aerie-summer-fall-2013

TECHNOLOGY: Past and Present

Editor Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

Assistant Editor Daniel Mutter

Editorial Advisors

Lois Chumbley, Monica Sanchez, Katherine Vale, David Cutler, Scott du Feu, Jenny Agress, Maia Suazo-Maler, Anais Ganouna Photography

Design RMC ADMINISTRATION

Head of School Thomas J. Reid

Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman

Head of Middle School Laurette Cestare

Admission, College Counseling, and Study Away Danny Reynolds

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Director of Development Susana Cetta

Director of Annual Fund Lauren Dowlen

Director of Alumni and Events Relations

Monica Sanchez

Development Assistant Terri Agress

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2013-2014

Chairman Michael Baiamonte

Vice-Chair Bronwen Rutter

Secretary Ricardo Albarran

Treasurer Charles Klenk

Donna Abood

Susan Benenati

Bishop’s Designate Rev. Frank J. Corbishley

James Davidson

Rt. Rev. Leo Frade

John Fumagalli

Anne Jackaway

Mitchell Kaplan

Lynne Keller

Tina Lane

Susan Ludovici

William Morrison

Tina Portuondo

Rev. Jennie Lou Reid

Alejandro Rodriguez

Isabel Rodriguez

Rt. Rev. Calvin Schofield

Beth Brockway Serrate

Gary Tarbe

ADMISSION ADVISORY BOARD 2013–2014

Heather Almaguer

Jorge Arce ‘97

Charles Baumberger ‘94

David Carache-Guzman

Katrina Campins ‘97

Monica Cervera-Sijan ‘96

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Evans (Dunwody) Evans ‘91

Joanna de Velasco ‘98

Preston Dickerson ‘98

Adrian Foley ‘02

Hadley (Nichols) Foreman ‘93

Olee Fowler ‘05

Dr. Efrain Garcia

Nichole Gaytan

Brian Gershen ‘98

Tiffany Glick ‘04

Amber Goethal Seidlin ‘96

Carlos Gonzalez ‘97

Corey (Krissel) Gonzalez ‘95

Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda ‘98

Costa Grillas ‘97

Mason Harris ‘89

Ryan Jurney ‘04

Susan Klock ‘00

Sarah (Fernandez) Mendoza ‘95

Jan Morrison

Laurence Moser ‘80

Patrick Murphy ‘01

Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithhardt ‘95

Amanda Omachonu ‘06

Leanne Romanchuk

Margaret Rosas-Guyon ‘93

Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85

Lee Sterling ‘81

Zachary Sulkes

Amanda (Chrycy) Thompson ‘96

Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97

Nathan Zeder ‘98

KEEP IN TOUCH

Palmer Trinity School is committed to the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative growth of all members of our school community. Our dedication to excellence and respect for diversity inspire students to seek enlightenment and lead lives of honor, integrity, and social responsibility.

The Aerie is published twice a year 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 or Webmaster Mike Pena at mpena@palmertrinity.org.

Palmer Trinity School offers a fullservice 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 our PTS e-newsletter and Aerie magazines online.

For details on Alumni benefits and services, please contact our Director of Alumni Relations and Events, Monica Sanchez, at msanchez@palmertrinity.org or (305) 969-4210. The Aerie welcomes submissions and suggestions for magazine departments. If you have an idea for a feature story, please contact our Aerie editor at scalleja@palmertrinity.org.

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

Finally, we would like to thank Original Impressions, especially our Account Representative Lori Casner, for their continued dedication to Palmer Trinity School.

The theme of this issue of the Aerie is technology. We choose our themes well in advance to give our contributors enough time to write and to give me enough time to edit. I spent some time thinking about technology and its effect on my life after deciding on this theme. I was in Connecticut this summer visiting my family with my computer and phone always close by. What did I think might happen if I unplugged, however briefly?

It made me realize that when we’re talking about technology, we’re talking about connectedness. Our personal uses of technology have fundamentally changed the ways we connect with others. Virtual, instantaneous connection is the norm, while in-person, device-free interactions seem more and more rare. I know that email was intended to make our work lives more efficient. I also know that we all feel overloaded by the expectations of constant, abbreviated communication.

This year, our school moved from laptops to tablets, a move that speaks to our mandate of providing the best technology for our students. But how does this faster technology provide better learning? We think that tablets remove a certain technological intimidation factor, allowing students to focus on what’s most important—the subject at hand.

Still, it’s important to question the role of technology, so we don’t simply upgrade for upgrading’s sake. What do we lose and what do we gain every time a new wave of technology grips our fascination?

Studies have shown how handwriting can improve idea transfer and develop motor skills. Neural activity is greater in children who write a word, rather than those who simply look at it. So, one may think that technology is to blame for the eradication of this important skill. However, some touchscreen technology (like tablets) incorporate handwriting skills in a fun and engaging way, acknowledging its importance in this QWERTY-driven time.

In our current world, it would be both difficult and ill advised to make a case for one over the other—technology vs. traditional learning. So many aspects of life at Palmer Trinity involve both. Our students have access to a library with a physical collection of 19,000+ texts, but they can also buy books from our new virtual bookstore. We integrate time spent performing community service with time spent on international collaborative educational projects made possible with film and cutting-edge technology.

Technology allows us to continue building our global connections as we pride ourselves on our links with other international schools. (Stay tuned for our next issue of the Aerie in which we highlight even more global learning opportunities in the upcoming school year).

As I walk around the campus and see study groups talking under the trees or in small library groups, I’m comforted that the balance of human and virtual connectedness exists on our campus. Our students are connected to their friends, their teachers, their communities, and the world. When our Head of School talks about “the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and creative growth of all members of our school community,” it is this connectedness that plays a significant part.

Thanks for reading,

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

ALUMNI PROFILE: Dax Tejera and Lauren Santa-Cruz {PG. 46}

VISIONAERIE: Michael Baiamonte {PG. 32}

READING IN A DIGITAL WORLD: by Ruthanne Vogel {PG. 18}

letter from Tom Reid

Until four months ago, I had never been to Miami or Palmetto Bay and had known little about Palmer Trinity. After visiting, I quickly went from being interested in to being excited about the possibility of living here and serving as interim head. When I was offered the opportunity to do so, I accepted with enthusiasm. My wife Ann felt the same way, and we eagerly awaited the start to this year with the Palmer Trinity community.

Before sharing some thoughts on the School and my role in the coming year, a little bit about my family and me, as way of introduction. Ann and I have worked in independent schools for forty years- I as teacher, athletic director, dean and headmaster; she as teacher, development officer and admissions director. Our daughter is an assistant middle school head of a girls’ school, Dana Hall, and our son is a middle school athletic director at Thayer Academy. Both schools are in the Boston suburbs. We hope they will visit. They hope it will be in the midst of a New England winter cold spell!

While spending part of our careers residing in boarding schools and then in head’s residences, we have had a home in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. At the end of June, we moved from Baltimore to Chatham, consolidating two homes. Now we are getting settled here and happy to be near the School. I have had the good fortune of never commuting in my career, which has made involvement in school life much easier- a part of my role as head that I value and enjoy greatly.

Now to Palmer Trinity. There are certain qualities I look for in schools and school communities, that matter most to me. First is mood. Is there warmth, joy, playfulness and good humor mixed with a seriousness of purpose, commitment, and work ethic? Is there an air of confidence and self-knowledge with a good dose of humility and willingness to be self-critical? Is there passion, energy

and a sense of urgency around possibilities and dreams with the wisdom and discipline to choose the right course and make them realities? There are certainly other qualities, but these are crucial, and Palmer Trinity has them all. That is what drew me here.

In this coming year, while leading Palmer Trinity, I will work to provide a view of the School to help the Board, faculty and staff further develop the vision for the School in anticipation of the selection of the permanent head. I hope with my fresh eyes and different experiences, I can offer a perspective that will help shape plans and decisions to strengthen the School.

Strong schools like Palmer Trinity can sometimes trap themselves into a “we have always done it this way” mode and be blind to new thinking and possibilities. While it is important to preserve values and mission, it is equally important to question and be willing to change practices. This year of transition and accreditation self-study provides the perfect opportunity for conversations about all things Palmer Trinity.

Our Opening was smooth and routines are now well established. This year is sure to be full and the results great. There is much to look forward to in the coming months as we set the path in many ways for Palmer Trinity’s future.

Tom Reid Head of School

Breakthrough Miami

Now in its third year, the Breakthrough Miami program at Palmer Trinity School is home to 150 students, ranging from fifth to eighth grade. This year’s summer institute featured several new partnerships that enriched the already successful program.

In addition to the core academic and elective classes taught by our exceptional high school and college interns, eighth grade students participated in a series of workshops provided by the Museum of Contemporary Art’s “Women on the Rise!” program. These workshops engaged students in critical discussion and art-making exercises surrounding the works of contemporary artists of color. In the process, students grappled with the complexities of identity, images of masculinity and femininity in the media, and self-expression.

Another exciting opportunity was brought to Breakthrough Miami students by Palmer Trinity alumna Estefania Romero ‘07. Estefania secured a $10,000 grant from the Arbonne Charitable Foundation to work with

eighth grade girls in a class which she designed to help foster self-esteem and leadership skills. This is Estefania’s third summer working with Breakthrough Miami. She is joined by returning PTS student teachers: Julian Del Prado ‘12, Arissa Baiamonte ‘13, and Hallie Parten ‘14, and first-year PTS interns: Damali Malik ‘14 and Emily Fernandez ‘15. Thanks to the hard work, passion, and enthusiasm of these young people and their colleagues from local high schools and colleges around the country, the Breakthrough Miami scholars enjoyed an incredible summer. Especially for our eighth graders, who “graduated” from the Breakthrough middle school program this summer and look forward to College Bound next year, this year’s program was truly one to remember.

1. Estefania Romero ‘07 is joined by students from her class, which teaches young ladies about self-esteem and important leadership skills.

2. After graduation, Arissa Baiamonte ‘13 spent her summer teaching Mathematics to Breakthrough students.

Mu Alpha Theta Goes Digital

Written by MAIA SUAZO-MALER ‘15

As president of Math Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta for the 2013-2014 school year, I realized it is due time to “keep up with the times.” With this in mind, I began focusing on Mu Alpha Theta’s largest outreach component: the tutoring of fellow classmates and peers. Previously scheduled for Mondays after school, our tutoring sessions did not draw as many students as the school had anticipated. Perhaps it was the lack of convenience for students who needed help but had other commitments such as sports practices or buses to catch. Thanks to new technology, however, convenience can now play a major role in how, when, and where we tutor.

For this upcoming year, we plan to introduce a new system for tutoring, one that is online. Our new website will offer tutor bios, current announcements, and a link to Groupboard—a virtual whiteboard where students can log on, ask their questions, and get answers from members of PTS Mu Alpha Theta. Not only are students able to write

their questions with a stylus or compatible pen on their tablet computers, but they can also chat with the tutor and even create a group tutoring session with multiple students. With this system, we hope to reach out to more students that were unable to physically attend our tutoring sessions and can now, from the convenience of home or any Wi-Fi location, have their questions answered.

At the start of the school year, we will be announcing the schedule for online tutoring times. Based on student response, tutoring schedules will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the website, students can also download a free app called Groupboard, which allows them access to whiteboard from nearly any smartphone. So next time you think your teen is texting while doing homework, they may surprise you by saying, “No ma, I’m learning math!” For more information, please contact Mu Alpha Theta President Maia Suazo-Maler at msuazo-maler@palmertrinity.org.

Working Together for a Common Goal

Spring sports programs may be more than a semester away, but Palmer Trinity School’s newest coach has already started preparing for an exciting lacrosse season. Chris Galgano began playing lacrosse in 7th grade in his hometown of Great Neck, New York. Chosen as an All-American lacrosse player during his senior year of high school, he received a scholarship to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his time at UNC, Chris played on two ACC Championship lacrosse teams and a National Championship lacrosse team.

A lot of things in sports translate to the real world: working together for a common goal, teamwork, relying on one another, and being accountable for each other. I hope to help these kids improve not just as ball players but also as young men.

Coach Galgano moved to Palmetto Bay with his wife and two daughters in February, 2004. His younger daughter Samantha plays in a girls lacrosse youth league and his older daughter, Alison, is a 7th grader at Palmer Trinity School, where she is involved in cheerleading and playing for the junior varsity softball team. During the off-season, Coach Galgano hopes to get his players into top physical condition. “I’m a big believer in being in amazing

shape because I like the game played at a high level, a fast-paced level,” said Galgano. “I’m going to put in practice schedules that are very tight, very up-tempo, and very skill-oriented so that players learn the important fundamentals of the game.”

Coach Galgano looks forward to working with Athletic Director Jake von Scherrer to design a great new lacrosse program for Palmer Trinity students this year. “A lot of things in sports translate to the real world: working together for a common goal, teamwork, relying on one another, and being accountable for each other,” said Galgano. “I’m excited to see how I can help them and how I can improve their skills as lacrosse players.”

A 3-Team Player

Sports have always been more than a hobby for Palmer Trinity School Senior Daniel du Feu. At the age of 3, Daniel was already learning how to kick around a soccer ball. It was Daniel’s father Scott who helped nurture his love for sports. “My dad was the Athletics Director at PTS; so when I was little, I would always go to Palmer Trinity and watch different games.”

During Daniel’s six years as a student at Palmer Trinity School, he has played soccer, lacrosse, football, and run on the cross-country team. He won the Coaches Award for lacrosse and soccer and received a 3-Team Jacket for being a part of the soccer, football, and lacrosse teams in ninth grade. This past year, Daniel was chosen to represent Palmer Trinity as the goalie for both All-Dade and All-State Soccer teams.

Daniel hopes to get his second 3-Team Jacket this year, with plans to once again play on the soccer, lacrosse, and football teams. He also looks forward to his father coaching PTS Soccer for the third year in a row. “Like any father-son coach player relationship, we have our ups and downs,” said Daniel, “but my dad is definitely the best soccer coach I’ve ever played for and probably ever will play for.”

During senior year, Daniel will focus on grabbing the attention of college football scouts. He currently posts kicking videos on the National Collegiate Scouting Association website, in order to build interest with local college football coaches. In addition to football, Daniel plans to pursue a career in civil engineering. “I think everyone has to consider the reality that not a lot of people go on to play professionally, so I would definitely look for a college that has a good civil engineering program and a football team.”

As Daniel looks forward to his final year, he will always look back fondly on his time at PTS. “Palmer Trinity is very inclusive in every sport. Each coach is opened to see what talents you have and what you can bring to the team. I feel fortunate that Palmer Trinity gave me the opportunity to play three sports that I love.”

Every Piece Matters

So many aspects of life can be found and appreciated in artistry. Paintings seem to contextualize imagination, drawings often detail perspective, photographs make a moment timeless, and even a box of crayons can revive the spirit of youth. Indeed, art also has the ability to bring small and even different pieces of material together, which when assembled, create a mosaic of beauty.

Mosaic is the art of creating a picture or pattern with small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile. Metaphorically, life’s work of diversity and inclusivity is a mosaic within itself. Every individual is comprised of many different complex characteristics, making each person special and unique. When brought together, each individual makes up a small and important part of our mosaic masterpiece at Palmer Trinity School.

Written by KOREÉ HOOD

During the 2013-‘14 school year, Palmer Trinity will introduce a new student competency curriculum, Mosaic, into the Advisory program. This curriculum will focus on different components of diversity and inclusivity, categorized by grade level. Advisory during the third Tuesday and Wednesday of each month will now be dedicated to Mosaic. During this time, students (grades 6-11) will engage in healthy dialogue, learn new terminology, analyze case studies, try new foods, and discover ways in which they can improve the world through inclusivity. The program also aims to improve the students’ cultural consciousness about each other. As individuals, we all have different perceptions, experiences, and abilities. Not everyone is going to view a mosaic the same, and that is okay! The goal is not to get every student to agree on one topic or opinion; that would not be diverse. Mosaic is designed to create awareness and empower Palmer Trinity students to better the world from the inside out. Gandhi stated it best, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is only possible through learning and listening to each other. So grab your small stone, join me at the canvas and let’s begin to place our pieces together and discover what makes us all unique gifts to Palmer Trinity School.

1. Koreé Hood leads the Parade of Flags at this year’s 13th Annual International Festival.

2. Martin Luther King III with members of the PTS Diversity Council.

3. Students enjoy a variety of activities at the Heritage Festival.

Behind the Falcon

Whether it’s setting up for major school events, preparing athletic fields, or cleaning classrooms; PTS Maintenance Staff is always working hard behind the scenes to make a difference for students and teachers each and every day.

The most important thing to me is that everything is in working condition and everyone is happy.

Hugo Lallemand moved from Colombia to Miami in 1988, joining the PTS Maintenance staff five years later in 1993. After being a part of the PTS family for nearly 20 years, Hugo was promoted to Director of Facilities and Maintenance in fall 2012. Each day, Hugo monitors School Dude—a web-based application that is used for placing and tracking maintenance requests—in order to assign tasks to maintenance staff throughout campus. “This is a great school. We have excellent teachers and the environment is very nice and friendly. We work like a community, a big family. I’m happy for that and that’s why I’m happy this is my second home.”

NAIS Teacher of the Future

Congratulations to Palmer Trinity School Journalism and History teacher Mr. David Cutler for being named one of 25 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Teachers of the Future. This year’s NAIS Teachers of the Future were selected from a large pool of nominees who inspire academic excellence in students and who serve as opinion leaders among their colleagues and peers.

Mr. Cutler came to Palmer Trinity in the fall of 2008 after completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts. He continues to bring new ideas into the classroom, teaching students how to create news stories with the most cutting-edge multimedia tools and software.

When Mr. Cutler isn’t teaching, he hosts and contributes to SpinEdu, an educational blog that focuses on technological opportunities and challenges in the classroom. Over the past year, Mr. Cutler has interviewed and written articles on many of the nation’s top educators and authors including Harvard Education Professor Tony Wagner, Author William Zinsser, and NAIS President Patrick Bassett.

As a NAIS Teacher of the Future, Mr. Cutler will spend next school year leading an online discussion forum designed to share innovative ideas and teaching techniques as well as create a short demonstration video to inspire others.

Promoting Conservation

Written by DR. LEOPOLDO LLINÁS, Sustainability Coordinator

Around campus, the old style water fountains – requiring users to bend over, press a button and slurp – are quickly being replaced by new EZH2O™ bottle filling stations.

The new, sensor-activated bottle filling stations fill two to three times faster than traditional drinking fountains and help to minimize plastic bottle waste in the environment. The design of these stations allows users to insert any water bottle and receive a stream of cold water. Thanks to an electronic sensor, the new systems provide touch-free sanitary operation, reducing the spread of germs.

Members of the Eco Club worked with me to bring the fountains to Palmer Trinity School when they noticed that more students were carrying plastic water bottles and, rather than drinking from the fountain, they wanted to refill those bottles. However, they had difficulties filling their bottle adequately in a regular fountain because of the size of the bottle and angle of the spigot.

The objective of this initiative is to educate students about conservation and decrease disposable water bottle use. The EZH2O™ bottle filling stations have what’s called a Green Ticker™ – an innovative counter that indicates how many bottles have been filled. Students enjoy showing how green they are by tracking how many plastic bottles they have helped keep out of the landfills.

Palmer Trinity School has taken a step in the right direction with these new water stations. The rapid bottle filling stations not only help the school community alleviate its reliance on bottled water for

the sake of the environment, but having better access to free, clean and cold water can ensure that our students stay hydrated throughout the day without spending money on bottled water. The next logical step is to switch all the traditional fountains to encourage students to fill up their own reusable bottles. The end goal is to eliminate disposable water bottles from campus and become a water bottle-free campus.

LEGACY GIVING

The best way to ensure the gift of education for generations of students is through a legacy gift. This type of gift keeps on giving, providing funds to prolong our mission to inspire students to lead lives of honor, integrity and social responsibility.

How does a gift keep on giving? By making a legacy gift to our school’s Endowment fund, the interest earned on your gift may be reinvested in the school. Anyone can make a legacy gift. No matter the amount, each gift builds our Endowment and provides a lasting source of funding for our students and faculty.

We often refer to charitable gifts made through a will or trust as “planned gifts,” as opposed to outright gifts for building and renovation or Annual Fund gifts for ongoing operations. Through a planned gift, you are leaving a legacy for the life of your School beyond your own time.

“The greatest gift we can give Palmer Trinity School and our students is the gift of education.”

— JACK BRUMBAUGH, Past Board of Trustee Chair

Contact Lauren Dowlen at ldowlen@palmertrinity.org or (305) 969-4282 for more information about leaving a legacy for Palmer Trinity students.

1. The Green Ticker™ allows students to keep track of how many disposable water bottles have been saved from landfills by using re-fillable bottles.

2. President of the Eco Club, Fabiana Vivacqua ‘14, tests out the new bottle filling station located at the Humanities Building.

Palmer Trinity School Board of Trustees

— NEW MEMBERS —

Board Member: LYNNE KELLER

Lynne is currently the co-owner of three companies: Africair, Inc., Tropicars, and Propel Aviation. All of Lynne’s companies support a variety of charitable organizations in Africa and sponsor about 25 children at two different elementary schools in Arusha, Tanzania. Lynne and her husband John are the parents of Palmer Trinity freshman Lauren ‘17 and St. Thomas students Megan (5th grade) and Jake (1st grade).

Board Member: DONNA ABOOD

Donna received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Management from Florida State University. She is the Chairman and Founding Partner of Colliers South Florida, where she oversees the leasing division’s business development of institutional and local investor clients and tenant services, including retail, industrial and office. During her 28-year career, Donna has represented well over 50 million square feet of office buildings on behalf of local and institutional ownerships. Donna is the mother of Palmer Trinity School student Kristyn ‘16.

Board Member: JOHN FUMAGALLI

John Fumagalli received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the J. L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Currently, he serves as Chairman and CEO of the Florida Region of Northern Trust. John and his wife Sara are the parents of Palmer Trinity students Lucy ‘18, Jack ‘16, 5th grader David and 4th grader Alex, both of whom are at St. Thomas.

Board Member: BETH BROCKWAY SERRATE ‘85

Beth, a graduate of Palmer School, has been actively involved with the school community for decades. Before becoming PTS Booster President in 2011, Beth was on the Board of Directors at Pinewood Acres School. She was also invited to join the PTS Alumni Association Board and served as an Annual Fund Ambassador. Beth and her husband Phil are the parents of Palmer Trinity freshmen Brock, Chad, and Hunter and Mackenzie ‘19.

Board Member: TINA LANE

Tina is a founding member of Trinity Episcopal School, where she served on the board for several years. She helped to spearhead the merger between Palmer and Trinity Schools, eventually serving on the Palmer Trinity School Board as well. Tina is a current Trustee of Dunspaugh Dalton, a foundation that assists qualifying, exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in achieving charitable goals. Tina has three daughters and her youngest Elizabeth graduated from Trinity Episcopal School in 1993.

The Falconer

More than ever, students demand to see the real-life relevancy of what they are doing and learning. Much of this has to do with the evolving digital age, and the ease and instant gratification which technology often affords. Regardless, teachers face an uphill battle when students fail to see the practical application of a given subject. I had this in mind in 2010, when former Head of School Sean Murphy asked me to teach journalism. Before accepting the offer, we spoke about the dying print industry. The New York Times is a shadow of its former self, even as “All the News That’s Fit to Print” remains on the front page. Other major publications, including Newsweek and The Christian Science Monitor, are only available online. Every few months, it seems that Los Angeles Times cuts its once coveted staff. I saw no use in teaching newspaper layout, an antiquated skill. I suggested that the School forego printing a physical product. I wanted to introduce students to Web 2.0, and the way in which technology is changing the face of journalism.

To succeed in today’s newsroom, journalists don’t just report, write and submit—they know how to produce quality journalism in multiple mediums. With Mr. Murphy’s blessing, I designed an early version of The Falconer, the student news site of Palmer Trinity School. When class began that fall, students showed great interest in learning about blog design. The students continued to make improvements to the site, culminating in The Falconer’s 2012 redesign. In addition to honing conventional writing and reporting skills, students learn visual storytelling. Enthusiastic student reporters produce quality broadcasts about sports, classroom activities and school events. They learn basic computer code and how to manage Vimeo.com, our video hosting site. Student photographers also make great use of Animoto, a Web-based tool that allows users to create stunning slideshow presentations. Last year, Athletic Director Jake von Scherrer and Preston Michelson ‘13 introduced the class to PlayOn! Sports, which allows for live streaming video. From big sporting events to graduation and high-profile visits, students provide the wider community with live coverage, accessible to anybody with a Smartphone or Internet connection. In

Written by DAVE CUTLER, Journalism Teacher

January, the Miami Herald borrowed our feed of Martin Luther King III’s address. The Falconer’s growing success prompted me to teach green screen photography and advanced video editing. NBC Nightly News relies on similar software to produce its broadcasts. Using a semi-

Teaching journalism is an absolute joy, mostly because aspiring reporters see the importance of mastering evolving journalism skills, and they see the relevancy in what they learn. I am grateful to work in a school like Palmer Trinity, where student get the chance to learn important journalism skills by using the most cutting-edge

To succeed in today's newsroom, journalists don't just report, write and submit—they know how to produce quality journalism in multiple mediums.

professional video camera and advanced studio lighting, students are able to render virtual newsroom environments. This year, I plan to teach students how to use and read from a teleprompter.

1. Journalism students interview Professor Michael Schoonmaker and Vaughn Schoonmaker for The Falconer. Using a green screen and specialized computer software, students can simulate a real newsroom environment.

2. Sydney Merritt ‘14 and Preston Michelson ‘13 put together an article with Journalism Teacher Dave Cutler. 1 2

Building a Global Classroom

Written by DANIEL MUTTER, Communications Coordinator

When you take a peek in to Raul Gonzalez’s classroom, you might find students sitting on couches, engaging in discussions with other classes via video chat. You may be surprised to learn that these students are actually part of an international education program featuring six schools—three in the U.S. and three in Spain—that use film as a teaching tool in the classroom.

In Mr. Gonzalez’s Hispanic Cinema class, students learn about history, culture, film and language. Each school year, the students watch and discuss 50 films based on different Hispanic countries. Last year, Mr. Gonzalez teamed up with Palmer Trinity’s sister school in Salamanca, Spain, to teach students about Hispanic film. IneveryCrea—an online creative educational community based in Spain—was so impressed by the success of the program that they approached Mr. Gonzalez about expanding it. “They loved the idea and said that if I could get three schools from the United States, they would get three from Spain to work around a film,” said Gonzalez.

All six classes watched Camarón; a film based on the famous Spanish Flamenco singer. Then, using the video chat program Google Hangout and educational social networking tool Edmodo,

When you have students from two completely different countries look at the same movie, you get two very different perspectives. Both groups are brought up very differently, they interpret the movie in a unique way, and by collaborating they learn many things they wouldn't learn otherwise.

— DANIEL PAZ '12

students discussed the film together. Classes from the U.S. spoke in Spanish and classes from Spain spoke in English. “The interesting thing is that the students would correct each other in the language instead of teachers being involved, which I thought was very impressive,” said Gonzalez.

Each instructor used the film to teach a different curriculum based on their goals for the classroom. “My students were focused more on the film elements; some students were focused on the language and others were focused on music,” said Gonzalez. “The beauty of a film is that you can use it to teach so many different disciplines.”

To conclude the program, students got a special opportunity to chat with Camarón’s director Jaime Chávarri. Chávarri took questions about the film, answering in Spanish for American students and English for Spanish students. “This is a director who has directed

many films and he is also a film professor at a university in Spain,” said Gonzalez. “So for the students, it was a real wow moment.”

Mr. Gonzalez joined the World Languages Department at Palmer Trinity School in 1999. During his time at Palmer Trinity, Mr. Gonzalez has completed a master’s degree in Spanish language and culture at the University of Salamanca in Spain. His thesis focused on using film as a teaching medium.

IneveryCrea and Mr. Gonzalez plan to continue the cooperative teaching program in the future, adding more schools in different ways. “I think that we need to think outside the box. We need to take risks and we need to understand that our students are so versatile when it comes to technology,” said Gonzalez. “There are no more borders in terms of connection when it comes to using the Internet and the children have so much to learn from each other.”

By using Tekboard—an interactive touch screen monitor with built-in webcam—students had the opportunity to host live film discussions with other classrooms in Spain and the U.S.

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The Art of Expression

Written by SANDI WOOD, Visual Arts Department Chair

The Art Department at Palmer Trinity School offers a rich variety of opportunities and experiences to students who wish to explore the realm of personal expression through visual creativity.

From the whimsical abandon of Jackson Pollock-inspired drip painting to the Zenlike focus of centering clay on the potter’s wheel, the art studios provide students with an opportunity to experience new endeavors, practice risk-taking, and find gifts within themselves in the process. For students who want to immerse themselves in creative expression and push these new found gifts to their highest level, look no further than Advanced Placement Art at PTS.

The AP Art class is a rigorous test of skill, creativity, and determination. Students are expected to produce at least one college-level art piece per week, culminating in a final

portfolio of twenty-four excellent examples of their artistic aptitude. Twelve pieces create the Breadth section of the portfolio, in which students show their wide-ranging technical abilities through a variety of media and subject matter. The other twelve pieces create the Concentration section, in which students choose a single visual/conceptual interest and creatively explore it in detail. Photographs of all twenty-four pieces are submitted to the College Board digitally by each student, and five are chosen to submit physically by mail for the Quality section. Throughout the school year, students held weekly critiques to discuss their ongoing

projects as a group. As the portfolio due date approached, many commented on how proud they were of their accomplishments, marveling at their dramatic growth in just a few short months. For those who plan to continue their artistic endeavors at their chosen colleges and universities, the experience certainly gave them a taste of what true art-making is all about.

Check out this year’s AP Art student portfolios that are currently available to view online on our school webpage at www.palmertrinity.org/arts.

1. The AP Art class poses with Mrs. Wood and their favorite projects from the first semester. 2. Ashley Tagliero ‘13 works on a self-portrait in oil pastel. 3. Ashley Tagliero 4. Evelyn Godley 5. Caroline McGregor 6. Casey Halwani 7. Nina Aguirre 8. Suzy Matallan 9. Dani Almanza 10. Danielle Burke

2

WiFi in the Ivory Tower

Written by MARK E. HAYES, English Teacher

COME, PEOPLE, COME – step into the forum and join our conversation about these new machines. All tribes are welcome. ...technology's instrumentality brings something forth into unconcealment... [I]t is a mode of revealing, a way in which truth happens.

When most people use the term technology, they mean very complex machines, particularly computers. But I would contend that the best definition of technology recognizes a fundamental aspect of our common humanity – that we are toolusing creatures. In this sense, technology becomes anything people use as extensions of themselves to manifest themselves in the world, even to create entire new worlds. All linguistic and artistic expression is technology, as are cultural institutions, social practices, and, coming back to a more mainstream understanding of technology, all the material tools, gadgets, and machines we make to do what we need to do.

Technology is nothing new, nor is the debate over how useful or harmful it may be. In Phaedrus, Plato’s dialogue from the fourth century BCE, Plato and his mentor Socrates turn their attention to the topic of writing, and Socrates tells the story of how the Egyptian god Theuth made a gift of writing to King Thamus. Theuth suggests that this wonderful new writing technology will be a tonic to memory, but King Thamus cheekily replies that nope, writing will serve to help in reminding people of what they should know, without really understanding it. Furthermore, says King Thamus, those who master the technology of writing will have only the appearance of wisdom, but not true wisdom. The problem writing presents in its “false

Plato speaking with Sophocles.

wisdom” highlights the importance of the more legitimate path to wisdom, says Socrates: the dialectic – direct engagement with the minds of others in the real world. In effect, this newfangled technology of writing is going to be trouble.

One particularly clear presentation of the broad definition of technology comes from the German philosopher Martin Heidegger, in his perspicacious 1950 essay, “The Question Concerning Technology.” Not only is technology a much broader phenomenon than we typically assume, he writes, it is also useful to think of technology as a process. “Technology has an essence,” Heidegger writes, “which is not the same as technology in the sense of machinery. We search for that and come up with the provisional definition of the essence of technology as instrumentality (of being a means to an end)... Searching deeper, we find instrumentality has at its core the concept of cause. We find, searching even deeper, that, at the core of cause, there is not something

like ‘effecting,’ but rather ‘being-responsiblefor-something.’ In other words, technology’s instrumentality brings something forth into unconcealment.... [I]t is a mode of revealing, a way in which truth happens.” Technology extends and expands the world in a far more transformational way than we suspect.

This transformational view is presented by Marshall McLuhan in his 1964 work, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man Even 50 years ago, McLuhan grasped the connective, convergent nature of electronic media, and he argued further that the information carried over such media was less relevant than the ways in which that medium changed our social and cultural relationships. The telegraph, for instance, might carry content of one sort or another, but what really matters is a message now travelled from New York to San Francisco in a matter of minutes and not days. All these extensions and enlargements of ourselves create tensions between those who seek connection and those who would avoid it.

“In the electric age,” writes McLuhan, “when our central nervous system is technologically extended to involve us in the whole of mankind and to incorporate the whole of mankind in us, we necessarily participate, in depth, in the consequences of our every action. It is no longer possible to adopt the aloof and dissociated role of the literate Westerner... [L]iterate man, civilized man, tends to restrict and to separate functions, whereas tribal man has freely extended the form of his body to include the universe.” I would substitute the word scholastic in the place of literate and civilized , and tribal is a fine term. So these days, it’s the “aloof” scholastics versus the “engaged” tribals.

I grew up with computers. I was born in 1968, and a year later human beings not only walked on the moon, but the first message was sent over a network from one computer to another – from UCLA to Stanford, two letters: “LO.” I learned to program on TRS-80s and Commodore

Technology becomes anything people use as extensions of themselves to manifest themselves in the world.

64s, wrote papers and designed newspaper pages on Macs and PCs, and created my own web pages in HoTMetaL. I’ve always been writing and teaching, and technology has always been an essential part of both. More often than not, though, I take it as a fundamental truth that far too many educators still think about technology as if they were backward-looking scholastics, not forward-looking tribals. As far as teaching is concerned, it sometimes seems there are just as many teachers running from the digital age as plunging into it. We’re not that far from Socrates and Plato’s dialectics when it comes to computers in the classroom.

Independent schools offer many wonderful educational benefits to their students. At the same time, there are often less directly stated dynamics at work in independent schools that create tensions with information technology. Private schools in general are perceived as being more safe from the “outside world,” but information technology

“Where are you coming from and where are you going to?”

readily weakens the walls of the ivory tower. Also, in a traditional “sage-on-the-stage” classroom, much of the teacher’s authority is centered on “holding” the information the students need for assessments, but information technology makes it harder and harder for teachers to keep their course materials under their control. Most schools have very good reasons for banning smart phones, and most of those schools find it almost impossible to enforce those bans. Information wants to be free, and free information empowers people.

Laptops and smart phones and search engines make more permeable the boundaries of any school, and, much more problematic for the scholastics, information tech alters the power dynamics between students and teachers. These changes have little to do with the subject matter taught, and everything to do with the varieties of institutional power. And if the scholastic elites hold too tightly to the power that doesn’t flow in the old familiar channels, they may lose more and more relevance for the high-tech tribals who seek only to prepare themselves for the digital pluralism of the decades to come. Who knows what brilliant tribals might step into the forum when the scholastics finally do some remodeling of the ivory tower?

Mr. Hayes hosts a roundtable discussion during 11th grade American Studies class. Using the classroom as a technological device, face-to-face conversation allows students to communicate in ways that aren’t possible with laptops and other digital devices.

Reading in a Digital World

Written by RUTHANNE VOGEL, Librarian

Great news! Your favorite author has just published a new book. Do you rush out to the bookstore or go online to order a copy? Or do you turn on your Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iPad or computer to download it in digital format. How we read has become as interesting a debate as what we read. Many surveys recently published suggest that most people still prefer old fashioned paper reading – at least for books. However, e-book and e-reader sales are increasing, following quickly behind online newspapers and magazines, which currently make up between 15 and 20 percent of trade book sales. A rising concern is that by discarding the physical book and turning to digital we are changing our perceptions of the texts. Think about the reading you did when you were in school. If you toted around and read War and Peace or Moby Dick, you certainly knew you had accomplished something. Paper books have a discernible weight and size and one can tell one’s progress by simply

following the marching bookmark. An e-reader, in contrast, weighs the same no matter what you are reading and though some e-readers offer percentages or other progress indications, they are not as immediately recognizable as the physical bookmark. Much of reading is about geography – knowing where you are on the page and how far you have progressed though the book. A recent article in Scientific American magazine compared the turning of pages in a physical book to leaving a footprint on a hiking trail. Physical pages help us create a rhythm and form a coherent map of the text. As you click through the pages of a digital book, each new page replaces the last, erasing the footprints of your journey. Digital books, however, offer a huge convenience over their physical counterparts. You can carry as many books as you wish without adding any weight to your luggage. Just about any book is available to you anywhere you are, a real convenience when you are traveling. You can instantly look up

definitions to words or switch over to a browser and look up some background information. A unique digital literary experience is to read a Shakespeare play on the iPad, flipping over to a dramatic performance of each scene after you read it. New books, magazines and newspapers are often being published with added digital features, allowing content to be added to the written word.

However we choose to read, the most important factor for the future is that we do continue to read.

Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist and cognitive scientist from Tufts University, believes that we should move forward into digital reading with reflection in order to “preserve the absolute best of older forms, but know when to use the new.” Most readers will probably dabble or plunge into the digital world, but keep a firm hold of at least some physical reading. Perhaps the newest mystery novel or a hefty Stephen King tome are perfect

for your e-reader. Something denser or more complex may be better suited to paper where you can mark up the margins. However we choose to read, the most important factor for the future is that we do continue to read. Story and imagination as well as researched, quality information are a cultural gift that we should never squander. So don’t worry about the format of that new novel, just buy it and read it!

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Dustin Philipp ‘14 enjoys reading a paperback book. Natalie Cetta ‘18 reads her favorite magazine on the Amazon Kindle Fire. Marina Bryant ‘14 likes to browse through news articles on the Apple iPad. Alessandro Diaz-Barandiaran ‘15 reads a novel on the Barnes & Noble Nook.

eBooks are more popular among people UNDER 45 YEARS OLD

eBook readers are most likely to have a COLLEGE OR POST-GRAD DEGREE than print readers.

21% OF AMERICANS have read an eBook in the past year.

26% OF EBOOK READERS READ FOR LEARNING –to gain knowledge and discover information.

eBook readers READ MORE BOOKS

TOP SELLING

E-READING DEVICES:

1. Amazon Kindle Fire

2. B&N Nook

3. Sony eBook Reader

4. Pandigital eReader

SOURCES: www.libraries.pewinternet.org www.business2community.com; www.gizmodo.com Bowker PubTrack Consumer, data from Q1 through Q2 2013 (US); Forrester North American Technographics Media & Advertising Online Benchmark Recontact Survey, Q4 2011 and Q3 2012 (US); TheRiseofe-Reading, Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, April 2012.

Students Embrace Building the Future

Written by DANIEL MUTTER, Communications Coordinator

Students can look forward to an exciting new course being offered at Palmer Trinity School this fall. Under the direction of Frank Hernandez and Academic Computing Chair Bill Stanard, the newly offered Robotic Programming course will give students a chance to learn how to build, program, and control their very own robots!

Robotic Programming first took shape as an extension of the Android Programming class. In Android Programming, students learn how to use App Inventor, a program-development tool that allows users to create mobile applications and games for their smart phones. “When I was first approached to put together the robotics class, I thought it would be a great idea because we can also use App Inventor to accommodate the LEGO robots,” said Mr. Stanard.

Halfway through spring semester, Mr. Stanard and Mr. Hernandez divided their Android Programming students into groups and distributed LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics kits. Before assembling their robots, students were expected to first separate and organize all of the pieces. “It’s incredibly important that the kids actually build the robots themselves,” said Mr. Stanard. “We want to get them to learn by touching; because nowadays, they spend their entire lives at a virtual level.”

Once assembled, students learned how to program their robots to follow simple driving directions. App Inventor employs an easy drag and drop interface, allowing users to put together different commands or pieces of code. Students can, for example, choose a block of code to make the robot go forward and then another to make it turn left. As they worked through App Inventor, students learned to read and adapt these units of code in order to fine-tune their robot’s movements. “As a code writer, 80% of what you do is revision,” said Mr. Stanard, “I’m expecting it’s going to take you a week to figure out how to learn a certain unit, but think about all the learning you’re going to do during that week!”

After students became comfortable with basic programming, they learned how to control movement using the robot’s infrared, touch, light, and ultra sonic (distance) sensors. “It’s sort-of a big moment for them when they suddenly realize: oh I can program this to go forward until it touches a wall, stop, back up, turn slightly to the right, and then go forward again,” said Mr. Stanard.

The course concluded with an opportunity for students to apply their newly learned programming skills to an all-robot soccer tournament. Mr. Stanard set up a “soccer field” in the middle of the classroom, and students used Android smart phones to control their robot “players”. Students enjoyed cheering on their teammates as they attempted to control their robot to push a ball into the opponent’s goal.

Over the summer, Mr. Stanard spent a week training at the Robotics Academy, located in the prestigious Carnegie Melon Robotics Institute. The class provides advanced training for instructors looking to teach LEGO MINDSTORMS robotic programming to their students. “The program was a wonderful experience and I look forward to sharing what I learned with this year’s Robotic Programming students!”

During the 2013-2014 school year, PTS students can choose to take Android Programming, Robotics Programming, or both. Android Programming will teach students how to use their smartphones like a remote in order to control the robot’s movements. Robotics programming, on the other hand, will go one step further by teaching students how to program the robots to make movements on their own. Much like scientists programming the Mars Rover, students will have to create programs for the robot that allow it to move autonomously with the use of sensors. “The great thing about this course is that it will teach kids how to be selfreliant problem solvers, skills that will be useful in any career.”

Faculty and Students Make the Transition to MS Surface Pro

Written by GUS SABOGAL, Director of Technology

Palmer Trinity School has always been on the cutting edge of technology. In 1999, the school introduced its Wireless 1-to-1 Laptop Program and in 2008 we upgraded to Tablet PCs. This year, we are introducing Microsoft Surface Pro Tablets, offering students the processor power of a laptop combined with the touchpad capabilities of a tablet.

You can use the Surface Pro much the way you would use a tablet, or you can snap on one of the sleek colorful companion keyboard (covers) to bring out its inner laptop potential. This is the kind of device that Windows 8 was designed for, bridging the gap between desktop and mobile environments. Students get the best of both worlds, with no limitations or software compatibility issues.

Last April, our faculty received the first Microsoft Surface Pros, and the immediate response was very positive. Teachers have really enjoyed the speed, portability, and reliability of the new systems. During the summer, all new students participated in training classes, allowing them to get acquainted with the Surface Pro tablets and the new Windows 8 operating system.

In addition to 64GB of internal storage, every student and faculty member will also have access to 30GB of cloud space and unlimited Google Document storage. Google Docs and cloud storage provide a place for students and faculty to save and share documents. These applications also allow users to back up their files in case physical memory is damaged by viruses or major impact.

Students get the best of both worlds, with no limitations or software compatibility issues.

We are confident that the new Surface Pro tablets combined with our recently upgraded wireless systems and cloud storage will provide a seamless technology experience, utilizing the best tools for a responsible future digital generation.

On Monday, April 28th, Palmer Trinity School hosted its 12th Annual Sandy Golf Tournament and 3rd Annual Tennis Tournament. Proceeds from this premier golf and tennis tournament have benefited recipients of the Sandy Block Financial Aid Award, enabling an outstanding student to attend Palmer Trinity School and receive need-based financial aid. Having grossed more than $44,000 as a result of this year’s event, we would like to extend our gratitude to Presenting Sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, a Bill Ussery Motors company, Paula and Bob Brockway, and all of our generous sponsors, underwriters, donors, participants, countless volunteers, and student golfers and tennis players for supporting this successful tournament.

2013 Sandy Golf and Tennis Committee

Committee Co-Chairs

Brian Gershen ‘98

Chuck Klenk

Magdalena Rothfeldt

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Tennis Co-Chairs

Lynne Keller

Sonnia Viyella

Honorary Chair

Chris Block ‘96

Committee

Michael Baiamonte

Jim Block

Bob Booth

Paula Brockway

Sally Franklin

Teresa Himes

Joseph J. Kalbac, Jr.

Camilo Montana

Silvia Gonzalez Montana

Maggie Porto

Lourdes Sardinas

Marcia Soto

Zachary Sulkes

Howard Wolofsky ‘81

Thank you for supporting the 12th Annual Palmer Trinity School Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament.

Sonnia Viyella and Adriana Faillace

Michael Baiamonte and John Fumagalli

Gold participants take off from the clubhouse

Chris Block ‘96, Phil Newcomm, George Ciorobea

Jeff Griese, Jeff Noyes, Joe Mancuso ‘94, Mason Harris ‘89

Brian Gershen ‘98, Roy Weinfeld ‘84, Jon Lawrence ‘98

Sandy Tennis Tournament Champion Sandra Bazain along with co-chairs Magdalena Rothfeldt and Lynne Keller

Marilyn Klenk, Natalie Baiamonte, Laura Miguel, Chirine Mneimneh, Regina Sandilands, Maggie Porto

The Sandy Tennis Tournament kicks off

Event Sponsors

A special thank you to our following sponsors for supporting Palmer Trinity School’s Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament:

Presenting Sponsor

Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and MercedesBenz of Cutler Bay, Bill Ussery Motors Companies

PAULA AND BOB BROCKWAY

Event Reception Sponsor

The Zeder Team

Golf Cart Sponsor

Bal Harbour Shops

Golf Ball Sponsor

BankUnited

Hat Sponsor Morris & Reynolds Insurance

Eagle Sponsors

BBVA Compass

Bilzin Sumberg Baena

Price & Axelrod LLP

Joseph J. Kalbac, Jr. and his partners at Colson Hicks Eidson

The Haggard Law Firm

The Morrison Family

Overholt Construction

The Serrate Family

Sharp Business Systems

Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain P.A. Trial Lawyers

UNNICO Service Company

The Weiss Family Foundation

Birdie Sponsors

Camp Lenny Foundation

The Samas Family

Torbert Produce

Tennis Court Sponsors

The Allen Morris Company, Bill Bailey

The Berk Family

Tennis Net Sponsors

Ramon Carpet Services, Inc.

Mrs. Judy Andrews

Bay Plumbing Co.

Designers Tops

French Gershen Lawrence Zeder Foundation

Gateways Unlimited

Geomantic Designs, Inc.

Gillman & Shapiro, P.A.

iCore Construction

Landera Associates, P.A.

Food & Drink Underwriters

Bacardi

Cookies for Jani

Puerto Viejo Wines

SAGE Dining Services

Stop & Shop

Sports Grill

Underwriters

LIONSDEN Graphics & Signs

LRG Construction

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Nichols

RMC

Rainaway Roof

RBS Glass

THH Construction

Tropicars Golf & Utility Vehicles

Verdeja & De Armas LLP

Peter Raffalski, Lenny Roberts, Scott Eisen, Doug Chumbley

Eddie Brown, Russell Buckhalt, Brian Sloan, Michael Haggard ‘88

Bill Bailey

Jan Morrison and Suzanne Calleja

Pat Brockway, Joe Kalbac, Beth Brockway Serrate ‘85

Varsity Golf Player Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14 and Henrique Rocchiccioli

Lauren Adamo ‘08, Lynne Keller, Laurie Evans

Nancy Michelson and Sonia Viyella sit with friends for lunch after enjoying a great day on the court

Nathan Zeder ‘98 thanks Sponsors during the Event Reception

After tournament play, participants enjoyed lunch and the award presentation.

Beekman Schaeffer ‘15, Alex Block ‘13, Varsity Tennis Coach Hainline, Waleed Mneimneh ‘15

The 13th Annual International Festival took place during one of the most beautiful days in Miami with over 1,200 people in attendance. International Festival celebrates the school’s vibrant multicultural community and highlights an ongoing commitment to global sustainability and environmental initiatives. On Saturday, March 16th, 2013, visitors enjoyed savory food choices and worldwide handicrafts from more than 60 unique booths. Many of our community service organizations were also on display, giving students the opportunity to sign up for a variety of community service initiatives. For entertainment, guests enjoyed jazz, classical music, creative arts activities, and dance and

theatrical performances on the main stage in our school courtyard. This year—for the first time ever—we had carnival rides available for students to enjoy as well as an Indoor World Cup Soccer Game! The main event of the day, our International Parade of Flags, which featured flags from more than 50 countries, was led by both Middle and Upper School students as it wound its way through the PTS courtyard. Over $15,000 was raised at this year’s event, which supports Palmer Trinity School’s multicultural initiatives and diversity, as well as our longstanding relationship with the Colombian children’s organization Fundación Nutrinfantil

Diane and Brittney Lary representing the German Booth

Sally Franklin, Peg Musgrave, Claudia Rey, Lourdes Falconi, Monica Sanchez, Claudia Barandiaran Guitar Class students perform several songs for the audience

Students carry and represent a multitude of country flags during the Parade of Flags

Alejandro “Andres” and Alejandro Rodriguez

Folkloric Spanish Dancers perform and bring even more energy to the crowd

Winners of the first Annual World Cup Indoor Soccer Tournament

Marcelo Waisberg and his crew representing Argentina

The Esslinger Family representing Switzerland

The Venezuelan Booth parent volunteers

22nd annual BOOK FAIR

PRESENTING

James Grippando

On Monday, April 22, 2013, Palmer Trinity School hosted its 22nd Annual Book Fair. This year, over 200 guests visited the PTS campus to enjoy a delicious brunch, view table decorations, participate in a raffle—and of course—the opportunity to meet New York Times Bestselling Author James Grippando.

It was during his trial lawyer days in Miami that Mr. Grippando developed the character Jack Swyteck, a criminal defense attorney and fixture in nearly all of his novels. Leapholes, Grippando’s first novel for young adults, is also the first novel for young readers ever to be published by the American Bar Association. He has written 20 novels, most of which are set in Florida, primarily in Miami.

This year, the event helped raise over $11,000. Money raised at the Book Fair supports Palmer Trinity

Matheson Library with funding for books, library automation software, furniture, shelving, and special projects. In the past two years, proceeds from the event greatly enhanced online research databases, which provide an invaluable resource for student research. The immense success of the annual event this year could not have been achieved without the help of our PTS parents, staff, Books & Books, Cookies for Jani and our 2013 Book Fair Co-Chairs: Kitty Koch Espinosa and Diane Lary.

Diane Lary, Sean Murphy, James Grippando, Kitty Koch Espinosa, Ruthanne Vogel

Common Grounds Table by Maggie Porto

Take the Time To Turn a Life Around Table by Cecilia Scullin and Jan Morrison

Beryl Hamilton and Heidi Nosich

Scene of a Crime Table by Lynne Keller and Laurie Evans

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

On Wednesday, May 1, 2013, Palmer Trinity School hosted its 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. Set in the brightly decorated Main Dining Room, this event honored volunteers from the entire school community—including our PTS Board of Trustees, PTPA and Booster organizations, Special Events committees, Alumni Association leaders, Annual Fund Ambassadors and more—who helped make the 2012-2013 academic year a success. With a delicious breakfast prepared by SAGE Dining, guests had the opportunity to relax, enjoy performances by PTS student pianists

Osmel Alvarez ‘16 and Ricardo Albarran ‘18, view a year-in-review slide show, and reflect on words of sincere gratitude from Board of Trustees Chair, Joseph J. Kalbac; Development Committee Chair, Michael Baiamonte; and the Development office. Director of Advancement, Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja concluded the event with a token of the school’s appreciation for the PTPA and Booster Executives.

On behalf of Palmer Trinity School, we would like to thank our volunteers for all they have done this year, and continue to do for the PTS community.

Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!

- Author unknown -

Luly Sardinas, Chirine Mneimneh, Heidi Nosich, Laurie Hill, Nancy Michelson, Michelle Font, Lilia Dibello, Happy Forristall, Susan Fusfield, and Beth Serrate

Tomas Hauff, Board Chair Joe Kalbac, and Alejandro Rodriguez

Maggie Ricart and Susan Yahia

Ana Martin and Faye Erickson

Chirine Mneimneh and Beth Serrate

Happy Foristall, Mildred Ziegelasch, and Amira Chavez

Diane Lary, Marilyn Klenk, and Susan Fusfield

Students Bid Farewell to Sean Murphy

Palmer Trinity School students, faculty, and staff bid farewell to Head of School Sean Murphy with a special all-school assembly on Thursday, April 25th. During the assembly, students and teachers celebrated nine memorable years with the Murphy family. The Upper School Chorus graced all with their gift of song, followed by the presentation of a custom caricature by art student Rodrigo Pecchio ‘16. Original pieces of poetry were also shared; one written in tribute to the Murphy family by English teacher Cathy Blackburn, as well as a piece written by Mr. Murphy himself, read aloud by friend and colleague Bruce Musgrave.

During his time at Palmer Trinity School, one of Sean Murphy’s primary focuses centered around maintaining a respectful atmosphere in the community. When touring the school for the first time in 2004, he asked a student: “what makes PTS different from other schools,” to which the student replied, “the way we treat each other.” As an Episcopal School Head, Murphy succeeded in emphasizing qualities of inclusivity and respect for one another at Palmer Trinity.

To many students, Mr. Murphy will be remembered for his “Helen and Jacob stories”, which ended once his children began attending Palmer Trinity School. His “Morning Thoughts” during convocations introduced students to cherished pieces of literature, and gave their minds something to contemplate during the school day. As the Murphy family’s time with Palmer Trinity comes to a close, we wish them all the best in Texas. Y’all will be greatly missed!

COLLEGE MATRICULATION ACCEPTANCES Class of 2013

100% OF PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL GRADUATES ATTEND FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Abraham Baldwin

Agricultural College

College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts

American Academy of Dramatic Arts*

American University*

Auburn University*

Barry University*

Bentley University*

Boston College

Boston Conservatory

Boston University*

Bryant University

Bucknell University

California College of the Arts

California Polytechnic

State University

Campbell University

Chapman University*

Clemson University*

Coastal Carolina University*

Colgate University

College of Charleston*

College of the Holy Cross*

College of William and Mary

Columbia College*

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Dean College

DePaul University

Dickinson College

Drexel University*

Duke University

Eckerd College*

Elon University*

Emmanuel College*

Embry-Riddle

Aeronautical University

Emerson College*

Eugene Lang College

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fashion Institute of Technology

Flagler College

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University*

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University*

Florida Southern College

Florida State University*

Fordham University*

Furman University*

Georgia Institute of Technology*

Gettysburg College

Harding University

Hartwick College

Hendrix College

High Point University*

Hofstra University*

Howard University

Hult International Business School (UK)

Illinois Institute of Technology

Indiana University*

Ithaca College*

James Madison University

Johnson & Wales University

Kenyon College

Lasell College*

LIM College

Louisiana State University*

Loyola University Chicago*

Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University New Orleans*

Manhattan College

Marquette University

Marymount Manhattan College*

McGill University (CA)

Mercer University

Merrimack College

Miami Dade - Honors College

Michigan State University

Montana State University

New College of Florida

New World School of the Arts

New York Film Academy

New York University*

New York University

(Tisch School of the Arts)*

Northeastern University*

Northwestern University

Northwood University

Nova Southeastern University*

Ohio Wesleyan University

Oxford College

Pace University*

Pennsylvania State University*

Point Park University

Providence College*

Purchase College

Purdue University*

Rhode Island School of Design*

Roger Williams University*

Rollins College*

Roosevelt University

Ryerson University (CA)

Saint Leo University

Saint Mary’s College of California*

Santa Clara University

Sarah Lawrence College

School of Visual Arts

Seton Hall University

Skidmore College

Southern Methodist University*

Spring Hill College

St. Edward’s University

St. John’s University

Stetson University*

Suffolk University*

Syracuse University*

Tallahassee Community College

Temple University

Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University

Texas State University

The American University of Paris (FR)*

The Catholic University of America

The George Washington

University*

The Juilliard School

The University of Alabama*

The University of Arizona

The University of Georgia*

The University of Montana

The University of Texas

Trinity College Dublin (IR)

Trinity University

Tulane University*

United States Military Academy

United States Naval Academy

University College Dublin (IR)

University of Aberdeen (UK)

University of British Columbia (CA)*

University of California at Davis

University of California at Irvine

University of California at San Diego*

University of California at Santa Barbara*

University of California at Santa Cruz*

University of Central Florida*

University of Colorado

University of Edinburgh (UK)

University of Florida*

University of Glasgow (UK)

University of Hartford*

University of Kansas

University of Maryland*

University of Massachusetts*

University of Miami*

University of Mississippi*

University of Missouri*

University of Oklahoma

University of Oregon

University of Rochester*

University of San Diego*

University of San Francisco*

University of South Carolina

University of South Florida*

University of South Florida Polytechnic

University of Southern California*

University of St. Andrews (UK)

University of the Incarnate Word

University of the Pacific*

University of Tulsa

University of Virginia*

University of Washington

University of West Florida

University of Wisconsin*

University of Wyoming

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Tech University

Wagner College

Wake Forest University*

Washington and Lee University

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Whittier College*

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

GRADUATION

CLASS OF 2013

1. The class of 2013 celebrates their success with the annual Graduation hat toss. 2. Ben Roberts and Katrina Rodriguez 3. Drew Dorsey and Elizabeth Eversole 4. Katie Brockway, Tatiana Campuzano, Fernando Bonet, Karly Chynces, Alexander Block, Ariela Benchlouch, Magda Ballester, and Katarina Coccarello 5. Preston Michelson, Lindsey North, and Sarah Perez 6. Evelyn Godley, Jodi-Ann Mclean, Christina Miguel, Andrew Miller, Richard Garcia, Roberto Morean, Sam Forristall, and Nicole Font 7. Christian Hew, Albert Iglesias, Alexander Block, Julio Iglesias, and Eric Koffler 8. Susana Matallana, Jake Groh, and Stephane Granada 9. Roberto Morean joins in on the celebration after Seniors ring the Victory Bell.

9

Preston Michelson

“Palmer Trinity allows you the chance to decide what you want to do, and take the fullest advantage of it. In my experience, the School prides itself on its ability to cater to students’ desires and passions.”

Sarah Perez

“I’ll miss the peacocks, even if their intermittent screeching made me lose my focus on a test once in a while. I’ll miss Manuela’s orchids, Mr. Murphy’s poetry lessons during Convocation, and sitting down for tea and crumpets with Mr. Chapman and the rest of my Literature class. I’ll miss hanging out in the Senior Chickee, and seeing the Bay when I drive to school each morning. I’ll miss sitting in awe during Mr. Musgrave’s discussions, feeling as if I were in the presence of a sage. And I’ll even miss the traffic jam on 176th, even though it’s made me late more times than I can count. But most of all, I’ll miss looking around and seeing individuals who genuinely care about one another’s wellbeing and happiness.”

Lindsey North

“Class of 2013 our journey here is over, but a new leg of the adventure of life awaits us, and I hope that it is everything you dream it will be and then some. And that no matter where we may go in life, that we will strive to do something good and something meaningful for ourselves, for our families, for our school, and for the world.”

Fernando Bonet

“My journey at Palmer Trinity gave me a chance to work with extremely intelligent teenagers and adults that always pushed themselves to the limit and became better people because of it. We lived with our differences and made the best of what we were given. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.”

Karley Chynces

“We have to work hard for what we want because no achievement is ever easy and no success is ever granted without diligence and hard work. In the end practice will make perfect, but only if it is perfect practice.”

Photos by ANAIS GANOUNA PHOTOGRAPHY

Stand-up and make some noise FOR YOUR MIAMI HEAT

The popular “Voice of the Miami Heat” also plays a very important role at Palmer Trinity School. Michael Baiamonte is a friend, a leader, and most importantly, he is a true example of what it means to make a difference in the surrounding community. Originally from Louisville, KY, Michael and his parents—Frank C. and Catherine—moved to Springfield, IL and New Orleans, LA, before finally settling in sunny South Florida when Michael was just seven years old. A graduate of Gulliver Prep, Michael attended Florida International University (FIU), where he earned a double-major in marketing and international business in 1986. Four years later, he met the love of his life, Natalie, and today they are the parents of three Palmer Trinity School children—Arissa ‘13, Ilana ‘15 and Janae ‘16.

DURING HIS HIGH SCHOOL YEARS at Gulliver, Michael was a member of the basketball team. When an unfortunate injury ended his athletic career as a junior, his love for sports led him to announcing. Starting on a new path, he became the voice of the Gulliver Prep boys’ basketball and football games, and gave the daily morning announcements. Michael then took his skills to the college level, where he became the voice of the Florida International University Men’s Basketball games. Though he continued his position post-graduation, Michael also began working as a full-time telemarketing representative for American Bankers Insurance Group, where his father was President. He stayed with that company for thirteen years, serving as both marketing manager and lead trainer for the call center. During his tenure at ABI, a company owned by Miami philanthropist, Kirk Landon, Michael was responsible for insuring high-net-worth animals—including everything from livestock to Michael Jackson’s monkey. Having met Natalie at American Bankers Insurance, they were both ready to advance their careers even further. Sponsored by their employers, they both began attending night classes at Barry University, allowing them to earn their MBA’s in 1992. Michael’s introduction into the NBA happened when the permanent Miami Heat announcer fell ill, and Michael was hired to temporarily fill his position. In September 1991, after being invited to open auditions for the announcer position with the Miami Heat, Michael was brought onto the staff permanently. “As the team expanded my role, daytime work was involved, and life got busier,” Michael said of that time. “Natalie was very supportive and encouraged me to go into the voice business fulltime. It was then that I left corporate America—and thus started a great adventure.”

WHEN MICHAEL FIRST JOINED THE HEAT, the team was only in its third or fourth season, and did not yet enjoy the level of success it is known for today. “The more successful the Heat is, the more successful I am,” Michael says. “What many people don’t realize is that I am not directly employed by The Heat—I am self-employed, but The Miami Heat is my largest client.” His love for the team is evident: “I get to sit in the front row of games and watch the greatest athletes on the planet play basketball,” he says. “Most recently, I had the fortune of being front and center as they became back-to-back NBA Champions.”

Seven years ago, as Arissa was finishing elementary school at Assurant Satellite Learning Center, a remote branch of Cutler Ridge Elementary School, Michael and Natalie began searching for the next step in her education. At that time, a good friend and Palmer Trinity School parent, Kim Evans— parent of Bailey ‘12, Luke ‘10 and Jordan—encouraged them to look at Palmer Trinity School. “We made an appointment, walked onto the campus and said, ‘this is the place,’” Michael remembers from his first visit. “Then we met everyone involved, and fell in love with them, too. After that, we really didn’t even give a thought to any other school.”

Following suit with their other two daughters, after seven years, Michael and Natalie still feel they made the best choice to send their children to Palmer Trinity School. “Our daughter has had, without a doubt, the best high school education we could ever ask for,” Michael says of Arissa, who graduated this past year and is now pursuing a degree in engineering from Tulane University. “She’s the same little girl she was when she started—but now she is so in tune with community, with volunteerism, and with helping others.

“(Arissa is) the same little girl she was when she started— but now she is so in tune with community, with volunteerism, and with helping others. That is what Palmer Trinity instills in young people.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: An interview with Miami Heat player Tim Hardaway. THIS PAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Michael in his senior year at Gulliver Prep; The happy couple on their wedding day (1991); Family members join Michael to celebrate his 1,000th game as the Voice of the Miami Heat.

She now works with Breakthrough as a teacher; and she’s been to Nicaragua, building homes for families in need. She has learned about the importance of having a talent, being fortunate, and yet knowing that you have to give back, somewhere,” he says. “That is what Palmer Trinity instills in young people.”

BEYOND EDUCATION , Michael believes that Palmer Trinity School has helped all three of his daughters grow as individuals. “They are each finding their own way, but they are all enjoying the school—whether in athletics or the friendships they’ve made, they have all had wonderful experiences here,” he says. “That’s one of the nice things about the school; you are who you are, but the school looks at you as an individual and says, ‘Okay, what are we going to do? How can we help you reach your potential?’ Each one of them will have a different path, but that path will always have the Palmer Trinity value to it—which is really the whole difference of what happens here on campus.”

Throughout his personal life, Michael has always emphasized the importance of giving back. He spent three years serving on the Board of Directors for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic— an organization that records textbooks for visually-impaired students. He also continues to do volunteer work with Miami Children’s Hospital, which performed life-saving, open-heart surgery on his daughter Ilana when she was only two years old. Michael’s volunteer time has also been spent at his church, Holy Rosary-St. Richard. For the last four years, he has served as Co-Coordinator of the Altar Server Ministry, which includes recruiting, training and scheduling parish youth in the ministry in order to assist priests with each of the masses. “I love working with my Altar Server group because it gives me a chance to teach the young members of our Parish a very important part of serving the mass. There’s nothing better than taking trainees, teaching them new skills and then watching them blossom into strong, confident members of the parish community.” He also did this for one of Palmer Trinity School’s recent Alumni, Preston Michelson ‘13. Preston dreamed of announcing all PTS Falcon games. With Michael as his mentor over the past two years, Preston graduated

from PTS as the “Voice of Palmer Trinity School.” This fall, Preston is attending Northwestern University, where he was accepted into the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. Given their love for service, it should come as no surprise that both Michael and Natalie took an active part in their children’s education. Over the past seven years, Michael has served our school as a trustee, Chairman of the Development Committee, member of the Finance Committee, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and eventually Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “I made a promise to myself that, each year, I would learn something new,” he says. “I had never sat on a board of a private, independent school, and I knew I had to learn the different aspects of the workings of the school, from a trustee’s standpoint, so that I could educate myself.”

“I made a promise to myself that, each year, I would learn something new.”

LAST YEAR , when Head of School Sean Murphy announced his resignation, Michael was selected as Chair of the Search Committee. “I, like everyone else, was sad to see Sean leave, but I was honored to be asked to lead the committee,” Michael said. “From watching Sean, I knew how very important the Head is in shaping what your school is, and what it will become, and I was excited to be able to help in this way.”

This year, Michael serves as Chairman of the Board. “Natalie and I had the great fortune of walking onto this campus, falling in love with this place, and having our children educated here. That was due to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of trustees well before us,” Michael says. “It’s like, you take one thing, and when you leave, you make it even better. That’s what we want to do.”

Miami philanthropist Kirk Landon joins Michael at the microphone (1996). Michael joins Preston Michelson ‘13 at his last game of the year.

Michael would not have taken on this responsibility if he didn’t believe that Palmer Trinity School was truly a special place “There is a connection that we have as a Palmer Trinity community that makes this place unlike any other.” As Chairman of the Board, Michael has one vision he hopes to bring to fruition: “What I want to see—in ten, twenty, thirty years—is a couple step on this campus with their children, in hopes of finding a wonderful school where they can send their kids, and know from the moment they arrive that they have found that place in PTS. They will fall in love with this School, and before they know it, those same parents will be in the gymnasium at graduation—crying because they are so proud of what Palmer Trinity did for their children and their family,” Michael says. “That is what I want to see happen here, because that’s what happened to us—and the families of the future deserve that same opportunity.”

“(My daughters) are each finding their own way, but they are all enjoying the school—whether in athletics or the friendships they’ve made, they have all had wonderful experiences here. Each one of them will have a different path—but that path will always have the Palmer Trinity value to it.”

Michael Baiamonte and boxing announcer legend Michael Buffer.

The Baiamontes celebrate the graduation of Arissa ‘13.

Class Notes strengthen the connection of our Alumni community to their classmates and their alma mater.

AlumNews is the first section Alumni turn to when they receive the Aerie Magazine, so this section is full of exciting and updated information. To send us news for our next issue, please log on to www.PalmerTrinity.org and click ‘Alumni.’

Monica Sanchez, Director of Alumni Relations (305) 969-4210 | msanchez@palmertrinity.org

Class Agents

as of 08/23/13

1973 DAVID WOOD mdavidwood@comcast.net

1974 JULIE (COLEMAN) MANSFIELD juliemansfield@comcast.net

1975 LISA (LOMBARD) HAYDEN lisa@2haydens.com

1976 ANDY HESSEN hesstang@aol.com

1977 CRAIG ZIMMETT cazfla@aol.com

1978 TOM MAGENHEIMER tmagmai@aol.com

1979 LORI (FOGEL) LA FORGIA ljlaforgia@gmail.com

1980 DAWN (HOYT) KIDD dawn_kidd@teachnet.edb.utexas.edu

1981 LEE STERLING psports@bellsouth.net

1982 CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1983 MARY (JOYCE) WILBURN marywilburn@bellsouth.net

1984 PETER CUTTER guycutter@aol.com

1985 DALE BENNETT RB9999@aol.com

JOHN MALLOY jcmalloy@malloylaw.com

1986 JOELLE (WAGSHUL) STEINBERG jwagshul@aol.com

1987 CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1988 ELENA (ESSEN) ENDARA partyuv5@bellsouth.net

Keep the updates coming!

AlumNews class notes

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ptsfanpage and “like” our page!

1989 SCOTT SHELFER scott@exactaland.com

1990 PETER BAUMBERGER psb@rbrlaw.com

ALDEN (DUNWODY) PIMENTEL Pimentel@bellsouth.net

1991 DEREK FISHER derekfisher7@gmail.com

1992 JOY (BERG) JOHNSON jeremyandjoy@yahoo.com

1993 AMANDA MATALON amatalon@arnoldoil.com

1994 CHARLES BAUMBERGER catcay@yahoo.com

CAMPBELL WALKER cwalker@lincolnharris.com

1995 KAITLIN BLAZEJACK kkblaze@gmail.com

1996 LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA lynley3@yahoo.com

1997 BRETT FRENCH brettfrench@yahoo.com

1998 BRIAN GERSHEN briangershen@gmail.com

NATHAN ZEDER nz1305@aol.com

1999 BELINDA FRIERI belifrieri@yahoo.com

2000 SOOZIE KLOCK seklock@gmail.com

2001 WES FARRELL wesfarrell@floridaattorney.com

2002 ADRIA (JENKINS) YOUNG juiceeasapeach@aol.com

2003 DAX TEJERA dax.tejera@gmail.com

LAURA ATECA laura.ateca@gmail.com

2004 CORINA (LOPEZ) MINERA celopez721@gmail.com

2005 KATEY O’REGAN katey613@yahoo.com

2006 BRANDON MCNARY bmcnary@citco.com

ED LUCKMANN luckmann.e@neu.edu

AMANDA OMACHONU amandaom22@gmail.com

2007 WILL MORRISON willmorrison07@yahoo.com

2008 ARIEL MOGER aem2178@columbia.edu

MEGAN CUNNINGHAM megan215@gwu.edu

2009 JESSICA MAZON jessica.mazon@gmail.com

MARCEL CONTRERAS marcelc28@aol.com

NATALIA MATALLANA natismata@hotmail.com

2010 VICTORIA FERNANDEZ vifer18@gmail.com

2011 ALEXA CAJIGA acajiga@gmail.com

KATIE DIFEDE krdifede@loyno.edu

2012 BIRAAJ MAHAJAN bmahajan@bu.edu

1977

Craig Zimmett writes, “My wife, Donna, and I are very proud of our daughter, Alissa, who just completed her junior year at UF. She is a theater major in the BFA program, with an education minor, with the ultimate goal of becoming a drama teacher. I am still working with my father as an attorney and Donna is a physical therapist with Baptist Health Systems.”

1978

Tom Vellanti was visiting Miami from North Carolina during the month of May and was able to stop by during the Reunion Weekend

Cocktail Reception on campus. While here, Tom enjoyed visiting with fellow classmate Tom Magenheimer

1980

Dawn Hoyt Kidd writes: “I was asked to be a math consultant on a project called DeafTEC. DeafTEC is a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education National Center of Excellence, and serves as a resource for high schools and community colleges that educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-related programs and for employers hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. I will be presenting at a Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID) conference at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf/ Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY in June 2013. My topic will be “Best Practices for Secondary Mathematics Teaching” and will involve the audience in lessons about mathematical word problems. For more information, you can visit

the DeafTEC website at deaftec. org. In addition, the local Girl Scout Council contacted me a few months ago and asked if I wanted to start a “Tech Girls” program at my school, the Texas School for the Deaf. I said “of course!” and we started an after school club where girls did handson science projects such as making Solar Night Lights, Bungee Barbie, and Ladybug Robots. The girls loved it and want to continue the program next year.” For more information on the “Tech Girls” program, check out sites.google.com/a/tsd.state.tx.us/ tech-girls-at-tsd/.”

1981

Lee Sterling will continue to be featured for a fourth year in a row in the “Joe vs. The Pro” Column in the sports section of the Miami Herald every Friday this fall. He can also be heard breaking down and predicting college and pro football games as a featured guest on over 30 radio stations across the country. Lee and his wife Kim (Palmetto ‘83) will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this summer by traveling

to Las Vegas, Park City, UT and Maine. His older daughter Sidney (age 16) will be a junior at Palmetto Sr. High and recently made the Lady Jags Worlds Team at Top Gun for the 2013-2014 season. His younger daughter Brooke (age 14) will be a freshman at Palmetto Sr. High and sang the National Anthem at a Miami Heat game last year. She also won Florida State Thespians middle school Solo and Duet titles.

1982

Hart Baur and his band SKUM spent time in Phoenix, AZ filming several portions of his independent film, “SKUM ROCKS.” While there, they also celebrated Alice Cooper’s 65th birthday at Lambchops Studios.

25TH-YEAR REUNION

TOM MAGENHEIMER ‘ 78 AND TOM VALLENTI ‘ 78

HART BAUR ‘ 82

The Class of 1988 gathers once again along with former teachers Caroline Goodwin and Elena DeVilliers.

1983

Steven Braswell and his wife enjoyed stopping by campus during the Reunion Weekend Cocktail Reception. During their visit, they had the opportunity to look at the updates on campus after being away for so many years.

1984

Ryan Shay and his wife, Nicole, welcomed their first child into this world on December 5, 2012. They named their baby girl Sloane.

1985

DeAnna Pledger’s son is shooting the nationals for sporting clays, trap and skeet. She writes: “Adam Kutell and I are trying to get together for dinner. He lives in St Louis and we are only about 45 minutes away from him.”

1988

Tania Amthor continues to motivate others with her fitness expertise and classes. She also recently competed in a fitness competition.

Chris Frigo Carter joined Pathbuilders as Vice President of Client Services. Pathbuilders is a mentoring and leadership development organization based in Atlanta, GA.

Michael Haggard helped to organize his Class Reunion along with several fellow alumni. Michael and his wife Bekki will be PTS parents next year as their oldest, Madison, enters 6th grade.

Elkie (Smoleny) Wienczkowski, her husband Bryan, and two kids Kaitlyn (age 4) and Ashton (age 2) moved up to Wellington, FL. Elkie

continues to work as a Senior Campaign Developer at ADP, Inc.

1989

Edgar Belaval is proud to report that his son Edgar J Belaval (2020) graduated from St. Thomas Episcopal School and will be entering the 6th grade at Palmer Trinity this fall. He writes: “This summer we started out in Bimini and our second home Key West, and we ended in New England in August. We are all very excited about rejoining PTS as a family this upcoming fall and our five minute golf cart commute.”

1993

Maggie Rosas-Guyon writes: “This year marks 20 years since I graduated from high school. Although I may have graduated many years ago, I am still very grateful for the education I received and the memories that were made during my time at PTS. It was so nice to see some of my classmates at our 20th class reunion at Calamari in the Grove. This summer I am teaching Geometry at PTS and it feels so nice to come back to that beautiful campus and be able to give back to the school that gave me so much.”

1994

Campbell Walker in 2012 married Amy Williams surrounded by many Trinity and Palmer Trinity friends and family.

1996

Amanda (Chrycy) Thompson and her husband Jonathon are expecting their second child. Their daughter Hayley is now 2-years-old. