SPRING 2020
TITAN TRAIL FUTURE-READY SKILLS
FROM THE
HEAD OF SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT: Our charge is to challenge Trinity students to discover their paths, develop their talents and strengthen their character within a dynamic academic community.
There’s a book I am often reminded of when I think about future-ready skills, the feature topic of this issue of the Titan Trail. Although written half a century ago, portions of Alvin Toffler’s “Future Shock” ring truer with each year that I spend in education. Specifically, Toffler predicted that future success will increasingly be fueled by the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn at a more rapid pace than ever before. As an educator, I take this vision of the future as a challenge that I am excited to meet. And when I observe the teaching and learning happening right now at Trinity, I am even more excited by what I see. In this issue, you will read several stories about how our dedicated faculty continue to innovate and challenge our students. If I seem excited for the future, it’s because I’m surrounded by it every day. Whether by creating new knowledge through inquiry and research, showing leadership by collaborating on teams and in clubs, or building confidence through practice in life’s essential skills — our students are equipping themselves with the skills to adapt to an unknowable future. We call those future-ready skills.
Robert A. Short Head of School
SPRING 2020 CONTENTS
TITAN TRAIL ADMINISTRATION
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Robert A. Short Head of School Lee Sprague Associate Head of School Brian Phillips Head of Campus Life Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00 Head of Community Engagement Anna Prillaman Athletic Director Anne Hurt Director of Development Margie Vaughan Snead ’85 Director of Admission Joseph M onaco Director of Operations BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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FEATURES
www.trinityes.org The Titan Trail is published twice yearly by Trinity Episcopal School’s communications and development offices. Development: Communications: Anne Hurt David Ready Director of Development Director of Communications & Marketing Julia Bowling Katie Pullman Alumni and Annual Giving Associate Marketing & Communications Specialist Photography: David Ready, Katie Pullman, Bridget Hazel Photography, Mark Sprinkle, Steve Davies, Alison Minehart, Candid Color, The Richmond Forum
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Where the River Flows Future-Ready Skills Treasured Bonds Two Thumbs Up On a Higher Level Grandparents Day
SECTIONS 04 Around the Courtyard 06 Faculty News 07 Trinity Welcomes 18 The Arts 24 Philanthropy 26 Athletics 34 Homecoming 2019 37 Class Notes
Officers Jeff D. Elgin, Chair Charles T. Hill Jr. ’98, Vice Chair, Treasurer Leesa Witty Gregory ’93, Secretary Lisa Acquaye E.G. Allen III ’84 Susan A. Aprahamian, President, Trinity Parents Association Beth Williamson Ayers Cynthia L. Coleman Chris Ellis ’81 Leesa Witty Gregory ’93 Kyle W. Hendrick ’05 Elizabeth Kelley, Faculty Representative David C. Kearfott ’94 Matthew Majikes Gayle C. Marget Robert T. Methven John G. Mills ’90 Rupa Somanath Murthy ’95 Beth Loeper Nash Jennifer M. Parker Ann Marie Petrucelli William Isler Sanderson ’94 Charles R. Sullivan ’83 Tracy Teal ADVISORY BOARD Mary Bliley J. Read Branch Jr. Otis L. Brown Milton Cerny Swannee Goodman Ericson ’75 Carol Estes-Williams Daniel Allen Gecker Kathy Graziano Mary Jane Hogue Stephen E. Hupp Joseph C. Kearfott Kelly J. O’Keefe Dr. W. B. Perkinson Jr. Martha Singdahlsen Gary E. Thompson Dr. Henry I. Willett Jr. Richard Thweatt Wilson III Charles F. Witthoefft
WHERE THE RIVER FLOWS
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Last fall, Trinity’s eighth grade students packed their bags, turned in their phones and headed to a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay. Following in the footsteps of several groups of Trinity eighth graders before them — along with generations of students from across the region at the Fox Island learning center — they studied the ecosystem, practiced independence and bonded as a class. Trip leader and science teacher Ned Trice shares that this trip really helps students understand how the ecosystem of the Bay is tied to the rest of Virginia and beyond. In addition to learning about species interdependence and food webs, Trice says they learn about subsistence fishing and crabbing and climate change. Students also have the opportunity to wade through saltwater marshes while learning about their role in preventing erosion. To understand how local organisms find protection in this muddy barrier, students play hide and seek in the marshes. “We have a creek [near Trinity] that flows into the James River,” says science teacher Dylan Norvell. “We can physically see the watershed each day and the organisms that live there.” Harder for students is making the connection between that tiny creek and the huge Chesapeake Bay almost 100 miles away. “You can put it in a slideshow, but until a crab reaches around and pinches your finger, it’s hard to have respect for that,” Norvell says. “Until you have set the pots and caught them yourself, it’s hard to appreciate that.” Sadly, due to changing environmental conditions on Fox Island, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation shuttered the Fox Island learning center this winter, so the Trinity class of 2024 was the last to enjoy its unique treasures. Trice says that the plan is to find another location for a similar bonding experience for the 8th grade that includes the study of ecosystems and the James River. [ PHOTO BY ALLISON MINEHART ] T I TA N T R A I L
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AROUND THE
COURTYARD UP THE RIVER The eighth grade class paddled up the river and through to the woods in September. On their trip, they practiced identifying animal tracks, tried the native pawpaw fruit and learned about the life cycle of the Dobson fly. Students returned to campus eager to share about how they grew outside of the comfort zone.
A SPECIAL RACE For the 10th year in a row, Trinity hosted a Special Olympics of Virginia one-mile race last fall. The cross country teams ran alongside the athletes and the field hockey team created posters and cheered on the runners from the stands.
ART AND HISTORY IB history students took a trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in September to see the Faberge and Russian decorative arts collection.
SURF’S UP As the summer wound down, the Outdoor Program traveled to Virginia Beach for some waterfront camping and a day of surfing.
A TRADITION OF HONOR At the beginning of the school year, faculty and students took part in the annual Honor Chapel. Student leaders took time to emphasize what constitutes a violation of Trinity’s Honor Code, and as students leave, each one signs the Honor Code.
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NINE MINI-STRATTONS
RICHMOND AND THE WORLD STAGE
This fall’s Spirit Week saw students make spectacular catches in egg toss, cause terrifying tumbles in giant Jenga and see no less than nine Michael Stratton look-a-likes! At the end of all of games, the class of 2020 emerged victorious as the 2019 Titan Cup winners!
Titans are rubbing elbows with some of the world’s brightest minds and thought leaders through Trinity’s page program with the Richmond Forum. These student pages support the Forum’s mission to bring “leaders from the world stage to our stage in Richmond—to expand horizons, stimulate conversation, and inspire our community.”
SPOOKTACULAR CARVINGS! Titans had a Spooktacular time carving pumpkins on Halloween. This Science Society drew a crowd this year as they found that they needed 187 rubber bands to cause a pumpkin to explode.
SWEET AND SOUR SCIENCE Food was the central theme of this year’s IB Group 4 Projects. These science projects are designed by students and included questions such as “what food blocks the most radiation” and “what effect does sugar have on energy output?”
DAY OF THE DEAD In honor of the traditional Mexican holiday, the Spanish language club hosted a sugar skull cookie decorating station for the whole school to enjoy.
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NEWS FA C U LT Y
STRINGS IN STYLE FACULTY PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS Trinity was well represented at this year’s Leading Learning Conference hosted by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) in Short Pump. In addition to several teachers and administrators attending, the VAIS Professional Development Advisory Committee included both Mandy Augst, librarian, and Laurie Pierce, technology facilitator. Augst presented on two topics: “Outside the Breakout Box: Adventures in Game-ification and Game-Based Learning” and “This Archive Will Go Down in History: Documenting Your School’s Past.” Augst was appointed co-chair of the VAIS Professional Development Advisory Commission (PDAC) for the next two years. She was also appointed the Independent Schools Chair on the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) board for one year. Pierce finished her term on the VAIS Professional Development Advisory Commission (PDAC).
Strings teacher Kimberly Ryan and her fourwoman string quartet, Rosette, were featured in Style Weekly last fall. The article described thier work as “fiercely feminist and bravely dives into contemporary avant-garde compositions by other women...”
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS Spanish teacher Chris Mercer released his third book, “Niños en la calle” with TPRS books. Mercer aims to share messages with a compassionate worldview that “provide students around the world with a compelling story that will help them build proficiency in Spanish.” Director of College Counseling Dan Geary’s article “Common, Coalition or Commotion?” was featured in “Link for Counselors Magazine.” The article describes in detail the benefits and pitfalls of the current college application platforms.
FACULTY MILESTONES
Trinity’s English department attended the National Convention of Teachers of English (NCTE) last November in Baltimore where English Teacher Stefanie Jochman represented Trinity on a panel about techniques in advanced literature. Katie Pullman and David Ready traveled to Atlanta this winter to present at CASE-NAIS 2020, the nation’s premiere conference of independent school fundraising and communications professionals. Their presentation, “Creation + Curation, Striking Your School’s Perfect Social Media Balance” detailed Trinity’s unique and authentic approach to school social media management. 6
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Mallory Hansen married Brent Ballard on November 16, 2019. They were married on St. Simons Island, Georgia. It’s a boy! Isa Dunaway welcomed her second grandchild this winter. Mayhew Dunaway was born January 7 weighing 8lbs and 3 oz. This winter, Ashley Bawol married Jordan Eubank. They had a small ceremony with family on Thanksgiving. Chris Williamson ’00 and wife Mary welcomed their second child, June Palmer, on October 15, 2019.
