Trinity-Pawling Winter 2020 Magazine by Trinity-Pawling School

magazine | winter 2020

BUILDING A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE A TR ANSFORMED TRINITY-PAWLING

HUMANITARIAN HEROES WE SALUTE YOU!

COACH BOB FERRARIS ’93 P’25 A CHANGED PERSPECTIVE

SCHOOL AS FAMILY FOR 40 YEARS

DEBBIE & DAVE CORATTI

COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

Headmaster’s Message The day before classes began in what will be an extraordinary and historic 2020-2021 school year, I visited the grave of the School’s founder, Dr. Frederick Luther Gamage. His final resting place is directly across Route 22 from the southernmost entrance to the campus. In addition to Dr. Gamage, other school luminaries buried in the Pawling Cemetery include Dr. Gamage’s son, Fritz, the School’s second Headmaster; John Lloyd Owen, English Master and Dean of Faculty; and his wife Lois. I needed the inspiration from the legacy of both Dr. Gamage and John Lloyd Owen as we prepared for this new school year. Dr. Gamage, the visionary founder of the Pawling School, and John Lloyd Owen, the courageous RAF fighter pilot and consummate “school man,” helped to build foundations upon which the School’s strength continues to be supported. Similarly, I reached out to former Headmasters Phillips Smith and Arch Smith as the school year began to let them know that we were forging onward, despite the challenges of the venture. Continuity is critical as we undertake these challenges. As importantly, however, this continuity better explains why we undertake these challenges to begin with. The School has faced numerous hardships in its past, including existential threats: the economic crisis of 1908, the Great Depression, the flus of 1957 and 1968, the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s, its near closure in the 1970s, the aftermath of 9/11, the Great Recession of 2008, among others. Throughout these challenges, there has been continuity that has nurtured the School’s growth and courage that guided its determination to forge onward. The School’s mission calls us to educate young men to be “contributing members of society amidst the challenges of an ever-changing world.” Yet, the challenges facing the School

during this academic year are as old as the world itself: a virus. Yes, we are bringing technological resources to bear against its impact, but the tools of the “ever-changing world” are not the ones that will see us through to the other side of this journey. Rather, the tools that we are relying upon to guide us beyond the pandemic are not new but old. Courage and resilience will see us through and have already given us much-needed momentum. It was courage that inspired Dr. Gamage to create a new school and compel many of the students and most of the faculty from St. Paul’s School for Boys in Garden City, Long Island to join him in this venture. It was resilience that led the Pawling School through the ravages of the Great Depression, yielding to the courage needed to face the realization that it could not endure the enrollment challenges brought on by the economic ruin and the onset of World War II. It was the courage of Phil Smith that faced down the very real possibility of closure in the early 1970s to persevere toward the creation of an independent Trinity-Pawling School in 1978. And, it has been resilience and a profound dedication to the ideals of the School that have distinguished Dave and Debbie Coratti’s long-standing tenure at Trinity-Pawling. In The Courage To Teach, the educator and philosopher Parker Palmer argues that successful teaching emanates from the soul of the teacher, inclusive of the aspirations, doubts, strengths, and weaknesses that embody every human soul. To reveal one’s soul is not only the hallmark of teachers who forge meaningful connections with their students that enrich and deﬁne the quality of their learning, it is also a manifestation of their courage. Trinity-Pawling would not be in a position to open its campus to our students if it were not for the courage of our faculty and all those others who are dedicated to the healthy learning and growth of the boys whom we teach. It is in the revelation of this courage and the resilience that will grow from it that TrinityPawling manifests its continuity and leads its students toward their future in an ever-changing world. Onward!

Follow Headmaster Bill Taylor’s blog: www.trinitypawling.org/headmastersblog

ta bl e of Con t en t s | w in t er 2020

Features DEPARTMENTS

2 THE SCROLL The Common Good ... Faculty Dogs ... Opening Days

5 A VIEW FROM THE QUAD David Peck ’86 is finding common ground … Ryan Schell ’92 is serving communities with humility and purpose … Dr. John Demenkoff ’66 is tending to the flame of life … David Ortiz ’94 is living a series of adventures

20 Debbie and Dave

Coratti P’08

SCHOOL AS FAMILY FOR 40 YEARS

Newsworthy Faculty Minute with Father Danny Lennox In the Classroom with Bryan Turner The Big Picture: Disc Golf featuring student photographer James Flint ’21 and student model Jude Tapia ’21. Special thanks to Logan Weis ’22 for his photography contributions.

34 PRIDE ATHLETICS Sports Section Pride Spotlight: Coach Bob Ferraris ’93, P’25

38 CONNECTIONS

26 Building a Bridge to the Future A TRANSFORMED TRINITY-PAWLING

6 David Genter ’80 – A Model of Resilience 8 Yvonne Bradley-Reid ’81 – Compassionate Caregiver 14 Mingcheng “Kevin” Zhong ’21 – Leading by Example 30 Humanitarian Heroes – We Salute You ON THE COVER: Debbie and Dave Coratti P’08 photographed by Connie Rafferty

Tom and Cathey Albertson P’04 … Chris Roux ’73 … Joe and Megan Moran P’20 Upcoming Virtual Events Class Notes

54 END NOTE Jim McDougal P’17 Editor’s Note: All dates 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!

"We all have an opportunity to put on the armor of the common good of Trinity-Pawling. Value & protect one another, yourselves, & your potential. Together, we can cross this bridge to the other side." #Onward! @TrinityPawling #Onward #CrosstheBridge — @TPSHEADMASTER

“#selfawareness in the learning process has greater practical impact for #college admissions. Find advantages of the #Practicum for Civic Leadership @TrinityPawling. A new COVID challenge for high school seniors: Tell colleges how it affected you.” — @TPSHEADMASTER

WE POSTED

At Trinity-Pawling, the pond on campus serves as both a classroom and recreation space for students throughout the seasons. With science research and experiments in the fall, pond hockey in the winter, and canoeing or fishing in the spring, it's the best place for hands-on learning and good times. It's even a great spot to get some homework done! #mytrinitypawling “I remember it well! Playing hockey…cold winters. It was our hockey rink, Mr. Tirrell was our coach in the mid-1950s. He had been a coach for more than 40 years in 1955. Grand old man…perfect prep school master right out of central casting! The pond remains full of silent memories!” — KOVNERMICHAEL

youtube.com Trinity-Pawling School

facebook.com/TrinityPawling @trinitypawlingschool @TPrideHockey @TPridefootball @rollpridelax @tpridebaseball @pridesquash @trinitypawlingsoccer @tptheater @trinitypawlingfarm

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#RollPride #adayinthelifetp #tpshoutout

#tptraditions #ethosofeffort #beagentleman

We will consider all correspondence for publication unless you stipulate otherwise.

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

POPULAR POSTS

begin this afternoon, and the first day of classes is just one week away. Here we go, Pride...welcome back! #ProtectThePride #mytrinitypawling “Wishing you all a fantastic year. If anyone can figure this out, you can! ROLL PRIDE” — GINA NYTKO-MARMA

Opening Days are underway at Trinity-Pawling! It may look quite different this year, but we are so excited to welcome our students back to the Pride for the 2020-2021 school year! The first group of boarding students safely arrived over the weekend, Orientation Week activities

“You did a great job getting them all checked in!” — DEBORA DOGAS ACCOMANDO

“Go Pride!!” — MARILYN-JOY CERNY

“Thank you T-P, special place!” — DENNIS AARONS

What a weekend for the Pride! On Saturday, all students and faculty participated in Trinity-Pawling's first-ever Quad Olympics. Each dorm unit competed as a team in a series of events — including relay races, water balloon tosses, trivia, fire drill sprints, a wiffle ball home run derby, an obstacle course, a mile relay, and more! #adayinthelifetp

WE POSTED

Junior Prefect Stuart Phillips '21 gave an inspiring chapel talk to the 9th grade about perseverance, keeping an open mind, & cherishing their time at Trinity-Pawling. Thank you for sharing such great advice, Stuart! #adayinthelifetp

TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

We can't think of a better way to start the first week of classes. It's Day 3 — let's do this! (Advisee Dinner with Mr. Frost ’04) #RiseToTheChallengeTP

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Over the summer, Ray Davis ’18 stopped by campus to visit Coach LaFontaine & other faculty. It was great to catch up! As a sophomore at @TempleUniv, Ray earned preseason All-American Athletic Conference third team recognition. Way to go, Ray! #TPshoutout

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

David Peck ’86 FINDING COMMON GROUND BY KATE VENGROVE

When David Peck ’86 was promoted to the role of Director of Support Services and Procurement in Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medical Administration this past January, he understood that the job would come with new responsibilities and challenging tasks, but little did he know what that would truly mean. Shortly after assuming his new post, COVID-19 began its rampant spread across the country, the research and training programs for which he managed the budgets halted, and CWRU needed to quickly shift to ensure the safety of all students and employees. Peck pivoted instantly to serve a critical role on numerous University committees in both the ramp-down and eventual restart of research on campus. “COVID has presented an incredibly difficult situation for the research world. There are so many things working against us, but we needed to find reasonable common ground to enable work to resume in a safe environment,” Peck commented. He’s proud of Case Western’s quick efforts to mitigate infection on campus. Earlier than most schools, CWRU sent all students home and Peck called in every favor he could to get enough PPE for the School. The few cases of COVID-19 that did occur were contained through accelerated tracing and isolation. Peck and his colleagues at CWRU took an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the problem, something he learned firsthand at Trinity-Pawling. “Both in March and later when we were working to bring things back to life, we needed to work together with multiple groups on campus — the Space team, the Facilities team, the Research teams. It reminded me of my time at T-P, when we were encouraged by Headmaster Phil Smith to incorporate

our whole experience — academics, dorm life, sports, chapel, and clubs — into problem solving. Something that couldn’t be worked out in a classroom might find its resolution on the playing field,” Peck reflected. Because of Peck’s prior experience working in wet labs (his previous role at CWRU was on the research team studying macular degeneration), he was able to institute protocols for those critical spaces, helping to find creative solutions for social distancing, staggering work hours, and ensuring the safety and integrity of the research environment. Like all of us, Peck is unsure what the future holds, but he looks forward to the full return of his original job duties: overseeing the efficient and effective use of CWRU’s School of Medicine resources by managing a budget of $35-$40 million in non-salary expenditures and $140 million in grants for training programs and research. In the meantime, CWRU continues to weather this storm effectively, thanks to Peck and the many who worked tirelessly on constantly changing plans and guidelines. As for his time at Trinity-Pawling, Peck couldn’t be more grateful. “It is a part of me and I’m a part of it. Trinity-Pawling really shaped me into the person I am today. There was this wonderful feeling of community there — you felt like you were really a part of something. Truly, those were four of the best years of my life!” WINTER 2020

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

David Genter ’80 A MODEL OF RESILIENCE BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

avid Genter ’80 has served on the Board of Trustees since 1998. Over the course of 22 years, he’s made the road trip 65 times from his home outside of Pittsburgh to Pawling. That’s roughly 43,000 miles.

“Thank God for XM radio,” he laughs. “The best part of the trip was taking the right hand turn off Route 22 through the brick pillars and up Cluett Drive. It always gave me butterflies in my stomach, but good ones.” In May 2020, Genter stepped down from the board, where he served on the School Committee and Buildings and Grounds. “As an alumnus and trustee, I always felt it was important to make connections and get to know the boys and faculty as I went around campus.” Genter spent four years at Trinity-Pawling and served as Head Prefect in his senior year. “I can relate to what the students may experience this year with COVID-19 restrictions. In four years, I took only three weekends off campus!” Genter says he’s impressed with how Bill Taylor and the entire staff have spent the last seven months planning for the school year amidst the pandemic. “Trinity-Pawling does things right. The School has always had a sense of purpose, of duty. That mindset applies well for this extremely challenging period of time.” Genter knows about dealing with the unexpected. In June 2011, he suffered an unprovoked ischemic stroke. “We still have no idea where the blood clot came from.” He endured months of physical therapy and had to learn to walk again. But Genter made it to the Board of Trustees meeting in September 2011. “It was the only time I didn’t drive myself to Pawling,” he recalls ruefully. “I was exhausted and had to walk with a cane, but I made it. It felt so good to be welcomed back home in Pawling.” After the stroke, it took Genter about a year to finally accept the reality caused by his physical limitations. “I hate to ask for help so I’ve developed ways to deal with the challenges of daily living. Everything takes longer

TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

“ As an alumnus and

trustee, I always felt it was important to make connections and get to know the boys and faculty as I went around campus.

with one hand, but you find ways to do things

brush hog blades. These things have become like

so as not to be a burden. Wearing bow ties? Not

therapy to me.”

happening.”

Genter admits he gets depressed at times but

He concedes that taking life at a slower pace

steels himself to push through. “I get outside,

has been hard. “I’ve always had a need for speed.

mow some fields, take care of our laying hens,

I loved going fast, whether racing dirt bikes,

keep busy. I also love detailing cars for other

mountain bikes, or motorcycles. It now takes me

people. I can do that at my own pace, and

40 minutes to walk a mile. But that’s down from 50

one-handed. It diverts my attention, and I take

minutes a few months ago,” he quickly points out.

pleasure in a beautiful finished product.”

So, what replaces that adrenaline surge?

As frustrating as these past nine years have

He swapped out his BMW GS1200 motorcycle

been, Genter still considers himself lucky. “I have

and high-end technical mountain bike for a John

Beth, my wonderfully supportive wife, and three

Deere 850 tractor. On weekends during high

beautiful, healthy daughters. I still work out

summer through late fall, Genter climbs onto the

regularly and continue to be involved in various

black seat to cut acres of grass and mow pastures

clinical studies and trials. And I thank God I can

for neighbors, including properties the nearby

walk and still get around.”

Sewickley Hunt Club uses for their foxhunts.

