their own creation and their own powerful campus existence. Christopher
and Michael do this so well. They’ve stretched themselves to try new things, and they find themselves constantly engaged in clubs, activities, sports, and enterprises they couldn’t have imagined previously.
“We’re both into different things — from the early days we have gone our separate ways, so there has never been a rivalry, which is good.” — Christopher Pellitteri
“I like being a student involved outside the classroom. I particularly love my time in chapel. I like my chair in the chapel. I love being a Trinity-Pawling tour guide — I love talking about this place I love, in the hopes that prospective students will find that in their own way,” says Michael, in his thoughtful way. “It’s hard not to get involved and engaged at T-P,” quipped Christopher, who recently finished his Senior Independent Project (SIP), in which he developed a model for a modern healthcare plan with a promising future for assisted living facilities. Christopher has continued his project into the spring with the hopes of obtaining the affixture: Diploma
with Distinction. “I would like to start a business in assisted living. I didn’t imagine getting into the medical world, but after my grandfather died, I realized that my presence really helped him in his final days. I’d like to go into that in the next phase, with the hopes of helping others. Trinity-Pawling has really opened the door for this sort of thinking about life.” Christopher and Michael have sure taken advantage of their time at Trinity-Pawling. Arriving in 2019, the Boston-area twins have soaked up the brotherhood ethos embedded in the fabric of the School. They both laughed as they recalled their first cross country practice. “We were worried about the seniors being difficult on us younger guys. The one thing you realize about T-P, however, is that everyone knows everyone, and it’s easy to talk with people. Seniors Lucas Hughes ’20, Rodger Ecker ’20, and Danny Csaszar ’20 – they were super guys!” Christopher and Michael Pellitteri are super guys too. Now in their final year at the School, they have exemplified the fullness and diversity of experience available at Trinity-Pawling. While certainly inextricably connected as twins (just take one look at them together), who have been side-by-side at boarding school since grade 7, they have also found a way to become their own unique, curious, and gracious selves. They are the Trinity-Pawling brotherhood personified. They are Christopher and Michael, the Pellitteri brothers.
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A VIEW FROM THE QUAD
Newsworthy COMMUNIT Y
quoted
NEW FACES IN THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
“ On this important
Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Trinity-Pawling community! TOM JAVERY, Associate Director of Advancement Communications Hometown: Pawling, NY Experience: 15 years in communications, marketing, web design, public relations, and project management, as well as experience specifically in an all-boys boarding school Hidden Talent: Nature photography JENNA JONKE, Advancement Coordinator Hometown: Pawling, NY Experience: 7 years of experience in marketing, public relations, content creation, and event coordination Hidden Talent: Snowboarding
JOHN NEWMAN, Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Hometown: Brookfield, CT Experience: 23 years working in independent school environments as a classroom teacher, coach, advisor, dorm parent, Dean of Students, Director of Business Operations, and Chief Operating Officer Hidden Talent: Jazz drummer
day, we give thanks for Dr. King and we are reminded of our call to be engaged citizens, working together for the forward progression of any community. Dr. King was a revolutionary for love and that is a spirit we can capture in our own actions – not just today, but each and every day.”
GAIL ORSER, Interim Director of Major Gifts Hometown: Wingdale, NY
—Headmaster Bill Taylor said
Experience: 40 years of executive leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, mentoring, team building, and project management experience within the nonprofit sector.
Morning Meeting, honoring the life
Hidden Talent: Playing with little kids and making them smile
at the January 17, 2022 Monday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
JAY PHILPOTT ’96, Interim Regional Director of Major Gifts Hometown: Jackson, MS
The Trinity-Pawling community
Experience: 20+ years working in leadership positions in advancement, alumni relations, admissions, financial aid, marketing, and communications in independent schools and higher education
our ongoing commitment to
pays tribute to Dr. King with spread kindness, give back to
Hidden Talent: Asphalt cycling hill climbing
our communities, and work
AMY SMITH, Research and Database Manager Hometown: Sherman, CT
change in our world.
Experience: 10+ years of experience in forecasting, portfolio management, prospect research, stewardship, and database management Hidden Talent: Can name just about any 80's song
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together to create positive
FACULT Y HONORS
on c Ampus
2021 ARDITTI AWARD We congratulate Josh Frost ’04, who was presented with the 2021 Arditti Award in October 2021. This endowed fellowship honors a member of our faculty for excellence in teaching. It was established in 1995 by Edward Arditti ’51 and his son Ted ’94 as a way to celebrate our teachers for their distinguished work and dedication. While presenting the Arditti Award, Headmaster Bill Taylor shared these words about Josh: “He is dynamic, creative, and insightful as a teacher and boarding school professional. Josh is an innovator and a role model with an unshakeable work ethic and an unwavering commitment to his students, colleagues, and the School. He exudes excellence in all that he does. Thank you for your extraordinary dedication to Trinity-Pawling!”
ART
NEW SCULPTURE INSTALLED A powerful bronze owl statue by wildlife sculptor Bob Guelich was recently gifted to Trinity-Pawling School by Jim Bellis ’72, trustee and distinguished alumnus. Installed on the lawn of the Dann Academic Building, the owl symbolizes the wisdom of the teaching and learning that happens everywhere on this campus, each and every day. It is a stunning addition to our campus and we are grateful to Jim for his generosity!
AC ADEMIC S
SPOTLIGHT ON WINTERSESSION Over the course of the two weeks between the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks, students worked on 54 Senior Independent Projects, 18 Global Collaborative Challenges, and 14 Winter Projects — developing their problem solving and critical thinking skills, working collaboratively, and discovering new gifts and talents along the way. During the Wintersession Finale project fair, held in the Smith Field House in December, parents, faculty, and staff were able to explore all of the “booths” where students showcased their wide array of final projects. Constructing piston-driven steam engines, tapping maple trees on campus to begin the maple sugaring process, building musical instruments using recycled materials, exploring the history of flight and building a variety of craft airplanes, and designing a campus ropes course are just a few of the students’ accomplishments, all in a day’s work during Wintersession at Trinity-Pawling!
NEW CLUBS These new clubs on campus are examples of some of the creative and inclusive ways students are contributing to the Trinity-Pawling experience. The Maker's Club provides a place for students to come together to share their experience, projects, and ideas on many different topics including computers, engineering, 3D printers, electronics, and much more. This club has access to many of the tools and resources in the Maker Space. Woodworking Club gives students the opportunity to learn woodturning, carving, and joinery skills enabling them to envision and create wooden projects with their hands. Lego Club brings out the inner architect, builder, and artist in everyone. Members join together for music, bricks, and everything from large projects to small challenges! 30 for 30 Club uses the 30 for 30 documentary series to look at societal issues. At each meeting, members watch a 30 for 30 documentary and discuss how sports and society are linked together and what lessons can be learned from the world of athletics.
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FACULTY MINUTE
The Cycle CODY DOYLE BY THE REVEREND DANIEL D. LENNOX
Baseball is famous for its statistics. Stand in the bleachers of a diamond long enough and you’re likely to hear about the only lefthanded batter to hit in fifteen consecutive games on an artificial turf field where the sky was overcast, and in each of the fifteen games the pitcher was also left-handed, and where both players wore the same number: 15. Baseball loves its stats, and there is… perhaps…no more beautiful stat in all sport than hitting for the “natural cycle,” an accomplishment achieved by only thirteen MLB players, making it rarer than a perfect game. The “natural cycle” has it that one batter (within a single game) hits a single, double, triple, and a home run in that order. It’s an awesome feat, and as rare as a Montreal Expo. But it happens, every so often, and that’s one of the great beauties of baseball. It’s a game within a game within a game, and it’s transfixing. Cody Doyle loves the game within the game. Baseball has fascinated him since he was a youth. Try to steer him away from the topic, and, well, “Sorry, Father, we’re still on baseball for a little bit longer if you don’t mind.” No, I don’t mind — not at all, because talking with Cody is like watching someone hit for the “natural cycle.” He is locked in on the whole of his life at Trinity-Pawling and beyond, and he’s seamlessly able to connect
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each thread of life back into the game he so dearly loves. It is for this reason that in such a short time, Cody has had such a significant impact on our community. Head baseball coach by spring (a brandnew role for Cody — one that fits like a glove), Cody also coaches football and hockey. He’s a dorm parent in Starr, a math teacher, a Winter Project mentor, and truly a stand-up guy. In short, Cody touches all the bases in the busy and eclectic universe of Trinity-Pawling. He’s a natural. “I kind of knew what I was getting into,” said Cody. “Having faculty parents and growing up at Avon Old Farms made it somewhat familiar. There were no real surprises when I arrived here in 2019.” Like a lead-off hitter, Cody has quickly shown he can hit anything that comes his way, but he’s most excited about taking on the task of being the head baseball coach. “I’m excited about this role. Coach Webber has done an excellent job getting our baseball program to a spot where it’s very well-known and respected, and I’m trying to continue that. I’m passionate about baseball. I spend a lot of my free time studying and learning about the game. And I hope the boys will trust that and recognize that love and passion.” This past winter, Cody led a Winter Project on baseball arbitration. Over two mock trials, Cody, fellow faculty member
Slade Mead, and students examined the numbers and value associated with players and organizations. “It was a lot of fun. It boiled down to questions about worth, value, and stats. It also touched on all four Institutes for Active Learning, recognizing that education, passion, and practicality can coexist. We all gained an experience we’ll always remember.” The Winter Project concluded with… naturally…a homerun trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Cody had been there as a twelve-year-old. He dreamt of being in the Hall of Fame. He grew up admiring George Brett and Nomar Garciaparra. He loved their willingness to play all out. “These were guys that seemed to love the game so much that they wanted to show that they loved the game.” Now Cody is back, with a new crop of young minds aspiring likewise — to one day make it to the big leagues. Today, though, Cody isn’t the player, he’s the manager. Cody has rounded the bases, and he’s just where he’s always wanted to be — watching, analyzing, coaching, mentoring, scoring, and examining the game within the game and everything therein that he so dearly loves. The cycle.
