Trinity Christian School is governed by an independent, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Trinity has been blessed throughout its history with trustees who are well-qualified both professionally and spiritually to provide leadership as the school has grown.
Shannon Allen, Chair TCS Parent
William Moss, Vice-Chair Vice President and Controller General Dynamics Corporation
Michael Hardesty, Treasurer Corporate Vice President and Controller Northrop Grumman Corporation
Julie Phillips, Secretary TCS Parent
Alvin Chun President Counterpointe Solutions Inc.
Steven Chung Partner Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
Nicole Hoplin President
Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors
Kyu Jung President Procon Consulting LLC
Casey Mattox
Vice President for Legal and Judicial Strategy Americans for Prosperity
Craig Maul Perinatal Information Systems Analyst Inova Health System
David Meeker Principal Analyst SAIC
Amy Turner Mid-Atlantic Chief Operating Officer Cigna
David Vanderpoel, PhD Head of School, CEO Trinity Christian School
Heidi Veldman TCS Alumni Parent
Mark Whitaker, Esq. Partner DLA Piper LLP (US)
Thomas Yates, Esq. Partner
Yates Campbell & Hoeg LLP
educate students to the glory of God by pursuing excellence for mind and heart.
This school year was Dr. David Vanderpoel’s last year as our Head of School. With heavy yet grateful hearts, the time has come for us to say “goodbye” to this beloved man and thank him for all that he has done for the Trinity community in his almost 20 years as Head of School.
Dr. Vanderpoel and his wife Cyndi came to Trinity over 25 years ago. He came as a father to three Trinity students and a teacher to many. Former students think of his class fondly, commenting on the profound impact his teaching would have on their lives moving forward. Trinity alumna Mrs. Kirsten (Rodgers) Mount ‘06 reflected on her time as his student.
Head of School 18 years ago. In that time, he enabled our facilities to expand dramatically with the construction of Building 2, Gryphon Hill, and two full-size turf fields on campus. He also helped establish the LAIR (Learning Assistance and Institutional Resources) and spearheaded the effort for Trinity to receive recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. Our student body, too, has grown tremendously, nearly doubling in size since he took office. Dr. Vanderpoel has even blessed us in ways that have yet to come to fruition. Under his headship, Trinity purchased the Shirley Gate property in 2018, paving the way for our expansion long after he leaves us.
Former trustee, faculty member, and parent Mr. Arne Christenson reflected on Dr. Vanderpoel’s enduring legacy.
“I look back on the 18 years of service, on the impact he’s had on this school, on the many families that have come here, on the students that have graduated from here and are going out to have a huge impact on the world,” he said. “I can hardly imagine a greater legacy.”
“Coming into his class as a freshman, I was shy, I was selfconscious, I was very socially awkward, but something about his class filled me with confidence and a love for learning,” she said. “He had a way of treating us not as who we were at the time, but who he saw us becoming.”
Trinity alumna Mrs. Emma (Bayer) Watkins ‘08 also reflected a similar sentiment, saying, “He taught us not only about ancient history, but how to think, and that’s something I carried with me through high school and then into college and even as an adult.”
After a few years of teaching, Dr. Vanderpoel went on to become a dean, a board member, and ultimately, our
Aside from the many ways he has blessed the Trinity community through his wisdom and leadership, he has also blessed us with joy and laughter. When people think of Dr. Vanderpoel, they often think of his quick wit and hearty sense of humor, never at the expense of others. It
seems as though everyone who knows him has a story of a time when he brightened their day with laughter.
In his classes, he always left room for fun, having students reenact famous historical battles on the field using nerf guns or playing pranks on other classes. He would often begin his days cheering people up in carpool by wearing silly hats, stopping to greet them, or even offering some of his famous dance moves as he directed cars into the lot. Even in devotions before leading the faculty and staff in prayer, he would often enjoy a moment of levity, heeding the proverb, “A joyful heart is good medicine,” (Proverbs 17:22). (Scan the QR code to get a glimpse of Dr. Vanderpoel's humor!)
Trinity alumna Miss Karlyn Chen ’15 reflected on a moment that exemplified this quality perfectly.
“I remember one time during lunch, they were releasing the pressure from one of the fire hydrants,” she explained. “There was water everywhere, and for some reason we took our shoes off, me, Dr. Vanderpoel, and another friend, and we just went stomping around in the puddles. I was late to class after that, and he said ‘Just tell them you had an appointment with Dr. Vanderpoel!’”
Even more precious to the community than Dr. Vanderpoel’s humor was his genuine Christ-likeness, particularly in the way that he supported and encouraged others, especially when they needed it most. There are countless stories of Dr. Vanderpoel helping parents get their young children to come to school on a difficult day, holding umbrellas and doors for people, and praying over those experiencing pain or loss.
Executive Assistant to the Head of School Mrs. Kate Copeland recalled how he supported her only days after she’d been hired in 2014. Her youngest, who was five years old at the time, underwent a significant medical challenge that called her away from work to New England where her daughter would have multiple surgeries. She
knew that she had to call Dr. Vanderpoel to resign from her new position but was shocked by his reaction.
“He didn’t even let me finish the sentence before he said ‘Absolutely not. You’re a part of our family now. You’re a part of Trinity’s family’,” she said. “I couldn’t believe this group of people, this community, this man was so willing to accept me and my family situation without even really knowing us. I learned that he had led the faculty in prayer for my youngest, and I was overwhelmingly touched by the way that the Trinity community, led by Dr. Vanderpoel, had come around our family in a time of crisis.”
In similar experiences, Trinity parent Mrs. Chimene Dupler remembered how Dr. Vanderpoel had been there for her family when they went through a difficult time, while former staff member and parent Mrs. Kris Colston recalled the Vanderpoels showing up on her doorstep to hug her and pray for her as soon as they had heard about her cancer diagnosis.
Indeed, this is what we will remember and cherish most about the Vanderpoels’ time at Trinity: the way they touched the lives around them with the love of Christ, ultimately pointing us all to the gospel.
“He’s really just an incredible man who leads this community like a family,” Mrs. Copeland said. “And the wonderful thing about being a part of a family is that you don’t have to say goodbye. You just have to say, ‘We’ll see you later’.”
We'll see you later, Dr. Vanderpoel!
For 25 years the Vanderpoels have been blessed by the Trinity community. You helped us to shepherd our three boys and celebrated the births of our grandsons. You walked with us through surgeries, chemo, and radiation. You remained stalwart through 9/11, the sniper, and pandemics. Together we built, grew, and bought land for the future. Together we have seen 1,104 Trinity graduates and the growing impact they have in their communities. We have laughed together, wept together in the midst of great loss, and rejoiced together in times of abundant blessing. Together we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Your affection and support have been a constant anchor for our family. Your many kindnesses over the past years will forever echo in our hearts. We look forward to the felicity of a shared eternity with you in new heavens and a new earth vouchsafed to us by our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless and keep you to the day of his appearing.
With abundant thanks, David and Cyndi
Upper School students bonded with housemates on the first ever House Day. (Scan the QR CODE to learn more about Trinity's house system!)
Generous TCS parents blessed Lower School teachers and staff by donating to transform their workroom!
Seniors came back to campus before Commencement to enjoy breakfast, take their “Final Walk”(see pg. 18) cheered on by students and faculty, and watch a surprise video made for them by Trinity's Marketing and Communications Department. (Scan the QR code to watch the video!)
We celebrated Dr. Vanderpoel's LAST last day of school by lining the parking lot during carpool with larger-thanlife pictures of his face!
Seniors began the oral defense portion of the Senior Thesis. All TCS seniors are required to compose a 15 – 20-page comprehensive worldview thesis that culminates in a summative oral defense before a formal panel of faculty members and administrators.
We welcomed a very special guest onto campus: Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears! We were proud to welcome her to the school as she spoke to Upper School students at a special assembly.
Young Life launched its first-ever chapter at Trinity.
Students gathered around the flagpole on "See You At The Pole," a student-led day of prayer to pray over their day, their school, and their community.
This spring, Upper and Lower School students performed as one group in the combined chorus concert “Together in Song.”
Trinity hosted its first-ever Quiz Bowl House Competition! Student representatives from each house answered questions on science, mathematics, English, Bible, and the arts to earn house points.
The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team played in the annual Dig Pink game, which raises money for breast cancer research.
Sixth-grade students acted as reading buddies to kindergarten students in the Lower School library.
We honored real-life heroes at our annual Veterans Day Chapel. Scan the QR code to watch some of our Lower School students answer the question, "What is a Veteran?"
The Board announced its decision for our next Head of School: Dr. Matt Thomas (see pg. 27-28).
Our Color Guard conducted its annual ceremony on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor those who lost their lives 81 years ago and to pray for the peace of our nation.
TCS freshman Noah Yun broke the school record for the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 58.41 seconds. The record was previously held by Mitchell Brazier at 58.7 in 2016.
“Princess Kimberlina” (A.K.A. Assistant Head of School for Academics, Mrs. Kimberly Miller) spoke in Lower School chapel, reminding students of their true identity: sons and daughters of the King.
Lower School students celebrated the hundredth day of school with 100-themed activities!
A group of courageous TCS students joined the March for Life in D.C. to show their support for the protection of the unborn and celebrate the overturning of Roe v. Wade!
Homecoming Spirit Week was a hit for students in Grades K – 12!
In the fall of 2022, Trinity Christian School launched a house system in the Upper School. Trinity’s house system is built upon our school’s core values of truth, courage, and service, which are united in our common bond of faithfulness. In Trinity’s four houses, students build community,
not only as an Upper School student body, but also as members of smaller house and form communities. These houses and forms create opportunities for students to foster relationships with peers in the Upper School (houses) and within their own grade levels (forms). Trinity’s faculty
and staff are members of houses as well, leading students by example and prayer. The aim is for students to feel a sense of belonging at Trinity and to know that they are each seen, known, and loved.
Part of this house system involves some friendly competition between the four houses, culminating in the awarding of the House Cup to the house that ends the year with the most house points! These competitions range from athletic games to scholastic endeavors to service challenges and more! This year, Fidelis won handily with 27 points, while Fortitudo finished in second with 18 points, Veritas in third with 17 points, and Caritas in fourth with 16 points.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Trinity's house system!
Veritas House of Truth
Fortitudo House of Courage
Fidelis House of Faithfulness
Caritas House of Service
FOUR HOUSES ONE FAMILY
At Trinity, one of our core values is service, which we define as the imitation of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. While we do require students in Grades 9–12 to complete 40 service hours a year, we also aim to inspire service through every aspect of our school community, whether it be through our athletic program, our clubs, or even through our new house system. Here are just a few examples of how we served this year.
Students in Grades K–12 donated and loaded up gift-filled shoe boxes for underprivileged children, and Trinity seniors went on to help at the packing facility in Baltimore. We even used our new house system to create some friendly competition amongst the houses, resulting in a record-high number of box donations!
The Justice and Mercy Club packed bags of toiletries for underprivileged children while ACTS Club packed care bags for NICU nurses at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. They did this to care for the community but also to honor Trinity alumna Christina Kangelaris ‘10 who tragically passed away in 2020. This spring, Christina’s mother spoke to the club about her daughter’s life and legacy of service. Deeply moved by her words, the students decided to do the service project in Christina’s honor, and included blue butterflies on every bag, which were Christina’s favorite.
In the fall, Trinity’s Girls Varsity Volleyball Team participated in its annual Dig Pink volleyball game, which raises money for breast cancer research. From the schoolwide pink spiritwear, to the student vs. faculty game, to the “Pink on the Pitch” field hockey game, the entire school showed its support for this important cause.
This winter, in our schoolwide “Soup-er Bowl” challenge, students in Grades K–12 participated in a canned food drive for Central Union Mission, ultimately reaching our goal of 1,000 cans to help feed homeless and underprivileged people in the D.C. metropolitan area!
At Trinity, we believe in getting our hands dirty! That means our students don’t only learn by listening to lectures and reading textbooks but also by experiencing for themselves the power, intricacy, and purposeful design of God’s creation. Through dissecting kidneys in anatomy class, building and operating wind turbines in engineering, dissecting owl pellets in Lower School science, growing crystals in physical science, observing and documenting reactions in chemistry, and so much more, Trinity students are constantly questioning, observing, and discovering, fostering a deep sense of wonder for their world and its Creator.
This year, Mrs. Kimberly Schiffman’s class made a special new friend: Rufus the Turtle! Mrs. Schiffman rescued Rufus after his original owner gave him up for adoption. Armed with the resources necessary to give him a good life and a classroom full of eager students in Grades 7–9, Mrs. Schiffman knew he would be a welcome addition to her science classroom.
“Immediately, the students responded to Rufus,” she said. “They love to feed him and care for him, and many even help to clean his tank when asked... It’s science class, so we are pleased with the questions that arise from observing Rufus too.”
Earlier this year, Mrs. Charlotte Orekhov’s Grade 8 English Literature class took a break from reading books to practice claim writing through an experiential assignment. Students were tasked with inventing a new product or business, creating a thesis statement about the importance of their product, and forming an argument with supporting evidence. In teams, they then presented their products to a board of “sharks,” composed of volunteer parents who work in business. The parents asked questions of the students, gave business advice based on their expertise, and ultimately decided whether or not to “invest” in the students’ businesses. This process allowed students to practice claim writing, creative thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills.
“I hope it was a fun way for them to experiment with claim writing and supporting their claims,” Mrs. Orekhov said.
Each year, Trinity seniors participate in Model Senate as part of their social studies classes. In this activity, students are assigned committees and political parties, run for leadership positions (e.g., Majority Leader), draft legislation on a selected topic, bring in guest speakers for committee hearings, and revise legislation and pass it through a committee. The activity culminates in a day-long intensive simulation of the Senate floor debate, complete with filibusters, amendments, alliances, and more.
According to AP United States Government and Politics teacher Mr. David Slaughter, this gives students an appreciation of what real political work is like. It helps them understand the full process of how a bill becomes a law, gives them an extra layer of expertise for the subject matter that they choose, and also provides a great public speaking opportunity. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
“Most of the students love having a memorable, class-wide experience that serves as a highlight of the senior year,” Mr. Slaughter said, and added that “students will often put more effort into the project than they would for a normal class assignment, so it is great to see what they come up with.”
Lauren Compton Abidin** George Mason University
Alana Joi Adachi* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty University
Bahar Gabrielle Arian*** University of Miami
Reagan Jean Baird . . . . . . . . . Mississippi State University
Ella Charlotte Baldwin*** University of Virginia
Selah Kaitlyn Bang*** University of Virginia
David Paul Baroni** . . . . . . The University of Tennessee
Christopher Louis Beran*** High Point University
Thomas James Booth*** . . . . . . NOVA Community College
Gabriela Paulette Bowen The Univeristy of Alabama
Nathaniel Marshall Briggs . . . . . . George Mason University
Leila Katharine Burns*** Florida Institute of Technology
Thomas Kitae Chang** George Mason University
Austin Hampton Cook* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty University
Jianna Victoria Coppola*** Hillsdale College
Grace Anne Denton*** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baylor University
Riley Madison Dupler*** Baylor University
Allison Kristina Flanders*** . . . . James Madison University
Skyla Rose Frank*** Liberty University
Cade Gardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baylor University
Ariel Armando Gonzalez-Calel Liberty University
Abenezer Berhanu Hailu George Mason University
Josephine Rose Hewlett*** . . . . . James Madison University
Fei Hung Hsu*** The College of William and Mary
Emily Grace Hwang*** . . . . . . . . James Madison University
Hudson Joseph Jung*** University of Virginia
Casey D . Kim*** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Virginia
Keira Noelle Konson*** Baylor University
Amrita Christina Lal*** University of Maryland
Jenna Minju Lee . . . . . . . . . Virginia Commonwealth University
Brendan Patrick Lewett Liberty University
Garrett Nikolay Lingle* . . . . . . . . James Madison University
Cecile Ai Luwis*** The University of Tampa
David Christopher MacLeod** . . The University of Alabama
Sofia Alba Mariduena American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Madeline Rose Mattox*** . . . . . . University of Virginia
Samantha Jeanne Mauk*** Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Jonathan Parker Meeker*** . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Tech
Danielle Grace Metzger*** Virginia Tech
Francis Edward Miller** . . Christopher Newport University
Isabella Blue Moyer* Savannah College of Art and Design
Leah Nicole Myers*** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty University
Lydia Jean Nagel*** Geneva College
Eva Jennet Lee Parker*** Baylor University
Jane Margaret Patterson*** . . United States Military Academy
Amy Grace Phillips*** University of Virginia
Emma Isabella Qreitem . . . . . . . . . High Point University
Daniel Christian Ra*** Virginia Tech
Eliott Gerald Renenger*** . . . . . . .
. . . University of Virginia
Kristen Elizabeth Robbins*** University of Cincinnati
Campbell Christopher Sicks*** .
. Covenant College
Christine Elizabeth Sinn*** MIT
Adam J Supp James Madison University
Grace Mareena Tadros*** . .
. University of Virginia
Harper Thornett The University of Tennessee
Nikodemus Alexander Tounger
. Liberty University
Charlene Sophia Tucholski*** University of Virginia
Orlando David Valenzuela* .
. . Virginia Military Institute
Oscar A Valenzuela Jr Coastal Carolina University
Seth Wilson*** The University of Tennessee
Rebecca Noelle Zacaroli**
. James Madison University
Tessa Annette Zangardi*** University of Miami
By Keira Konson, Class of 2023
When I was in fifth grade, I cried because I wasn’t allowed to go to public school. I cried at the perceived loss of all those Friday night football games, pictureperfect friend groups, and the “classic American high school experience.” To my little eleven-year-old self, private school seemed to be simply the less-fun option. And while I can’t go back and correct my own misguided perception of education at a private Christian school, if I were given the chance, this is what I would say:
“Your desires for the perfect high school experience are not unfounded, they are simply asking for too little.” In the words of C.S. Lewis, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”
The “classic American high school experience” cannot compare to the relationships you will form with your teachers. These teachers will become your biggest encouragers, mentors, role models, and friends. You will not know life without the presence of bold and intelligent Christian adults who seek your good, success, and wellbeing. You will see in them a clear picture of the love of Christ. And as graduation approaches, you will often leave school with tears in your eyes after staying late, yet again, to soak in as much wisdom and guidance from these people as possible.
The “classic American high school experience” cannot compare with the heavy, hard, and honest discussions you will have with your peers in Christian studies classes. As you learn what it means to walk with the Lord and seek first the kingdom, you will be constantly encouraged by the teaching of truth and the unwavering stance of
your community that the Lord is truly good, kind, and loving beyond imagination. You will need this support more than you could ever admit, and when your time is done, you will be overwhelmed by the provision of a good Father who knew your needs before you knew your own.
The “classic American high school experience” cannot compare with the intersection of faith and learning that you will experience. You will sit in awe of your physics teacher as she dismantles evolutionary theories using the Word of God, of your calculus teacher as he connects the study of math to the creation of the very universe, and of your English teacher as he uses the writings of Dostoevsky to teach the doctrine of original sin. You will soon come to realize that all learning must be held in submission to the King and Creator, or it will become futile. You will experience the joy and beauty of the creation in which you live and then
be crushed at the unimaginable brokenness you must study as a result of the Fall. And in all of this, you will be pointed back to the truth of the gospel: Jesus Christ, crucified for me that I might live.
So to my fifth-grade self, I end with this: In this school that teaches truth, courage, and service, you will learn and be challenged academically, but far more importantly, you will be provided with a community of believers who will walk alongside you through the joyful and the painful. You will be shown Christ. You will learn to fear the Lord. And when you walk across the stage at graduation and shake Dr. Vanderpoel’s hand, the words that will come to mind are these: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Before students ever enter our classrooms, each one of them has been prayed for by name. This is just one way our teachers demonstrate a Christ-like love for their students. In the beginning of the school year, fifth-grade reading teacher Mrs. Delaney Kleiber prayerfully wrote a unique message for each one of the students entering her class and prayed over each one individually.
“It only seems right to pray over them because they’re put in my classroom for a reason,” Mrs. Kleiber said. “The whole point is to show them the love of Christ first, and everything else will flow out of that.”
This is one example of how students are seen, known, and loved at Trinity. This is the Trinity difference.
Keira Konson
In our annual “Instrument Petting Zoo,” Lower School students try out various instruments with the help of our talented Upper School music students! Together, they have (and make) a blast!
In Trinity’s “Adopt a Senior” program, each Lower School class “adopts” a group of four to five seniors to pray for, cheer on, and bless throughout the school year. In turn, the adopted seniors visit their Lower School buddies, connecting with them, playing games with them, and sometimes even playing music and singing with them!
In the fall, fifth-grade science students partnered up with AP Environmental Science students for the annual “Oh Deer” lab. This lab demonstrates how wildlife populations ebb and flow in response to changes in their ecological system – but it also makes for a super fun game!
As a K–12 school, Trinity fosters relationships between students of all ages and stages of life. This means that older students naturally act as role models and mentors for younger students, benefiting both parties. Upper School students learn responsibility and leadership, while Lower School students learn to model their behavior.
Throughout the year, some of our Upper School sports teams host “Little Sister” days in which they invite Lower School students to join them at practice. The Upper School students help them hone their athletic skills but also teach them the values of resilience, investment, solidarity, and excellence.
At the beginning of each school year, seniors take their “First Walk,” commemorating the start of their last year at Trinity. At the end of the school year, seniors walk again, this time in their caps and gowns, commemorating the end of their time here. In both walks, Lower School students line the sidewalk to cheer on their “adopted” seniors!
Occasionally throughout the year, Upper School art students visit Lower School classrooms to teach the art lesson for the day. It gives them great teaching experience and also inspires the Lower School students to emulate the older students!
It was another amazing year for Trinity Athletics! This was Trinity’s second year as part of the newly-formed Virginia Christian Athletic Conference (VCAC), and our student athletes were formidable opponents to the other Christian schools in the conference.
In the fall season, the Girls Varsity Field Hockey Team won the VCAC Championship despite the absence of Coach Fellows, who was away after the birth of his first child. Girls and Boys Varsity Cross Country also clenched the VCAC Championship while the boys’
team also won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) DII State Championship. Sophomore Calvin Dovgalyuk was named VISAA DII Boys Runner of the Year.
The winter season ushered in success for the Varsity Cheer Team, which ranked “Runner Up” in the Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) National Championship. In January, Trinity proudly inducted our first Hall of Fame recipient: Mrs. Janelle (Sykes) Barrieneau ’11. Mrs. Barrieneau played on the
Girls Varsity Volleyball Team at Trinity, went on to play for Virginia Commonwealth University, and currently coaches at the College of William & Mary. (Scan the QR code to learn more about Mrs. Barrieneau!)
In the spring, the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team won the VCAC Championship, as did the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, which also won the VISAA DI State Championship for the second year in a row! The
Boys Varsity Tennis Team made its first VISAA State Tournament appearance while the Boys Varsity Track Team was the VISAA DII State “Runner Up.”
We couldn’t be more proud of our driven student-athletes as they continue to transform on and off the field!
The Performing Arts Café is an annual Trinity tradition in which the various performing arts groups showcase their talent at an evening concert. This year was extra special. After more than 20 years of service at Trinity, Performing Arts Department Chair, Mrs. Koth retired, making this her final concert at Trinity.
After the show, alumni surprised Mrs. Koth by joining the chorus on stage to sing a moving rendition of “For Good” from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” Words cannot express the transformative impact she had on her students and our Performing Arts Department. As the song states, “because [we] knew you, [we] have been changed for good.”
“Because [we] knew you, [we] have been changed for good.”
Every year, art teacher Ms. Judith Mijares tasks her Sculpture and Design students with designing and creating dresses using only paper materials! This activity challenges students to stretch their creative minds, transforming what most would consider trash into something truly beautiful! For the first time this year, students worked in teams, necessitating collaboration and problem solving as they meshed different design concepts into cohesive pieces.
“They learned how to listen to each other’s ideas, how to respect each other’s unique design taste, and then how to manipulate paper into that exact idea,” Ms. Mijares said. “It was fun watching them create and then see the joy in the final product.”
This year’s annual Social and Auction brought in almost half a million dollars for our Annual Fund, which allows more students to afford a Trinity education. The Auction is Trinity’s biggest fundraising event of the year, and this year was no exception. Back in the Gym after last year at the Mariott and virtual auctions the two years prior, the event was particularly nostalgic.
The theme of this year’s event was “Be Transformed,” inspired by Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In line with the theme, our amazing volunteer Decorations Committee transformed the Gym into a flowering garden party, complete with hanging decorations, long banquet tables, and a photo booth featuring a large painted butterfly, compliments of our National Art Honor Society students! (Scan the QR code to see the transformation!) There were games, raffles, and a live auction with a professional auctioneer. The night also featured a special video honoring our beloved late alumnus, Mr. Gret Glyer ‘08, whose legacy of service embodies the values Trinity aims to instill in all our students (see pg. 26).
In a thank-you video message sent to the TCS community after the event, Dr. Vanderpoel commented, “For over 25 years, I have been amazed by the generosity of this community, and this year is no different.”
In one of our favorite annual traditions, we kicked off an amazing school year with our fourth annual Trinity Classic, sponsored by Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning and In-Home Services at the Country Club of Fairfax. Parents, grandparents, alumni, students, and friends of Trinity came out to play golf or participate in our tennis and pickleball clinics. In the evening, guests made their way inside to enjoy a delicious dinner and hear from TCS senior Amy Phillips about what a Trinity education has meant to her. The event raised more than $70,000 for Trinity's Annual Fund.
The Annual Fund assists every family by bridging the gap between the actual cost of a Trinity education and the amount of tuition paid. Additionally, it benefits many TCS families through Variable Tuition, having granted 1.8 million dollars this past school year. Without the Christ-like generosity of our community, 260 students along with their unique personalities and talents would be absent from our halls. The money raised through events like these greatly enriches the Trinity Christian School community.
Once again this year, Trinity’s amazing Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) richly blessed our school community through events, gifts, luncheons, and even notes of encouragement! It kicked the year off with its annual TCS Family Picnic, where students played games and had their faces painted while families connected. Throughout the year, the PTO hosted other events like the Father-Daughter Dance, the Father-Son Campout, Lower School Bingo Night, Upper School Paint Night, and even an ice-cream social in honor of Dr. Vanderpoel’s retirement. On top of these events, they treated faculty and staff to occasional lunches, volunteered for lunch duty in the Lower School classes to give teachers a break, provided snacks to Upper School students during exam week, and donated recess equipment like balls, hula hoops, and jump ropes to Lower School classes. During the holiday season, they surprised faculty and staff with coffee and breakfast treats! For Teacher Appreciation Week, they spared no expense, treating faculty and staff to a week of special treats and events, including a spin-the-wheel gift card game, a breakfast bar, a luncheon, a photobooth, and more! We are beyond grateful to all the generous parents who work tirelessly to bless and encourage the Trinity community.
As we grieve these great losses and pray fervently for their families and loved ones, may we also be inspired by their example to live lives of truth, courage, and service.
Trinity alumnus and former TCS board member, Mr. Gret Glyer ‘08, went to be with the Lord on June 24, 2022. While his earthly life was cut short, he used his time to make an eternal impact, the magnitude of which cannot be measured.
While working at a car rental company in 2013, Mr. Glyer yearned to make a more meaningful difference for the kingdom of God. So, he quit his job to teach mathematics to underprivileged children in Malawi. After seeing the extreme poverty of the people there, he founded Housing for Orphans and Widows in Malawi (HOWM), which fundraised for and built over 150 houses in rural Malawian villages. He also raised $100,000 to build Girls Shine Academy, which currently enrolls over 300 high school students and boards 100 of them. In 2016, Mr. Glyer’s heart to make an impact led him to become the founder and CEO of DonorSee, an online giving platform with a mission to end extreme poverty.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Heather, their two young children, Galilee and Gryphon, his loving parents, Grid and Silvia, and his sister Gizan.
Trinity alumna Miss Christina Manuel ‘14 went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2022. Miss Manuel was a driven and intelligent student both at Trinity and later at John Jay College and New York University (NYU).
More importantly, Miss Manuel’s motivation in life was always to help others. Perhaps that’s why she decided at age 12 that she wanted to be a social worker. She would go on to earn a degree in criminal justice from John Jay College. After she graduated, she moved to Los Angeles to work for AmeriCorps where she worked as an English and geometry tutor for underprivileged students. She then earned her social work degree at NYU, eventually landing a job with CASES in Brooklyn as Case Manager doing social work in the New York City court system, fulfilling her childhood dream and God-given purpose to serve those less fortunate than her. Her loved ones describe her as smart, hard-working, and compassionate, using her gifts and abilities to serve others and, above all, to serve the Lord.
She is survived by her loving father, Jeff (stepmother Lisa), and her siblings, Allison (husband Anton), and Madison.
On November 11, 2022, it was with great joy that Trinity Christian School’s Board of Trustees announced Dr. Matt Thomas as Trinity’s next Head of School, effective August 1, 2023. He will succeed Dr. David Vanderpoel, who has led Trinity since 2005.
Dr. Thomas has served as the Executive Director of the Center for School Leadership at Baylor University. In this role, he oversaw the operations of the center and led development, strategy, planning, and the coordination of programs serving more than 900 schools. Dr. Thomas has worked in education for more than 25 years. Serving in Christian schools, Christian higher education, seminaries, the Christian non-profit sector, and pastoral ministry, he has devoted his career to strengthening Christian educational institutions for the flourishing of students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Thomas grounds his leadership in a desire to catalyze leadership effectiveness in those helping Christian institutions best fulfill their missions. His interests include mentorship as a means to develop leadership within organizations, organizational culture and health, board competency, and spiritual formation. Ultimately, he seeks to assist Christian leaders in understanding their identity in Christ and how identity-focused leadership empowers one to effectively engage the seismic shifts facing Christian institutions.
Dr. Thomas has been married to Beth for 28 years and has three daughters: Emma (rising senior), Elli (rising freshman), and Abby (rising fifth-grade student).
Please join us in giving thanks to God for his gracious provision as we look forward to what he will do both in and through Trinity for generations to come.
The privilege and honor of being your next Head of School humbles me greatly. Each day, I awaken with an awareness of God’s goodness and kindness in providing this calling on my life and to my family. The Lord has faithfully brought the words of the psalmist to my mind, “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places…my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices,” (Psalm 16:6, 9).
This psalm has been instructive for me throughout this process, not only because I am delighting in those pleasant places but also because I have been introduced to situations and outcomes where I must entrust myself and my family’s future to the Lord and his care. Because of God’s faithfulness and encouragement, I look back over the last several months with joy and gratitude.
During my tenure at Baylor University, I came to appreciate Trinity and its positive reputation as a healthy and vibrant Christian school. Since then, I have visited campus, met faculty and administrators, and spent time with staff and parents. I now know the reputation is well-deserved because I have experienced the love, grace, and warmth of a Christian community pursuing excellence for mind and heart.
I am deeply grateful that Trinity has enjoyed 35 years of God’s favor and blessing. My ultimate aim is to bring God glory by building on the rich foundation that has already been laid and exploring new ways to promote the flourishing of each student, faculty and staff member, and family who calls Trinity home.
My wife, Beth, and I are eager to begin this new season of ministry. Our daughters, Emma (16), Elli (14), and Abby (10) are also thrilled at the prospect of entering a new school and building new friendships.
As I close this letter, I want to thank Mrs. Shannon Allen for her leadership throughout this process. Additionally, I would like to thank the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees for the excellence and professionalism they modeled. Finally, thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Vanderpoel, for the hospitality and warmth you extended to Beth and me during our visits.
Please know that Trinity is being lifted in prayer daily by the Thomas family. We can’t wait to be home.
Grace and Peace, Matt Thomas, Ed.D.
“My ultimate aim is to bring God glory by building on the rich foundation that has already been laid and exploring new ways to promote the flourishing of each student, faculty and staff member, and family who calls Trinity home.”
