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

Kathryn Davis '89, Director of Alumni Relations

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.

Three of our alumni visited Trinity Valley in September and shared their knowledge with different groups at the School. Teachers, parents, even seniors in high school had the privilege of seeing our alumni in action. We are beyond proud of the difference these graduates are making!

Upper School math instructor Melissa Burkhead teaches an 11th- and 12th-grade class called Advanced Topics: Differential Equations. More than a year ago, she invited alumni who use STEM tools in their careers to speak to her class. To date, we have had seven alumni participate, most live and some via Zoom – one all the way from Scotland! Through these speakers, the students are exposed to the myriad ways this sort of learning can be put into action in one’s career, as well as the many directions that applied mathematics and sciences can lead.

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 in such a way that even the non-students in the room were able to make sense of the complicated concepts – no easy feat. His impressive talk made sophisticated differential equations clear with transformational perspectives that yielded interesting symmetries. He answered many questions from inquiring students and guests alike. The TVS community appreciated Chris sharing his expertise and energy.  

Maggie Shipman '18 spoke to the class on September 27.  She told the students that she had chosen to attend TVS starting in ninth grade to pursue a more challenging academic path, especially in math. That decision has paid off! Maggie, a computer engineering graduate of Auburn University, discussed her experiences at college and shared stories and photos of some of her degree-specific endeavors. She then discussed incredible projects 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!