In the Classroom with Joe Poon
The Journey Of Self-Discovery BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI
It was the summer of 2019 when Joe Poon arrived on campus with his family as the newest member of the Trinity-Pawling Arts Department. After nearly 10 years of living and teaching in New York City, the artist and educator craved a new challenge and a change of scenery. He was thrilled to find both at Trinity-Pawling. “As a graduate of The Hotchkiss School, I’ve always had a romantic vision of teaching on a boarding school campus,” Joe shared. “Joining Trinity-Pawling has allowed me to grow as an educator and make a difference for my students in the ways my boarding school teachers did for me.” Joe teaches both foundational and AP level courses of studio art, art history, photography, and digital media. Whether he is leading a lesson in graphic design or teaching a new drawing technique, Joe maintains a fluid and studentcentered approach. “The most rewarding part of teaching art is the ability to pivot according to students’ interests and potential,” he shared. “It’s not just about what the boys learn in the classroom or studio. It’s how the art they create enhances their understanding of the world
around them — and the gifts and talents they can contribute to it.” As a creative and critical thinker, Joe brings a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods to his classroom. In his AP Art History class, for example, he teaches the curriculum in reverse chronological order. This allows students to better appreciate the cultural, social, and historical significance of different artworks and artistic eras, and find unusual connections between, say, Ancient Egyptian cave paintings and works by Picasso. “The openness of our class discussions with Mr. Poon helps us to explore ideas and truths about the past and understand the deeper meaning behind the art,” reflected Art History student Luke Daly ’22. “It’s the unexpected connections and creative, out-ofthe-box moments we have in this class that I am grateful for.” In his studio art classes, Joe regularly guides his students through the process of an art critique — a vital part of the learning experience for young artists. “Critiques play a significant role in my classroom. Teaching students how to appreciate constructive criticism and listen to others’ perspectives is key to helping
them succeed,” Joe explained. “Most importantly, it keeps the creative dialogue going!” Looking to the future, Joe has his sights set on bringing all types of creativity to life at Trinity-Pawling, starting with more course offerings in graphic design and modern media. “I want the arts to be an academic leader on campus, showcasing the 21st-century skills and important life lessons that are learned in an art classroom. As an educator, I don’t define what art ‘has to be’ for my students because it limits their access and expression. I feel I have a great responsibility in the classroom…to help my students feel limitless.” Ultimately for Joe, teaching his student-artists comes down to one important concept: the journey of self-discovery. “It’s not one specific piece or style of art that makes you an artist. Every piece is a process, a journey, a chance to change your perspective, and tell a story,” Joe concluded. “I remind my students every day: ‘Embracing every opportunity to learn something new makes you a better artist — and a better person.’”
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The Big Picture
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THE POND HOUSE
The Pond House was built in 2000 with funding provided by the Class of 1970, in commemoration of their 30th reunion. With great vision and forethought of purpose, this environmental classroom was intended to make greater use of the campus and surrounding areas by bringing more focus to the pond and its ecosystem. Indeed, the Pond House has become a magnet for environmental learning at Trinity-Pawling, providing for countless hours of educational experiments and hands-on science research. The pond inspires photographers on campus throughout the seasons. This favorite campus landmark was captured beautifully during the golden hour in late March 2022 by faculty member Connie Rafferty.
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One of Trinity-Pawling’s greatest assets isn’t bricks and mortar and doesn’t come with a roof. It is, however, referenced in the second verse of our Alma Mater hymn, “Sunset o’er the western hillsides, pond in which we played.” Indeed, our 230-acre campus is blessed with abundant natural resources: inspiring views, rolling hills, open fields, deep woods, freshwater ponds, and streams.
While our maintenance crew painstakingly cares for much of this physical landscape — tending garden beds; mowing the verdant lawns; caring for trees, shrubs, and other plantings — interest in shepherding other natural assets has increased over the last decade. In 2017, the School purchased 98 acres of woods and pastures in the hills above the pond. Thanks to that property acquisition, community members have created hiking and biking trails and expanded the campus farm. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to environmental stewardship, both for recreational benefit and educational purposes. In fact, one of the four Institutes for Active Learning, which rolled out this year, centers on environmental stewardship. As the pandemic has reminded us to embrace the great outdoors, we decided to shine a light on the myriad ways that our natural resources enhance the Trinity-Pawling experience.
The Institute For Environmental Stewardship But first, how do the Institutes for Active Learning work? In the beginning of the school year, seniors choose which institute they wish to explore: Leadership, Citizenship, Entrepreneurship, or Environmental Stewardship. The goal is to provide opportunities that stretch the mind and encourage exploration of concepts and skill development. The programs foster critical skills for 21st-century learners including collaboration, communication, creativity, service, self-awareness, character, and critical thinking.
Students who opt to immerse themselves in environmental stewardship possess a desire to advocate for the Earth’s natural resources, take ownership for the health of our shared environment, bring an awareness of the fragility of our world, and model sustainability through their actions. Together, they will lead the charge
to find solutions to environmental issues on campus and beyond. Faculty members Josh Frost ’04 and Florent Lacroix co-lead the Institute for Environmental Stewardship. The cohort this year includes 14 seniors and 12 faculty, and the goal is to be student-driven while the faculty facilitate and guide as needed. Once a term, each institute orchestrates a Saturday morning of themed activities in which the entire school community participates. “In late September, we introduced the concept of environmental stewardship to the entire student body by engaging them in a variety of projects,” Frost explains. Divided by dorm units into eight groups, the boys hiked at nearby Lakeside Park, created art from discarded structural debris, planted 30 fruit trees and additional blueberry bushes at the farm, built a compost bin at the farm, scoured the campus clean of litter and trash, constructed a bridge over the stream for the mountain bike trails, prepared breakfast in Scully Hall using sustainable ingredients, and learned orienteering basics and fire-starting with flint. “Everyone enjoyed the variety and had a chance to experience new activities,” Frost recalls. The Winter Term Institute for Environmental Stewardship took place in February. The senior S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 23
leaders selected six documentaries that involved an environmental theme, and groups watched the films followed by dynamic discussions. Other activities included hikes on the Appalachian Trail and up to Cat Rocks. Luke Daly ’22 is a postgraduate who chose the Institute for Environmental Stewardship and created an environmental marketing tool for his Senior Independent Project (SIP), titled The Great Outdoors. “I wanted to document the scenery in the hills and fields above the pond. I hiked all the trails and went to the highest part of the property and captured amazing photos and breathtaking drone footage. I turned those into a short video that shows the beauty of that property in the hopes of inspiring other students to go explore it. I found such peace on those hikes — they helped me clear my mind and focus on nature. More students should get out of the dorms, take advantage of the trails and scenery up there, and interact with the world beyond video games. Doing this project, and being part of the Environmental Institute, has opened my eyes to the greater natural world and tapped into my passion for the environment. I also want to create a peace pole, an eight-foot-tall square wooden post, and plant it at the highest point of the
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property. Each side will have an inspirational phrase carved into it: Elevate Your Mind, Elevate Your Body, Elevate Your Soul, Elevate Your World. That would be a meaningful message to leave for the community.”
Growing The Farm Trinity-Pawling's farm program has evolved significantly since Maria Reade and Josh Frost established Gamage’s Gardens behind Scully Hall in 2011. Frost has moved the bulk of the farm to the property above the pond. In a one-acre fenced garden, Frost and his farm team now grow more than 20 vegetable crops that go straight to the dining hall crew; during the summer, faculty and staff can buy this organic produce that Frost and his family harvest. “When we moved the farm up top,” Frost explains, “the farming boys actively participated in plowing, transplanting, fencing, and sowing cover crops of oats, winter peas, rye, and buckwheat. They start seedlings in the small greenhouse annex off the biology room in the Ebert Science and Technology Wing.” He and his varsity farming team also built a 24 x 48-foot greenhouse. Using the sawmill adjacent to the garden, they milled the lumber to frame out the end walls with wood from felled campus trees.
“The farm is a resource. We have 12 boys on the farming crew in fall and spring. My wife Ashley, who now teaches in the LEAD program, shares the farming oversight with me.” Frost is proud of the opportunities he’s been able to offer the boys. “Once they get up there, they experience something new. They grow food, drive a tractor, split firewood. The atmosphere is low stress, an escape from the bustle of the academic day.” The next step? Teaching students how to cook the produce they grew and harvested. Grow, cook, eat. Full circle.
If You Build It, They Will Ride… And Hike, And Snowshoe Since the fall of 2019, faculty member Matt Bresler has created more than four miles of connected mountain biking trails in the property above the pond. The trails are also perfect for hiking and snowshoeing. Bresler maintains them with the help of his 20-person mountain biking team, which he established in 2020. “I worked with a local rider who designed the trail systems at Kent, Berkshire, and Hotchkiss. With his help, I mapped out a good route and then did the necessary work to clear the trails of brush and vegetation. My latest trail is a mile and a half of twisty double track at the top of the property, perfect for endurance training or a race course.”
Thanks to Bresler’s diligence as both an avid coach and trail maintenance guru, Trinity-Pawling hosted its first interscholastic mountain bike race in October 2021. The Housatonic Mountain Biking League includes Kent, Berkshire, Hotchkiss, South Kent, Salisbury, and Indian Mountain School. “Our course is the most climbing-heavy course in the league, so that’s a nice home advantage. The kids love to get out, and since we have a range of abilities, we set practices appropriate for each skill level. It’s been great for the boys to learn about building and maintaining these trails. They have a vested interest in them.” The mountain bike team won over 20 races and placed first in the league this year.
Learning Can Be Sweet Jesús Fierro ’24 knew nothing about maple syrup beyond what he drizzled over his pancakes. Nevertheless, he signed up for the 2021 Winter Project called Maple Syrup Factory. “First, we learned to identify trees by examining their bark and the position of branches, and looking for leaves on the ground near the trunk. Then we drilled about 400 taps in 20 sugar maples, collected the sap in buckets, and boiled it into syrup in the dorm kitchen. A half gallon of syrup required 20 gallons of sap to produce.
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Environmental science teacher Mike Webber P’17,’18 with student Joe Porto ’22
We also visited two of the biggest maple sugaring operations in the state: Crown Maple and Soukup Maple. Those factories have more than 300,000 taps and collect sap through tubing. But I think our syrup tasted just as good as theirs.” Fierro’s curiosity has been tapped, and he says he’s more likely now to engage in outdoor activities because he feels more comfortable in nature.
Create Beauty, Embrace What We Have Prefect Mikey O'Rourke ’22 recognized the pond’s potential impact on the community and focused his SIP on how to promote this campus resource. He surveyed 90 students to ascertain their interest in possible pond refurbishment. More than half said they had not used the pond at all that year. However, if the pond were cleaned up, almost half of the respondents said they would swim in it with some frequency. 70% said they would like to fish the pond. “Through my research,” O’Rourke explains, “I learned that we need to remove invasive weeds from the shallow edges, improve water circulation, and help the ecosystem by stocking channel catfish and grass carp that eat the dead vegetation and largemouth bass for catch-and-release fishing. Then we can create
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more attractions (docks and benches, rope swing, and a pathway that encircles the pond’s edge) to draw students to the pond.” Classmate and fellow prefect Robbie Accomando ’22 agrees. “The best way to draw the community out of their habits is to create something beautiful and enticing.” His SIP centered on creating attractive spaces around the pond including an expanded trail system, a gazebo, enhancing the Pond House with comfortable seating, insulation for year-round use, and the ability to heat the inside with a woodstove. “Future seniors could tackle these initiatives in their SIPs, fostering a legacy of student engagement.” Accomando believes students need to be outside as often as possible, away from their phones and video games. “The campus has so many outdoor spaces, including the hammocks strung up in clusters of trees and all the Adirondack chairs, that provide comfortable and inviting places for friends to relax outside their dorm rooms. Outdoor classes are also a great mental health break.”
Nature As Classroom Mike Webber, environmental science teacher, couldn’t agree more. He incorporates myriad natural resources throughout his curriculum. “We interact with the campus forests, examine land use and ecological stages, analyze the soils, ponds, and connecting streams. Hands-on projects introduce varied means of quantitative and qualitative evaluation and analysis, using new instrumentation coupled with background research and visual interpretation.” Emily Tucci takes her biology classes on scavenger hunts in search of invasive species. “After reviewing the most common invasive species of plants found in New York State, we then scout the campus looking for one or any of those species. It becomes a fun game and, of course, a competition for the boys!” The 19th-century environmentalist John Muir believed that “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” All members of the Trinity-Pawling community are fortunate to have countless opportunities to interact with, learn from, and steward the abundant natural resources right outside our doors.
Raking It In Members of the Class of 1970 gathered on the Pond House porch in October 2021
Dan Tompkins, Director of Facilities, is a lifelong
clean once again. Moreover, the pond can return to its
fisherman who loves the outdoors. While comparing
natural depth of 7½ feet, replenished by summer rain
aerial photos of the two-acre pond from 2012 and 2018,
and water flowing from the streams above.
he observed how the pond had filled in over those six
The Class of 1970 has a special affinity for this
years. “When the floating bridge was built across the
iconic pond. As part of their 30th reunion gift, the class
northern edge of the pond, it rested on five feet of
provided funds to build the Pond House in 2000. That
water,” Tompkins notes. “It’s now stationary, sitting on
handsome cabin perched at the northern edge of the
about two inches of water and bottom fill.”
pond has become a hub for hands-on outdoor activities
The pond was drained, dredged, rejuvenated with a new concrete dam, and restored in 1995. However, as a pond
and environmental education. The class is committed to protecting the pond’s
naturally ages and becomes silted-in, organic nutrients
ecosystem and ensuring its health and safety for the
fuel invasive plant and algae growth. “If we don’t protect
future. “We really want to see the boys using the pond
and maintain the current ecosystem,” Tompkins explains,
for recreation, relaxation, and education,” says class
“the pond will infill and slowly choke itself.”
agent Dave Foster ’70. To honor their 50th reunion,
Hydro-raking, a relatively new method of removing
the class has continued their environmental legacy
decaying organic material (dead leaves, weeds, and
by raising funds for this hydro-raking project. Class
muck), is environmentally-friendly and less invasive
agent Tom Hess ’70 adds, “The older you get, the more
than dredging. A hydro-rake is a small floating barge
you want to do things that matter. The pond, the Pond
with a backhoe and scoop attachment similar to a York
House, the environment matter.”
rake. The wide curved rake reaches below the water’s
The School has contracted with Solitude Lake
surface to scoop out the decaying organic matter and
Management, a New Jersey-based company, to oversee
pile it at the pond’s edge. Raking six feet deep will
this 20-day project that will commence in early June.
extract approximately 1000 cubic yards of material. That
Later in the summer, Tompkins will restock the pond
rich mound of muck sits for 24 hours, which allows any
with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and large
pond critters to escape back to their natural habitat.
bluegills, ensuring that the boys will have plenty of
The final mass can be composted and ultimately used
action when they throw their lines in the clean pond
to add fertility to soil at the farm on campus. After the
water this fall.
water settles in a few weeks, the pond will be clear and
27 SSPPRRIINNGG 22002222 27
TRINITY-PAWLING’S STRATEGIC VISION GUIDES THE SCHOOL ONWARD By Maria Buteux Reade
28 28 TTRRIINNIITTYY--PPAAWWLLIINNGG MMAAGGAAZZIINNEE
Trinity-Pawling always looks to the future. The School has engaged in the process of formal strategic planning since 1990 when newlyappointed Headmaster Arch Smith convened the first Long Range Planning Committee. In 2018, Headmaster Bill Taylor transformed that approach by forming a committee and charging them to develop not a ten-year plan but a five-year strategic vision. The group completed its exhaustive and innovative work in September 2021. And now, the School’s work can begin.
A plan? A vision? Stop for a moment to reflect on the two nouns. A plan is firmly set in place while a vision is aspirational and adaptable. A vision allows for nimble thinking and flexible responses. “A ten-year long-range plan seems less applicable in today’s rapidly changing world,” Taylor explained. “This strategic vision provides a broad map that will help move the School forward for the next three to five years.” A committee consisting of ten trustees, chaired by Board President Erik Olstein ’86, P’11, ’14, ’17, convened in September 2018 to initiate the strategic planning process. A separate committee of ten faculty and staff joined the process a year later. Dean of Residential Life Dutch Keel oversaw this internal group.
SSPPRRIINNGG 22002222 29 29
MISSION STATEMENT: Trinity-Pawling School will provide an educational experience that makes a transformational difference in the lives of its students by enabling them to discover and pursue their distinctive gifts and talents.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
STRATEGIC GOAL:
RESOURCES
MINDSET
CORE VALUES
STRATEGIC GOAL:
CAMPUS
Excellence Character Community Curiosity
STRATEGIC GOAL:
TEACHING AND
LEARNING
STRATEGIC GOAL:
BELONGING
The pandemic struck while the committees were deep into the process. Until the spring of 2020, the meetings had taken place in person before shifting to virtual. However, in true Trinity-Pawling fashion, work continued. “We committed to persisting because you can’t stop planning for the future,” said Olstein. “We had set a deadline of September 2021 which we achieved despite the pandemic. I’m so proud that the entire committee worked hard through adverse conditions, maintained a forward-looking vision, and didn’t get distracted by current events.” According to Olstein, who participated in the 2010 strategic plan, this process was different. “We weren’t following a guide book. We created as we went based on what we ascertained were the School’s needs and vision. In many ways, we engaged in a collaborative and independent learning project of our own, much like the students do with
30 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
the Practicum and the Senior Independent Projects.” Their first exercise as a group: collaboratively generate a list of the vital features that make Trinity-Pawling unique. Then, critically assess which of those elements exist at other schools and remove them from the master list. To be sure, this is a humbling exercise. By eliminating what other schools do as well, only the truly distinct elements remain, which emerge as core strengths. Having tackled that wrenching but clarifying work, committees engaged in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Subgroups composed of trustees, faculty, and staff explored all aspects of the School — from academics, the arts, and athletics to community life, financial and campus resources, and governance — and ascertained the top three priorities in each area. Those priorities were merged and consolidated
further. In July 2021, the trustee committee gathered in person on campus for two days to develop an overarching vision which resulted in the creation of the five strategic goals. Based on more than two years of deep analysis, they generated a revised mission statement as well, which was then proposed to and approved by the full Board of Trustees at their September 2021 meeting. Taylor presented the strategic vision to the faculty in September and to the current parents at Parents Weekend in October. “It’s tough to introduce something new when everyone is still reeling and exhausted from dealing with the pandemic,” Taylor acknowledged. “But I have great faith that this strategic vision will become the stabilizing force while also providing inspiration on how to move forward.” This winter, the faculty explored the mission statement, deeply reflecting on what it means to ‘provide an educational experience that makes a transformational difference,’ and to enable ‘students to discover and pursue their distinctive gifts and talents.’ This transformational experience has remained the essence of a Trinity-Pawling education since the School’s founding in 1907. ONWARD, GUIDED BY THE NORTH STAR Taylor sees this strategic vision as the north star, a beacon of inspiration, which will steadily guide the School on its journey in the coming five years. The strategic vision encompasses the mission statement, four core values, and five strategic goals. And here’s how these parts coalesce and work in tandem: The strategic vision resulting from this five-year process provides the road map, and the School is the vehicle taking this journey. An efficient vehicle needs all interdependent parts to function smoothly and in unison. The vehicle (School) is powered by the mission statement, which serves as the engine; the four core values provide the fuel; the five strategic goals act as the pistons which fire and propel the vehicle (School) forward. The core values — excellence, character, community, and curiosity — are the foundation of the Trinity-Pawling experience and embedded in the strategic goals. The five strategic goals — mindset of excellence, trust, and innovation; forward-thinking teaching and learning; belonging;
financial resources; and campus assets — lay the groundwork for how the School moves forward and educates the students in all senses of the word. The mission statement centers on the unshakable belief that Trinity-Pawling provides a transformational experience where students discover and develop their unique gifts and talents. Alumni from every generation attest to that fact, and as the next-generation school for boys, legions of future Trinity-Pawling students will also benefit from the wide range of life-shaping experiences offered by the School.
“ THE STRATEGIC VISION IS CENTERED ON SUPPORTING AND ENSURING STUDENTS’ SUCCESS AND TRANSFORMATION.” — BOARD PRESIDENT ERIK OLSTEIN ’86, P’11,’14,’17
“The strategic vision is packed with beacons that steer our course while providing flexibility for us to adapt initiatives and adopt programs tailored to meet those goals,” Taylor observed. Olstein added, “The strategic vision is centered on supporting and ensuring students’ success and transformation. That means attracting a diverse student body; finding and supporting faculty and staff who can create forwardthinking curriculum and engage with the students; keeping financial aid strong; maintaining campus facilities; and creating a healthy, vibrant community.” Dean of Residential Life Dutch Keel, who chaired the internal committee, appreciated how the process was not rushed, that the committees had time to focus, reflect, and collaborate. “Serving on this committee expanded my own awareness of all facets of this community. It was challenging and humbling to step back and critically assess what we do and how we can do it better. And it’s daunting to look at the resulting list of recommendations and priorities. But every objective is geared solely for the betterment of our students.” Olstein concluded, “Trinity-Pawling will always adapt while maintaining the foundation of community, brotherhood, and commitment to innovation and excellence in boys’ education.” Core values in action, guiding the School’s vision.
S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 31
pride athletics SENIOR SNAPSHOTS: LEADERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD BY CYRUS ROTHWELL-FERRARIS
This series celebrates senior leaders who have made a difference in more than one way on campus. From the top of their class, as dorm leaders, and the best teammates around, these seniors have proven what it means to be exceptional student-athletes and community members. Most will continue competing in their sport at the next level. FRANCISCO BENDEZU
Spotlight Sport: Cross Country Hometown: Wingdale, NY Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4 Institute: Leadership Leadership Roles: Prefect, Editor of The Phoenix, Vice President of National Honor Society, Team Captain Headed to: Princeton University “T-P has allowed me to truly be a part of a community. The privilege of such a great education pushed me to work as hard as possible, making me a more diligent student. The communal aspect of T-P forced me to look outwards and prioritize more than just my academics. The athletic culture has helped me understand the value of sports in society and in everyday life, as well as the problems with the stereotypes associated with athletes.” 32 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
MICHAEL BLAYMIRES
Spotlight Sport: Lacrosse Hometown: Guelph, Canada Years at Trinity-Pawling: 3 Institute: Leadership Leadership Roles: Team Captain, Proctor Headed to: Bellarmine University Michael knows how to bring the fun wherever he shows up. “T-P has made me a better person overall,” he said. “Being from Canada and being far from home, I've had to learn to be a more independent person to work with adults and students on my own.”
MIKKEL CINTRON
Spotlight Sport: Basketball Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico Years at Trinity-Pawling: 2 Institute: Citizenship Headed to: Undecided before press time Mikkel Cintron came to Trinity-Pawling as one of few Spanish-speaking students in the midst of COVID. He says that since then, “TrinityPawling helped me get better in school, and also made me more independent while being more social.”
LUKE DALY
Spotlight Sport: Football Hometown: Rye, NY Years at Trinity-Pawling: 1 (PG) Institute: Environmental Stewardship Leadership Roles: Team Captain Headed to: Villanova University As a postgraduate, Daly holds unofficial leadership roles in the Environmental Institute and with his strong dorm presence. A student with sage wisdom, he welcomes peers into his room as a place to share their challenges and celebrate their successes. “This year has also helped me grow spiritually through my valuable interactions with others and time alone to reflect.”
ERIC GAO
Spotlight Sport: Tennis Hometown: Wuhan, China Years at Trinity-Pawling: 3 Institute: Environmental Stewardship Leadership Roles: Proctor Headed To: Cornell University “Trinity-Pawling lets me know that I can be whatever I want, even though I may not be good at it now. As long as I try, eventually I can get a good result. I never knew I could help others to play tennis!” TONY GAO
KEVIN KRASKA
Spotlight Sport: Soccer Hometown: New Fairfield, CT Years at Trinity-Pawling: 1 (PG) Institute: Entrepreneurship Leadership Roles: Team Captain Headed to: Undecided before press time Kraska led the soccer team as a goal-scorer and captain, and has found a niche in the classroom as an intellectual leader. “At my other schools, I was very quiet and reserved and never participated in any class discussions. I think the smaller class size and how comfortable and safe the T-P community is have helped me participate and engage more in school and out.” KYLE LEE
Spotlight Sport: Squash Hometown: Chengdu, China Years at Trinity-Pawling: 3 Institute: Citizenship Leadership Roles: Prefect, Proctor Headed to: Bowdoin College Tony has proven a balanced, all-around impact as a student at Trinity-Pawling — from sports to dorm to his leadership as a Prefect. “Trinity-Pawling has changed my life. This place offers countless opportunities for me to learn both within and beyond textbooks. I have become more persistent to learn more and improve as a student and as an athlete.”
Spotlight Sport: Wrestling Hometown: New Milford, CT Years at Trinity-Pawling: 4 Institute: Citizenship Leadership Roles: Dean’s Advisory Council, Team Captain Headed to: Roanoke College Kyle has been an impactful player on the football team while enjoying individual success as a wrestler,
competing in Nationals this year. “Coming in freshman year, I wouldn’t have thought I would fill as many leadership positions as I do, and that comes from the leadership I learned at T-P. I am grateful for the opportunities T-P has given me in order to succeed in the future in academics, athletics, and, most importantly, life.” RAHTREL PERRY
Spotlight Sport: Track and Field Hometown: New London, CT Years at Trinity-Pawling: 2 Institute: Citizenship Leadership Roles: Honor Council Headed To: Central Connecticut State University While Perry plans to play football as an offensive lineman at CCSU next year, he also threw the shot put as well as anyone in New England last spring. His presence on the football field and in the classroom befits his stature, as he is well-respected in the TrinityPawling community. Serving on the honor council, Perry says that Trinity-Pawling has helped him be more comfortable talking in front of diverse audiences.
NICK VEGA
Spotlight Sport: Baseball Hometown: Bronx, NY Years at Trinity-Pawling: 2 Institute: Leadership Leadership Roles: Proctor, Dean’s Advisory Council, Team Captain Headed to: New Jersey Institute of Technology “Both physically and mentally I have been able to develop a more resilient and active mindset in the classroom and on the field at Trinity-Pawling. I truly try to approach my day-to-day activities as an opportunity to get better in some way. Adopting this mindset has made a world of difference in my life.” RYAN WALKER
Spotlight Sport: Hockey Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Years at Trinity-Pawling: 2 Institute: Entrepreneurship Leadership Roles: Prefect, Team Captain Headed to: Junior Hockey After just one year on campus, Walker was voted Prefect. His open and inclusive approach has invigorated the community. “T-P has let me grow in all aspects of my life, giving me the tools to succeed,” he said. “I have grown tremendously as a student and as an athlete. I am now comfortable with constantly pushing myself and taking on new things.” S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 33
pride spotlight
Danté Milligan ’03 LIVING BASKETBALL FROM TRINITY-PAWLING TO THE NBA BY CYRUS ROTHWELL-FERRARIS
The Brooklyn Nets have been
said. “Even though our team was
basketball community within Trinity-
banged up this year. Forward Kevin
horrible, the individual success I had
Pawling, and in Milligan’s senior
Durant, Guard James Harden, and
there helped me get my next job
season the Pride competed for a
now Video Assistant and Trinity-
playing in China.”
Class B championship.
Pawling alum Danté Milligan ’03. In
During his two years in China,
a pickup game with Nets players in
Milligan led the league in scoring
his pick of schools after Trinity-
Washington, D.C., Milligan landed
and rebounding. While the
Pawling. “Everyone wanted me except
awkwardly, injuring his ACL, LCL,
basketball was grounding, the
for Duke and North Carolina,” he
and IT band. “Gotta wait until I’m
personal experience proved difficult.
explained. Pitt seemed like the right
37 and retired,” he lamented, and
“Living in a hotel and a tough
fit, but after two seasons Milligan
although the timing is never good
language barrier — I had to train my
hoped to make a bigger impact. His
for this kind of injury, at least he’s
mind — I’m here to play basketball,
transfer to UMass would come back
not in his prime playing years. At the
get paid, and not get injured.”
to be a leading beacon in his coaching
same time, Milligan sees primetime
Despite the harder components,
Heavy recruitment gave Milligan
career — a UMass coach hired
coming in his new career — as a
Milligan wouldn’t trade his playing
Milligan for his first job as a graduate
Brooklyn Nets coach.
days in China for anything. “It’s
assistant at St. Louis University.
The former UMass standout took
an experience that I’m forever
The same connection led to a hire
a circuitous professional playing
grateful for,” he said. “Basketball is
at NYU, and Milligan was on his way
route after his senior year ended
basketball everywhere.”
to becoming a seasoned college
in Madison Square Garden’s NIT
Clearly, Milligan knows how to
basketball coach…until COVID.
tournament. Knocking off Florida to
adjust. In his early high school years,
compete in the finals gave Milligan
Milligan attended Episcopal School
and coaching careers, Milligan
excellent exposure, and opened up
in Virginia. Realizing he wasn’t
has been able to adjust to the
doors to take his talents to Europe
maximizing his athletic potential,
competition and rise to the next level.
after graduating from UMass. He
he looked to the NEPSAC. A friend,
When the pandemic shut down NYU’s
played a season between Spain,
Carl Elliott ’02, was already enrolled
playing season, his story stayed
France, and Israel, before returning
at Trinity-Pawling, and Milligan had
the same. A video assistant job had
to the U.S. to play in Springfield, MA
heard good things about former
opened with the Nets, and a friend
on a struggling G-League team.
head coach Bill Casson. Those
of a friend (coach of a coach, really),
connections fostered a strong
recommended Milligan for the job.
“It was a good situation,” Milligan
34 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
Through his education, playing,
“Right now, my current role is Video Assistant and Player Development,” he explained. “Each assistant coach has a
“Playing these guys one-onone and beating them, you say ‘there’s no way I should be beating you!’ It puts a lot of things in perspective, you get to see how some players got to the NBA.”
video assistant, and our role is to help with scouts. We do video edits, written reports, and player development where we help run workouts and actually play with the team.” “That could mean playing 3 on 3, 4 on 4, or 5 on 5 with low-minute guys or the best guys on the team. Playing these guys oneon-one and beating them, you say, ‘there’s no way I should be beating you!’ It puts a lot of things in perspective, you get to see how some players got to the NBA.” As a coach new to the NBA, Milligan has already built strong relationships in the Nets organization. “It helps that I’ve played against some of these players or some of their peers,” he said. “It’s such a relationship-driven league.” Coaching some of the top players in the world comes with challenges, but Milligan hasn’t blinked. “If you can show these guys that you can articulate defensive coverages and offensive schemes, and they can trust in what you’re saying, then you can earn their respect.” For now, Milligan is forced to the sideline as his knee heals. As his coaching career unfolds, this is right where he belongs.
S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 35
HOMECOMING AND REUNION Get Ready for a Reunion to Remember! CELEBRATING CLASS YEARS ENDING IN 0s, 1s, 2s, 5s, 6s, AND 7s Alumni community, we’ve been talking to you and this is what we’ve heard: You want the excitement of the Homecoming football game, the beautiful fall foliage, and to reconnect with your beloved teachers and coaches. We heard your excitement about the first TRIPLE REUNION ever held at Trinity-Pawling, and the possibility of connecting with your class and a multitude of other reunion classes. Therefore, to best accommodate the expected hearty enthusiasm for our first in-person reunion in three years, we have moved the date from June to October.
Get ready to gather on the quad, renew acquaintances, make new friends, and have a ton of fun!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR HOMECOMING AND REUNION WEEKEND 2022 September 30 - October 1, 2022 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is one of our most honored traditions and ways to celebrate you, our cherished alumni — it means a great deal to the entire Trinity-Pawling community. We look forward to the long-overdue reconnection, when we will: • Commemorate the milestone 25th and 50th reunion classes and celebrate the special reunions of all classes ending in 0s and 5s, 1s and 6s, and 2s and 7s; • Honor the memory of those who have passed at our Alumni Memorial Service; • Celebrate Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees; • Enjoy fishing, hiking, disc golf, cookouts on campus; • And so much more!
Keep an eye on your email, mail, and the website for more details. Questions? Email alumni@trinitypawling.org or call at 845-855-4831. For more information, visit trinitypawling.org/reunion
36 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
GET INVOLVED!
Reunion is a perfect time to volunteer to help create a meaningful milestone celebration for your class. Whether you have lots of time to give or just a little, contact Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Relations John Newman at jnewman@trinitypawling.org to learn about the many ways you can help shape this special time.
S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 37
connections Janet Keating P’99 20 YEARS AS TRUSTEE, AND STILL GOING STRONG BY MARIA BUTEUX READE
20 years is a long time to serve on a board, but Janet Keating continues to relish every minute of her two decades as a Trinity-Pawling trustee. “The love story began with Arch Smith inviting me to serve in May 2001,” Keating quips. “And I haven’t been relieved of my duties yet!” Keating has served on many boards and explains why Trinity-Pawling remains her favorite. “It’s the camaraderie among the trustees. You can call a fellow trustee at any time and tap into their expertise, or just touch base. Erik Olstein ’86, P’11, ’14, ’17 and I talk monthly; I call him my ‘big little brother.’ Board members develop respectful, supportive relationships, and if we have a difference of opinion, which is healthy, we work it out.” Keating serves on several committees, including the Trustee Committee where she seeks new board candidates and helps to nurture them. “We strive to tap into a diversity of professional and personal Janet Keating with Trinity-Pawling Chief Operating Officer Glenn Carey
experiences.” On the School Committee, she enjoys being able to meet faculty and students and maintain the pulse of the community. Working on the Advancement Committee has allowed her a behindthe-scenes understanding of the School’s growth. “I came into a strong school under Arch Smith, who had enhanced our impressive campus. Bill Taylor has expanded on that progress by adding innovative
38 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
programming.” She also served on the Search Committee in 2014 that planned for Arch Smith’s retirement and transition of leadership to Bill Taylor. “I’ve learned so much on this board, from finances to leadership to educational trends.” Keating watched her own son Eric ’99 flourish over the course of his four years at Trinity-Pawling. “The School helps each young man excel to the best of his ability: academically, socially, athletically. They learn how to learn and to selfadvocate, and they head off to college with confidence.” She applauds Trinity-Pawling’s increased commitment to hands-on learning and innovative programming. “This is how young people learn most effectively. Boys can explore new avenues that broaden their vision and might set them on a new path.” Reflecting on her time in the board room, Keating expresses admiration for Bill Taylor, who coincidentally had served as her son Eric’s freshman dorm parent in East. “Bill is a visionary and a thought leader. He exemplifies life-long learning through his voracious reading and commitment to educating the board about academic and societal trends on the horizon. He’s taking the School in the right direction, and his famous closing ‘Onward!’ says it all.” The School remains deeply grateful for Keating’s philanthropy over the years, which she credits to the growth she saw in her son. “I’m selective about how I use my resources to help other people and institutions, but I am
“
We strive to tap into a diversity of professional and personal experiences.”
deeply appreciative of all that Trinity-Pawling does to help young men expand their vision and achieve their potential.” And we express our sincere gratitude to Janet Keating for her generosity and dedicated service as a long-term trustee.
