Head of School Bill Taylor

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Did you ever fail a quiz or a test in school? I did. Did you ever forget to complete a homework assignment or, even worse, choose not to do it? I did. Did you ever break a rule at school or at home and endure the consequences that followed? I have failed and will continue to fail. While I work hard to minimize the occurrences and impact of such failure, by virtue of my humanity I cannot prevent it.

Studies show that stress among adolescents is nearly at the same level as stress among adults. This is an alarming discovery, especially because adolescents have not fully developed healthy coping measures to release stress. Some inevitably choose unhealthy ways to alleviate their stress. As educators and parents who are attuned to the well-being of our students and children, we must be attentive to this and explore ways that we can work to ameliorate the negative impact of high levels of stress experienced by our students and children.

For over 36 years, I have worked with adolescents and have helped them navigate the waters of academically challenging school environments. I have seen many students reach great achievements in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in other areas of engagement. I have also seen many students and some parents equate achievement with perfection. Indeed the pressure to achieve perceived goals of perfection is real for many students; and, it causes stress. The necessary challenge for schools and for parents is to help place achievement in its proper context.

With few exceptions, students at Trinity-Pawling want to succeed. They have set high goals for themselves, and they work hard toward reaching these goals. In short, boys at Trinity-Pawling want to achieve. Trinity-Pawling, moreover, is committed to helping them achieve. As educators, though, we must also teach our students that high achievement does not mean perfection. As importantly, we must always seek to associate achievement with effort so that the focus is on the effort, even more than the actual achievement.

The pursuit of excellence through effort allows young people to understand that learning is a process and that their commitment to their own growth is a life-long journey. It also allows them to understand that hard work is the process by which our discovery of the world is enhanced. Part of this discovery is the ability to learn by doing, including the importance of learning from mistakes.

We must also acknowledge that the stress many of our students experience is real and palpable. As teachers, we must be mindful of what our students’ experiences are like and help them navigate these challenges. It is important that our students know the resources that are available to them when they are coping with stressful situations. When they feel stressed and overwhelmed by challenges, they need to be in dialogue with caring adults, such as a parent, a trusted teacher, a caring advisor, or a trained counselor or psychologist.

The availability of dialogue and compassion must be a readily-seen resource for all students. As a parent, if you believe that your son is experiencing unhealthy feelings of anxiety and stress, please let us know. We will also do the same. We share a commitment that their journey of learning and growth is a healthy one.

by William W. Taylor

EFFORT AND ACHIEVEMENT: A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
Trinity-Pawling faculty member Bill Dunham

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: BILL DUNHAM

A member of the faculty since 1993, Bill Dunham is currently the Associate Director of College Counseling, Chair of the English Department, English teacher, Head Varsity Coach for wrestling and golf, and recipient of the Phillips Smith Endowed Humanities Chair. Over the years, he has also served as a dorm parent and head coach for baseball and soccer. Dunham epitomizes a teacher dedicated to student success.

Contributing writer Hunter Baran ’25 recently sat down to talk with Mr. Dunham about college placement and wrestling:

College placement updates:
College placement has gone quite well this year for the members of the senior class. With many students getting into their first picks through early decision and early action, the acceptances continued to come. As of this date, seniors have been accepted into schools such as Williams College, Amherst College, Wesleyan University, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), University of Virginia, University of Chicago, and New York University amongst other schools. This year’s senior class sent out their applications smoothly and swiftly, and the college essays written by the students were very good. Mr. Dunham would also like to thank the teachers and faculty for constructing strong, effective recommendations.

Wrestling team success:
The ’24 wrestling team was mostly returners aside from three newcomers, Avi Meltzer ’26, Tyler Peterson ’25, and Tyler Fromm ’25. Those individuals, coupled with returners Joe Tumolo ’25, Axel Caramico ’26, Ethan Collura ’25, John Berlandi ’27, Asa Caramico ’24, Maxx Miller ’25, Angus Deely ’24, Trey Boula ’24, AJ Turner ’25, and Kweku Arthur-Mensah ’25, to produce “one of its best seasons in years,” said Mr. Dunham. He praised captains Trey Boula ’24 and Angus Deely ’24 for their leadership and help in uniting the team this year as well as the energy that senior Jaylani Woolridge ’24 often brought into the room. He noted that the team was filled with homegrown wrestlers last year who really stepped up to help the team find success. The team took 3rd place at the Avon Tournament, 3rd at the Tabor Tournament, and 2nd at the Brunswick Invitational in the early stages of the season. In the middle of the season, there were several season-ending injuries that knocked starters out of the lineup for the remainder of the season. However, that did not affect the team, as it managed to earn 3rd place at the Western New England Tournament, and 5th place at the New England Tournament. The future looks very promising for Trinity-Pawling wrestling, as the majority of the team, and of its New England place winners will be returning.