BALLARD
DUNAWAY
BAWOL
TRINITY WELCOMES… As is tradition, Trinity welcomed speakers from many walks of life to share their experiences, ideas and knowledge with the Titan community. While every speaker had a unique perspective, the common thread of their speeches was inspiration –– to find your faith, to push yourself to new heights and to take charge of your own life’s journey. SEPTEMBER 27
DECEMBER 9
Rev. Bill Queen Interim Rector of Grace and Holy Trinity Church
Rev. Moses Joshua Religion teacher at Good Shepherd Episcopal School
“I want to share a vision of faith with you that is more flexible and broad — one that I would define as, simply, openness to God, however you may understand God.”
“Doing the hard things in life takes an attitude of gratitude.”
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Rev. Angelo V. Chatmon University pastor at VUU
Rev. Penny Nash Associate Rector at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
“The pen that is writing the story of your life is in your hands….minimize bad storylines in your journey. There are going to be some times when you’re not doing so well. Put a period to it as quickly as possible… and move on to the next sentences of your life story.”
“Fire is a symbol of passion, a symbol of love and it’s really intense. That’s the good kind of fire — the kind we all need. It’s the thing that gives us strength, it’s the thing that makes us love. It’s the fuel for all of our relationships.”
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Julia Warren Founder of Celebrate! RVA
Joyce Tannian Founder of Water is Life Kenya
“You all have impactful ideas and ways that you can act and people you can inspire... You all are going to be world changers.”
“You should never be afraid of trying to solve a problem…You can learn and you can train yourself.”
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JANUARY 6
Aaron Belz Poet
Will Turner Endurance Runner
“There’s no I in team, / but there’s one in bitterness / and one in failure.”
We have a choice everyday. We can coast or we can push ourselves to the limit… I was not a gifted athlete as a kid, but I do have one super power: grit, a combination of passion and perseverance... to push through and not give up.”
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Future-ready Skills
FUTURE-READY SKILLS
Laura Swiatek, chemistry teacher, employs a disciplined style of instruction called “modeling� to push students to construct their own knowledge and understanding.
Incorporating problem-solving, critical thinking and practical life skills, Trinity students are preparing for college, life and the unforeseen jobs of the future 8
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Future-ready Skills
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t’s the first day of unit two in Laura Swiatek’s introduction to chemistry class, and students in groups of three sift through a series of unlabeled diagrams on laminated index cards. With no prior knowledge of the terms, their challenge is to categorize each card as an element or compound, pure substance or mixture. Consensus does not come quickly. Disagreements abound. Students move freely from group to group, offering theories and refuting others.
“Collaboration applies to every discipline. No one works in a vacuum,” says Swiatek. “The ability to answer a question without a clear answer is a skill that will be useful to them far beyond the walls of my classroom.”
“I am loving the debates you guys are having,” says Swiatek, encouraging the sort of back forth that might normally be reserved for a lesson in literature or global politics. “When students are arguing, it means they care.” As each group begins to establish its own conclusions, they write them on their own portable whiteboard. “Feel free to move about the cabin,” said Swiatek, “Take a moment to read the other boards. Where do you agree? Where do you disagree?” Employing a disciplined style of instruction called “modeling,” Swiatek is intentionally turning the traditional method of teaching on its head. Instead of presenting a list of facts to memorize and confirm with a predetermined lab, the teacher begins each unit with an event, a research question or an open-ended lab investigation. When students ask the teacher a question, they don’t get a simple answer — they get another question, one aimed at probing deeper toward a conclusion based on their own observations and reasoning.
“Collaboration applies to every discipline. No one works in a vacuum. The ability to answer a question without a clear answer is a skill that will be useful to them far beyond the walls of my classroom.”
THE SKILLS TO SUCCEED In a September 2017 article in Education Week entitled “Stop Teaching Students What to Think. Teach them How to Think,” writer Scott Santens sums up the new paradigm of secondary education by questioning the sheer memorization of facts “in a world where everyone carries around the entire knowledge base of the human species on their person.” Meanwhile, at universities across the country, students are enrolling in courses with titles like “adulting” and “self-care” that emphasize practical, universal skills like personal finance and healthy strategies to cope with stress.
“When they answer their own questions, they remember it better than if I tell them,” says Swiatek. “If they are constructing their own understanding, there is better retention. It takes longer at the beginning to establish the content, but I don’t spend as much time reinforcing it later on.”
In his 2014 book “Pure Genius,” influential educator Don Wettrick lists the qualities that major employers now look for in an employee. “Without hesitation most of them identified creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation as the top three traits,” he writes. “Jeopardy! winners are out. Innovators are in.”
Learning this way can feel scary and frustrating to students at first, but as they begin to grapple with concepts, they become empowered. Students aren’t simply learning the content necessary to pass a test and move on. They are learning valuable skills — evidence-based inquiry, problem-solving, collaboration, communication — that will serve them well in the future, regardless of their professional path.
In the view of these and countless other authorities on the aim of education in the 21st century, the message is clear: the best schools are emphasizing future-ready skills that can empower today’s students to meet the demands of an unknowable future. When Trinity launched its latest five-year strategic plan, “Honor the Mission” in 2018, school leaders placed future-ready skills at —continued on page 10
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Future-ready Skills —continued from page 9
the forefront. In 2018-19, a team of faculty met regularly through the year to study the question, “How do we broaden and deepen opportunities for students to be engaged learners, leading to the development of future-ready skills?” Using an array of resources, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme’s Approaches to Teaching and Learning and Oxford University’s “The Future of Skills Employment,” the group has encouraged teachers across all disciplines and programs to incorporate lessons that emphasize critical thinking, self-management, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability and a lifelong love of learning.
“As a school, over the last decade plus, we have made a concerted effort to prepare students for life beyond Trinity and life beyond college,” says Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00, head of community engagement. “We are no longer simply a college prep school. That’s not our sole goal. We’re preparing people to be able to solve problems, face challenges and feel successful no matter where they go.”
As an alumna of the Life Essentials class at Trinity, Annalynn Lathrop ’18 is grateful not only for the practical lessons in check writing and unit pricing that have helped her manage her finances, but also for the broader skills that Trinity equipped her with. “I think learning how to manage your time while doing a multitude of assignments at one time has been a huge help,” she says. Time management is also a major theme of the nascent Titan Prep class, begun in 2017 to support the youngest Titans as they make the transition from middle school to high school. Taught by ceramics teacher Molly Sanyour ’01, the class gives the group of about two dozen 8th graders a homeroom-like stability while providing opportunities for collaboration and self-knowledge. “This class really helps you identify strengths and weaknesses when it comes to academics,” says Cameron Walker ’24. “It helps us all work collaboratively to positively affect everyone based on your strengths and weaknesses. It also really helps you organize and write about experiences, which could help you write things like college essays.”
GETTING THE GREEN LIGHT
Begun in 2017, the Titan Prep class gives 8th grade students a homeroom-like stability along with opportunities for collaboration and self-knowledge.
THE PATH TO ADULTHOOD
Building on the success of the Titan Prep class, a similar program for 9th graders called “Green” was launched in 2018. Like Titan Prep, the class provides structure and study time, but increasingly sprinkles in instruction from a variety of teachers and administrators with an emphasis on future-ready skills. “These are very essential soft skills that I think are imperative for workplace success and in college,” says Lee Sprague, associate head of school. “These include collaboration, public speaking, interviewing and being an active listener. They range from something as simple as penmanship to online safety and the power of social media or —continued on page 12
For the last 10 years, Weiler has taught a popular class called Life Essentials, covering topics that are essential to success beyond high school: resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, public speaking, basic etiquette, automotive maintenance and personal finance among others. “We talk a lot about soft skills,” says Weiler. “How to make a phone call. How to shake hands.” As evidence of the course’s timeliness, Weiler points to a recent LA Times article, in which writer Hannah Fry writes: “Adulting classes for college students and postgrads have swelled in popularity in recent years, in part because many high schools have largely abandoned ‘life skills’ courses... which were created to help students navigate the path to adulthood.” Malcolm Bell, coordinator of the Green program, helps guide 9th grade students along with guest instructors from across all academic departments.
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To visualize the power of time management, 9th grade students map out their life’s priorities as if they were trying to fit rocks into a jar.
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Future-ready Skills —continued from page 10
coding and artificial intelligence. The variety of people coming in keeps it pretty fresh.”
the undergraduate population — enrolled. It is now considered the most popular course in the school’s history.”
The program’s coordinator, Malcolm Bell, devised a brand challenge for the group last fall. “They had to create a company, develop a brand, do a SWOT [strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats] analysis, just like in business school, and then come up with a sales pitch to get people to buy it,” says Bell. “Any time you can have an interactive challenge like that, it really forces them to think outside the box.”
At Trinity, school counselor Mallory Ballard uses time in Green class to equip all 9th grade students with healthy coping skills that can help them successfully navigate the stresses of high school, college and life. “Developing those skills is like learning a subject in many ways. In order to learn good coping skills, you have to practice doing it,” Ballard says. “Things like focusing on slowing down your breath, or meditation or relaxation. Getting your body used to doing those things when you’re feeling that weight of the semester. Eating well, sleeping well. Those are things that take effort.”
PUTTING THE IMPORTANT THINGS FIRST Last December, an article in the Christian Science Monitor detailed a nationwide trend in college courses on healthy coping skills. “And students have responded in huge numbers,” writes Stephanie Hanes. “At Yale University, when psychology professor Laurie Santos offered a new course last year called Psychology and the Good Life, some 1,200 students — nearly a quarter of
To illustrate the tremendous power of time management in reducing stress, Ballard has every student map out a list of their life’s priorities as if they were trying to fit a pile of rocks, pebbles and sand into a jar. When the large rocks — the important things in life — go in first, then there is room for all the rest. “But if you put the smaller priorities first, things like watching TV, playing on your phone,” says Ballard, “then your jar starts to fill up then you run out of room for those big priorities. So how do you manage your time better?”
We are no longer simply a college prep school…. We’re preparing people to be able to solve problems, face challenges and feel successful no matter where they go.”