S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 39
connections
Phil Chasin ’05 SUCCESS MEANS SERVICE TO OTHERS BY MARIA BUTEUX READE
Phil Chasin learned about construction
“I could see the same family
feasibility and financial analysis, to
and real estate at an early age. His
atmosphere and commitment among
deal structuring, negotiations, equity
family ran New York City’s largest
the faculty and staff at Trinity-Pawling.
raise, investor management, licensing,
contractor, which specialized in
That was not lost on me.”
re-zoning, and working with architects
precision razing of some of the
When the 2008 recession hit,
on new construction and renovations.”
city’s iconic structures. Chasin also
construction ground to a halt. Chasin
witnessed the family environment
entered the real estate business in
of a 550-bed student housing
the business fostered. His father and
Manhattan, starting as a broker before
complex adjacent to Coastal Carolina
business partner were like brothers,
advancing to principle and creating his
University. He also works on numerous
and the company was filled with
own firm that specialized in complex,
healthcare developments and has more
long-term employees. Chasin realized
ground-up development opportunities
than 200,000 square feet of industrial
he wanted to be an entrepreneur
and healthcare investments.
properties slated for development in
“My high-value real estate
2022. He’s especially proud to have
and establish those deep and lasting
Chasin championed the development
relationships within his own company,
development transactions require a
three Trinity-Pawling brothers (Bill
surrounding himself with people who
comprehensive approach. I manage
Grillo ’04, Mark Mancuso ’07, and
were 100% committed to excellence.
everything from sourcing, market/site
Nick Crispinelli ’09) working with
40 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E
him. “If I have the opportunity to bring on a
show up,” Chasin says. “Our top priorities are
Trinity-Pawling alum, I will. The brotherhood
positive outcomes for our clients and loyalty of
knows how to persist until they succeed.”
the employees to the mission. The bottom line is
“I learned at Trinity-Pawling that effort leads to freedom,” Chasin continues. “Athletics taught
important, but comes last.” “We are careful not to be a punitive
me the payoff of pushing myself harder than
environment, and we hire dedicated staff who
the competition. I learned the importance of
want to work with an ethical organization.
mentorship through my coaches and teachers.
Success for our clients is directly correlated to
The mentors I had then and now have been
the length of time spent in quality treatment. A
pivotal in my success.”
30-day treatment doesn’t work for everyone, and
For Chasin, success means helping others. He
many people need the gift of time. To that end,
saw the behavioral health industry as a way to
we provide SOBA scholarships for those who
be of service. “I was determined to add value to
need them.”
a community and its people and to serve with
“However, nothing I have done comes close
humility. These were lessons I heard for four
to what the faculty and staff at Trinity-Pawling
years in chapel. Everything good in my life is a
do for the students. They are truly committed
direct result of helping other people.”
to student outcomes, and I modeled SOBA New
In 2014, Chasin founded SOBA New Jersey,
Jersey on this same prioritization of outcomes. I
a drug and alcohol addiction center in New
am immensely grateful for what the School has
Brunswick, New Jersey. “I wanted to establish
done for me. That’s why I’m happy to give back
a place where people can safely heal and then
to Trinity-Pawling, which provided a foundation
transition back to society.” SOBA New Jersey
for my future.”
has more than 100 employees and currently
Chasin and his wife, Lauren, have four
serves 500 people annually in a three-phase
children (Vince, 11; Sarah, 8; Gregory, 6; and
treatment program that includes a detox center,
James, 2). “None of this would be possible
a residential program, and sober outpatient
without my wife’s love and support in raising
housing. Two additional outpatient facilities
four kids, another blessing we have.”
are slated to open in southern New Jersey and Westchester county later this year. Chasin achieved another dream when his
“Originally, I was on fire wanting to save everyone by opening up these centers and changing the world. I came to realize that I can’t
younger brother, Brian, came on board as CFO.
change the whole world or save everyone, but I
“At SOBA, we have created a family environment
can change the entire world for one person.”
where our employees are proud to suit up and
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Enduring Traditions TIME-TESTED AND FUTURE-APPROVED Whether at family-style meals, chapel, playing pond hockey, or hanging out with friends, these student experiences reflect a rich history of brotherhood, community, and tradition. Our students stand on the shoulders of generations of brothers and benefit from the deep heritage of a school built to last. Today, boys are learning actively, involved in projects, independent research, and academic work that sparks their curiosity and aligns with their passions. They are collaborating together and across disciplines, challenged to think creatively and critically, and learning to take responsibility for themselves and their goals. In turn, our students are growing into the leaders our world needs — they leave Trinity-Pawling
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genuinely transformed and forever grateful for their time at the School. Your gift to Trinity-Pawling School both preserves time-honored traditions and enables forward-focused adventures. Please consider a contribution today — for the past, for the present, and for all that is yet to come. Make your gift today via the reply envelope in this magazine, or safely and securely online at www.trinitypawling.org/give Thank you for your continued investment in Trinity-Pawling.
upcoming events We look forward to seeing you across the country and here on campus, as we get together with old friends and make new connections. Don’t miss the fun! Class of 2020 Celebration June 4, 2022 Trinity-Pawling Campus Homecoming and Reunion Weekend September 30-October 1, 2022 Trinity-Pawling Campus Admissions Open House October 2022 Trinity-Pawling Campus Parents’ Weekend October 14-15, 2022 Trinity-Pawling Campus Boston Reception December 5, 2022 The Harvard Club Candlelight Service December 11, 2022 Trinity-Pawling Campus
For more information about times and locations for these events, visit trinitypawling.org/events. Check the website often to learn about pop-up events and webinars for alumni, parents, and friends in 2022-2023. If you’d like to be on our event mailing list, be sure we have your current information on file by contacting John Newman at jnewman@trinitypawling.org or 845-855-4831.
A big Trinity-Pawling shout-out to these alumni for graciously hosting our 2021-2022 events: Phil Haughey ’53, Michael Kovner ’58, Paul Miller ’63, and Ken Weeman ’59, P’91.
New York City Reception December 12, 2022 The Union Club All events are subject to change if forced by the response to COVID-19.
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class notes | 1948 | Joseph Callo
Jovie Knox, born December 8, 2020 Jase Knox, born December 10, 2020 Joseph McCahill, born September 27, 2021 Chance McCahill, born November 3, 2021
| 1954 | Stephan Wilkinson
Joe and his wife Sally were named as recipients of the 2021 David O’Neill Sheet Anchor Award from the National Maritime Historical Society. The award was to be presented at the Society’s annual dinner in October in New York City, but because of COVID, has been postponed until 2022. It’s the first time the Society has awarded to a couple.
| 1949 | Mike Johnson Still working more or less (don’t start until 8:00 AM) full time. We now grow about 1,000 species and varieties of trees, shrubs, bamboo, and grasses, etc. We ship (wholesale) from South Maine and down to Philadelphia areas. My daughter, Holly does 80%+ of office work so I can spend hours of my time outside propagating and growing plants. Some of which will still be alive 200 years or more after I’m gone. My wife died last year so I don’t travel anymore but did plenty of it when we were together for 50 years. I feel very lucky to be able to do all I can at my age — can’t imagine not being able to work. Hope some T-P students get into the nursery business — it’s the best life ever.
Here are the recent additions to my 17 GREAT Grandchildren! Lucas Knox, born January 25, 2020 Ronan McCahill, born March 23, 2020 Charles McCahill, born October 6, 2020
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We managed to escape the deep freeze up north, but it was a pretty cold January here. We look forward to seeing old pals and new ones from the T-P community visiting Florida. I attended my classmate Bruce Huffine’s memorial service by Zoom on Sunday, January 16, 2022. He was a great pal at school and for the years following our graduation in 1958. I miss his wonderful friendship but have great memories. I attached a photo of Jean and me on Christmas Day.
| 1959 | Richard Van Horn Eighty-six in April, but I’m damned if I’ll retire. I’m still writing, pretty much every day, for Aviation History Magazine. Fortunately, I’m their number one contributor, and I do most of the cover stories. Recent ones have been on the Lockheed P/F-80, Tupolev Tu-95 Bear, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Convair B-36, and Douglas Slow-But-Deadly, with features on the MiG-25 Foxbat and the Gloster Gladiator coming up. You can read them here for free: https://www.historynet. com/category/aviation-history-magazine. (I’m the guy on the right in the photo...)
| 1958 | Michael Anthony Kovner
| 1953 | Norm “Tuck” Noble
Beach, which I did on December 16th.
Arrived in Palm Beach on December 14th, the day after our T-P reception at the Union Club in New York. Two days later, I was honored to be asked to lecture about Film Noir by the Society of the Four Arts in Palm
Welcome to the Van Horn family yearly update and to 2022, the year of the Tiger. We are all totally sick of the various iterations of COVID. Fortunately, we have a bit of room and a good view. We also have projects that keep us occupied and family that keeps track of us in our old age (both 81). The primary project we are still working on is converting our compound (main house and two tiny rental units) into a single unified photovoltaic system. We started in 2019 and are still not done. We have had 35 solar panels on the main house roof and all the panels and batteries since this spring.
| 1960 | Carlos Ballantyne
I moved to Arizona about four years ago and recently got a place in Sedona in beautiful Red Rock country. Happily, I was able to stop regular work in computer networking when I was 40, and then traveled extensively in Asia making 14 long trips to India and 12 trips to Nepal in the past 40 years, 10 times to the base of Mt. Everest. Attending T-P enabled me to enter Dartmouth College in 1960 where, after some struggles, I finished my studies in 1966. Still in good health, I hike for miles in the mountains here and spend summers visiting my daughter and granddaughters in the Thousand Island area of New York. I remain ever grateful to Matt Dann, former headmaster, who gave me a small scholarship enabling me to attend T-P.
| 1963 | Pliny Fisk My daughter Carson Elaine is graduating with honors from Harvard Graduate School of Design with a Master’s degree in landscape architecture. My wife and partner Gail Vittori has won three national awards in green building associated activities. My son Adam continues to bust firewalls put up by governments not willing to let their citizenry communicate and has finally bought a house in Bedford, New York, after roaming for a year with the family RV nationwide. I have had the fortune of getting published nationally and internationally with publication chapters coming out of Italy, as well as England. Perhaps the biggest news is an invitation to publish a chapter under the editorship of the past Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chairmen who won (along with Al Gore) the Nobel Prize. Lecture-wise I have essentially been grounded after giving a lecture series
in 2019 in New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana, (one at an international conference). My business passion is to finally get my multi-purpose (Swiss Army Knife type) shipping pallet implemented locally, with the homeless as a precursor for disaster housing globally. (It can function as multiple-sized shelter, furniture, sustainable back yard including waste water processing, food beds, water catchment cisterns, and finally various forms of micro-transport.) Health-wise, since I had many tools stolen from our Center’s fabrication shops, I ended up going to pawn shops to see if I could retrieve some and ended up purchasing a used Quintain Roo carbon fiber road bike, which I proceeded to mark my fastest time on in my biking experience: 43.3 mph on one of Lance Armstrong’s old trails – not bad for a 77-year-old. And thanks T-P’ers for all of you who ordered my biography. There was a definite uptick in sales after that wonderful article in T-P Magazine in 2018.
| 1969 | Mike Kijowski
Healthy, happy, and enjoying the great life in the mountains of Colorado.
At the 50th reunion in 2019, George Brush ’69 and I reminisced about ocean racing in the mid-1970s in the Miami-Nassau race. I was starting to feel “old” and my wife Susie let me buy a racing sailboat EAGLE, with the condition that I would not hurt myself. Anyway, like the fun I had with Dick Bauer ’70 racing TOFA in the 1970s, I had a really fun and successful 2021 season. I won THE MAYOR’S CUP at the Red Grant Regatta and First Overall for the 2021 season “Wednesday Night Series,” consisting of 20 races. I am looking forward to racing the Around Long Island Race in 2022 and the Liberty Cup Regatta. Anyone wishing to crew are welcome aboard.
| 1968 |
Joe McCall
| 1964 | Jeffrey Hyman
Peter McCabe
In February 2022, Cary Alcott, Rick Hoefer, and Greg VanZandt (center), all of the Class of 1968, went fishing off of Captiva, Florida and Greg caught this monster sea trout.
Silvia and I have been weathering the impact COVID has had on higher education down here at Troy University. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in November and I managed to complete another degree, a Master’s in Student Affairs Counseling, but now only teach half-time as a senior lecturer and have become primarily a stay-at-home parent. Our son Finn is now five and started school this year. He can’t decide whether he wants to be an artist or an astronomer. We spent our summer in Troy instead of China and finally bought two John Deere tractors so we can enjoy the back yard more. I’m S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 45
class notes still faculty advisor to Troy’s International Student Cultural Organization, which brings us great joy and the opportunity to spend time with our students from around the world. We keep hoping to be able to go to China again this summer so Silvia can return to recruiting and Finn can visit with his Chinese family and I can renew my friendships with faculty and students in Beijing, Xian, and Lanzhou. I hope all my former classmates are happy and healthy and enjoying life.
SO Great to hang with some ’70 “Core” members: Anderson, Anstett, Hess, D. Foster, Britton, Tenney, Mason, Becker, Botas, Ryan, Colhoun, Harmon, Gronauer, and Sullivan.
| 1972 | Don Pettit
I can hardly wait for, and am already counting down the days until our upcoming 75th…
Tom Hess
| 1970 | Bruce Birns
A busy, amazing Christmas in Armonk — all the kids, grandkids, and others. Our newest addition is grandson Rhodes Walter Ulu’Ehu Quill, born August 15, 2021. He is the first boy on our side of the family. Now that my wife Rachel has dragged me “screaming and kicking” to Scarsdale after my 60 plus years in Manhattan, when not shoveling the driveway (this wouldn’t happen in our 17th floor NYC apartment) and having put our 6 and 8 year olds in the Thunder Ridge/Birch Hill devo ski race-team program, I have made more trips up and down Rt. 22 since December than all totaled during my 4 years at T-P. Additionally, I’m still savoring the aftermath of our (51 years in the making) 50th Class of ’70 Reunion ON CAMPUS last October. Thanks to the supreme efforts of administrative staff members, MJ Davenport, Janet Hubbard, John Newman, Elly Erickson, Slade Mead, and Headmaster Bill Taylor and his wife Jennifer, the entire event was thrilling and worth the halfcentury wait. From the Las Mananitas Friday evening curtain-raiser, through the brilliant Billboard Top 40 music-infused Class of ’70 historical retrospective, and finally through cocktails and dinner at Bill Taylor’s home, everything was “top shelf.” It was, truly, a reunion for the ages (and aged).
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It felt great to return to in-person work as it had been since February 2021 in Cedar Rapids, IA for the DIII American Rivers Conference. In October/November, I worked with the SUNY Alfred State College NCAA Student Athletes Advisory Committee on enhancing their leadership voice in representing all student-athletes. Being able to interact in person was long overdue.
Charlie Mason
Really enjoyed our 50th (51st) reunion last October and being with 15 or so classmates. T-P did a great job putting our day together!!
Don Pettit feels he “won the COVID Lottery.” My wife of 41 years Joan and I travelled to New Zealand in March of 2020. We planned to stay six weeks to help my son Tom and his wife Nadine care for our newest granddaughter, Imogen Zosia Pettit, born March 14, 2020. We ended up getting “trapped” for two years in the safest, most beautiful place in the world, with a sane and caring society, beautiful places to travel, and the joy of watching our granddaughter grow. We miss our other three children, Sara, a lawyer in New Orleans, Rob and Megan and our first granddaughter Ellie in Grand Rapids, and Lydia, a professional artist in London. We hope to get back this summer to see everyone, and all our friends, but our life for the foreseeable future will be split between a base in New Zealand and the US and London. We are asset light, having sold our house and left Baltimore after 42 years, and sold our cars and rehomed the dogs. Never let it be said that life doesn’t offer interesting changes at every turn. We no longer have plans... just “intentions.” Looking forward to and intend to see any classmates who can make it to the 50th on September 30 and October 1st. Working with Rich Lovisa, Jim Bellis, and others to reach out and connect our far-flung class. We’ve had some success, but would love to hear from anyone who reads this and hasn’t heard from us...or someone who knows others who have drifted out of contact with the School. We had a rough ride in the early 70s, but the truth is, we grew up together from ’68-’72...and it was a wild time. Let’s get together and share our stories from then or since. If nothing else, we have stories of life’s curveballs.
| 1973 |
| 1985 |
David F. Hoos
Roland Lockhart I enjoy keeping in touch with my T-P family. I speak with Mike Quartararo and Charles Aysseh frequently. I am planning a gathering in Lake Placid in late July 2022.
| 1989 |
are a premier auto transportation company used by celebrities, car collectors, museums, and everyday people. I’m truly enjoying my work and I’m also getting to travel the country once again.
| 2004 | Adam Gardner
David Bennett
I recently turned 67 and presently I am a senior project manager for a small general contractor in the Atlanta area. I am overseeing multiple projects. We exclusively build carwashes for numerous clients. I work from home in Bryson City, NC. I doubt I’ll ever retire. They are going to have to put me out to pasture. I am still playing music and currently playing in a classic rock band. I just learned Evenflow by Pearl Jam! Who ever thought? I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Phil Smith giving me a second chance and allowing me to attend T-P after a disastrous tenure at Westminster School. He inspired me to be my best. It was a game changer for me. I am thankful for what T-P did for me and my character. GO PRIDE!
Presently working at the busiest seafood restaurant in Brooklyn — Sea Wolf, in Bushwick. I started June 1st, as the hospitality industry finally bounced back. Stop by if you’re in the area. My mother, Francesca Bennett, passed away peacefully in late September, after a very long illness she had to endure for over 15 years. She was surrounded by family until her last breath. She will be dearly missed.
| 1990 | Edward Feather
Lacrosse Canada U21 recently held their tryout camp in Whitby, Ontario. I served as Eastern Scout and Video Coordinator while Stuart Phillips ’21 was trying out. Above is a picture of us both from the camp.
| 2007 | Alfred J. Callahan
| 1975 | Mike Waller
I was able to visit T-P on October 21st. I was with my son Michael, a 2011 T-P graduate, and we went up to campus. I have to say that the School could not look better. It is amazing. It would appear that a lot of time and effort has gone into making the entire school and campus look great. We enjoyed our visit, making connections with old friends and colleagues.
After 27 years working in advertising, I decided to switch gears and follow my passion as an artist. I’ve recently had pieces in two juried shows, sold multiple canvases, and received commissions for two murals — both indoor and outdoor. I also completed a photography assignment documenting a historic cemetery near Mystic, Connecticut. I am the proud owner of Edward Feather Fine Art. I’m having a great time in this new space and love thinking about all that Mr. Ned Reade taught us at T-P in the room at the top of Cluett. I’ve included an image of a piece I did for a local squash club in January 2022.
| 2003 | Bryan Tolley
I was awarded with a county Fire Commissioner’s Service Commendation for time and actions during deployment to Westchester County, NY with our urban search and rescue team following Hurricane Henri. I also earned my National Level 2 Fire Service Instructor Certification. We welcomed our fourth daughter, Adleigh Jo Callahan, in December. (Looks like no little T-P alums in the future.) Running as the Chief of Department for the fire department here made for an exciting trip back to Pawling to participate in a parade. Hope everyone is well.
2022 started with a new job working for an Automobile Transport company based out of Massachusetts, called Intercity Lines. We S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 47
class notes | 2009 | Rob MacGregor
University in Taipei through the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship. This follows an exciting promotion to Concerts Agent at Paladin Artists in New York City. Both give him the opportunity to continue working with emerging artists, both at home and abroad in East Asia.
Quincy Williams
Michael Kellogg
Michele and Rob recently married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
| 2010 | Johnathan Grimmel
Wesley James Kellogg born on July 20, 2021, rocking the Trinity-Pawling gear.
| 2011 | Ryan Olstein
I accepted a position as Manager of Special Events & Executive Administration at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations, Hiring Our Heroes program. The program connects the military community — service members, military spouses, and veterans — with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.
| 2010 | Zachary Silva
| 2014 | Christopher DeMaria I just moved to Brooklyn, having switched jobs at the beginning of 2022. I am working as an Advisory Consultant for USI and regularly frequent the Upper East Side with fellow alumni Dillon Halloran ’13, Billy Golden ’13, Matt DeMaria ’13.
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I am proud to be helping to build brands and companies started by young women and men and giving them a method and the opportunity with my skills to reach a broader audience! Having started a video production company has not only aided me in finding my true career path, but has also let me give back and help others around me have the same realization. I have been able to build a great team around me!
Ryan Olstein married Megan Brew on October 16, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Parents Kathy and Erik ’86, P’11,’14,’17, and brothers Kevon ’14, and Hunter ’17 pictured.
Zachary Silva recently earned a language scholarship to pursue Mandarin Chinese studies at National Taiwan Normal
I recently started my own video production company that I named Qdubbmedia. Since its inception, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with the McGill University Athletics Department as their official cinematographer for all of their athletics teams. In addition, I have positioned myself to be able to work with many local brands in my area of Montreal, Canada.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! CLASS NOTES FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF TRINITY-PAWLING MAGAZINE ARE DUE BY JUNE 10, 2022.
Please submit your notes and photographs online at www.trinitypawling.org/classnotes
in memoriam Remembering Matt Dooley ’23 BY WILLIAM W. TAYLOR
Matt sought joy in living and in learning. He found joy, even in the midst of a devastating disease, by being surrounded with the love of his family and his friends. At Trinity-Pawling, we quickly came to see Matt’s compassion, his empathy, his truthfulness, and most of all, his courage. At Trinity-Pawling, students are recognized and affirmed for the effort they put forth in all aspects of school life. Matt took to this approach like a fish to water. He thrived in a learning environment that leaned into interpersonal relationships, trust, the recognition of effort, character, and a focus on individual gifts and talents. At Trinity-Pawling, he thrived as a part of the brotherhood of fellow students who shared a common bond.
In the fall term of his freshman year, Matt played on the lower football team and his advisor that year was one of the team’s coaches, who commented that Matt was the first to speak at each weekly advisory lunch about the lower football game the night before. Yet, he never spoke about his own performance, instead always choosing to comment on the success and progress of his teammates. He was selfless. It was with this sense of selflessness and leadership that Matt organized a school-wide effort this fall to support brain cancer research. He lined up the support of the varsity football team to help him in this cause. This led to the teams and the students from Trinity-Pawling and Avon Old Farms coming together to support the cause with various fundraisers. Matt’s desire to help others suffering from the same disease resulted in a fundraising effort that yielded nearly $10,000 from both school communities. Matt loved being at Trinity-Pawling and the TrinityPawling community embraced him. He loved learning. For an educator, this is always gratifying to see and to hear. But, most educators, if we are being honest, will admit that we learn far more from our students than they learn from us. In his battle, Matt taught the Trinity-Pawling community the true meaning of courage, of strength, of virtue, and of perseverance. These are words that are often spoken in various chapel talks, in classrooms, in advisory groups, and on the athletic fields of play. Matt didn’t speak of these ideals. He lived them each day, amidst tremendous adversity and uncertainty. He taught us these ideals in how he lived his life. Matt embraced his opportunity for learning and growth and his legacy has forever changed the lives of those he touched.
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in memoriam
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these Trinity-Pawling and Pawling School alumni. Mr. Hawley D. Jones ’52 March 11, 2021 Williston, VT
Mr. John C. Heggblom ’67 October 22, 2021 Scottsdale, AZ
Mr. Seth M. Kautz ’94 October 21, 2021 St. Petersburg, FL
Mr. George H. Luce ’55 December 13, 2021 Riverhead, NY
Mr. Edwin “Ted” M. Steckel III ’76 August 31, 2021 Chautauqua, NY and Wheeling, WV
Matthew Dooley ’23 January 5, 2022 Wilton, CT
Mr. Sidney M. Olson ’53 September 27, 2021 Allentown, PA
Mr. Patrick J. Devlin ’88 October 16, 2021 San Francisco, CA
Mr. James E. Snyder ’62 January 19, 2022 Austin, TX
Mr. Stephen Scott Humphrey ’90 November 29, 2021 Cincinnati, OH
We also offer our warmest condolences to the families of these former faculty, parents, and friends of Trinity-Pawling School. Sheriff Adrian “Butch” H. Anderson P’10 September 29, 2021 Pawling, NY
Mrs. Angeline P. Johnson 2020 Madison, CT
Mr. Harry James Stabile III P’92, P’97 November 1, 2021 Naples, FL
Mr. Marc DeNovellis P’07 November 18, 2021 Rocky Hill, CT
Mrs. Betty Bertine Linacre P’62 October 28, 2021 Muskegon, MI
Mr. Paul Robert Lussier January 6, 2022 Poughkeepsie, NY
Mrs. Elaine Frances Ford P’83 November 18, 2021 Pawling, NY
This list includes the individuals whose deaths were reported to the Office of Advancement prior to February 1, 2022.
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from THE archives Dick Colhoun P’70,’72 “A MAN OF VIGOR AND VISION” BY MEGAN BURLINGTON
The Pawling School, founded in 1907, graduated its last class in 1942 before closing for the remainder of World War II. Trinity School, a day school in Manhattan, acquired the campus in 1946 and reopened it as Trinity-Pawling in 1947. Dick Colhoun began serving on Trinity School’s Board of Trustees after sending his sons Michael ’70 and Craig ’72 to Trinity-Pawling. In the mid-1970s there was talk of closing the boarding school out in the country. A small group on the board, among them Dick and Millie Berendsen, voiced their concerns of making too hasty a decision. Deerfield headmaster Dave Pynchon and former Collegiate School headmaster Wilson Parkhill conducted a thorough study of Trinity-Pawling and determined that the School was actually in good shape, especially during a time when so many boarding schools were suffering from weak enrollment numbers and low morale. They acknowledged that Trinity-Pawling simply wasn’t being paid enough attention to by Trinity’s board. Within a few years, Trinity-Pawling gained its independence from Trinity with Dick serving as the first president of the newly established board. From there, Dick’s commitment to ensuring the School’s future was all-encompassing. He sought out new trustees who would strengthen the board; without these carefully selected individuals leading the School, Trinity-Pawling might not have survived those earliest years of independence. Dick made sure the faculty was adequately compensated with salaries
Dick Colhoun with former headmaster Phil Smith P’79
and benefits comparable to other schools, and he oversaw fundraising campaigns for housing and facility renovations and new construction to attract and retain employees and students. Perhaps most importantly, he was a loyal friend to Headmaster Phil Smith. Following Dick’s passing in 2003, Arch Smith (who succeeded Phil in 1990 and worked with Dick in his last year as board president) shared that Phil and Dick talked on the phone weekly, and that “whenever a boy was in trouble, Dick would say, ‘Can you save him?’ Dick was always for the underdog and was willing to go the extra mile to give someone the chance of success.”
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end note
Geri Barker P’06,’10 BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI
For Geri Barker, working as a nurse is far more than a profession — it’s a calling. After graduating nursing school at the top of her class at only 18 years old, Barker enlisted in the United States Navy and served eight years as a hospital corpsman in a Marine Corps unit. Following her time in the service, she switched gears and became a school nurse at Green Chimneys School in Brewster, New York. When Barker’s oldest son enrolled at Trinity-Pawling, she quickly discovered just how special the campus community was and in 2007, she officially joined the Health Center staff. For over 15 years, Barker has played an integral role in the health and wellness of the Trinity-Pawling community. Students and faculty alike can count on her kindness, professional calm, and sense of humor to brighten any day on campus.
How has your role at the Health and Wellness Center evolved over the years? I think I have had nearly every role! I started out as a per diem weekend nurse, then became the weekend/overnight nurse and evening nurse, and now I am a day nurse and run the medication station. But to make a long story short, I’d say I’m a surrogate mom. What makes you proud to be a nurse and parent in the Trinity-Pawling community? As a nurse, being able to care for our entire community means so much to me. From students to teachers to faculty kids, they know if they call me, I’ll answer. As a parent, I was so impressed with the well-rounded education my boys received here. I’m proud to play a role in that same experience for our current and future students.
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Throughout the pandemic, you and your team have been an unwavering and reassuring presence on campus. Why is it important to you to keep the positivity high during difficult times? I try to be the person who tells the students that it will all be okay. In life, there will always be moments of sadness or discouragement, but we get through it. I want to show the boys that even if they’re having a bad day, it’s important to be gracious and joyful to others. See the glass half-full, be a bright spot in someone’s dark moment. What is your favorite Trinity-Pawling tradition? Stepping Up is such a wonderful tradition. I have a unique position on campus because I know every single student. Stepping Up is a chance for me to see each and every senior and wish them well. Lots of hugs and tears that day…it’s truly the best!