Aerie 2025 Summer

PA R E N T S , A L U MNI A ND F R IE ND S O F

SUMMER 2025

A FASCINATING JOURNEY: THE NEW CASAVANT FRÈRES ORGAN

VARSITY GIRLS GOLF REMI BACARDI ‘25 DANIELLE HERNANDEZ ‘28

ALUMNI PROFILES EVAN ZEDER ‘01 CAITLIN (POMERANCE) WAKS ‘07

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY Palmer Trinity is an Episcopal school dedicated to promoting academic excellence and inspiring students to lead lives of virtue, humanity, and spirit.

Providing a supportive, inclusive environment for students, we emphasize academic distinction, ethical global citizenship, and character. As members of the greater community, we inspire students to lead lives of honor and social responsibility. Palmer Trinity School is committed to diversity and includes students with a range of academic interests, as well as students from diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The Aerie is published yearly by Palmer Trinity School for Alumni, parents, grandparents, students and friends. The e-newsletter informs the community of campus events and student and faculty accomplishments.

Send story ideas or comments to scalleja@palmertrinity.org.

Palmer Trinity School offers a full-service website, www.palmertrinity.org, where you can look up friends in a searchable directory, find out about the latest news and events, and connect with our Alumni office. We also post back issues of the Aerie magazines online.

Special thanks to Brand Poets (www.brandpoets.com), a strategic design and brand innovation company, who continues to take the image of Palmer Trinity School to the next level.

SUMMER 2025 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2024-2025

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

Marcel Navarro, Chairman Jesus Socorro, Vice-Chair Elizabeth Bacardi, Secretary Jared Kaplan, Treasurer

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Isabella Martino

PHOTOGRAPHY Jill Kahn, Anthony McFarlane, Claudia Storper

PROOFREADER Jennifer Agress

DESIGN Brand Poets

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Head of School Patrick Roberts Advisory Coordinator Evan Apanovitch Executive Assistant to Mr. Roberts Desiree Adams Director of Financial Aid and Sr. Associate Director of Admission Giovanna Arrien Director of Facilities and Security Art Beguiristain Associate Head of School for Communications and Strategic Partnerships Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Director of Student Activities Alexandra Cartaya Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman Chaplain Reverend Sandra Curtis Upper School Dean of Students Brook De Melo Gomes Registrar Amy Duarte Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Director of Development Juan Gomez Associate Dean of Students Traci Holstein Director of Athletics Dave Lanham Director of Environmental Stewardship Leo Llinás Alumni Relations Coordinator Isabella Martino Director of Annual Fund George Montes School Counselors Adrianna Munoz, Susanna Cetta Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Monifa Kelsey, Aldo Regalado Associate Head of School for External Relations Danny Reynolds Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs Adrianna Truby Middle School Dean of Students Natalia Zurcher

Judy Andrews Lynley Ciorobea Vivian More Cortinas Daniel Diaz Leyva Bishop Peter Eaton Walter Gonzalez Richard Grillo David Neithardt Carlos Penzini Doug Rothfeldt Hudson Smith Travis J. Sullivan Kim Vinas Russell Wilson Patrick Roberts (Trustee Ex-Officio) Michael Baiamonte (Trustee Emeritus) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

EDITORIAL OFFICE Aerie Magazine 7900 SW 176th Street Miami, Florida 33157 Share Article Ideas to: Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja, Editor scalleja@palmertrinity.org Send Address and Email Changes to: Alumni Office: Attn. Valerie Blattner vblattner@palmertrinity.org

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION Andrea Penzini

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ryan A. Jurney ‘04

ON THE COVER Mr. Moore’s 8th Grade Honors Physical Science students explore the colorful chemistry of metal compounds during a flame test lab.

ME S S A GE T O T HE C L A S S OF 2 0 2 5

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

BY PATRICK H.F. ROBERTS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Excerpted from Mr. Roberts’ full address to the Class of 2025, delivered on May 17

Good morning, Class of 2025—this is it. The moment you’ve worked so diligently for… The moment you’ve patiently waited for… The moment that will be a stepping stone for you in the years to come. It has arrived— congratulations.

As you stand on the threshold of your next chapter, I invite you to reflect on the legacy you leave behind—and the legacy you’re just beginning to build.

Over the February Break, I read The Gift of Influence by Tommy Spaulding.

In it, Spaulding reminds us of the powerful impact we have on those around us—often in ways we don’t even realize. Imagine a stadium filled with every person you’ve ever influenced. Some faces will be familiar: family, friends, teachers.

Others will be strangers: a classmate, a delivery driver, someone you met once in passing. What will that crowd remember about you? Will they cheer?

Will they be moved by your kindness, your honesty, your integrity?

Spaulding estimates that, over the course of a lifetime, each of us will influence more than 80,000 people.

That’s the size of a packed stadium.

Every word, every action, every choice matters.

So, as you move forward, I encourage you to:

BE HONEST—WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS. Know your strengths. Acknowledge your weaknesses. Build a reputation grounded in integrity. Ask yourself: Do I do what I say I will do? Can I be trusted to do the right thing—even when no one is watching? As Zig Ziglar reminds us, “Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life—all areas of life.”

BE POSITIVE. Things won’t always go as planned.

But don’t shy away from challenges.

Lean into them. Learn from them.

Grow through them. As Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Trials teach us what we are… they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of.”

AND BE GRATEFUL. You didn’t get here alone. Today, we celebrate you—but we also celebrate everyone who walked beside you, guided you, and lifted you up. Don’t stop saying thank you. Don’t stop noticing the people who make your life possible.

Today is a beginning. A beautiful, exciting, and well-deserved beginning.

You are a Palmer Trinity graduate—and with that comes both a legacy and a responsibility.

Know that you are loved. Know that we are always cheering for you. Know that wherever you go, your Palmer Trinity family is with you.

And always remember:

YOU MAY LEAVE PALMER TRINITY, BUT PALMER TRINITY WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU. Scan the QR code to read the full message.

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DEPARTMENTS Head of School Message

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Letter from the Editor

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW Faculty & Staff News

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Taking Flight: Retiring Faculty Members

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News Around Campus

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Board of Trustees New Appointments

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A Month of Culture, Diplomacy, and Discovery

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ESOL Students Explore Local History

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Senior Athletes

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Varsity Girls Golf

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The New Casavant Frères Organ Opus 3954

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Celebrating Breakthrough Miami Scholars

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Day of Purpose

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The Artist Behind the Lens

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Rediscovering Home / Redescubriendo el Hogar

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PERSPECTIVES Exploring Nature with iNaturalist:

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Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

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Stepping Up to the Plate

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Promoting Political Literacy

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Chaplain’s Corner: Belonging and Solace

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EVENTS Homecoming Week

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Veterans Day

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Lessons and Carols

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Organ Dedication and Chaplain Installation

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Bows & Bow Ties

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Sandy Golf Tournament

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Leadership Circle Reception

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International Festival

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Baccalaureate and Graduation

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ALUMNI NEWS

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Class Notes

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Alumni Profile: Evan Zeder ‘01

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Alumni Profile: Caitlin (Pomerance) Waks ‘07

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Alumni Socials

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Alumni Lunch on Campus and Tours

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Alumni on Campus

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Post-Homecoming Game Alumni Reception

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Alumni Mentorship Program

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Alumni Games

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Alumni Memorial Service

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Alumni Reunion Party

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Alumni Board

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Alumni Board President and Alumni Relations Coordinator

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Alumni Calendar

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DIS C O V ER ING IDE A L S IN CHIL E :

A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND CONNECTION

BY SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA, ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND STR ATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

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This spring, I had the privilege of traveling with the Palmer Trinity School Delegation, which included six upper school students, to Santiago, Chile, for a Round Square International Conference hosted by the Craighouse School.

What unfolded throughout our time there was nothing short of extraordinary—a journey that opened our eyes, stretched our minds, and left lasting impressions on all of us.

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inquisitiveness, courage, compassion, teamwork, and tenacity among them. In moments big and small, they leaned into challenges, asked deep questions, and engaged with students from around the world with grace and curiosity. I watched them grow—not just as individuals, but as members of a global community.

Chile is a country of remarkable contrasts. Snow-capped Andes rise above vibrant urban centers; lush valleys lie beside arid deserts. And perhaps most striking of all is the closeness of extreme wealth and deep poverty—sometimes just blocks apart. Experiencing this reality firsthand was eye-opening for our students and for me. It challenged our assumptions and sparked meaningful conversations about equity, justice, and the responsibility we all share as global citizens.

This edition of The Aerie magazine beautifully reflects those same IDEALS at work right here at Palmer Trinity. From our academics and athletics to the arts and community service, this publication celebrates the many ways our school lives out its mission each day. You’ll also find moving reflections in the alumni section—don’t miss the articles

by Evan Zeder ’91 and Caiti (Pomerance) Waks ’07, who share how meaningful and lasting their PTS experience was.

Their words remind us that the impact of a Palmer Trinity education endures long after graduation.

Round Square is built on a powerful educational framework known as the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

These themes guided each day of the conference, and our Chilean hosts did a masterful job of weaving these principles into every moment of our experience.

The Round Square conference in Chile was a profound reminder of the impact of experiential learning and the transformative power of embracing the IDEALS. Our students returned not only more aware of the world, but more confident in their ability to lead, serve, and make meaningful change.

Our students embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and heart. Whether it was rafting through icy rivers, hiking steep mountain trails, listening to thought-provoking speakers, or rolling up their sleeves to help build a playground and a fence for an under-served community, they showed resilience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to connection and service.

What I found most inspiring was how naturally our students embodied the spirit of the 12 Round Square Discoveries—

AS EDUCATORS, WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT PREPARING STUDENTS FOR AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD. ROUND SQUARE DOESN’T JUST TALK ABOUT IT—IT LIVES IT. AND I AM SO PROUD THAT PALMER TRINITY IS PART OF THIS MOVEMENT. SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS Congratulations to DR. SEAN FOREMAN, a member of the history department at PTS, on receiving the Manning J. Dauer Award from the Florida Political Science Association. The award honors his lifetime commitment to the association and his contributions to teaching, research and service in Florida politics.

ADRIANNA TRUBY, Associate Head of School for Academics, joined the FCIS Prospective Heads Institute in January where she engaged with other independent school leaders to explore the qualities necessary to lead effectively and plan to meet the future needs of our students and families.

We’re so pleased to recognize TARA HARRISON (English Department) and APRIL QUEEN (Music Department) as our 2025 Award Winners for the Patrick H.F. Roberts Global Learning Endowment.

Ms. Harrison went to Nairobi over Spring Break, and Ms. Queen will head to Germany this summer. We look forward to hearing all about their travel adventures and learning opportunities when they return in August. Congratulations once again, Tara and April!

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

TAKING FLIGHT: R E T IR ING FA C ULT Y MEMBER S MARY ANDREU Assistant to Head of Middle School It has been 25 years since Mary Andreu began working at PTS. When she started, the Math/ Science building was still under construction, and she often wore boots with her dresses to navigate the mud! Mary began in Admissions and now works in the Middle School office with Mr. Peter Tolmach. As a proud mother of alumnus Michael Andreu ’13, she cherishes the memories of his time at PTS, especially her role as a Lacrosse Mom and the friendships formed with other families. Mary was at the “helm” during 9/11, helping ensure students got home safely, and later navigated the challenges of the Pandemic. Through all the changes, the one constant for Mary has been the incredible people she’s worked with and the feeling of being needed and appreciated. As she approaches her own “graduation” from PTS, Mary looks forward to new adventures.

Reflecting on her time at the school, she shared, “While I won’t miss waking up at 5:00 a.m., I’ll certainly miss the students who kept me feeling young.”

DR. MINELLI DUCLERC History/Humanities Co-Chair Dr. Minelli Duclerc considers her years in the Middle School at PTS among the most rewarding of her career. She reflects on the privilege of guiding students through this formative time, from first-day nerves and locker challenges to spirit weeks and student-led conferences.

One of her favorite memories is the birth of the “Dr. Ducky” tradition, sparked by a student’s joke. That nickname led to a collection of over 200 rubber duckies from around the world, symbolizing joy and connection in her classroom.

Dr. Duclerc also cherishes the camaraderie of the faculty and the school’s supportive environment. As she looks back on her experiences, she shared, “I’m filled with appreciation for the students who have inspired me, the colleagues who have supported me, and the community that lovingly dubbed me ‘Dr. Ducky.’ What began as a playful moment has come to represent something much deeper: celebration, belonging, and the power of student-centered learning.”

ART BEGUIRISTAIN

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Director Facilities and Security

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After 11 years of dedicated service to PTS, we extend our gratitude and best wishes to Arturo Beguiristain, Director of Facilities and Security, as he prepares to retire. Arturo has been an integral part of our campus community, ensuring not only the safety and functionality of our grounds but also bringing a steady hand, warm presence, and unwavering commitment to excellence every single day. His attention to detail, calm leadership, and kind demeanor have left a lasting mark on students, faculty, and staff alike.

Reflecting on his time at PTS, Art, as he is fondly called, shared, “As I prepare to embark on my retirement, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Working on this beautiful campus has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The warmth and appreciation I’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming. You’ve made me feel valued and loved and for that, I am forever grateful.”

TRACI HOLSTEIN Associate Dean of Students, Science Teacher After 13 impactful years at PTS, and a 25-year career in education, Traci Holstein is bidding farewell to a profession and community she has cherished deeply. The decision to close this chapter has been filled with emotion, a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and disbelief. Some of the most meaningful memories for Traci were made while traveling with students. Whether floating in the waters off Kona, Hawaii, or climbing the Great Wall of China with the students from the Class of 2026, these adventures left lasting impressions on Traci. Among one of her most treasured roles was serving as the Girls Varsity Golf coach for seven years. Under her guidance, the team became a family as well as a group of athletes. Reflecting on her time at PTS, Traci shared, “PTS has been more than a place of work, it has been a home. It’s where I’ve felt pride, joy, gratitude, and deep fulfillment each and every day. As I turn the page to a new chapter, I carry with me all the laughter, lessons, and love this community has given me. And for that, I am forever grateful.”

IRAIDA CASTILLO ROBLEDO Senior Associate Director, College Advising The summer of 1993 marked the start of two life-changing journeys for Iraida Castillo Robledo; the birth of her first child and the beginning of her remarkable career at PTS. Encouraged by her friend Danny Reynolds, Iraida took a leap of faith into a new role at a school she had come to know during her time in college admissions. Though teaching was not part of her original plan, Iraida quickly found her calling. Over the years, she taught ESL (English as a Second Language), led the nationally recognized yearbook, advised journalism, directed student activities, and served as chair of the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Program. After a brief retirement, she later returned to college advising, partnering once again with Mr. Reynolds.

As she bids farewell once more, Iraida reflects with gratitude, saying, “The school had changed, but the heart of this place remained the same.”

KATHLEEN LAMIELL Learning Resource Specialist and External Testing Coordinator Kathleen Lamiell first joined Palmer Trinity School in 1997, a time when the campus was just beginning to expand with the opening of the Yarbrough building. She taught 6th grade World Cultures and English until 2005 and served as Lead Advisor for the Class of 2004, then a group of just 35 students.

During those early years, she taught several students who are now part of the PTS faculty and staff, and both of her children graduated from the school.

Encouraged by former Head of School Judy Andrews, Kathleen, fondly known as Katie, pursued an advanced degree in School Psychology and went on to work for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In 2012, she returned to PTS as a Learning Resource Specialist, a role she continues to cherish.

Her fondest memories include travel with students to places like the Everglades, Europe, and Nicaragua, and the deep friendships formed within the school community. Reflecting on the next chapter, Katie shared, “I’m looking forward to spending time with my four grandchildren and traveling to visit friends and family across the country.”

FAREWELL FALCONS! 7

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

Palmer Trinity had the honor of hearing a wonderful presentation

by PTS parent, DR. MIREYA MAYOR—world-renowned primatologist, award-winning TV host, and science communicator.

As National Geographic’s first female wildlife correspondent, she has hosted dozens of documentaries. Dr. Mayor is the Executive Director of Strategic Projects and Events at FIU.

PTS partnered with Books & Books to welcome the bestselling author JAMES PONTI as a guest speaker to share his journey from television writer to book author with the sixth-grade class.

The discussion allowed students to explore the themes of Ponti’s popular middle-grade novels. The visit coincides with his current book tour promoting the debut of the series The Sherlock Society.

Mireya is known for exploring the most remote regions of the earth in search of elusive, rare, and little-known animals. Her explorations have led to several scientific discoveries, most notably her co-discovery in Madagascar of the world’s smallest primate, a new species to science.

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PTS welcomed JIM DEFEDE, an investigative reporter for CBS News Miami and host of the public affairs program “Facing South Florida,” as a guest speaker for its Mosaic program.

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DeFede addressed students’ questions on the integrity of the media, the principles of fair and balanced reporting and identifying trustworthy news sources.

The Middle School has its own leadership team: THE 6TH GRADE LEADERSHIP CLUB. The goal of the club is to equip students with essential leadership skills that they can actively apply to any activity or project they participate in, fostering growth and responsibility.

Palmer Trinity School welcomed Democratic Representative KEVIN CHAMBLISS and Republican Senator ALEXIS CALATAYUD. They spoke on the importance of bipartisan collaboration and the strategic work that goes on at the local level of government. They also encouraged students to get involved in politics and make a difference for the future. This event was made possible thanks to the work of the Mayor of the Village of Palmetto Bay, Karyn Cunningham.

Palmer Trinity School welcomed Mayor KARYN CUNNINGHAM of Palmetto Bay to Mrs. Bade’s ESOL History class as part of their unit on Florida’s State and Local Government. Students had the unique opportunity to hear about her experiences in public service, community involvement, and key local initiatives.

Mayor Cunningham’s visit brought real-world insight into the role of local government, inspiring students to think critically about civic engagement and leadership in their own communities.

FRENCH STUDENTS in grades 7-12 participated in Le Grand Concours, the National French Contest, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). The competition involved a multiple-choice exam to assess French language skills, with national recognition and prizes for top performers.

A delegation of 13 upper school students, accompanied by Derek Smith, Susi Cetta and Adrianna Truby, returned to the Netherlands for the 57th Annual The Hague International MODEL UN CONFERENCE (THIMUN).

While there, the students participated in debate and diplomacy.

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

BOARD OF TRUSTEES NE W A PP OIN T MEN T S PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL ANNOUNCES THE NEW APPOINTMENTS TO ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CLAUDIO RAVINET, LUIS SEGREDO, RODRIGO SIDERIS AND NATHAN ZEDER.

CLAUDIO RAVINET

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With more than 27 years of wealth management experience, Claudio Ravinet is a managing director at NewEdge Wealth, a wealth management firm where he is a key partner on a team managing more than $2 billion in assets. Prior to joining NewEdge Wealth, he was a senior vice president at UBS and held leadership roles at Bank of America’s Private Bank, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch. Ravinet earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and Russian language from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Arts in Slavic languages from Florida State University. He is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

Ravinet serves on the board of St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School.

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LUIS SEGREDO Luis Segredo has almost 30 years in the tech industry. He is the CEO of Data Travel, a company focused on enabling hotel companies and technology companies with real-time customer information. He is also the co-founder of Hapi, an event streaming and data platform that connects hotel brands to real-time hotel data and a principal at Aquiva Labs, a software development company focused on the Salesforce platform. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in international finance and marketing from the University of Miami Herbert Business School.

NATHAN ZEDER Nathan Zeder is a co-founder, broker and associate at the Jills Zeder Group, a Miami real estate firm. He earned his graduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and majored in economics. While in college he played on the men’s tennis team, which won the Big Ten Conference Championship four years in a row. Following graduation, Zeder played professional tennis for a year before co-founding The Zeder Team with his mother, Judy. He is a Palmer alumnus and serves on the board of its annual “Sandy” golf tournament. Zeder is also a member of the Riviera Country Club in Coral Gables and has served in several capacities, including vice president, a member of its board of governors and chairman of the Golf Committee.

RODRIGO SIDERIS Rodrigo Sideris is a managing director at Raymond James and has more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He previously held key roles at respected institutions including Lloyds Bank, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bentley University, a post graduate degree in financial management from Harvard University and a master’s degree in finance from Boston University. He is an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THIS EXPERIENCED AND DIVERSE GROUP OF TRUSTEES. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR LEADERSHIP, CONTRIBUTIONS AND INSIGHT THAT WILL HELP SHAPE OUR FUTURE AND STRENGTHEN OUR MISSION OF ADVANCING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP. MARCEL NAVARRO, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

FLORIDA STATE CHINESE COMPETITION

A MONTH OF CULTURE, DIPLOMACY, AND DISCOVERY PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL EMBRACED A DYNAMIC AND INSPIRING MARCH WITH THE CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL MONTH—A SERIES OF INTERNATIONAL EVENTS THAT HIGHLIGHTED THE SCHOOL’S DEEP COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP. Throughout the month, the campus hosted three major events: the Florida State Chinese Competition, the MIAMUN VIII Conference, and the 23rd Annual International Festival.

Together, these celebrations reflected Palmer Trinity’s mission to cultivate a globally aware and culturally fluent community.

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At Palmer Trinity, Global Month was more than a series of events—it was a reflection of the School’s core values.

By opening its doors to the world and embracing cultural exchange, the School continued to prepare its students to be thoughtful, informed, and compassionate global citizens.

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THESE EVENTS ALLOWED US TO CELEBRATE OUR VIBRANT MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY AND PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF TO ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES. FROM THE CHINESE COMPETITION TO MIAMUN VIII AND THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, WE WERE REMINDED OF THE POWER OF DIVERSITY AND COLLABORATION IN SHAPING A BETTER WORLD. PATRICK ROBERTS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

The month-long celebration began on March 1 with the Florida State Chinese Competition, which welcomed more than 250 students and school representatives from across Florida. This immersive event celebrated Chinese language and culture through spirited competitions, interactive displays, and hands-on activities—all designed to promote crosscultural understanding and appreciation.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

MIAMUN VIII On March 8–9, the focus turned to international diplomacy as Palmer Trinity hosted the 8th Annual Miami Model United Nations Conference (MIAMUN VIII). Over 130 student delegates from Palmer Trinity and neighboring schools gathered to simulate global diplomacy, stepping into the roles of international leaders to debate real-world issues.

Through collaboration, negotiation, and the art of resolution-writing, students gained invaluable insights into global affairs and international cooperation.

Global Month reached its high point on March 15 with Palmer Trinity’s beloved International Festival, now in its 24th year. A highlight of the School’s calendar, the festival drew more than 3,000 guests, including students, families, alumni, and members of the broader South Florida community.

The School’s campus was transformed into a vibrant global village with over 47 food booths offering a culinary journey around the world. Visitors enjoyed live performances featuring international music and dance, explored artisan goods, and participated in creative cultural activities. The festival also featured community service projects and sustainability showcases, reinforcing Palmer Trinity’s dedication to both service learning and environmental stewardship.

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

FLORIDA UNFOLDED: ENGL ISH F OR SPE A K ER S OF O T HER L A NGUA GE S (E S OL) S T UDEN T S E X PL OR E L OC A L HIS T OR Y

BY ANIA BADE, ESOL DIRECTOR

THIS SCHOOL YEAR, THE ESOL PROGRAM INTRODUCED AN EXCITING NEW COURSE—HISTORY OF FLORIDA—AIMED AT IMMERSING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE STATE’S RICH HISTORY AND LINKING THEM TO ITS VIBRANT, CONTEMPORARY CULTURE. THIS CLASS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE SUNSHINE STATE IN A HANDS-ON WAY FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE LIVED IN FLORIDA FOR LESS THAN TWO YEARS.

JOURNEYING THROUGH TIME: A CULTURAL ADVENTURE The History of Florida class isn’t just about textbooks and lectures. It’s a journey that brings history to life through field trips, interactive learning, and firsthand experiences. Students have visited the Deering Estate, just around the corner from the school, to learn about the Calusa Indians, one of Florida’s earliest indigenous groups. This visit allowed them to walk in the footsteps of these ancient people, see artifacts, and understand their impact on the land they inhabited long before European settlers arrived.

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But the learning didn’t stop there. The class explored the Gold Coast Railroad—a pivotal site in the development of Florida’s transportation system—and delved into the vibrant neighborhoods of Coral Gables and Little Havana, where they experienced the blend of cultures that make Florida such a unique place. From the Spanish influence in the city of Miami to the Cuban-American culture in the neighborhood of Little Havana, students are diving deep into the multicultural landscape that shapes modern Florida.

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BRIDGING CULTURES AND EXPERIENCES This class is about more than just learning facts; it’s about helping international students connect with the state they now call home. Many students in the ESOL program are still adjusting to life in the U.S. By exploring Florida’s history and landmarks, they gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, traditions, and heritage that shape their new community. It also helps them feel more connected to their surroundings and provides them with valuable knowledge they can carry with them as they continue their education in the U.S.

A CLASS OF DISCOVERY AND BELONGING For students who have recently arrived to the state, the History of Florida class offers a chance to explore their new home in ways that textbooks alone cannot provide. It’s an opportunity to discover the stories behind the places they see every day, ask questions, and develop a sense of pride and belonging in their new community. The course also fosters teamwork and communication as students collaborate with their peers to explore different historical sites and share their personal insights and experiences.

Through the History of Florida course, students not only learn about the past, but also create their own place in the story of Florida—one trip, one lesson, and one discovery at a time.

DEERING ESTATE

LITTLE HAVANA

GOLD COAST MUSEUM

Students explored the history of the Calusa Indians, early settlers, and Charles Deering’s contributions to Miami’s development, gaining insights through guided tours of historical structures, artifacts, and the estate’s natural beauty.

Students explored the rich cultural and historical significance of Little Havana, learning about the Cuban immigration experience, the impact of the Cuban Revolution of 1959, and how CubanAmericans shaped the area’s identity through landmarks like Calle Ocho, murals, and local businesses.

Students explored historic trains and artifacts to learn how railroads shaped Florida’s development, connecting cities, boosting commerce, and supporting tourism along the east coast.

DID YOU KNOW?

OUT AND ABOUT

CORAL GABLES AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI Students explored the historical development of these iconic locations, learning about Coral Gables’ Mediterranean Revival architecture and planned community design by George Merrick, and the university’s impact on South Florida’s educational, cultural, and economic growth.

The City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami celebrate their 100 th anniversary this year.

Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the U.S.

Florida is the only continental state with a coral reef.

Florida is the birthplace of Southern Rock, with bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers.

Benjamin Green invented the first suntan lotion in Miami Beach in 1944.

Gatorade was named after the University of Florida Gators, where it was first developed.

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

HONORING SENIOR ATHLETES LUIS ACOSTA One Year Baseball

XACHARY BLOOM Three Years Basketball

GIOVANNA COLINA Five Years Volleyball

BAILEY ESTEP One Year Basketball One Year Track & Field

D. CHRISTIAN GUSTAFSON Three Years Golf Two Years Lacrosse

SOPHIA ALBANO Two Years Fall Cheer

NICOLA CAMPIANI Three Years Track & Field Two Years Football One Year Basketball

REGAN COOPER Four Years Fall Cheer Four Years Winter Cheer

ISABELLA EGEA-GUIMARAES Four Years Lacrosse

JULIANNE HARTIGAN Four Years Cross Country Three Years Track & Field Two Years Soccer

LUKE ASSALONE Three Years Soccer Two Years Football Two Years Lacrosse

MARCOS CANO Two Years Cross Country One Year Track & Field

CAROLINE CREWS Seven Years Softball Four Years Soccer Three Years Volleyball

MELANI FAJARDO Four Years Softball

REMI BACARDI Seven Years Golf One Year Lacrosse

MARIA CARVAJAL Three Years Soccer Two Years Track & Field One Year Cross Country

HELENNA DE MELO GOMES Two Years Fall Cheer Two Years Lacrosse One Year Winter Cheer

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ELIAS BARON Two Years Baseball Two Years Lacrosse

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MATTEO BLANZUOLI Three Years Football Three Years Lacrosse

LOGAN COBO Two Years Lacrosse

CECILIA COHEN Four Years Volleyball

MATTHEW ECHEVARRIA One Year Baseball

JOHN HENRY EDWARDS Four Years Cross Country Three Years Track & Field

ELSA GRAY Three Years Fall Cheer Three Years Winter Cheer

EMMA GRENE Seven Years Golf Four Years Lacrosse

LUCAS HERRERA Two Years Soccer One Year Football

EMIL INFANTE Three Years Football Three Years Basketball One Year Track & Field

LUCIA INFANTE Five Years Soccer One Year Track & Field

SEBASTIAN GUAQUETA JAAR Four Years Tennis JAKE KELLER Three Years Basketball One Year Lacrosse

FERNANDA LARIOS Two Years Lacrosse One Year Fall Cheer

SOPHIA LOBO Two Years Fall Cheer

HUNTER McNAMARA Two Years Cross Country Two Years Lacrosse One Year Track & Field

DANIELA MENDOZA Six Years Softball

MARIO PAREDES Three Years Soccer

LORENZO RODRIGUEZ de VERA Three Years Baseball

MALENA SLUMAN Four Years Volleyball

EDUARDO PONTES Two Years Soccer

HELENA RODRIGUEZ Four Years Tennis

ELIZABETH SULKES Three Years Lacrosse Three Years Softball Two Years Soccer One Year Volleyball

GABRIELA ROMBAUT One Year Lacrosse One Year Volleyball

JAVIER LOPEZ Three Years Lacrosse One Year Cross Country One Year Track & Field

HARRISON MILES Four Years Basketball

GREGORIO RAMOS Four Years Cross Country Four Years Track & Field One Year Soccer

MARGOT MAGUIRE Four Years Tennis

LEONARD MIRAGLIA Four Years Baseball Two Years Football Two Years Golf

SOFIA REED-GOMES Three Years Volleyball

ANNALISE MARLIN Four Years Winter Cheer Three Years Fall Cheer

VERONICA MAZA Two Years Fall Cheer Two Years Winter Cheer

RAFAEL MORIN Four Years Tennis Two Years Cross Country One Year Track & Field

NATALIA REYES Three Years Soccer Three Years Track & Field Two Years Cross Country

MATIAS SAAVEDRA Three Years Golf

LOLA SERDAN Three Years Fall Cheer

BALTAZAR TORRES Four Years Soccer One Year Cross Country

AYO WILLIAMS Four Years Football

GRAHAM YANOWITCH Four Years Basketball

BRUNO SILVEIRA One Year Football ETHAN O’CONNOR Three Years Basketball Two Years Lacrosse One Year Baseball

RAUL RINCON Two Years Baseball 17

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

VARSITY GIRLS GOLF: R EMI B A C A R DI ‘ 2 5 & D A NIEL L E HER N A NDE Z ‘ 2 8

BY MATTHEW LEVIN, DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT CHAIR

WHEN REMI BACARDI FIRST ARRIVED AT PALMER TRINITY IN THE FALL OF 2018, THE VARSITY GIRLS GOLF TEAM DID NOT EVEN EXIST. DESPITE BEING ONLY A SIXTH GRADER, BACARDI EARNED A SPOT ON THE VARSITY GOLF TEAM AS A CO-ED MEMBER WHO HAD TO COMPETE INDEPENDENTLY, PRIOR TO BECOMING A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE VARSITY GIRLS GOLF TEAM IN THE FALL OF 2019. THIS BECAME THE START OF A SPECIAL RUN FOR BACARDI AS A FALCON, WHO ENDS HER CAREER AS ONE OF THE MOST DECORATED ATHLETES IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL.

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Bacardi has reset the record books at Palmer Trinity. She has been named to six consecutive All-Dade First Teams (2019-2024), set the record for lowest PTS 9-hole (31) and 18-hole (63) scores, won five Youth Fair Tournaments, four District Championships, one Regional Championship, led the Falcons to three District Championships as a team, and been named the Miami Herald Golfer of the Year for four consecutive years (2021-2024), among other accolades.

To cap off her career, Bacardi finished as the 2024 FHSAA Class 1A State Runner-Up.

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Bacardi’s interest in golf began after trying soccer and tennis at a young age and realizing neither sport was right for her. At the age of five, during a family lunch at the Riviera Country Club, Bacardi walked past the golf bays and was immediately intrigued. “I wanted to try whatever that sport was,” Bacardi recalls. “That day my dad signed me up for the clinic they give to kids and it stuck. I started to take individual lessons and register for tournaments, and the rest is history.” In the years since, golf has taken her around the world, playing courses in Ireland, Wales, Spain, Australia, all

BACARDI IS THE MOST STOIC, CONSISTENT, AND DEDICATED STUDENT-ATHLETE I HAVE SEEN. SHE LEADS BY EXAMPLE AND HER TEAMMATES ENJOY HER COMPANY, HER WIT, AND HER MENTORSHIP. TRACI HOLSTEIN, VARSITY GIRLS GOLF COACH

over the UK, and her favorite in Maui due to the beautiful conditions and views.

The same week Bacardi finished her career as a Falcon at the FHSAA State Championships, she signed her NCAA commitment to continue her career at the University of Virginia where she will major in Business.

As one chapter closes on the Varsity Girls Golf team, another is just beginning. Danielle Hernandez has loved playing golf since the moment her parents enrolled her in a golf camp at the age of five. In 2023, Hernandez enrolled at Palmer Trinity as an eighth grader and immediately earned her spot on the Varsity Girls Golf team. Similar to Bacardi, Hernandez’s training regimen includes multiple hours every day and competing in tournaments around the nation.

her first major tournament win for Palmer Trinity. The same week came another first: a hole-in-one. Hernandez initially thought she hit her seven-iron too strong on Granada’s 7th hole, a 132-yard par three. “I actually thought the ball went over the green. I was so surprised and excited to see my ball in the hole,” Hernandez recalls.

Hernandez finished the year right alongside Bacardi one last time after earning an at-large bid to compete at the FHSAA State Championships. Hernandez shot a 75 on both days, finishing 31st overall to complete her ninthgrade season.

With Bacardi set to move on to her next adventure, Hernandez will have big shoes to fill, but is excited about the opportunity. Holstein is confident Hernandez has what it takes. “If there is one person who will rise to the occasion, it is Dani. She is driven, loves the game of golf, and has a clear vision of what she wants,” Holstein describes. In just a few years since their first season, the Varsity Girls Golf team continues to improve and succeed, and clearly, the future is just as bright.

On the Varsity Girls Golf team, Hernandez has looked up to Bacardi as a role model and mentor. “It was really fun to be on the same team as Remi.

She’s so sweet and funny and I think I really learned from how she plays. She stays really calm and does not let a bad shot affect her at all – which is what I think I learned the most,” Hernandez says of her teammate.

While Hernandez may look up to Bacardi, Hernandez has already begun adding to her own list of accolades. In 2024, Hernandez beat Bacardi by one stroke to earn the Palm League title,

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

T HE NE W C A S AVA N T F R ÈR E S OR G A N OP U S 3 9 5 4 AT T HE PA L MER T R INI T Y S C HOOL C H A PEL :

A FASCINATING JOURNEY

BY DANY WISEMAN, CASAVANT FRÈRES

A PIPE ORGAN PROJECT IS A REAL JOURNEY! TONAL AND VISUAL CONCEPTS EVOLVE, UNFORESEEN ISSUES ALWAYS ARISE, AND MOMENTUM MAY FADE AT TIMES. JUST AS GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS, THE “PIPE DREAM” ULTIMATELY BECOMES A REALITY IN ITS BEST POSSIBLE FORM.

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At the invitation of Patrick Roberts, Head of School and Joanne Shulte, Concert Organist and Professor at Florida International University, Casavant’s Vice President Simon Couture and Project Director Dany Wiseman visited Trinity Chapel for the first time on October 18, 2021. The purpose was to discuss the installation of a new pipe organ for the Palmer Trinity School Chapel. After exploring several options over the following months, we agreed that designing a new organ in the choir loft would be the best approach to serve the needs of the School’s newly developing music program and address the requirements of the Chapel’s future music ministry. The new organ needed to support congregational singing, accommodate a broad range of organ literature, and complement concerts featuring choirs and other instruments.

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Designing a school chapel organ presents unique challenges for a pipe organ builder. A chapel organ is typically smaller than those found in larger churches, and its specification and visual design must be in complete harmony with the room and its architecture. We therefore designed the organ with two cantilevered cases to optimize sound projection while ensuring it harmonized visually with the chapel’s beautiful modern style.

The chapel’s architecture served as a key inspiration in the organ’s visual design process.

The new Casavant Organ Opus 3954 has 22 stops, 27 ranks of pipes and 1625 pipes over two manual divisions and pedal. The expressive Swell division is located in the left case, while the Great and Pedal divisions are installed in the right case. This placement achieves an interesting sound perspective and creates a surround effect. Together, the Swell and Great divisions create a harmonious sound that effectively supports congregational singing without overpowering the voices of the congregation.

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THIS INSTRUMENT WILL NOT ONLY SERVE PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL CHAPEL FOR MANY GENERATIONS BUT WILL ALSO BECOME A TOOL FOR OUTREACH TO THE ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY. DANY WISEMAN, CASAVANT FRÈRES

At Casavant, we are truly honored to have been entrusted with this commission. This organ is unique, as it represents not only the hard work of the many individuals involved in its construction, but also the shared vision, discussions, and creative ideas that shaped its development. On behalf of my esteemed colleagues at Casavant, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Mrs. Joanne Shulte and Mrs. Tina Lane for their creative collaboration, Mr. Patrick Robert, Head of the School, Mr. Paul Zamek, former Associate Head of the School for Operations, Mrs. Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja, Associate Head of School, Mr. Arturo Beguiristain, Facilities Manager, and Mr. Andrew Leslie Cooper for their wonderful and outstanding collaboration over the last years. It has been an immense pleasure to work with you all.

​James O’Donnell served for more than a decade as Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral and for more than two decades as Organist and Master of the Choristers (Director of Music) at Westminster Abbey.

He now serves as Professor in the Practice at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and the Yale School of Music.

Mr. O’Donnell played the Casavant Frères Organ for over 200 people at Trinity Chapel on March 9.

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BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

CELEBRATING BREAKTHROUGH MIAMI SCHOLARS

BY JAKE VERDIN AND ZAKIYA GREENE

SATURDAY, APRIL 19: CELEBRATING ON PALMER TRINITY’S CAMPUS FOR 14 YEARS, BREAKTHROUGH MIAMI HAS BEEN A VIBRANT PART OF THE PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL FAMILY, OPERATING A “STUDENTS-TEACHING-STUDENTS” MODEL THAT GIVES HIGH-POTENTIAL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLERS FROM UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR WILDEST DREAMS. ACROSS 14 SUPER SATURDAYS EACH SCHOOL YEAR—AND A SIX‑WEEK SUMMER INSTITUTE—WE EXTEND RIGOROUS ACADEMICS, MENTORSHIP, AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING THAT EMPOWER SCHOLARS TO EXCEL NOW AND THRIVE IN COLLEGE AND BEYOND.

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Palmer Trinity’s grounds buzzed with celebration as we capped the year with our 8th‑Grade Commencement—honoring the cohort that first walked through our doors as 4th‑graders.

Having conquered four years of Saturday Academies and summer institutes, these Scholars are now bound for Breakthrough University at the University of Miami, where their high‑school journey—and continued tutoring/leadership roles—await. None of this is possible without our partnership with Palmer Trinity School and it’s amazing faculty and staff.

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The day overflowed with community spirit: the Breakthrough Miami PTPA crafted personalized gift bags for every graduate, while the Palmer Trinity Dad’s Club fired up the grills for a celebratory burger bash. Together, we sent our Scholars off ready to take on life’s opportunities and equipped with the skills and lessons learned at Breakthrough Miami at PTS.

DAY OF PURPOSE BR ING S S T UDEN T S T OGE T HER IN ME A NINGF UL WAY S

BY ALEX CARTAYA, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

IN FEBRUARY, PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL HELD ITS 2ND ANNUAL SERVICE DAY—A DAY DEDICATED TO LEARNING, EMPATHY, AND MEANINGFUL ACTION. STUDENTS ACROSS ALL UPPER SCHOOL GRADES CAME TOGETHER TO ENGAGE WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND GIVE BACK TO THE BROADER MIAMI COMMUNITY. Sixth and eighth graders kicked off the day with a visit from guest speakers representing Chapman Partnership, who shared insights about the organization’s mission to empower the homeless population of Miami-Dade County.

Inspired by what they learned, students assembled over 100 hygiene kits to be distributed to Chapman residents and others in need.

Freshmen and juniors had the unique opportunity to learn about Lotus House, a shelter and resource center for women and children experiencing homelessness, from one of Palmer Trinity’s own. Alumna Victoria Varela ’05, now the Director of Community Engagement at Lotus House, spoke to students about the organization’s work and how service can become a lifelong commitment.

The sophomore class partnered with Breakthrough Miami, a nonprofit dedicated to creating educational opportunities for motivated students from under-resourced communities. After an interactive learning session, the sophomores packed dozens of school supply kits for Breakthrough scholars.

Meanwhile, the senior class focused on understanding the importance of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through a presentation by students and faculty from Our Pride Academy, seniors explored the challenges and triumphs faced by this often-overlooked population. The day concluded with students creating heartfelt Valentine’s Day Grams, which were later delivered by student volunteers.

Service Day at Palmer Trinity is more than just a tradition— it is a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with real-world issues, develop empathy, and recognize their potential to make a difference.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the parents, students, faculty, advisors, and administrators who made this inspiring day possible.

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PERSPECTIVES

The Artist

BEHIND THE LENS

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BY ANTHONY MCFARL ANE, MIDDLE SCHOOL PHOTOGR APHY TEACHER

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AS A MIDDLE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHER, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF GUIDING YOUNG MINDS THROUGH THE WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY. MY STUDENTS BEGIN EACH SEMESTER AS BEGINNERS, UNSURE OF HOW TO CONTROL THEIR CAMERAS OR CAPTURE THE BEAUTY THEY SEE AROUND THEM. BY THE END OF THE COURSE, THEY’VE TRANSFORMED INTO BUDDING ARTISTS, LEARNING NOT ONLY TO USE THEIR CAMERAS BUT ALSO TO EXPRESS THEIR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES THROUGH THE LENS. IT’S AN INCREDIBLY REWARDING JOURNEY—ONE I AM LUCKY TO WITNESS EVERY DAY.

The first lesson I teach my students is simple, yet powerful: “Chase the light.” Photography is all about light. As photographers, we learn to see light, understand its qualities, and use it to create the images we envision. This idea was famously emphasized by the legendary photographer Ansel Adams, who said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” The light we find—or the light we seek—shapes every image. If we can control the light, we can control the mood, the tone, and the message of our photograph. It’s not about just pointing and shooting; it’s about crafting something that speaks to the soul.

Sometimes, however, the most memorable photographs don’t come from perfect planning. As photographers, we often find ourselves making “wonderful mistakes” or capturing fleeting moments that we never anticipated.

This concept is something I always remind my students:

photography isn’t just about following rules—it’s about finding beauty in the unexpected. Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the greatest photographers of all time, captured this perfectly when he said, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” That’s because, in the beginning, we’re learning the rules, making mistakes, and finding our true vision. But those mistakes lead to growth. They teach us to be brave and experimental, and they ultimately push us closer to our artistic truth.

As we dive deeper into photography, I encourage my students to embrace these “happy accidents.” The

spontaneous interactions, the burst of sunlight through the trees, the candid smiles between friends—these moments are often where the magic happens. It’s when we least expect it that we capture something truly remarkable. A single frame can hold a story, a memory, a feeling that can never be duplicated. This, for me, is the pinnacle of the art form. It’s not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about capturing the essence of life itself.

At the heart of photography is the ability to document moments, memories, and emotions. I constantly urge my students to think beyond just taking photos of pretty scenes. Instead, I encourage them to photograph their lives—their friendships, their experiences, their growth. The great photographer Dorothea Lange once said, “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Photography gives us a new way to observe the world, to understand the people around us, and to tell our stories in ways words alone can’t.

For my students, this journey is more than learning a skill—it’s about discovering their voices. Every photograph is an expression of who they are and how they see the world.

Through photography, they develop confidence in their creativity, learning to trust their instincts and embrace the beauty in the world around them.

Photography encourages them to experiment, to be bold, and to take risks. It teaches them to be present and to appreciate the fleeting, often unnoticed moments that make life so beautiful.

As they continue to develop their skills, my hope for these young photographers is that they carry with them the courage to continue creating, exploring, and capturing the world around them. They may start with simple images, but over time, they will create art that reflects their dreams, their experiences, and their unique perspectives on the world. In the end, that is the true power of photography: it allows us to express ourselves and share our stories with others in ways that are as unique and beautiful as the light we chase.

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PERSPECTIVES

REDISCOVERING HOME

BY PAOL A GUTIÉRREZ, SPANISH TEACHER

THE VERY THOUGHT OF LEAVING BEHIND EVERYTHING YOU LOVE, EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN YOUR HOME, IS TERRIFYING. YET, WHEN YOU HAVE A LIFE PARTNER WHO SUPPORTS YOU IN EVERYTHING AND A GREAT OPPORTUNITY COMES YOUR WAY, YOU TAKE RISKS AND EMBARK ON A NEW ADVENTURE. SO, YOU TAKE YOUR FAMILY AND BOARD A FLIGHT TO FLORIDA. It all begins with adrenaline at its peak. You don’t know what awaits you or how things will turn out, but thankfully, the faith you grew up with sustains you and reminds you of the infinite love that guides your path. Being in a completely new country is a wonderful challenge. Starting anew, especially when you come from a place where families rarely part ways, can feel strange, even a little surreal.

But then… you arrive at Palmer Trinity.

From the first person who greets you at the gate, to the staff who keep the school beautiful, those who prepare the meals, the administrators, the teachers, and the Head of School, everyone is kind, helpful, and attentive.

Every Monday, at the school’s entrance, you’re welcomed with a big smile and a warm greeting to start your week.

You continue driving through campus and see a beautiful chapel in front of a soccer field with vibrant green grass that clearly reflects the care it receives. Later, you step into the dining hall, where the smiles continue, and you’re welcomed with the warmth of a freshly made breakfast and coffee of your choice. What a delicious way to start your day and begin your work! But there are lessons to learn.

At first, the schedule feels a little confusing: “Wait, there are four lunch periods and three different schedules depending on the day?” But a team of Falcons is always there to help you navigate your way.

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Then, day by day, you encounter different situations in class and at work, and what a relief it is to have a team that not only supports you through the processes but also offers their time, guidance, advice, and kindness.

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When you are walking down the hallway, the familiar sound of “Sra, Sra!” reaches your ears. You see your students’ faces and feel the warmth in how they greet you.

When homesickness starts to creep in, Veterans Day arrives, and you see the heartfelt way Veterans are honored.

Personally, it reminds me of my father, grandfather, and

uncles who served my country, and I think, “How beautiful it is to see how much they value their Veterans here.”

Later, new traditions arrive, like Thanksgiving. Someone says, “Come for your bread,” and you find a beautifully decorated table. A kind parent greets you warmly, saying, “Welcome, we’re so happy you’re here.” Your colleagues invite you to share laughs and spend time together. What a beautiful tradition it is, the sharing and breaking of bread with family and friends to give thanks for all the blessings we have.

At that moment, I remember Friday evenings at my Uncle Ruben’s house, where we would celebrate Shabbat.

Christmas comes, and the nostalgia hits a little harder.

But your World Languages department, with its warm Latin heart and international spirit, invites you to celebrate.

They welcome you with open arms with all of your family. And then, I think back to the novenas with my family, where we would gather, pray around the nativity scene, and enjoy being together.

The school year isn’t over yet, but I can already say how good it is to have arrived at Palmer Trinity.

Life’s greatest adventures are always full of challenges and lessons. You might find yourself in a different country, speaking a language that isn’t your own, and experiencing new traditions. But the love and community that embrace you make it possible to create a home far from home.

IN THE NATIVE LANGUAGE OF MS. GUTIÉRREZ:

REDESCUBRIENDO EL HOGAR POR PAOL A GUTIÉRREZ, PROFESOR A DE ESPAÑOL

LA SOLA IDEA DE SEPARARSE DE AQUELLO QUE AMAS, DE TODO LO QUE HA SIDO TU HOGAR, ES ATERRADORA. SIN EMBARGO, CUANDO TIENES UN COMPAÑERO DE VIDA QUE TE APOYA EN TODO, Y SE LES PRESENTA UNA GRAN OPORTUNIDAD, TOMAN EL RIESGO Y SE EMBARCAN EN UNA NUEVA AVENTURA. ENTONCES TOMAN A SU FAMILIA Y UN VUELO HACIA LA FLORIDA. Todo comienza con la adrenalina al máximo. No sabes qué te espera ni cómo saldrán las cosas, menos mal la fe con la que creciste te sostiene y te recuerda el amor infinito que guía tu camino. Estar en un país completamente nuevo es un maravilloso reto. Comenzar de nuevo, especialmente viniendo de un contexto donde las familias rara vez se separan, puede parecer muy extraño, hasta un poco surrealista, pero… llegas a Palmer.

Desde la primera persona que te saluda en la entrada, del personal que mantiene linda la escuela, los que preparan los alimentos, los administrativos, los docentes, hasta el director, todos son amables, serviciales y atentos.

Cada lunes, en las porterías de la escuela, te reciben con una gran sonrisa y te dan la bienvenida a tu trabajo.

Sigues en tu carro y ves una bella capilla y una cancha de fútbol con un pasto de un verde hermoso que demuestra el cuidado que le brindan.

Luego entras al comedor, donde las sonrisas continúan, y te reciben con el calor de un desayuno recién hecho y tu café de preferencia. ¡Qué rico comenzar así el día y empezar a trabajar! Pero hay cosas por aprender.

Al principio, el horario te parece lo más confuso: “¿Cómo así que hay cuatro horarios de almuerzo, tres tipos de horarios dependiendo del día?”. Pero un equipo de halcones siempre está ahí para ayudarte a navegar.

En el día a día te encuentras con diferentes situaciones en la clase y en el trabajo, y qué alivio es tener un equipo que no solo te apoya en los procesos, sino que también te brinda su tiempo, guía, consejo y cariño.

Luego por el pasillo se te hace my familiar el “ Sra, Sra”. Y ves la cara de tus alumnos y el afecto de como te reciben.

Cuando comienzas a extrañar a tu familia, llega el Día de los Veteranos y ves el amor con el que se les honra. En lo personal, me recuerda a mi padre, abuelo y tíos, quienes sirvieron a mi país, y pienso: “¡Qué lindo cómo aprecian aquí a sus soldados!”.

Luego llegan nuevas tradiciones, como el Día de Acción de Gracias. Alguien te dice: “Ven por tu pan”, y ves una mesa bellamente decorada. Una señora muy amable te saluda: “Bienvenida, qué gusto que estés aquí”. Después tus compañeros te invitan a compartir un tiempo con todos y reirse un rato. Qué hermosa tradición la de compartir y partir el pan con la familia y amigos, de dar gracias por todas las bendiciones. En ese momento, recuerdo los viernes en casa de mi tío Rubén, donde se celebra el Shabat.

Llega la Navidad y la nostalgia te golpea un poco más, pero tu departamento de lenguas, con su corazón latino y de alrededor del mundo, te invita a celebrar. Te reciben con toda la familia. Y entonces recuerdo las novenas con mi familia donde todos disfrutamos el estar juntos y oramos frente al pesebre.

El año escolar no ha terminado, pero puedo decir que bueno es haber llegado a Palmer Trinity.

Las aventuras más grandes de la vida siempre están llenas de retos y aprendizajes. Puede que te encuentres en un país distinto, con un idioma ajeno al tuyo, y tradiciones nuevas, pero el amor y la comunidad que te recibe, te permite crear un hogar lejos de tu hogar.

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PERSPECTIVES

EXPLORING NATURE WITH iNATURALIST: A NE W WAY T O DIS C O V ER PA L MER T R INI T Y ’ S BIODI V ER SI T Y

BY DR. LEOPOLDO LLINÁS, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 3

PALMER TRINITY’S LUSH CAMPUS IS HOME TO AN INCREDIBLE VARIETY OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS, AND NOW, THANKS TO THE INATURALIST APP, STUDENTS AND FACULTY ARE TAKING THEIR EXPLORATION OF NATURE TO THE NEXT LEVEL. THIS POWERFUL TOOL ALLOWS USERS TO SNAP PHOTOS OF WILDLIFE AND INSTANTLY RECEIVE HELP IDENTIFYING SPECIES FROM A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF SCIENTISTS AND NATURE ENTHUSIASTS.

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1. Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) by Isabelle Hanemann ‘25. 2. IB Environmental Systems and Societies student using iNaturalist.

3. Middle School student using iNaturalist.

4. Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

by Dr. Leopoldo Llinás Opposite. Middle school students with field guide.

Building on past environmental efforts—such as The Trees of Palmer Trinity book, and former faculty member, Dr. Mealey’s bird identification labs—this initiative is inspiring students to become citizen scientists.

Whether it’s spotting a turkey vulture flying over Trinity Chapel, identifying a gumbo limbo tree by the science building, or tracking a monarch butterfly’s migration, iNaturalist makes learning about our local ecosystem engaging and interactive.

Middle schoolers in Science classes have used the app to document lizard species around campus, while IB Environmental Systems and Societies students have analyzed biodiversity trends in different areas. Faculty members, too, are joining in—science teachers are using iNaturalist to enrich lessons, and even staff members on their lunch breaks are contributing observations.

This initiative not only deepens our connection to the environment but also contributes valuable data to

real-world conservation efforts. Every observation made at Palmer Trinity becomes part of a vast database that scientists use to track species distribution and ecological changes.

As of Spring 2025, 118 different species were observed and identified on campus.

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As Palmer Trinity continues its commitment to environmental stewardship, iNaturalist is proving to be a powerful way to blend technology with hands-on learning.

So next time you see a bird, flower, or insect on campus, take a moment, snap a picture, and become part of this growing movement. Who knows?

You might even discover a species new to our school!

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PERSPECTIVES

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN T HE CL A S SR OOM

BY ADRIANNA TRUBY, ACADEMIC DEAN AND GUS SABOGAL, DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL IS PURPOSEFULLY AND INTENTIONALLY INTEGRATING AI TO ENRICH OUR CLASSROOMS AND EMPOWER OUR STUDENTS.

Building on a history of balancing innovative and traditional instruction, we’ve long utilized AI tools like ALEKS, IXL, No Red Ink, and Khan Academy to personalize learning, well before the widespread emergence of large language models such as ChatGPT. At PTS, we distinguish these established AI resources, which enhance learning in specific subjects, from a source such as ChatGPT, a tool often used by students for tasks like summarizing and writing. Broadly speaking, AI has already been a valuable part of PTS’ educational landscape for some time.

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As an educator, I find the speed at which new AI educational tools emerge is simultaneously fascinating and dizzying. The truth is that there is no clear or agreed upon path forward. To illustrate the point, let’s consider a few articles published over the last three years: In Stephen Marche’s December 2022 article in The Atlantic, “The College Essay is Dead” he argues, among other points,

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that the rise of large language models like ChatGPT may inevitably make the need for humanities teachers obsolete and the proficiency of writing skills seem superfluous.

By July 2023, the Harvard Graduate School of Education presented a very different sentiment on the role of AI in the article “Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom,”

by Elizabeth M. Ross in which she urges educators to acknowledge the widespread use of these tools by students and to recognize the tools’ potential to enhance teaching.

The takeaway here: appropriate application of AI tools sparks students’ imagination, leading to deeper and more meaningful learning experiences. More recently, the August 2024 Edutopia article “Why I’m Banning AI in the Classroom this Year,” by Andrew Boryga highlights the pessimism and growing frustration among teachers regarding the misuse of AI where students take short cuts, plagiarize, and submit AI-generated content as their own work.

These varied viewpoints underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding AI’s role in authentic student learning. At PTS, our priority remains nurturing fundamental skills and critical thinking while embracing beneficial innovations.

We recognize the challenges educators face in this evolving landscape, and we are committed to navigating it proactively by returning to our guiding questions about the intention and purpose of instructional methods, whether they are more traditional or innovative.

We believe that our deliberate and purposeful integration of AI is setting Palmer Trinity apart. Demonstrating this commitment, we dedicated a full day of professional development before the school year began to collaborate with experts from Global Online Academy (GOA).

Starting on day one, this valuable session helped us gauge faculty readiness, explore AI tools, and address ethical considerations, including academic integrity.

We have continued our commitment to ongoing professional development in this area by partnering with leading consultants, Purple Horizons.

Additionally, we have adopted school-wide tools like Magic School, offering over 80 resources for both teachers and students. Consistent professional development on AI tools ensures our teachers are well-equipped to integrate these tools effectively. Furthermore, many faculty members are introducing students to a diverse range of AI tools to enhance their teaching that assist students in their preparation, review, and creative expression.

Beyond tool implementation, we are actively addressing crucial questions of academic integrity, student safety, ethics, and responsible technology use. We have partnered with legal counsel and AI specialists to strengthen our policies and best practices in these vital areas.

Presentations featuring leaders in the field have further informed our faculty, staff, students, and parents. We view the continued implementation of AI as a continuous process, necessitating long-term vision, dialogue, and purposeful implementation. We continue to share our progress and insights with all constituents. Significantly, our progress has been consistently recognized by our legal counsel and consultants as being ahead of all other schools they advise. We’ve built upon our foundation of the Honor Code and Statement of Commitment, including digital responsibility. These two foundational points in addition to well established policy provide the framework for the appropriate and ethical use of technology.

MOVING FORWARD: We will continue to thoughtfully blend traditional and innovative teaching methods. Our approach will intentionally include both technology-enhanced activities as well as screen-free learning focused on essential skills like writing, comprehension, computation, and reasoning.

We believe this balanced approach is invaluable.

OUR ONGOING EFFORTS WILL INCLUDE: •

Continuously expanding our committees dedicated to evaluating AI tools and their potential to enhance teaching and learning.

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Developing and implementing AI Literacy curriculum at relevant grade levels and within appropriate subjects.

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Maintaining partnerships with leading experts to guide our short-term and long-term AI integration strategies, always prioritizing our students’ development as responsible global citizens and successful PTS graduates.

We rely on our guiding questions: how do we balance methodology that values both the development of students’ foundational skills and our proficiently in technology to enhance learning and engagement – this is the Palmer Trinity way. Our faculty believe this to be true. As one colleague shared after recent professional development in this area, “The only remaining obstacle is navigating the general challenges and rapid pace of this new technological horizon.”

Ultimately, our purposeful integration of AI is driven by a central question: How can we empower students to harness AI’s potential to maximize their learning? Answering this question requires sustained long-term thinking, careful consideration, thoughtful reflection, and a clear, optimistic vision for the future of both student learning and our teaching practices.

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STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

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BY JADEN BUTLER ‘26

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I HEAR MY NAME ANNOUNCED, AND MY WALK-UP SONG BEGINS TO PLAY. I LIGHTLY TAP THE FLOOR WITH THE KNOB OF MY BAT, THE WEIGHT FALLING TO THE DIRT, TAKING ME BACK TO MY DAYS PLAYING IN LITTLE LEAGUE. MY BODY KNOWS WHAT TO DO. I SLOWLY DIG MY BACK FOOT INTO THE BATTER’S BOX, TAPPING THE PLATE WITH MY BAT, AND ADJUSTING MY HANDS TO GET INTO THE PROPER BATTING STANCE; THIS IS MY ON-DECK ROUTINE, WHICH HAS BEEN THE SAME SINCE MIDDLE SCHOOL. I BREATHE. I HOLD. I EXHALE. THE ONLY THING THAT EXISTS AT THIS MOMENT IS ME AND MY BAT— THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS RIGHT NOW IS THE CONFIDENCE I HAVE IN MY OWN ABILITY. And, of course, I’m talking about baseball, but I’m also thinking beyond baseball.

Stepping up to the plate has always meant more than just baseball; in many ways, the individual challenge of each pitch serves as a representation of unique challenges that come in life—especially, life as a student.

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The first part of an at-bat, similar to life, is our approach—will we try to hit a home run, or go to the opposite field? Hit a ground ball or hit a fly ball? Do we swing for the fences or play it safe? This seemingly simple decision has always been a struggle for me, and choosing an approach that matches my profile as a hitter only complicates the matter. It’s easy to look around and see everyone else hitting home runs when you’re hitting singles, what’s harder is staying confident in yourself—in those singles.

So, whether at the plate or in the classroom, the approach we take to the pitches that come our way calls our confidence into question: do we have what it takes? This is when we have to trust in the “approach” we take, to the field and to life.

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Our approach influences the entire at-bat experience; the push and pull of pitch selection and swing choice are nearly identical to the extraordinary need for discipline in life. How do I stay patient at the plate without falling into a trap of timidity? Which pitches should I ignore? Which should I attack? Exemplified by these questions is the first pitch curveball, a

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tremendously tempting pitch that offers little reward to a hitter. Almost like reaching for the phone when it’s time to study, I often fall for the tempting “bait.” Feeling encompassed by the vast world of social media, short-form content, and technology I become distracted from my studies, drawn off course by a tempting “bait” with little reward. I had become incapable of adjusting to breaking and off-speed pitches that life threw at me. My strong academic habits have often taken a hit by a poor swing choice, and new, destructive habits can begin to emerge. If allowed to continue, this habit of media distraction can turn my habit of studying from an instinct to an exception. Similar to a slump in baseball, I have at times felt uncertain in my intelligence and academic strength as a whole. Sometimes, my arrogance (created by prior academic success) has made it even harder to accept that a change in approach is necessary. I understand now, that it is time to take on discipline. It is time to lay off the first pitch curveball and grip the bat once more with renewed vigor.

An at-bat only lasts a few minutes but those minutes feel like an hour. The warped time frame of every plate appearance means each pitch is its own unique battle, in the extended war of an at-bat. Mirroring the approach of

Baseball is iconic for its reputation as a sport of failure; if I fail 7/10 times, I’m a Hall of Famer. Of course, this means we must be resilient in order to succeed long term, but it also means we must be accountable—analyzing each failure to further perfect our swing. Standing on the sidelines, it’s easy to shout out one of the many cliches of life: “Failure is part of success” or “Failure is opportunity.” Yet, in practice, applying these platitudes becomes challenging. Our minds are trained to view a strikeout, a loss, or a bad test grade as an insurmountable failure.

Yet, getting caught in that overwhelming and demoralizing feeling will only lead to more failures. Therefore, the key to success in life— on the field and in the classroom—is cliche, it is annoying to hear, and it does sound unrealistic, taking a difficult exam, the battle that is each but training your mindset to view failure as a question or pitch should be taken one step at learning opportunity is the key to long-term a time. This outlook has always come easy to success. It was only when I finally decided me in baseball, yet I have struggled at times to to treat a bad grade, like a bad at-bat that apply it to my academic life. Frequently, I find my academic performance began to turn myself lacking trust around. Even if I in my ability and swing-and-a-miss, taking one lost batthere’s always the THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN LIFE–ON THE FIELD tle as an entire war; next swing.

AND IN THE CLASSROOM–IS CLICHE, IT IS a single challenging test question can ANNOYING TO HEAR, AND IT DOES SOUND not only destroy After all, a strikeout UNREALISTIC, BUT TRAINING YOUR MINDSET TO my confidence but is never the end.

VIEW FAILURE AS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY hinder my motivaWalking back to IS THE KEY TO LONG-TERM SUCCESS. tion. This flawed the dugout, I reflect JADEN BUTLER ‘26 mindset implies upon the first pitch that a single “good curveball which set pitch” would make the tone for the everything else seem unhittable. They say we entire at-bat—a disappointing one to say the suffer more in imagination than in reality and least. YET, AS I RUN BACK TO THE that those who fear suffering are suffering OUTFIELD, THE STRIKEOUT QUICKLY from what they fear. It’s taken me some time to BECOMES IRRELEVANT, BECAUSE NOW understand that. I’m still understanding it. And WHAT MATTERS IS MY NEXT AT-BAT— as I’ve matured, this mindset has adjusted to WHAT MATTERS IS WHAT’S AHEAD OF mimic that of my mindset in the batter’s box.

ME NOT WHAT’S BEHIND ME. I’ve learned to roll with the pitches, fight off “good pitches,” and treat each pitch like its own battle—I no longer stress over a disappointing grade all day or beat myself up over something as simple as not being prepared for a challenging question. I just get ready to swing again.

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PROMOTING POLITICAL LITERACY T HR OUGH DI A L OGUE

BY SEAN FOREMAN, HISTORY DEPARTMENT

TALKING ABOUT POLITICS CAN BE DIFFICULT. TEACHING HISTORY AND CIVICS IS CHALLENGING THESE DAYS. YET DISCUSSING POLITICAL ISSUES AND PROMOTING POLITICAL LITERACY WITH OUR PEERS, OUR STUDENTS, AND OUR CHILDREN IS AS ESSENTIAL NOW THAN EVER. While the tendency of some may be to shy away from tough conversations, there are times when it is important to engage and to help educate–or be willing to be educated– about the many complex and fascinating political issues we face today.

Just like talking about government, politics, or law can be challenging in public, it can be just as hard in private. It can be tough to talk with your children about critical and controversial issues in our hyper-sensitized social media world. But it is important that we do it–for many reasons– and that we do it well. It doesn’t take an expert to facilitate discussions on historical and political topics, but it helps to be armed with tips and tools for facilitating dialogue and understanding.

As a former student told me recently, it is our civic duty to stay informed and to do the necessary research instead of believing the first headline you read. The phenomena of disinformation and misinformation are particularly problematic when most people, not just younger people, rely on social media for their news and information. There is bias in every media source and even more so in social media posts.

Having a participatory democracy means that people must participate. We all have roles to play even if it is as basic as being civil in our discussion and respectful in our dealings with others.

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SO, WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROMOTE MORE OPEN AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS?

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TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE NEWS AND IN THE WORLD.

EXPOSE THEM TO DIFFERENT IDEAS AND PERSPECTIVES.

BE CIVIL. DON’T CALL PEOPLE

BY NEGATIVE NAMES OR USE UNNECESSARY CRUEL OR CRUDE LANGUAGE.

SHOW RESPECT IN YOUR DISCUSSIONS.

ALLOW PEOPLE TO SPEAK.

BE SURE TO LISTEN.

IF WE ARE WILLING TO TALK ABOUT POLITICS AND STEER PEOPLE TOWARD PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS, WE CAN HELP DO OUR PART TO PROMOTE A MORE VIRTUOUS SOCIETY. SEAN FOREMAN, HISTORY DEPARTMENT

OTHER WAYS FOR STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED

Most people just want to be heard. From the boardroom to the courtroom to the classroom–and even at home in the bedroom–be sure to allow people to speak, whether your children or your peers, and help them to feel that you hear what they had to say. And then you can also respond more appropriately if you truly know more about the other person’s intentions.

It’s an overused but essential observation that Benjamin Franklin said that they had created a republic at the Constitutional Convention, but it was up to the people to keep it. What is less discussed is that what Franklin truly meant is that citizens must have virtue and act virtuously to each other in support of the republic, which embodies the public good. Indeed, the PTS mission is to promote virtue, humanity, and spirit in our students. Our civic actions must be guided by love and a shared purpose in life.

This is one reason why we launched the Junto political discussion group at PTS this year. Junto refers to a small group of people who assemble for political purposes. The name pays homage to Franklin and the group of friends he assembled to discuss morals, politics, natural philosophy, and business opportunities in meetings meant to stimulate mutual improvement. Franklin’s junto group was officially named the Leather Apron Club and met on Friday evenings.

Aldo Regalado, Sarah Kemper, and Sean Foreman, the group met throughout the 2024-25 school year and had constructive and productive conversations.

Junto plans to become an active student club with additional meetings, hosting speakers, and getting involved in the community, and welcomes more students and staff to get involved.

They can join other clubs or the student government.

They can participate in volunteer opportunities to gain service hours but also valuable personal experience.

They can take advantage of travel and service opportunities and enrich their perspectives.

They can attend community events like candidate forums and town hall meetings They can read, watch, or listen to the news and seek out additional sources of information.

Overall, we need to teach more civics in our community and in the country. People require basic knowledge, especially as teens and future voters. They also need civility. We must put the ‘civil’ back in civilization. We should listen more and argue less, cooperate more and obstruct less, and reach common decisions more and have less gridlock.

Our lunchtime meetings have brought two dozen students from both middle school and upper school together into open discussions about politics, policies, elections, ideologies and more. Moderated by history teachers 37

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BELONGING AND SOLACE T R INI T Y C H A PEL : A SPA C E F OR A L L , A PL A CE F OR PR AY ER S A ND PE A C E

BY REVEREND SANDR A CURTIS

AS YOU WALK THROUGH THE CHAPEL DOORS INTO THE HUSHED OPEN SPACE THIS SACRED SPACE IS TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING VITALLY IMPORTANT. SOMETIMES I ENCOUNTER A PLACE THAT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED, THAT IS CREATED FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE. I WONDER ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO CREATED IT. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ARE THEY? WHAT DO THEY VALUE? WHAT WERE THEIR HOPES AND DREAMS OR BELIEFS? IN A HUNDRED YEARS WILL THE MESSAGE STILL BE CLEAR? doors, you are encouraged to be present to those things. To be your authentic self as you wrestle, learn, and grow from the time we spend in community and conversation about God and matters of the spirit. In commenting about the intention behind creating well-designed places, the architect Robert Sullivan said, “Good architecture is like a good therapy session, a good marriage, a good poem–gently and almost invisibly allowing you to be you, as flawed and as beautiful as you are.”

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Every student and community member is given the opportunity to find moments of prayer, self reflection and contemplation. From weekly chapel services, early morning communion services, to open lunch time hours the chapel is a regular part of community life at school. For people whose lives are filled with the demands of classes, extracurricular activities, and work, the chapel is a place to focus on matters of the heart. It is made as a place fit to do the deep work of caring for the soul and finding our place in the

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Trinity Chapel is designed to lift your heart and fill your spirit with beauty and light. There is a noble simplicity in its lines with nods to the natural world all around in the predominance of windows and grounding warm wood features. Deep within its design is the call to pay attention to beauty as a door to encountering the divine. Faith in God is cultivated when as a community we honor sacred space as both a beacon to spend time with God and a consolation when our faith needs support and comfort. The chapel is a testament to our commitment as a school to the pursuit of faith. At Palmer Trinity our Episcopal tradition places great value on cultivating a place where all are welcome and a diversity of religious perspectives are acknowledged. Whatever joys or grief or beliefs you carry with you as you walk through the

beloved community.

IN EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS, CHAPEL IS OFTEN THIS KIND OF SPACE— A MOMENT WHERE TIME SLOWS, WHERE WE ARE REMINDED OF GOD’S PRESENCE, AND WHERE THE SACRED INTERSECTS WITH THE SCHOOL DAY. DAVID MADISON, PRESIDENT OF NAES

A chapel is a house of God where people come to know that God is present and cares for them. While Palmer Trinity is an Episcopal School we seek to honor and celebrate the spiritual journeys of all in our community. There is no particular religious requirement yet we strive to create a place where everyone can bring their authentic selves to learn, challenge and celebrate each other, our differences and our shared humanity.

By the same token, a house or worship or sanctuary, designated as such by a group of people or in accordance with a religious tradition, is only sacred in proportion to how it is able to hold what Reverend Dr Martin Luther King called the beloved community

“A vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth in which poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated, in which racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of siblinghood…”

The chapel has been a source of profound joy this year, offering a wonderful space for our community to gather. Its power to inspire and move us has been particularly evident in special services like Lessons and Carols, the dedication of our new organ and the remarkable depth it brings to our worship, the annual Alumni Memorial Service, and the celebration of Eucharist. However, the true heart of our community and our shared humanity have shone brightest during the Senior and 8th-grade student

speeches. In these moments, students share their deepest values and, through their stories, reveal our common humanity with remarkable grace, compassion, and faith.

As we grow together as a school, embracing both inspiration and challenge, my deepest hope is that the chapel will remain a place of cherished memories and significant learning for our students as they move forward. Furthermore, we extend a warm invitation to our alumni to return to Palmer Trinity to celebrate and honor life’s special occasions, including weddings. The sacredness of a place is nurtured by the expanding hearts within it, and we welcome you to experience that here, holding us accountable to our enduring vision of a beloved community.

The Reverend Sandra Curtis joined Palmer Trinity School as chaplain in July 2024. She has more than 17 years of experience in education in both teaching and administrative capacities. Prior to joining PTS, she served as chaplain of the Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, Arkansas and Dean of the Iona Collaborative for the Diocese of Arkansas. She holds a Master of Arts in theological studies from Duke University, a master’s degree in library sciences from North Carolina Central University, a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies and minor in philosophy from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, and a diploma in Anglican studies from the University of the South’s School of Theology in Tennessee.

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EVENTS

HOCO WEEK

MONDAY Bikers vs. Surfers Day and the spirited Falcon Family Feud set the tone for a week of friendly competition and fun.

TUESDAY Featured USA Day, the El Falconcito Show, and a fierce Girls Football game and Tug-of-War. WEDNESDAY Everyone danced at the Music Festival and lunchtime party.

THURSDAY Decades Day saw epic middle school field games and Boys Volleyball and Dodgeball in the upper school.

FRIDAY The culmination of the week was nothing short of spectacular, as the Falcons soared high to clinch the District Championship and a huge HoCo win during the unforgettable homecoming game, all topped off by an epic pep rally.

SCAN TO WATCH THE RECAP VIDEO!

GO

FALCONS!

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VETERANS DAY PALMER TRINITY CELEBRATED VETERANS DAY WITH A SCHOOL-WIDE CONVOCATION AT THE GYM, MARKING THE 10TH YEAR OF ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY.

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The event, held in the gym with a school-wide convocation, featured PTS parent and U.S. Army veteran Mr. Oliver Moore as the keynote speaker. He captivated the audience with inspiring stories from his time in the Army and shared the exciting news that he and his wife recently opened a Chick-fil-A franchise in the area, much to the delight of the students. The event, attended by approximately 1,000 people, including 70 veterans and dignitaries, also featured speeches from the Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine-Cava and Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham, with many students and faculty taking part in the service. The service was followed by a buffet-style breakfast to show appreciation for the veterans.

1. Veterans and dignitaries in attendance in the gym.

2. Guest Speaker Oliver Moore 3. Head of School Patrick Roberts with Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, Senator Alexis Calatayud and Mayor of Palmetto Bay Karyn Cunningham.

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LESSONS & CAROLS THE TREE LIGHTING EVENT WAS A MEMORABLE CELEBRATION THAT BROUGHT OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO EMBRACE THE SEASON. The evening was filled with music, tasty treats, sparkling lights, and joyful moments. Aligned with the renowned Art Basel weekend in Miami, Palmer Trinity organized its Student Art Show as a part of the Tree Lighting festivities. This unique occasion provided an excellent platform for students to present their artistic creations! Relatives and friends took pleasure in appreciating the diverse range of artworks.

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A NEW HARMONY: OR G A N DEDIC AT ION A ND CH A PL A IN INS TA L L AT ION C EL EBR AT E FA I T H A ND MU SIC

ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024, PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL CELEBRATED THE INSTALLATION OF THE REVEREND SANDRA CURTIS AS CHAPLAIN AND THE DEDICATION OF THE NEWLY INSTALLED CASAVANT FRÈRES ORGAN AT TRINITY CHAPEL. THE CEREMONY WAS LED BY THE BISHOP OF SOUTHEAST FLORIDA, THE RIGHT REVEREND PETER EATON, AND PATRICK ROBERTS, HEAD OF SCHOOL.

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The program also included a moment of appreciation for all the donors whose support made the dream of an organ at Trinity Chapel a reality. Their generosity has enriched the school’s cherished environment for worship and reflection.

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IT WAS A DAY OF CELEBRATION OF FAITH, MUSIC AND COMMUNITY. SURROUNDED BY LOVE AND THE RESONANT BEAUTY OF THE ORGAN, THE EVENT HIGHLIGHTED THE DEPTH OF OUR EPISCOPAL IDENTITY AND THE VIBRANT SPIRIT OF OUR COMMUNITY. IT WILL BE A CHERISHED MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL. PATRICK ROBERTS, HEAD OF SCHOOL Photo Credit: Claudia Storper

BOWS & BOW TIES MASQUERADE

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C EL EBR AT E FA I T H A ND MU SIC

THE ANNUAL BOWS & BOW TIES HOLIDAY PARTY TOOK PLACE ON DECEMBER 13, 2024, AT THE HISTORIC BILTMORE HOTEL IN CORAL GABLES. WITH OVER 500 GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE, THE EVENING BROUGHT TOGETHER PALMER TRINITY PARENTS, ALUMNI, TRUSTEES, FACULTY, AND STAFF FOR A FESTIVE CELEBRATION OF THE SEASON.

This year’s masquerade theme added an extra touch of elegance and intrigue, with guests arriving dressed to the nines, complete with stylish masks. They were welcomed by festive décor, live music, and the warm energy of a community coming together.

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It was a beautiful evening filled with tradition, connection, and holiday cheer—a perfect way to close out the year together.

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1. Maria Hudson, Saul Hudson 2: Brittney McCabe ‘99, Daniel Diaz Leyva ‘98, Cristina Musibay Diaz 3. James Hartigan, Rosemary Hartigan, Peter Tolmach, Melissa Tolmach 4.

Andrew Bennett ‘95, Brittney McCabe ‘99, Isabella Martino ‘18, Landon Michelson ‘10, Frank Nespral ‘12, Sarah Medina ‘14, Emily Keunen ‘11, Daniel Diaz Leyva ‘98 5. Celia Potter, Jacob Potter 6. Holiday Party Steering Committee 7. Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Carla Curiel 8. David Neithardt , Anne Beaumont Neithardt ‘95 9. Guests dancing during the Hora Loca 10. Landon Michelson ‘10, Frank Nespral ‘12 11. Robert Moore ‘05, Sam Evans Moore ‘06 12. Faculty and Staff 13.

JB Aleman, Denise Gallardo, Helida Dodd, Stephen Dodd

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T HE 2 3 R D A NNUA L

SANDY GOLF TOURNAMENT OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN BOLSTERING THE SANDY BLOCK FINANCIAL AID FUND AT PTS, PROVIDING DESERVING STUDENTS WITH THE MEANS TO ATTEND PALMER TRINITY THROUGH NEED-BASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

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Once again, this year’s tournament was a sell-out success, with men and women taking to the links for a day filled with camaraderie, great food, and friendly competition. With approximately $116,000 raised, including proceeds from orchid sales, raffle tickets, and various golf course games, the event proved to be immensely successful.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chris, Genevieve, and Jennie Block, for their continued support and dedication to the tournament named in Sandy’s honor. Through this golf tournament, the Block family not only commemorates Sandy’s memory but also unites the community in support of an important cause. We also extend our gratitude to our presenting sponsor, Northern Trust, our Fairway Sponsor, Whitman Family Development, and all of our generous sponsors, players, alumni, and volunteers whose contributions were integral to making the day such a resounding success.

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1. Aleck DaGrosa ‘09, Greg Eckblom ‘09, Eric Eckblom, Gary Tarbe 2. Bill Morrison, Patrick Roberts, John Fumagalli 3. Elizabeth Lane Bacardi ‘93, Evans Dunwody Crews ‘91, Brian Gershen ‘98, Lauren Dowlen 4. Andrew Bennett ‘95, Chip Walter ‘95, Will Morrison ‘07 5. Parent volunteers distributing Lunch generously donated by Chick-fil-A Cutler Bay 6. Evan Zeder ‘01, Nathan Zeder ‘98 7. Jose Aguirre, George Antoniades ‘04, Ryan Jurney ‘04, Michael Contreras ‘04

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LEADERSHIP CIRCLE A NNUA L R EC EP T ION

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ON MARCH 7, 2025, WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF HOSTING OUR ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CIRCLE RECEPTION AT THE HOME OF PATRICK AND LAURA ROBERTS. IT WAS A MEMORABLE EVENING DEDICATED TO HONORING AND EXPRESSING OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO THE GENEROUS DONORS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED AT ONE OF OUR FIVE LEADERSHIP LEVELS.

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We extend our sincerest thanks to all of our donors—your support continues to make a meaningful impact on our community. A special thank you to our Head of School, Patrick Roberts, and his wife, Laura, for graciously opening their home for this wonderful event.

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1. Jesus Socorro, Marcel Navarro, Michael Baiamonte, Hugo Mantilla 2: Laura Roberts, Patrick Roberts, Jan Morrison, Bill Morrison, Alan Nichols 3. Bert Del Valle, Stephanie Del Valle, Elizabeth Lane Bacardi, Facundo Bacardi 4. Kim Vinas, Megan Sullivan, Paula Samper 5. Diana Arias, Peter Khamvongsa, Jade Guccione, Darren Guccione 6. Gian Rodriguez, Kathleen Rodriguez, Justin Shaner, Monica Shaner, Cristina Musibay Diaz, Daniel Diaz Leyva 7.

Ely Dominguez, Lisa Fratangelo, Laura Smith

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T HE 24 T H A NNUA L

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025, PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL HOSTED ITS 24TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, WELCOMING OVER 2,000 GUESTS FOR A VIBRANT CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL CULTURE AND COMMUNITY. The Festival brought the world to our corner of Palmetto Bay, with more than 44 countries represented through food, music, and tradition. Guests enjoyed savory dishes from over 30 booths, sampling a wide range of flavors while learning about customs from around the globe.

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The day featured captivating performances, unique crafts, and student-led sustainability and service initiatives.

It was a joyful and enriching way to come together and “travel” the world without leaving campus.

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! s n o i at l u at r g n o C

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CL A S S OF 2 0 2 5 :

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GRADUATION DAY AT PALMER TRINITY WAS A MEANINGFUL CELEBRATION OF THE CLASS OF 2025.

Surrounded by proud families, faculty, and friends, the ceremony honored each student’s journey with heartfelt moments and lasting memories.

The sound of bagpipes signaled the beginning of the procession, creating a powerful sense of tradition and unity.

A moving piano performance by Rafael Morin ’25 brought a reflective pause to the morning, setting the stage for the celebration that followed.

The program featured inspiring remarks from school leadership and student speakers, including Co-Valedictorians Sofia Reed-Gomes ’25 and Nicola Campiani ’25, along with a reflection from Julianne Hartigan ’25. We are so proud of the Class of 2025, and look forward to watching them as they begin their next journey.

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S OFI A R EED - G OME S C O -VA L EDIC T OR I A N

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When you’re faced with uncertainty, don’t turn away. Push forward. And, Trust you will see the glow. A star’s life is a story of transformation. That spark never remains static. It expands, contracts, and evolves.

You too are dynamic. Because in the end, our light is not measured by how long we burn—but by what we illuminate for others.

However you choose to shine, do so with integrity as your light will travel billions of years through space to create impact, farther than you may ever know. So, as we close this chapter and look to the sky of our shared future, I leave you with this. Look up tonight.

Find a star. And remember—it is not just out there. It is in you. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Time to rise, radiate, and make our brilliance count.

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NIC OL A C A MPI A NI C O -VA L EDIC T OR I A N As we get ready to leave this place one last time as students, remember, even though we won’t constantly be together, we will always be family. And family always has each other’s backs. That’s the beauty of Palmer Trinity: it allowed us to create cherished friendships and everlasting bonds with complete strangers. It also prepared us to be ready to go anywhere in life and have a positive impact wherever we are. It’s been an incredible four years, and I would give up anything for it to continue. But all good things must eventually come to an end. So as Dr. Suess once said, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.’ I love you all and I wish you all the best.

JUL I A NNE H A R T IG A N S ENIOR S P EEC H We are ever-evolving humans, whose paths are not linear. We’re going to mess up, say the wrong thing, get it wrong before we get it right–but that’s okay. That’s the beauty of what’s still to come. We may be saying goodbye to Palmer, but the lessons we’ve learned here will stay with us long after graduation. We’ve learned that intelligence isn’t one-size-fits-all; that there’s strength in kindness, power in listening, and courage in being yourself. We were taught that we are not defined by our mistakes. You can only succeed if you have the courage to try.

Palmer Trinity didn’t just teach us what to know–it helped us understand who we are.

And in the next chapter of our lives, I have no doubt that we will be successful.

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College Acceptances

American University* Amherst College Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University* Babson College* Barnard College Barry University Baylor University Belmont University Bentley University* Bethune-Cookman University Binghamton University Bocconi University-Italy Boston College* Boston University* Brown University* Catholic University of America* Chestnut Hill College Clark University Clemson University* Colgate University College of Charleston* Colorado School of Mines Columbia University* Cornell University* Drexel University* Duke University* Duquesne University* Elon University* Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University * Emerson College* Emmanuel College* Endicott College Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Fisher College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Atlantic University* Florida Gulf Coast University* Florida Institute of Technology* Florida International University* Florida State University* Fordham University* Furman University* George Washington University* Georgetown University* Gettysburg College High Point University* Hobart and William Smith Colleges* Hult International Business School -England* IE University-Spain* Indiana University* Indiana University Indianapolis Lehigh University Lesley University Long Island University

Louisiana State University* Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago* Loyola University Maryland* Loyola University New Orleans* Lynn University Marist University* Marymount Manhattan College Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts Institute of Technology McDaniel College McGill University-Canada Merrimack College* Miami Dade College* Michigan State University* Millersville University of Pennsylvania Mississippi State University Monmouth University Muhlenberg College New College of Florida New York University* North Carolina State University Northeastern University* Norwich University Nova Southeastern University* Otis College of Art and Design Palm Beach Atlantic University Parsons School of Design at The New School Penn State University-University Park* Penn State University-Mont Alto Pepperdine University Pomona College Pratt Institute Purdue University* Queen’s University-Canada Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute* Ringling College of Art and Design Roger Williams University Rollins College* Rutgers University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University Salve Regina University Santa Fe College* Savannah College of Art and Design* Southern Methodist University* St. John’s University Stanford University Stonehill College Suffolk University* Susquehanna University Syracuse University* Tallahassee State College* Texas A&M University* Texas Christian University* The American University of Paris

The New School The Ohio State University* The University of Alabama* The University of Sheffield-England The University of Tampa* Trinity College Dublin-Ireland Tufts University Tulane University of Louisiana* University of California (Berkeley)* University of California (Los Angeles) University of California (San Diego) University of Central Florida* University of Chicago* University of Colorado* University of Connecticut* University of Florida* University of Georgia* University of Illinois* University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Massachusetts* University of Miami* University of Michigan* University of Mississippi* University of Nevada University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill* University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Florida* University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Puget Sound University of Richmond* University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Florida* University of St Andrews-Scotland* University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin* University of Wyoming Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University* Wake Forest University* West Virginia University Worcester Polytechnic Institute

*Multiple matriculants

Good Luck Falcons!

55

ALUMNI NEWS

THE CLASS OF

2025

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

56

CLASS NOTES PTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mission Statement The objectives of the Palmer Trinity Alumni Association shall be to advocate and support Palmer Trinity School and its mission, provide opportunities for Alumni involvement with the School and fundraising, and to lead activities and events that build and maintain an active, informed, and engaged Alumni community.

Everyone has a story after they leave Palmer Trinity School – share yours by contacting our Alumni Relations Coordinator. The Aerie magazine editorial staff also welcomes submissions and suggestions. If you have an idea for a feature story, please contact our Editor-in-Chief.

As always, we encourage you to keep in touch with your Class Agent by sending in your Class Notes for the 2025-2026 issue of the Aerie.

Valerie Blattner ‘10 Alumni Relations Coordinator vblattner@palmertrinity.org (305) 969-4285

Suzanne Calleja Editor-in-Chief scalleja@palmertrinity.org

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ALUMNI NEWS

1980S

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

DAWN HOYT KIDD ‘80 is enjoying retirement while remaining active in education. She continues to teach graduate courses for preservice teachers at Lamar University part-time and works on various projects for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology. One of her projects involves working on MODE webinars, produced in American Sign Language (ASL) for teachers of the deaf who teach mathematics.

As a certified ASL interpreter, she is passionate about supporting deaf education.

Dawn also spends as much time as possible with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys camping and hiking with the local Sierra Club and participates in service projects benefiting different national parks. In December 2023, she had a wonderful visit from fellow Palmer alumna CATHY RAY ORBAN ’76.

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JOHN CYRIL MALLOY III ‘85, KELLY M. MALLOY ‘15

JOHN CYRIL MALLOY III ‘85 was inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor attainable at the University of Miami.

Founded in 1926, Iron Arrow is supported and recognized by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians under its sovereign authority. In addition to its commitment to the Miccosukee, the organization upholds University of Miami’s tradition of excellence. Also pictured is KELLY M. MALLOY ‘15, a fellow member of Iron Arrow. Both John and Kelly are Intellectual Property & Franchise Law attorneys with Malloy & Malloy, P.L.

BETT Y MATZ GELSKY ‘85

DAWN HOY T KIDD ‘80

BETTY MATZ GELSKY ’85 is grateful for another blessed year. Betty and her husband, Brad, love their permanent home in Dallas, Texas, but frequently travel to Florida to spend time with family and friends.

Betty continues her work as a licensed therapist in both states, helping singles and couples build meaningful, fulfilling, and lasting relationships. This past January, the family enjoyed an amazing cruise and has decided to make it a yearly tradition.

CHRISTINE FRIGO CARTER ‘88 embarked on an exciting new chapter after a long and successful career in Atlanta, taking a sabbatical to travel the U.S. in a 40-foot RV before settling in Palm Desert, California.

Now, she is dedicated to helping professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence.

Drawing from her extensive corporate background in marketing, communications, sales, operations, training, IT, mentoring, and leadership development, Christine guides individuals at every career stage—whether they are launching a career, making a mid-career pivot, or re-entering the workforce.

She is the author of Start Strong and Restart Strong, both available at StartStrongLife.com. Christine currently works as a career consultant with LHH, a global leader in career transition services, and runs her own private practice specializing in resume writing, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, LinkedIn optimization, and personal marketing plans. Christine’s journey from corporate leadership to career coaching exemplifies the power of reinvention and resilience. She continues to inspire and support professionals as they find fulfilling opportunities, making career transitions smoother and more successful.

REBECCA R AY ‘02

2000S WESLEY FARRELL ‘01 broke ground on 21 Golf Club in the Sandhills of South Carolina. This exclusive, invitation-only club draws inspiration from Alister MacKenzie’s El Boquerón design, a course concept that was never built. The new course will blend MacKenzie’s vision with modern design elements and is set to open in 2026. The project includes a second course designed for match play, expanding 21 Golf Club’s high-end offerings, which also feature upscale amenities like cabins and a performance center.

WESLEY FARRELL ‘01

REBECCA RAY ‘02 worked as a producer and researcher for NBC Sports during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

After her Olympic coverage, she transitioned to producing for Extra, where she covers major events like premieres, court cases, awards shows, and red carpets in Los Angeles.

TATIANA PAES ‘02 visited Palmer Trinity School in January with her children, Victor and Helena, for the first time in many years.

After spending nearly 30 years as an expatriate and working extensively in human resources with multinational companies, Tatiana was inspired to create her consultancy, Interoots. For the past four years, she has been living in Barcelona and supporting international families worldwide, helping them navigate the complexities of life abroad.

Recently, she also began assisting families and executives relocating to Miami.

AMANDA ABRARPOUR ’04 and her husband, Martin Grant, welcomed their third child last year. Amanda has been working at Amazon Advertising for over three years, focusing on ad sales for the U.S. Hispanic market.

ROBERT “BOBBY” MOORE ’05 AND SAMANTHA “SAM” EVANS MOORE ’06 are excited to share that their oldest son will begin his own Palmer Trinity School journey as a sixth grader in the fall of 2025!

Bobby has been teaching at PTS for over a decade and also volunteers with Howard Palmetto Baseball, where he coaches two teams with their kids. The Moore family is thrilled to continue their PTS legacy.

LOREANA VON PLOCKI ‘05 is a freelance photographer. She recently partnered with Best Buddies to create impactful portraits highlighting their work.

Loreana also had a meaningful experience documenting the first census in Barú, Colombia, using her photography to support a small community.

Her daughter Isabella ‘30 currently attends Palmer Trinity School, and her younger daughter, Luna, will hopefully be a Falcon in a few years.

AMANDA ABR ARPOUR ’04

ROBERT “BOBBY” MOORE ’05 AND SAM EVANS MOORE ’06

LOREANA VON PLOCKI ‘05

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ALUMNI NEWS

2010S EVA ADAN RENGSTL ‘06

EVA ADAN RENGSTL ‘06 and husband Patrick Rengstl welcomed their sixth child last summer.

Eva continues to be a very busy stay-at-home mom with their kids.

FERNANDO PEREIRA ‘07 and his wife, Camila, welcomed their son, Bruno, in 2024.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

ALESSIA (BACHR ACH) EISEMAN ‘08

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KIRBY BATTLE ‘10 is a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and currently attending Naval Postgraduate School, where she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Information Sciences and Technology with a focus on counter-UAS strategy and operations.

FERNANDO PEREIRA ‘07

ALESSIA (BACHRACH) EISEMAN ‘08 is happily married and a proud mother of two. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education with a dual specialization in autism and developmental disabilities and early childhood special education.

Alessia currently lives in Northern Virginia, where she continues to nurture her passion for animals with four beloved pets.

NATALIA PIÑEROS ‘08 married the love of her life, Juan Sebastián León. The couple celebrated their wedding in November 2024 with a beautiful ceremony in Cartagena, Colombia.

NADIA ADSIDE ‘09, her husband Colin, and their 1.5-year-old son Cade recently relocated to Jacksonville, Florida.

After completing her medical residency in June 2024, Nadia joined the Baptist Health System in Jacksonville as an emergency medicine physician.

NATALIA PIÑEROS ‘08

CINDY CHANG ‘10 NADIA ADSIDE ‘09

KIRBY BATTLE ‘10

CHRISTINA LUDOVICI ‘10 and her husband, Dogan, moved to San Francisco in November 2024 with their two pups, Gus and Mia. CINDY CHANG ‘10 is expecting her first baby in May 2025. She recently received a career development award from the VA to test a suicide prevention treatment she developed with her team.

Cindy has also started a small private practice to provide psychological services to adults in California.

STEVEN WOLFSTHAL ‘11

STEVEN WOLFSTHAL ‘11 and his wife, Katia, recently celebrated their wedding in Miami on November 23, 2024. Although they met in New York City, both are originally from Miami and even share the same dentist. They are looking forward to returning to the Sunshine State in the near future.

SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11 continues to make strides in the field of robotic surgery and kidney cancer treatment at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. This past April, she attended the American Urological Association meeting, where she was honored with an award for her research paper. Over the past few months, Shirin, along with FELICIA BURKE ‘11, DANIELLE BURKE ‘14, and TAYLOR HAAS ‘11, has been able to reconnect with former and current Palmer Trinity School teachers Ms. De Villiers, Sr. Garcés, and Ms. Massa.

SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11

EMILY KEUNEN ‘11

EMILY KEUNEN ‘11 has been the Middle School Learning Specialist at Palmer Trinity School for two years and is truly enjoying being back on campus. She is committed to collaborating with educators, parents, and the community, to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive. In December 2024, Emily got engaged, making this an especially exciting time both professionally and personally.

SEAN RAMRAS ’12 has been training in a General Surgery residency in Connecticut since 2021, following his graduation from medical school. Over the past year, he got engaged and matched into a Vascular Surgery fellowship at the University of Connecticut.

KATRINA RODRIGUEZ ’13 AND ORNELLA LIBI ’20

GUSTAVO ABDELNOUR ‘13, FERNANDO BONET ‘13, CARLOS SINGER ‘13, MICHAEL QUANT ‘13, AND RODOLFO MARTINEZ-DON ‘13

KATRINA RODRIGUEZ ’13 AND ORNELLA LIBI ’20 met for the first time this year and were surprised to find they weren’t the only ones bold enough to move from Miami, FL to Cleveland, OH. Both Falcons now work for Nestlé USA, where they collaborated on the launch of Stouffer’s Melt-Fulls. Katrina is a Senior Product Developer for Stouffer’s, while Ornella is part of the Marketing Development Program. They are thrilled to have connected in Northeast Ohio and look forward to strengthening their Falcon ties in the area.

GUSTAVO ABDELNOUR ‘13, FERNANDO BONET ‘13, CARLOS SINGER ‘13, MICHAEL QUANT ‘13, AND RODOLFO MARTINEZDON ‘13 celebrated the holiday season with a reunion at Gramps Getaway in Key Biscayne.

DREW DORSY ‘13 is the Vice President of Bindor, a Miami-based real estate investment and development company specializing in retail, multifamily, and luxury residential properties.

Recently, he decided to develop and reopen the Old Cutler Inn, a restaurant and bar located right near Palmer Trinity School, at 16800 Old Cutler Road.

KATIE BROCKWAY TORBET ‘13 AND ALEX TORBERT ‘13 joyfully welcomed their baby girl, Emma Torbert, born on December 3, 2024.

KATIE BROCKWAY TORBET ‘13 AND ALEX TORBERT ‘13

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ALUMNI NEWS

NICOLE FONT DEL OSO ‘13 married Justin Del Oso on January 11, 2025, in a beautiful ceremony at Cinco Farm in Miami.

FERNANDO BONET ’13 and Kara Bonet were married in April 2025 in the stunning village of Oia, Santorini, Greece.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

FERNANDO BONET ’13

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MICHAEL ANDREU ‘13

NICOLE FONT DEL OSO ‘13

MICHAEL ANDREU ‘13 married his wife, Jasmine, on September 14, 2024.

ROBY MARCONDES ’14 AND ALEJANDRO GALLART ’15 tied the knot on November 1, 2024, nearly 12 years after first meeting at Palmer Trinity School. The couple recently purchased their first home in South Miami, marking an exciting new chapter together.

Roby works in film and TV distribution and has just completed her debut fiction novel, which she is currently pitching to literary agents.

Alejandro is an account manager for a luxury boutique vacation rental company, overseeing the company’s southern portfolio.

ROBY MARCONDES ’14 AND ALEJANDRO GALL ART ’15

MICHELLE GONZALEZ BL ANCK ‘14

MICHELLE GONZALEZ BLANCK ‘14 tied the knot.

SARA ABBASSI ’14 married her husband, Chris Bott, on January 25, 2025 in Miami. Both were born and raised in Miami, but they didn’t meet until their sophomore year at Florida State University in 2015. They currently live in Arlington, VA, but are looking forward to moving back and making Miami their permanent home soon.

KEENAN RODRIGUEZ ‘15 AND MELISSA CUELLAR ‘15 celebrated their engagement on December 13, 2024. They met in French class during their freshman year at Palmer Trinity School and have been dating ever since they became prom king and queen senior year! Today, the couple lives in downtown Miami where Keenan works as a senior analyst at VITAS Healthcare and Melissa as a social worker at the University of Miami Hospital.

SAR A ABBASSI ’14

KEENAN RODRIGUEZ ‘15 AND MELISSA CUELL AR ‘15

DANIEL DEWITT ’15 AND KELLY MALLOY ’15 were married on March 15, 2025 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. A number of PTS graduates, including friends and family of the couple, were in attendance to celebrate.

STEPHANIE MONTOYAREDLICH ’15 moved back to Miami from Washington, D.C. in Fall 2023 and transitioned from her role at GEICO to join Norwegian Cruise Line, where she now manages the loyalty rewards program as part of the marketing team.

She’s had the opportunity to travel to destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and Mexico, and even sail on the company’s newest ships. Stephanie is excited to keep exploring and see where her career leads next.

PATRICIA MARTINEZ ‘16 is a Senior Public Relations Executive at Edelman, a global PR agency, where she specializes in corporate communication and reputation management for a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company. She partners with clients and executives to elevate brand visibility and implement strategic initiatives that protect and enhance corporate goals. As a Loyola University Chicago graduate with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Political Science, Pati launched her career in Chicago and lived in the windy city for seven years PATRICIA MARTINEZ ‘16

DANIEL DEWITT ’15 AND KELLY MALLOY ’15

STEPHANIE MONTOYAREDLICH ’15

before returning home to Miami. Now based in Edelman’s Miami office in Brickell, she’s excited to reconnect with the community, expand her network, and engage with fellow professionals. Pati credits Palmer Trinity School for laying a strong foundation for her success and is proud to see the school’s growth as her younger brother prepares to enter his senior year at PTS.

PHILIP MCMICHAEL ’16 completed his Master of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, in 2023. He now works as an R&D Chemist at The Willamette Valley Company, where he helps develop a variety of chemical products for both commercial and consumer use.

OSMEL ALVAREZ ‘16 graduated from medical school at Duke University in May and has begun his ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

MARIO RODRIGUEZ ‘17 is now a local art critic and curator. Mario got his start in the arts during his sophomore year at Tulane University, where he eventually graduated with a BSM in Management Consulting and a BA in History. Upon moving back to Miami in 2021, he spent several years juggling a corporate career in the travel industry and his work as a gallery assistant at The CAMP Gallery in North Miami. Since April 2024, he has co-owned and operated Super-market Gallery, a small, nomadic art gallery focused on promoting local artists, emphasizing approachability in all its programming, and developing a local connoisseurship for contemporary art.

PHILIP MCMICHAEL ’16

MARIO RODRIGUEZ ‘17

He has written exhibitions reviews, artist interviews, and op-eds for publications like Too Much Love Magazine, Miami New Times, Burnaway, and Artburst.

Now that Mario is focusing on his own independent projects, he is excited to connect with any students or Alumni interested in learning more about the local art scene. He is grateful to all the teachers and staff who guided his interests during his time at PTS and is especially happy to have reconnected with the community through his friendship with BELLA MARTINO ‘18, Palmer Trinity School’s Alumni Relations Coordinator.

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ALUMNI NEWS

GABRIELLA CEPEDA ‘17 traveled to Jefferson City, Missouri, to testify before lawmakers in opposition to SB72 and SB58, two proposed bills related to immigration policies that could significantly impact immigrant communities in the state.

During the testimony, Gabriella shared concerns about the potential consequences of these bills and listened to others who also spoke on the issue.

Despite initial nerves, the experience underscored the importance of civic engagement and the role individuals can play in the legislative process. This opportunity provided a firsthand look at how policies are debated and highlighted the power of community voices in shaping discussions at the state level.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

TIAGO RACHELSON ‘17 lives in New York City and works in Citi’s Community Investing & Development organization. He enjoys traveling, writing, reading, and spending time with friends while always exploring new hobbies.

This summer, he’s looking forward to an adventure in Norway and Scotland.

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JONATHAN BENITEZ ’17 recently graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine.

WILLOW D’ALEMBERTE ‘18 graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder and worked for several years as a junior architect with Behar Font & Partners, a firm with over 30 years of experience in Coral Gables.

Recently, she was promoted to Director of Marketing and Business DevelopWILLOW D’ALEMBERTE ‘18 ment. Willow now leads the charge at a firm that works on a variety of projects, including ELIZABETH VALLEJO ‘18 mixed-use developments, is excited to begin a new casinos, hotels, airports, chapter this August as schools, banks, car dealershe starts her Master’s in ships, and much more. She The Internet of Things is always open to connectand Applied AI at Florida ing with others, so feel International University. free to reach out if you’re After spending the past six interested in learning more years in San Francisco, she about the firm’s work. looks forward to returning to her hometown of Miami and being closer to family.

TIAGO R ACHELSON ‘17

ELIZABETH “LIZZY” ARRITOLA ’18 earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Miami School of Law this past May. She will be working at a commercial litigation firm in Coral Gables starting this fall.

In February 2025, Lizzy got engaged, making this year an especially memorable one.

ANDREW SHODELL ’19

ANDREW SHODELL ’19 recently completed his M.S. in Strategic Communication at Columbia University, where he advanced his passion for political communications. Without realizing it, he was set on this path by the outstanding PTS English Department.

This journey led him to serve as an intern at the White House and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Much of his passion for politics stems from the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida, where he discovered the importance of “learning by doing,” in the words of the former Florida Governor.

At the nonpartisan center, Andrew worked to increase civic engagement in Florida and wrote speeches for both Graham and UF’s president.

SARA WHITE ‘19 is thriving at the University of Miami School of Law as a member of the Class of 2027. She currently serves as the Student Bar Association Treasurer and is spending this summer gaining valuable experience as an intern for Federal District Court Judge Beth Bloom.

2020S MATTHEW WALDMAN ‘20 recently graduated from the University of Miami with a B.S.Ed. in Sports Administration. During his final semester, he had the privilege of serving as the Community Engagement Intern at Inter Miami CF. Following graduation, he joined Unrivaled Basketball as a Fan Experience Representative for the league’s inaugural season.

In May, he will be moving to Indianapolis to join the Indianapolis Colts as the Seasonal Community Impact Intern.

MATTHEW WALDMAN ‘20

CADEN SANKO ‘21 was selected as a member of the William & Mary 2024 iGEM team, an honor awarded the December prior to the competition year. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, team members dedicated themselves to planning and executing their research projects in preparation for the iGEM Grand Jamboree, the world’s premier synthetic biology competition. William & Mary’s 2024 iGEM team excelled at the competition, held in Paris from October 23-26, earning a gold medal and finishing as the top undergraduate team from the United States.

Their research focused on an understudied area of synthetic biology, satellite phages, placing them in the top 10 out of approximately 275 undergraduate teams worldwide. “Getting to share our research and see the research of so many brilliant young people at the Jamboree made all of our hard work well worth the effort,” said Sanko. “I am

CADEN SANKO ‘21

grateful to be able to represent W&M and show that our relatively small school can reach parity with other premier research institutions from around the world. We punch above our weight in iGEM and undergraduate research more broadly—that’s because of the talented students we attract and the diligent faculty and staff who support us.”

ANDRES GONZALEZ ‘24 is currently studying Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Northeastern University. He is spending the 2024-2025 academic year abroad in London as part of the London Scholars Program. During this time, he has had the opportunity to engage with senior leaders from top financial companies, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Deutsche Bank. Andres is excited to continue exploring the global financial landscape and is pursuing a career in finance with a focus on business development and strategy.

MAXIMILIEN GESLIN ‘22 is a 3rd-year student at IE Business School.

He is currently working as a Marketing Intern in the E-commerce and CRM department at Dior APAC (Regional) in Hong Kong.

ANDRES GONZALEZ ‘24

SAR A WHITE ‘19

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ALUMNI NEWS

2012

CLASS AGENTS 1976

ALFRED CHILDERS

1977

CRAIG ZIMMETT

1984

SUYAIN GEORGE

1985

KEVIN RUSSO

1986

JOELLE WAGSHUL STEINBERG EDNA (STURGE) FURST

1988

ELENA (ESSEN) BAUR GEORGE VERGARA

1989

MICHELE (BAKER) BENESCH MASON HARRIS BENJAMIN “SCOTT” SHELFER

1990

PETER BAUMBERGER

1991

EVANS (DUNWODY) CREWS

1993

CAROLINE CAMUS

1995

ANNE BEAUMONT (NICHOLS) NEITHARDT ANDREW BENNETT

1996

AMANDA CHRYCY LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA PAULA (HAITO) TRIBALDOS

1997

HOLLY (LEE) ZAWYER

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

1998

66

NATHAN ZEDER BRIAN GERSHEN

2000

LAYDA MORALES COSIO ROBERTO CASTRO-QUIJADA REBECCA WILLIAMS

2001

WESLEY FARRELL CARLOS HUERTA

2002

TAMARA (RUTTER) WALSH ADRIA “PEACH” JENKINS LIVIA (ABRARPOUR) SCHOPPEN

2003

MERCEDES ANEZ STARK

2004

RYAN JURNEY AMANDA ABRARPOUR

2005

ANDRE CARBONELL RASHARD SCIPPIO

2006

JULIO LIGORRIA SAMANTHA (EVANS) MOORE

2007

JEAN-PIERRE “J.P.” GILBERT

2008

BERNARDA REYES MALAVENDA

2009

BROOKE LEMAIRE

2010

MARTINA FAILLACE LANDON MICHELSON ANDRES POLICASTRO

2011

SANA IMAM KATHERINE (DIFEDE) MENGOTTI REBECCA MERRITT CARSON (ZACHAR) POLICASTRO

ANDRES VALVERDE KRISTOF REST

2013

FERNANDO BONET NICOLE FONT ANDREW MILLER

2014

ANDRES ALONSO DANIEL DU FEU SARAH MEDINA

2015

STEPHANIE MONTOYA-REDLICH

2017

CURT LARY GABRIELLA CEPEDA ALEXA RUIZ

2018

SABRINA BOND SHAN DENG ALAN MACAULAY LINDSEY SCHOLER ELIZABETH VALLEJO

2019

ROMULO ANDRES LANDER TORBAR ROBERT BISTRY THOMAS MCMICHAEL CAROLINA SOCORRO

2020

ALEJANDRO ALVAREZ PAUL AMANDA CRUZ DANIELA GOMEZ FRANCO SLUMAN ADRIEN STEUNOU

2021

FIONA MCLAUGHLIN ARIELLA TAMARIZ

2022

GABRIELLA JAAR

2024

SOFIA BENNETT THOMAS HUDSON

Class Agents are needed for the following years: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1999, 2016, 2023, 2025 If interested, contact Valerie Blattner ‘10 (Alumni Relations Coordinator) at (305) 969-4285 or via email at vblattner@palmertrinity.org.

EVAN ZEDER ’01 TRACES MANY OF HIS MOST FORMATIVE LESSONS BACK TO HIS TIME AT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL. AS A STANDOUT TENNIS PLAYER AND DEDICATED STUDENT, EVAN LEARNED EARLY ON HOW TO JUGGLE RIGOROUS ACADEMICS WITH THE DEMANDS OF HIGH-LEVEL ATHLETICS.

PALMER TRINITY GAVE ME STRUCTURE, SUPPORT, AND THE FLEXIBILITY TO PURSUE TENNIS AT A COMPETITIVE LEVEL WHILE STAYING FULLY ENGAGED IN SCHOOL. IT’S RARE TO FIND A PLACE THAT ENCOURAGES BOTH EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM AND ON THE COURT. EVAN ZEDER ‘01

A L UMNI SP O T L IGH T:

EVAN ZEDER ‘01 F R OM T HE P T S T ENNIS C OUR T S T O T HE GL OB A L SP OR T S A R EN A

From as early as sixth grade, Evan was dedicated to tennis, training to compete against some of the nation’s top junior players, many of whom were home schooled. “Time management was critical,” he says. “I wanted to compete with the best, but I also wanted to be part of a real school community.” By seventh grade, Evan had earned a spot on the varsity tennis team, consistently playing at the #1 or #2 position and helping lead the team to multiple district championships and state-level recognition. His performances also earned him All-Dade honors.

Beyond tennis, Evan recalls the strong relationships he built with teachers and classmates, and the unique spirit of the community. “Palmer Trinity was more than just a school,” he says.

“It was a place that genuinely cared about developing the whole student, academically, athletically, and personally.”

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ALUMNI NEWS

He credits his time at Palmer Trinity for laying the groundwork for his success, not just in sports, but in navigating life’s many transitions.

After graduating from Palmer Trinity in 2001, Evan continued his tennis career at the University of Illinois, joining a fiercely driven team that went on to win the 2003 NCAA Championship, four consecutive Big Ten titles, and set the NCAA record with 64 straight victories. “We had a chip on our shoulder,” Evan laughs. “We were a team full of players who pushed each other constantly. It was intense, but it was also the environment I needed.”

While tennis had always been his focus, Evan wasn’t immediately sure what his next step would be after college. He dabbled in real estate before joining a friend’s tennis apparel start-up, eventually leading him to New Balance, where he found the ideal mix of entrepreneurial spirit and global impact.

Today, Evan serves as the Director of Global Sports Marketing for Tennis and Baseball at New Balance, where he oversees strategy, athlete partnerships, and product development. He has played a pivotal role in shaping relationships with some of the world’s top athletes, including Coco Gauff and Shohei Ohtani.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Evan signed Coco Gauff when she was just 14 years old. Now, she is a US Open Champion and the youngest woman in 20 years to win the World Tour Final. He works closely with her to co-develop her brand, and most recently helped launch her 2nd signature sneaker, The Coco Delray. It follows the CG1 and CG2 as the first and only signature shoe for a current player in all of tennis, a major milestone in their partnership.

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EVAN ZEDER ’01 TOOK THE STAGE AT R ACQUETX, ENGAGING IN A COMPELLING CONVERSATION ON INNOVATION AND THE EVOLVING CULTURE OF SPORT. REPRESENTING NEW BAL ANCE, ZEDER SHARED INSIGHTS ON THE INTERSECTION OF PERFORMANCE, FASHION, AND BR AND IDENTIT Y IN THE TENNIS INDUSTRY’S EVER-CHANGING L ANDSCAPE.

Evan also led two major campaigns this year celebrating both Coco and Shohei.

Each campaign had its own unique product launches, activations, and messaging tailored to the athletes’ individual stories.

For Shohei, it marked his return to Japan as a Major League Baseball World Series Champion, along with the evolution of his signature line. The campaign culminated in a highly successful launch of the Shohei Ohtani Collection in Tokyo, which sold out

EVAN ZEDER ’01 JOINED CHERYL GUERIN OF MASTERCARD AND MODER ATOR SHAUN MOODY OF TENNIS AUSTR ALIA FOR A DYNAMIC PANEL AT THE SPORTS MARKETING SUMMIT, PRESENTED

BY THE AUSTR ALIAN OPEN IN NEW YORK. THE DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTED KEY STR ATEGIES AND PROCESSES BEHIND BUILDING SUCCESSFUL BR AND PARTNERSHIPS, WITH ZEDER OFFERING INSIGHT FROM HIS ROLE AT NEW BAL ANCE. THE CONVERSATION SERVED AS A MASTERCL ASS IN COLL ABOR ATION, EMPHASIZING HOW THOUGHTFUL ALIGNMENT KEEPS BOTH BR ANDS AND PARTNERS IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE.

to see how the school has evolved,” he shares. “The facilities, the programs, the investment in athletics, Palmer Trinity is doing it right. There’s a real understanding that sports can complement academics by teaching discipline, leadership, and perseverance.”

Evan’s advice for today’s students and young alumni is to “find what drives you. It might take time, and the path won’t always be clear, but passion and hard work will take you far.”

in minutes during MLB’s Opening Day. For Coco, the launch of The Delray signified the next phase of her product journey, one focused on accessibility and empowering the next generation of athletes through sport and style.

He and his wife, Meredith, who works with her family on the Jills Zeder real estate team, have two daughters, ages six and one.

Though his days are now spent shaping the future of sports marketing, Evan still finds time to reflect on the place where it all began: “PALMER TRINITY WAS THE FIRST COMMUNITY THAT BELIEVED IN ME, AND I’M PROUD TO STILL BE PART OF IT.”

“The goal is always to create something that feels authentic to the athlete,” Evan says. “If they’ve helped design it and feel connected to it, they’re going to want to share it with the world, and fans pick up on that.”

Despite his fast-paced, travel-heavy career, Evan has remained closely connected to Palmer Trinity. He’s a two-time Sandy Golf Tournament champion, often participating on a team with his brother and fellow alumnus Nathan Zeder ‘98. “It’s amazing

EVAN ZEDER ’01 WITH HIS WIFE, MEREDITH, AND THEIR DAUGHTERS, ISL A AND VIOLET. 69

ALUMNI NEWS

A L UMNI SP O T L IGH T:

CAITLIN (POMERANCE) WAKS ‘07 C H A MPIONING A DEBR IS-F R EE F U T UR E PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL ALUMNA CAITLIN “CAITI” (POMERANCE) WAKS ‘07 HAS SPENT HER CAREER FIGHTING TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND INSPIRE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE. AS THE CO-FOUNDER OF DEBRIS FREE OCEANS, A NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO INSPIRING MIAMI-DADE COMMUNITIES TO GO ZERO WASTE, CAITI HAS BECOME A LEADING VOICE IN MARINE CONSERVATION. Caiti’s journey into environmental advocacy began at Palmer Trinity School, where a summer reading assignment, Ocean’s End by Colin Woodard, profoundly changed her perspective. Prior to reading the book, she was deeply involved in the arts as a thespian, but this eye-opening account of ocean degradation sparked a lifelong passion for environmental activism.

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Her time at PTS provided her with formative experiences that would shape her future career. She took part in field studies with Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, engaging in handson marine research, including fish dissections. She also helped create an environmental club, leading a campaign to encourage students to bring their own utensils and eating ware, ultimately making Palmer Trinity one of the first plastic-free school zones.

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CAITI WAKS, ALEJANDRO GANA ZA (A PL ASTIC FREE CITIES MENTOR), AND AMANDA DIPERNA (DFO PROGR AM MANAGER) POSE AT THE ZERO WASTE MIAMI INAUGUR AL CELEBR ATION, AN EVENT THAT BROUGHT TOGETHER OVER 200 PASSIONATE SUPPORTERS. ZERO WASTE MIAMI, A COALITION L AUNCHED BY DEBRIS FREE OCEANS, UNITES NONPROFITS, BUSINESSES, COMMUNIT Y MEMBERS, AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS TO ADVANCE ZERO WASTE INFR ASTRUCTURE AND CULTURE. DURING THE EVENT, CAITI INTRODUCED MAYOR DANIELL A LEVINE CAVA, WHO DELIVERED A POWERFUL STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE INITIATIVE.

During her time at Palmer Trinity, Caiti also participated in a lifechanging service trip to La Chureca, a large garbage dump in Nicaragua where families lived in dire conditions. Witnessing the human impact of waste disposal solidified her commitment to tackling environmental issues on a systemic level.

After graduating from PTS, Caiti pursued a B.A. in Ecosystem Science and Policy at the University of Miami, followed by a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, specializing in coastal and marine law and policy. While in law school, she worked in the Conservation Clinic, helping establish a marine protected area in The Bahamas and collaborating with nonprofits like the Surfrider Foundation and Audubon Florida.

In 2014, Caiti co-founded Debris Free Oceans, focusing on holistic waste solutions that empower communities to adopt zerowaste lifestyles. Unlike traditional

environmental movements that relied on fear-based messaging, Caiti and her team wanted to take a positive reinforcement approach, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Over the past decade, Debris Free Oceans has educated over 15,000 students, mobilized 12,000 volunteers to remove 64,000+ pounds of trash, hosted 500+ zero-waste events, and eliminated over 2 million disposable items.

Her newest initiative with Debris Free Oceans is Zero Waste Miami, a coalition of businesses, institutions, and government entities working together to develop reuse and refill infrastructure throughout Miami-Dade County. With 100 participating entities and counting, this initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastics and create a circular economy.

Beyond policy advocacy and corporate partnerships, Caiti remains hands-on through community cleanups, mentorship programs, and training students to assist businesses in eliminating plastic waste. She believes in tackling the root causes of plastic pollution, “turning off the tap” rather than just cleaning up the aftermath.

CAITI WAKS ADDS ANOTHER OVERFLOWING TR ASH BAG TO A GROWING MOUNTAIN OF DEBRIS—PART OF THE 500+ POUNDS COLLECTED DURING A CLEANUP AT ELLIOTT KEY, A REMOTE ISL AND IN BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK. CARRIED BY THE GULF STREAM, TR ASH FROM AROUND THE WORLD WASHES ASHORE HERE, HIGHLIGHTING THE URGENT NEED FOR OCEAN CONSERVATION EFFORTS. GUESTS POSE FOR A PHOTO AFTER THE “PL ASTIC IS SCARY” CLEANUP IN COCONUT GROVE, WHERE PARTICIPANTS NOT ONLY REMOVED LITTER FROM THE AREA BUT ALSO TOOK PART IN A CREATIVE COSTUME SWAP. BY TR ADING COSTUMES, ATTENDEES FOUND SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING FOR HALLOWEEN WHILE REDUCING WASTE AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE CELEBR ATIONS.

Reflecting on her time at Palmer Trinity, Caiti credits the school for fostering an environment where students could explore their passions and lead meaningful change. From her first environmental initiative at PTS to building a globally recognized nonprofit, she continues to embody the Palmer Trinity spirit of leadership and service.

PALMER TRINITY SUPPORTED MY IDEAS AND INITIATIVES FROM THE START. THAT KIND OF ENCOURAGEMENT IS SO EMPOWERING, IT HELPED SHAPE MY CONFIDENCE IN CREATING REAL CHANGE. CAITLIN (POMERANCE) WAKS ‘07

Caiti’s impact is undeniable, and her journey serves as an inspiration for the next generation of PTS students who wish to make a difference in the world.

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI SOCIALS

Carlos Roig ‘24, Camila Alzetta ‘24, Iraida Robledo

Kamal Moo ‘98, Sophia Naziazeni ‘22, Laura Furniss-Roe ‘22, Maegan Moo

LOS ANGELES SEP T EMBER 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 Alumni at PTS Reunion in Los Angeles, CA

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Palmer Trinity School hosted an alumni gathering in Los Angeles, bringing together members of the PTS community for an evening of reconnection. Special guests included Associate Head of School Danny Reynolds, alumna and Associate Director of College Advising Brittney McCabe ’99, Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Iraida Robledo, and Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo.

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Kara McCabe, Alexa Tannebaum ‘17, Danny Reynolds, Marissa Tannebaum ‘21, Brittney Hoffman McCabe ‘99

Hanna Domit ‘15, Isabella Ruiz ‘15, Danny Reynolds, Carlos Roig ‘24

Diogo Haussen ‘04, Katharine Wood ‘05, Danny Reynolds

Diogo Haussen ‘04, Rebecca Ray ‘02

Laura Furniss-Roe ‘22, Sophia Naziazeni ‘22

Aidan Gallardo ‘19, Jacob Gassenhiemer ‘19

Carson (Zachar) Policastro ‘11, Andres Policastro ’10

Tamara (Rutter) Walsh ‘02, Amanda Abrarpour ‘04, Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98, Livia (Abrarpour) Schoppen ‘02, Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00

MI A MI Bobby Moore ‘05, Julian Martino ‘20

Palmer Trinity alumni gathered at The Taurus Coconut Grove for a “Back to School Alumni Social,” marking the first event in our alumni gathering series for the 2024-2025 school year.

Shirin Razdan ‘11, Brooke LeMaire ‘09, Taylor Haas ‘11

Helena Evans’20, Bella Martino ‘18, Olivia Bacardi ‘20

Tamara (Rutter) Walsh ‘02, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06

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Sarah Medina ‘14, Brooke LeMaire ‘09

Brooke LeMaire ‘09, Bobby Moore ‘05, Michael Silva ‘06, Patty Silva ‘06

Livia (Abrarpour) Schoppen ‘02, Fernando Ferro ‘02, Amanda Abrarpour ‘04, Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Tamara (Rutter) Walsh ’02

Gabe Gallardo ‘19, Adian Gallardo ‘19, Jacob Gassenhiemer ‘19, Pedro Torres ‘19

Brittney (Fyffe) Hernandez ‘06, Brooke LeMaire’09, Bobby Moore ‘05, Paola Granados-Radlick ‘06

Martin Fortou ‘20, Patricio Domit ‘20, Julian Martino ‘20

Julian Martino ‘20, Olivia Bacardi ‘20, Helena Evans ‘20

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ALUMNI NEWS

A NE W T R A DI T ION:

ALUMNI LUNCH & CAMPUS TOURS PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL STARTED A NEW TRADITION OF INVITING GRADUATING CLASSES BACK TO CAMPUS FOR A SPECIAL LUNCH AND TOUR. ALUMNI HAD THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO RELIVE THEIR SCHOOL DAYS, ENJOYING LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA ALONGSIDE CURRENT STUDENTS AND TAKING A TOUR OF THE CAMPUS TO SEE THE EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE THEIR GRADUATION.

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For many alumni, it was their first time back on campus in years, and the chance to experience lunch in the Main Dining Room (MDR) was a standout moment. Alumni enjoyed the joyful atmosphere, delicious food, and the experience of being part of the current student body for a day.

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After lunch, guests were guided on a tour of the campus, where they had the chance to reconnect with faculty and staff, explore new campus additions, and see familiar spaces that had evolved over the years.

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This new tradition not only allowed alumni to relive their Palmer Trinity experience but also provided them with an opportunity to see how far the school has come, and a sneak peak into what the future holds. It was 1 a full-circle moment that brought alumni closer to the Palmer Trinity community and strengthened the bonds that have lasted long after graduation.

3 1. Nina Di Fede, Katie Di Fede Mengotti ‘11 2. Alumni visit Trinity Chapel 3. Jason Hingerton ‘00, Mark Mangasarian ‘05, Travis Anderson ‘00, Gilberto Castro ‘95, Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Vincent Hendrickx ‘00, Steven Yu ‘00, Nicholas Rodriguez ‘10, Patrick Kalbac ‘10, Sarah Alfonso ‘10, Layda Morales Cosio ‘00, George Villasana ‘85, Roberta Ehlers ‘00, Danny Reynolds, Rebecca Williams ‘00, Sarah Hanners ‘00 4. Brooke LeMaire ‘09, Andres Policastro ‘10, Emily Keunen ‘11, Rebecca Merritt ‘11, Valerie Blattner ‘10, Max Matiauda ‘14, Katie Di Fede Mengotti ‘11, Carson Zachar Policastro’11, Landon Michelson ‘10 5. Alumni from the Class of 2002 pose with their senior gift, the Victory Bell 6. Alumni Lunch 12-4-24 Group Photo with Judi Jennings

HER E ’ S W H AT S OME A L UMNI H A D T O S AY A B OU T T HEIR V I SI T.

“Walking through the hallways of Palmer Trinity brought back so many wonderful memories. It’s incredible to see how much has changed, and yet how much still feels like home. The students are so lucky to have such a beautiful cafeteria and a variety of food options to enjoy, there’s truly something for every taste!”

LIVIA ABR ARPOUR SCHOPPEN ‘02 “Such nostalgia walking through the halls of Palmer Trinity, remembering all the classes I took and then seeing the teachers that taught them was a real throwback!”

CARSON Z ACHAR POLICASTRO ‘11

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“Being back on campus for the alumni lunch was amazing. Palmer Trinity has grown so much over the years, but it still has that same warmth and sense of community as when I was a student.

Catching up with familiar faces reminded me how important it is to stay connected to a place that’s given us so much.”

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“Having lunch again in the Palmer Trinity cafeteria after 15 years brought back so many fond memories of time bonding with lifelong friends that the community gave me. I was happy to reconnect with many of my former teachers, who were and still are so inspiring and dedicated to their passions. It’s such a blessing to be a part of the Palmer community, one that is caring and supportive of their students.”

R E B E C C A ME R R I T T ‘ 1 1 “It was such a wonderful experience reconnecting with alums and inviting them into my classroom at Palmer Trinity. Sharing in the joy of being a part of the school community was very special, and it was amazing to learn about all of my fellow alumni’s accomplishments throughout the years. I love when alums return to this beautiful campus!”

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“It was a wonderful experience to return, reconnect, and enjoy the incredible food while walking the halls once again.”

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni on Camp us Patricia Martinez ‘16, Francisco Martinez ‘15

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Alejandro Gallart ‘15, Roby Marcondes Gallart ‘14

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Darcy Velazquez ’13, Danielle Rothfeldt Palenzuela ‘13

Keenan Rodriguez ‘15 , Melissa Cuellar ‘15

Tatiana Pereira Paes ‘02 Campus Visit

Betty Matz Gelsky ‘85

Susi Cetta, Paulina Nieto ‘20, Derek Smith

Brooke LeMaire ‘09, Alex Hevia ‘09

Peter Tolmach, Jerald Stacks ‘12

Darcy Velazquez ’13, Maria Vanegas

Betty Matz Gelsky ‘85

Emily Keunen ‘11, Francisco Geller ‘11

Peter Ovelmen ‘10

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: A NE W A L UMNI T R A DI T ION PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL KICKED OFF A NEW ALUMNI TRADITION DURING HOMECOMING WEEKEND THAT BROUGHT ALUMNI BACK TO CAMPUS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE. ALUMNI GATHERED TO SUPPORT OUR FALCONS AS THEY FACED OFF AGAINST EVERGLADES PREP ACADEMY IN A THRILLING FOOTBALL GAME. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELECTRIC, BOTH ON THE FIELD AND IN THE STANDS, AS OUR TEAM FOUGHT FIERCELY AND EMERGED VICTORIOUS, CLAIMING THE TITLE OF DISTRICT CHAMPIONS! Following the game, the celebration continued with the inaugural Post-Homecoming Alumni Reception, hosted by Head of School Patrick Roberts and his wife, Laura Roberts. Alumni, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate the victory, enjoy a delicious dinner, and savor the “famous” Palmer Trinity homemade cookies, a sweet tradition that brought smiles to all.

Suzanne Kane Hollub ‘81, Isabella Martino ‘18

Taylor Haas ‘11, Mr. Falcon, Valerie Blattner ‘10, Tyler Kalbac

This new event marked the beginning of what we hope will become an annual gathering, strengthening the bond between our alumni and the school community.

Fiona Mclaughlin ‘21, Stacie Larco Cooper ‘96

Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Maria Vanegas, Daniela Gomez ‘20, Sarah Medina ‘14

Adria Peaches Jenkins ‘02, Livia Abrarpour Schoppen ‘02, Grania Michel, Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00

Paulina Ramirez ’14, Sarah Medina ‘14

Hoco Alumni Reception 2024 Attendees with Patrick Roberts and Ashley Chapman

Ryan Jurney ‘04, Alan Macaulay ‘18, Landon Michelson ‘10

Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Lauren Davila ‘02, Livia Abrarpour Schoppen ‘02, Adria Peaches Jenkins ‘02

Stacie Larco Cooper ‘96, Lynley Walker Ciorobea’96, Kemi Raattama Edwards’89

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM THE PTS ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM BRINGS VALUE TO ALUMNI BY FOSTERING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH FELLOW GRADUATES ACROSS GENERATIONS.

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FALCON FORUM

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The Falcon Forum: AI in the Workplace was a fantastic evening filled with great conversation, valuable insights, and meaningful connections. Held at the Babson College Miami Campus on April 10, the event brought together alumni to explore how AI is shaping today’s work environment. CURT LARY ’17, CEO of Hextronics and creator of the world’s only portable battery-swapping drone station, shared how he uses AI in his everyday work to optimize drone performance and streamline operations. TAMARA RUTTER WALSH ’02, AI advocate and founder of AI Empowerment Now, offered practical advice on integrating AI into our careers.

More than just a panel, the evening highlighted the power of our alumni community coming together to share knowledge, support one another, and bring real value through shared experiences. Guests enjoyed refreshments, reconnected with fellow Falcons, and left feeling inspired about the future of work and the strength of staying connected.

COLLEGE DAY On January 7, 2025, Palmer Trinity School hosted an inspiring and informative College Day event, providing seniors with a unique opportunity to connect with alumni currently attending various colleges and universities. Alumni guest speakers visited senior advisory groups to share their personal college experiences and offer valuable advice to the soon-to-be graduates.

The event allowed students to hear firsthand from alumni about their transitions from high school to college, the challenges they encountered, and how they navigated their academic and personal growth. The speakers offered a variety of perspectives, sharing their insights into different college environments, majors, extracurricular activities, and tips for managing the college workload.

A DAY IN THE LIFE On April 8, 2025, the International Baccalaureate Business class took a field trip to Hextronics to visit alumnus CURTIS LARY ‘17.

Curtis is the founder and CEO of this innovative company, which specializes in the development of cutting-edge autonomous flying drones and sophisticated software systems. During their visit to Hextronics, the students had the valuable opportunity to witness the intricate production process firsthand. They also gained knowledge as Curtis shared his entrepreneurial journey, offering a real-world perspective on building and leading a successful company.

Alumni Guest Speakers

On February 3, 2025, DOUG ROTHFELDT ‘10 returned to Palmer Trinity School to share his expertise with the Investment Club. With years of experience in finance, Doug provided students with valuable insights into the industry, offering a firsthand look at the world of investments, markets, and financial strategies.

On September 30, 2024, Palmer Trinity School welcomed MATTHEW VEGASANZ ’14 to campus to speak with the Entrepreneurship class. A visionary in the tech and startup space, Matthew introduced students to GAIL, an innovative AI designed specifically for the insurance industry.

On April 11, 2025, DANIELLE ROTHFELDT PALENZUELA ‘13 and DARCY VELAZQUEZ ’13 returned to campus to speak with the PTS Marketing Class. Danielle, Social Media Manager at TAIL Activewear, and Darcy, Senior Paid Media Strategist at Whitelabeled Media, shared their industry knowledge and career journeys with our students. They have been friends since meeting at Palmer Trinity in Science Class in 2009.

GAIL is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence system capable of engaging in human-like conversations, revolutionizing how insurance companies reduce sales and support costs. Matthew shared insights into the entrepreneurial journey—from identifying industry challenges to developing a solution and launching a successful venture.

His visit provided students with a firsthand look at the intersection of technology, business, and problem-solving, inspiring the next generation of innovators at Palmer Trinity.

Palmer Trinity School was thrilled to welcome back KATHERINE ELLA WOOD ‘05 as part of our Alumni Mentorship Program! Katherine returned to campus alongside Danny Janklow + Elevation Band during their Constellation Tour, bringing an inspiring and immersive experience to our ensemble students. The band led masterclasses on jazz and improvisation, sharing their expertise, passion, and artistry. Students had the unique opportunity to learn from professional musicians, gaining valuable insights into technique, creativity, and the collaborative spirit of live performance.

Palmer Trinity School proudly hosted the “Girl Powered Event” on October 26, 2024, bringing together approximately 60 students from PTS and other schools for an inspiring morning of STEM learning and hands-on activities.

Among the event’s distinguished speakers was DR. SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11, a Urologic Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, who shared her journey in the medical field. Dr. Razdan provided valuable insight into her career, the challenges and rewards of being a woman in STEM, and the advancements in robotic surgery. Her story served as an inspiration to young women aspiring to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI GAMES PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL HOSTED ITS ANNUAL ALUMNI GAMES ON DECEMBER 21, 2024, FEATURING SOCCER, BASKETBALL, AND PICKLEBALL COMPETITIONS.

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1. For the second year, alumni gathered to play pickleball, led by Alumni Board members Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91 and Edna (Sturge) Furst ‘86.

2. On Montaña Field, alumni showcased their skills during the Alumni Soccer Game, with special appearances by state championship players from the classes of 2018 and 2019. The game was led by PTS coaches Jasmin Douglas, Franchot Harris, and Maykell Ortega.

3. In the gym, alumni brought their A-game during the Alumni Basketball Game led by PTS coaches George Montes and Manny Bloom.

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REMEMBERING PAST ALUMNI 1

THE PTS COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER ON JANUARY 16, 2025 TO HONOR AND REMEMBER OUR CHERISHED ALUMNI WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY. UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS JOINED FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN A HEARTFELT SERVICE, WITH READINGS

BY ALUMNI BROOKE LEMAIRE ‘09, ANDRE CARBONELL ‘05, AND RYAN JURNEY ‘04.

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In addition to remembering our alumni, we took a special moment to honor the life and legacy of Sean Murphy, former Head of School. Sean’s unwavering dedication to Palmer Trinity, his vision, and the lasting impact he had on our school community were deeply cherished. His memory continues to inspire all of us, and we are thankful for the foundation he helped build during his time at Palmer Trinity.

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1. Guests and Upper School Students gathered in Trinity Chapel for the Service 2: Sean Foreman 3. Katrina Murphy, wife of Mr. Sean Murphy, former Head of School, received a plaque from the Village of Palmetto Bay as a memorial with Marcy Goldstein, alumni parent. 4. Patrick Roberts 5. Brooke LeMaire ’09 6. Andre Carbonell ‘05 7. Ryan Jurney ‘04 8. Kim Vinas, Chaplain Sandra Curtis, Laura Roberts, Patrick Roberts, Lynne Keller, Beth Brockway Serrate ‘95, Lauren Dowlen

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI REUNION PARTY ON SATURDAY, MAY 10, PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL WELCOMED ALUMNI FROM ACROSS THE DECADES TO THE CORAL REEF YACHT CLUB FOR A JOYFUL EVENING OF RECONNECTION, CELEBRATION, AND SCHOOL SPIRIT. WITH THE BAY BREEZE AND MIAMI SKYLINE AS A STUNNING BACKDROP, THE ALUMNI REUNION PARTY BROUGHT TOGETHER FALCONS FROM ALL GRADUATING CLASSES WHILE HONORING MILESTONE REUNION YEARS, INCLUDING 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, AND 2020.

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Alejandro Gallart ‘15, Gabriella Befeler’15, Roby Marcondes Gallart ‘15, Maia Suazo-Maler ’15, Andrea Keeler ‘15, Santiago Aya, Valerie Macaulay ‘15

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Class of 2015

Gabriel Gonzalez ‘20, Martin Fortou ‘20, Ray Fernandez ‘20, Ben Kelley’20, Julian Martino ‘20, Jacob Freedman ‘20, Daniela Gomez ‘20, Olivia Bacardi ‘20

Betty Matz Gelsky ‘85, Kevin Russo ‘85, Annabel Robertson ‘85, Aric Attas

Giancarlo Coccarello ‘15, Eric Barreto ‘15, Maria Vanegas

Ellie Nosich ‘15, Isabella Ruiz ‘15, Mikela Garcia’15, Hanna Domit ‘15

Felix Castillo ‘10, Landon Michelson ‘10, Andres Policastro ‘10

Tracey King-Dawson ‘00, Jacqueline Latour ‘00, Mr. Falcon, Crissy Yablonsky Rubin ‘00, Christopher Rutter ‘00

Ellie Nosich ‘15, Isabella Ruiz ‘15, Mikela Garcia ‘15, Hanna Domit ‘15

Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00

Isabella Martino ‘18, Mr. Falcon, Curtis Lary’17, Sebastian Andrew’15

Maia Suazo-Maler ‘15, Shelley Robinson ‘15, Valerie Macaulay ‘15

Andres Policastro ’10, Carson Zachar Policastro ‘11, Ryan Jurney ‘04 Nicolas Ocampo ‘05, Brittany Hera ‘05, Lauren Santa Cruz-Yepes ‘05, Mark Mangasarian ‘05, Andre Carbonell ‘05, Julie Davis Lietaert ‘05, Jonathan Quintero ‘05, Bobby Moore ‘05, Ozelia Fowler ‘05

Kai Schoppen, Livia Abrarpour Schoppen ‘02, Brooke LeMaire ‘09, Tamara Rutter Walsh ‘02

Alumni from the Class of 2000 pose with Danny Reynolds

Sean Sabogal ‘15, Giancarlo Coccarello’15, Eric Barreto ‘15, Peter Tolmach, Riley Whitman ‘15, Jackson Fox ‘15, Jonathan Sourber ‘15, Keenan Rodriguez’15, Francisco Martinez ’15

Class of 2000

James McGehee ‘85, Betty Matz Gelsky ‘85, Kevin Russo ‘85, DeAnna Hayden Pledger ‘85, Karen Burkett Rundlet ‘85, Annabel Robertson ‘85, Stacey Jacobson Overton ‘85, Ken Vitulli ‘85

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ALUMNI NEWS

PALMER TRINITY ALUMNI BOARD 2 0 2 5 -2 0 2 6 S C HOOL Y E A R

THE ALUMNI BOARD MEETS SIX TIMES A YEAR TO DISCUSS THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PALMER TRINITY ALUMNI BOARD ARE TO ADVOCATE AND SUPPORT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL AND ITS MISSION, PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL AND FUNDRAISING, AND LEAD ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THAT BUILD AND MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE, INFORMED, AND ENGAGED ALUMNI COMMUNITY.

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LIVIA (ABRARPOUR) SCHOPPEN ‘02

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AMANDA CHRYCY ‘96

SARAH MEDINA ‘14

MICHELE (BAKER) BENESCH ‘89

KATHERINE (DI FEDE) MENGOTTI ‘11

REBECCA MERRITT ‘11

PETER BAUMBERGER ‘90

EVANS (DUNWODY) CREWS ‘91

ANDREW BENNETT ‘95

SAMANTHA (EVANS) MOORE ‘06

VALERIE BLATTNER ‘10

RYAN JURNEY ‘04 (PRESIDENT)

ANDRE CARBONELL ‘05

CURT LARY ‘17

ROBERTO CASTRO-QUIJADA ‘00 (VICE PRESIDENT)

BROOKE LEMAIRE ‘09

LANDON MICHELSON ‘10 TAMARA (RUTTER) WALSH ‘02 EDNA (STURGE) FURST ‘86 ISABELLA MARTINO ‘18 (STAFF LIAISON) JUAN GOMEZ (STAFF LIAISON)

IN T R ODUCING T HE NE W A L UMNI B O A R D PR E SIDEN T:

ROBERTO CASTRO-QUIJADA ‘00 AFTER THREE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, RYAN JURNEY ‘04 IS STEPPING DOWN AS THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT. WE WANT TO EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO RYAN FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL ALUMNI COMMUNITY. We are excited to announce that ROBERTO CASTRO-QUIJADA, a proud member of the Class of 2000, will assume the role of Alumni Board President beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Roberto has been a dedicated member of the Alumni Board for several years, most recently serving as Vice President. His extensive experience, combined with his passion for the school, makes him an ideal leader to guide the alumni community in the years to come.

In addition to his career accomplishments, Roberto is a proud parent of twin daughters Adriana and Emilia who are in the class of 2029 at Palmer Trinity. He is married to Carla Curiel, and together, they have made the Palmer Trinity community a key part of their lives.

Roberto is deeply committed to giving back to the school that played such a pivotal role in shaping his life. In his new role, he looks forward to supporting Palmer Trinity’s mission and continuing its legacy.

We are excited for the future of the alumni board under Roberto’s leadership and look forward to the continued success of our alumni community in the coming year.

Roberto’s journey after Palmer Trinity has been marked by both academic and entrepreneurial success. He earned a triple concentration BA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University before embarking on a dynamic career. Beginning at Del Monte Fresh Produce, he worked for three years before venturing into entrepreneurship. Roberto has since established several successful businesses across sales, distribution, and media entertainment. His entrepreneurial spirit is matched by his creativity, as he is also an award-winning children’s author.

PALMER TRINITY HAS BEEN A PLACE OF GROWTH AND COMMUNITY FOR BOTH ME AND MY DAUGHTERS. THE SCHOOL’S DEDICATION TO FOSTERING INTEGRITY AND CURIOSITY CONTINUES TO SHAPE US INTO COMPASSIONATE, THOUGHTFUL INDIVIDUALS, READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ROBERTO CASTRO-QUIJADA ‘00

ALUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR UPDATE: After three wonderful years as Alumni Relations Coordinator, I will be stepping down from my role to pursue my Juris Doctor (JD) at Florida International University College of Law. It has been a true honor to lead alumni engagement and contribute to the Palmer Trinity community in this capacity. While I’ll be transitioning out of my position, I remain committed to our school and look forward to staying actively involved as an alumna.

I’m delighted to share that VALERIE BLATTNER ’10, a fellow Palmer Trinity alumna, will be taking on the role of Alumni Relations Coordinator. Valerie earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and Management from Florida International University, where she developed strong organizational and leadership skills. Her background in hospitality and

management, along with her experience this past year as Administrative Assistant to the Academic Team and Yearbook teacher at Palmer Trinity, makes her exceptionally well suited for this role.

It has been a joy to connect with so many of you and strengthen the bonds within our alumni community. I look forward to seeing the program thrive and grow under Valerie’s leadership.

Sincerely, ISABELLA MARTINO ‘18 85

ALUMNI NEWS

Look O ut

FOR THESE ALUMNI EVENTS FALL SEMESTER

SPRING SEMESTER

September 12, 2025 Battle of the Oar Football Game at Ransom Everglades

January 8, 2026 College Day at Palmer Trinity School

October 17, 2025 Homecoming Football Game at Palmer Trinity School

January 26, 2026 Sandy Golf Tournament at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club

October 17, 2025 Post-Game Alumni Reception at Palmer Trinity School

February 5, 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony at Palmer Trinity School

November 6, 2025 2025 Alumni Memorial Service

March 14, 2026 International Festival at Palmer Trinity School

November 20, 2025 Give Miami Day December 2, 2025 Lessons & Carols, Art Show and Tree Lighting at Palmer Trinity School

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

December 5, 2025 Bows and Bow Ties Holiday Party at Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables

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December 20, 2025 Alumni Games at Palmer Trinity School

March 17, 2026 March Madness Alumni Giving Challenge Begins April 6, 2026 March Madness Alumni Giving Challenge Ends May 9, 2026 Alumni Reunion Party May 20, 2026 24- Hour Giving Challenge

Thank You!

YOUR GENEROSITY HELPED MAKE THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL FUND A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS. With over 1,000 donors and counting, we’re well on our way to reaching our $1.5 million goal—fueling experiences that shape every student, every day.

Your support has made a lasting impact, and it’s not too late to join in!

STAY CONNECTED. STAY COMMITTED. MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY, AND HELP US FINISH STRONG. www.palmertrinity.org/give

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