The School extends our heartfelt gratitude

“The tractor has become an outlet of sorts. I

for David Genter’s years of loyal service. And

figure out new mowing patterns for efficiency

David, those brick pillars and Cluett Drive will

and ways to reduce my time. My mission is to

be here to welcome you back on your next trek

make a field look better than when I found it. I

to Pawling, 404 miles later.

also love using a bench grinder to sharpen my

WINTER 2020

”

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

Yvonne Bradley-Reid ’81 COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Yvonne Bradley-Reid ’81 has explored a variety of careers over the past 35 years, from sales and marketing to information technology, and even a six-year stint working for the Department of Defense as a special investigator. One of her assignments included handling the background check on General David Petraeus, the former director of the CIA, in 2009. But it wasn’t until 2018 that she finally discovered her true vocation: caring for terminally ill patients and assisting their loved ones through the complicated process of death. In March of that year, Yvonne had been at the side of her cousin, Althia, whose brother was dying, and she just did what came naturally. “I took control of the situation. I knew what questions to ask the doctors and nurses, and then I dealt with the funeral home. I had done these things many times with other friends and relatives at the end of their lives.” “Our family has always cared for the sick and visited the elderly,” Yvonne explains. “It’s what we do. I moved back home to Pawling in the late 1980s to be with my mother as she struggled with cancer. Later on, I moved my dad down to be near me in Florida and took care of him for 11 years when he was sick. Then my sister suffered a stroke in 2015. I was with each of them when they died.” While these life experiences might be debilitating for many, they ultimately set Yvonne on the path to a new career.

TRINIT Y-PAWLING MAGAZINE

In May 2019, Yvonne became a certified nurse assistant specializing in palliative care for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. And in April 2020, she earned her master’s degree in Behavioral Health Psychology. Armed with certifications and degrees and filled with compassion, this heroine recently established Yvonne’s Helping Hands LLC, a private assisted living facility for the terminally ill elderly. She keeps it intentionally small, limited to two or three guests whom she cares for within her own home in the greater Tampa area. “I treat them as my own family and create a warm, safe atmosphere for them to live out their final days. My goal is to provide comfort and dignity and help my guests to maintain a certain quality of life as they near the end.” Yvonne believes that God has called her to pursue this path. “I probably ignored the signs along the way while I was busy being a mom, raising my two children, Carolyn and Devin, and juggling work. My own mom was a nurse before I was born, so I’m sure she marked me somehow. But I feel energized by this work and pray daily that I can stay healthy and dedicate the next phase of my life to caring for others.” Yvonne, we commend you for remaining a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and compassion.

Ryan Schell ’92 Serving Communities with Humility and Purpose BY KATE VENGROVE

It takes a tremendous amount of initiative, self-confidence, and drive to switch careers mid-life — three qualities that Ryan Schell ’92 has in spades and with which he credits TrinityPawling for their origin. In his current work selling solutions to safely ease post-surgery pain and reduce the time from injury to healing, Schell engages the network he built during a 15-year stint at Memphis-based device manufacturer Smith & Nephew Orthopedics, yet the work itself provides a greater sense of flexibility, independence, and gratification. “When I turned 40, I told my wife I wanted to make a change by 45. While I loved my job in orthopedic sales, it was relentless. I was putting in 14-hour days, taking calls on the weekends and holidays, and missed countless birthday parties and family events. There were many times when I would leave before the kids got up and return home after they were asleep. I was missing out on their childhood and important family moments,” comments Schell. On the cusp of his 45th birthday in December of 2018, Schell entered the lottery to compete in the 2019 Leadville 100-mile Mountain Bike Race in Colorado and received entry the next month. He took that as a sign, resigned from Smith & Nephew, and dedicated the next few months to his family and training.

“Leadville has the highest elevation of any town in the United States. The race is a grueling one, starting at 10,500 feet with 11,000 feet of elevation throughout. I finished in 11 hours, 25 minutes, earning the well-known “belt buckle” for completing the race in under 12 hours. I certainly wasn’t threatening the podium by any means, but not bad for training at sea level in the flat lands of the Mississippi River Delta,” Schell jokes. “The time I spent training and in competition also provided me a much-needed opportunity to think and reprioritize my life.” Soon after the race, Schell became an independent sales agent in the Memphis area. His daily work involves meeting with doctors and clinics to share the benefits of prescribing cold compression therapy to their operative patients. It’s an easy sell in most cases, as the technology replaces traditional and more harmful methods of pain reduction. “As we know, the opioid crisis is devastating. Over the years, I've heard more and more doctors talking about it, and they were searching for ways to mitigate the problem. Cold compression therapy does not involve drugs, vastly decreases recovery time, and allows patients to return to work faster. It’s rewarding work, knowing we’re helping patients recover safely and truly reducing reliance on potentially addictive medication,” Schell states. Schell is deeply grateful for his time at Trinity-Pawling, which instilled in him the self-sufficiency and work ethic needed to make the leap to this new, more entrepreneurial, venture. “When you go to boarding school, you learn to grow up quickly. You have to figure out how to stand up for yourself, manage your time, and get things done. There’s a tremendous sense of self-worth that comes from branching out on your own in high school,” Schell relates. Now entering his fourth year as a member of the Board of Trustees, Schell has a whole new perspective on the TrinityPawling experience, too. “I love being involved with the School again! It’s gratifying to be able to give back to a place that played such a pivotal role in my life.” When asked about being a part of School leadership during such a challenging time, Schell comments, “I’ve been completely impressed with the way Trinity-Pawling has navigated this very difficult and constantly-changing environment. Bill and the faculty pivoted seamlessly to remote education, teaching students all over the world, and their preparations for the fall were some of the most comprehensive I’ve seen.” While the pandemic has created many hurdles, one positive that has emerged is the (remote) reconnection of countless Trinity-Pawling alumni classes. Schell’s class of ’92 is no exception. “To date we’ve had 6 Zoom calls with anywhere from 4-15 classmates attending. I’m catching up with guys I haven’t seen since our graduation!” Schell exclaims. From Pawling to Memphis, Schell is making a true difference in the communities he serves with both humility and purpose.

WINTER 2020

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

Dr. John Demenkoff ’66 TENDING TO THE FLAME OF LIFE BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Dr. John Demenkoff ’66 considers the lungs an extraordinary organ, which he describes as ‘elegant, delicate, structurally rich works of art.’ “I love the physiology of the lungs, how they accomplish their job of bringing oxygen into the body and keeping the flame of life vibrant.” Yet he recognizes that most of us take them for granted — until our capacity to breathe becomes compromised, as the world has witnessed through the ravages of COVID-19. After graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1974 and completing residencies in Seattle, Washington

10 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

and Burlington, Vermont, Demenkoff spent a year as a post-doctoral research fellow in pulmonary immunology at the University of California - San Francisco. From 1980 to 2000, Demenkoff worked as an Internist/Pulmonologist based in Ithaca, New York where he served patients suffering from a gamut of life-threatening lung issues. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2000 to join the prestigious Mayo Clinic as an internal medical specialist. “After 20 years of working in an acute care setting, I was ready for something different, a slightly less intense environment,” he explains. Not to mention better golf. In 2018, Demenkoff joined the Mayo Clinic Medallion Program, a concierge medical practice. “As a concierge physician, I have a panel of 300 patients, each of whom has direct access to my personal cell phone and brain, 24/7, 365 days a year. Our clients tend to be high-profile individuals who can afford and appreciate a high-touch level of individualized service. I’m basically on call year-round and around the clock, available for consultation to help my patients quickly access the best care Mayo Clinic has to offer.” Demenkoff calls this an ‘ageappropriate phase’ of his career. “I bring 45 years of clinical experience, and at 71, I have probably another five years of medical practice in me.” The Mayo Clinic’s three campuses in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona provide world-class

health care, including organ transplants, joint replacements, and cancer care. Reflecting on his educational background, Demenkoff credits his parents for providing him with the opportunity to shift from public school in central New York to Trinity-Pawling. “My dad was a physical therapist and my mom a high school gym teacher, so naturally they understood the combined value of athletics and education. They had the foresight to know that Fulton High wouldn’t get me to where I could go career-wise.” Demenkoff, a self-proclaimed ‘small guy but determined athlete,’ played football, basketball, and golf at TrinityPawling and football and lacrosse (co-captain 1970) at Bowdoin College. “When I applied to medical school, Dartmouth and Harvard recognized that my discipline and focus as a studentathlete would serve me well.” Indeed they did. “I climbed on the academic escalator in Pawling at age 14 and never got off until I completed my post-doc fellowship at UC - San Francisco some 15 years later. I feel privileged to have been educated at some of the finest institutions of the time.” The pulmonologist concludes with these observations. “This pandemic reminds us that life is precious. We’re dependent on our lungs for vitality, and I think we’ve become more attuned to the quality of the air we breathe. Pure air and healthy lungs are a gift to be treasured.”

David Ortiz ’94 LIFE IS A SERIES OF ADVENTURES BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

ven in elementary school, David Ortiz ’94 felt compelled to succeed. “I saw my dad go to work in his black suit, so I decided to wear a shirt and tie every day. I wanted to distinguish myself and show I was serious about my education.” Ortiz attended a public school in the Bronx, and his father served as an executive chauffeur for John Weitz, the renowned fashion designer. Mr. Weitz appreciated the earnest lad’s drive and became his benefactor. “He paid for me to attend Allen-Stevenson School, where his own two sons, Paul and Chris, went.” From sixth through ninth grade, Ortiz made the 90-minute commute each way from his home in the Bronx to the prestigious all-boys private school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Give David Ortiz a shot, and he’ll deliver. Ortiz describes his life as a series of adventures, where he seized opportunities, worked his tail off, and made the most of them. Allen-Stevenson led to three years at TrinityPawling. “I was homesick until Parents' Weekend, and then I got to work. I was sent with a purpose; I had an obligation. Failure was not an option. I wanted to make my family and John Weitz proud.” Ortiz recalls listening to Suthep ‘Steven’ Douglas ’92 give his valedictory address at Commencement. “I was amazed at this guy and heard he was going to the University of Chicago. I’d never even heard of the place, but I decided on the spot that’s where I wanted to study.” Ortiz was accepted to the University of Chicago in 1994 and graduated with a degree in public policy. The adventures continued at the University of Chicago where he participated in student government — one of his advisors, an associate dean of student services, was a dynamic woman named Michelle Robinson. That was before she took her husband’s last name — Obama. Attuned to rising stars, Ortiz audited a constitutional law class that Barack Obama taught and played pick-up hoops with him

several times a week. “He was a cool dude, but we all knew not to foul or injure him because Michelle would’ve let us have it!” After graduating, Ortiz joined Leo Burnett Advertising Agency. (Think Pillsbury Doughboy, Charlie the Tuna, Jolly Green Giant, the Heinz ketchup “anticipation” slow drip…). On a week’s visit to Los Angeles to see family, Ortiz reconnected with Paul and Chris Weitz, sons of his benefactor. “Paul and Chris are Hollywood screenwriters who co-directed American Pie and About a Boy, among others. They made some connections for me, and I ended up getting a job with the William Morris Agency.” His foot-in-the-door job? The classic mail room clerk. “But I was a damn good one!” Two years later — September 10, 2001 to be precise — Ortiz was offered a new job as assistant to Donna Langley, vice president of development at Universal Pictures. “She has co-overseen the Austin Powers franchise at New Line Cinema so she came ready to work, which was music to my ears. As her assistant, part of my job was to read manuscripts. I tore through as many as I could get my hands on. Donna was a voracious reader too, so she appreciated my drive.” Donna Langley now chairs Universal Pictures. Ortiz’s next Hollywood adventure landed him with the Fast and Furious movie franchise, first as a creative executive at Universal and then, in 2009, he joined Vin Diesel’s production company, One Race Films. Ortiz says he loved the anonymity of being a studio creative executive. “I don’t appear in the credits, but I’m able to go on these crazy adventures without being in the limelight.” Ortiz now focuses his tremendous energy on CLCK, a mobile-first curated and user-generated platform with proprietary technology that he calls the ‘culmination of 20 years of experience.’ “We produce short, interactive videos with multicultural content geared for social impact as well as monetization. Viewers watch the videos, hit pause, and click on embedded links to the social media, products, fundraising, or social justice causes. CLCK can help monetize a group’s branded content or cause. Our goal is to create content that destroys stereotypes. This platform can provide opportunities for makers of short films to get their stories out there and promote social justice.” While Ortiz may have traded coat and tie for Hollywood casual, he still believes that success derives from hard work, infused with a healthy dose of adventure.

WINTER 2020

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

Newsworthy COLLEG E BOUND

quoted

THE SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT

BOB WAEGELEIN ’06 JOINS THE BOARD

The recommendation process at Trinity-Pawling is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the college counseling world. Trinity-Pawling student college applications are each accompanied by three letters of recommendation — two teacher recommendations and the Secondary School Report (SSR). Along with a student’s essay, the SSR is the meat of any college application. Rather than touching on academics, the SSR provides a holistic view of each student’s high school journey. Most SSRs at other schools are written entirely by the college counseling team. At Trinity-Pawling, we recognize that the boys have developed incredible relationships with a broad range of faculty members. The School leverages these relationships and asks fifteen of our best writers on the faculty to draft the first, and often final, versions of our students’ SSRs. This process leads to arguably the most complete and personalized SSRs that many college admissions representatives read. Each fall, the School receives countless compliments on how well a Trinity-Pawling SSR describes an applicant, and on more than a few occasions, the stories that the SSR tells lead to acceptances. In a year when optional testing policies mean that more holistic reviews are being completed than ever before, the SSR is more important than ever. Trinity-Pawling’s SSR writers — affectionately named the "Dunham Committee" after faculty member and coach Bill Dunham, serving the School since 1993 — work throughout the summer and fall to bring each student’s story to life. Armed with these stories, the Office of College Counseling is confident they will impress the admissions representatives, resulting in positive decisions for the students of Trinity-Pawling.

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“ Trinity-Pawling has instilled in me values

that I hold onto strongly to this day. I am fortunate to have attended the School from 7th grade to senior year and I'm able to look back on my time there fondly. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to this community that has provided me so much.”

Bob Waegelein ’06 joined the Trinity-Pawling Board of Trustees in September 2020. Waegelein lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife Liz and children Emilia and Robert. After graduating from Trinity-Pawling in 2006, Waegelein matriculated at Franklin & Marshall College. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer at PopHealthCare.

ON C AMPUS

MOUNTAIN BIKING Mountain biking became an official Trinity-Pawling sport in 2020. With an aim to provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and explore the new trails behind campus, mountain biking gained popularity as a club in the spring of 2019. Once reopening plans were in place, faculty member Matt Bresler worked to develop a fall 2020 athletic program for this popular sport, and students were advised to bring a bike and safety gear to campus. Riding and racing in the Pawling area includes a mix of cross country and trail-in-style. Coached by Bresler, the boys hit the trails, training and riding daily on and around campus throughout the Fall Term. The program offers another fun and healthy adventure sport for student-athletes at Trinity-Pawling.

PUBLISHED

NEW BOOK RELEASE FOR BILLY BALDWIN ’79 Billy Baldwin ’79 is an award-winning author and the creator of numerous stories for children and young adults. His newest fairytale picture book, The Boy, The Mermaid, and The Storm: A Modern Fairytale About Battling Life’s Storms was released in August 2020. Baldwin says he created this book to help adults and children alike discover the courage and inner strength we all possess to persevere. Also, this past summer, the National Indie Excellence Awards selected Baldwin’s Story Glass as the 2020 Winner for Best Picture Book. Find more of Baldwin’s books at www.billybaldwinstories.com

DEAD POLITICS SOCIETY

COMMUNIT Y

WELCOME NEW FACULTY GABE AVIS Hometown: Empire, Michigan Education: B.A. Kenyon College, M.Sc in Education University of Pennsylvania Teaching Department: Art Coaching: Mountain biking, squash, lacrosse Hobbies: Cycling, cooking, and hiking with his dog MATTHEW GOLDEN Hometown: New Bedford, Massachusetts Education: B.A. Bates College Teaching Department: Center for Learning Achievement Coaching: Football, basketball Hobbies: Exercising, cooking, swimming, and building Legos JENNIFER GRAHN Hometown: Putnam Valley, New York Education: B.A. Villanova University Teaching Department: Center for Learning Achievement Hobbies: Spending time with family, going to the beach, hiking, and skiing

Steered by faculty advisor Joe Poon and student leader Logan Wilson ’23, the Dead Politics Society is a noncompetitive debate and civics club that provides a forum for debate between Trinity-Pawling students who have opposing perspectives on a specific topic. Spearheaded by Jack Kalin ’21 and Joe Osborne ’21 last year, the club provides an opportunity for students who would like to debate on philosophical, economic, religious, political, environmental, sports, psychological, military, civil rights, or other areas of interest. This is a forum for students to bring their honest opinions and ideas to the forefront. Members of the Dead Politics Society are boys with a high level of integrity, a passion for intellectual discussion, and are determined problem solvers. The group utilizes a system that helps members become better debaters, encourages finding mutual solutions, and sometimes, teaches them how to live with non-resolution. Carpe Diem!

FLORENT LACROIX Hometown: Rennes, France Education: History Master, University of Rennes II Teaching Department: Foreign Language - French Coaching: Cross country Hobbies: Running and photography

CHARLIE RAMSDEN Hometown: Barrington, Rhode Island Education: B.A in English at the College of the Holy Cross; B.A in Spanish Language at the College of the Holy Cross; Master’s in International Education at the University of Alcalá Teaching Department: Foreign Language - Spanish Coaching: Soccer, lacrosse Hobbies: Athletic training and international travel W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 13

A VIEW FROM THE QUAD

Mingcheng “Kevin” Zhong ’21 LEADING BY EXAMPLE BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI

Great leadership is both an art and a skill. It can be learned, but not easily taught. It takes courage, strength of character, compassion, and above all else, respect. For student leader Mingcheng “Kevin” Zhong ’21, the secret is simple: lead by example. “Good leadership means being willing to step up and be the leader when the situation needs one,” Zhong began. “For me, it also means being willing to speak up for those who don’t feel comfortable doing so.” As a prefect, proctor, and president of multiple clubs and co-curricular activities, Zhong has certainly learned the value of leadership. Throughout his years and various roles at Trinity-Pawling, he has set his sights on enriching the School community. In addition to co-founding two new clubs on campus (the Random Acts of Kindness Club and the Challenge Club), Zhong also serves as President of the National Honor Society; Head Editor of The Phoenix, Trinity-Pawling’s studentrun newspaper; and an active member of the Honor and Environment Councils. He is also a skilled skier and has been a respected team leader in the School’s ski racing program since his freshman year. Perhaps most impressively, this Fall Term, Zhong does it all from his home in Shanghai, China. “We have so many opportunities to create a more vibrant and intellectually-engaging school,” he shared. Even from 7,000 miles away, Zhong continues to lead with enthusiasm and positivity — encouraging his classmates to be open-minded, to challenge themselves, and to make a difference in and around the School community.

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After all, when it comes to his Trinity-Pawling experience, it’s the community that Zhong cherishes most. “The best part about Trinity-Pawling is the people. I get to meet many friends who motivate me to become a better student, and a better person,” Zhong shared. “I also have amazing faculty mentors who push me to think creatively and have given me the confidence to pursue a path in science.” While grades are important to Zhong (he has been named to the Headmaster’s List every term since his freshman year!), he opts to measure his academic achievements a little differently. “Over the years, I have challenged myself to explore fields that I’ve never been exposed to before.” In doing so, Zhong has discovered a passion for subjects like environmental science, nutrition, journalism, and immunology. His proudest achievement so far? “Developing a willingness to explore and finding the things that spark a flame in my soul.” Now in his senior year at Trinity-Pawling, Zhong continues to share his zest for learning with his classmates. Whether it’s organizing a peer tutoring program, proposing a new community service project for the National Honor Society, or writing an op-ed in The Phoenix on conservation and environmental stewardship, he stays focused on one goal: “building a safe, kind, responsible, and creative community.” And he certainly doesn’t let the distance stand in the way as he serves his community virtually — leading by example and steadily modeling the School’s ideals of honor, respect, and effort.

FACULTY MINUTE

Faculty Minute with

The Reverend Danny Lennox BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI

Danny Lennox grew up in various towns and cities in Southern Ontario, Canada. In middle school, he attended Appleby College, an independent boarding school in Ontario where his father served as School Chaplain. After earning graduate degrees from Yale Divinity and Boston University, Lennox served a 12-year tenure as a parish priest in Episcopal churches across the Northeast. In the summer of 2019, he joined Trinity-Pawling as School Chaplain, delighted to return to his boarding school roots. As a minister, educator, theologian, and runner, Lennox brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to Trinity-Pawling — leading Chapel, teaching, coaching, and piloting the service learning program on campus.

On joining the Trinity-Pawling community: “When the opportunity to work at Trinity-Pawling surfaced, it felt like a slice of God’s grace. I grew up on a boarding school campus and in many ways, joining Trinity-Pawling was a homecoming for me. It’s a different school, but it feels like home.”

On teaching religion and philosophy to young men: “Ethics is particularly fun to teach because there isn’t always one clear answer. It’s exciting when our class discussions feel like a pinball machine, with new ideas and thoughts ricocheting around. I challenge the boys to listen, articulate, and adapt — while keeping their minds open and respecting the thoughts of others. I also enjoy teaching World Religions. It promotes the interfaith dialogue and exchange of ideas that are so critical in our world today.”

On the importance of service learning: “I believe that generosity, service, and stewardship are all essential features

of the human experience. It’s who we innately are and who God designed us to be. Service learning is simply an extension of that. It’s an opportunity for the boys to push outward, think of others first, and find joy in making a difference.”

On the joy of running: “I grew up running with my dad and brother. Now decades later, it’s still my favorite thing to do. It’s where I find peace and feel free; the better shape I’m in, the freer I feel. So, I better keep moving! My children love to run as well, and it’s something we do together as a family. I’m so grateful to have been running my whole life, and that I can now share it with my kids and the boys of TrinityPawling. That’s an incredible gift.”

On Chaplain life: “Teaching, preaching, listening to chapel talks, running with the cross country team — it’s so rewarding being a part of this community. I know I’m supposed to be the teacher, but in just my first year, the boys taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I’m truly grateful to be here.”

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IN THE hybrid CLASSROOM

Bryan Turner KEEPING THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI

Over the course of his career in technology, Bryan Turner has worked in a variety of roles and industries, from financial software and banking to education and IT consulting. A problem solver by nature, he enjoys the ever-changing world of technology and the inevitable challenges that come with it. Turner joined the Trinity-Pawling community as Director of Technology in the spring of 2018. Since then, he has propelled the School forward, significantly enhancing its technological presence and efficiency. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic surged and the School was forced online for the Spring Term, Turner was faced with the unparalleled challenge of keeping the Trinity-Pawling community connected — literally. “Simplicity, consistency, and efficiency. Those were the key

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factors in our pivot to remote learning last spring,” Turner explained. In a matter of days, he and faculty technology wizard Bob Reilly devised a thorough remote learning strategy, troubleshooting and adjusting along the way. The biggest challenge? “Time zones. Our students live around the world. We had to account for their locations and accessibility — ensuring every student had a positive learning

experience,” Turner shared. “We simplified the academic schedule, set up virtual office hours for teachers, and provided both synchronous, real-time learning (via Zoom video conferencing) and asynchronous, individual work (via the Student Portal). It wasn’t easy but, in the end, it was a great success.” The biggest victory? “None of it would have worked without the faculty. Every teacher went above

“Our community is one of our strongest qualities at Trinity-Pawling. And now the technology on campus is aligned with our core value. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

and beyond in keeping their students engaged and supported. They reworked their curriculums and came up with creative ways to deliver the material. Our tech plan was the gateway, but the faculty’s creativity and dedication really made it happen.” At the beginning of the summer, as TrinityPawling planned to reopen for the Fall Term, Turner and Reilly tackled their next challenge: designing hybrid classrooms for the Dann Academic Building. “The Fall Term was an entirely different ballgame,” Turner shared. “We needed to design an in-person learning experience with remote learning components, for those students who could not be on campus.” After much research and evaluation, the duo installed a total of 44 Owl cameras — devices that capture 360° video and audio for engaging and immersive remote learning. “The camera automatically shifts to focus on whoever is speaking. The result is an experience that nearly feels like sitting in the classroom,” Turner explained. Toss in SmartBoards, Microsoft Teams and OneNote software, upgraded computers, and enhanced internet speed, and the Dann Building was fully outfitted for its first-ever hybrid term.

Throughout the summer, Headmaster Bill Taylor stated that “learning happens best when it happens in community.” While this is true of all learning, if you ask Turner, it’s particularly true for Trinity-Pawling. “The cuttingedge design of the new hybrid classrooms not only differentiates the School; but more importantly, it promotes a sense of community, even from a distance,” he shared. “Our community is one of our strongest qualities at Trinity-Pawling. And now the technology on campus is aligned with our core value. It doesn’t get much better than that.” As Turner reflects on the whirlwind of 2020, he is grateful for the support of the entire School community, especially that of Bob Reilly and Roberta Lidl. Their unwavering help in planning, implementing, testing, and faculty training was paramount to Trinity-Pawling’s hybrid learning success. “Seeing our vision come to life has been so rewarding. It’s been a tough year, but I’m confident that we are providing a top-notch learning environment for our students,” he concluded. “For me, helping people is the best part of working in the technology field. Here at Trinity-Pawling, I’m able to help our faculty do what they do best. And for that, I’m so grateful.”

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The Big Picture

Disc Golf

A new 18-basket disc golf course, originally proposed by students in a Winter Project, has finally come to life. Athletic Director Brian Foster ’79 charted the course, with support from Headmaster Bill Taylor and the Facilities Department Staff. The throwing begins at the corner of the quad, with discs available for students to use at their leisure, and a disinfectant wipe mandate at the conclusion of a round. A choice of distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange disks, and putters with varying weights and sizes give players the ability to choose and make their best possible shot. Each ‘hole’ is really a basket, and the disc must be suspended in the hanging chains or sitting in the basket to move onto the next. Winding past the Adams Erdmann Tennis Pavilion, past ‘Scullyville’ and the Arches, and then onto the upper fields — players need a combination of strength, precision, and tact to complete the course without digging through brush to retrieve a lost disc. The course winds around Gamage House, across the vast front lawn, ultimately leading disc throwers up to Barstow Dormitory and the 18th basket. Rising to the challenges of an ever-changing world, Trinity-Pawling leaders turned student imagination into reality, affording students a new way to get outside and safely compete on our 230-acre campus.

The joy of a well-flung shot photographed by James Flint ’21

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Debbie & Dave

CORATTI SCHOOL AS FAMILY FOR 40 YEARS BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

A family that lives and works at a boarding school has to make a decision: embrace the allconsuming lifestyle, or keep the community at a slight arm’s length. For Dave and Debbie Coratti, the choice was simple. “We were all in from the moment we arrived,” Debbie says. “The School became an extension of our family, and it was an amazing place to raise our three kids.” Dave and Debbie were high school sweethearts from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. They met in 1973 and married in 1976, during Dave’s senior year at Trinity College, where he was a standout athlete in football and wrestling. The Corattis began their career as educators at Rectory School, an independent junior boarding school in Pomfret, Connecticut. After three years working with younger students, the Corattis wanted to shift to an upper school experience. Trinity-Pawling was a natural fit for the young couple, who never dreamed they would become cornerstones of this community for 40 years.

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David, Jr. (left), Debbie, Christopher ’08, Dave, and Jenny at the 2005 New England Championship football game.

Embrace the Boarding School Promise The Corattis arrived on campus in the fall of 1981, with their one-year-old daughter, Jenny. Debbie was pregnant with their son, David, who was born in 1982. The family moved into Johnson I, a senior dorm at the time. “25 seniors in doubles,” Dave says with a rueful grin. The following year, they moved across campus to Dunbar South which housed sophomores, and then to a freshmen dorm, Colonnade (now Hastings) North from 1984 to 1989. Their final stop as dorm parents was in Starr I North from 1989 to 2001, with juniors and then sophomores. “We loved being dorm parents,” Dave reflects. “We kept our door open, and Deb was always making food for the boys, popcorn, brownies and of course, her famous stromboli. Our own kids loved dorm life. The older boys would babysit for them, and our kids would hang out in the lounge watching movies with them. They were like older brothers.” The Corattis’ youngest child, Christopher, was born in 1990 and graduated from Trinity-Pawling in 2008. Instead of resenting that their dad was immersed in coaching every weekend, the Coratti kids shared their father’s passion for athletics. “When the kids were younger, Deb brought them to every football game,” Dave recalls. “David and Christopher came to wrestling practice when they were little guys and they would wrestle with the lightweights. And Jenny knows football as well as many coaches. She’s always been one of the most enthusiastic supporters in the crowd!” Jenny currently teaches humanities and coaches girls varsity basketball at an independent school; David played varsity soccer at Middlebury College; Christopher played varsity football at Fordham University.

Dave and Debbie with David, Jr. (left) and Jenny in 1982.

While revered as a coach, Dave possesses equally impressive academic credentials. He’s taught Advanced Placement European History for 36 years, serves as a reader and table leader at the annual grading of the AP test, and enjoys curriculum development. With the support of then history chairman John Taylor P’98, ’00, Dave restructured the history curriculum in 1986 from a Eurocentric approach to a more global perspective. “I enjoy teaching kids with a wide range of learning styles,” he says. Dave earned his master’s in education from the University of Connecticut where he was impacted by Professor Tony Gregoric. “Tony was ahead of his time, in the early 1980s. He taught me that each student has an internal grid that dictates which teaching style works best for them. If a teacher doesn’t understand the child’s learning style, he might be Killing Them Softly. And he reminded us to be aware that each student is different by playing us Kermit the Frog’s song, It Ain’t Easy Being Green.

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Dave’s understanding of learning styles led him to develop a study skills program at the Wolfeboro Camp School in New Hampshire, where he taught every summer from 1983 to 1999. He incorporated that beneficial program at Trinity-Pawling in 1990. Bill Cooper, who taught and coached at TrinityPawling for 25 years, became Head of School at Wolfeboro in 1977 and took much of the T-P ethos with him. “Bill Cooper always said, adolescents achieve best when expectations are clearly defined and when they are held accountable, rewarded, and praised for their effort, achievement, and most importantly, progress.” That same belief has clearly shaped Dave’s approach to teaching, coaching, and mentoring. “It’s important for boys to know how they can improve in the classroom, dorm, and athletic field. So as faculty members and coaches, we need to clearly convey our expectations and teach each boy how to progress to the next level. And if he falls short, then we need to communicate how to help him achieve those goals.”

The Rising Star Evolves into Administration When Headmaster Arch Smith reinstituted the position of Dean of Students in 1992, he tapped the universally respected Dave Coratti. “I enjoyed that role, being able to help kids work through and grow from their infractions. I wanted the students to know that their transgression would not define them for the future and that they could quickly gain back respect and have a clean slate.” Did he ever raise his voice? “I think the students would say I was ‘very firm and clear’ in conveying my expectations…,” he says with a laugh.

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“

Through their 40 years of dedicated service to Trinity-Pawling, Debbie and Dave have been consummate ‘school people’ — deeply committed to the growth and well-being of the boys and pervasively invested in the life and rhythm of the school community. Well Done! — Headmaster Bill Taylor

”

In 1999, Dave advanced to Director of Studies, a position he still holds. In 2001, Arch Smith appointed him Assistant Headmaster, in charge of managing the daily operation of the School. In 2005, Smith changed the title to Associate Head, in recognition of Dave’s essential role in the administration of the School. In his dual responsibilities as Director of Studies and Associate Head, Dave oversees academic scheduling for all students and faculty; curriculum development; the master calendar and faculty duty assignments; and a myriad of other responsibilities. And after 20 years as dorm parents, the Corattis moved into Anderson House at the center of campus where they lived from 2001 to 2012. Once the new faculty homes adjacent to The Arches complex were completed, the Corattis settled happily into the Alan Proctor House in the winter of 2012.

“The Legend” Amidst this steady rise through the administration, Dave continued his remarkable coaching legacy: varsity football (1981 to 2012; head coach 1987 to 2012), varsity wrestling (1981 to 2004; head coach 1984 to 2004), and varsity baseball (1981 to 1987; head coach 1984 to 1987). He was inducted

into the New England Coaches Hall of Fame for both football (2017) and wrestling (2003) and into the Western New England Coaches Hall of Fame for wrestling (1996). In 2014, Dave received the Nadal Award from the Founders League for his coaching contributions. He says he learned from another legend. “I was always grateful for Miles Hubbard ’57’s mentorship through the years, especially for assisting me with varsity baseball. He was a great friend and a good role model.” Highlights of this extraordinary coaching career are numerous, though Dave takes obvious pride in the pair of New England Class A football championships. “The 2005 season was magical, with the car smash on the night of the bonfire, and many of the guys learning to knit that fall! I think those things really ‘knit’ the team together,” recalls the campus punster with his trademark rat-a-tat chortle. “And the 2007 team really proved resilient. After an early season loss to Hotchkiss, they never lost another game and came back to defeat Andover once again in the championship game. Having Christopher on that team was also meaningful.” In 2013, Trinity-Pawling honored “The Legend” by naming the new athletic turf the David N. Coratti Field. “I was happy

this was an honorary ceremony, not a memorial,” the witty coach quipped. In terms of wrestling, Coratti was renowned for making wrestlers out of neophytes. “1995 was the only losing season I had. 9 of the 13 starters had never wrestled before. But the following season, those same athletes kicked off a winning streak that lasted for 38 matches. Win and loss records are important but what mattered most to me were the lifelong relationships that developed on all my teams over the years.”

Debbie Coratti, Steadfast Presence and Sage Counselor Debbie began her career at TrinityPawling as the typing teacher in 1987. “Class met in the basement of the library, and then in 1993, we moved over to the computer lab in the Dann Building and typing became word processing. All the freshmen took the class so I got to know each of them well.” Then headmaster, Arch Smith invited Debbie to join the Middle School when it was established in the fall of 1996. “I handled day-to-day communication with parents and was a presence in the boys’ lives. It was a big learning curve those first couple of years!” she says, eyes widening at the memories. Debbie was named Middle School Coordinator in 1999. “I like being an outside-the-classroom educator,” Debbie says. “I focus on character building, community living, and helping the boys acclimate.” She also enjoyed organizing off-campus excursions, taking full advantage

of educational, artistic, and environmental opportunities in the Hudson Valley and New York City. “And of course, everyone remembers the famed Middle School Science Fair! It’s funny — the Middle School embraced project-based learning long before the upper school!” “My goal was to create a safe and caring environment for the middle schoolers, to allow them to be themselves and navigate those tricky years. And those boys still would come visit me in my office when they were seniors. We always stayed connected.” “Working with the younger students keeps me current,” Debbie continues. “I’m engaged in their world. They show me their computer games and teach me about YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Learning from them is a fun role reversal.” After four decades of loyal service to the School, Dave and Debbie will retire in June 2021. While they’re eager to spend more time with their kids and three grandchildren, the Corattis

will sorely miss the close relationships they’ve developed with faculty and students. “I’ll miss being an integral part of these adolescents’ lives,” Debbie muses. “I always enjoyed helping the faculty grow professionally, both as teachers and coaches,” Dave offers. “We were the youngest couple when we arrived in 1981,” Debbie laughs. “Now we’ve become the grandparents of the community, offering counsel to younger families and empty nesters.” From high school sweethearts to esteemed educators, Dave and Debbie Coratti have enriched the TrinityPawling community by embracing the boarding school promise: That an adult will become involved in the life of each child, will come to care about the child’s growth and development, and that caring will make a difference in the child’s education. “Working side by side with Deb all of these years has been a dream,” Dave concludes. “I could not have asked for anything more.”

Debbie (left), Christopher ’08, and Dave in 2004.

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by the numbers THROUGH THE YEARS WITH DEBBIE AND DAVE CORATTI 1981

1986

1996 Dave is inducted into the Western New England Coaches Hall of Fame for wrestling.

2003 Dave is inducted to the New England Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.

2005

Debbie and Dave Coratti P’08 arrive at TrinityPawling, filling the role of dorm parents at Johnson I, and Dave begins teaching history and math.

1982 David Coratti, Jr. is born, joining his sister Jennifer in the family and the TrinityPawling community.

1984

Dave coaches Maurice “Mo” Vaughn ’86, who went on to an all-star professional baseball career.

1999

1987 Dave becomes head varsity football coach, and Debbie is hired to teach typing. The typing classroom at the time is in the basement of Gardiner Library.

Debbie is asked to serve as the Middle School Coordinator.

2005 Arch Smith changes Dave’s title to Associate Headmaster in recognition of his numerous administrative responsibilities.

1990 Dave serves on the School’s Long Range Planning Committee. The Coratti family grows with the arrival of Christopher Coratti ’08.

Under Dave’s leadership the varsity football team goes undefeated, finishing the season with a perfect 9-0 and beating Andover 42-26 to capture the New England Class A Championship. As Coach Dave Coratti shared: “It was the most accomplished team I’ve ever coached.”

Dave becomes the Director of Studies. He also receives the Dunbar Award for Service this year.

2007

2001 1992 Dave becomes the head varsity wrestling coach. Dave becomes the head varsity baseball coach.

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Dave is appointed as the Dean of Students.

Arch Smith names Dave Assistant Headmaster — Dave now assumes dual responsibilities as he continues his role as Director of Studies.

Dave takes another team to the New England Class A Championship. A pinnacle of Dave’s football career was coaching his son Christopher ’08, who is co-captain of the team and earns the Most Valuable Player in the Erickson Conference this year.

“

Coach Coratti has been one of the most influential people in my life. He taught me what it means to be a leader, not by words but through action. In the Marine Corps, our core values are Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Coach Coratti instilled those values in me as a student-athlete during my four years at Trinity-Pawling. Thanks, Coach!

2008 With Dave’s leadership, varsity football wins a New England Bowl victory.

2010

— LT. COL. STEW MCKNELLY ’86

2012

Trinity-Pawling names the new turf field David N. Coratti Field in honor of his service to the School.

2012

Dave retires as the head varsity football coach after 26 years.

2016

The Corattis move to Alan Proctor House in the new faculty housing complex. The Corattis served as dorm parents for 20 years.

2013

The 1997 and 1998 varsity wrestling teams are inducted into the Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame. Over the course of these two years, the team had two perfect seasons, winning a total of 35 matches. Led by Head Coach Dave Coratti and Coach Bill Dunham, the team earned the distinction of the 1997 and 1998 Founders League Champions and 1997 and 1998 Western New England Champions.

”

The 2005 varsity football team is inducted into the Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame.

2017 2014 Dave receives the Nadal Award from the Founders League for his years of service and coaching contributions.

2015

Dave is presented with the NFL Super Bowl 50 commemorative golden football by former Pittsburgh Steelers center and Super Bowl Champion Chukky Okobi ’96, and Trinity-Pawling is named to the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll.

In recognition of his hard work and dedication, Dave is elected to the New England Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

2018 Honored for his years of service and contribution to coaching and sportsmanship, the New England Football League names a bowl game after Dave — The Coratti Bowl.

2020-2021

Dave completes 40 years of service and Debbie completes 34 years of service to the Trinity-Pawling community.

BUILDING A BRIDGE

TO THE FUTURE A TRANSFORMED TRINITY-PAWLING BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

n Friday, March 6, 2020, the lads of Trinity-Pawling departed campus, eager for three blessed weeks of spring vacation. Duffels crammed with clothes and gear, blankets flung over dorm beds, textbooks dropped on desks. Down in the Smith Field House, baseball coach Mike Webber and lacrosse coach Andrew Kirkaldy organized uniforms and conferred with Brian Foster ’79 about spring training trips to Florida. In the pottery room, Ned Reade loaded clay into barrels, readying the studio for the first day of pottery on March 30. The blue and gold uniforms would remain folded, that clay untouched, and those hastily made beds unoccupied for the next six months. On March 11, the World Health Organization proclaimed COVID-19 a pandemic. On Friday the 13th, the White House declared a national

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emergency. That same day, Headmaster Bill Taylor announced that the School would remain open, but the first weeks of the Spring Term would be taught remotely as of April 1 and students would return to campus on April 13. Five days later, Taylor announced that the Founders League had cancelled the entire spring athletic season. On March 20, he stated that the campus would not open as planned and that classes would be conducted remotely for the duration of the Spring Term. “The best way to keep our entire community healthy is to maintain distance from one another,” Taylor wrote. “We must make important sacrifices for the greater good of the global community.” Remote classes. No spring sports. A traditional Commencement unlikely. Events dropped off the calendar as the world quickly shuttered.

What seemed unfathomable became reality. Yet Trinity-Pawling would continue, albeit differently.

SPRING: RESPOND AND PIVOT It’s hard to remember a world without Zoom, but the faculty had about a week to learn and embrace that remote teaching platform. Classes began on April 1 with faculty and students spread across the United States and the globe. Coaches held virtual meetings with their teams to keep them motivated. Chris Kelsey collaborated with his instrumental music students using Soundtrap, a virtual recording studio that allowed the students to create original compositions and share them with their classmates. International students logged into their

Zoom classes at night, just as their American brothers were rubbing sleep from their own eyes. Every morning at 7:50, 7:55, and 7:58, Father Danny Lennox rang the bronze bell atop All Saints’ Chapel. Although the familiar chimes fell across an eerily silent campus, the Chaplain maintained this ritual to honor the students scattered around the world. Students and faculty Zoomed into remote chapel services and morning meetings three mornings each week, complete with organ music, prayers, and chapel talks from faculty and students. Father Lennox created the “Pride in Place” forum, inviting students to showcase any creative projects they were working on: a musical performance, a piece of writing, an artwork. “I wanted to create a sense of continuity for the community amidst the surreal atmosphere,” the Chaplain said. “It was important for all of us to see and hear familiar sounds and faces to start the day.” The Pride Perspectives webinar series established another form of connection,

commencing in late April. These webinars, hosted by Headmaster Bill Taylor and moderated by Director of Admission JP Burlington ’95, gathered panels of alumni, parents, faculty, and

must make “ Weimportant sacrifices for the greater good of the global community.” — Headmaster Bill Taylor

administrators to discuss pertinent issues. Topics covered current trends in college counseling; how to nurture creativity; college athletic recruiting; advantages of project-based learning; the ethos of effort; and more. The Headmaster hosted Bill’s Book Club and led discussions about inspiring books, including David Brooks’ The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life and The Book of Joy by the

Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Two webinars, one in July and one in August, explained the detailed plans for the reopening of campus. Up to 100 viewers participated in each webinar, and the well-received series now continues throughout the year. On Saturday, May 23, precisely at 10 AM, a steady rain fell on campus. Any other year, that precipitation would have caused Commencement to move indoors. This year, Bill Taylor worked with Connie Rafferty, Trinity-Pawling’s digital media teacher, to produce an extraordinary Commencement Recognition video. Earlier in the week, Bill and other members of the faculty positioned themselves in more than 30 key locations across campus to honor members of the Class of 2020 and recognize their accomplishments. Head Prefect Solomon Hess ’20 filmed his address on the shore of nearby Lakeside Park, the water rippling gently as he spoke of how the four years at TrinityPawling changed his life. Valedictorian Sam Fechner ’20 delivered his uplifting speech from his attic studio at home in

W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 27

Germany. The unique tribute reflected Bill Taylor’s penchant for creativity, honoring tradition where possible and sprinkling humor to infuse levity and joy. In early June, Bill Taylor drove to the homes of graduates who lived within 50 miles of campus and personally delivered their diploma and Vineyard Vines class tie. Diplomas, ties, socks, and chocolate cigars enclosed in Class of 2020 boxes were mailed to graduates who lived at a greater distance. Families of all students received instructions on how and when to return to campus later in June to retrieve or arrange for storage of belongings. The most unusual term in the history of the School had come to a close. Bittersweet for sure, but all were safe.

SUMMER: REORGANIZE AND PREPARE “The Spring Term and its remote learning environment reminded us that learning happens best when it happens Trinity-Pawling staff members Rosa Vides P’13,’14 and Chris Burke P’09

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in community.” Bill Taylor made it patently clear that he wanted to reopen the School for in-person learning come fall, contingent on state and national guidelines. “Together, we will build a bridge to the post-COVID future. And this bridge will be strong, and functional.” In the June faculty meeting, held virtually, Bill Taylor announced that faculty and many staff members would be involved in one or more of 14 task forces throughout the summer. The groups would work both independently and collaboratively to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the safe reopening of campus. Among the committees were Health, Residential Life, Dining, Academics, Technology, Athletics, Social Life and Community Gatherings, and Day Students and Visitors. These committees worked tirelessly through the summer to research and develop best practices for each area of school life. Their efforts, along with guidelines from New York State and the Centers for Disease Control, formed the blueprint for campus-wide protocols. Every inch of the campus was assessed to see how it could be designed for safe teaching and interactions. Classrooms were measured to determine how many desks could fit with six feet of separation. Scully Hall was reconfigured to accommodate 70 diners per hour, seated two per

large round table. McGraw Wrestling Pavilion would be set up as a lunch site for another 48 to reduce density. Traffic flow in both Scully Hall and the Dann Building would be uni-directional to ensure proper distancing as students and faculty moved along. The majority of dorm rooms would become singles rather than doubles. The second floor of Johnson has been designated “Q Dorm,” where students can be quarantined if necessary. The Health Center was redesigned to accommodate an isolation ward with five beds, negative pressure air filtration, a separate entrance, shower, and small kitchen. Students who test positive for COVID-19 would be moved immediately to this wing for up to 24 hours, until they could be transported home or to their designated guardian’s home. Every family was required to designate a guardian within five hours or 300 miles of the School who would take in a boy in case of COVID-19. How can we make this work safely? That question was at the heart of the thousands of decisions made over the course of the spring and summer. After a Spring Term of Zoom, the community was committed to bringing the students back to campus for inperson learning. And it could only work if everyone worked together. Or as school nurse Geri Barker put it: “It’s all about the village and the brotherhood. Everybody has to be selfless and take care of each other.”

FALL: ROLL PRIDE After seven months of exhaustive analysis and intense planning, triumph arrived in late August as the first students returned to campus. First stop: Smith Field House, where each boy

had his temperature taken, received a COVID PCR test, turned in his completed health forms, touched base with the admissions team and various deans, and finally received his key card to his new dorm room. The atmosphere was exuberant, the energy palpable as students expressed genuine enthusiasm at being on campus. Reunited, inperson though distanced, no longer faces in square boxes on a screen. To set the tone, every member of the community signed the Pride Pandemic Pledge, a social contract which requires that each individual comply with specific on-campus health protocols and mitigation strategies. “The health and safety of our community will depend on each of us doing our part to minimize the risk and exposure to this disease,” Taylor explained. Thanks to the collective efforts of the entire community, September unrolled without a major hitch. Dutch Keel, Dean of Residential Life, explains, “People have been universally committed to putting aside personal desire for the overall health of the community. Parents are truly appreciative of the lengths we are going to keep their sons safe. The education the boys are receiving both in and out of the classroom during this pandemic is worth the sacrifices.” Keel notes that while boys are restricted to their own dorm units and cannot enter other

dorms, that has led to greater cohesion. “The dorm unit has really become their family now.” Chapel continues in “an accordion of formats,” says Father Danny Lennox. “We’ve convened as a full community several times on the back quad. We’ve done grade-level chapel gatherings at the flagpole in front of Cluett. We continue to offer virtual chapel services and remote morning meetings that include our off-campus students. While nothing can replace the hustle and bustle of All Saints’ Chapel, gathering and reflecting as a community in these varied formats has been essential to our success and collective morale thus far.” Brian Foster ’79, Director of Athletics, is proud of how the coaches and students have handled the restructured approach to sports. “The boys participate in their fall sport on the first three days of the week and then choose to stay with that fall sport or shift to something else for Thursday and Friday. The focus is on ‘skills and drills’ fundamentals rather than preparing for the next game. Coaches can hone in on footwork, passing, touch, and shooting drills. And kids seem to enjoy this

opportunity to engage in two sports or activities in one season.” Head Prefect Peter Claro ’21 agrees. “I’m more fit than ever, between playing football and lacrosse. This has been a blessing in disguise.” A four-year student at Trinity-Pawling, Claro speaks proudly of his TrinityPawling brothers. “We all want to be here on campus, in person. Everyone is making sacrifices for the greater good, but there’s a general resilience. We’re adapting and rolling with the punches.” Claro credits the advanced technology for keeping far-flung members of the community engaged, and he notes that the student body has embraced being outside more than in years past. “Some kids are taking their meals to-go and eating them with friends in the Adirondack chairs. People are fishing at the pond, taking more hikes, and mountain biking. And the Saturday afternoon dorm competition and games have been a great way to blow off some steam with the boys. COVID has changed my attitude. I don’t take anything for granted anymore. It makes me appreciate all that we do have rather than focus on what’s missing.”

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HUMANITARIAN HEROES WE SALUTE YOU

BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

Healthcare workers are driven to help people. Nurses in particular sign on to the profession knowing full well they’ll be handling many of the less glamorous tasks associated with caring for the sick. As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, doctors and nurses put their lives on the line every time they don their protective garb and go to work, like armed soldiers marching into battle. What compels these hospital heroes to face such daunting challenges and often terrifying circumstances? Their universal response is simple yet poignant: ‘It’s what I do. I help people.’

WE INVITED THREE NURSES TO SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED THEIR WORK. 30 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

TAMI HARRAH:

A REASSURING PRESENCE AT THE TRINITY-PAWLING HEALTH CENTER

which means staying current with the most accurate information. She has worked tirelessly since mid-March on preparedness plans and protocols. She communicates regularly online with 25 colleagues in the Connecticut Residential School Nurses Association, which includes the Founders League schools. Tami has started a similar collaborative with school nurses in New York State, which has slightly different guidelines. “I’ve spent the past seven months reading, updating, and learning. I sometimes feel like a hamster on a wheel caught up in a constant stream of information that changes all the time.” Tami puts that knowledge to good use. She serves on numerous task forces within her school nurses associations and at Trinity-Pawling. “A crucial part of my job is to be proactive and educate our community about maintaining hygiene and social distancing protocols. Everyone needs to understand they play a critical role in keeping one another safe and healthy.” “When a student comes into the Health Center,” she explains, “we have to assume he is COVID-positive. That means suiting up in our PPE: gown, mask, shield, and

gloves. These are directives from New York State, the ince this pandemic struck, I have tapped into every aspect of my professional training as a school nurse. Consulting, communicating, data

collection, protocols, research, and health education.”

CDC, and the National Association of School Nurses.” Tami is grateful for her team of talented and dedicated nurses, who exude professional calm, reassuring compassion, and enough dry wit to keep themselves

What she hasn’t done yet, as of late August?

sane and the students laughing. “We have three full-time

Cared for a patient with COVID-19.

nurses and one part-time nurse, along with several other

And though she hopes that doesn’t happen, Trinity-

per diem nurses and trained staff willing to help out as

Pawling’s pragmatic, unflappable nurse knows it’s nearly

needed.” These faithful and fearless angels are ready to

inevitable.

take care of the Trinity-Pawling community, from stomach

Tami joined the Trinity-Pawling community in 2017 and resides in the campus Health Center. She has been

aches to sprains, flu to fractures, colds to COVID. “We’ve dealt with campus flu epidemics in the past. I

at the forefront of the School’s pandemic preparedness

take a ‘one-day-at-a-time’ approach: face it head-on and

team since March, providing guidance on how to keep

get through it. We’re prepared and ready to safely tackle

the students, faculty, and staff safe from this highly

whatever comes our way.”

communicable and deadly disease. “School nurses are specialists in public health, yet we also practice in a

Tami’s message? “We’re in this together as a community, so let’s behave

holistic manner, attuned to the mental, physical, and

appropriately. Maintain your physical distance, wear a

behavioral well-being of our community members.”

mask, and pay attention to your hygiene. The school year

As the School’s Director of Nursing, Tami shoulders the responsibility of being the campus expert on COVID-19,

may look and feel different, but we can get through this if we work together and learn to be selfless.”

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SCOTT MORRISON ’75: ACCOUNTS FROM A NEW YORK CITY FRONTLINE NURSE

disease take the lives of countless doctors and nurses engaged in the endless battle. And patients — of the thousands admitted with COVID, a small percentage recovered and went home. The vast majority didn’t. “These were younger and healthy people with no past medical

cott Morrison ’75 has been immersed in health care

history. We were stacking bodies in the refrigerated trucks

his entire life. “Our family has always gravitated

in the emergency room parking lot. It was like nothing I

towards helping people,” Scott explained. “My

have ever seen.”

grandfather served as a school doctor for the Pawling

Meanwhile, the staff was relegated to re-using single-

School and Trinity-Pawling from 1914 to 1952, and my

use paper masks and makeshift personal protection

father, Dr. Milnor Morrison Jr. ’37, was Trinity-Pawling’s

equipment. “While we appreciated the military flyover,”

physician from 1971 to 1991. I was a paramedic and EMT

Scott said, “we would have preferred the money had been

in Boston for a number of years, then earned my nursing

spent on PPE to keep us safe.”

degree in 1993.” Scott has worked as a staff nurse at

By mid-April, the cases began to plateau and slowly

Mount Sinai and Bronx-Lebanon

declined through May. Scott knew

Hospitals in New York since 2003.

they were getting back to ‘normal’

Scott shared his account as

when his night patients’ biggest

a frontline nurse during those

complaint was about the coffee.

harrowing weeks starting in mid-

But he remains deeply concerned

March as the virus raged through

that people have become lax in their

metropolitan New York. “When the

habits and downplay the virus. “I

pandemic hit, it was immediately

drive to work at 6:00 PM and see

obvious we were all in trouble. Every

people in restaurants or on the

person who arrived was a COVID

crowded streets not wearing masks.

patient, and the entire hospital was

This disease is far from over — a

transformed into an ICU.”

vaccine is not imminent. How many

As a nurse, Scott always believed

cemeteries do you want us to fill?”

he could make a difference in a

Scott’s wife, Luisa, is also a

patient’s life. “Not in this case.

nurse at Mount Sinai. Miraculously,

I felt helpless. I would arrive for

both have tested negative for

my night shift and see beds filled

COVID, though each carries

with patients who were relatively

positive antibodies. “We must have

healthy and young, not the elderly

been exposed in January. I was

or compromised. It was unnerving to

asymptomatic and Luisa was mildly

see alert people struggle for every

sick. But the nurse who gave me my

breath. My goal was just to keep

test results said I had the highest

them alive.” “We learned as we went, with new information and approaches coming in from other hospitals. Many staff were either sick, afraid, or unable to work. We had travel nurses show up from other states to help out.” The greatest danger with COVID-19 is aerosol, the microscopic droplets carrying the virus transmitted through the air. Scott witnessed the indiscriminate

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level of antibodies she’d ever seen. I guess that’s not surprising since I was spending 60 hours a week in one of the most dangerous places on earth.” So how would his physician father and grandfather view the coronavirus pandemic? “That it exists wouldn’t surprise them in the least. The response of the government and the public, however, would take them aback.”

HASTINGS LANE ’03: TELEMEDICINE IS HERE TO STAY

ot many 19-year-olds choose to work in a nursing home. Hastings Lane ’03 did. He started as a certified nurse assistant in his first year at Roger Williams University where he majored in psychology. After graduating in 2007, he served as a residence counselor at a home for individuals with special needs. He earned a second bachelor’s degree in 2012, this time in nursing, and worked as an R.N. for a surgical unit in Washington, D.C. Hastings returned to his family home in Connecticut in 2014 to help take care of his father who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. For the next two years, Hastings tended his father and went back to nursing school full-time to achieve his advanced nurse practitioner degree. “The structure I had internalized while at Trinity-Pawling gave me the drive to focus on my schoolwork, and the nurse in me allowed me to handle the burden of taking care of my dad.” “I guess healthcare has been in my blood,” he continued. “My dad was a medical doctor and my mom is a nurse.” This young man clearly has caretaking in his DNA. Hastings moved to California in 2018 and worked as a primary care provider in a community health center and then transitioned to a clinic that specialized in treating adults with ADHD. “As a nurse practitioner, I can perform many of the same functions as a physician in the same job setting, such as assessment, diagnosing, and writing prescriptions. I had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 7, and the treatment I received changed my life. I want to provide that gift to my patients.” Hastings had gone to work as usual on a weekday in March of 2020. He left the office at the end of the day, unaware that he would not set foot back in the clinic for months. “Everything changed in 24 hours. The next morning, we were told to work from home. We went from 100% inperson visits to 100% virtual consultations overnight. I had zero experience with telehealth and had one day to adapt.” Hastings believes that COVID-19 has changed the face of health care overall, yet he feels the benefits outweigh the challenges. “Telemedicine appointments can be effective when a patient doesn’t require a face-to-face assessment. In outpatient care, clinicians and patients can still connect for necessary consultations and services,

but providers may now conduct assessments virtually and make judgments based on the symptoms presented and medical history. There’s increased safety for both patient and provider, with reduced exposure risk. Transportation needs are reduced as well. Some restrictions that have been lifted during this emergency will hopefully remain permanent. For example, certain controlled substances can now be prescribed via video/audio consultations.” While he appreciates the flexibility of working from home, Hastings has taken on new tasks such as verifying patients’ insurance and processing payments. “I’m essentially conducting front and back office now and have become my own medical assistant.” He says he spends more time with each patient now, helping them feel comfortable with the new approach. “Patients can actually take their own vital signs including blood pressure and temperature. They can purchase a digital monitor at any pharmacy, and I watch them take their vitals to ensure they’re doing it safely and accurately. In some ways, my patients are more actively engaged in the process than they were before.” “Telemedicine has a permanent and more significant impact in healthcare systems from what I have seen. I do miss the clinic environment and daily in-person interactions and collaboration, but it’s not bad working from my home office. Being able to work from home has enabled me to adopt my first dog and new best friend. Pickle is a very wellmannered stray senior chihuahua who has fit right into my life and made this increased ‘at home’ time a true joy.”

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pride athletics

SPORTS PROVIDE BENEFITS BEYOND INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITION BY CYRUS ROTHWELL-FERRARIS

34 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

When the Founders League collectively decided to cancel interscholastic competition for the 2020 Fall Term, creative minds at TrinityPawling went to work. Of course we missed the best autumn Saturdays in Pawling, when campus comes alive with soccer games on the lower fields, a football game on Coratti Field, and a cross country race weaving through it all. Instead, students expanded their horizons with a diverse array of activities and sports, without losing the spirit of fall athletics. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, we emphasized our traditional fall sports program, with the addition of some new sports. This included cross country, football, farming, mountain biking, soccer, strength and conditioning, and other recreational sports like disc golf and hiking. On Thursdays and Fridays, the boys had the opportunity to choose from any sport that we offer throughout the year. Student-athletes could remain with their fall sport or do specific training for basketball, hockey, squash, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, or golf. If they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interested in any of these options, we offered other outdoor activities such as fishing and wiffleball. With the exception of basketball, squash, and hockey, the main objective was to keep everyone outdoors. Without the restrictions of out-of-season specialization, faculty and coaches gained the opportunity to share their niche expertise for the entire Fall Term. More athletes pushed their bodies in new ways while maintaining a training regimen for their top sport. And more students pursued various after-school activities, finding new modes of teamwork and finishing their fall with new skills. In any sport, adapting to unforeseen challenges often marks the victor of a contest. The fall season faced a fundamental change with the Founders Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to COVID-19. Nonetheless, our athletes competed without traditional interscholastic contests, pushing themselves to new heights as we collectively did our part for a healthier community, country, and world.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 35

pride spotlight

Coach Bob Ferraris ’93 P’25 A CHANGED PERSPECTIVE BY CYRUS ROTHWELL-FERRARIS

Bob Ferraris ’93 sat alone at the top of the bleachers in a Buffalo, New York hockey rink with a black mask over his face, scanning the ice full of summer hopefuls. “Hockey is moving right now,” he said, “Every weekend there are showcases and we’ve been able to go to them. The rinks have been excellent with health protocols.” Amidst a lot of uncertainty, Ferraris is still doing what he loves. First arriving on the Trinity-Pawling campus as a PG in 1992 as a student, now living in Starr Dormitory with his wife Sara and two children as a parent, coach, and administrator, Ferraris has felt the School community grow to be an essential part of his life. More than ever,

36 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

Ferraris sees the traditions of Trinity-Pawling aligned with our modern world. “The graduate of T-P now has so much more guidance. We aren’t taking a backseat to a boy’s future — the resources that families have are incredible — we are making sure that these boys are heading in the right direction.” With 12 years of experience as a Division I recruiter at Mercyhurst College, Ferraris knows how to bring talent onto campus. “I think Trinity-Pawling is a great place to play hockey. The Effort System and the support at TrinityPawling moves boys towards being good teammates, and I would say that for all of our athletes. It’s the brotherhood

that makes us good.” As a former Trinity-Pawling studentathlete, Ferraris has a unique coaching perspective. After his senior year at hockey powerhouse Falmouth High School in Massachusetts, Ferraris joined Trinity-Pawling’s team coached by current Athletic Director Brian Foster ’79. “Foster was very honest. Other athletes felt like he was a disciplinarian but I didn’t feel that way at all. I enjoyed the message he was sending; a strong message of creativity, but also work ethic.” This blend of effort and intellect helped land Ferraris at St. Anselm College, where he was one of the top defensemen in the league from his sophomore year on. After growing a foot and packing on 100 pounds from high school to college, Ferraris used all of the unique qualities of his athletic experience to get noticed by professional scouts. He signed a minor league contract out of a free agent camp and played over seven years as a pro skater in the UHL and AHL. “I’d say I learned more sitting on the bench watching other guys play than I had learned up until that point.” When asked about what he looks for in young players, Ferraris mused on ‘the difference between a straight line and an angle.’ “A young athlete that is big and overpowers you can go in a straight line. The problem with that is that

most sports are played at angles. You have to develop that angular play,” says Ferraris. Little did Ferraris know, he would be forced from the straight line of his life when he was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma last December. For the first time in decades, Ferraris was off the ice for a season, watching games from home and calling in to his trusted assistants with head coaching tweaks. “When you get sick,” he said, “your perspective on things change. One of the strongest emotions is not being able to guide and share in your children’s lives.” Graciously, the Trinity-Pawling community responded to the unforeseen. “The care I received from my wife Sara and my family and friends on campus was immediate. It was like I was the lowest player on the team and the entire team — coaches; GMs; everybody said ‘no, this is not happening,’ we’re going to do everything we can.” In early February, the hockey program organized a charity game — wearing green, the color representing lymphoma — to honor and support Ferraris’ fight against cancer. Ferraris was ahead of the curve, donning a mask since January to protect a weakened immune system. He completed treatment in May, and by October, he returned to work in the Office of Admissions in Cluett as TrinityPawling reopened campus. “The love has been so strong that it’s almost surreal, like an out-of-body experience. This illness has made me a better human.”

W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 37

connections A Steadfast Promise TOM AND CATHEY ALBERTSON P’04 BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI

Joy. Gratitude. Pride. These are just a few of the

the Trinity-Pawling Fund — one that has provided for

emotions that Tom and Cathey Albertson felt

critical and timely needs at the School.

following their son’s graduation from Trinity-Pawling.

“Grant found his way at T-P. The structure and

“T-P had such a positive impact on Grant. It set

accountability, the Effort System, the sense of

him on the right path and helped him to reach the

community and belonging, the care and support

potential we always knew he had,” began Tom. “He

from the faculty. It all made a tremendous difference

only attended the School for two years, but those

for him,” the Albertsons shared. “It was more than a

two years truly changed his life.”

school. It gave Grant a sense of purpose. For that, we

In 2004, inspired by Grant’s transformative experience at the School, Tom and Cathey made a

are all so grateful.” As a senior at Trinity-Pawling, Grant was recruited

generous pledge to Trinity-Pawling. “We felt it was

to play lacrosse at Butler University. He completed

the least we could do after all that T-P did for Grant,”

his collegiate lacrosse career at Eastern Connecticut

shared Cathey. And despite an unexpected job

State University and then served as an officer in the

shift and several years of tough financial times, the

U.S. Army for seven years. Currently, Grant is living in

Albertsons never lost sight of their pledge to Trinity-

Dallas, Texas, managing an electric supply company,

Pawling. “It was always at the forefront of our minds.

and he recently finished his graduate degree in

Although we had to table it for a while, we never

logistics from Pennsylvania State University. Grant’s

forgot about it,” shared

ambition, his parents said

Tom. In the spring of 2020,

confidently, is a direct result

the Albertsons completed

of his time at Trinity-Pawling.

their pledge and made a generous contribution to

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“Integrity, honesty, responsibility, perseverance

JP BURLINGTON ’95 Giving Back to the Brotherhood BY EMMA CHRISTIANTELLI

“

Grant found his way at T-P. The structure and accountability, the Effort System, the sense of community and belonging, the care and support from the faculty. It all made a tremendous difference for him.

— he learned it all at T-P. In fact, Grant returned to campus not too long ago to give a chapel talk about it. He’s proud of his journey and we’re so proud of him. And we are grateful to be in the Trinity-Pawling family.” The feeling is mutual, Albertsons. Trinity-Pawling extends a heartfelt thank you to Tom, Cathey, and Grant for their profound generosity and ongoing love for the School.

“ To whom much is given, much will be expected” (LUKE 12:48) When asked about giving back to Trinity-Pawling School, alumnus and Director of Admissions JP Burlington ’95 recalls this powerful verse — which also happens to be inscribed above the fireplace in Scully Dining Hall. “It’s something that my parents instilled in us at a very young age. Giving back, in any capacity, is our responsibility,” Burlington shared. “Trinity-Pawling changed my life. I’m honored to give back to an institution that gave me so much.” In addition to their yearly gifts to the annual fund, in the spring of 2020 — in celebration of Burlington’s 25th reunion year — he and his wife, Megan, pledged a generous bequest to Trinity-Pawling. A bequest helps to build the School’s endowment, which provides a stream of operating income for future years. “Setting up a planned gift offered us the unique opportunity to give more to the School,” he explained. “I want as many young men as possible to experience TrinityPawling, now and for many years to come.” As an alumnus and faculty member, Burlington knows firsthand the generosity of the Trinity-Pawling community. “The support of alumni made my Trinity-Pawling experience possible. If our small gifts can make a difference in even just one student’s life, it’s worth it.” Throughout his years at the School, as with any institution, Burlington has seen it evolve and change in many ways — from campus upgrades to dress code modifications to virtual learning. Yet there is a constant and unwavering aspect of Trinity-Pawling that he cherishes most: the people. “It’s the people that have shaped me and my experience at Trinity-Pawling. Their dedication is the heart of this place,” he concluded. “It makes it so easy to give back.” W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 39

connections

Chris Roux ’73 A LEADER FOR 50 YEARS BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

In 1970, Chris Roux ’73 was a sophomore at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey. His mother had died in October, and with his father traveling for business, it became evident that Roux needed to find a new educational atmosphere. “Matt Dann had been my father’s math teacher at Trinity School in Manhattan, so we knew of Trinity-Pawling. We drove up to interview, Mr. Dunbar accepted me, and I started in December.” The School’s tight-knit community proved to be exactly what Roux needed at the time. “I made friends with a great group of guys, and several faculty members opened their homes to me like family.” Fifty years later, Roux still feels that pervasive sense of community every time he comes back to campus. He has served as a trustee since 2005 and has watched the School continue to flourish throughout these 15 years. Moreover, he revels in the deep bonds he’s made with fellow board members from all eras. “We have so many shared experiences and an abiding love for the School that transcends age and time.” When asked how Trinity-Pawling impacted his life, Roux responded with one word: leadership. He recalls being ‘totally surprised’ when he was named Head Prefect his senior year. “I guess I hadn’t thought of myself as a leader until then, although others must have seen it in me. That gave me confidence, and

after Trinity-Pawling, I took and applied those leadership skills in everything I have subsequently done.” As a trustee and an attorney, Roux has seen how leadership can make or break an organization. He serves on the Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee which has helped Headmaster Bill Taylor navigate the challenges of the 2020-2021 school year amidst the pandemic. “We met virtually several times a week in the early phases and continue to meet via Zoom and telephone to provide guidance to Bill. The School is doing a first-rate job foreseeing potential problems and developing safe responses. As a relatively small school with a contained environment, the School can deal nimbly with an evolving situation.” Roux admits he had minimal connection with the School for about 30 years, as he focused on his family and building his career. “When Arch Smith offered me this opportunity to be a trustee in 2005, I discussed it with my wife Barbara, who understands how much the School has meant to me. Trinity-Pawling changed my life. It became family to me back in the early 1970s and now, this family keeps expanding to include fellow trustees and faculty. Serving as a trustee is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” Chris and Barbara split their time between McLean, Virginia and Harwichport, Massachusetts. Their 32-year old son, Michael, lives nearby in Hyannis.

“ We have so many shared experiences and an abiding love for the School that transcends age and time.”

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BILLY BALDWIN ’79 Committed to Sparking Passion BY MARIA BUTEUX READE

“I

f I had my wish, every kid would graduate from high school knowing what he wanted to do in life. Finding your passion gives you the confidence and drive to pursue your dreams.” Billy Baldwin’s voice crackles with energy when he talks about his favorite topics: passion and creativity. In 2015, Baldwin tapped into his artistic passion and began to write illustrated children’s books. His books, seven thus far, feature lovable characters who follow their hearts and rely on their unique talents to triumph over adversity. The dyslexic 1979 Head Prefect admits the writing process is hard — though coming up with ideas is easy. “My mind explodes like fireworks — it’s actually kind of terrifying.” He generates his best thinking when he’s on nine-mile paddles exploring the waters of Long Island Sound near his home in Sag Harbor. “My mind clears and relaxes on the ocean. I think more creatively when I’m not distracted by screens and phones.” Baldwin’s commitment to a passion-driven, creative life led him

to establish the Baldwin Award, given to the Trinity-Pawling student who produces an outstanding Senior Independent Project (SIP). “I want this award to support an environment where students can identify a passion and tap into the drive to create. If they can ultimately build a career based on something they truly love, all the better.” An alumni committee comprised of Bill Pettit ’67, Mike Schell ’88, and Baldwin convened virtually in May to review presentations from the dozen seniors who successfully completed a Diploma with Distinction, an honor given to students who demonstrate dedication and independence throughout their Senior Independent Projects. The panel chose the winner based on a combination of the student’s idea development, the idea itself, the student’s presentation, the quality of the final product, and — most importantly — evidence of the student’s passion and drive. The judges viewed the digital presentations independently, then met as a group via Zoom with members of the Office of Advancement and the Office of

College Counseling. Head Prefect Solomon Hess ’20 received the inaugural Baldwin Award at the late May virtual Commencement celebration. For his Senior Independent Project, Hess created A Train Through the Dark, a musical he wrote, composed, and directed in February 2020. He also designed and managed promotion on social media. Ticket sales surpassed $3,000, which he donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Hess is attending Vassar College to study drama and film. “If I can help students find their passion that directs them towards a path,” Baldwin notes, “then it’s a worthy crusade.” Check out BillyBaldwinStories.com

W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 41

connections

Coach Bill Casson (left), Coach Rachel Kellogg, Tim ’20, Megan, and Joe taken at the 2020 Senior Night basketball game.

Joe and Megan Moran P’20 GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY GO HAND IN HAND BY KATE VENGROVE

Truly grateful. These two words sum up how parents Joe and Megan Moran felt as they watched Trinity-Pawling’s virtual Commencement in May 2020 and reflected on their son’s time at the School. Tim Moran ’20 arrived as a repeat junior in the fall of 2018 and took advantage of everything Trinity-Pawling had to offer. The Morans attribute Tim’s growth and transformation to his experience at the School, and have been dedicated to giving back as a result. “Originally, Timmy was only going to attend T-P for one year. He had torn his ACL previously and needed more time on the court before heading to college. Once we talked with Bill Casson and Roberta Lidl, however, they suggested that Tim could benefit from a couple of years on campus. They assured us that not only would the extra playing time be helpful, but that Tim’s learning differences could be addressed over the two years. After hearing a recommendation from alum Matt DeMaria ’13 (our older son knew him from Hobart), then visiting campus, and meeting the faculty — we were sold,” Joe stated. According to Megan, Tim was really shy when he arrived at Trinity-Pawling, but that quickly changed. “By the time he graduated, he was an anchor on T-P Sports Nation, an admissions tour guide, a dorm proctor, and earned the coveted Coach’s Award in basketball. Tim embraced everything and grew in self-confidence, initiative, and self-advocacy. We feel as if he’s heading off to college truly prepared,” Megan mentioned. The Morans point to the dedicated and caring faculty as the key to Tim’s personal growth and success. “Each of Timmy’s teachers and coaches really knew him. They welcomed him right away and made him feel at home,

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which played a big role in his easy transition to the School. The faculty is so enthusiastic about the boys, and they really care. Dutch Keel returned my call one time while he was on vacation, and Andrew Kirkaldy, Tim’s junior year dorm parent, continued to invite him to East events, even when Tim had moved to a new dorm as a senior. These are just two examples (of many!) that show how the faculty truly goes above and beyond,” Joe exclaimed. Joe and Megan were frequent visitors to campus, attending every home and away game that they could during the football and basketball seasons. “As much as it felt like we were always on Route 22 headed north, we really miss it now. We loved coming to Timmy’s games and being part of the supportive parent community. The football tailgates were amazing, and we tried to replicate that for the basketball games. It was great to get to know fellow parents, and just like Tim, we always felt welcomed at T-P,” Megan reflected. The Morans have been generous supporters of the School in many capacities — contributing to the TrinityPawling Fund, providing key leadership support for the Senior Class Gift, securing a matching gift from Megan’s employer, and attending and sponsoring faculty for the 2019 Golf Outing. When asked why they give back, Megan stated, “Tim was in a difficult place when he arrived at Trinity-Pawling, and thanks to this community, he figured things out and is thriving. We want to help keep that going and provide those same opportunities for other boys.” And for that, we couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you, Joe and Megan, for your incredible philanthropy and kindness.

EDUCATING FOR A NEW WORLD Last spring, Trinity-Pawling quickly adapted to provide students a comprehensive and topnotch remote education. Over the summer, the School invested in the most current technology to ensure that we are ready for whatever the future brings. Holding fast to our mission, we are literally preparing boys to be contributing members of an ever-changing world, each and every day, on campus and around the globe. The generosity of Trinity-Pawling alumni, parents, and friends enables this critical work to come to fruition. The need is greater than ever, and your investment in the School supports exploration, flexibility, resilience, and achievement in every corner of the world. Learning can happen anywhere, but a transformative education happens at Trinity-Pawling.

Help to secure a boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future with your gift to the Trinity-Pawling Fund today.

Make your gift today at www.trinitypawling.org/give or via the reply envelope in this magazine.

THANK YOU W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 43

upcoming virtual events Whether in-person or virtual, the School is working to keep us all connected — classmate gatherings with one another and the School, webinars for parents and alumni to stay informed, and traditions celebrated remotely to foster loyalty and pride. More details will be forthcoming in your mail and inboxes, so make sure we have your current information on file. Please contact Janet Hubbard at jhubbard@trinitypawling.org or 845-855-4830. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to join us virtually!

COFFEE WITH NED Join Artist-in-Residence Ned Reade (retired from teaching in June 2020) for coffee and conversations. Ned will virtually host art students, athletes, and alumni from all eras to reflect on the lessons learned in his pottery and painting classes, the creative process, and life beyond Trinity-Pawling.

PRIDE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION The mission of the Pride Parents’ Association (PPA) is to strengthen the relationship between parents and TrinityPawling School by taking an active role in supporting students, faculty, and the entire School community. Participating in the Pride Parents’ Association, in any way, is a great way to get to know other parents, support our amazing school, and make a difference in our students' lives. No matter your distance from campus, there are many opportunities to participate and volunteer. Watch your inboxes for PPA events!

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Learn more about these live virtual conversations with Ned at www.trinitypawling.org/pride-perspectives.

You’re invited to our remote book club for the TrinityPawling community! Hosted by Headmaster Bill Taylor, we'll be diving into and discussing the books that keep us all inspired. Bill’s book selections and meetings are announced at www. trinitypawling.org/bookclub.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COMMUNIT Y Join us throughout the year for Pride Perspectives – our continued series of interactive webinars featuring experts of the Trinity-Pawling community. For the full list of webinar topics and registration information, please visit www.trinitypawling.org/pride-perspectives We look forward to connecting with you!

HOMECOMING AND REUNION

DOUBLE YO U R F U N AT R E U N I O N ’ 2 1 !

DURING THE FALL OF 2021, WE WILL HOST THE CLASSES ENDING IN 0’S & 5’S AND 1’S & 6’S FOR OUR FIRST-EVER DOUBLE REUNION.

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 29-30, 2021 Just as in years past, all alumni classes are invited back to celebrate and reminisce during this very special Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Enjoy traditions such as Class Dinners, the Athletic Hall of Fame, the Alumni Memorial Service, the Homecoming Football Game and other sporting events. We miss our alumni and look forward to reconnecting in person once again! W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 45

class notes | 1949 | Harry Molwitz I am doing OK at 89. We are moving to Katonah, NY to a more manageable place. Enjoyed my Christmas service visit last year.

| 1952 | Terry Coughlin Terry recently became engaged to Dodie Shelton. The couple met at Daylesford Crossing, where they both live.

George Luce My son, Larry ’86 is into everything — Lions Club (Leo Advisor), scouts, Episcopal church, business manager at Hampton Bays Public School, you name it.

a book on retirement entitled Dance While the Music Plays. Let me leave the young men at T-P with a few words of wisdom: Fear can be crippling, overcome it. Life is too short to have fear hobble your aspirations.

1957

| 1959 |

Bill Scully

Doug Williams

Marlynn and I enjoyed our COVID summer visiting our twelve grandchildren from Montana to Vermont. All is well.

|1958 | | 1953 | Tuck Noble Named recipient of Rotary’s "Service Above Self" award — from the Sun Lakes Rotary Club. Great-granddaughter Daisy Knox completely healed after three years. She was born at one pound four ounces on 12/20/18 and spent 6 months in Seattle Children’s Hospital. We have 11 great grandchildren and are expecting three more in the coming months.

| 1955 | Jim Day Pam and I were in Costa Rica from January to June this year. We had originally planned to come home mid-March, but decided that living in comfortable, safe, semi-isolation there was better than what we would have faced at home, especially with our being members of the geriatric set. We’ve spent the summer in NJ and were relieved to learn that Costa Rica recently reopened their borders to some non-CR citizens, so initially we plan to go back again in 2021 from January until May. The country is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the lure of having two grandchildren there makes it even more attractive. So far, we have been lucky enough to dodge the COVID bullet, and now anxiously look forward to the election results in November. I’ve been glad to be in touch with both Tom Newcomb and George Luce recently.

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Bruce Huffine

We sold our PA farm in 2016 and relocated to Lewisburg, PA, within the shadows of my alma mater, Bucknell University. We love living in central PA where we are close to Bucknell (2 daughters and one granddaughter) and Penn State (spouse ’63 and 2 children). "We are Penn State!" and "Go Bison!"

| 1960 | Chris Vock

Stopped by campus in August for a fun and socially distant visit! He visits every summer and we’re so glad he could keep the tradition this year. Great to see you, Bruce!

Ken Rudolph I’m still getting past life’s speed bumps but they appear to be growing in height and frequency. I find that the old game of "Dragons and Dungeons" has now become "Doctors and Drug Stores"! All is well here in the land of enhancement. Cheers!

Webster Russell In spite of COVID-19, we are still kicking. COVID-19 has certainly slowed everyone’s life down. In my 80 years, this has been one of the most interesting times. I have never seen fear pushed so hard. At my age, life in “the basement” is something I do not understand, much less accept. I realized a long time ago that there are some things I have no control over. Our travels have come to a halt for now. The Good Lord willing, we will be back on the seas again in December. In the meantime we are publishing our fourth book, The Almost Perfect Murder. We are starting work on three other books, The Wizard of Buckler’s Hard, The Dream Maker, a science fiction novel, and

Hi! Unsocial summer in secluded Alps. Keep safe. Wishing you all the best, IngMari and Christopher.

1961 Jack Weber I have two grandsons: Brandon, born 3/15/2002 and Aidan, born 4/4/04. Both boys are good athletes (basketball) and good students. Brandon played for his high school and won MVP for the league they play. Aidan plays basketball too. He is two years younger and he has played hard and he is always in the fray. Nothing is more fun than going to their basketball games. Very proud watching them. Huge.

| 1963 | R. Bruce Gillie I published an article in the June 2020 issue of Natural History magazine on

the physiology and evolution of the mammalian respiratory turbinates as a key to the life of almost every warm-blooded animal on earth. Please check it out!

David Sample

Paul Miller Over the past several months, The Paul Miller Auto Group has been offering a free car wash and Paul Miller Fresh Start Anti-Microbial Vehicle Sanitizer of personal vehicles for all Parsippany residents who are first responders and front-line workers. These first responders deserve all we can do for them!!

Bill Norton I have spent much of the last three months in the remote hamlet of Eminence, NY. There is a sense of peace and safety living in a county that has more cows than people.

Jim Stephens Mathematics teacher and national champion squash coach Jim Stephens retired after 35 years of teaching and coaching at Brunswick School. Congratulations, Jim!

| 1964 | Andres Carrillo

In late May, to break the monotony of the pandemic-induced quarantine, I embarked on a 4-week road trip. I covered over 7,000 miles, visited 10 National Parks, hiked well over 100 miles, used gallons of disinfectant and hand sanitizer, and masked/unmasked thousands of times. My favorite hike was also the most challenging.....leaving at 5:30 AM, I took the Bright Angel Trail from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and back up...a little over 18 miles (temps reaching mid-90's)....completing the hike at 3:30 PM. Thanks to plenty of water and energy bars, I finished the hike in fairly good shape. I had such a good time on the entire adventure; I am planning another road trip for the fall. Once the pandemic subsides, I look forward to visits with brothers from T-P along the way!

........but, I’m still here, healthy, and happy!

| 1967 |

Picture of a salt-encrusted me after 10 hours hiking!

Harvey Gregory

| 1968 |

Very interesting 2020 spring. Our first grandchild was born to my daughter and husband in March, just before the virus hit, and we had a Zoom wedding for my son in May, because of the virus. Terminated myself from my part-time job at the Mohonk Preserve, and had no spring track meets to officiate, all because of the virus. Hope everyone is safe and well.

Bill Pettit

Rodney Rose Summer of 2020 in southeastern Arizona: really hot, lots of days over 100 degrees, monsoon rains have been delayed so far. COVID-19 began to appear here in May — luckily I volunteer at the Fort Huachuca Community Thrift Shop, so summer has been indoors and safe. Karen and I live in Cochise County, Arizona with the towns of Bisbee and Tombstone within our county — come visit and give us a shout out.

| 1969 | Bill Kelly

It was wonderful to see so many classmates at our 50th reunion in October. I was reminded of Paul Lussier’s inscription in my yearbook that translates from Latin to, “Temporal things change and we change with them; but friendship stands fast and will remain into eternity.” In December, our first grandchild Lily came into the world in Boston. What a joy! While in Utah’s majestic mountains for the first 4 months of the plague, Jeanette and I adopted 2 Newfoundland/Bermese puppies. At 6-months-old, they already weigh about 70 lbs. Neither one has ever growled and are all about love. They’re now enjoying the farm and the shavings in my wood shop in NY, but are looking forward to bounding back into the Utah powder this winter. I’m hoping to spend some time with the Class of ’69 this year. Blessings to all of you.

| 1970 | Bill Cornell Tremendously bored! So sorry to hear of Jimmy Collins' passing — he will be missed by many. Got back from Nigeria in late December from a medical mission. I was expecting to ‘ship out’ in March for Nepal, but everything is on hold until a vaccine is available. I’m so bored, I hired a guy to help me build a freestanding garage. We poured concrete last week — I am back to doing manual labor to fight off the boredom. COVID-19 is NOT a hoax — please wear a mask so we can reunite at next year’s reunion!

Don Reed Told the family members at the Thanksgiving dinner 2019 (ten month ago): "On December 31, 2020, you will look around you, and recognize almost nothing that existed on January 1, 2020." Unfortunately, this came true. We weathered the storm a lot more fortunately than most, for which we are thankful. Off to Maine for a late "summer" vacation this week, followed by stops in VT and Saratoga Springs. Disappointed that the 50th Year Alumni get-together evaporated (haven't gone to one since 1985). Good luck to you all especially between October 13th and November 3rd, 2020, and, of course, beyond.

| 1971 | Beau Barile After quarantining for 14 days, Bill Pettit ’67 and Tom Hess ’70 met for a great summer visit on the deck of Bill’s houseboat on Lake Union in Seattle.

Business is great. Grandchildren doing very well, despite this INTERRUPTION. Stay focused everyone! Get ready for next year 50-50! Hope everyone is well! W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 47

class notes | 1972 | Don Pettit

100% digital, and the changes with that as the pandemic changes (we are currently only looking at public schools, so no T-P in the data yet) the data is free — just see www.mchdata.com/covid19/schoolclosings.

| 1991 | Michael Burns

| 1987 | Jim Richardson

Is spending his quarantine in New Zealand. And he's got great company — his granddaughter, Imogen Zosia Pettit, "Immy." Congratulations, Don, she's a cutie!

| 1979 | Kirk McCaskill

Jim and his son Tommy came to visit campus in February. His tour guides, Stephen Willey ’20 and Jack Kucharski ’20, had a great time showing them around.

| 1989 | David Bennett

Hello T-P community, hope all is well. Things are going well for me. Living in Franklin, MA and have been married for almost 25 years to Melissa. We have a son Sean (17), who is looking at colleges currently. I have tried to keep in touch with many of my classmates, and friends from other classes and faculty. Going on 11 years working at Boston University. Hope to hear from friends I haven’t spoken to in a while. Here is a picture from 4 years ago with Joe Celeberti and Chris Sundahl at Chris’ Owl’s Head, Maine home. Family vacations and meeting up for golf often.

Will Whittlesey

In early March, Headmaster Taylor had the chance to connect with Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Famer, Kirk McCaskill ’79.

| 1980 | Peter Long I was sad to see our reunion fall apart — I have not been back to T-P since graduation and was looking forward to attending. We just dropped our second child off at college — that makes two currently in college and one to go. So, the pandemic is not the only thing causing us some pain. As I write those college tuition checks, I now truly appreciate what my parents did for me so many years ago. I hope everyone is staying safe. My company is currently working with the CDC, Dept. of Ed., and other government agencies on monitoring the pandemic as schools open across the country. You can check out the weekly progress of schools and whether classes will be in person, hybrid, or

48 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

At the beginning of 2019, I was able to work at the Five Diamond/Five Star Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue in NYC, up until June of this year when the pandemic hit NYC hard and it disintegrated the hospitality industry. My wife Shannon, a director of production for a web design company, has been working hard from home, which is great because we get to spend a lot more time as a family. Our daughter Madeline turned five in April, started kindergarten in the fall and she’s extremely excited, though it will be virtual learning until mid-November, we hope. To all my fellow alumni, please be safe during uncertain times ahead.

I often bump into Tom Crowley ’53 at the gym and we share stories from our times at T-P. Tom lives in Dover, MA and is retired from the financial world. I am living in Sherborn and teach at Westwood Middle School. I also have been coaching JV lacrosse in Medfield for the past 10 years. I have 4 kids (3 in high school and 1 in college). Happily married for 25 years. Life is good.

| 1999 |

| 2003 |

Eric Keating

Bryan Tolley Things have been going well for my family and me. With my new job as a truck driver, we’ve been able to catch up on a lot of things and we even were able to take a week long family vacation to Frye Island, which is located on Sebago Lake in Maine. In addition to our trip we recently purchased a home in Lakeville, Massachusetts and look forward to making many memories there.

During the pandemic, Eric Keating and his company initiated a “Help Feed Our Health Care Workers” campaign. With the motto: “BBQ makes everything a little bit better,” Local Smoke BBQ began accepting $10 donations, and by matching each donation, they used the funds to put together BBQ care packages to support their local New Jersey health care facilities: Riverview Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Jersey Shore Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center – Southern Campus, and local first responders.

| 2002 | James Ferrarone

| 2006 | Bob Waegelein

Sharing the good news with you! Hope you are doing well. Robert Arthur was born on July 27, 2020 at 12:39 PM — 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 20” long. He joins sister Emilia in this photo.

Hit an incredible sudden-death home run in early August, as New York Boulders Baseball beat the New York Brave, 1-0, in a home run derby!

| 2014 | Chris Hattar In August, Nick Yawman ’14, Chris DeMaria ’14, Johnny Coughlin ’14 (with lifelong friend and friend of T-P, Brian Mulhern), and I ventured to a small bay just off of Lake Ontario for a weekend on the water. This is our 8th annual trip reuniting at this spot in upstate New York. Getting up there this year was especially challenging with COVID looming large. However, we knew it meant that much more to see each other this year. We followed guidelines to stay safe and to make sure we could still have a phenomenal weekend. It’s a weekend that goes by all too quickly, but is always filled with exchanging stories of our time at T-P and enough laughs to last until the next year. Hope everyone is staying safe!

Kevon Olstein

| 2011 | Ryan Olstein

We are so happy to announce that we welcomed Wylie Isabelle Ferrarone on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 4:59 PM in San Francisco! She weighed in at 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 19" long. Everyone is happy and healthy. We love her so much!!

Geoff Fitzgerald

USMC Second Lieutenant Kevon Olstein recently graduated from The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. He is now off to flight training in Pensacola, Florida. Kevon is pictured alongside his parents, Kathy and Erik Olstein ’86, P’11, ’14, ’17, at graduation. Is in his second year at the University of Virginia at the Darden School and will complete his MBA in 2021. He recently got engaged to Megan Brew.

| 2013 | Mikael Mogues

Zef Vataj Is currently an account executive with the PR agency Cognito Media in New York City.

| 2015 | Jay Choi

Mary Margaret and Geoff Fitzgerald welcomed Oliver George into their family on January 29, 2020. At 7lb. 7oz., Oliver joins Henry and Lucy Clare. W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 49

class notes In February, Jay came to campus for a visit. Jay had a chance to visit with faculty, coaches, and current students. He was so impressed with all the updates across campus, including the finished Smith Field House. He currently studies business at UC Berkeley.

| 2017 |

| 2018 |

Ty Gundrum

Ray Davis

In early March, Ty met up with classmate Hunter Olstein ’17 and his parents, Board President Erik Olstein ’86 and Kathy Olstein P’11,’14,’17 in Lisbon, Portugal.

A rising sophomore at Temple University, Ray has been named to the preseason Doak Walker Award watch list! The award is given annually to the nation’s top running back in college football.

Raiquan Clark

In early February, Raiquan became LIU’s all-time leading scorer. He now ranks first in LIU’s program history, with 1,875 career points so far.

Joe Morley

| 2019 | Scott Stensrud

Alexander Tweed I graduated Drexel University in June with a BS Electrical Engineering and BS Computer Engineering. During my time at Drexel, I worked for Jacobs Engineering Group and Lockheed Martin. After graduation, I accepted a job at Northrop Grumman as a software engineer and moved to Annapolis, MD.

| 2016 | Jordan Harnum

In February, Headmaster Taylor caught up with Joe in Austin, Texas. Joe attends St. Edward’s University, where he majors in International Business and plays soccer.

Kenny McDougal

Scott is one of 19 new players for Navy Men’s Lacrosse, ranked as the No. 1 recruiting class in the country by Inside Lacrosse. That makes them one of the most highly-ranked incoming classes in the school’s history!

| 2020 | Truth Harris

A recent graduate of Susquehanna University, Jordan was named to the 201920 NABC Honors Court for the second year in a row! The Honor Court, selected annually by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, recognizes the studentathletes who excelled in academics during this past season.

Kenny was selected for Phil Steele’s Preseason All-NEC Special Teams. Kenny is a rising senior at Sacred Heart University.

I just want to say good luck to the Class of 2021 — wish the best for all of you guys. Get through the year, there will be ups and downs, but keep fighting. You guys got this! ROLL PRIDE!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit your Class Notes and photographs for the next issue of Trinity-Pawling Magazine online at www.trinitypawling.org/classnotes

50 T R I N I T Y - P A W L I N G M A G A Z I N E

in memoriam We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these Trinity-Pawling and Pawling School alumni. Mr. Preston S. Parish ’37 July 1, 2020 Hickory Corners, MI

Mr. John M. Coulter, Jr. ’54 August 23, 2020 Rochester, NY

Mr. Robert A. MacLellan ’78 May 29, 2020 Henniker, NH

Mr. Bernard Kramarsky ’42 March 30, 2020 Edgartown, MA

Mr. John F. Hitchcock ’56 October 10, 2020 Annandale, NJ

Ms. Melinda C. Daniels ’81 June 29, 2020 Hampstead, NH

Mr. S. Peter Law ’44 June 26, 2020 Falls Village, CT

Mr. Robert E. Hughes, Jr. ’64 July, 2020 Warren, RI

Mr. Benjamin T. Hartford ’10 May 16, 2020 New York, NY

LTC Henry Buttelmann ’48, USAF, Retired September 16, 2019 Frankfort, IL

Mr. Christopher Cullen ’71 July, 2020 Placerville, CO

Mr. Conrad M. Adams ’18 May 16, 2020 Holmes, NY

Mr. Andrew J. Bastine ’50 May 8, 2020 Tucson, AZ

Mr. Raymond A. Murphy ’75 September 28, 2019 New City, NY

Mr. Jefferson M. Streeter ’19 September 17, 2020 Elmira, NY

Mr. Channing C. Moser ’50 February 21, 2020 Stamford, CT

We also offer our warmest condolences to the families of these former faculty, parents, and friends of Trinity-Pawling School. Mrs. Margaret Bizzari GP’18, GP’20 April 13, 2020 Pawling, NY

Mr. Jerome Haims GP’19 April 28, 2020 New York, NY

Mr. William A. Morrison August 24, 2020 Pawling, NY

Mr. Tristram C. Colket, Jr. P’91 July 6, 2020 Newton Square, PA

Mrs. Mayde L. Henningsen P’79 July 12, 2020 Pelham Manor, NY

Mrs. Suzanne M. Poulin GP’17, GP’19 April 19. 2020 Carmel, NY

Mr. Patrick W. Daley P’02, GP’23 January 22, 2020 Chelmsford, MA

Mr. Patrick Hickey May 7, 2020 Ketchum, ID

Dr. George Glynn Couch P’84, P’86 October 1, 2020 Watertown, NY

Mr. Ralph H. Kendall P’89 June 13, 2020 Estero, FL

Mr. Anthony M. Quartararo P’78, P’81, P’85 August 1, 2020 St. Helena Island, SC

Mrs. Lis Svenson Couch P’84, P’86 April 19, 2019 Watertown, NY

Mrs. Gretchen McCague P'84, P'88 February 22, 2020 Oakmont, PA

Mr. Gardner Harrison Snow P’85 January 3, 2019 Exeter, NH

This list includes the individuals whose deaths were reported to the Office of Advancement prior to October 15, 2020.

W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 51

from THE archives

COMPUTERIZED! BY MEGAN BURLINGTON

A front-page headline of the June 2, 1972 edition of the Trinity-Pawling Times brags â&#x20AC;&#x153;T-P Becomes Computerized.â&#x20AC;? This first computer relay was rented to see if it truly assisted the School in administrative, accounting, and educational matters. It proved its worth in these functions, particularly in the subjects of math, languages, and English drills, with a mini-elective in computer programming soon offered.

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In the summer of 1981, the campus saw another technological milestone when board member Thomas F. Ahrensfeld P’73 (whose son Tom ’73 is currently a trustee himself ) made possible a donation of a Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-11/34 computer system to the School from Phillip Morris, Inc. This system boasted an 11/34 CPU with 256K memory, two FKO, 6 disc drives with 26,000,000 byte storage, three video terminals, a printer, and an RSTS/E operating system that allowed multiple users to process data simultaneously. This acquisition was able to support the work of the financial and administrative offices as well as the School’s educational offerings.

1982 Trinity-Pawling Computer Club

During the subsequent school year, Bradford Abbott, then Math Department Chair and advisor of the newly-formed Computer Club, noted that the new system, along with the Math Department’s recent purchases of Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I and Model III microcomputers, had allowed his department to create over one hundred computer programs, many written by students. One upperclassman even wrote a program for dining hall seating! That computer system from 39 years ago? It has less storage than a base model iPhone 7. W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 53

end note

Jim McDougal P’17 BY CYRUS ROTHWELL-FERRARIS

History teacher and cross country coach, father and mentor, Jim McDougal has guided an entire generation of students through Trinity-Pawling. Arriving in the fall of 1994, McDougal has explored a passion for civil rights and racial justice during his tenure; many students see his Race In Sports course as a landmark history elective. With dry humor and empathy, McDougal’s rich knowledge of American history has helped shape the TrinityPawling experience for countless students as they grow from learning boys to intellectually-prepared young men.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THE RACE IN SPORTS COURSE? “When Headmaster Taylor began teaching the American Experience course, I began showing some 30 for 30 documentaries around Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Some African American students came up to me afterwards and wanted to talk more about The U. We started to meet on Thursday evenings for an hour, continuing to discuss the racial images in the film. The students said, ‘Mr. McDougal, you need to make a class out of this.’ So, I began to show sports videos to start in-depth discussions about race, using sports as a way to get in.”

HOW DO WE CONTINUE THESE CONVERSATIONS AROUND CAMPUS? “The real question is: how do we contemplate the history of our country and what this means? Do we want to read the I Have a Dream speech, or do we take the challenge to really examine economic and social inequities? To what extent we choose to think is up to the individual.”

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WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE A FACULTY MEMBER SUPPORTING THE MINORITY STUDENT UNION IN THE NINETIES? “Most of what I do is try to help kids figure out T-P. With students from the city, this means how to live in Pawling — how to deal with higher expectations. How do you manage the complexity of code-switching? I’m just helping these students prepare for the world.”

WHAT ARE THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF LIVING AND TEACHING AT TRINITY-PAWLING? “The rewarding part is that you watch boys come to school, you watch them grow up, and then at the end, you view them as intellectual partners as they move forward in life.”

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 Regan S. LaFontaine Director of Communications Judy M. Redder Senior Writer Maria Buteux Reade Class Notes Editor Janet Hubbard P’07 Photo Credits Bizzy Amor James Flint ’21 Tom Kates Abigail Lennox Mayo Clinic Nicolle McDougal P’17 Connie Rafferty Judy Redder Trinity-Pawling Archives

Copyright © 2020, 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 Alumni Office with the correct mailing address. Email alumni@trinitypawling.org or call 845-855-4830.

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020! We honor this remarkable group of young men and their achievements and wish them success on their continued journeys.

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