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TITAN TRAIL
SEE STORY ON PAGE 11
FROM THE
HEAD OF SCHOOL It brings me great joy to announce that the next school year will mark Trinity’s 50th Birthday! The cover story of this issue of the Titan Trail, is all about celebrating Trinity today, while still giving a nod to the upcoming anniversary. To acknowledge our 50 years, we tried to distill the Trinity experience down to 50 things — no simple task! However, each of the items on the list is representative of the current Trinity experience. Some of the traditions — like the Freshman Class Retreat — go back decades. Others — like our T.I.T.A.N.S. values — are only a few years old. And still more — like caring teachers, loyal alumni and student freedom — are timeless. All of them demonstrate that the Trinity of today is thriving in the fulfillment of its mission to build and maintain a dynamic academic community.
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.
Throughout the 2022-23 school year, through commemorative events, celebrations and more, we will celebrate Trinity’s legacy and look ahead to its future. This simultaneous perspective is eloquently encapsulated in the anniversary logo and tagline that has been developed for this occasion: “Ever Onward” (I invite you to read more about this elegant and evocative concept on page 22 of this issue.) As we look ahead to next year, there are a number of ways people can already begin to engage. And we would love to see as many Titans as we can come back and rediscover Trinity — that includes alumni, past parents and friends. (Please be sure to mark your calendars with some of the dates you can find on page 23 of this issue.) All of us at Trinity are excited about the opportunity to celebrate Trinity’s 50th Birthday, which is about so much more than a date on the calendar; it’s about the people, the places and the programs that have been created over those years. It is also about the thousands of unique paths discovered by five decades of individual Trinity students.
Rob Short Head of School
SPRING 2022 CONTENTS
TITAN TRAIL ADMINISTRATION
09 08
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Charles T. Hill, Jr. ’98, Chair Chris Ellis ’81, Vice Chair John G. Mills ’90, Treasurer Cynthia L. Coleman, Secretary
10 11 FEATURES 08 09 10 11
www.trinityes.org The Titan Trail is published twice yearly by Trinity Episcopal School’s communications and development offices. Development: Anne Hurt Director of Development Julia Bowling Alumni and Annual Giving Associate
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
Communications: David Ready Director of Communications & Marketing Malcolm Bell Marketing & Communications Specialist
Photography: David Ready, Malcolm Bell, Bridget Hazel Photography, Adam Lonon, Lily Jennette ’23, Claire Arnold ’23, Betsy Reid, Kristine Clopton, Milestat
Building Bonds College Kickoff Solid Science 50 Things We Love About Trinity
SECTIONS 02 06 07 24 22 32 35 36 38 44
Around the Courtyard Faculty News Trinity Welcomes Athletics Philanthropy The Arts Grandparents Day Homecoming Class Notes In Sympathy
Lisa J. Acquaye Beth Williamson Ayers Jeff D. Elgin Kyle W. Hendrick ’05 R. Braxton Hill IV David C. Kearfott ’94 Matthew Majikes Gayle C. Marget Anne McCray Jana P. McQuaid Ann Marie Petrucelli William Isler Sanderson ’94 Charles Randolph Sullivan ’83 Tracy Teal Tia Walker Todd Willett Sam Williams ’08 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 W. B. Perkinson, Jr. Martha V. Singdahlsen Gary E. Thompson Richard Thweatt Wilson, III Charles F. Witthoefft
AROUND THE
COURTYARD TAKING CARE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT On Wednesday October 13, the 8th grade class and teachers Ned Trice, Lee Huss and Alicia Raymond spent the morning at Belle Isle and Brown’s Island picking up trash, hiking and enjoying a beautiful day on the river.
TABLETOP CURLING On November 5, students in Kasie Kemp’s 9th grade conceptual physics class enjoyed a gamified lesson on force and momentum by competing in a tabletop curling tournament.
DANCING WITH THE STARS! On Thursday, September 9, The Science Society hosted it’s 4th annual Telescope Night, welcoming over 40 students, teachers, family and friends (and dogs) to campus. Special guest Terry Barker from the Richmond Astronomical Society helped viewers see the rings of Saturn and four moons of Jupiter.
SHOES FOR GOOD Throughout the week of November 8-12, Trinity students helped clean, refurbish, label, sort and bag 400 pairs of shoes for SHOOD, a local non-profit that collects gently used running shoes and reconditions and distributes them to those experiencing homelessness or other challenging circumstances. 2
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MOLE WEEK In honor of Mole Week on October 18-22, the Science Society students and faculty performed demos of chemistry experiments and showed us how to dress like a scientist!
ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM “WHEN I SAY CHRISTMAS, YOU SAY QUIZ BOWL! In celebration of the last Morning Meeting before the holiday break on December 15, Titans enjoyed the return of the Christmas Quiz Bowl. Students and faculty competed in holiday-themed trivia categories curated by Brian Griffen, school chaplain. “When I say Christmas, you say Quiz Bowl! “Christmas!” “Quiz Bowl!”
Trinity’s trusty student pages returned at last to the Altria Theatre on January 22 for the opening event of the 2021-22 season of the Richmond Forum, featuring an evening with Disney CEO Bob Iger. Welcoming patrons with programs and collecting question cards during intermission, the Trinity volunteers facilitate an exchange of ideas that broadens our understanding of the world, fosters partnerships across cultures and inspires tomorrow’s leaders.
COLLECT ’EM ALL! Just before winter break, students in Jennifer Parker’s Painting 2 class opened “Artist Trading Cards” they received from artists from across the country. In exchange, the Trinity students each sent two cards of their own design, using old books, newspapers, textiles and a variety of techniques.
EXPRESS YOURSELF On December 3, five students participated in Poetry Out Loud – a nationally sponsored recitation competition. By selecting and reciting a poem from the POL anthology, students learn about literary history, build self confidence and practice public speaking skills.
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THE SOUND OF SCIENCE On Monday, January 31, Elizabeth Kelley’s IB Physics students unpacked the concept of stationary waves with varying boundary conditions with Band and Music Director Brian Rollins as he opened the Sound Lab for the students to visualize and experience waves. At Trinity, interdisciplinary collaboration between science and music is one of the many ways we encourage and support creative thinking.
TRICK OR TREAT! On Thursday, October 15, students embraced the Halloween spirit early by creating treat bags for the Doorways, a nonprofit that provides lodging and support for patients experiencing extended medical treatments at area hospitals. Students made Halloween cards and created over 60 treat bags to be shared with residents.
FROM VENEZUELA WITH LOVE On Friday, February 4, Rachel Behrens’ IB SL Spanish class welcomed Danielle Rodriguez to teach students how to make Arepas, an authentic Venezuelan food staple. After learning some background information on the importance of the dish, the students had the opportunity to make their own arepas using the corn masa.
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY In early December, six Trinity students and one faculty member participated in this winter’s diversity leadership and racial equity conferences hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The conference focused on self-reflecting and exploration as well as connecting with others from around the country, forming allies, and building a sense of community.
ALL OF THE LIGHTS On the evening of December 9, the tradition of the Trinity Grand Illumination returned to Dunn Courtyard for the 14th year. Students, faculty and families enjoyed cider, cookies and holiday tunes before counting down to the big light show.
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CAN’T HIDE OUR PRIDE During Homecoming Week in October, student leaders brought back Spirit Week, a vital tradition that shows Trinity’s dynamic and unique community. With a different theme dress each day, grade-vs-grade competitions like egg toss and giant jenga, and a Halloween pumpkin carving contest, this was truly one of the most spirited ever.
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NEWS
IRON MAN
LEE SPRAGUE RETIRES
Kimberly Ryan and her string quartet Rosette were featured in a special project honoring the 100th anniversary of Puerto Rican composer Sylvia Rexach this winter. Collaborating with Miramar’s Marlysse Simmons Argandoña, they arranged and performed a new rendition of her song “Olas y Arenas.” The groups were also featured together on a NPR Tiny Desk concert in 2017. Read more at soundsandcolors.com. The quartet also played the music of composer Kenji Bunch in several concerts all over Virginia during the month of March.
FA C U LT Y
After nearly 20 years serving the school in a variety of roles, Lee Sprague has retired as associate head of school, a position she has held since 2015. “We have enjoyed, appreciated and grown from Lee’s many contributions in the classroom, strategic thinking, daily life and her strong sense of working for what is best for students and the school,” wrote Head of School Rob Short. “Her forward thinking approach to problem solving, planning and dreaming about a better tomorrow for Trinity has made her an invaluable colleague.” After her oldest daughter Mary became a member of the class of 2005, Sprague began volunteering in the library and joined the faculty as assistant librarian in the fall of 2003. “I had so much fun getting to know each student, and designing activities for them which would help their information literacy grow,” says Sprague, who eventually became head librarian. “I saw my work as supportive and complimentary to the curricular goals of the teachers, and we had a great time collaborating on projects over the years.” Sprague is especially proud of the work she did with the IB program, supporting students through their Independent Assessments and Extended Essays, helping to design the school’s CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program and teaching Theory of Knowledge, a core piece of the IB curriculum, with Short. “We were always experimenting and learning from one another, teachers and students,” she recalls. “It has been an incredible honor to serve in all of these roles at Trinity, easily the best place I have ever worked.” Sprague is looking forward to traveling and connecting with family in far away places. 6
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Will Cottrell, biology teacher and boys cross country head coach, has been busy competing in triathlon and duathlon races around the world. Cottrell finished 11th overall in the 2021 US duathlon national championships in May, qualifying to race in an international competition later that year. In Spain, at the 2021 Sprint Duathlon World Championships, Cottrell finished with a time of 1:09:15, good enough for 20th in his age group, and 150th overall. In 2022, he plans to compete in the Sprint Triathlon World Championships in Montreal and Sprint Duathlon World Championships in Romania. “I’m beyond grateful to the support from Trinity to be able to train and compete throughout the year,” he says.
