"Trojan Voice" Magazine, Fall 2024 by Trinity Valley School

FALL/WINTER 2024

Forging a Path with Boundless Possibility

THE TVS MISSION

MANAGING EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Trinity Valley School has four

COPY EDITOR

main objectives for its students:

ASHLEY ROBINSON

KATHRYN DAVIS ‘89

DESIGN

fine scholarship with its fulfillment

SARAH RADICELLO | RADICELLO CREATIVE

at college; the development

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

of wide constructive interests; intelligent citizenship; and

MICHAEL BRANSCOM PHOTO+FILM DAN BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHS EMILY CANTEY KATHRYN DAVIS ’89

spiritual and moral development

MELISA GARCIA

which promotes lasting values.

ASHLEY MCCOLLUM

ERIN MACNABB ASHLEY ROBINSON DR. MICHAEL ROEMER MARCY ROTEN STEVI SCHUKNECHT JAMIE AND JERRY ST. PETER EMILY STRONG SUSIE URSPRUNG

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROBIN BURROUGHS MICHAEL CARLSON ’03 DR. ALEXANDRA CHANNELL KATHRYN DAVIS ’89 SZALAN ELLIS MELISA GARCIA KYLE KAHUDA GEORGE N. KING, JR. JULIE KNUDSEN ERIN MACNABB BRANDON PALOMO ASHLEY ROBINSON DR. MICHAEL ROEMER STEVI SCHUKNECHT GENE SESSA CARRIE SKAINS SONYA AND AMAR TANNA ’99 Fall 2024 VOL. XXXIV Number 1 Trinity Valley School | 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 | 817.321.0100 | tvs.org

SUSIE URSPRUNG

Trinity Valley School’s Trojan Voice is published twice a year. Please contact Ashley Robinson, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, with any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding this publication at robinsona@tvs.org. Trinity Valley School is an independent, co-ed, college-preparatory, day school for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school admits students of any race, color, national or 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 disability, race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. © Copyright 2024 by Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX 76132-4110

17 ACADEMICS

BUILDING BLOCKS IN LOWER SCHOOL | PAGE7 HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? | PAGE12 THE HEART OF MIDDLE SCHOOL | PAGE18 STRONG RELATIONSHIPS IN UPPER SCHOOL | PAGE22

ALUMNI ALUMNI SHARE THEIR WORLDS WITH TVS | PAGE46

CLASS NOTES | PAGE48

THE ARTS TRAVELING THROUGH TIME | PAGE34

ATHLETICS HOMECOMING 2024 | PAGE15 ULTRA MARATHONER | PAGE24 A NEW ERA | PAGE27

TEACHER APPRECIATION NIGHT | PAGE42

CLAY SHOOT & AUCTION | PAGE44

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION FORGING A PATH | PAGE10

GLOBAL EDUCATION MAKING MEANINGFUL MEMORIES | PAGE28

Forging a Path With Boundless Possibility Ashton Ellis, Class of 2031, on the Wyatt Donahue ’12 Memorial Trail. At TVS, we cultivate a culture of discovery and opportunity where students are empowered to explore their passions, embrace diverse perspectives, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Here, there is no shortage of ways to learn and grow because it is through exploration that students expand their potential.

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL tvs.org

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E TVS I N T E R I M H E A D O F S C H O O L

BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY

GEORGE N. KING, JR.

Welcome to the fall/winter edition of the Trojan Voice magazine! In this edition, we are excited to share how we are forging a path with Boundless Possibility at Trinity Valley School. The opportunities to learn, grow, and excel are truly limitless thanks to the School’s gifted faculty and staff.

Each photograph and musical performance serves as a personal narrative, a window into one’s interpretation of the world. Ultimately, photography and music are celebrations of life – art forms that invite us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the world around us as well as the art and the artist who created it.

During my time at Trinity Valley, I have shared two of my passions with the community: playing the saxophone and taking photographs. Over the years, I have come to realize there are boundless possibilities for exploration and growth in both music and photography.

The TVS community is a special place where we honor the past 65 years of our School and eagerly anticipate the future. Pausing and reflecting on individual connections to TVS is time well spent. What brought you to Trinity Valley? What did you love about the School from the moment you stepped on campus? This is a great time to reflect on what appealed to you when you selected Trinity Valley School, and what continues to resonate with you as we enter the close of the first semester.

Photography is a captivating blend of art and emotion, allowing us to capture fleeting moments and transform them into timeless memories. With each click of the shutter, a story unfolds—whether it is the laughter of a child, the stillness of a sunrise, or the vibrant chaos of a bustling city. Like jazz improvisation, the joy of photography lies not just in the final image, but in the process itself. It encourages us to observe the world around us more keenly, to notice the beauty in the simplest of things, and to express our unique perspectives. Whether experimenting with light or chord changes, composition or form, color or harmony, the process invites creativity, which leads to unexpected photographic and musical discoveries. With guidance from Trinity Valley's passionate teachers, coaches, and administrators, I hope each student here experiences exciting and unexpected discoveries in the pursuit of academic and co-curricular excellence.

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I have enjoyed attending arts events, athletic contests, Founders Day, Homecoming, and more with my lens ever present. Some of my photographs are included here in the magazine and provide a glimpse into the Boundless Possibility students have at Trinity Valley School. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Trojan Voice, and thank you for letting me be a part of this community.

INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL 2024-2025 Academic Year

Photo credit for all pictures on this page: George N. King

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2024-2025

FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES 35 YEARS (1990) Sherry Duncan

25 YEARS (2000) Sunnae Hiler

Kyle Kennedy ‘89 Amy Ross ‘97

Angela Buffington Amy Coats Grace Crumley Cynthia Davis

Christian Gehman Ed Wood

Marcy Roten

Lynda Wood

20 YEARS (2005)

5 YEARS (2020)

Maggie Knapp

Kyle Kahuda

DeAnna Hansen

Kim Bartell

Claire Pearce ‘01

Shelbea Malik

15 YEARS (2010)

Alban Sanders

Deb DeVore

Erin MacNabb Ashley Robinson

10 YEARS (2015)

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Ashley Riemitis ‘16 Jude Sloter Ben Timson

TVS L O W E R S C H O O L

BUILDING BLOCKS TO BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES JULIE KNUDSEN, HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

Lower School at Trinity Valley - the place where every day is a new adventure. The place where curiosity, creativity, and learning intersect to unlock boundless possibilities for our youngest Trojans. Lower School is designed to inspire our students to explore, to question, and to think critically during these six foundational and incremental years of growth and development. In PRE-K, teachers thoughtfully incorporate ageappropriate, play-based learning opportunities that nurture every aspect of early development while fostering a love of learning. Play is much more than “ just play” – it supports essential developmental milestones and helps young learners build confidence and connections.

Students build with blocks, create art, explore rhythm and movement, and use their imaginations in centers. To enhance these opportunities, we recently updated our Pre-K playground, adding new swings, slides, and climbing structures. This new equipment supports the development of gross motor, fine motor, and socialemotional skills, all while providing rich experiences for children to grow through active, joyful exploration. In KINDERGARTEN, learning comes alive through a variety of unique, hands-on experiences that engage young minds and hearts. Events like Pasta Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, and the Teddy Bear Picnic are steeped in tradition as they foster excitement

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TVS L O W E R S C H O O L

and curiosity while building a sense of community. In late October, Kindergarteners donned dinosaurthemed t-shirts for their Fossil Hunt. They found and studied fossils while also impressing parent chaperones with their knowledge of ammonites, gastropods, and echinoids. Upon returning to campus, students eagerly turned to their writing journals, reflecting on their experiences. Memories were made, and a passion for discovery was ignited. In FIRST GRADE, thematic units create dynamic learning opportunities. Using a crosscurricular approach, themes such as bats, cookies, rodeo, owls, and Hawaii are used to teach reading, writing, science, math, social studies, and more. A recent “pickle” unit captured students’ interests as they read books such as Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle, learned the science of pickling, and even used a mock production line with a conveyor belt to practice math concepts. Learning extended into the STEAM lab where students worked with Makey Makeys to explore

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circuits and program their own pickle instruments. These integrated experiences transform traditional lessons into creative, engaging adventures. In SECOND GRADE, the year begins with activities designed to form bonds that make the classroom feel like a family. Through the study of the book Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox, students form connections as they learn about one another. The book features a young boy named Wilfred who learns about the meaning of memories from his elderly friend Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt. Miss Nancy describes memories as "something from long ago," "something warm and fuzzy," "something that makes you laugh," "something that makes you cry," and "something more precious than gold." This powerful lesson offers students a framework for reflecting on their own meaningful moments while fostering empathy for others, and guests around campus are invited to share their memory boxes with the students. Through these valuable conversations, students not only learn more about other individuals at TVS, but they also explore the importance of relationships and compassion.

TVS L O W E R S C H O O L

In THIRD GRADE, the annual performance of Charlotte’s Web is a beloved and longstanding TVS tradition. Each class brings the story to life through its own unique production, diving deeply into the novel to understand its themes of friendship, loyalty, and compassion. As they study the story, students focus on developing characterization and expressing emotions, learning to embody their roles, and sharing the tale’s heartfelt messages. Beyond the artistry, the production offers invaluable opportunities for teamwork and personal growth. Every role is significant, instilling in each student a sense of responsibility and pride. Parent involvement adds to the experience, helping build a strong community around this cherished event. For students, the final performance prompts wonderful celebrations of their hard work and friendships, leaving third graders with beautiful memories and a lasting sense of accomplishment. Each Thursday morning, FOURTH GRADE students dedicate 30 minutes to Community Time, a program that offers them a unique opportunity to develop and showcase their skills as leaders of the Lower School. This special program uses

an experiential education model and focuses on skills aligned with current learning objectives. Lessons have centered around topics such as digital citizenship, executive functioning, active listening, teambuilding, and friendship. As students learned about fourth-grade teacher Ms. Jannet Campos’s Mexican heritage, they deepened their empathy and broadened their understanding of diverse cultures. A recent presentation by former TVS drama teacher Mrs. Anna Carlson inspired students to project their voices with confidence and take command of the stage for their upcoming production of American Voices. Community Time provides students with tools they will carry forward in their educational journey, making a positive impact on themselves, their peers, and the broader TVS community. Through innovative teaching methods, a diverse array of co-curricular activities, and intentional curriculum development, Lower School teachers are creating an environment that supports the continuous growth and development of all our students. These are the building blocks of boundless possibilities.