by Hunter Baran ’25

COLLEGE PLACEMENT AND WRESTLING UPDATES
Jesus Moreno, Trinity-Pawling faculty member

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: JESÚS MORENO

Jesús Moreno (referred to as Don Jesús by his students), a dedicated educator at Trinity-Pawling School, is known for his innovative teaching methods that blend language acquisition with experiential learning. As a teacher of Spanish 1; Spanish 4 Honors; and Spanish 5: Spanish Language and Experiential Art, Moreno continually seeks ways to engage his students actively in the learning process.

Intrigued by the concept of kinesthetic learning, a learning style in which the student needs to move or feel in order to learn more effectively, Moreno sought to implement this method last term by incorporating interactive woodworking projects into his Spanish 5 class.

Upon hearing about Moreno’s Spanish Language and Experiential Art class’s involvement with woodworking, Ricky Oliver, Director of Theater Arts, recognized the synergy between Moreno’s teaching methods and the theater’s needs for its upcoming winter production and reached out to Moreno to see how they could work together. Moreno’s daughter, serving as the assistant director of the play, further bridged the gap, making the partnership a natural fit.

Collaborating with the theater department, Moreno and his students undertook the challenge of building theater props “in Spanish.” Moreno’s approach focused on practical language application rather than rote memorization, breaking down the affective filters or negative emotions that hinder language acquisition.

Through engaging in hands-on tasks and actively participating in problem-solving discussions, students organically reinforced their language skills and mastered over 58 practical expressions, all while crafting six 8-foot-tall moveable columns to represent the stripes in the American flag for the play.

As Moreno continues to pioneer experiential learning at Trinity-Pawling, he advocates for educators to embrace innovation and flexibility in language instruction and hopes that his methods will inspire students to pursue their enthusiasm for learning.

by Missy McCluskey

EMBRACING INNOVATIVE TEACHING METHODS
Leo Lui ’24

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LEO LIU ’24

Leo Liu is the dynamic force behind The Phoenix, Trinity-Pawling’s student-published newspaper, as its Editor-in-Chief. But that’s just the beginning of Leo’s impressive resume. Not only does he excel in the world of journalism, he is a dedicated athlete, competing in soccer, tennis, and squash. Balancing his athletic commitments with a challenging course load of AP classes, Leo is a shining example of dedication and determination, earning him a place on the Head of School’s List. As if that weren’t enough, he’s also a participant in the Leadership Institute and a valued member of the School’s Future Business Leaders of America club.

We had a chance to sit down with Leo to learn more about his diverse range of interests and achievements, and his goals for the rest of his senior year.

Can you tell us about your role as Editor-in-Chief of The Phoenix?

I manage the assignment of articles to our editors, I write the editor’s notes myself. I am also responsible for the layout, printing process, and distribution. I am passionate about writing and feel that it’s important to be able to express my opinions freely.

Among soccer, tennis, and squash, do you have a favorite sport, and why?

Tennis is my favorite. I started playing when I was 7 because my parents wanted me to try a new sport. After I came to America, I started to take it very seriously because everyone in America seems to play tennis and is pretty good at it so it made me want to be better. Tennis has also taught me many things, including how to keep calm and focus on the present.

Making it onto the Head of School’s List is such an achievement. Can you share some study tips?

I don’t like to put the workload on the night before, so I choose to study a day or two ahead. I like to study at night, then go to bed and try to memorize it in my sleep — then when I wake up in the morning I will understand it. You also have to take some time off to relax and shift your focus. I felt like getting used to this heavy study environment could help me adjust more easily when I get into college. I have learned how to manage my study time because AP classes are hard work and getting ahead is beneficial for my personal development and development as a student.

As a member of the School’s Future Business Leaders of America club, what skills have you gained from this experience?

Junior year I went to a summer program called Launch X where I helped consult with a real company and what I gained from that experience were market research skills, communication skills, and presentation skills.

Can you share a memorable moment from your involvement in the Leadership Institute at Trinity-Pawling?

In the Fall, we had the freshmen and sophomores do (team building activities) spaghetti towers and a blind walk with instructions to avoid obstacles. It was pretty memorable because that was my first time engaging with the younger kids.

What are some items on your senior bucket list that you hope to accomplish before graduation?

I want to try to participate in other sports and get more involved with clubs — and just try to make my best memories in Senior Spring.

What advice would you give to younger students who are just starting their journey at Trinity-Pawling?

Get involved with the community. Go to games, join clubs. Don’t just stay in your room playing video games. Just try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

by Missy McCluskey

A MULTIFACETED LEADER AT TRINITY-PAWLING
The sugaring shack on Trinity-Pawling campus and maple sugaring project students

UPDATE FROM TRINITY-PAWLING FARMING

During our Wintersession in 2022, a group of students endeavored to map out the locations of all of the maple trees on Trinity-Pawling’s campus in an attempt to determine the viability of maple syrup production on campus. The boys mapped out over 450 available taps, and, after visiting several local maple farms, and making a small amount of their own syrup, the students concluded that making maple syrup at Trinity-Pawling was not only possible, but an excellent idea!

Fast forwarding two years to our most recent Wintersession, the School approved a group of freshmen and sophomores to build a maple sugaring “shack” and to install a sugarbush (a stand of maple trees that is used for maple syrup) on campus. After visiting area maple farms to learn about the necessary infrastructure for the production of syrup, the students built a sugar shack from the ground up, located near the Pond House at the upper pond. The students were able to use the sawmill located on campus to mill the siding out of downed ash trees rather than purchase lumber. They also put together an evaporator, which is the perfect size for the 50 taps that the students installed in the trees above the house. To collect the sap, the students are using a combination of traditional buckets and tubing, having learned the benefits and drawbacks of both systems.

In the last few weeks, the students have made about a gallon of syrup. They look forward to starting to evaporate when the season begins next year, as the system will be ready to go from the outset of the season. The goal will be to make enough syrup to host a festive annual “pancake night” in the Pond House, perhaps as one way to celebrate the end of the Winter Term and the coming of spring. Though we have elected to begin with a very manageable 50 taps, there is student interest in future expansion of the program to utilize a greater percentage of the trees available on our campus, not only to generate more syrup but to also have enough to experiment with making other products, such as maple cotton candy, maple candies, or maple cream.

Through much hard work and learning, this year’s Maple Sugaring Winter Project group has definitely achieved the sweetest results on record!

by Josh Frost ’04

MAPLE SUGARING ON CAMPUS
Pride hockey players

THANK YOU, CLASS OF 1973!

As we come to the close of a hockey season where the Pride brought home wins against the likes of Millbrook School, Choate Rosemary Hall, Frederick Gunn School, and more, we’d like to thank the Class of 1973 for their pivotal contribution to our athletics program. Alumni engagement in our athletic programs helps to instill valuable lessons to the boys about strategic decision-making, camaraderie, and self-assurance. Alumni support helps Trinity-Pawling foster a culture of determination and excellence.

Marking a milestone occasion, the Class of 1973 commemorated their 50th reunion by leaving a lasting legacy through their generous reunion gift – funds to purchase a brand new Zamboni for Tirrell Rink. Their thoughtful contribution underscores the enduring impact of alumni support and the profound sense of community that defines Trinity-Pawling.

This vital addition to our sports infrastructure reaffirms Trinity-Pawling’s commitment to sustaining a robust hockey program, poised to compete at the highest level among our counterparts. Beyond the tangible benefits of enhanced facilities, it symbolizes a collective investment in the growth and development of our student-athletes, empowering them to excel on and off the ice.

In the words of Head Varsity Hockey Coach Bob Ferraris ’93, “Tirrell Rink is an extraordinary place. Seeing the character, the brotherhood, and the passion our players develop through working together as a team, we couldn’t be more thankful to the Class of 1973 for their tremendous investment in our hockey program and, more importantly, in the future of these boys.”

Thank you, Class of 1973! Your generosity will empower your Trinity-Pawling brothers of today and tomorrow to continue to live up to their potential and seek out their passions.

by Tom Javery

NEW ZAMBONI FOR TIRRELL RINK
#rollpride Trinity-Pawling School

PRIDE ATHLETIC ROUNDUP

This past winter athletic season was filled with many ups and downs, with each team finding joy in their success and lessons in their defeat. Though each team faced its own set of adversities, mostly through injuries, the boys continually fought hard in competition. They have no doubt earned the upcoming Spring Break, as many of them begin to prepare for their spring sport. Here’s a recap of the varsity teams’ winter season:

Basketball 

The varsity basketball team finished with a record of 12-12. Similar to the hockey team, the team experienced both highs and lows throughout a season that saw multiple injuries. One of the highlights for the season was a win against Cheshire Academy, which plays in a division above the Founders League. They took the lead at the beginning of the game and never looked back, winning 70-61, undoubtedly an impressive victory. The boys also secured a victory on their Senior Night, beating Suffolk Academy 70-62. Two boys on the team who improved tremendously and played significant minutes were Jamie Murphy ’24 and Benedek Maly ’25— we recognize these two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

Hockey

The varsity hockey team had an up-and-down season this year, finishing with a record of 6-19-1. Throughout the season, the boys never lost their fighting spirit and continued to have positive attitudes. The season culminated with a home game against Millbrook for Senior Night. All 12 seniors were honored, and the team won 6-1. The hockey team gives out three awards at the end of the year. The Dave Reece ’67 Award went to Jason Musa ’26; the Coaches Award went to JP Macrigiane ’24, and the Brian R. Foster ’79 Award went to Ethan Fehrenbaker ’24.

Wrestling

The wrestling team had another strong season this year. They had strong wrestlers at each weight class, which proved beneficial throughout the season. The team proved too strong for most Founders League teams, beating Avon Old Farms, Hotchkiss, Choate, and Taft. The boys seemed to continue to improve throughout the season and in the New England Wrestling Tournament. From there, the team had four boys go on to wrestle at the National Prep Wrestling Championships. They were Avi Meltzer ’26, Tyler Fromm ’25, Axel Caramico ’26, and Joe Tumulo ’25. The wrestling team gave out three awards at the athletic awards dinner. The Coaches Award went to Trey Boula ’24 and Angus Deely ’24. The Sean Kimberley ’91 Award went to Tyler Fromm ’25, and the Annual Award went to Joe Tumolo ’25.

Squash

The varsity squash team had a successful year, finishing with a record of 7-6. The highlights of the season were, as always, the tournaments. The first one was the New England Tournament where they played in Division D (a division above last year). The team went 2-1 on the weekend where each match was very close and ended up coming in 3rd in the division. During the final weekend of the season, they traveled to Philadelphia for the National Squash Championships. They competed in Division 5 (two divisions above last year) and had a great time going 2-2.  The Ned Reade Award was given to Leo Liu ’24, and the Annual Award was given to Fabrizio Nunez Ortiz ’24.

by Kyle Miller ’18

ROLL PRIDE!
Trinity-Pawling reception photos

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark your calendars, Trinity-Pawling community — these are events you don’t want to miss!

Palm Beach Florida Reception and Golf Outing
March 19, 2024
Reception
5:30-7:30 PM
161 E Inlet Drive, Palm Beach, FL

Golf Outing
10:45 AM
Old Palm Golf Club • 11889 Old Palm Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Hosted by Dick Bauer ’70
Register here!

New York City Reception
April 11, 2024
6:30-8:30 PM
Tribeca, NY
Hosted by Polly and Michael Brandmeyer P’25
Register here!

Washington, D.C. Reception
May 16, 2024
6:00-8:00 PM
Metropolitan Club • 1700 H St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Hosted by Kathryn and Ken Weeman ’59, P’91
Register here!

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
September 27-28, 2024
Trinity-Pawling School

Boston Holiday Reception
December 2, 2024
6:00-8:00 PM
Harvard Club of Boston • 374 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA
Hosted by Peggy and Phil Haughey ’53

For more information on upcoming events and registration details, please visit our website. Questions? Reach out to the Advancement team at alumi@trinitypawling.org or 845-855-4833.

SAVE THE DATES!
Hubbard Hoops logo

GET READY ALUMNI!

Calling all Trinity-Pawling alumni — Hubbard Hoops is back for 2024!

Our tournament-style bracket challenge will run through the March NCAA basketball playoffs: March 19 – April 8

More details are coming soon, so keep an eye on your email inbox!

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to Rebecca Smith at rsmith@trinitypawling.org or call 845-855-4886.

MARCH 19 – APRIL 8
Trinity-Pawling students

YOUR SUPPORT CAN LAST THE YEAR!

With the support of our community in 2024, boys will:

Grasp victory in Tirrell Rink, Hubbard Court, on David N. Coratti Field, and Mo Vaughn ’86 Baseball Field;

Captivate audiences with their musical, acting, and artistic talents in Gardiner Theater/Arts Center;

Earn academic accolades through effort and guidance in the Matthew Dann Academic Building;

And build the bonds of brotherhood in our dorms, at pondside bonfires, cheering from the stands, and relaxing on the quad.

Give Today!

Consider making a recurring contribution today — unlock the full impact of your support in 2024, during all of these special moments and more.

It’s easy to make a recurring gift:
● Visit our Giving Page;
● Select or enter your gift amount;
● Select “I want to make this a recurring donation;”
● Choose whether you would like your donation to be monthly or annual;
● Then click the “continue” button and complete filling out your donation form.

Community support makes a lasting difference.

 

THANK YOU!