Developing healthy coping skills “is like learning a subject,” says Mallory Ballard, school counselor. “Things like slowing down your breath... eating well, sleeping well... those are things that take effort.”
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NURTURING A LOVE OF LEARNING One way Trinity has created space for the kind of exploration that nurtures this love of learning is through the Pre-IB Core Seminar, developed last year for 9th graders in conjunction with the Green program. Unique to Trinity and open to any 9th grade student with intellectual curiosity to explore a topic of their own interest, the program also gives them a taste of what it’s like to think like an IB student. “We do activities that push them to think outside their comfort zone,” says Sprague. “There are no grades attached; It’s purely for the pleasure of learning.” For Mandy Augst, school librarian, the most critical skill is inquiry. “Using information effectively permeates everything,” she says.
CREATING NEW KNOWLEDGE When Associate Head of School Lee Sprague thinks about futureready skills, she observes a timeless quality. “In many ways, we are reaffirming how vital they are,” she says. “One of them is communication. We are affirming that a person who is prepared for the future is one that can communicate well and in writing.” For Mandy Augst, school librarian, the most critical, timeless skill is inquiry. “Inquiry is so important because it’s throughout the different subject areas,” she says. “Using information effectively permeates everything. It’s about making smart life decisions based on data and evidence and knowing how to navigate and evaluate it.” Within the Green class especially, Augst has had the opportunity to guide inquiry toward the creation of new knowledge, something she calls the essence of good research. “Research is a misused term,” she says, noting that nearly all students arrive from middle school believing it’s enough to simply gather and list facts. “The skills they have coming in are reporting skills — accessing and gathering information. This generation of students is the best at it,” Augst says. “But they have to move from gathering to synthesizing — which means taking everything they’ve learned and understanding it as a whole. For some kids it happens in 9th grade. For others it doesn’t happen until their third year of college. But when you get it, you get it. You try to give them the skills to be ready for that aha moment.” Similar to the modeling method employed by chemistry teacher Laura Swiatek, the guided inquiry framework developed by educational scholar Carol Kuhlthau requires teachers to be somewhat hands off in order to let students take ownership of their inquiry. “Last year I opened it up to their passions,” says Augst. “What are you interested in? What are you passionate about? What makes you wake up and want to listen in class? Let’s pursue those things.”
Kayla Quigley ’23 is a participant in the seminar. “One skill that I gained during the seminar was how to communicate with and interview a professional who I didn’t know,” she says. “As a part of the final project, I had to interview a professor at the University of Richmond, and it made me really nervous… However, I had to overcome my fear in order to gain a valuable professional perspective that really helped me obtain a better understanding of my topic.” In the Pre-IB Core Seminar, like every IB course Trinity offers, there is a premium on skills over content. “IB teaches you how to think, not what to think,” says IB Diploma Programme Coordinator Marti Truman. She recalls meeting with a junior who described the unique challenges of IB: “At my old school, we were told ‘here is what you need to learn, and here is exactly how you will learn it,’ she said, but with IB, you are told ‘here is what you need to learn and here are some different ways you can learn it.’ You have to be a flexible thinker.” “Once they come back to us from college, our alums understand better that they have developed critical thinking skills,” Truman says. “They say that they realize the depth of understanding their professors are expecting. They know how to evaluate their sources of information.” Nikki Carroll teaches Theory of Knowledge, an IB staple affectionately known by its acronym, TOK. “In terms of future-ready skills, that’s what TOK is all about!” says Carroll. “TOK gets students to learn to think open-mindedly, critically, and differently. They learn how to analyze their own perspectives while also respecting and recognizing the value in the perspectives of others. In an increasingly global society, this is extremely important. Students also learn how to look for bias and reliability in sources, which is an important skill in the era of ‘fake news.’”
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“It is difficult sometimes to take that step back as a teacher and put more of the work on students shoulders, but it’s what we have to do.” When Stefanie Jochman introduces a new Shakespeare play to her English students, she often has them read and act out a scene on the first day. “It’s really empowering,” she says.
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Future-ready Skills Just like in Laura Swiatek’s chemistry class, Jochman has to resist the natural urge of a teacher to answer every question. Instead she responds with more questions. “How is the text guiding you? How did something you already knew help you figure out what these new words mean?” After the fourth or fifth time through, the students begin to act out the scene, peppering each other with stage directions. “It feels like chaos, because you have a couple of actors at the center and the rest of the class chiming in, but by the end it, they’ve staged a scene of Shakespeare,” Jochman says. “They’ve done something really complicated, and they’ve done it before we’ve studied anything else in the play. And it’s really empowering.” Laurie Pierce, technology facilitator, leads students in “design thinking,” an iterative process used at companies like Apple, Procter & Gamble and IBM.
DESIGN THINKING In the technology department, the most popular course is called Programming through Game Development. In each project, Laurie Pierce, technology facilitator leads students through the design thinking process, which she calls a non-linear, iterative process which seeks to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions to prototype and test.” “It is pretty fascinating to watch our Trinity students navigate through this process and apply future-ready skills such as problemsolving, adaptability, and the ability to work together in a team to come up with a solution that is successful, whether designing an object to be 3D printed to meet a need or programming a Sphero robot to navigate through a maze,” Pierce says. “As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, design thinking offers a way to address change in a more human-centric manner. Solving a problem for someone else helps to teach empathy and creating with intention to understand the experience of someone else is powerful work.”
READY FOR ANYTHING When Stefanie Jochman teaches Shakespeare, she likes to throw her students into the deep end. Using the “Folger method,” she immediately asks her students to begin reading the text of a scene aloud. “The first time through, you usually get a lot of confusion around the language, so we read it again,” she says. “With each subsequent read, they pick up something new. By the third time, I start asking questions about the characters.”
Jochman eschews the traditional model of reading comprehension quizzes most of us are familiar with from 20th century education. “It’s astounding the things students can do when we don’t set them up that way,” she says. “It is difficult sometimes to take that step back as a teacher and put more of the work on students shoulders, but it’s what we have to do. We live in a time when the knowledge we used to test students for is available at the click of a button or at a ‘hey Alexa!’ Now our job as teachers is to say, ‘How do you sift through what’s valuable or not, what’s valid or not? How do you judge some evidence against another piece and make meaning of all this wealth of information that’s so accessible to you?’” A veteran IB teacher, Jochman says she loves how tests are structured in the IB English courses. “The emphasis is much more on skill than a particular type of knowledge,” she says. “When they take their exams in the spring, they will be analyzing literature they’ve never seen before, and they will have to apply all the skills they’ve been practicing to those pieces. So it’s not something you can memorize to prepare for.” “To be future-ready is to be adaptable,” she says. “You have to be ready for anything.”
In the view countless authorities on education in the 21st century, the message is clear: the best schools are emphasizing future-ready skills that can empower today’s students to meet the demands of an unknowable future.
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TREASURED BONDS Where can students learn to canoe, shoot a bow and arrow and soar through the treetops while connecting with students from 60 zip codes around central Virginia? On Trinity’s Freshman Class Retreat! One of Trinity’s longest running traditions, the retreat creates common ground for every Titan and memories that bond classes together for years to come.
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TWO THUMBS UP
Visiting accreditation team from VAIS praises Trinity for student-centered facilities, unique programs, caring culture “Yesterday I was in the hall, and a young man walked by and his apple fell out of his lunch box and rolled across the floor, and then his chips and his sandwich and his cookie, and it was everywhere, his lunch spilled all over the floor,” said Katye Snipes, school administrator at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School. As a member of the visiting accreditation committee from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS), Snipes and her colleagues spent three days on campus this past November to provide a thorough evaluation of how well the school is living out its mission. They were thoroughly impressed by what they saw. “I thought, ‘this is a commercial for whether a high school community takes care of each other.’ Sure enough, three people jumped up and handed him his stuff,” continued Snypes. “That doesn’t just happen unless people truly take care of each other. You guys are taking care of each other.” Each VAIS school welcomes a visiting committee of educators from across the state every five years. This year’s group included administrators, teachers and heads of school from Roanoke, Alexandria, Richmond and the Eastern Shore. “One of the many things I love about this process is that it’s always about the school’s mission and the way the school wants to move forward over the next five years,” said Head of School Rob Short, connecting the accreditation to the Trinity’s values of self improvement and lifelong learning. “It’s a very rich process that we all participate in as teachers, staff. It’s fun to grow, to develop, to take risks and to become better each year.” The spilled lunch anecdote was one of several “two thumbs up” observations and highlights of the committee’s glowing report shared at a special assembly on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. The committee also praised the strength of Trinity’s broad, studentcentered programs including “an outdoor program that offers so many opportunities [and] that leverages your proximity to the James River.” They described Trinity’s 8th grade program as “unique and
mutually beneficial to students and families [and that] supports 8th grade learners in honing executive functioning skills and integrating them into the high school community.” In the arts, Snypes noted Trinity’s commitment to serving both beginners and experienced students. “There aren’t a lot of high schools where you can show up and say ‘I’ve never played a violin before, but I would like to try’ and then be given an opportunity,” she said. “That’s remarkable.” Josh Chapman, committee vice chair, and head of school at the Community High School in Roanoke, VA, noted what he called Trinity’s “excellent use of funds” to improve facilities over the past decade, and most recently with the completion of the Perkinson Arts Center. “Every dollar that went into that building seems to me to have gone into your [student] experience,” said Chapman. “To see everything being used pedagogically tells me that this school has your experience at its center.” Multiple committee members noted Trinity’s effective and unobtrusive use of technology as a tool and not an end unto itself. “This is a oneto-one [laptop] school, but in some ways you wouldn’t even know it because it’s not about the ‘stuff,’” said Hank Berg, committee chair and head of school at the Highland School in Warrenton, VA. “You almost don’t even notice computers here, even though you’re oneto-one. And that’s a great thing.” Berg also gave high marks for the school culture, where students and faculty take care of each other. “It doesn’t happen automatically,” he said. “It really happens because you [students] make it happen that way... It’s really students who carry on that culture and traditions.” Chapman concluded the committee’s remarks by sharing a sentiment he heard from a parent whose eyes teared up when she told him “this is a place where everyone fits.” T I TA N T R A I L
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ARTS THE
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WINTER ARTS SHOW Just before the annual Grand Illumination in Dunn Courtyard last December, families and guests packed the Wilton Art Studio and Powell Library to view works by hundreds of students across nearly a dozen categories of media. From paintings and drawings and photographs, to sculpture and ceramics, to mixed media and video, all levels of student progress were represented. Professional artists judged the works in ten categories according to technical skill, content, display and overall creativity.
AWARD WINNERS Best in Show Jade Alvarez ’20 New Media JC: DJ Covington ’22 DA: Sarah Vranas ’22 Mixed Media JC: Ella Thompson-Burr ’20 DA: Cabell Haneberg ’21
Analog Photography JC: Callie Srader ’20 DA: Caleb Llewellyn ’23
Drawing JC: Athena Haley ’21 DA: Anna Vogt ’22
Non-Functional Ceramics JC: Emmeline Roberts ’21 DA: Bryn Shannon ’20
Digital Photography JC: Dylan White ’21 DA: Maddie Schleicher ’20
Painting JC: Virginia Martin ’20 DA: Lilly Phillips ’20
Sculpture JC: Alex Clark ’21 DA: Lilly Perkinson ’22
Printmaking JC: Lilly Sutton ’20 DA: Millie Whitmore ’20
Functional Ceramics JC: Dakota Bemberis ’22 DA: Perrin Gilman ’22
KEY: JC = Judges’ Choice DA = Department Award
A MAJOR HONOR (IN G MINOR)
Atesh Camurdan ’20 was selected as the state winner of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) student composer competition, one of the country’s most prestigious composition awards. Recognized for his work, “Nocturne in G minor,” written for solo piano, Camurdan then advanced to the division level, which was comprised of winners from several states.
REGIONAL ORCHESTRA
On November 8 and 9, Lela Creamer ’20 represented Trinity in the South Central Senior Regional Orchestra in Lynchburg. This competitive orchestra required a strenuous audition process including sight reading for judges and is comprised of students from all over Virginia. T I TA N T R A I L
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CABARET 2020
The 2019 installment of Cabaret, Trinity’s premiere performing-arts revue, featured two dozen musical selections — all related to the theme of “time” — and all performed by a talented mix of Titans, both students and faculty. Among the highlights: the iconic Swedish rock hit, “Final Countdown” performed by Trinity’s talented Orchestra; John Larus ’20 on piano and Jay Sabharwal ’20 on saxophone were the perfect duo in their performance of the jazz classic, “Take Five;” and making us all wish it was summertime was David McCraken’s ’20 country rocking rendition of “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Other memorable moments included the Italian ballad “Time to Say Goodbye” performed by Atesh Camurdan ’20 on cello, Caitlynn Collins ’20 beautifully choreographed dance to Beyonce’s pop hit “End of Time,” and Peyton Guise ’20 accompanied with full band and a light show in her performance of Pink Floyd’s “Time.” More photos available at 20
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trinityes.org/photos
SCHOLASTIC REGIONAL AWARDS FOR TRINITY ARTISTS Four Trinity artists have been recognized in the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, described as “the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious educational initiative supporting student achievement in the visual and literary arts.” “Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients,” reads the official award description. “Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.” Recognizing exceptional artwork by students in grades 7–12 throughout the U.S., Scholastic provides the largest source of creativity-based scholarships for middle and high school students. This year, Rebecca Short ’21 represented Trinity as a Gold Key honoree, making her eligible for national recognition by a panel of creative–industry experts. Along with the work of other gold-key winners from around the city, her towering turquoise-glazed ceramic work, “Oasis Teapot” was displayed at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond from February 8-16, 2020.
Trinity’s 2020 Regional Scholastic Art Award Winners: Rebecca Short ’21 — Gold Key (ceramics) Sara Nedeff ’22 — Silver Key (photography) Molly Ranson ’21 — Silver Key (photography) Emma Smith ’21 — Honorable Mention (4) (photography) The Trinity visual arts curriculum includes photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media and much more. Course levels are designed to meet the needs of beginning students through IB art certificate students. Trinity’s 4,000-plus square-foot visual arts center brings together artists, painters and sculptors in a spectacular trinityes.org/arts collaborative space. Learn more at
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BARNES STORMING It was only the second day of the trip, and already the IB Arts students were showing signs of “Florence syndrome,” the fabled aesthetic sickness from seeing too much beautiful art at one time. “I am just overwhelmed,” said one student.
In addition to the Barnes, the group also visited the Rodin Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Fabric Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) and the utterly unique Magic Gardens, a dazzling folk art experience near Center City.
To be fair, Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation museum has been known to have an overwhelming effect on visitors before. A brick-by-brick recreation of the personal collection of Albert C. Barnes, the museum combines avant garde paintings, medieval ironworks and folk art antiques in a one-of-a-kind space.
“I wanted students to look at the curation of the galleries and begin thinking about their upcoming [IB Arts] exhibitions this spring,” said Amy Baynum Chaplin ’88, visual art department chair. “How do we create a show and think about the viewer’s experience? How do we use that visual language to communicate our ideas?”
The Barnes visit was just one of dozens of unforgettable experiences enjoyed by the group of IB Arts course candidates on their three-day trip to Philadelphia, January 12-14, 2020. A favorite Trinity tradition for more than a decade, the trip alternates each year between Philadelphia and other urban arts centers like New York, Chicago and Baltimore.
The unique experience of seeing iconic works of art in real life has been an important driver for the trip for over ten years. Dylan Dhindsa ’20 was struck by the scale and detail in Rodin’s “The Thinker.” “I was able to get close and examine every detail… It was different than I expected,” said Dhindsa. “Being able to experience such a famous piece of artwork was inspiring and fascinating.”
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ON A HIGHER LEVEL
The second annual IB higher-level science poster session filled the Estes Athletic Center with discussions of independent and dependent variables, hypotheses, summaries and conclusions on the morning of Wednesday, January 22. About 30 students in IB Higher Level biology, chemistry and physics classes set up posters showing the results of internal assessment lab experiments. Each student devised their own experiment with guidance from science teachers. Topics included “The Effect of Mass on the Angular Frequency of a Spring” and “The Effect of Different Antacids on the pH of Hydrochloric Acid.” “This is now the second year we’ve had this event,” said Kasie Kemp, physics teacher. “This really prepares students well for the type of poster sessions they will be expected to present in college science classes.” Hundreds of other students and faculty circulated through the gym, interviewing the presenters for details about their topic. “I was impressed by their creativity, the thoroughness of their analysis,” said Head of School Rob Short. “Even when their experiments didn’t turn out exactly as they planned, they had the tools to analyze and understand why — and to eloquently communicate that to a wide audience.” Learn more about IB at Trinity at
trinityes.org/IB T I TA N T R A I L
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UNEXPECTED GIFTS by Anne Hurt, Director of Development tough calls. It wasn’t easy those first few years, but Shands was up to the task. He believed in Trinity then and still does today. Trinity was founded on the perseverance of those who believed what could be. When I asked Shands what he thought about Trinity today, he simply said, “unbelievable.” And so are you, Mr. Shands!
Trinity moms from left to right: Hope Bolger, Ruby Jane Robertson, Marilyn Kern, Virginia Goodman, Patricia Brady, Brenda West, Marilyn Stewart and Martha Singdahlsen
During my time at Trinity and through my work in nonprofit fundraising, I have quickly learned that gifts come in many shapes and forms. It’s a kind word. A new friend. A listening ear. A smile. An introduction. A hand written note. It’s the unexpected.
Billy Shands, Bob Goodman and the Rev. Robert Steilberg break ground for Trinity’s first building.
On the next page you will read about our upcoming capital project for a sports turf field in Aycock Stadium. Just like so many of our campus enhancements, this project all began because families and individuals came forward and wanted something better for our students. What was once a dream for our athletics program is now becoming a reality because of the generous spirit from the Trinity community. These bonds and selfless acts are the foundation of Trinity. I am thankful for those who each day choose to give in some way to the Titan community. We are made better, stronger and kinder because of you.
Trinity’s history is steeped in generosity. This fall I had the pleasure of having lunch with a group of moms whose children attended Trinity together. Started by Susan Manning ten years ago, this group gathers the first Wednesday of every month for free pie and laughter at one of their favorite local restaurants. It was almost like their children had graduated from Trinity just last year from the way they were reminiscing! I so enjoyed the conversation and stories shared with this group of women who were brought together because of Trinity. It was an instant connection that turned into lifelong friendships — a gift that has spanned over four decades. Billy Shands was — and still is — a true gift to Trinity. I met Mr. Shands and his wife, Lynneth, a year ago upon learning about his involvement in Trinity’s founding. Shands was Trinity’s first board chairman and worked tirelessly those early years when a new independent school south of the James River was nothing but a dream. Shands rallied the troops. He sought out the funding. He hired Trinity’s first headmaster, Bob Goodman. He made the
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Billy Shands and Anne Hurt during a recent visit
TURF AT TRINITY It is with much excitement we announce the addition of a sports turf field to Trinity’s athletic facilities. The new synthetic grass field will be located in Aycock Stadium where our community gathers time and time again for athletic contests and school events. This campus enhancement will allow our student-athletes the opportunity to hone their skills on a collegiate-level field while having the flexibility to play in all weather conditions. “The addition of a turf field in Aycock Stadium is more than just an aesthetic improvement,” said Anna Prillaman, athletic director. “It provides our student athletes the chance to play on a surface that is in line with other league and state member schools, as well as championship play. We are thrilled about the doors this opens for us in regards to competitive preparation as well as the day to day operation conveniences it provides the school,” said Anna Prillaman, athletic director. We are grateful to a number of lead donors who identified a need and wanted something better for our student-athletes and the entire Trinity community. This generosity propelled the project and gave us the momentum needed to move forward with construction plans. To date $615,000 has been raised towards the $1 million goal.
To add your support to the turf field project, send your check to Trinity with “turf field” in the memo line, or give online at www.trinityes.org/give by choosing Capital and indicating “turf field” in the remarks section.
For more information, contact: Anne Hurt, Director of Development, (804) 327-3154, annehurt@trinityes.org
TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL MULTI SPORT FIELD Turf Field Plans for Aycock Stadium
Girls Lacrosse
Field Hockey
Boys Lacrosse
Football
PHONE: 843-936-6023 Summer 2020 FAX: 843-410-5712 INFO@SPRINTURF.COM FAIRCHILD STREET, DANIEL ISLAND, 29492 Football, field hockey and boys and girls lacrosse will utilize the new sports turf field. Boys and girls soccer will146play on the former fieldSChockey field. The project will also include resurfacing the current track which is much needed.
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FA L L / W I N T E R
ATHLETICS
FINISHING STRONG Henry Coleman III ’20 glides to the basket in an early-January game on Dale Travis Court. Coleman was named the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Player of the Year for the second-straight year in 2020, capping off a season in which he set the all-time Trinity boys scoring record (2,007). Coleman and eight other seniors helped lead the Titans to their fourth-consecutive Virginia Prep League title with a 64-54 win at St. Anne’s-Belfield on February 22.
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Athletics
BOYS SOCCER HEAD COACH: Brian Phillips (24th season) CAPTAINS: Andrew Arnold ’20, Matt Young ’20 W/L RECORD: Overall: 12-6-1 / VPL: 2-3-0 POSTSEASON: 4th in VPL; advanced to quarterfinals of VISAA State Tournament BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Colin Flood ’23 was the team leader in both goals scored (11) and total points (26). INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-Prep: Andrew Arnold ’20, Colin Flood ’23
FIELD HOCKEY HEAD COACH: Margie Vaughan Snead ’85 (21st season) CAPTAINS: JaNiece Woodson ’20, Callie Srader ’20, Mollie Schuma ’20, Cori Nichols ’20 W/L RECORD: Overall: 21-0 / LIS: 8-0 POSTSEASON: LIS Champions (6th consecutive); VISAA (state Champions (2nd consecutive)
COACH’S REMARKS: Our goals were team unity and resiliency — and to qualify for the VISAA tournament. All of these met and or developed throughout the season. Our motto was “Complete the process,” developed by our small, but fantastic group of four-year varsity seniors. The boys had great team chemistry and drive to learn and improve. Memorable moments included winning the Woodberry Tournament by beating a team from Annapolis as well as a first-round win in the VISAA tournament versus Woodberry, which was our best match of the season.
BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Undefeated for second straight season, going 44-0 and outscoring opponents 204-10. INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-LIS: Cori Nichols ’20 (POY), Mollie Schuma ’20, Callie Srader ’20, Emily Field ’21, Genevieve Johnson ’21 • All-State (1st Team): Cori Nichols ’20 (POY), Mollie Schuma ’20, Emily Field ’21, Genevieve Johnson ’21; (2nd Team): Annie Nash ’21 • RTD All-Metro: Cori Nichols ’20 (POY), Schuma, Emily Field ’21, Genevieve Johnson ’21, Emerie Loftis ’21 COACH’S REMARKS: While it was difficult to go into the season with the weight of an undefeated season on their shoulders, I was very happy to see them recognize it was a new season and a new team. It was their own story to write and their own ending to determine, and they did a great job of being themselves, focusing on their own strengths and taking it one game at a time. We will be returning a lot of starters and they all work very hard in the off season. I am excited to see how they will make the season their own.
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Athletics
FOOTBALL HEAD COACH: Sam Mickens (8th season) CAPTAINS: James Nelson ’20, Jalen “Mouse” Smith ’20, Carter Hugate ’20, Jeremy Singleton ’20 W/L RECORD: Overall: 6-5 / VPL: 2-2 POSTSEASON: 3rd in VPL; 4th in VISAA (state) BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Defeated Prep League rivals St. Christopher’s, Collegiate and Norfolk Academy in consecutive weeks. INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-Prep: RB-Joe Love ’20, OL-Jeremy Singleton ’20, LB-Daniel Eliasek ’21, WR-Trai Ferguson ’22 • All-State (1st Team): OL-Jeremy Singleton ’20, Ath.-Jalen Smith ’20, DB-Dray Bailey ’20; (2nd Team): RB-Joe Love ’20, DE-James Nelson ’20, Kicker-Connor McClung ’21, QB-Jack Toscano ’22, WR-Trai Ferguson ’22; (Honorable Mention): LB-Daniel Eliasek ’21, LB-Louis “LJ” Jones ’22, DE-Elijah Rainer ’22, OL-Jackson Hanback ’20, WR-Balke Keller ’20. COACH’S REMARKS: Family! This team was one of the closest teams I’ve been a part of in my 13 years at TES. They loved each other enough to be able to hold each other accountable in uncomfortable situations. In terms of culture and growth of the program this is the one of, if not the best group I’ve been around. Collectively, our senior leadership is the best we’ve had since our title years and their influence will be felt for years to come. It will be hard to replace the seniors from this team, but we’re lucky to have a great group of juniors eager to step in and continue their legacy. The 2019 team set the new standard for what Titan Football should be moving forward.
GIRLS TENNIS HEAD COACH: Alicia Raymond (1st season) CAPTAINS: Catherine Lee DeSouza ’20 and Sophie Bruns ’20 W/L RECORD: Overall: 9-11 / League: 3-8 POSTSEASON: 4th in LIS; 8th in VISAA (state) BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Sophie Bruns ’20 had the best overall singles record (15-3) and Grace MacDougall ’20 won every challenge match she had this season. INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-LIS: Catherine Lee DeSouza ’20 • All-State: Catherine Lee DeSouza ’20 COACH’S REMARKS: This season, every girl, seeds 1-12, had a memorable match. We rallied together as a team and won against teams we had lost to previously, earned more games and points against defending state champions, supported each other through injuries, stepping up on the ladder when needed, and succeeded in several matches that were literally played in the dark! The team was outscored by only two points in the LIS Tournament and earned a spot in the VISAA State Tournament.
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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY HEAD COACH: Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00 (15th season) CAPTAINS: Eudora Nordt ’20 and Abby Knight ’20 POSTSEASON: 4th in LIS; 6th in VISAA (state) BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Missed VISAA goal of top 5 finish by 1 point at state meet. Dropped overall average time by more than 2 minutes and lowered spread (amount of time between first and fifth runner) by almost 3 minutes. INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-LIS: Kayla Quigley ’22, Ashley Dobzyniak ’21, and Kiera Fisher ’21 • All-State: Kayla Quigley ’22, Ashley Dobzyniak ’21, and Kiera Fisher ’21 COACH’S REMARKS: This season was incredibly enjoyable as we had a mix of experience levels and built on the foundation of the runners who have come through the program. Our team always operates as a family, developing strong bonds throughout the season. “Every step stronger” is a motto we use. We just missed our goals for finishes in the LIS and VISAA, however we improved significantly in terms of our team’s time average and spread between runners, and every runner set a personal best during the season. We also had two alumni, Rachel Cisek ’12 and Molly Breidenbaugh ’14, on the coaching staff as well as major support from Ellis Mumford ’16.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH: Steve VanHuss (3rd season) CAPTAINS: Jillian Allen ’20, Gabrielle Echard ’20, Kenly Morriss ’20 W/L RECORD: Overall: 11-14 / LIS: 5-7 POSTSEASON: 5th in LIS INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-LIS: Lily Jennette ’23 COACH’S REMARKS: Our team goal was to improve every day, and the team’s season was defined by a never-quit attitude. Led by our senior captains, our record improved from seven wins in 2018 to 11 wins in 2019. Freshman Lily Jeannette ’23 led the team in aces, attacks and passing percentage. Jillian Allen ’20 led the team in assists. Kenley Morriss ’20, our libero, led the team in digs and Gabrielle Echard ’20 led the team in blocks. With several returning players, we are looking forward to improving our record this coming season.
HEAD COACH: Marcus Jones ’00 (16th season) CAPTAINS: Nick Totaro ’20, Brendan Kelley ’21, and Nathan Sauls ’21 POSTSEASON: 6th in VPL; 17th in VISAA (state) COACH’S REMARKS: While the team didn’t record many wins this year the boys showed nice improvement throughout the season with our top 5 average time dropping by 1:18 on the same course. The team had a lot of new runners and being able to complete a 5K was a major achievement for a portion of the team. I was most pleased with our top group who elevated their training by season’s end with significant increases in weekly mileage and a greater intensity on weekly training runs. With the entire team from the state meet returning in 2020 we should see continued improvement.
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Athletics COACH’S REMARKS: This year’s team played hard, played together, and gave Titan Nation a lot to be proud of. The team never gave up and won five games after trailing by double digits. With nine seniors among its 15 players, the bond and lifetime friendships between them are an example for all high school teams. There were great on-court accomplishments, but the off-court memories will last a lifetime. A particular highlight was the day spent in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, playing laser tag and seeing a reproduction of the Wright Brothers first flight at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
BOYS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH: Rick Hamlin ’96 (9th season) CAPTAINS: Martin Lomax ’20, Burke Smith ’20, Henry Coleman ’20 W/L RECORD: Overall: 23-8 / VPL: 11-1 POSTSEASON: VPL: 1st place, tournament champion (4th consecutive), VISAA State Final Four (5th time in seven years) BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: 20-plus wins for ninth consecutive year; ranked No. 2 in Richmond Times-Dispatch Top 10 (all public and private schools in metro area); Henry Coleman III ’20 broke the Trinity boys career scoring record, finishing with 2,007 points. MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Beating a previously undefeated St. Christopher’s team on their home court to hand them their first loss; winning the last Trinity game at Benedictine’s historic Memorial Gymnasium; beating an extremely talented postgraduate travel team from Canada, winning the Prep League championship game over STAB at STAB (avenging only VPL loss) INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-Prep: Henry Coleman III ’20 (Player of the Year, Tournament MVP), Burke Smith ’20, AJ Williams ’21 • All-State: (1st Team) Henry Coleman III ’20; (2nd Team) AJ Williams ’21 • All-Metro: (1st Team) Henry Coleman III ’20 (Player of the Year); (3rd Team) AJ Williams ’21 30
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GIRLS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH: Adam Lonon (3rd season) CAPTAINS: Kristy Hamze ’20, Caroline Kiefer ’20, Tiffani Bartee ’21 W/L RECORD: Overall: 15-12 / LIS: 2-3 POSTSEASON: 4th in LIS (loss in semifinals of LIS tournament) BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Kristy Hamze ’20 surpassed 1,000 career points on January 3, 2020 vs. Central Virginia Homeschool, finishing her high school career with 1,279 (780 at Trinity). MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Team trip to Northern Virginia: took home a 54-49 win against Pope John Paul the Great and almost beat the No. 5 VISAA ranked team (Episcopal), but lost at the buzzer (56 - 55). INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-LIS: Kristy Hamze ’20, Alyssa Chapman ’21 • All-State: (2nd Team): Kristy Hamze ’20 COACH’S REMARKS: Our team mantra was “Get. It. Done.” By any means possible, we wanted to make game-winning plays. Some nights we succeeded
Athletics — and others we played hard but struggled to execute on the offensive end. Overall, our attitude as a team was more family oriented and the girls enjoyed playing together. The team extended Trinity’s streak of seasons with winning records to five. Although we ended the season 15-12, ten of those losses came by single digits. In the future, we will need to learn ways to close out games and bring the same energy each night. Next year, a strong group of returning players will step up and rise to the occasion.
SWIMMING
collectively together. Swimmers had to step up and swim events that provided a better result for the team rather than themselves. For the boys, the state meet proved to be their defining moment. They constantly got better as the year progressed and had an absolutely amazing state meet, earning 4th in the state. For the girls, it was a season in which they had to constantly overcome adversity. Despite several swimmers entering the state meet with injuries or coming off illness, the girls stepped up and earned a top-five finish against some of the toughest competition I have seen at states in years.
HEAD COACH: Tim Johnson (2nd season) CAPTAINS: Matt Williams ’20, Charlie Boykin ’21, Sydney Whiting ’20, Kenley Morriss ’20, Claire Gorey ’20 W/L RECORD: Girls: 26-3 / Boys: 29-4 POSTSEASON: Girls: 3rd in LIS; 5th in VISAA (state) Boys: 4th in VPL; 4th in VISAA (state) BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: • Atesh Camurdan ’20: team record in 100 Fly (50.41); team record in 100 Back (50.49) • Sydney Whiting ’20: broke her own LIS record in 50 Free (23.53) and 100 Free (50.09); broke her own state record in 100 Free at VISAA State Championships (49.65) INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • Atesh Camurdan ’20: All-Prep (100 Fly, 100 Back), All-State (100 Fly, 100 Back), VPL Co-Swimmer of the Year, RTD Scholar-Athlete of the Month (January 2020) • Sydney Whiting ’20: All-LIS (50 Free, 100 Free), All-State (50 Free, 100 Free), LIS Co-Swimmer of the Year; VISAA Swimmer of the Year, All-American AA-B (50 Freestyle), All-American AA-A (100 Freestyle), RTD Scholar-Athlete of the Month (February 2020) COACH’S REMARKS: It was another great season for Trinity swimmers, and the Trinity community should be proud of them. While swimming may be seen as an individual sport, we are scored
TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH: Kendrick Richardson (1st season) POSTSEASON: More than 10 athletes qualified for state championships. BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Five top-ten finishes at the VISAA state championship meet; in every meet, 80% of the team set a personal best; Joe Love ‘20 and Kendrick Robinson ‘20 broke the school record for the high jump (6’0) INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES: • All-State (VISAA): Joe Love ’20 (high jump, 3rd place); Ashley Dobzyniac ’21 (one-mile, 3rd place); Kayla Quigley ’22 (9th) • All-Metro: Joe Love ‘20 (high jump, (6’0)), Kendrick Robinson ‘20 (high jump, (6’0)) COACH’S REMARKS: The team’s goals were to get better every week and to have a large representation and place at the championship meets. We achieved every goal we had set for ourselves and more. We wanted to get out hard and compete: every rep, every race. Compared to previous seasons, there was a lot more energy. The team is a lot younger, but a lot hungrier. With the majority of the team being underclassmen, we have a few years to continue to build on the momentum from this indoor season. There is a new energy surrounding track and field.
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HEADLINE MAKERS COACH OF THE WEEK
On Sunday, December 22, Sam Mickens, head football coach, was honored at the RedskinsGiants game for being Redskins Coach of the Week. He, along with the eight other honorees from Maryland, Virginia and DC received a pregame tour of the stadium, press box and field.
MILLENNIAL PERFORMANCES
A PERFECT SEQUEL
On February 7, 2020 the the varsity field hockey team gathered at midcourt in the Estes Athletic Center to receive their second straight state championship banner in front of hundreds of Titans and fans. Just two days before Oscar night, the team was recognized for a season worthy of an Academy Award, going undefeated for the second year in a row and crafting a fitting sequel to 2019’s perfect season.
On January 21, Kristy Hamze ’20 was presented with a commemorative basketball for scoring her 1,000th point during her Trinity career. Henry Coleman III ’20 broke the 2,000 point mark at the end of the season, scoring a total of 2,007 points for his Trinity basketball career. Coleman will graduate as the alltime highest scorer in boys basketball at Trinity.
Going 21-0 in 2019, the Titans are 44-0 over the past two seasons and have outscored their opponents 244-10. 2019 marked both their sixth LIS championship and their sixth state-final appearance in a row. Head Coach Margie Vaughan Snead ’85 also earned her 300th win in October. “It was difficult to go into the season with the weight of an undefeated season on their shoulders,” said Snead. “I was very happy to see them recognize it was a new season and a new team. It was their own story to write and their own ending to determine. They did a great job of being themselves and focusing on their own strengths.” A remarkable five Titans earned spots on the Richmond TimesDispatch All-Metro First Team for 2019, an elite group made up of the best field hockey players from the region, both public and private schools. Emerie Loftis ’21, Mollie Schuma ’20, Emily Field ’21 and Genevieve Johnson ’21 joined All-Metro Player of the Year Cori Nichols ’20 on the list, which was announced January 1, 2020. 32
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SWIMMERS SWEEP SCHOLAR-ATHLETE RECOGNITION
Atesh Camurdan ’20 and Sydney Whiting ’20 earned back-toback honors as Richmond Times-Dispatch SportsBackers ScholarAthletes of the Month for December and January, respectively. Both were recognized for the combination of their dedication to both their academic pursuits and athletic excellence.
Athletics
GOOD SIGNS Parents, family, faculty, coaches and students gathered in the Estes Athletic Center on three occasions to celebrate thirteen Trinity seniors officially committing to competing in intercollegiate athletics next year. These dates have become a customary time for seniors to sign their national letters of intent, and Trinity seniors joined student-athletes nationwide for these “National Signing Day” ceremonies. Athletic Director Anna Prillaman concluded the program in November with a personal reflection on the experience of being a college athlete. “Sometimes when you excel at a sport, you can get put in a box, and for some people, that becomes what you’re known as,” Prillaman said. “I want you to know that you can always come back to Trinity and we will remember and love you for who you are as a person.”
FALL 2019 NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES
WINTER 2020 LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES
• Henry Coleman ’20 (basketball) — Duke University • Kristy Hamze ’20 (basketball) — Queens University of Charlotte • Mollie Schuma ’20 (field hockey) — College of William & Mary • Burke Smith ’20 (basketball) — Boise State University • Callie Srader ’20 (field hockey) — Ball State University • James Nelson ’20 (baseball) — Longwood University • Cori Nichols ’20 (field hockey) — University of Richmond • Sydney Whiting ’20 (swimming) — University of Notre Dame • Matt Williams ’20 (lacrosse) — Randolph-Macon College
• Jeremy Singleton ’20 (football) — University of Richmond • Blake Keller ’20 (football) — Clarion University • Mary-Catherine Petrucelli ’20 (soccer) — Roanoke College • Jalen “Mouse” Smith ’20 (football) — Clarion University
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2019
HOMECOMING
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Homecoming Weekend 2019 A spirited two-day celebration of all things Trinity Homecoming weekend 2019 was a spirited success, as over 300 alumni, parents and guests gathered for events over two perfect fall days. The weekend kicked off with the traditional student Pep Rally in the Estes Athletic Center. Following a week of interclass competition, including an egg toss, knockout, and a rousing lip-sync battle, the Class of 2020 won the coveted Titan Cup. Titans then spread out across the athletic fields in four contests on Friday evening, claiming victory in three. Boys soccer defeated Blue Ridge School in a close match (1-0). The field hockey team defended their home field against state rival Norfolk Academy (4-1). Girls volleyball defeated STAB (3-0), while girls tennis narrowly fell to STAB (5-4). Later that evening, alumni from the classes of 4s and 9s gathered in the Academic Commons for a Reunions Weekend celebration. The class of 1989 had one of the largest turnouts, as they celebrated their 30th reunion. Alumni reminisced with old friends and teachers, finding familiar faces amidst a growing campus with new facilities built since their graduation. Festivities continued into the night with the Annual Oyster Roast in Dunn Courtyard. Saturday morning’s events began with a luncheon honoring the IB diploma candidates from the recently graduated class of 2019. Only a few weeks into their first semester at college, the graduates remarked that the Trinity IB Diploma Programme has given them a boost in their writing, time management and critical thinking skills. On Saturday afternoon, current students and alumni from the class of 2019 picked up their copies of the fresh-from-the box Shield yearbook, which were completed over the summer and printed this fall. School spirit was on full display at Aycock Stadium for the weekend’s culminating football game. After the Trinity Tri-tones a capella group sang the national anthem, the Trinity Pep Band kept the crowd on its feet throughout the game. With excellent all-around play, and the support of the student cheering section, the Titans beat North Cross School (45-10) to cap off a thrilling game and a successful Homecoming Weekend. See more photos from Homecoming Weekend 2019 at
trinityes.org/photos
CLASS CHAIRS NEEDED! We are looking for Homecoming reunion class chairs to help bring the classes of 0s and 5s together. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Julia Bowling, alumni relations associate at juliabowling@trintiyes.org or (804) 327-3153.
S AV E T HE DA TE October 30 -3 1, 2020
0s & 5s CLASSES
Homecoming For more inf orm
ation, please
REUNION
OF
S
Weekend
visit trinitye
s.org/Homec
oming.
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DAY G R A N D PA R E N T S
The Thursday before Homecoming is traditionally Grandparents Day at Trinity. Grandparents of new students enjoyed musical performances by the jazz ensemble, string orchestra and choral singers, before touring campus with their grandchildren. See more photos at
1 WSI NP RT EI NRG 22001290 36
trinityes.org/photos
NOTES CLASS
BOWLING
Class of 1975
Mike Jenkins ’75 and Linda Conwell Harris ’75 caught up at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly, Virginia in October.
Class of 1979
Susan Snead Bowling ’79 writes: “My oldest daughter Hillary was married on October 19, 2019 in Allens Fresh, Maryland. It was a beautiful fall day on the farm where my husband and our girls grew up. It was great to have so many loved ones all in one place to celebrate!” Other Titans in attendance include family members Kim Snead Maxey ’76, Billy Snead ’82, Margie Vaughan Snead ’85, and daughter and current Trinity staff member Julia Bowling.
Class of 1981
Lt. Paula Coleman Senn ’81 writes: “I’m currently flying for FedEx and was recently promoted to Captain of the Airbus300. I work
SENN
JENKINS AND HARRIS
about 16 days a month so it’s practically like a part time job! The rest of the time my kiddos Connor (16) and Hanna (12) keep me very busy.”
Annual Young Alumni Holiday Luncheon Trinity faculty and staff greeted young alumni home from college in the the Speight Alumni Room in early January.
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class Notes music. After living in Cambridgeshire for the past 22 years (22 years spent with my husband shortly after meeting him upon moving back), we are now proud parents of an 8-year-old daughter. Recently, I have received my first promotion following 17 years in my previous role, managing a team of five other peer review administrators, managing 35 journals on various subject matter including maths, fluid mechanics, psychiatry, and myself managing five journals on nutrition.”
Class of 2000
Mariah Hornbuckle Beal ’00 writes: “After living overseas and traveling around the United States, we have settled in my husband’s hometown of Burlington, North Carolina. The kids are excited to stay in one school system. They keep us very busy in all kinds of extracurricular activities.”
SANDERSON
Kate Jennings Ray ’00 joined the faculty at the VCU School of Nursing in August 2019 where she is teaching in the psychiatric nursing curriculum.
BEAL
ZWICKER
Class of 1984
Polly Patton Wood ’84 writes: “In 2017, I retired from the corporate world of real estate and purchased Sterling Boutique in the Bon Air Shopping Center from the prior owner who ran the business since 2000. I did some remodeling, but only to enhance the quaint charm of this gem of a store!”
Class of 1994
Carrie Belt Rogers ’00 and her family own and operate the popular Trailside Treehouse. It has been named by Airbnb as a Top 10 Place to Stay in Virginia, listed on Fatherly as one of the Best Treehouses for Families on Airbnb, and Inside Hook’s Top 8 Airbnbs to Watch the Leaves change among other accolades. Carrie and her husband Josh hope that guests will relax and relive the wonder and creativity that a childhood treehouse has to offer. Chris Williamson ’00 and wife Mary welcomed their second child, June Palmer, on October 15, 2019. Big brother Ames is very excited to have a little sister.
Bill Sanderson ’94 writes: “On January 16, two more little boys made their way into our world, family, and hearts. They’re doing great and are being well cared for by a zealous, loving team of big brothers and happy if flummoxed parents.”
Class of 1997
Victoria Zwicker ’97 writes: “In December 2017, my sister Bronwen Zwicker ’00 was diagnosed with ALS, at the age of thirty-five. TeamBronwen.org has been set up by Bronwen’s friends and family and is entirely dedicated to all things Bronwen and especially to help raise funds so that Bronwen can continue to receive the best possible care, in her own home. We are trying to bring a community together to support Bronwen, her husband and the entire Zwicker family.”
Class of 1998
Juanita Goossens-Roach ’98 writes: “After moving to another school for my final year, I moved back to the UK, where I lived before attending Trinity. I attended university in Cambridge studying 38
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ROGERS
class Notes
LAUTERBACK
ALLISON
Class of 2001
Catherine Seward Allison ’01 writes: “I moved to Lilongwe, Malawi with my husband and three kids (ages 12, 10, 8) in December 2018. With a year of full-time language study under our belts, I’m excited to begin my work as a pediatric nurse practitioner in a local clinic here in Lilongwe. If any Titans ever happen to pass through the Warm Heart of Africa, feel free to look us up!” Trip Jennings ’01 directed the film “Rewilding a Mountain” that received the Best Branded Content Conservation Film award at the Portland Ecofilm Festival in September 2019. Jack Lauterback ’01 and Courtney Standerfer married on October 12, 2019 at Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia. Titans in attendance included Jay Pritchard ’01, Chris Henry ’01, Jeff Meyer ’96, and Coach Sam Mickens.
Class of 2005
Clair Zeno Carpenter ’05 and Will Carpenter’s ’05 son William was baptized in early January. It was a full family celebration with the kids of Lya Zeno Sinclair ’02, Kristen Grotos Spain ’03, Josh Spain ’00, and Falor Zeno ’08 coming to cheer on their cousin alongside Hillary Wood Grotos ’77 and Tappe Grotos ’15! Kathryn Mauck ’05 and husband Bryan Conklin welcomed Gwynevere Page on October 10, 2019 at 8:25 p.m. She measured 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 20.5 in.
Class of 2007 and 2008
Caroline Mauck ’07 and Colin Healy ’08 were married on October 5, 2019 in Gloucester, Virginia.
Class of 2003
Paige Schurlknight Antill ’03 and her husband Greg welcomed Colette Elisabeth Antill to their family, joining big brother Asher, on March 22, 2019!
TRIP JENNINGS
MAUCK AND HEALY
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class Notes
Johnson ’14: An Officer and a Son Camm Johnson ‘14 earned the Lt. Gen. Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor Award on December 19, 2019 in conjunction with his graduation and commissioning from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The scholarship pays tribute to Foley’s actions in the Vietnam War. In a January 13 article published on the US Army’s website, the award recognized Johnson’s “high degree of selflessness and commitment” for taking a six-month leave from the academy to care for his ailing mother. Johnson will soon become an Engineer officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington with the 2nd Brigade.
DESCH
Mary Simpson Desch ’08 and husband Toby welcomed their son Christopher Tobias “Tee” Desch on January 17, 2020. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz.
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ZENO
Falor Zeno ’08 and wife Sara welcomed their first child, Savannah, on November 29 measuring 9 lbs. 12 oz.
class Notes
Flying Squirrels Play ball! Richmond area alumni were invited to a night of baseball to cheer on the Richmond Flying Squirrels in early August.
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class Notes
Trinity
Athletic
HALL of FAME
Weiler ’00 and Wong ’03 In a midcourt ceremony on the evening of Saturday, December 7, Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00 and Kristen Wong ’03 became the latest inductees into the Trinity Athletic Hall of Fame. Announced in front of an enthusiastic home crowd during halftime of the boys final of the Dale Travis Invitational Basketball Tournament, Weiler and Wong joined 32 previous inductees on the list. Those include the seven who were in attendance on Saturday: Swannee Goodman Ericson ’75, Richard K. “Dick” Harman, Marcus Jones ’00, Marcus E. Nelson ’06, Brian Rollins, Margie Vaughan Snead ’85, Rick Hamlin ’96. Weiler competed on several sports teams during her time as a Titan including soccer, lacrosse, basketball and field hockey. She was a part of the 1999 and 2000 basketball championship teams and the 2000 lacrosse championship team. During her senior season of lacrosse, she scored 62 goals and was named Athlete of the Year. She is now the Head of Community Engagement at Trinity and coaches the girls cross country team. Wong played lacrosse, field hockey and basketball during her time at Trinity. She was a part of the 2001 and 2002 lacrosse championship teams. She went on to play lacrosse for the College of William & Mary where she was named a two-time First Team All-CAA player and was also selected to the United States Women’s Elite team. Wong is now completing her surgical residency in New York.
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class Notes
CANTONE
SNEAD
Class of 2009
MAGILL
BLAKE
Class of 2016
Katie Markunas ’09 writes, “This is my 6th year teaching and I love it!” She works for Virginia Episcopal School as a 9th and 10th grade English teacher, head swim team coach, dorm parent, resident assistant advisor, and JV soccer coach. Her boyfriend is the athletic director at Hargrave Military Academy. They live in Chatham, Virginia with two rescue dogs.
Annie Snead ’16 finished her senior field hockey season at William & Mary with a bang! She was named as NFHCA 2nd-Team All-Region, VaSID 2nd-Team All-State and part of the CAA AllTournament Team. She also broke the William & Mary record for number of career assists with 26.
Elizabeth Mason Wood ’09 married Abbott Lee Trotter on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Tuckahoe Plantation. The couple now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Claire Magill ’17 was named to the 1st-Team All-ODAC team following her third season on the Randolph-Macon field hockey team.
Class of 2010
Jordan Clevey ’10 writes: “I work at Peter Post Restoration LLC. We specialize in the restoration of buildings pre-1850 and have worked on projects at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, The Inn at Little Washington and The Old Mansion just to name a few. I also run a custom print shop & brand called Cherboys Customs. We create high quality products for customers through screen printing and embroidery. We have done merchandise for clients like 12 Ridges Vineyard, PaperBoy Golf Co. and Michigan State University Men’s Lacrosse team to name a few.”
Class of 2017
Smith Blake ’17 writes: “VMI has definitely been the toughest thing I have ever faced. Great adversity is bound to occur throughout the four years, but it is only in preparation for what lies ahead of us in life. I am proud to be a part of such a great institution that upholds the values that are important to the growth of the young men and women of our nation. The friendships and relationships forged at VMI will last forever, it is truly an unbreakable bond of brotherhood. Currently I am a history major with a French minor.” Blake will graduate in spring 2021.
Class of 2012
Chris Cantone ’12 married Elena Alba on July 27, 2019 at The Barn at Evermore in Luray, Virginia. Titans in attendance included Guy Shelby ’12, Hayden Hodges ’10, Bailey Hardy ’16, his sister Katie Cantone ’16, and mother Mary Evans ’82.
Class of 2014
Madison Bassett ’14 is a recruitment specialist for Travel Nurses Inc. located in Memphis, Tennessee. She helps traveling nurses find job openings in cities around the United States. Through strong relationship building she is able to find each nurse the perfect fit. “I love getting to know the nurses and helping them find a job that they will love. I get to be a genuine and supportive resource to them.” Austin Zajur ’14 was featured in not one, but two Super Bowl commercials during the big game in early February. One was for Walmart and the other a hilarious sendup of the “father-son talk” for Rakuten. Find them online.
Trinity in Atlanta Trinity’s development team, Anne Hurt and Julia Bowling, caught up with Michael Gragnani ’95 and Pam Kauffman Adams ’84 in Atlanta at a Richmond-area schools alumni event with St. Christopher’s, St. Catherine’s and Collegiate Schools in early January. T I TA N T R A I L
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class Notes
Class of 2018
Caroline McGonegal ’18 writes: “I just returned from my gap semester in Southeast Asia, and wow, what a trip! It was one of the craziest yet most fulfilling experiences of my life — we hit everything from major cities to mountain top villages in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The service, cultural immersion and adventures I engaged in on this trip was just the reset I was looking for. Learning and experiencing how a very different part of the world lives truly inspired me and furthered my passions for international relations and politics. Taking this trip was 100% the right choice
MCGONEGAL
for me.” In January, Caroline visited Trinity to share her story with current Titans. “A trip like this,” McGonegal said, “teaches you about yourself; it forces you way outside of your comfort zone. You find out what’s important to you.”
Class of 2019
Sally Snead ’19 was named to the CAA All-Rookie team following the conclusion of her freshman season on the William & Mary field hockey team. She appeared in all 18 games in the midfield with two starts and two assists.
SNEAD
Center Stage
Richmond Ballet company dancer and Trinity alum, Tony Oates ’15, performed the lead male role in The Richmond Ballet premiere of George Balanchine’s “Theme and Variations.” Oates’ performance opened the 2019-20 Richmond Ballet season. In a review written by Christopher McDaniel in RVA Magazine, McDaniel wrote, “With a live score provided by the Richmond Symphony, “Themes and Variations” is quite possibly my favorite Balanchine work performed by Richmond Ballet yet. Lead roles were held by Sabrina Holland and Tony Oates, and they were powerful displays of prowess within the art form.”
.
© Richmond Ballet. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Sarah Ferguson
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class Notes
The Happiest of Hours Richmond area alumni gathered for food and holiday cheer at Virago Distillery in Scott’s Addition on December 11. Virago Distillery is owned by the Haneberg family, including the parents of Grey Haneberg ’17 and Cabell Haneberg ’21.
Head of School Hits the Road to U.Va. This fall, Rob Short, Julia Bowling, Rick Hamlin ’96, Alice Phillips, and Marti Truman traveled to the University of Virginia to have lunch with Trinity alumni. The former Trinity students shared about their classes at U.Va. and what they hope to accomplish next.
6TH ANNUAL TITAN HOOPLA The Hoopla tradition continued in early January, as young alumni home from college helped pack the stands for two home varsity basketball wins. Following the game, Trinity alumni were invited to gather off-campus for food and merriment.
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class Notes
LARGO ’17 FEATURED IN “HEROES AMONG US” Christian Largo ’17 was featured on WTVR CBS 6 in January as part of their weekly “Heroes Among Us” series. A competitive powerlifter since his time at Trinity, Largo has continued to train and compete at Randolph-Macon College with coach Caitlin Brown in Ashland. “What started as a hobby turned into an all-out obsession for the 21-year-old athlete,” said reporter Greg McQuade. He is now training harder than ever in hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. Born with spina bifida, Largo has been in a wheelchair his entire life. “I can’t change it, so I might as well live it,” Christian said about his condition. “The beauty of life is that you can overcome the things that are holding you back.”
BLAKE ’17: DESIGNING A PIECE OF HISTORY Designing the class ring for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is one of the most distinguished honors at a school replete with tradition. Earlier this year, it was announced that this coveted responsibility for the class of 2021 would go to an alumnus of Trinity’s IB Art program, Smith Blake ’17. A history major, Blake enjoyed combining his love of art to create a piece of history. In a story published by VMI’s alumni news, Blake talks about how the lessons of creativity and perseverance honed at Trinity are paying off now. “In art, you can’t be perfect at everything,” said Blake. “Every time I made a ring draft, I would mess up and have to start over… ‘How can I do better, and how can I make it look even better?’”
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class Notes
ALUMNI ATHLETES IN THE NEWS
At the close of the decade in December 2019, the Richmond Times-Dispatch released the all-decade teams for both boys and girls basketball. Congratulations to four Titans for making the teams: Zach Jacobs ’17, Armando Bacot ’19, Elaina Chapman ’19 and Henry Coleman ’20! Teresita Ambrogi-Torres ’17 finished her third season on the Randolph-Macon College field hockey team 3rd in the South Region in goals, 2nd Team All-Region South, and 1st Team all-ODAC and All-State. [Photo by Frank Straus] Christie van de Kamp ’16 earned a spot on the Longstreth National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-American team following the conclusion of her senior season at William & Mary. She was also named 1st-Team All-CAA, 1st-Team All-Region, and the CAA Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Van de Kamp is a member of the USA Field Hockey Development Squad team.
In August, Trinity siblings Emma ’16, Addie ’18 and Annie ’21 Nash — and the bonds they share as sisters and teammates — were featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The University of Richmond recognized its 100th anniversary of its field hockey program this fall by focusing on it’s continued theme of sisterhood that the Nash sisters embody on and off the field. Emma will graduate from UR in the spring, but youngest sister Annie has committed to play for the Spiders after she graduates from Trinity.
Zach Jacobs ’17 was featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch in early January for his standout performance during his junior season on the men’s basketball team at James Madison University. “Confidence has been the biggest key to Jacobs’ rise in JMU’s rotation this season. The junior is averaging 7 points — more than double his production from his first two seasons, and is also chipping in 5.1 rebounds per contest,” said reporter Jonathan Howard. T I TA N T R A I L
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In Sympathy The Trinity community offers its condolences to the families of the following people who have recently passed away. We apologize for any unintentional omissions. As of February 24, 2020. Dave Latta, father of Erika Latta ’19, died on August 9, 2019. Josephine Layton Dreelin, mother of Greg Layton ’79 and Chris Layton ’82 and grandmother of Seth Layton ’15 and Parker Layton ’18, died on September 24, 2019. Ryan Newport ’99 died on September 29, 2019. James “JD” Snowa ’00 died on September 30, 2019. Robert Oldfield, father of Bobby Oldfield ’16, died on October 16, 2019. Advisory Board member Bruce E. Heilman died on October 19, 2019. Former Virginia Governor Gerald L. Baliles, father of Laura Baliles Osberger ’87 and Jon Baliles ’89, died on October 29, 2019. Beverly Riedel, mother of Liz Riedel ’06 and Christine Riedel ’10, died on November 5, 2019. D. Bradley Sullivan ’79, son of former Trinity faculty member Margaret Sullivan and brother of current trustee Randy Sullivan ’83, died on November 18, 2019. Dorothy Nelson, mother of Andrew Nelson ’18 and Matt Nelson ’22, died on November 29, 2019. Debbie Heath ’77 died on December 6, 2019. Wendy Ringrose, mother of Tyler Ringrose ’09, died on December 6, 2019. Kathy Bishop, mother of Paul Bishop ’05, died on December 22, 2019. Judith Chaplin, mother of Rob Chaplin ’88, Jimmy Chaplin ’90, Chappy Chaplin ’97, mother-in-law of Amy Baynum Chaplin ’88, and grandmother of Elli Chaplin ’16 and Liza Chaplin ’20, died on December 30, 2019. Karen Witthoefft, mother of Mark Witthoefft ’93 and Susan Witthoefft Grossman ’94, died on January 13, 2020. 48
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T I TA N T R A I L
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Rupa with children: Madin, Sita, and Milind
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