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TVS T O E

My favorite TOE memory is my first time being a student leader. I loved being on the other end of it, getting to help kids and get to know other kids from different grade levels. JANIE LESOK

My favorite memory from a TVS TOE trip is when I was a student on the 8th-grade trip to D.C. This trip happened to fall on the same week that Taylor Swift was releasing her new album Midnights. Due to the fact

TVS: FORGING

BOUNDLESS

SZALAN ELLIS, DIRECTOR OF

that students could not have their phones we had no way of listening to this album, but Mrs. Bundrick promised to stay up with some of the girls and listen to the album using her phone. DELANEY LEECH

As a student in 8th grade, when we went on our yearly TOE trip, the water was too low for us to river raft. Instead, we went on a 2-hour kayak trip in the freezing cold. Yes it was miserable, but it was also really goofy and fun! The biggest prize was the hot cocoa and fire after the kayaks! HARMON BAKER

I really enjoyed going caving on the 7th-grade trip to Enchanted Rock. My small-group leaders were fun to be around and I got to share a cool experience with friends. AUDREY GUEVARA

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In TOE, we are constantly engaging with the idea of Boundless Possibility. The outdoor education world allows us the opportunity to experience something new and unique every time we enter it. Due to the immense number of variables that come into play in nature and the uniqueness of each individual child, no two people will have the same experience or walk away with the same lesson. We approach every situation with our own personal biases and apprehensions which is a big reason that we are so adamant about “challenge by choice” in the TOE program. This principle of challenge by choice is exactly what it sounds like and is an integral part of students' success on TOE trips. Each person has the choice to challenge him- or herself as much as he or she is comfortable doing. It is all about the students knowing they have a choice in the process and learning how to listen to themselves and do what they think they can do. When we think of the word challenge, we think of complex, physical tasks. That is not necessarily the case. A challenge for one person can also be stepping off the bus into the outdoors or sleeping in a tent. People do not learn the same way, nor do they push themselves out of their comfort zone in the same way. This could range from

TVS T O E

My favorite memory is having a snake in my hoodie and I had to walk around with it. This

A PATH WITH

POSSIBILITY EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

experience was so worth it because I felt like I tried something new that I have never done before. Note from

Mrs. Ellis: This was at the native Texas species rotation where our students got to hold snakes, spiders, and lizards. SONOMA ST. PETER

We went rafting down this really fast water a million times and the other people I was with would all scream BELLOOOO! whenever we couldn’t

something as significant as climbing to the top of a 40-foot rock cliff to sitting in a kayak on the riverbank. One of the many amazing things TOE offers is the opportunity for students to have new experiences at a level where they are comfortable, while knowing this will not be their only chance. Students often will have the opportunity on later trips to try things they may have been afraid to attempt in the past. We offer these opportunities again to allow them to reflect on how they felt the previous time and encourage them to try again, looking at the challenge through a new lens. We want every child on a TOE trip to deeply understand that trying equates to succeeding. There is limitless potential for students and teachers to expand the possibility of what they thought they were physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of accomplishing. Through TOE, we provide the environment for this boundless possibility to take place through experiential education. Enjoy a few examples of how our students feel that TOE has given them the opportunity to try and accomplish things they never thought they would experience.

see anyone from the group. DREW DAWSON

Kayaking in the lake at Camp El Tesoro. I loved getting to experience nature’s complexity while paddling in the calm, therapeutic water. It wasn’t like that for long though, because my friends and I were having races and splashing each other with the cold, refreshing water. All in all, this is just one of many breathtaking experiences from TOE trips and I am excited to make many more in the future. ALEJANDRA HARDY

My favorite memory from a TOE trip is the cat walk in fifth grade. I went all the way up but then I got scared and went down. After that I went up again and finished it. NOLA MONCRIEF

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TVS C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G

WITH BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE? What to do when opportunities abound. STEVI SCHUKNECHT, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING Imagine walking into a car dealership just before your 16th birthday. But this is not a normal car dealership. You step in and look across acres and acres of cars. Each one is different: different specifications, different prices, and different salespeople representing each of the hundreds of cars vying for your attention. The options stretch out before you, and the details feel overwhelming. For one, you are not sure how cars even work, so all the promises you hear do not mean much. There are prices on each car, but on your way in, the greeter tells you that they are mostly arbitrary. No one pays the posted prices. And, as you are trying to read materials and listen to sales representatives, several friends and relatives are texting and calling to give you their opinions. You decide you are interested in sports cars with fast engines, especially red ones. Your mom worries about the safety of a fast car and is steering you toward larger SUVs. Your dad keeps trying to show you a minivan (minivan?!?) that he thinks is a more practical choice–after all, you have siblings. Finally, one of the sales floor attendants asks you what you are looking for, and you freeze. “What type of car will meet all your needs and help you accomplish your goals?” And you realize you aren’t sure, especially since you haven’t driven at all. How does one decide when the opportunities are endless?

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Now, imagine the cars are booths at a college fair, and you may begin to feel the overwhelm that many high school sophomores and juniors share as they encounter the host of options that exist for them after graduation. They stroll past table after table, hearing admissions professionals talk about the attractive options but not understanding fully which options may be significant to them. After all, they have never tried college before, and no one is allowing a test drive (at least not a real one). So, how does one decide when the possibilities are actually boundless? Boundless possibilities are both a fantastic reality and a real problem for many high school students. Even though opportunities seem limitless, each student can only choose one path, be it college, a gap year, or something else. For most TVS students, college is the next step. Still, there are almost 3,000 fouryear colleges and universities in the United States alone, and many of our students also look beyond our borders at other options abroad. Choosing any one path means choosing NOT to pursue all the others. It can feel overwhelming, especially when the decision has great implications on almost every facet of their lives for several years. What should a student with boundless possibilities do to narrow it down and ultimately decide which opportunity to pursue?

TVS C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G

First, gather information. It seems obvious, but shopping hundreds or thousands of options requires setting some criteria, and figuring out which criteria are important is the first step. How does one go about this? Learn about what differentiates one school from another, and determine which differentiators are important to you. In selecting a car, you may determine the color of the car is not important, nor is the make of the vehicle, but the fuel efficiency, safety features, and sound system are all important for your daily commute. Similarly, selecting important criteria in searching for colleges is critical to narrowing the options. If you have not experienced a variety of options, it will be difficult to know what can be customized and which options are important to you. This must be accomplished by spending plenty of time “kicking tires,” so to speak. Walk around campuses, visit friends in college and ask them about their experiences (especially their classroom experience), make official visits to campus, talk with your TVS college counselor and admission counselors at universities, follow colleges on social media, take virtual visits, and read materials. What is important at each place will begin to emerge, and slowly you will learn what stands out and what matters to you. Finding aspects of colleges that you do not like, or deem unimportant, is also a critical part of this process. A student recently told me, “The location and context of the college doesn’t matter to me. I don’t really care if it is in a city, in a rural area, or if I am warm or cold. I am much more interested in the size of the school, the equipment in the labs, who I will be working with in my classes, and what I will get to do on campus.” This is helpful. The student has begun to narrow the criteria that is important to him. Discovering this takes time and experience. In our office, we suggest that the majority of 11th grade should be spent working on gathering information, so that the student feels empowered to construct a list based on the criteria that feel important personally. In this process, a student and family may hear about many options that they had not considered before. Is the student interested in an honors program? An

accelerated path to an advanced degree? A global start? A paid internship? Research opportunities? A co-op program to receive college credit for work experience? The ability to study in more than one discipline, earn a dual degree program, or even the ability to design a custom degree? Colleges further incentivize their programs with certificates a student can earn along the way. Types and contexts of institutions vary greatly, but even at just one place, the possibilities feel endless. Take time to learn and

"...a student and family may hear about many options that exist that they had not considered before. Is the student interested in an honors program? An accelerated path to an advanced degree? A global start? A paid internship? Research opportunities?..." determine what is important to the student and what is important to all the stakeholders. If compromise needs to happen, ensure the wishes of each party are understood and addressed. Just remember, the student will be the actual driver of the vehicle. Will it accomplish that student’s goals and meet his or her needs? After gathering information for many months, themes should emerge. By the end of 11th grade, the student should be able to explain why each option being considered seems appealing and why it would be a good choice. If the student cannot do this, or if the reasons ultimately belong to someone else, further reflection is important. We tell families that a healthy number of college applications is usually between six and 10, with some exceptions in both directions. But it takes

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TVS C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G

plenty of work in discovery for students to arrive at the beginning of 12th grade with a balanced list of places they know well and to which they feel confident applying. It is important for students to look beyond the first place they like to construct a list of places where they can see themselves. This ensures a healthy and successful process that will result in multiple options. With the limitless opportunities out there, most students can find a list of options that will fit their criteria. In 12th grade, the challenge shifts. The student has narrowed the myriad of opportunities to a reasonable list of exciting options to pursue. The applications are completed, the waiting begins, and sometime around April 1, just weeks before graduation, the student knows which options are available. In other words, the student should have a short list of colleges that have admitted him or her and that are affordable. Then, the question again arises, how does a student choose just one opportunity from among several? The following are questions we often ask students: • Which place fits best in all the areas of “fit?” These include, but are not limited to, the academic fit, the social fit, the financial fit. • Which option would you regret not taking advantage of 10 years from now? • Where can you see yourself most easily? • Where do you feel you will thrive in every area of your development as a person? And sometimes, we must reassure students that in

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choosing the next path, often there is not a wrong choice. Higher education is a great gift, and while the possibilities are endless, they do not need to be paralyzing. Most students can be happy at many different places, so perhaps the most important message is this one: The possibilities are boundless, but whichever one you choose, be there with your whole self.

"Most students can be happy at many different places, so perhaps the most important message is this one: The possibilities are boundless, but whichever one you choose, be there with your whole self. " Dive in, explore every opportunity at that place, and don’t look back. More than the college or university you choose, it is what you make of that one possibility – what you do while there – that matters most. By making connections with peers and mentors, involving yourself in academic ventures, participating in activities related to your many interests and passions, and taking a few risks to try new things, you will grow and change in whatever new community you choose. It is important to find your place and make your own mark on your new institution, looking for possibilities where you are. And, in this way, you create more possibilities for yourself in the future.

HOMECOMING 2024

TVS A U X I L I A R Y P R O G R A M S

BOUNDLESS ENRICHMENT MELISA GARCIA, DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY PROGRAMS Curiosity sparks our desire to explore, learn, and grow, opening doors to exciting discoveries. At TVS, students can choose from a variety of enrichment programs each semester, ranging from baton twirling to chess, as well as dance, technology, robotics, and the arts. Our TVS Auxiliary Program offers numerous classes designed to inspire students and the wider community. We work closely with community partners and TVS faculty and staff to create a diverse catalog that follows best practices. Weekly programs run for 12-16 weeks and meet after school, starting at 3:30 PM. This semester, we are thrilled to offer 45 different enrichment classes from Monday to Friday for grades Pre-K to 8. We value feedback from our families to improve our programs, making sure they align with our students' interests and mission. Our goal is to introduce new activities alongside beloved favorites that engage and enrich students beyond the school day.

XPLORE: SUMMER AT TVS Xplore: Summer at TVS provides participants with safe, unique, and enjoyable learning experiences. Each year, more than 1,000 participants, ages 4-17, attend at least one camp or program, with many returning for multiple weeks! We welcome students from the Fort Worth area and beyond to join us.