FACULTY MILESTONES Jennifer Street and Joseph Waters were engaged in October 2021 and are planning a private ceremony in April. Brian Griffen will serve as the officiant. STREET
Torey Burston ’12 and Victoria Le were married on December 4, 2021 at Quirk Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Mallory Ballard and her husband Brent welcomed their daughter McKenna Faye on December 7, 2021. She weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz.
BURSTON
Adam Banwarth and his wife Sarah welcomed their fourth child, Declan James, on February 15, 2022. He weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. and measured 21 inches long. BALLARD
BANWARTH
TRINITY WELCOMES… SEPTEMBER 24
NOVEMBER 29
Special Events Coordinator, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Founder and Director, Real Life
Megan Angstadt
Visited Morning Meeting to culminate “Go Gold Week,” educating the school about childhood cancer through announcements and by wearing gold clothes and ribbons to show support. SEPTEMBER 27
Robin Sawyer
Prevention Program Manager, YWCA of Richmond
Sarah Scarbrough
“We help folks that are coming out of incarceration and homelessness or who are battling substance abuse disorders and help them overcome barriers that hinder their pathway to a thriving life.”
DECEMBER 6
Rev. Moses Joshua Chapel Leader, Good Shepherd Episcopal School
“100% of us are in relationships, and 100% of us can learn how to love better and live more healthy relationships.”
“The Christmas story is all about change and complication. The one thing I have learned through all my complications and changes is that there are people in my life who walk silently with me.”
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JANUARY 12
Rev. Jeunée Godsey Rector, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Presiding over the first Morning Prayer service of the school year, Rev. Godsey encouraged the Trinity community to “look to the future with hope.”
NOVEMBER 1
Jonathan Zur President and CEO, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
“Each of us can say, I’m going to stand up to prejudice, particularly at these early forms, so that it doesn’t escalate. This has the power… to ensure that every person here can walk into Trinity every single day and think to themselves, ‘I belong here. This is a place where I can be myself. This is a place where I fit in. This is a place where I feel comfortable being who I am.’”
Rev. Marlene E. Forrest Rector, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
“God is calling you to continue to reach out into the world, to reach out as the Titans you are. To continue to work through ASK, or Real Life, or Doorways, or SHOOD or Goochland Cares. And to remember in all that you do that God loves you, and God loves the people that you serve.” JANUARY 24
Victoria Tiggas
Outreach Officer, Hardwired Global (human rights nonprofit)
“We encourage individuality, differences of opinion and diversity and teach that those things are actually imperative for a society to flourish.”
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BUILDING BONDS The decades-long tradition of the Freshman Class Retreat continued this fall, both on campus and at nearby Robious Landing State Park. Trinity’s 110 ninth graders learned orienteering, archery and fire-building skills, while enjoying team-building and low-ropes course activities in small groups over two days. Special thanks to the talented and energetic team from Horizons Outdoor Learning Center for traveling from Harrisonburg and braving the heat to facilitate the group experience.
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COLLEGE KICKOFF Admission officers from William & Mary, Elon, Randolph-Macon and Delaware help junior and families begin the college search process The entire junior class and about 55 parents joined the Trinity college counseling team and a panel of four representatives from college admission offices for the annual College Kickoff Thursday, November 4 in the Estes Athletic Center.
little research before going on a college visit or meeting with a representative helps students ask questions whose answers can’t be easily found on the website,” Childress said. “It is an easy way to impress colleges and show your interest.”
Guest panelists were Barry Bradberry, associate dean of admissions for Elon University, Casey Padgett, assistant director of recruitment for the University of Delaware, Monica Pinier, senior assistant dean of admission for the College of William & Mary and Jim Woods, assistant director of financial aid at Randolph-Macon College.
Childress was especially grateful to hear each of the panelists emphasize that there is a college or university for every student. “Helping students find colleges that match what they are looking for is what we do, he said.”
The goal of the event is to “get the wheels turning” for juniors and their families in the college admission process, said Chet Childress, director of counseling. Attendees left the event with information packets and action items for students over the next several months.
To learn more about the college counseling process at Trinity, please visit trinityes.org/collegecounseling
One of the main takeaways for juniors and families was that students need to be in the driver’s seat of the college process — contacting colleges, filling out applications, writing essays and communicating with their college counselor. “Doing even just a
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SOLID SCIENCE
Annual poster session puts IB Higher Level science experiments on display The fourth 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, February 9. About 20 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: ●• ●• ●• ●• ●•
How a Change in Environment Affects Rabbit Allele Frequency The Effect of Rib Cage Circumference on Total Lung Capacity in Females The Effect of Different Amounts of Anticoagulant on the Clotting of Simulated Blood The Effect of Temperature on Germinating Seed Respiration The Effect of Distance on Light Density
Learn more about IB at Trinity at
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trinityes.org/IB
We asked the Trinity students and faculty to list their five favorite things about Trinity. We compiled the responses and added a few of our own. To no one’s great surprise, when we compiled this list, we discovered that there are way more than 50 things we love about Trinity! So if you get to the end of this list and notice there’s something missing — or if you have an origin story of your own about a bygone Trinity tradition, please drop us a line at development@trinityes.org.
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Aycock Stadium
Caring Teachers
The decades-old site for home football games, Aycock Stadium was renamed in honor of former headmaster Tom Aycock in 2011. With a new turf field added in 2021, the stadium now hosts field hockey and lacrosse games too. It’s played host to two state championships and tens of thousands of cheering Titans.
Knowledgeable, professional, encouraging. All of these describe Trinity teachers, but there is one attribute above all, that students say year after year sets Trinity teachers apart from the rest: how much they care about each student. Whether it’s taking the extra time to be available for tutorial, helping out with clubs and teams or just being there to listen, for Trinity teachers, student success means a lot to them personally. Grayson Rainey ’18 summed it up nicely when he said, “What I love about Trinity is that my teachers really care about me, they want me to succeed in the classroom and outside of the classroom.”
Birthdays! At Trinity, everyday is cause for celebration! Whether actual or half birthday, each student, faculty and staff member is recognized during Morning Meeting on their special day.
Cabaret One of Trinity’s favorite traditions! Starting in the early 1990s, Cabaret brings the entire community together for student, faculty and staff performances that range from singing and dance to comedy and band. Some memorable themes include: Disco, In the Name of Love, 1-Hit Wonders and 80s. On the tenth anniversary of Cabaret in 2002, former Head of School Dr. Thomas Aycock wrote: “Cabaret is one of the many experiences at Trinity designed to help us fulfill our mission. Over the years, I have seen great transformations take place on the Cabaret stage, with young people coming away from their performances with a sense of newly found confidence.”
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Chapel Speakers Each one begins with a “centering moment of silence” and the lighting of a candle, and each one ends with a closing benediction and the satisfying announcement of “seniors, you are dismissed.” The moments in between — those 20 minutes each Monday morning — have included a broad scope of messages — from spirited guest preachers, devoted local nonprofit leaders, proud alumni and brave student leaders. Unifying the entire experience has been a steadfast focus on Trinity’s mission to “strengthen the character” of its students.
One of the most engaging speakers of the last few years was Virginia Union University pastor Rev. Angelo V. Chatmon in October 2019.
Chicken Sandwich Thursday
Corny Joke Friday
Lunch at Trinity has come a long way since the days of Stewart heat-and-eat sandwiches handed out in the back of E-Hall in the 1970’s. Over the years, parent volunteers have overseen and staffed a variety of popular culinary options, including “Pizza Friday” and “baked potato day.” But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the school settled on its regular rotation of catered options. Since that rotation started, there has been one day that you can set your clock to: Chicken Sandwich Thursday.
• “What disease do you get when you decorate for Christmas? — Tinselitus.” • “What do you call it when someone steals your coffee? — A mugging.” • “Which side of the chicken has the most feathers? — The outside!” • “Why aren’t koalas considered bears? — They don’t meet the koalifications” • “Why did the scarecrow win an award? — Because he was outstanding in his field.” • “Why is Peter Pan so fly? — Because he never-lands.”
Dale Travis Court Dedicated in 2011, and named for the late Dale E. Travis, athletic director and basketball coach for over a decade, the hardwood has provided the home court advantage site of some of the Trinity community’s most exciting memories. From Prep League and LIS Tournament victories to Titan Cup triumphs to faculty-vs-student basketball games… As one faculty describes a packed house in the Estes Athletic Center, “nobody does it better!”
Christmas Quizbowl! “When I Say Christmas, you say Quiz Bowl!”
Cool Indoor Spaces The Trinity campus has certainly grown up since the first two classroom pods (A Hall and B Hall) were completed in October 1972. With each new building added over the decades, special care has been taken to create inviting, student-centered spaces for learning and community building. Whether it’s the Perkinson Arts Center lobby, the Speight Alumni Room, the Digital Music Studio, the Collaborative Learning Center and Innovation Lab, or the Moon Wall, Trinity’s campus is built with student experiences in mind.
Discover Your Path Twenty years ago, as the school marked its first 30 years in operation, with the guidance of then-trustee Kelly O’Keefe and Emergence Brand Laboratories, the school found a timeless tagline that encapsulates the Trinity spirit and the boundless possibilities available to every student. “Becoming a different kind of place did not happen by accident,” wrote then Director of Development Gayle Hunter Haglund, in the Titan Trail. “Rather, everything Trinity has accomplished to date is the direct result of a deliberate effort to create a unique environment — one designed to help each child succeed both as a student and as a person… Discover Your Path emerged as the perfect summary to our unique approach to education.”
Discover Your Path
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Discovery Period & Student Clubs
During Discovery Period in the fall of 2021, the Black Alliance Initiative student club invited Mayor Levar M. Stoney to speak to Trinity students.
It’s hard to imagine now, but before 2015, Discovery Period as we know it did not exist. Students had one 10-minute break in the morning, and all club meetings occurred during lunch. Along with the new 8-day rotational schedule came a 40-minute dedicated timeslot for students to meet with teachers and then participate in any of nearly 40 clubs and organizations around campus. From student publications to affinity groups, clubs devoted to the love of languages, movies and even frisbee golf — there is a club for everyone at Trinity just waiting to be discovered.
Dunn Courtyard Thanks to the generosity of former parents Elmer and Betty Dunn, Trinity’s courtyard continues to be the nexus of campus. Each day, all students, faculty and staff cross paths in Trinity’s Dunn Courtyard. It is the location of Pach’s Place, where student musicians perform for their peers during lunch. It is where the entire Trinity community comes together to reconnect during our annual Oyster Roast under lighted tents. On a beautiful day, teachers and students take to the Dunn Courtyard to socialize, complete work or take in the beautiful pin oak trees that enclose the heart of Trinity’s campus. A compass marks the center, and while our students choose their own paths, we hope it directs them back to their Trinity home.
Dunn Courtyard (spring 2006)
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The Eighth Grade “One of my favorite things at Trinity is the 8th Grade. I came here in 8th Grade and it’s so unique because there are only about 25-30 people in the entire grade. Everyone gets to know everyone really well and even though some of us are in different friend groups now, it’s cool to have a few of us that have been here since 8th grade and have been through everything together! I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and the 8th grade was one of my favorite years!” — student respondent Fun Fact: According to the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS), Trinity is the only member school in the state of Virginia with students in grades 8-12 exclusively.
In the fall of 2017, Head of School Rob Short visited an 8th grade science class for a fun lesson on “perception.” (See if you can recognize any current seniors in the class.)
Faculty Speakers at Graduation Who could forget Brian Phillips’ supersoaker attack in 2008? Or Elizabeth Kelly’s group selfie from the stage 2016? or Marcus Jones’s ’00 training video set to the theme of Rocky on video in 2020? At most schools, the official graduation speaker is an invited guest, often a prominent local figure or dignitary. But at Trinity, it has been one of the school’s longest running traditions, going back to 1992, to honor a beloved faculty member with this role, voted on each year by the senior class. Who were the first two chosen? A pair of Toms, Aycock and Wyllie in 1992 and 1993.
Elizabeth Kelley, science teacher, surprises the class of 2016 with an impromptu “stage selfie” during their graduation.
Fun Fabric Friday According to or sources, the origin of Trinity’s take on a somewhat relaxed dress code day began as a family affair among the Markunas brothers, Chris ’01 and Nick ’11. “The family Nick Markunas ’11 (right), with took a trip to Virginia Beach in 2008 sister Katie ’01, sporting one of his to see Billy Joel trend-setting Hawaiian shirts (we’ll assume it was a Friday). and I got my first Hawaiian shirt,” remembers Nick. “From there the collection expanded… A few others that I can remember participating were Willy Alford ’11 and Ben Barnes ’11. I actually wore a Hawaiian shirt with a tie for graduation!”
The Founding Photo One of the most iconic pictures in Trinity’s history was taken in 1972 when construction began for Trinity’s first building. In the photo are Trinity’s first Board Chair, William B. Shands, Jr., founding Headmaster, Robert C. Goodman and Rector of St. Michael’s Church, the Reverend Robert Steilberg. When asked about the photo Shands shared, “We were smiling because we hit a rock!” Over the years, construction projects on campus have included the excavation of many boulders. Trinity certainly was founded on a very firm foundation!
Freshman Class Retreat (a.k.a. Camp Sheridan) Just mention “Camp Sheridan,” to almost any Trinity alum, and images are immediately conjured of campfires, team-building and outdoor fall fun. When the camp closed its doors in 2014, the experience was renamed the “Freshman Class Retreat,” moved temporarily to the New River in West Virginia, then back to the original site now run by Camp Horizons. “It has been a great way to get the entire class out together away from an academic environment and away from the social pressures and routine that they are used to,” says trip facilitator Chris Markunas ’01. “It is a true bonding experience.” Camp Sheridan Freshman Retreat (fall 1989)
Global Engagement Trips Making connections across continents has been a hallmark of the Trinity experience since the early days under the school’s first headmaster, Bob Goodman. From the start, Goodman sought to increase the scope diversity of student experiences through international exchange. In 2006-07, there were nine exchange students from eight countries, including Germany, Spain, Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan. Many, like Fritz Albers ’06, came on a German exchange and then decided to stay an extra year. In more recent years, Trinity students have maintained exchange trips with schools in France and Germany, and coordinator Maria Bartz has added curricular elements to travel opportunities, like painting workshops for Trinity art students in Paris and Provence in the summer of 2022. It’s a small world, after all.
Grand Illumination Beginning in 2008, a new Trinity tradition arose to bring more holiday cheer to the community before winter break. Every year, Joe Monaco and the facilities crew hang thousands and thousands of lights around campus for Grand Illumination.
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Grandparents Day The decades-long tradition that is a community favorite year after year! Grandparents travel to campus for a morning of student speakers, performances by the Trinity Jazz Band and Chorus, followed by activities around campus with their grandchildren and plenty of coffee and treats throughout. There is something so special about having a day dedicated to Trinity Grandparents and some of the school’s biggest fans.
Homecoming (Spirit Week) Twin Day, Character Day, Decade’s Day, Neon day, and, of course, Titan Spirit Day are among the many Spirit Week themes during the week leading up to Homecoming. Class competitions each day leading up to the Friday Pep Rally are no easy tasks! Who wins the coveted Titan Cup, you ask? The class with the most points! Aside from the costume themes and class competitions, Homecoming is a time for alumni to return to campus for their class reunions and the annual Oyster Roast.
The IB Program Since it was first adopted by Trinity in 1994, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has been overseen by just two coordinators: first, Vivian Heidemann and now Marti Truman. That level of stability has reinforced the IB program as an international standard of educational excellence that emphasizes intellectual risk-taking and intercultural understanding and respect with a global perspective. Students consistently praise their IB foundation for providing them exceptional preparation for college, especially in areas of inquiry and research. At Trinity, IB diploma candidates receive bound copies of their Extended Essays every spring. But the benefits of the IB program are not limited to those pursuing the full IB diploma. In fact, over 80% of all students take at least one IB course over their time here.
Incredible Coaches Trinity coaches and their relentless commitment to our student-athletes is just another aspect of our constant goal to build, maintain and nurture our community with which we value. “We are wowed by the time, effort and support they provide athletes of all skill and interest levels in our programs,” said Director of Athletics Anna Prillaman. Our 85 coaches within 20 programs, all adhering to the mission of the school, are encouraged to enhance the student-athletes experience with their unique style and coaching philosophies.
The James River With a campus just a stone’s throw from the James River, Trinity’s outdoor experience is second to none. In James River History, a course started by beloved teacher and coach Bill Snead, and later through the Rivers Program named in his honor, students were able to explore and learn about both the history and the ecology of the river. Over the years under the guidance of Marti Truman and Page
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Mauk the program continued its outreach to other schools. That legacy continues through science teachers today like Ned Trice, whose students teach middle and elementary students around the city about water testing. Today, students are involved in the Sustainability Systems class, early morning swims to school, and many other fun activities and classes for exposure and to encourage environmental stewardship.
Jazz Fest Since 2006, Trinity has been “swinging into spring” by hosting the Richmond area’s premiere high school jazz concert, welcoming elite high school performers from all over the city. In addition to the hundreds of students from RVA area schools who have called the Jazz Fest a rite of passage, some of the headliners have featured top area professional groups Stephanie Nakasian and No BS! Brass Band.
Junior Work Week For roughly four decades, Trinity students have participated in a week-long career shadowing experience. In its beginning stages in the 1980s, the program was held for seniors in October then it shifted to an experience for the junior class. Whether working on the floor of the General Assembly, helping to repair jet engines, learning how to run a small business, or volunteering at the local fire department—Junior Work Week gives every Trinity junior the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real-life setting. “Countless times, employers will email or call me back and say, you know I was a little reluctant to take on a high school student, but your student was better prepared than a lot of the college interns I take,” says college counselor and Junior Work Week coordinator Chet Childress.
Late-Start Monday Ask any student what the best thing about Mondays at Trinity school is, and they’ll be quick to respond: “an extra hour of sleep”. A Trinity tradition for more than a decade, Late-Start Monday was created to give faculty members time for a weekly meeting that didn’t interfere with athletic practices. Lucky for Trinity students, they picked Monday morning and a new favorite tradition was born.
Loyal Alums Trinity alumni are dedicated to the school well after they walk across the graduation stage. Whether it’s coming back for alumni events, networking with a fellow alumni for business ventures, being a Junior Work Week host, or making generous gifts to the school, Titans continue to show their love. “Once a Titan, always a Titan!”
Morning Meeting Each day starts with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer, followed by a student-run Morning Meeting. It’s a place to celebrate joyful occasions and take a pause to acknowledge moments of sadness. “I found my voice in that space,” recalls Bill Sanderson ’94, Trinity trustee. “Starting in 8th grade, I’d stand up in front of the school and make announcements.” Often cited as one of his proudest legacies, Morning Meeting was the very first new tradition former headmaster Tom Aycock brought to Trinity when he started in 1990. “To build a strong community, you need to get together often,” Aycock said.
This photo from 2020 is one of the last Morning Meetings held in the Perkinson Arts Center Theatre prior to the pandemic. Students are eager to return to Morning Meeting’s original home in the spring of 2022.
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Onward, Titans! (fight song)
Our Episcopal Identity
“Ask anyone at Trinity. It is a known fact that the lines and tune to “Onward, Titans” is permanently implanted in anyone’s head. This is thanks to the pep band.” Those words were written by a senior staffer in the 1994 Shield yearbook, but they could have been written in 2022. The article goes on to give credit for the origin of the Pep Band to Robby Hoppin ’91, who would sit in the bleachers and play trombone with Dr. Aycock. Less clear, however, is the origin of the Fight Song itself. The tune may be borrowed from “On Wisconsin,” one on which band director Brian Rollins says hundreds of other fight songs were based — but the lyrics are all Trinity.
On April 1, 1971, an open meeting was held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church to discuss interest in establishing an Episcopal high school. When the Reverend Robert Steilberg announced the meeting he stated, “It would be entirely open to members of all races and other religious bodies.” Rev. Steilberg and the Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, Revered Zack Jacobs ’17 reads during a Eucharist Chapel in the fall of 2016. David Rose, wanted to ensure that the new high school adhered to the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Since that day, Trinity Episcopal School has stayed true to these values and welcomes all students and families with open arms. “Our Episcopal identity is rooted in the belief that God is love, and Trinity strives to demonstrate God’s love through grace, inclusivity, and service,” shared Trinity’s Chaplin, Brian Griffen.
Each year during New Student Orientation, Brain Rollins teaches the new students how to sing the Fight Song.
Open Outdoor Spaces Covering 39 acres just south of the James River, Trinity’s campus has provided welcoming and beautiful outdoor spaces to generations of Titans. Athletes practice and compete on lovingly maintained playing fields. And science classes enjoy the trails in the nearby woods to examine wildlife and test water quality in the creek beds that feed the James. More recent additions like Witthoeft Pavilion, The Wood Shed and the Classes of 2020 & 2021 Outdoor Amphitheater show that as our dynamic academic community grows and evolves, so does our dynamic physical campus.
The Trinity Outdoor Program The mission of the Trinity Outdoor Program is to “connect students to the natural environment so that they become engaged and caring stewards of their local and global communities.” Trips beyond RVA have included an annual 50-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail over spring break, back-country ski trips in the West and a summer adventure in western North Carolina. On campus, the former maintenance shed behind the Academic Building is now a full-time Outdoor Program headquarters with replica trail shelter (The Wood Shed) and a first-in-RVA MoonBoard indoor bouldering wall. Every spring, program participants share their expertise with thousands of visitors to Richmond at the East Coast’s largest outdoor sports festival, Dominion Riverrock.
Downtown Richmond’s Brown’s Island is the site of the biggest event of the year for the Trinity Outdoor Program.
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Pach’s Place
The Richmond Forum
On the surface, it might appear to be simply an open mic opportunity for student musicians, but Trinity’s weekly lunchtime concert series is often cited by students, teachers and alumni as emblematic of the way that the Trinity community comes together to support one another. Named for Pach Torres ’93, who was killed in a random act of violence as a Trinity senior, the spot was born out of tragedy and has become a beacon of light for a generation of Titans. The circular space off of Dunn Courtyard was rededicated in 2001 with a unique ceramic tile design created by Conor O’Keefe ’01 with the inscription, and Torres’ motto, “Love is Stronger than Fear.”
When it comes to Trinity’s 15-year connection to the Richmond Forum, our students are doubly fortunate. Not only have Trinity students been the organizations exclusive participants in the Forum’s page program, but thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Baxter W. Perkinson, eight lucky students and two teachers are able to attend each program as patrons, enjoying dinner and special events with the speakers. In both programs, Trinity students have had the chance to rub elbows with world leaders and participate in some of the most important intellectual conversations of our day.
Senior Chapel & Baccalaureate
Jack Leahy ’17 performs to a packed Pach’s Place crowd in the spring of 2016.
Performance Groups There are few announcements at Morning Meeting that get a more enthusiastic response than “Jazz Band, 6:30 tonight!” The enthusiasm that band director Brian Rollins has built around groups like the Jazz Band and the Pep Band has rubbed off to guitar groups taught by Chris Markunas ’01 as well as strings ensembles and choral groups taught by Kimberly Ryan. Student run groups like the acapella Tri-Tones and any number or Pach’s Place rock bands complete the circle. Whether you play the mouth harp or the ukelele, there is a musical performance group for you at Trinity.
Traditionally bookending the month of May, these two traditions celebrate and honor each senior class. The first features a slideshow with a baby picture of each graduate and a series of “Mission Moments,” or warm wishes from fellow seniors. The second is a more formal occasion with the prayers, hymns and liturgical style of a church service. Happy faculty and seniors gather before Baccalaureate for the giddy tradition of pinning red rose boutonnieres, a symbol of spring and promising new beginnings.
The Shield (logo) Present since the school’s founding in 1972, the shield’s simplicity creates a sense of prestige and strength. The three crosses placed atop the T (for “Trinity”) symbolize the Holy Trinity, honoring the school’s heritage and Episcopal identity. In recent years, as the Titan’s athletic prowess has burgeoned, students have begun to compare the white T on green background to the lines of an athletic field. Today, the shield is a common symbol of strength and unity and is proudly emblazoned on everything from plaques to uniforms to bumper stickers.
Band Director Brian Rollins leads the Pep Band at Homecoming in the Fall of 1998.
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The Shield (Yearbook)
Student Freedom
Besides a diploma, the one thing every Trinity graduate has taken with them is a copy of The Shield, Trinity’s studentproduced yearbook. Clocking in at over 150 pages each year, with spreads dedicated to every sport played, The Shield aims to document the moments that make up a year at Trinity. “I have the privilege of working with other students to determine how to capture the academic year as a snapshot of that moment in Trinity’s history,” says Layal El-Ayoubi ’23, senior staffer. “In essence, we want students to be able to look back at The Shield and instantly experience a feeling of home; a sense of having been a part of a strong community of unwavering support.” Over the years, staffers have made creative use of school colors and incorporated lots of student graphic design. Beloved perennial features are the dit-dots, baby photos, and senior superlatives, and of course, a dedication to a deserving faculty or staff member each year.
When students responded to the “Things I Love about Trinity” survey, one word popped up more often than all the rest: freedom. Students at Trinity are given trust and selfdetermination to learn how to manage their time wisely. “When I meet with freshmen every year, that is the number one thing they comment on,” says Head of School Rob Short. “They can’t believe that there is such a wonderful degree of trust and freedom that they’ve never experienced in their school lives. That good will goes a long way toward community building too. When you extend trust, trust is given in return.”
T.I.T.A.N.S. Values Trustworthy, Intentional, Tough, Altruistic, Neighborly and Sincere. These six characteristics define what it means to be a Titan. Every Friday in Morning Meeting these six values are highlighted and celebrated by reading acts of people putting these values into action. Developed by a committee of teachers and staff including Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00, Brian Griffen and Betsy Reid. The list was created “to more explicitly enforce and celebrate our values,” recalls Weiler. “We wanted to create a positive way to affirm those characteristics and behaviors.” Did you know that the first draft back in 2017 included “N” for “Noble”?
Team 539 Fall Pep Rally (2014)
Spirit and Sportsmanship When an opposing team travels to Trinity, they know they will have to deal with an “extra player” on the home court or field — the Titan student section. For decades, it has been a privilege for student leaders to plan and organize theme days and lead the cheers. As Director of Athletics Anna Prillaman reminds new students at the beginning of each year, Titans do it with integrity and sportsmanship: “We cheer for us. We don’t cheer against them.”
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When Trinity joined the FIRST Robotics League in 2001, they were given the number 539, signifying that they were the 539th team to compete. “I believe there are now almost 9000 FIRST teams around the globe (team 8899 being the latest to get their number),” says Laurie Pierce, robotics mentor and technology facilitator. “Low team numbers usually represent a team that has been around awhile (and therefore might have more knowledge or experience when it comes to building and competition).” Each year, Team 539 proudly etches, stencils or adheres those three digits on each year’s robot construction.
Tour de Trinity
TESPN What began in fits and starts a few years ago, and was then spurred on by the need to stream live games for remote spectators during the pandemic, has now blossomed into a fully functional student-run sports media operation. There are 15 students filling roles such as executive producer, assistant producers, photographers, broadcasters, podcast hosts and video editors. In addition to producing content for social media, the group streams between 10 and 20 contests per season. The state championship football game in November was watched live by over 2,000 viewers, and another 4,000 have watched the video on YouTube since then.
Titan Closet Everyone loves to show off their Trinity spirit and the Titan Closet has everything you need – from cool apparel to car stickers. With many smiling faces like Wendy Williams and parent volunteers to assist you, the Titan Closet is a very warm and welcoming place to shop for new threads.
Titan Trail
What’s more ridiculous than seeing a teacher ride a child’s tricycle? How about teams of teachers in a relay race around the school parking lot? Sponsored by the French Club, the Tour de Trinity has been a semiannual silly stress reliever since 2009. It has also been a successful fundraiser for World Bicycle Relief, an international nonprofit that provides sturdy bicycles to “improve access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity” for people in underdeveloped countries.
TPA Volunteers From handing out programs and greeting guests, to supporting faculty members with tokens of thanks, to hosting grade-level social events for parents to get to know each other, to raising critical funds for the school through the annual book sale — volunteers for the Trinity Parents Association play an integral role in the life of the Trinity community. “I love the First Day of School and the cookout that the TPA hosts,” wrote one happy student. “The burgers are always phenomenal! This really signifies the start of the school year!”
Wilton Art Studio Few spaces synthesize the essence of Trinity like the Wilton Arts Studio, named in honor of Somers and Joan Wilton, the parents and grandparents of three Titans. As soon as you walk in, it’s apparent that the space was once the home of raucous pep rallies and sporting events. Now home to a massive arts studio featuring 12 pottery wheels and a dedicated workspace for each IB senior, Trinity’s 4,000-plus square-foot visual arts center brings together artists, painters and sculptors in a spectacular collaborative space.
In the days before email and social media, the publication you are reading now with the only method we had to keep in touch with our ever growing ranks of Titan alumni. The very first issue hit mailboxes in the summer of 1978 and featured the headline “Trinity Graduates 86 in Fourth Class.” Today, the Titan Trail continues to be the TITAN TRAIL school’s flagship publication, showcasing the best of Trinity to an audience of alumni, parents, grandparents, prospective families and friends of the school.
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SILVER LININGS
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EVER ONWARD Crafting a Vision for Trinity’s 50th Anniversary
It was four years ago that Trinity’s development and marketing departments sat down with Advisory Board member, former parent (Conor ’01, Tom ’03 and Barry ’06), and branding expert, Kelly O’Keefe, to begin brainstorming for Trinity’s 50th Anniversary celebration. O’Keefe’s familiarity and love of Trinity runs deep. Over two decades ago, he oversaw the school’s rebranding efforts, which included the beloved tagline “Discover Your Path” and an update of the ubiquitous blue, green and white shield. O’Keefe was the obvious choice as we began to explore ways to best celebrate Trinity — the institution, its people and its legacy (past, present, future). With the guidance of O’Keefe and his team, the school identified three 50th Anniversary themes: Rediscovery, People and Progression. By honoring our past and looking towards the future, we want to invite our community to experience Trinity in a new way, but also evoke memories that bring about joy and togetherness. While Trinity’s physical footprint has changed dramatically over the past 50 years, it is the people who have made Trinity what it is today. Trinity’s story consists of thousands of lives and experiences that make us who we are. By celebrating our past, we recognize how far we have come as a community and how this change has made us stronger. With additional creative support from Trinity alum Barry O’Keefe ’06,
the 50th anniversary team then developed and crafted a tagline and special celebratory logo to visually represent the year’s commemorative events and activities. The words “Ever Onward” were chosen to look simultaneously to the past as well as to the future; they communicate both stability (ever) and progress (onward); and they evoke the pride and school spirit found in the fight song “Onward, Titans!” Transforming Trinity’s iconic shield into a picture window, the accompanying logo depicts the familiar, gentle rise of a pathway advancing into the horizon. “This image imagines the T within the Trinity logo as the intersection of the road and the horizon, the meeting of the journey/path with the infinite/unknown,” explained O’Keefe when asked about his inspiration behind the anniversary image. “For me, this is evocative of some theological ideas tied to Trinity’s name-the infinite dance of the divine of the concert of truth as a direction.” As we celebrate our beloved school, we are excited to think about the future and the impact the Titan community will have on future families and the surrounding community. We are grateful for those families (like the O’Keefe’s) who continue to support Trinity through their time, talents and treasures. Trinity wouldn’t be the school it is today if it weren’t for the thousands of families who are a part of this beautiful Titan tapestry.
O’Keefe is a teacher at VCUArts, artist working primarily in printmaking, painting and public art and volunteer working with such nonprofits as Art180 Visual Arts Center of Richmond and Milk Rive Arts. Many of his works can be seen around Richmond neighborhoods through his Open Inbox series and Unveiling the Vanguard project. His time at Trinity was spent exploring his artistic passions through creative writing for the then Trinity Literary Magazine, founding the Film Club and making art.
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SAVE THE YEAR!
Mark your calendars for Trinity’s 50th Anniversary celebrations this fall! Tuesday, September 6 (Trinity’s first day of school in 1972!) Chapel ceremony honoring Trinity’s founders: 10:00 a.m. in Estes Athletic Center 50th birthday celebration for students, faculty and staff HOMECOMING WEEKEND! Thursday, October 6 Grandparents Day (for grandparents of NEW students): 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Friday, October 7 Reunion Class Evening Party: 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017 Oyster Roast: Come one, come all!: 7:00 p.m. -10:30 p.m. (All Titans ages 21 and older are welcome) Saturday, October 8 Current and former Trinity faculty and staff picnic: 12 p.m. Trinity’s first football teams (1972 and 2004) and coaches reunion tailgate: 12 p.m. Football vs. St. Michael The Archangel Catholic School: 1:00 p.m. **Come and enjoy fare from local food trucks! Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Boys 1996 Basketball State Championship Team Halftime: Homecoming Football Game Mid November (date TBD) Trinity’s annual Cabaret! Early December (date TBD) Grand Illumination Be on the lookout for more information as plans are solidified. We are excited to see all our Titans near and far!
To keep up with details about these and other commemorative events during Trinity’s yearlong 50th Birthday celebration, please visit: trinityes.org/50th
Calling all Titans! Doing a little spring cleaning? We are looking for Trinity memorabilia to include in Trinity’s archives (i.e. old programs, yearbooks*, uniforms, pictures, and Trinity momentous). You never know what treasurers are hiding in your garage and attic! Please contact Anne Hurt at annehurt@trinityes.org or (804) 327-3154. *Especially needed are copies of yearbooks from 1982, 1983 and 1984.
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The state championship football game on November 6, 2021 vs. Benedictine attracted a record home crowd to Aycock Stadium. Read more about the game and the season on pages 25 and 30.
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Athletics title and displayed character traits synonymous with our core values like hard work, commitment, and respect for themselves and others. It was indeed a remarkable season with a storybook ending that will go down as one of the most momentous days in Trinity sports history, and we were thrilled to accomplish this in Aycock Stadium, in front of Titan Nation. Go, Titans!
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY HEAD COACH: CAPTAINS: POSTSEASON:
Laura Hamlin Weiler ’00 (16th season) Kayla Quigley ‘22, AC Tetterton ‘22, Charlotte Rufe ‘22 4th in the LIS, 9th in VISAA
ACCOLADES/AWARDS: Logan Snyder ’24 earned All-LIS and AllState honors
FOOTBALL HEAD COACH: Sam Mickens (10th season) W/L RECORD: 8-3 Overall, 3-1 in the VPL POSTSEASON: 2nd in the VPL, Division 1 VISAA State Champions ACCOLADES/AWARDS: All-VPL: Trai Ferguson ’23, Jonathan Brooks ’23, Connor Erlenbach ’22, Hunter Brooks ’23, Elijah Rainer ’23, Cameren Fleming ’23; All-State: Trai Ferguson ’23, Jonathan Brooks ’23, Elijah Rainer ’23, Hunter Brooks ’23, Zahir Rainer ’24, Mario Thompson ’24, Jack Toscano ’22, Carlos Moore ’23, Connor Erlenbach ’22, Cameren Fleming ’23, Trey Grant, ’24, Cooper Gardiner ’24, Matthew Houston ’23, Robbie Dunn ’23, Louis Jones III ’22, Cornell Allen ’24; All-Metro: Carlos Moore ’23, Cameren Fleming ’23, Jack Toscano ’22, Trai Ferguson ’23, Jonathan Brooks ’23, Elijah Rainer ’23, Zahir Rainer ’24, Mario Thompson ’23
COACH’S REMARKS: Coming into the season, finishing top 4 in the LIS and top 10 in the state were the goals we set as a team and we were able to accomplish both. As the season progressed, the team faced challenges in terms of injury, so we learned to be flexible and do what we could do rather than focusing on what we could not do. We had to have contributions from every athlete to reach our goals in the LIS and state meet, and it happened in a very exciting and affirming way. We were glad to have a more typical season and grateful for the return to invitationals and traveling to meets and running together.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Win vs. Benedictine to start the year; win vs. Collegiate on turf field dedication, first win vs. Woodberry Forest since 2004; second-half comeback vs. St. Stephen’s St. Agnes in state semifinals; rematch against Benedictine in front of recordsetting home crowd for state title. COACH’S REMARKS: The 2021 football season was the culmination of a process that began in the fall of 2018. Seniors Connor Erlenbach, Louis (LJ) Jones, Sam Gorey, John Woodward, Carson Rogers, Chris, and Sam Singleton, and an outstanding group of sophomore and juniors, helped lead Trinity Football to our first ever VISAA Division 1 State Title. This group was steadfast and resilient in its pursuit of the
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BOYS CROSS COUNTRY HEAD COACH: William Cottrell (1st season) CAPTAINS: Jackson Hart ’22 POSTSEASON: 6th place in the VPL, 15th place in the VISAA
VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH: CAPTAINS: W/L RECORD:
COACH’S REMARKS: As a younger team, our focus this year was on growth and development. We worked on race tactics, pacing, and running as a team throughout the season, all of which we improved on throughout the season. The Patrick Henry Invitational proved to be an inflection point for us as nearly every athlete ran a personal best time that day. The 2020 season was challenging due to COVID restrictions and our team was only able to race against ourselves or the clock, so a return to proper racing was great. Overall, we had a great season and are excited to continue developing the running culture here at Trinity and growing our team!
Steve VanHuss (4th season) Chandler Grant ’22, Madeline Fox ’22, Lily Jennette ’23 7-15, 3-9 in LIS
ACCOLADES/AWARDS: Lily Jennette received All-LIS honors COACH’S REMARKS: The main team goal was to improve everyday, play everyday with 100% effort, have a great attitude and put the team before yourself. This team was young and inexperienced at the beginning of the season with only two returning players with any varsity experience. As the season progressed everyone stuck together as a team, remained positive, and by the end of the season we were playing competitive volleyball. Even though our record did not show it, this was one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. We are looking forward to a bright future.
FIELD HOCKEY HEAD COACH: CAPTAINS: W/L RECORD: POSTSEASON:
Margie Vaughan Snead ’85 (22nd season) Lainey Nichols ’22, Sara Murphy-Payne ’22, Sara Jane Ryan ’22, Lindsey Wright ’22 16-4 (7-0 in the LIS Regular Season) 2nd place in VISAA. Made the Finals of both the LIS and VISAA State Championships
ACCOLADES/AWARDS: All-LIS: LIS Lainey Nichols ’22 (Player of the Year), Olivia Schmincke ’23, Valentina Ambrogi-Torres ’23, Mary Hazel Davis ’24; All-State: LIS Lainey Nichols ’22 (Player of the Year), Olivia Schmincke ’23, Valentina Ambrogi-Torres ’23, Mary Hazel Davis ’24 All-Metro Player of the Year: Lainey Nichols ’22; All-Metro: Lainey Nichols ’22, Olivia Schmincke ’23, Valentina Ambrogi-Torres ’23, Mary Hazel Davis ’24, NFCHA All South Region: Lainey Nichols ’22, National Academic Squad - Sara Jane Ryan ’22, Nancy Trout ’22, Lindsey Wright ‘22, Annie Morgan ’23, Kendall Fleet ’23 (Scholar of Distinction)
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Athletics COACH’S REMARKS: After having lost 11 seniors to graduation and having not had a season in 2021, we were focused on rebuilding team culture and traditions. With this being the first season after COVID, the girls were essentially starting all over with developing and defining their own unique leadership skills, team synergy, and their own program identity apart from the tradition and history of the program. I was really proud of how they marched forward forging their own way while bringing back things that have made us who we are. Our road game at Norfolk Academy, early in the season, gave them confidence that they had the ability to face our tough league schedule. This team is young and their potential is limitless. It was a pleasure to be a part of this season and it’s an honor to be able to watch where they will take things next year.
GIRLS TENNIS HEAD COACH: CAPTAINS: W/L RECORD: POSTSEASON:
Alicia Raymond (3rd season) Perrin Gilman ’22 6-11 Overall, 3-7 in the LIS Placed 4th as a team.
BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Vie Updike ’25 placed 2nd at singles line five in the LIS Tournament. Updike and Julia Pollard ’24 placed 3rd at line three for doubles in LIS Tournament. COACH’S REMARKS: This year was all about rebuilding and restrengthening as a team with a “regular” season, doubles included! Through a combination of match play, fitness, drills and fun, our goal was to put the team’s best efforts on the court. The LIS are all strong tennis competitors, with known powerhouses of Collegiate and St. Catherine’s but freshman Vie Updike upset Collegiate in the semis at LIS and almost upset St. Catherine’s for the championship title. A huge shout out to our lone senior captain, Perrin Gilman, for not only playing her best all season, but uplifting and inspiring her teammates to do the same. With the young team we have, the future is definitely bright for Titan Tennis!
BOYS SOCCER HEAD COACH: Brian Phillips (26th season) W/L RECORD: 9-3-2, 3-1-1 in VPL ACCOLADES/AWARDS: All VPL: Quinn Slabaugh ’22, Colin Flood ’23; All-State: Colin Flood ’23 MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Matches with league foes St. Christopher’s, Woodberry Forest and Norfolk Academy; a come from behind victory over St. John Paul the Great (down 2-0 at half before rallying to 5-3 victory) COACH’S REMARKS: By far the biggest highlight of the 2021 season was simply the return to a traditional schedule and normal competition along with the leadership of our senior class. The senior group personified commitment to team and personal accountability all year while also embracing the team motto “SCORE” – Sportsmanship, Communication, Organization, Resiliency and Effort. With a strong core of returning players and the legacy left by this year’s senior class, the future of the Titan Soccer program is bright.
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INDOOR TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH: Kendrick Richardson (4th Season) CAPTAINS: Millie Speck ’22, Ty Mathes ’24, Lilly Versen ’24, Drew Covington ’23, Skyler Pusser ’22, Haleigh McPeak ’23 BENCHMARKS/RECORDS: Six school records broken. Seven athletes qualified for nationals. COACH’S REMARKS: The goal set for this season was to get better every day and we definitely achieved that as this was the arguably the best season in my tenure as program head. All year we preached the importance of believing in ourselves and that ultimately led us to break several records and qualify for some national events. Looking forward to using this momentum for the Outdoor season coming up. Go Titans!
BOYS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH: Andrew Blazar (1st Season) CAPTAINS: DJ Covington ’22 W/L RECORD: 5-23 Overall, 1-9 VPL POSTSEASON: 6th in VPL; lost in first round of VPL tournament COACH’S REMARKS: For this season, we wanted to compete and put ourselves in a position to win every game, despite our record. With a team that had no varsity experience due to COVID, we kept our focus on competing as hard as we could in every game while continuing to learn and improve each day. Credit to our senior leadership, the guys stuck together and kept competing until the end. Although we didn’t experience a ton of success this season, we are working hard to get right back to where we know we can be in the area. We have big plans for our program next season!
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Photos courtesy MileSplit Network
Athletics
SWIM & DIVE HEAD COACH: Tim Johnson (4th Season) CAPTAINS: Owen DeFrancesca ’22, Ryder Hewitt ’22, Ann-Sidney Ragsdale ’23, Nathaniel Milligan ’23, Anna Gorey ’23, Caroline Roberts ’23 POSTSEASON: Boys - 8th in VISAA, 4th in VPL; Girls - 7th in VISAA, 4th in LIS COACH’S REMARKS: The theme for the year was “Stop Waiting. Start Doing.” For a lot of swimmers after the 2020 season, they thought they’d make things happen the next year, but we ended up not having a real season due to COVID. So our approach was, rather than “wait til next year” to get better, seize the opportunity in front of you today. We’re looking forward to making a run next year and swimming in front of the fans at our home pool for the state meet next year but it was great to be back in the pool and to have a normal season!
GIRLS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH: Adam Lonon (5th Season) CAPTAINS: Addison Winn ’23, Sophie Dolan ’23 W/L RECORD: 2-18 POSTSEASON: Last in VPL; lost in the first round of LIS tournament COACH’S REMARKS: With no seniors and only three juniors, creating a new team culture and identity for years going forward was the goal while always striving to get better game to game. We based our culture around accountability and teamwork. As the season progressed, we continually played every game to the final whistle; taking a team’s best shot and giving our best shot right back to them. Moving forward, we will continue to build on the foundation that was created this year and hopefully add more players in the future that can contribute to building the culture.
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HEADLINE MAKERS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Senior Trai Ferguson earns RTD Scholar-Athlete of the Month weeks after scoring game-winning touchdown to win State Title. In a January release, Trai Ferguson ’22 was chosen as the Richmond Times-Dispatch Scholar of the Month for December 2021. While being one of the top athletes in the area at his position, earning VISAA All State honors, he has also set the expectation very high in his academic endeavors at Trinity, maintaining at least a 3.6 GPA. “On the gridiron and in the classroom, Trai has exemplified hard work, dedication and an appreciation to his craft required to be successful,” said Malcolm Bell, football coach.
A GAME TO REMEMBER
Trinity wins first Division 1 VISAA State Title in 22-21 overtime thriller. On November 20th, Trinity won their first Division 1 football state title in amazing fashion. With over 4,000+ spectators in and around Aycock Stadium, this was by far one of the biggest events ever housed on Trinity’s campus in its 49 years of existence. The atmosphere was electric and emotions were high on both sides as the Titans won on a gutsy 2-point conversion in overtime versus crosstown rival Benedictine College Preparatory.
“Football is just a plus. I love to do it, but we’re not defined as football players. I’ve got to have some substance to me as well,” said Ferguson when asked how he balances sports and academics. It comes as no surprise that Ferguson has recently garnered interest from the Ivy Leagues as well as other standout academic institutions as he is a model student on campus and is loved by his teachers, coaches and peers.
Head football coach Sam Mickens called this “the greatest football game I’ve ever seen”
RTD ALL-METRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
When the Richmond Times-Dispatch named its All-Metro Team for 2021, they chose as the top performer across all leagues in the RVA area, both public and private, Titan Lainey Nichols ’22. “Lainey has been one of the Titans top scorers for the past three seasons. She led the way this year with 26 goals and 5 assists,” wrote Lily Betts. “Trinity coach Margie Snead said that Nichols benefits from her speed and a sharp shot, allowing her to build momentum on the transition and navigate heavy targeting from opposing defenses.” “The funny part about Lainey is that her athletic persona is completely different than the personality when you’re standing in front of her. She’s very lowkey,” Snead said. “It is the complete opposite of that. Her style of play is really explosive.” Photo by Daniel Sangjib Min (Times-Dispatch)
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Athletics
SIGNING DAYS
Parents, family, coaches and students gathered in the Estes Athletic Center on two occasions to support and celebrate seven 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 “National Signing Day” ceremonies. Coaches reflected on their individual experiences with each athlete, shared words of praise and encouragement and also expressed their appreciation for what each senior contributed to their team and school community. Every year, Trinity continues the legacy of premier student-athletes taking their talents to the collegiate level. FALL 2021 NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES • • • • • •
Brian Curley ’22 (baseball) — Virginia Commonwealth University Josiah Harrison ’22 (baseball) — Longwood University Sara Murphy-Payne ’22 (girls lacrosse) — Winthrop University Lainey Nichols ’22 (field hockey) — University of Richmond Garrett Kuhla ’22 (golf) — James Madison University Connor Erlenbach ’22 (boys lacrosse) — Hampden-Sydney College
WINTER 2022 NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEE • Jack Toscano ’22 (football) – College of William & Mary
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ARTS THE
All My Favorite Colors Cabaret, Trinity’s premiere musical revue returned to the Perkinson Arts Center stage after a year’s hiatus on November 19 and 20. With a chosen theme of “Colors,” among the kaleidoscope of tunes performed were “Behind Blue Eyes” by show legend Pauline Crowling, “Green Onions” by the jazz ensemble, “Lilac” by new student Elizabeth Ray and “Rainbow” by new faculty member Grace Parker.
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WINTER ART SHOW RETURNS Students, parents and guests enjoyed the opening of the annual Winter Art Show on Tuesday, January 11, featuring hundreds of original works of art produced by Trinity 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 judge the works in ten categories according to technical skill, content, display and overall creativity. Congratulations to all of the participants. BEST IN SHOW AC Tetterton ’22
LENS BASED Mary Wise Carter ’23
SCULPTURE Gus Mitchell ’23
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Fisher Falls ’22
3D Elizabeth Spanel ’22
FUNCTIONAL CERAMICS Grady Williams ’24
PAINTING Ridgely Coleman ’24
ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY Sage Parker ’23
2D Charlotte Rufe ’22
NON FUNCTIONAL CERAMICS Katelyn Snyder ’22
DRAWING Logan Snyder ’24
MIXED MEDIA Lauren Vaughn ’22 T I TA N T R A I L
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On a High Note Three Trinity musicians were selected to participate in two prestigious regional musical ensembles this winter. Elizabeth Ray ’25, violinist, and Silvie Dow ’25, harpist, were named to the 2022 Central Regional Orchestra, an elite performing group. Ray earned a top-ten score among violins, while Sylvie Dow is first chair in the harp section. Cameron Walker ’24, trumpeter, has been named to the 2022 VCU Greater Richmond High School Jazz Band.
All Together Now An unprecedented nine Trinity choral students were accepted into All-District High School Chorus for 2021-22. “This is by far the most students that Trinity has ever had accepted in one year, and it is a huge honor for us!” said Kimberly Ryan, Trinity choral director. “The chairperson of the audition even sent me a personal congratulatory email to let me know that our school was one of the only ones to have almost all of our auditioning students gain acceptance. Remarkable!” Congratulations to this year’s Trinity’s All-District High School Chorus representatives: Sadie Holloway ’24 Evan Cale ’22 Julia Pollard ’24 Claire Bowersox ’25 Carter Erwin ’24
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Jadyn Sutton ’25 Chloe Sprenkle ’25 Delia Rios ’24 Elise Eason ’26
Honorable Mention Two Trinity artists, Stella Brakman ’23 and Sam Nedeff ’25, were 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.” Brakman was recognized in the drawing and illustration category for “Shiloh” and Nedeff in the photography category for “Looking Deep into Nature II.” “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.
DAY G R A N D PA R E N T S
GRAND REOPENING “For each child that’s born, a morning star rises and sings to the universe who we are,” sang the Trinity Choir. “We are our grandmothers prayers, we are our grandfathers dreams, we are the breath of our ancestors.” This song, “We Are” by Sweet Honey in the Rock, was one of three musical performances at the on-campus return of the annual Grandparents Day program on Thursday, October 28. Head of School Rob Short welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for their presence on campus in support of their grandchildren. After enjoying performances by the Trinity Chorus, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, grandparents joined their grandchildren to enjoy a scavenger hunt around campus.
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2021
HOMECOMING Trinity’s campus was buzzing with excitement during Homecoming Weekend on October 29-30, 2021. The Classes of ’0, ’1, ’5, and ’6s celebrated long overdue reunions and many friends of Trinity reunited at the annual Oyster Roast. The beautiful fall weather made the evening under the stars one to remember! The Saturday football game was nothing short of a celebration. Students, alumni, faculty and staff, and families flocked to Aycock Stadium to watch the football team take on Woodberry Forest. After a hard fought game, the Titans won 42-35! It was wonderful to have so many people back on campus together. We missed you, Titans! Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2022 celebrating the Classes of ’2s and ’7s on October 7-8, 2022.
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he Trinity community lost a football coach, former parent and generous supporter on August 29, 2021. Steve Edwards, father of alumni Anne Edwards Robertson ’07 and Cody Gray ’15, was honored during halftime of the football game by retiring the football jersey number 50. The jersey was chosen to coincide with the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Trinity. Elizabeth Edwards and their son Sam Edwards accepted the jersey from football coach Sam Mickens in the presence of many that knew and loved Steve.
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CLASS
NOTES SHIELDS
BAKER
Class of 1977
Rosanna Bencoach ’77 writes, “I recently moved to Norfolk to take the position of deputy director of elections and deputy registrar for the City of Norfolk.” Teri Burton Kuttenkuler ’77 writes: “I have worked at VCU Health for almost 40 years as a registered nurse, nurse manager, human resources director and now vice president in human resources. Most of my clinical career was in pediatrics and newborn ICU, which still holds my heart. My husband, Joe, is the director of videography for VCU and VCU Health System. Together, we have three wonderful boys and two fabulous grandsons. Our youngest son is currently a senior at Christopher Newport University, so we are almost empty-nesters. We are proud of all our boys! Joe and I recently built our dream home on the water in Charles City County and love every minute of our time here. We are both looking forward to retiring and fully enjoying everything around us, from the Capital Bike Trail to kayaking on the James and Turkey Island Creek, as well as sharing the joy with our grandsons.”
Class of 1993
Barbara Couto Sipe ’93 is the president and CEO of NextUp RVA, an organization that operates after-school programs for Richmond Public School students. In February 2022, the city of Richmond announced that NextUp would oversee the $1 million in gun violence prevention grants to community-led programs focused on parenting support, mental health services, tutoring, mentorships and after-school programs. In a February 3 article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Sipe stated: “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their talents and to just stay safe and supported and ultimately to thrive. The more coordinated our efforts, the more extensive our reach, the greater the impact that we can make on children’s present and future.”
Class of 1996
Robbie Shields ’96 and his wife Vivian welcomed their son, James Alston Shields, in October 2021. He weighed 10.2 lbs.
WITT
HENDRICK
Class of 2000
MESSINGER
Lindsey Goodman Baker ’00 is the associate director of partner relations for the National Association of Corporate Directors in Northern Virginia. She and her husband welcomed their second son, Grayson, in June 2021.
Class of 2005
Kyle Hendrick ’05 and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed their second child, Oliver, on September 28, 2021. Sarah Goldstein Taylor ’05 and her husband Chad welcomed their third child, Goldie Mae, on February 3, 2022. She weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20¼ inches long.
Class of 2009
Katie Markunas Messinger ’09 and her husband Thomas welcomed Amelia “Millie” Elnor on December 17, 2021. She weighed 7.12 lbs. and was 21.5 inches long. Jon Witt ’09 and his wife Ashleigh welcomed their second son Riley on November 16, 2021. Big brother Peyton was so excited to meet him!
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Class Notes ALUMNI BOOK CLUB
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
English teacher Francis Decker led the virtual Alumni Book Club on November 18, 2021 where the group discussed Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson. Alumni gathered virtually again on February 17, 2022 to discuss American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Each year, Trinity’s campus is decorated with tens of thousands of lights in preparation for the holiday season. Alumni and their families visited the decorated campus on December 16 and enjoyed hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a visit from Santa Claus!
Alumni join in from across the country to share thoughts and ideas surrounding the books. “It really is so special to have alumni join locally and from thousands of miles away,” said alumni and annual giving associate Julia Bowling. “Francis does a wonderful job of leading powerful and interesting conversations about each book!”
IB DIPLOMA CEREMONY Surrounded by their classmates, families and former teachers, our 2021 IB diploma candidates returned to Trinity as young alumni to receive their IB diplomas inside of the Speight Alumni Room on January 6, 2022. Marti Truman, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator, shared how proud she was of each graduate, especially given the many challenges and hurdles they overcame to achieve this recognition.
2022 ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR Mark your calendars for these upcoming alumni events! To learn more and submit your RSVP, email Julia Bowling at juliabowling@trinityes.org. We can’t wait to see you! April 30 - Alumni Cycle Class at CycleBar Midlothian May - Alumni Book Club with Francis Decker May 25 - Titans for Titans Giving Day June 9 at 6:00 p.m. - Green, White and Brew Party at the Wright House October 7-8 - Homecoming Weekend (celebrating the Classes of ’2s and ’7s) October 8 - Hall of Fame Induction honoring the 1996 boys basketball state championship team
After several reschedules, the 1996 Boys Basketball State Championship Team will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on October 8, 2022 in Aycock Stadium. The Trinity community is so excited to finally honor these individuals! The team was coached by the late Dale Travis and won the Prep League title along with the first state championship in program history. Team members include Chris Aycock ’99, Hunter Beggarly ’97, Ben Bretz ’97, Chris Coreth ’99, Chris Gaffney ’96, Aaron Gibbs ’97, Brett Gibbs ’96, Ryan Gibbs ’99, Rick Hamlin ’96, Tyler Harris ’98, Brad McNeer ’96, Aaron Rose ’96, Robbie Shields ’97, Eric Waters ’99 and Ned Witthoefft ’96. The induction ceremony will take place during halftime of the Homecoming football game. Any and all Trinity alumni, coaches, faculty and friends are welcome! For questions regarding the Hall of Fame or induction ceremony please contact Julia Bowling, alumni and annual giving associate, at juliabowling@trinityes.org or at (804) 327-3153.
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WITT
BURSTON
DOUGHTIE & RIVERA
GROTOS
Alise Witt ’09 married Doug Fraser on September 18, 2021 at the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Class of 2011
Holly Zajur ’11 married Will Wright at the Boathouse at Sunday Park on October 3, 2021.
Class of 2012
Torey Burston ’12 writes:, “Victoria and I got married on December 4, 2021 at Quirk Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. With having older family members, we thought it was best to have a Zoom wedding sponsored by Wedfuly. Our day started with mimosas and music. While Victoria was getting her hair and make-up done, I found myself out and about doing small errands to make the time go by faster — if that was even possible! After picking myself up some Krispy Kreme donuts, I had to race back downtown before the 10k race started. I just knew I’d never hear the end of it if I was late to my own wedding. We spent months planning for the big day, but it felt like it lasted three minutes. Nevertheless, it was the best day of my life and we are really enjoying married life so much!” Evie Doughtie ’12 and Myles Rivera ’12 were married on September 25, 2021 at Dover Hall in Manakin Sabot, Virginia. The couple began dating following their graduation from Trinity and have been together ever since! They live in Richmond where Evie works as a consultant with Deloitte and Myles is a robotics engineer with Perrone Robotics located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Class of 2014 and 2015
Camm Johnson ’14 and Emmy Bowe ’15 were engaged in December 2021. Tappe Grotos ’15 and Bo Delaney were engaged in September 2021 on the island of Saint John in the Caribbean. Grotos writes, “Bo and I met at Lynchburg College in 2016, and have been on so many adventures ever since. We moved to Boston in October 2020, and have since gotten engaged and brought our first dog, Luna, into our lives. Bo got down on one knee under the full moon on the beach, and I said yes! We got to enjoy our engagement exploring the island 40
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JOHNSON & BOWE
DEUTSCH & LAWTON
and soaking up the much needed sunshine. We cannot wait to say “I do!” in November!”
Class of 2017
Teresita Ambrogi-Torres ’17 tallied her 100th point for the Randolph-Macon College field hockey team on Saturday, October 9. Following the end of her senior season, she was named to the All-ODAC Team for a fifth time in her career and named to the 2021 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III Senior Team. She finished her field hockey career tallying 109 points, making her No. 13 in Division III and No. 24 in the entirety of the NCAA among active players. Thomas Deutsch ’17 and Julia Lawton ’17 were married in January 2022 at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.
Class of 2018
Congratulations to Sam Bacon ’18, named recipient of the CAA’s 2020-21 Leadership and Sport Excellence Award, given in recognition of “the highest standards of teamwork, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship in their academic and athletic achievements.” In an article in the August issue of the Elon University Magazine, Bacon was profiled for his many contributions to the school, both on and off the soccer field, including community service, honors research in data science and being named captain of the men’s soccer team. Find the article at www.elon.edu/u/news.
Class Notes
1 YEAR 100 SETS 100 SHOOTS
Jada Zajur Parrish ’08 and David Parrish ’06 are the co-owners and creatives behind J+D Photo. Over the course of 2021, they embarked on a Conceptual Portraits Project with a goal of completing 100 photo shoots in 100 different handmade sets in one year. Jada shared, “To reach our goal, we had to build and photograph 2-3 sets per week. All of the sets are built out of plywood and latex paint.” The creative sets manipulated perspective and created optical illusions while highlighting elements of the human experience. After 10 years of being photographers, Jada and David were feeling drawn to conceptual and fashion photography along with set design. With a goal to build a new portfolio to showcase this type of work in mind, the year-long mission based project began. “This helped hold us accountable to our goal in a really fun way,” shared Jada.
The variety of individuals that were brought in for each shoot were a highlight of the project, however, time continued to be a challenge. “We built the sets, styled the looks, lit the sets, and photographed the shoot all in the same day. The shoots always took place at 6:00 p.m. so we were always battling the clock,” said Jada. The 100th shoot was completed on December 31, 2021. “We loved getting to push our creative boundaries. There were so many problems to solve and decisions to make at such a fast pace, and it challenged us in all the best ways,” shared Jada. Jada and David are now in the editing phase of the project and plan to turn all 100 shoots into a coffee table book. To see this project and other work done by J+D Photo, visit jadaanddavid.com. You can also follow along with their next projects on Instagram: @jadaanddavid. [All photos courtesy of J+D Photo] T I TA N T R A I L
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WHITING
DAVIS
Ravenel Davis ’18 received Third Team All-American honors by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) following her final season on the Haverford College field hockey team. Throughout her senior season, Ravenel was named as a Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week three times. She was named to the Centennial Conference All-Sportsmanship Team, First-team AllCentennial Conference, and Academic All-Centennial Team at the conclusion of her senior season. [Photo courtesy of Haverfordathletics.com] Grayson Rainey ’18 is a newscaster for KOMU 8 in Missouri. He writes: “I started working at KOMU 8 News back in August for my broadcast class in the Missouri School of Journalism. KOMU 8 is an NBC affiliate and we cover news for many counties in mid-Missouri. KOMU is the only university owned television station in the entire United States. Students get to work on general assignment reporting and we call it the “Missouri Method” by having a hands-on learning experience whether it’s reporting, producing or anchoring. For my work at KOMU, I have covered stories in Jefferson City, Mexico (Missouri), Boonville, Columbia, and other places where I want to do a story. I work twice a week and I am expected to turn in a VOSOTVO
RAINEY
or a package each shift. I just recently finished a long term package story on the local school system phasing out trailers. I have gotten the chance to interview mayors, important community leaders, and citizens that have valued opinions about mid-Missouri and what is going on in their respective communities.”
Class of 2019
Emma Seli ’19 is a junior at James Madison University majoring in writing, rhetoric and technical communication. In January 2022, she published an opinion piece in the JMU Newspaper ‘The Breeze’ about the importance of in-person classes for students. She stated, “It’s clear that online schooling negatively impacts students academically and mentally, and maintaining in-person classes throughout the semester will significantly benefit JMU students.”
Class of 2020
Notre Dame swimmer Sydney Whiting ’20 finished 13th in the Women’s 100 Freestyle Finals of the ACC Championships on February 19, 2022. Her 49.35 finish set a personal record and improved on her eighth-best finish in program history. [Photo courtesy of Notre Dame athletics]
Three Months, Two Thousand Miles, One Path “For Lucy Perry ’17, her post-graduation adventure wasn’t about discovering her path,” wrote Lura Hamlin Weiler in her October edition of Connections, a regular column on the Trinity website. “The Appalachian Trail is one of the more well-known treks in the country. For Perry, it was about discovering herself along the path. Perry recently finished hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 2,180+ mile journey that she began the morning after graduating from Roanoke College and finished a mere 105 days later. The seeds for this epic journey, however, were planted during her sophomore year at Trinity when she participated in her first spring break hike led by Michael Stratton ’02.” Later that month to kickoff Homecoming week, Trinity welcomed Perry as a guest speaker in Chapel, where shared photos and stories from her experiences both in the Outdoor Program at Trinity and through her recent, 3-month long quest. “Pursue what you want to pursue,” she told students. “No matter what opinions people have on it. No matter if it aligns with what your peers are doing with their next steps in life… By staying true to yourself, all those obstacles standing between you and whatever your end goal is are arbitrary.” You can read more about Perry’s adventure at
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trinityes.org/connections
Class Notes
Archibald leads several different clubs on campus: JMU Science Fiction and Fantasy Guild, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Club, and the Chess Club he started that now has over 80 members. “To be honest, I’ve actually been training in hopes of one day beating Michael Stratton ’02 in a game of chess!” Timothy Petrucelli ’18 introduced Archibald to DJing right after graduating from Trinity. “Within the first couple of days of mixing on his board, I was hooked,” he shared, “By the end of my first year at JMU, I had played my first show at an EDM club event and put out my first mix on SoundCloud.” Jump forward to today where he is the President of EDM Club and opened for singer Jason Derulo in a sold out basketball stadium in November 2021. Archibald’s passion for music and DJing led him to starting a music event promotion company MadHouse RVA (@madhouserva) to focus on expanding the house and techno scenes in Richmond. After graduating from JMU in May 2022, Archibald hopes to continue growing the company while working in writing consultation or copywriting. “It’s actually been incredibly useful studying rhetoric, as I feel equipped with the tools to be a great music event promoter,” he said, “However, I am so appreciative of all the teachers and the curriculum at Trinity. It’s such a special place to me, and it sent me in a lot of right directions in my life mentally.” Archibald shared “Whether it be the thrill of crunching for a set at Pach’s Place, or getting ready for a big Cabaret, I can’t thank the music department enough for exposing me to high quality event production, performance, and professionalism,” he shared, “Brian Rollins, Chris Markunas ’01, and Kimberly Ryan were always so supportive of my musical pursuits at Trinity.” Archibald shared that he still vividly remembers a wise lesson from Brian Phillips and Chris Williamson ’00: “If you’re early, you’re on time. And if you’re on time, you’re late. And if you’re late, you’re dead!” “My life after Trinity has been an incredible journey so far, and it’s amazing to think I’ve just begun. But it’s important to remember where I started, which is undoubtedly Trinity.” John Archibald ’18 is a senior at James Madison University majoring in writing, rhetoric, and technical communication with a minor in creative writing. “When I was at Trinity, I was so sure I had ‘discovered my path.’ But the path I thought I was on five years ago has drastically changed for the better.”
To find out more about Archibald’s music and upcoming performances, follow him online @djtablaro (https://linktr.ee/ tablaro) or @madhouserva (https://linktr.ee/madhouseRVA)! T I TA N T R A I L
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In Sympathy The Trinity community offers its condolences to families of the following people who have recently passed away. We apologize for any unintentional omissions. As of February 24, 2022 Malinda Bowles Mills, mother of Marianne Ellis Allen ’76 and Trustee Chris Ellis ’81, died on May 23, 2021. Robert Monaco, father of Joe Monaco, father-in-law of Diane Vaughan Monaco ’81 and grandfather of Cate Monaco ’21, died on August 30, 2021. Meg Atkinson Borton ’79, mother of Greg Dew ’02, died on September 8, 2021. Chris Coreth ’99 died on September 15, 2021. Gladys Victor, mother of Phil Victor ’94, died on October 23, 2021. Judy Rocawich, former Trinity staff member and mother of Matty Rocawich ’08, died on October 29, 2021. Advisory Board Member Henry Willett, Jr., father of Board of Trustee Todd Willett and grandfather of Preston Willett ’11, Taylor Willett ’16, and Mason Willett ’20, died on November 11, 2021. Former Trustee Charles Fralin, father of Bev Fralin Tilley ’80 and Tommy Fralin ’88, died on November 22, 2021. Trinity’s founding Board of Trustees Chair William Shands, Jr., father of Tyler Shands ’79 and Laura Shands Ferguson ’81 and grandfather of Thomas Ferguson ’13, died on December 1, 2021. Cam Harris ’77 died on January 15, 2022. Christine Archuleta ’09 died on January 17, 2022. Barbara Pearce, former Trinity faculty member and mother of Laurie Pearce-Brown ’87 and Mike Pearce ’90 died on February 22, 2022. 44
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Ibecause… GIVE
“We decided to support Trinity through a planned gift because we appreciate the many educational opportunities in the classroom, through the arts, and on the playing fields. We want these experiences to be available to future generations of students.” Janet and Bruce Willis Parents of Jeffrey Willis ’11 and Shield Society Members
Shield Society members are those individuals who have included Trinity in their estate plans. Planned gifts secure the long-term health of the school and ensure that Trinity is here for years to come. Please consult your financial advisor for information about planned giving options for your circumstances and charitable goals.
For additional information about how you can leave a lasting legacy at Trinity, please contact: Anne Hurt, Director of Development (804) 327-3154 or annehurt@trinityes.org T I TA N T R A I L
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Non-Profit U.S. Postage
PAID
3850 Pittaway Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235
www.trinityes.org
Discover Your Path Inside the Trinity Outdoor Program’s Wood Shed, student climbers can take on interactive rock-climbing challenges on the state-of-the-art MoonBoard. “Cool Indoor Spaces” like this one are just a few of the “50 Things We Love About Trinity” compiled in this issue (page 11).
Richmond, VA Permit No. 129