In XPLORE 2024, we provided more than 180 camps over nine weeks from May 28 to August 1. Two-thirds of the families participating in the summer programs were from TVS (68.2%), and the remaining 31.8% represented families from the broader community. More than 50% of families took part in two to six camps. Each year, we also offer Jump Starts, which are camps exclusive to TVS families. Jump Starts help ease your child into our TVS community and campus. You can explore individual camps or full-day programs on our CampBrain site. For updated information about XPLORE 2025, please visit the TVS XPLORE Summer page. The XPLORE 2025 catalog will be available online and sent to TVS families on January 8. Registration will open exclusively for our families on January 15 and for the broader community on January 22 at 12 PM. Don't forget to wear your sunscreen, and we hope you will join us next summer!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, EMILY CORLEY The Auxiliary Program welcomes its new team member, Emily Corley, as the Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs. A Fort Worth native, Emily graduated from Texas Christian University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Before joining the TVS community, she spent more than eight years teaching Middle School choral music. Emily lives in Fort Worth with her husband Brandon and their two daughters, and she is excited to be a part of the TVS community!

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65TH FOUNDERS DAY

TVS M I D D L E S C H O O L ALEXANDRA CHANNELL, Head of Middle School

B O U N D L E S S

rave bright students entering brand new spaces

pening doors to discovery in countless places

ndertaking new challenges and embracing the unknown avigating leadership outside of their comfort zone etermination driving achievement and success aughing at lunch, fun with friends at recess xperiential learning propelling students to new heights

THE HEART OF MIDDLE SCHOOL DR. ALEXANDRA CHANNELL, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

As the new Head of Middle School, I prioritized faculty check-ins at the start of the year. I was deeply inspired by the collective passion our faculty shares for middleschool education and the over arching growth of students. Our faculty serve as the heart of our Middle School, imparting essential knowledge and skills while sustaining and nurturing an atmosphere brimming with joy and enthusiasm. TVS Middle School embodies a unique and precious blend of vulnerability, energy, silliness, seriousness and fun that is nothing short of magical. To celebrate this, I invited Middle School faculty to contribute their unique expressions of a poem, image, or quote that reflects our love for TVS, this dynamic stage of life, and echoes our rally cry of “Boundless Possibility.” Together, these voices illuminate the heart within our wonderful community.

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electives broadening interests and creating delights

tudying at TVS opens so many doors, a variety of opportunities to explore!

P O S S I B

erforming in athletics and excelling in the arts utstanding ovation for innovation that’s off the charts eeking new stories both on and beyond the shelf trengthening your identity, becoming your best self

ntelligent citizenship and values that last

uilding blocks to a future that’s bright and steadfast

I L I T Y

nstruction that fosters fine scholarship earning and growing through mentorship

ncredible faculty with unmatched expertise VS, a community of good will and good deed

ears devoted to preparing youth for POSSIBILITY untold, through the arches they emerge BOUNDLESS and bold.

RYAN ELLIS, Grade 8 American Studies

In American Studies we recently read/acted out parts of a play about the life of Henry David Thoreau. We wanted the students to ponder how this play had impacted their thinking or caused them to look at something in a new light. Students were given just 25 minutes to write a poem that captured how they were affected. To share in the challenge, I allowed my students to select a topic for me to write about during that same period of time. One class asked me to write a poem about what teaching eighth grade has taught me. Sharing a creation of your own and opening yourself up to criticism can be a bit unnerving, for students and teachers alike. My insecurity is no different than my students’ (and may exceed theirs in many cases). So, with that in mind, please know that I am not a poet and no editing was done after my 25 minutes was up.

MAGGIE KNAPP, Middle School/Upper School Head Librarian

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED TEACHING 8TH GRADE I see courage amidst insecurity You want to shy away crumble under the stress of grades friends relationships athletics your future your world your parents’ expectations your own expectations But you don’t You don’t crumble You thrive persevere adapt

You reinvent who you are what you think of the world what you think of your friends what you think of your parents what you want out of life You do this because you’re willing to change Willing to rip the page out and start again That takes courage A courage the world needs more of

I love the fact that TVS Middle School celebrates interests and talents beyond traditional subjects. On a personal note, thank you TVS for helping me share my love of knitting and crochet with interested students, and I’ve seen TVS support budding gardeners, singers, dancers, runners, jigsaw puzzlers, music video makers, chess players and more.

I used to think insecurity peaked in middle school But that is proven wrong every day

KATHY HELLER, M.ED., Grade 8 Math

One of the things I love most about TVS is the relationships we are able to build with our students - both when we have them in our classroom and then when they continue to step into our lives and keep us close. I also love the way we challenge the students to step beyond what they think they are able to do and create some amazing projects.

SIX-WORD STORIES: LIBRARY EDITION

ALISON GEE, Grade 5 Ancient Civilizations

My favorite topic to teach is the history of TVS. While learning the School's roots, students begin to understand our origins, traditions, milestones and Mr. Seleny’s vision for this special place we share. The project reinforces the idea that each generation contributes to the legacy, creating a sense of pride and responsibility that they, too, can leave a lasting impact. It is my privilege to share the unique history of TVS with the 5th graders.

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TVS M I D D L E S C H O O L

JEREMIAH RUSSELL, Middle School Latin

I believe in our School motto wholeheartedly as it represents each person’s journey of perseverance in life and in school. It pays homage to the process, the struggle – even some failure – and hope for a positive outcome. The fact that it is pulled from beautiful Latin prose…well, that’s icing – as well as a tribute to our classical education. A quote from Daron Roberts (who once spoke here at TVS) that I can’t help but emphasize with students:

JENNIFER WEBB, Middle School Mind Makers & Skills for Tomorrow

Students in sixth through eighth grades were invited to participate in a Membean Haiku contest where they had to write a haiku about one of their Membean vocabulary words. Jennifer Webb wrote one of her own.

“Don’t compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to yourself from yesterday.”

MARK COX, Grade 5 Mathematics

My favorite number is 8. A sideways 8 is the infinity symbol. Infinity is boundless. I am so very thankful for the boundless opportunity TVS has given me!

MELISSA BLACK, Grades 5 & 6 Art

Watching students create art together while their energy, curiosity, and joy fill the room is a rewarding experience I am honored to be a part of! When thinking of our creative and hard-working community, I am reminded of the quote,

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

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TRACY/CHUNXIAO WANG 王春晓， Grades 5 & 6 Chinese Teacher

Yǔ tóngshì yīqǐ xiǎngshòu shēnghuó, yǔ xuéshēng yīqǐ xìngfú chéngzhǎng.

与同事一起享受生活，与学生一起共同成长。 Enjoy life with colleagues, and grow happily with students.

ROBIN PRESTON, Grade 5 Science

A group of energetic fifth graders runs along the perimeter of TVS, all holding bright pink ribbons in their hands. They carefully tie the ribbons to the fence, one by one, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As the students skip away, left behind is an image of pink ribbons fluttering in the breeze.

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TVS U P P E R S C H O O L

BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STRONG RELATIONSHIPS KYLE KAHUDA, HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL AND ROBIN BURROUGHS, ASSISTANT HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL Talk with a current Upper School Trojan, a recent alum, or a graduate from decades past, and the claimed hallmark of that person’s experience at Trinity Valley School will very likely be the quality and variety of relationships from which they benefited. Whether it be a lifetime friendship with a peer first met at TVS; a longstanding mentorship with a trusted faculty member; or a more fleeting relationship with a teammate, classmate, or teacher, people at TVS rightly understand that relationships are the stuff that matters. Far more than the specific details of any class taken, grade earned, game won, hardship endured, or achievement met, it is the human connections behind each that are memorable and ultimately cherished. Even the experience of working through a more challenging personal dynamic can be important in helping to hone one’s self-advocacy, resilience, and understanding of personal accountability. In short, much of the boundless possibility that exists for students at TVS lies wrapped up in the quality and variety of formative relationships to which they are exposed along the way. In the Upper School at Trinity Valley School, we recognize the vital role that strong relationships play in our students' academic, co-curricular, and socialemotional success. Research shows that students are more likely to thrive when they have meaningful connections with adults in their school community. However, high

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Far more than the specific details of any class taken, grade earned, game won, hardship endured or achievement met, it is the human connections behind each that are memorable and ultimately cherished. school often presents challenges in providing the time and space needed for these important relationships to flourish (Cooke-Deegan, 2017). For several years now, we have leaned into building in Upper Schoolers the characteristics and traits that are vital in forming and maintaining strong bonds with others. The faculty’s collective experience both here and elsewhere is that advisory programs can play a central role in nurturing strong campus relationships. For that reason, we have taken very intentional steps to make our Upper School advisory program even more robust as a mechanism for optimizing relationships.

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PICKING UP THE “SLAC(K)” Through introduction of Student Life and Advisory Coordinators (SLACs) at each Upper School grade level, we have created an additional structural level within the Upper School to enhance support for students facing academic, behavioral, and social challenges. The addition of the SLAC position is designed to benefit the potential of our advisories in many ways, including: • Leveraging Advisor capacity: By better utilizing the expertise of our Advisors, we can more effectively manage and address common concerns among students. This will empower Advisors to provide tailored support that meets individual needs. • Streamlining student tasks to provide additional opportunities for relationship building: The organizational and leadership impacts of the coordinators will streamline certain tasks for students, allowing more Advisory time to be dedicated to building meaningful relationships. We are empowering Advisors to do what they do best! • Enabling reallocation of administrative energy: SLAC-enabled training and development of Advisors will ultimately free administrative time to concentrate on essential areas such as teacher support and development, program initiation and evaluation, and long-term strategic planning.

• Increasing the length of the Advisory partnership: We have moved from the expectation of two-year Advisory groupings to arrangements intended to last four years. This expansion will contribute to stronger relationships between student and teacher, among students, and to a great sense of a “home base” within the Advisory during a student’s time in the Upper School. Through these initiatives and others, we are fostering stronger relationships, enhancing student well-being, and promoting success in academics and beyond. Our commitment to nurturing these interpersonal connections is essential to improving the overall Upper School experience for all. By enhancing our Advisory program, we aim to ensure that every student can build meaningful connections with adults at the School, contributing to the student's academic and personal growth. It is our goal that these efforts will not only improve student engagement but also lead to a more supportive and collaborative Upper School and Trinity Valley School culture. Resources: Cooke-Deegan, P. (April 6, 2017) Five tips for teaching advisory classes at your school. (2017). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ five_tips_ for_teaching_advisory_classes_at_your_school

PLANTING SEEDS FOR CONTINUED GROWTH Trinity Valley School has a strong tradition of hiring talented educators who are committed to mentoring students. To ensure that every teacher can thrive in this role, we have implemented several supportive measures: • Grade-level sharing and development: Monthly meetings allow Coordinators and Advisors at each grade level to collaborate on advisory activities, share strategies for supporting student challenges, and aid colleagues who may need additional support. • Increasing Advisory meeting frequency: We have integrated more frequent Advisory meetings into our class schedule. This dedicated time will help students see their advisors as advocates and mentors who both advise them through their Upper School years and foster deeper interpersonal connections.

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TVS A T H L E T I C S

ERIN MACNABB: ULTRA MARATHONER, ULTRA ADMINISTRATOR MICHAEL CARLSON '03, DIRECTOR OF SPORTS INFORMATION September 28th, around 3:00 PM Mountain Time in Fish Haven, Idaho, Trinity Valley’s Assistant Athletic Director, Erin MacNabb, crossed the finish line of the 2024 Bear 100 Mile Race. Exhausted, MacNabb, who is also the program director for the Trojan Cross Country team, embraced her mother, her inspiration for getting into endurance sports. The Bear 100 Mile Race is a treacherous test of endurance, beginning in Logan, Utah and ending in Fish Haven, Idaho, involving not only the 100 miles, but also 22,800+ feet of climbing, with a max elevation of 9043 feet above sea level. It’s tough, with a capital “T,” but like everything else in her life, Erin approached the race with a positive attitude, a relentless work ethic, and a creed: “You have to be willing to just keep moving forward.”

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“You never know when you’re going to meet someone who will change the trajectory of your life.” - Erin MacNabb Coach MacNabb was not always a marathoner. Her athletic career started when she was a gymnast in her hometown just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. “Gymnastics was my go-to my entire life,” says MacNabb. “By the time my parents realized how deep we were into it, it was too late.” Erin played other sports, including swimming and diving, and was a state champion pole vaulter on her school’s track team, but for Erin, gymnastics provided opportunities that to her that the other sports could not.

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When she was 13 years old, Erin attended the Team USA Gymnastics Camp in New York. There she met Coach Frank Kudlac, a meeting that seemed unremarkable at the time. By her junior year of high school, Erin, experiencing burnout from her gymnastics club, was contacted by Coach Kudlac who was now the head coach at Texas Woman's University. Her entire career as a gymnast to this point, she was constantly told about how going [NCAA] Division 1 was the only route, but Erin found comfort in Coach Kudlac and quickly accepted her offer to compete for TWU. “We get so focused on the high and mighty that sometimes we lose sight of the best experience for who we are,” says Erin. In 2003, TWU won the USA Collegiate National Championship with Erin as a competitor on the uneven bars. After graduation, with competitive gymnastics behind her, Erin began her career teaching and coaching at Bedford Junior High, but her love for competition and proclivity for a challenge found her trying out for the women’s professional football team, Dallas Diamonds. She recalls, “My friend told me about open tryouts for the Diamonds and I found I liked to hit people!” Erin was selected as a fullback, but was soon moved to the defensive side of the ball as it became clear her communication skills and competitiveness were a better fit for linebacker. “My favorite part of playing the SAM backer was the pressure of relaying all the information to align the rest of the defense to be successful. And,” Erin proclaims with a big smile, “getting to light somebody up!” With Erin at the helm, the Diamonds won the championship in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, after her third season in the Women’s Professional Football League, Erin traveled to Florida to watch her mother compete in her mother’s first Ironman race. Here, something changed for Erin. “At the Ironman, I witnessed the positive energy and environment of those athletes and community, and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.” Immediately following her mother’s race, Erin signed herself up for the following year's race. With the enticement of a new challenge, Erin walked away from football to begin training to race her first Ironman.

“If you just keep taking steps, you’ll eventually get to the finish line.” - EM In 2020, the world as we knew it changed. Now having competed in 10 total Ironman races, Erin, like the rest of us needed a new outlet. Trail running became a viable distraction from the COVID era for Erin. Through trail running, she found one race that was still open: a 66k race in Austin, TX. The Rattler Run is a qualifier for the 100 miler in Leadville, Colorado. After finishing the Rattler Run, Erin was selected to run the LT100 Run for 2022, which she enthusiastically accepted. That would be Erin’s first experience with a 100 miler, and the things she learned were invaluable for her next challenges. “If you just keep taking steps, you’ll eventually get to the finish line. You just have to be willing to just keep moving forward,” she says. After her 11th Ironman in 2021, Erin began training again, this time for the Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run. On September 25, 2024, Erin departed Fort Worth for Salt Lake City, Utah. There she met her parents and the rest of her race crew, and it was off to Logan. At 6:00 AM on Friday, September 27, the race began. The “crew” is an important part of the 100-mile run. After mile 45, you are allowed to have a pacer with you. A pacer is someone who runs with you to help pace you and keep you safe throughout the endurance race. They are also there to help provide food and hydration during the race. “Training on the flatlands of Texas made climbing the hardest part of the race,” she notes, The Bear 100 Miler has an elevation range of 4852 - 9043 feet above sea level, with over 22,800 feet of climbing. “Just keep moving forward.” There are no breaks, not even for sleep. “Getting through the night, you have to overcome the desire to sleep and keep moving forward,” says Erin. Erin’s friend Stephanie, a math teacher in Keller ISD, paced Erin through the night and through miles 51 to 91. “Once the sun hits your skin, you get a new rush of

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TVS A T H L E T I C S

energy,” Erin says. “I was very proud of myself for making it through the night and being able to eat and drink to keep fueled.” Erin’s mother was her pacer for the last nine miles. Around 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 28, Erin crossed the finish line with her mom alongside her. Erin was exhausted but uplifted, getting to finish this test of endurance with her inspiration, her mom, beside her. “Doing these events is when I feel most alive because you experience all of the emotions in such a short period of time,” Erin reflects. “You have to push yourself beyond what you, and other people, think is possible.”

life a little bit easier.” - EM

Never satisfied, Erin was still processing the entire event a month later and thinking about why she continues to push herself personally and professionally. “You have to be willing to put in hundreds and thousands of hours of work and feel content knowing that these hours are unnoticed,” she says. “I want to be an example to the kids that no matter how hard things get, just keep moving forward,” she advises. “Pushing your body to do hard things makes the other hard things in life a little bit easier.

Erin returned to Trinity Valley School two days later, on Monday, September 30, still in recovery from racing. That week was Homecoming, one of the biggest weeks of sports at TVS. Erin missed zero days along her

“I'm not done either. I’m going to keep challenging myself personally and professionally until I can’t anymore,” which we all hope is a long way off and ends with the TVS community cheering her on at the finish line.

“...[P]ushing your body to do hard things makes the other hard things in

recovery. She continued to show up to morning cross country practice and getting her work done in her role as Assistant Athletic Director. In fact, the only time Coach MacNabb took away from school after her race was to go on the Washington, DC TOE trip with the eighth graders, immediately getting on a bus upon their return to campus to travel to Austin for a cross country meet. “I got some sleep on the plane.”

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A NEW ERA OF BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY BRANDON PALOMO, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Greetings Trojan Family! As we reflect on our first three full months on the job, Assistant Athletic Director Erin MacNabb and I are grateful for your warm welcome and patience as we settle into our new roles. The outpouring of support and positivity has truly made it easy for us to serve this community and our children. Thank you! Moving from San Antonio out of the summer and into the school year, I was nervous: there were so many questions about the future and how I would acclimate to a new city and a new environment. Those questions melted into the background

ERIN MACNABB, ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Trojan Middle School Athletics embodies the spirit of Boundless Possibility. These young athletes are not only honing their skills on the field or court, but also discovering the vast range of opportunities sports can offer. Whether they are mastering a serve in volleyball, sprinting to the finish in cross country, playing a corner in field hockey, blocking for a teammate in football, or leading a cheer from the sidelines, all Middle School student athletes are encouraged to find their passion and pursue it with enthusiasm. We believe in the power of choice, and our diverse sports catalog ensures that every Trojan athlete can find a place to shine. In addition to our staple sport options, 2024-2025 Middle School athletes will see the addition of swimming in the winter and golf in the spring! What sets Trojan Middle School Athletics apart is our dedication to fostering growth beyond athletic performance. Through participation in the sport of their choice (and sometimes multiple sports in a single season), students learn the value of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship – skills that will serve them well both on

as my initial perception of the TVS family became reality. Everyone has been so wonderful to my family and me, and our transition has been very smooth. I have been able to start many new relationships, not only with the athletes and their families, but also with our coaches, faculty, and staff. Erin and I are hard at work on many plans which will hopefully bring TVS Athletics into a new phase of growth and propel our programs to a new level of success. As we continue to watch our athletes develop and compete, the theme of Boundless Possibility resonates throughout our department. Our thoughts are always on the athletes’ experience, how we can better serve our community, and looking for ways we can expand our approach. The positivity and forward energy is invigorating, and we look forward to partnering with you to make the next era of Trinity Valley School the best yet! Go Trojans!

and off the court/field. Whether learning a new position in football or trying out a completely new sport, our athletes are encouraged to see challenges as opportunities and to grow as individuals. Each season is an opportunity for these young athletes to unlock their potential and discover new talents. The joy of Middle School Athletics is the Boundless Possibility – students can be both a cheerleader and a field hockey player, a cross country runner and a volleyball star. This holistic approach to athletics helps each student develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for physical activity. Additionally, our Middle School athletes have the Boundless Possibility to forge connections across divisions. Each fall sport hosts a dedicated Middle School night at a varsity game, where younger athletes are honored and celebrated alongside their future Upper School teammates. These events not only build excitement but also inspire our Middle Schoolers to envision their own bright futures as members of Trojan varsity teams. Athletics is more than competition; it is a journey of selfdiscovery and growth. With every practice, every game, and every teammate connection, our athletes are surrounded by Boundless Possibility. And as they continue to grow and develop, we cannot wait to see what incredible things lie ahead for the future of Trojan Athletics.

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MAKING MEANINGFUL MEMORIES DR. MICHAEL ROEMER, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL EDUCATION

TVS G L O B A L E D U C A T I O N

[WARNING: This article is about a TVS student trip to Auschwitz and contains some graphic descriptions.] Last winter, I had the opportunity to embark on a journey with students that resulted in one of the most meaningful trips with students that I have had. It all started with a conversation between a visiting German teacher – who was part of a school-to-school exchange between TVS and his school, Auguste Viktoria Gymnasium (AVG) in Trier, Germany – and Upper School history teacher, Mrs. Hillary Relyea. The German teacher, Mr. Schweitzer, and Mrs. Relyea were talking about the Holocaust and Genocide class that she was teaching that semester. Because he, too, is a history teacher, he asked if he could observe one of her classes, and she invited him to share his perspective on the Holocaust as a German. The class was a hit for our students; they had the rare opportunity to hear stories about how Germans have responded to the horrors of the Holocaust in the post-war decades. Mr. Schweitzer even shared a little about conversations he had with his grandfather, whose brother had been an SS soldier during the war. After the class, Mr. Schweitzer told Mrs. Relyea about a trip he and another teacher from AVG had led to Krakow and Oswiecim (Auschwitz in German) to visit two Auschwitz camps and some of the ghettos where thousands of Polish Jews were forced to live before being sent to work and death camps. They talked about the power of witnessing that dark place in history on their students and how such experiences were much more impactful than talking about it in class or watching videos about it. At some point, the two of them began thinking about how our schools could partner on a joint trip to Poland in a cross-cultural experience that included both witnessing the traumatic events of WWII in Poland and the opportunity for our students to talk about not only the weighty subjects like that but also more mundane topics like school and life in general in our two countries. They shared their idea with me, and we began planning the trip. Opposite page: Centuries-old cemetery behind a Krakow Synagogue This page top: AVG & TVS students bond in front of the fire-breathing dragon outside the Krakow Castle Bottom: Trip Leaders from AVG & TVS after an incredible week

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When I was nine years old, my family and I were living in Japan, and my parents decided to visit the Hiroshima Peace Museum. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences of that year in Japan, and I visited again when I was studying abroad in Kyoto my junior year in college. Seeing the damage caused and suffering of the children, especially, changed my world view, and I knew how powerful taking students to Auschwitz could be. However, I knew the trip needed to be about more than that. We would be traveling for eight days, and the trip needed to have some light-hearted aspects as well. We also needed to find ways to take advantage of the truly unique component of this trip: the fact that students from the U.S. and Germany would be experiencing this journey together. We called this the “Holocaust & Human Rights” trip. The trip began with the TVS students spending two days in Frankfurt to learn a little about the history of Jewish influence (the Jewish Museum of Frankfurt offers centuries of examples of positive influences and prominent leaders in the city who were Jewish) and suffering in Germany (we visited the remains of a former Jewish ghetto, where Frankfurt Jews were forced to live from 1462 to 1811). As down time, among other things, we also visited a traditional German

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TVS G L O B A L E D U C A T I O N

square (named Römerberg - Römer is my last name in German), and the group successfully solved a German escape room. On our third day, we met up with the AVG group at the Frankfurt airport and flew together to Krakow. In Krakow, we leisurely toured the main square, a group willing to brave the cold night air saw the famous fire-breathing dragon outside the castle, and students shared snacks and candy from each other’s home countries and played games together. It was powerful to see how quickly cultural differences and language barriers were dropped as the students became fast friends.

camp the Nazis built could be considered a “death camp.” We saw the cramped quarters where dozens of people slept, the rows of wired fences to contain the prisoners (the few successful escapees did so when they were doing forced labor off-site), and the wall against which thousands of people were stood up to be shot. We also walked through one of the gas chambers.

On our second day in Krakow, we visited some famous synagogues and learned about how the Nazi army had destroyed cemeteries and used tombstones as paving for some of the concentration camps they built, often forcing Jews to deface these sacred markings of departed loved ones, friends, and neighbors. We also saw the ghettos where Jews from all over the country were forced to live: quarters getting smaller and smaller as the months passed, food in shorter supply, and their dignity violated repeatedly as they were viewed and treated as less than human.

children’s drawings penciled on the walls... It

The two days we spent at Auschwitz I and II perhaps affected all of us the most profoundly. First, I think we were all surprised to learn that there were almost 50 “Auschwitz” camps. The Nazis systematically killed two-thirds of all Jews living in Krakow. Oskar Schindler (whose Krakow factory we visited) is credited with saving the one-third who survived, approximately 1,200 people. The first compound we visited was meant to be a holding place for forced workers, children, and others deemed healthy enough to work until they died. Few people survived more than a few months, so every

Of all the rooms we visited, one that stood out most to all of us was a room that had was a painful reminder of what the children in those camps were witnessing and how they used the only means they could to recapture the past and tell their story to the future. Of all the rooms we visited, one that stood out most to all of us was a room that had children’s drawings penciled on the walls. We learned that these were exact recreations of what people found after the Nazis had fled the camp. The children drew images of life before incarceration, of Nazi soldiers shooting people trying to escape, and of family and friends who likely had been killed or died of inhumane living conditions. It was a painful reminder of what the children in those camps were witnessing and how they used the only means they could to recapture the past and tell their story to the future.

Opposite page top: The gate to Auschwitz I with the lie: "Work shall set you free" Opposite page bottom: Students light a candle and take a moment to remember the millions of Holocaust victims at Auschwitz II This page: An imprisoned child's wall drawing preserved as part of the Auschwitz I tour

Top: Caption here, caption here. Middle: Caption here caption here. Bottom: Caption here caption here.

The next day, we visited the second largest camp in Auschwitz. It is an expansive compound of barrack after barrack as far as the eye can see, most famous because it was the end of a rail line for the famous cattle cars that brought millions of people to their last stop. That was where more than one million people were killed. They were either put to death immediately in gas chambers, were shot, or they were used for labor until they died. The conditions there were worse than those of the camp we visited the day before; on average, people only “survived” for a week or two because they were given very little food, they were dressed in thin rags (regardless of the weather), toilet breaks were allotted once a day and in large groups, they slept like sardines on hard wooden planks, and they were forced to labor throughout the day. Disease killed many of them, diseases that could have been prevented or cured if the Nazis had wanted them to survive.

After a somber day in camp I, the students were divided into two groups (mixing TVS and AVG students), and they attended a workshop together. First, experts shared stories from some of the victims of the camps (including non-Jews), then the students were placed into small groups and asked to prepare a short presentation based on the detailed stories they were given. The students worked together to share the voices of those long gone, the voices of those who had lost and suffered so much. It helped us all move beyond the mind-numbing statistics of those who died and put faces and names to some of the victims. Seeing the TVS and AVG students working side by side to tell these stories was powerful.

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One of the most impactful experiences for me was when both schools offered candles and a moment of silence at a space dedicated to such acts of recognition. We planned with AVG teachers before the trip so that a special candle for this purpose could be made. First, the AVG students placed their candle and the group huddled together in solidarity and respect. Second, I asked one of the Jewish students from TVS if he wanted to light and place the candle. Without hesitation, he agreed. The moment he placed the candle on the stone marker, he took off his hat and knelt. It was the most emotional I had seen him on the trip so far. As a trip leader, I never know what experience will have the greatest impact on our students. This one, obviously, meant a great deal to him and to all of us, German and US American, as we moved in close to be a part of that moment.

We have a tradition on TOE and Trojans Abroad Programs called B.A.S.E. camp. It’s a time when we ask students to share their “Bests” of the day or the trip so far, they “Acknowledge” people who did something special for them (a member of our group or complete strangers), we talk about “Self-care,” and we discuss “Expectations” for the next day. On our last evening in Frankfurt together after the AVG students had headed home and it was just the TVS group, each student shared a Best. They smiled as they talked of new friends they made and how much

The students went around the table describing the room, the object, the image, or the moment when they were hit hardest by the tragedies we witnessed. For each of us, that moment when we wanted to break down and cry (and several did) was different. It was clear that this experience had changed us. they enjoyed hanging out with the AVG students. I also asked them if they felt that visiting Auschwitz and being there was different from learning about it in school or from videos. Unanimously, the answer was yes. The students went around the table describing the room, the object, the image, or the moment when they were hit hardest by the tragedies we witnessed. For each of us, that moment when we wanted to break down and cry (and several did) was different. It was clear that this experience had changed us. We found friends, we learned more about our cultures German and U.S. - and we felt the sobering weight of the unimaginable tragedies that millions of people suffered during the Holocaust. I was humbled to be a part of that journey, and I remain grateful to Mrs. Relyea, Mr. Schweitzer, the TVS and AVG students who chose this experience, and everyone who supported the trip. It was a journey that we are all likely to remember for the rest of our lives.

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TROJAN THEATRE TRAVELS THROUGH TIME IN SEASON’S FIRST PRODUCTION GENE SESSA, THEATRE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

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TVS F I N E A R T S

Before the month of September was finished, TVS Upper Schoolers already had completed their first production of the 2024-2025 TVS Theatre season. The early performance dates were a departure from the usual mid-October musical that Trojan Theatre has produced the past few years. Instead, students worked on a play that they got ready in six weeks. Auditions for A Simpler Time were held right as classes began in August, and performances took place in the TVS Black Box Theater September 26 - 29. The play was a combination of eight vignettes, each written by a different playwright. It told the story of three teenagers who climb aboard a homemade time machine in search of an era when things were not as complicated and crazy as they are today. Their first stop was medieval times, followed by a visit to America in the 1600s. Then they traveled to America in the 1770s, Europe in the 1820s, and America in various other years including 1918 and 1940. There were even a couple of forays into the future before they headed back to the present.

To help prepare students for acting in these different time periods, members of the TVS History Department shared their expertise with the cast. Mr. Luis Terrazas and Mr. James Scott each talked with the actors about the historical significance of the eras in which they were going to portray characters. To facilitate the many quick changes of time and place, TVS Technical Theatre Director George Miller used a motorized revolving stage, which the School rented from Stage West Theatre. He and his crew divided it in half, and it worked beautifully! As one short play was being acted out on one side, student stage crew members were changing the set on the other for the scene that was to follow. The three teen time travelers were perched above the action in a glitzy, ornate apparatus complete with flashing lights, giant spinning wheel, and puffing smoke. The trio provided commentary and introductions between each playlet, finally concluding that, because human beings are involved, all eras are a little crazy!

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TVS F I N E A R T S

The cast of 20 students was directed by Upper School Theatre Director Mr. Gene Sessa; sophomore Raven Russell served as stage manager. Fanciful and creative lighting was designed by senior Lily Ross, and sophomore Micah Price was responsible for the thoughtful and elaborate sound design. Senior Hailey Murrin designed the attractive and highly effective sets, and seniors Jessica Lucas and Gregory Cherry were responsible for props. Detailed, elegant costumes were designed by senior Sophie Sable and junior Dalya Chandler. Junior Ava Golden designed the program cover/poster design with the help of artificial intelligence and a little inspiration from Dali’s famous melting clocks. The show was produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. Next up for Trojan Theatre are the Senior Directed One-Act Plays where seven seniors will each direct a 10-minute work of his/ her choosing. They will be performed on December 12, 13, and 14 in the TVS Black

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TVS F I N E A R T S

Box Theater. In January, Upper School students will audition for the new musical Between the Lines which will be presented in mid-April in the Stephen Seleny Theater. It will be produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

We look forward to sharing these with the Trojan community. Please plan to attend one or more performances! Dates and ticket information will be available through the School’s website.

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TVS P A R E N T S ' C L U B

PARENT CONNECTIONS: BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY TOGETHER SUSIE URSPRUNG, PRESIDENT, TVS PARENTS’ CLUB What a privilege it is to be a part of the TVS community. We are a community filled with dedicated parents who are invested and engaged in our children’s education. We are a community that values connection to one another, our School, and our children’s educational journey. The Trinity Valley School Parents’ Club has a long history of supporting our School’s mission and enhancing the student experience. We seek to provide opportunities for parents to connect with one another as well as with TVS faculty and staff, to partner together to support our school and strengthen our community. The Parents’ Club plays a vital role in our School’s success. By supporting our School and one another, we create a nurturing environment for our children to thrive. The central Parents’ Club focus this year is communication and community building both within our parent community and between our parent community and the School. Toward this end, we have opened our monthly Board meetings to all room parents in addition to our 44 Board members, with the goal of gathering together and sharing information more broadly into our community. We also continue to hold open meetings for all parents twice a year. Our October open meeting was a huge success with over 70 parents

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TVS P A R E N T S ' C L U B

in attendance, many of whom had never before attended a Parents’ Club meeting. Another open meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. Additional opportunities to engage with TVS faculty and staff are also planned. A Parent Coffee and Security Update with Kevin Kinley, TVS Director of Security, was held in September when parents learned about the extensive and impressive updates Kevin and his team have made to our campus security. More opportunities to engage with TVS faculty and staff are in the works!

Opposite Page Top: Backto-School Fair Co-Chairs Middle: Back-to-School Fair Booster Club Booth Bottom: Sydney Schell Munson Parents' Speaker Series Event with Robbie Clarke, George King, and Katie Yang This Page: Security Update with Kevin Kinley, TVS Director of Security

PARENTS’ CLUB HAPPENINGS The Parents’ Club kicked off the year in spectacular fashion with our annual Back-to-School Fair, led by Parent CoChairs Margaret Lane and Melissa Muyskens. It was a spirited event that welcomed hundreds back to campus and also provided an exciting “reveal” of our new and beautiful Lower School and Middle/Upper School Libraries. Beloved former TVS security guard John Bowman DJed the event. Our own TVS athletes, cheerleaders, and drum line brought much spirit, and the Trojan mascot even braved the heat and made an appearance! At the end of September, our annual Lower School Fall Festival was held with great fanfare. Parent co-chairs Michelle Kyle and M.K. Scherer transformed the main courtyard into a magical “Greatest School on Earth” circus, complete with magic shows, games, prizes, and all kinds of fanfare. In an exciting end to the evening, Trinity Valley ninth grader Raegan Florsheim, daughter of alumna Sarah Bessire Florsheim ’97, WON the highly competitive Fall Festival Chili Cook Off as the only student to enter. With the goal of educating parents and strengthening the connection between parents and educators, our TVS Parents’ Speaker Series talks and follow-up coffees continue this year. Parent Co-Chairs Robbie Clarke and Katie Yang have curated a fantastic lineup of speakers. In September we hosted Sydney Schell Munson, MAT, Digital Education Consultant and TVS Class of 2001 alumna. Sydney gave two dynamic presentations on “Raising Digitally Healthy Children and Adolescents” and also spent time with our faculty and staff. In November and through a partnership with our Grants for Greatness program, the Speaker Series hosted Dr. Karen Young of Hey Sigmund. Dr. Young traveled all the way from Australia to speak to parents and faculty on “Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety.” Several speakers are lined up for the

spring, including our own Dr. Adele Reeder Hollander who will continue the conversation around healthy technology use, from an adolescent medicine perspective. Faculty-Staff Appreciation Parent Co-Chairs Claire de Vilder, Hollin McWilliams ’97, and Page Clark hosted a fiesta-themed luncheon in October for our fabulous TVS faculty and staff. It was a fun and festive way to say THANK YOU to our hard-working and very loved teachers and staff. Another luncheon is scheduled for March 3. Parents’ Club-run TVS Uniform Resale is experiencing another record-setting year. Led by Parent Co-Chairs Tara Bibb, Jamie St. Peter, and Katherine Wolman, the resale store offers families a convenient and affordable alternative to purchase uniforms, both in-person at the on-campus store as well as online by email. Impressively, all items donated are either re-sold, recycled or donated to local charities. Uniform Resale provides important financial support to the Parents’ Club, and in turn benefits our students and School. Donations are always appreciated! A large and enthusiastic group of Dining Hall volunteers, led this year by parent coordinators Bobbie McCurdy and Leslie Palmer ’00, help Chef Erin feed hundreds of students and faculty each and every school day. This is such a fun way to get involved on campus, meet other parents, and interact with students and faculty. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated, including grandparents! This year our annual parent social and fundraising event will be Gallery Night, and Co-Chairs Julie Harvick and Kristin Hidalgo are planning a very special Art in Bloomthemed evening that you do not want to miss! Please mark your calendars for Friday, March 8 from 5 - 7 p.m.

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2024-2025 TVS PARENTS’ CLUB BOARD

HOW TO GET INVOLVED EVERY parent at TVS is a member of the Parents’ Club. We believe every parent has an important role and brings a perspective that enriches our community. There are many opportunities to jump in and volunteer. Check out the Parents’ Club Volunteer Guide and Volunteer SignUp Genius. Links to both may be found on the TVS Website Parents’ Page and TVS App. Interested in a position on the Parents’ Club Board? Nominations open early this spring, so watch for more information and nominate yourself or someone you know!

ACADEMIC YEAR OFFICERS President: Susie Ursprung President-Elect: Whit Wolman Secretary: Evelyn Walsh Treasurer: Madison Muckleroy STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS Annual Giving Chairs: Sonya & Amar Tanna '99 Back-to-School Fair: Melissa Muyskens & Margaret Lane Data Archives: Tamara Willmann & Jennifer McAlister Dining Hall Volunteer Coordinators: Bobbie McCurdy & Leslie Palmer Faculty/Staff Appreciation: Hollin McWilliams, Claire de Vilder & Page Clark Field Day: Ashley Hedrick & Tim Mulvaney Gallery Night: Kristin Hidalgo & Julie Harvick Grants for Greatness: Abigail Bebee & Noel Nolet Link Coordinators: Lower School: Anne Wright & Mercedes Dossa Middle School: Mary Ho & Julie Dawson Upper School: Stacy Hamilton & Allison Jones Lower School Fall Fest: Michelle Kyle & MK Scherer Middle School Social Event: Nikki Petties, Mandy Purselley & Emily White Room Parent Coordinators: Lower School: Becky Schmid Middle School: Telesa Jones Upper School: Stephanie Bumgardner School Supplies/Directory: Laura McMullen-Cormier TVS Cares: Sharmila Sapkota, Haley Manulik & Mary Catherine Parsons

Top Row: Fall Festival Ringmaster Lettie Thacker, Class of 2038 & Fall Festival Co-Chairs Middle Row: Chili Cookoff Winner Raegan Florsheim, Class of 2028 & Uniform Resale Volunteers Bottom Row: Dining Hall Co-Chairs & Dining Hall Volunteers

TVS Speaker Series: Robbie Clark & Katie Yang Uniform Resale: Tara Bibb, Jamie St. Peter & Katherine Wolman Volunteer Website: Rachel Werner & Rachel DeMoss

SAVE THE DATE March 8, 2025 Trinity Valley School tvs.org/gallerynight

AUXILIARY GROUPS Arts Booster Club President: Hilary Cox Athletic Booster Club President: Marcus Mainord EX OFFICIO Past President: Tara Bibb Parents' Club Liaison: Gerry Cumpiano

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A N N UA L F U N D 2 024 - 2 02 5

SONYA & AMAR TANNA ’99, 2024-25 ANNUAL FUND CO-CHAIRS To us, Trinity Valley School feels like an extended family, dedicated to partnering with parents on the journey of raising our children. We all may have chosen TVS for different reasons, but we are united in wanting the best for each student's growth and development. The School's strong sense of community is a testament to the lasting legacy of its founding headmaster, Stephen Seleny. Even as times change, TVS remains focused on nurturing both the social-emotional and cognitive aspects of each child. This whole-child approach is made possible through resources like the Annual Fund.

These funds directly support Trinity Valley’s mission and allow the School to prioritize what matters most: the well-being of every student. The success of the Trojan community is a reflection of the trust and commitment from families like yours. Your contributions have a direct impact not just on fundraising goals, but on the success of every child at TVS. Together, we continue the tradition of those who came before us, ensuring that the next generation has every opportunity to thrive. Thank you for your partnership and generosity.

TIFFANY ANDERSON serves as the Director of the TVS Annual Fund, where she leads efforts to secure critical support for Trinity Valley School's mission. With a passion for education and a commitment to community engagement, Tiffany works closely with parents, alumni, and friends of TVS to ensure that every student benefits from enhanced learning experiences. Her dedication to building strong relationships and creating impactful fundraising campaigns helps sustain the excellence that defines Trinity Valley School. Sonya & Amar Tanna ’99 with daughters Remy Raj (1st grade) & Neela (3rd grade)

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TEACHER APPRECIATION NIGHT

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2023-2024 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 7/1/2023 - 6/30/2024 | Contributions and unconditional payments are recognized as they are received. | Figures are unaudited.

THREE-YEAR COMPARISON: Year-Ended June 30, 2022

Year-Ended June 30, 2023

Year-Ended June 30, 2024

Endowment Investments at Year End

46,982,375

49,374,473

51,519,152

Plant Assets - Net Book Value

43,539,736

42,326,252

42,561,306

Student Aid

3,844,857

3,781,877

3,952,315

1,003

1,042

Enrollment Number of Students

2023-2024 OPERATING PERFORMANCE: TUITION AND ENDOWMENT Tuition and Fees................................................................................. 26,588,350 Endowment Support Contributions....................................................... 1,801,852 PHILANTHROPIC GIFTS Annual Fund (2022-2023).................................................................. 1,070,159 Investment and Other Revenue............................................................. 837,338 TOTAL REVENUE........................................................................... 30,297,700

Salaries and Benefits.......................................................................... 17,926,780 Financial Aid..................................................................................... 3,952,315* Instructional ..................................................................................... 1,623,508 Auxiliary Programs............................................................................. 26,538 Administrative................................................................................... 2,425,582 Facilities........................................................................................... 1,945,761 Capital Expenditures.......................................................................... 1,350,395 Designated Reserves.......................................................................... 1,046,820 TOTAL EXPENSES.......................................................................... 30,297,700 * Need-based financial aid & tuition remission

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TROJAN BOOSTER CLUB

CLAY SHOOT AND AUCTION Over 300 people attended in person, and 100+ participated online. Many coaches, teachers, board members, student-athletes, alums, parents, and families attended. Approximately $210,000 will be invested in studentathletes, athletic programs, and overall awareness of athletics throughout PK-12. A family generously pledged $250,000 towards building a permanent brick-and-mortar TVS spirit shop. Special thanks to Committee chair Will Churchill and activities/ auction chair Jerry St. Peter! Next year's event will be even bigger and better! Plan to join us Fall 2025!

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Reach out to President Marcus Mainord or Athletic Director Brandon Palomo to learn more about getting involved with the Trojan Booster Club. Scan the QR code to the left for more information.

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BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY FOR A LIFETIME: ALUMNI SHARE THEIR WORLDS WITH TVS

KATHRYN DAVIS ’89, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Chris Pezanosky ’21, a college senior (and son of Christy Jack ’84), spoke to the Differential Equations class on Friday, September 20. He shared not only about his current studies at The University of Chicago but also about his important work as an Undergraduate Researcher of the Theoretical Design Division at Los Alamos. Chris possessed an intricate command of the material, yet he explained it Three of our alumni visited in such a way that even the Trinity Valley in September “It was wonderful and non-students in the room and shared their knowledge were able to make sense of heartwarming to be back at TVS with different groups at the the complicated concepts – School. Teachers, parents, and share all the current research no easy feat. His impressive even seniors in high school talk made sophisticated had the privilege of seeing and recommendations about differential equations clear our alumni in action. We transformational which I am so passionate. All the with are beyond proud of the perspectives that yielded difference these graduates familiar faces and friendly hugs interesting symmetries. He are making! answered many questions from made the experience especially inquiring students and guests Upper School math alike. The TVS community memorable and enjoyable.” instructor Melissa Burkhead appreciated Chris sharing his teaches an 11th- and 12thexpertise and energy. grade class called Advanced Topics: Differential Equations. More than a year ago, she Maggie Shipman '18 spoke to the class on September invited alumni who use STEM tools in their careers to 27. She told the students that she had chosen to attend speak to her class. To date, we have had seven alumni TVS starting in ninth grade to pursue a more challenging participate, most live and some via Zoom – one all academic path, especially in math. That decision has the way from Scotland! Through these speakers, the paid off! Maggie, a computer engineering graduate of students are exposed to the myriad ways this sort of Auburn University, discussed her experiences at college learning can be put into action in one’s career, as well and shared stories and photos of some of her degreeas the many directions that applied mathematics and specific endeavors. She then discussed incredible projects sciences can lead. Boundless Possibility describes so much about a student’s experience at Trinity Valley School, but graduation does not mark the close of that chapter – not by a long shot. Because our School plants and nurtures seeds of curiosity, lifelong learning, and critical thinking, TVS grads are fully equipped to enjoy a lifetime of Boundless Possibility, and the world is in the palm of their hands.

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that she is leading as a Research Engineer at Southwest Research Institute. Students learned how engineers are solving problems involving electric vehicles and cyber security. She was open to and encouraging of questions throughout her presentation. Through her astute knowledge of the subject matter presented with humor and ease, her talk opened the students’ and visitors’ eyes and confirmed the importance of applying STEM skills to address modern challenges. The eighth alum to speak to the class will be Taylor Henry ’20, who will visit on February 28. Taylor possesses a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. She currently works for NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) NAWCWD (Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division). For several years, the TVS Parents’ Club has hosted renowned guests as part of the Parent Speaker Series. These individuals are experts in their respective fields, and their discussion topics typically deal with parenting/ learning/current technology. So many of today’s parental concerns are born of our dependence on technology, and parents are especially appreciative of ways to navigate the knowns and unknowns of this reality. Our most recent speaker addressed this very topic, and it was a special homecoming to boot. Sydney Schell Munson ’01 has had many titles at Trinity Valley: a 13-year student, an alum, a parent, and a faculty member. She was a Middle School Spanish teacher and division coordinator and later moved to Upper

School Spanish, then served as the School's Ed Tech Innovation Specialist. Now living in California with her husband Tyler and children Amelia and Jack, she has continued her work in the digital education field. The Parents’ Club was delighted to host her for the Parent Speaker Series in September. Sydney's presentation was entitled "Empowering Parents to Raise Digitally Healthy Children and Adolescents," a topic that applies to all parents, and one that grows more relevant each day as technology rapidly evolves. Sydney's wisdom and kindness shone through during her two very thoughtful presentations, and she knowledgably addressed the questions and concerns of audience members following the talks. Sydney’s commitment and expertise allow her to meet all parents where they are, whether their child is an infant, a teenager who seemingly cannot be pulled away from screens, or any age in between. Her website, sydneymunson.com, is filled with resources to help parents and children navigate a healthy relationship with technology and social media. About her special visit to Trinity Valley, Sydney says, “It was wonderful and heartwarming to be back at TVS and share all the current research and recommendations about which I am so passionate. All the familiar faces and friendly hugs made the experience especially memorable and enjoyable.” Thank you, Chris, Maggie, and Sydney, for sharing your gifts with your alma mater!

L-R: Melissa Burkhead and Chris Pezanosky '21 Melissa and Maggie Shipman '18 George King and Sydney Schell Munson '01

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ALUMNI NOTES If your email and home addresses are not current with TVS, please update them ASAP by emailing Kathryn Davis at davisks@tvs.org or calling 817-321-0118. Thank you for staying current with the School!

CLASS OF 1972 Chris Grasher says, “I retired from public accounting in March 2021…enjoying retirement!”

CLASS OF 1974 Margie Young Lilly sent photos from the Class of 1974’s 50th reunion, held this summer. Check the photo to see the attendees! Left to right, front row: John Neyland, John Nichols, Margie Young Lilly, Herb Bogart, Ellen Wear, Susan Weeman Presley, Danny Lynn. Back row: Bill Winterringer, Liz Clayton Stringer, Bruce Sherrill, Richard Dyess, John Wilson, Jim Palmer, Mark Presley. John Wilson shares, “I recently presented a lecture at the Keats-Shelley House in Rome. The October talk was part of commemorations in Britain, Italy and Greece of the 200th anniversary of the death of the British Romantic-era poet Lord Byron and focused on Byron’s friendship with the English Consul General in Venice, Richard Belgrave Hoppner. The lecture will be published in a future edition of the Keats-Shelley House Review.”

CLASS OF 1975 Condolences to Shaun Wiley, who writes, “I lost my mother Bettye Wiley on July 14. She was a longtime educator/music teacher at Tanglewood Elementary.”

CLASS OF 1983 Chuck Myers updates with this: “All is good with us. We are still in Aledo, four kids, three daughtersin-law (two new this year), youngest son is a senior at Oklahoma State. Time is flying by. I’m sending a photo of our two granddaughters, Margot (3) and Norah (1).” Anthony Scozzari has big and wonderful news: “It’s been an emotional 19 months, with my wife of 35 years, Lynn, passing away and then finding a wonderful

grief counselor and a wonderful organization, Soaring Spirits, that put on workshops called Camp Widow to help me recover. I’ve attended three of the camps, where hundreds of widow/widowers get together and attend sessions to manage grief, find happiness and, if wanted, tips on finding new love. My first camp was truly life changing (which is why I attended the next two camps) and helped me look at my future differently. In that next month, I decided I wanted to date again and started going out with a cycling friend. We were perfect for each other and quickly fell in love. Barbara and I married this past June and had our adult children standing next to us. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, which is very odd to feel/say/write. Over the last year besides getting married, I went back to DFW and joined the 40th HS graduation reunion and saw my buddies from UTA, traveled to Toronto (for a Camp Widow) and saw Niagara Falls for the first time and went to Florida and saw Julie Nemser, my favorite teacher from TVS. We’ve been to Nashville twice, once for the wedding of the youngest daughter of Jim Ravech ’81 and more recently for a family and friends visit, and we hung with Jim and Kellie. I’ve rolled my truck and am currently going through some tough back problems, but nothing keeps a smile from my face.” Sandra Standefer shares about Sharon Wisch Ray, “The Dallas Jewish Historical Society honored the Texas Jewish Post and the entire Wisch family for their dedication to the community at a recent event, Wisches Do Come True. Sharon’s parents, Rene and Jimmy Wisch, started the TJP 78 years ago. It is still run by the family with Sharon as the Publisher and Editor.”

CLASS OF 1984 Tracy Redfearn Matheson reports, “Life remains busy in the Matheson household. David ’83 is still working in the golf industry, and I am running Project Beloved. Max ’19, the youngest, moved to Chandler,

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1. 1974 Reunion attendees 2. 1974 Reunion Nichols, Winterringer, Sherrill, Dyess 3. 1979 Reunion 4. 1979 Reunion 5. 1979 Reunion 6. 1979 Reunion

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AZ to begin his career with Wells Fargo. Ben is working at the FWZoo in the preschool program. The biggest and most exciting thing we have to share is a promotion for David and me…promoted to grandparents! Nick and Elizabeth welcomed Emery Elizabeth on September 7, and she is perfection!”

CLASS OF 1985 The Class of 1985 has experienced unimaginable loss over the past several months with the deaths of three beloved class members. Damon Fiske passed away July 1 and Leanne Kane on July 28. On October 22, Dean Druley succumbed to illness as well. We send so much love to their families, especially Shannon Fiske ’87, Dean’s twin David Druley and sister Amy Druley Zambrano ’89. Joy Menefee writes, “I'm still living in Atlanta (25 years) and am enjoying my second year of ‘empty nesting.’ My daughter will graduate from the University of Kentucky in December and my son is in his second year at Georgia Tech. I don't make it back to Fort Worth very often, now that both of my parents are deceased; however, I love seeing Sandra Standefer ’83 twice a year when she comes to the Mart in Atlanta (see attached photo). I'm looking forward to our 40th high school reunion and hope that many of you will try to make it.” Stefanie Cooper Toppel updates us: “We celebrated the wedding of son Michael Toppel in November 2023, and now have a fourth grandchild due late November! Our immediate family keeps growing now up to 15! Several of us met for dinner in Fort Worth in June. Was great getting caught up.”

CLASS OF 1986 Doug Pritchett sent a photo: “Took Liam Kai to the U.S. Open this year where he worked on his game face.”

CLASS OF 1989 Marian Mayo DeMott writes, “Ella and Willing both graduated in May with their bachelor’s degrees. Including a family photo from Texas A&M University as we celebrated Willing and a fun pic of Ella during her wildlife conservation trip to Indonesia last December. Turner is a sophomore at TCU. Our next graduate will be Briggs as he finishes high school in May of 2025. Grateful for all these milestones with our young adult children!” Angela Marshall Hurdle has good news:

“We are still loving life in Austin, Texas where our twin boys are seniors. Soon to be empty nesters!”

CLASS OF 1990 Congrats to Mary Kramer Johnston on being named the lone finalist for the position of Superintendent of the Graham Independent School District! At press time, it was anticipated she would be voted in on November 23. Go MT! Parag Patel says, “We had some ups and downs this year. My father passed away in February 2024 which was hard on the family. My son, Devin, will be graduating this spring from high school and hopefully attending the same school as my daughter, Bella (fingers crossed!). This will make move-in day much easier. Devin also was named Captain of his Varsity soccer team. We were able to get some travel in - Breck skiing in April, Jamaica sands in June, and my kids and I hit Disney/ Universal in July. Lastly, Bella will be attending a study abroad program in Spain this spring, and we intend to visit (who wouldn't?) in April 2025.”

CLASS OF 1992 Maggie Morgan Dula writes, “We are happy to have welcomed a son-in-law last year, and we are expecting two more grandchildren in 2025!”

CLASS OF 1996 Ash Adams shares the following: “I am proud to be the Corporate Relations Manager at the Fort Worth Zoo. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the greatest cultural institutions of a city that is known around the globe for its world-class cultural institutions! I can’t see a greater duty or honor than to help continue the Zoo’s mission to enhance the lives of the many generations to come in our great city of Fort Worth. It's great fun finding ways for companies to partner with us to engage with the 1.4 million visitors that walk through our gates every year. Ask me how you can be involved as well!”

CLASS OF 2001 Ashley Hayes’ business now has a Fort Worth presence! Ashley writes, “I opened an outpost of my brand, Asher Market, at the Market at Ridglea in Fort Worth in May. I design clothing for men, women and children and all my things are ethically and sustainably made in Peru. Next time you need a baby gift, a new dress or a stylish

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matching outfit for the whole family, come visit my booth in person or shop online at www.ashermarket.com. I so value your Trojan support!”

CLASS OF 2002 Jennifer Tiechelman Yack writes, “My husband Alex and I moved to Wellesley, Massachusetts in June 2024. Alex is serving as Senior Associate Athletic Director, Development for Boston College. I am a stay-at-home mom for Margaret (8), Maren (6) and Matthew (2). Please let us know if you are ever in Boston. Go Eagles!”

CLASS OF 2004 The Class of 2004 will celebrated its 20th reunion on Friday, November 29, at Ridglea Country Club. Mary Katherine Vigness Clarke and husband Robbie welcomed James Richard on July 29, 2024. Proud big sisters are second-grader Louise (8) and kindergartener Mary Margaret (age 6), both at Trinity Valley. Jeremy Ross says, “My wife Melissa and I live in Fort Worth and now have two children at TVS. Parker is in 3rd grade and Aaron is in Pre-K.”

CLASS OF 2005 Congrats to Chris Matamoros and his wife Lisa on the birth of Eloise Adrielle Matamoros, who arrived in April.

CLASS OF 2006 Elizabeth Thayer Kuhns writes, “I am the instructional specialist at Vandagriff Elementary in Aledo ISD. I am currently working on my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University.”

CLASS OF 2008 Will Matson says, “My wife Claire, our three young children (Lewis - 3.5 years old, Phillip - 2.0 years old, and Kaki - 8 months old) and I are moving back to Fort Worth in the summer of 2025. Claire and I have spent the last 15 years living in various stops on the East Coast and in London. I founded a business in 2019 and relocated the corporate office of his business to Dallas earlier this year.”

CLASS OF 2009 Michelle Craig Tatro gives this update: “I live in McKinney, TX with my husband, Jeremy, and our two boys, Nathan and JR. I am currently serving in my fourth year as an assistant principal in Plano ISD. The photo

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is from a recent family vacation to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country.”

CLASS OF 2010 Taylor Marks shares, “Carla [Kolber Marks ’11] is a project manager with Byrne Construction finalizing the Omni Theatre renovation at the Museum of Fort Worth Science and History. I am Director of Brokerage at Woodcrest Capital and also co-owner of Redcloud Disposal. All business aspects are thriving along with our family. Lewis just celebrated his 2nd birthday and Rose made her world debut in January of 2024.”

CLASS OF 2011 Claire Allen Jones and her husband Marshall welcomed Caroline Elise this July. Penny Shumway Bergstrom and her husband Christian moved from NYC to Austin in December 2022 and recently welcomed their first child. Thomas Banks Bergstrom (“Banks”) was born on July 11, 2024 at 7 lbs 15 oz.

CLASS OF 2012 Our condolences to Avery Guinn on the death of his mother, Barbara Guinn, in July. Ryan Jacobs shares, “I am in the middle of a postdoctoral research fellowship during my general surgery residency at Northwestern University. I am sharing one photo where I am doing a surgical simulation lab with my co-residents on a mannequin simulating bleeding, and another photo where I am connecting with fellow 2012 Trojans Price Anderson and Conrad Tindall at a wedding. If anyone is interested in learning more about a career in medicine or surgery, please do not hesitate to reach out at rjacobs147@ gmail.com.”

CLASS OF 2014 Leah Bell writes, “I married Maximilian von Maltzan on September 7th in Warnkenhagen, Germany. Surrounded by our friends and family we tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the Dorfkirche, Elmenhorst followed by a reception at the von Maltzan residence.” Our condolences to Fletcher Guinn on the death of his mother, Barbara Guinn, in July. Parth Kalaria has hung a shingle: “I recently launched my own legal practice, Kalaria Law PLLC, focused on representing startups, small businesses, and individuals in transactional legal matters. We offer a range of services including assistance with business formation, contract review/ drafting, mergers and acquisitions, and financing rounds.

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7. 1983 Keith Hajovsky (R) visits David Hickey and Jo Davis in San Miguel 8. 1983 Norah and Margot Myers 9. 1983 Anthony Scozzari marries Barbara Bell

10. 1983 Anthony Scozzari and wife Barbara

11. 1983 Jim Ravech '81 and Anthony Scozzari

12. 1983 Scott Spielman and Sandra Standefer at Dallas Market (Sandra works for Loloi Rugs and Scott owns Suck It Jerky and Pickles) 13. 1983 Sharon Wisch Ray with her sons at the TJP celebration 14. 1983 Sharon Wisch Ray and Sandra Standefer TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

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Please feel free to reach out!” Emily Meador says, “I have been working in Lubbock, Texas as a proofreader at CEV Multimedia – an online, career-based curriculum company – since 2022. And this July, I was promoted to the company's Lead Proofreader position! I discovered my love for proofreading in my high school English classes at TVS, so it's a joy and privilege for me to be able to continue proofreading as a career 10 years later.” Bridget Vories shares, “In June, I graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine and was hooded by my parents during the graduation ceremony. I then quickly moved to Tucson, AZ to start my residency training in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Arizona!”

CLASS OF 2015 Alexa Antrim Davisson shares, “Kyle ’14 and I welcomed our third child, Jane Elise, in June. Calvin and Luther enjoy playing with ‘their’ baby.” Katie Matson writes, “I graduated from TCU in May with my MBA, with specialties in marketing, digital analytics, and supply chain. The hooding at my graduation was performed by Margot Robinson, TVS class of 2037. I have accepted a role at Alcon for the US Surgical Marketing team.”

CLASS OF 2016

Our condolences to Tucker Guinn on the death of his mother, Barbara Guinn, in July.

CLASS OF 2017 Ian Dacy gives this update: “I moved back to Fort Worth

in the spring of 2023 where I am working alongside my father in the commercial insurance business.”

CLASS OF 2018 Our condolences to Addie Guinn on the death of her mother, Barbara Guinn, in July. KayLynne Midgley and Ethan Lisenby married on October 5, 2024, in a joyous ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas.

CLASS OF 2019 From Ben Hayward: “I'm working in Maine as a PhD student studying impacts of offshore wind on fisheries and other maritime industries. I've also taken up swing dancing, and I dance about once a month.” Will Porter sends this info: “After beginning my real estate finance in Dallas last year, I recently seized an opportunity to relocate to another firm back home in Fort Worth. In this new role, I have the privilege of working on several local projects, including an adaptive reuse for a historic building on the outskirts of the Stockyards.”

CLASS OF 2020 David Fauber writes, “I started mountain biking in Arizona and I love it! My friend Aaron rode this 35-mile race with me (see photo); I placed 37th out of 400 riders.” Caroline Phelps shares, “I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Tech this August with bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and kinesiology. I am now working in Sevilla, Spain for the year as an English language and culture assistant in a primary school here. I studied here twice in college and I am so excited to be back!”

S AV E T H E D AT E

2025 Alumni Celebration and Awards Ceremony April 12, 2025 River Crest Country Club 54

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15. 1984 Emery Matheson 16. 1985 Joy Menefee with Sandra Standefer '83

17. 1985 Toppel family 18. 1986 Lara Pritchett with

Liam Kai at U.S. Open 19. 1989 DeMott family at Willing's graduation 20. 1989 Ella DeMott in Indonesia

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21. 1989 Hurdle family 22. 1990 Patel family 23. 1990 Parag Patel with daughter Bella 24. 1990 Devin Patel 25. 1992 Dula family wedding 26. 1992 Laura Margaret Dula, granddaughter of Maggie 27. 2001 Asher Market comes to Fort Worth 28. 2002 Yack Family

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29. 2004 Clarke family 30. 2004 James Richard Clarke 31. 2004 Parker and Aaron Ross 32. 2005 Matamoros family 33. 2006 Elizabeth Thayer Kuhns 34. 2009 Tatro family 35. 2010 Marks family 36. 2011 Bergstrom family

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43 37. 2011 Banks Bergstrom 38. 2011 Caroline Jones 39. 2012 Ryan Jacobs in surgical simulation lab 40. 2012 Ryan Jacobs with fellow 2012ers Price Anderson and Conrad Tindall 41. 2014 Leah Bell marries Maximilian von Maltzan 42. 2014 Dr. Bridget Vories flanked by her parents 43. 2015 Davisson family

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TVS A L U M N I

44. 2015 Calvin, Jane, Luther Davisson 45. 2015 Katie Matson with Margot Robinson '37 46. 2018 KayLynne Midgley marries Ethan Lisenby 47. 2018 Lisenby family 48. 2020 David Fauber 49. 2020 Caroline Phelps 50. 2020 Caroline Phelps living in Spain

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

TVS

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TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132-4110

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TO PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If this magazine is addressed to a TVS alumnus/a who no longer uses your home as a permanent address, please e-mail his or her address to hansend@tvs.org

BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES AT TVS Boundless Exploration

Global Citizenship

Holistic Development

Supportive Community

Innovative Education BOUND LESS POSSIBILITY

Exceptional Learning EnvironmentB O U N D L E S S

"Trojan Voice" Magazine, Fall 2024

Articles inside

BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY FOR A LIFETIME: ALUMNI SHARE THEIR WORLDS WITH TVS

TROJAN BOOSTER CLUB'S CLAY SHOOT & AUCTION

TVS ANNUAL FUND

PARENT CONNECTIONS: BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY TOGETHER

TROJAN THEATRE TRAVELS THROUGH TIME IN SEASON'S FIRST PRODUCTION

MAKING MEANINGFUL MEMORIES

ERIN MACNABB: ULTRA MARATHONER, ULTRA ADMINISTRATOR

BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

THE HEART OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

BOUNDLESS ENRICHMENT

WITH BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY, HOW CAN YOU CHOOSE?

TVS: FORGING A PATH WITH BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY THROUGH TOE

BUILDING BLOCKS TO BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES

BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY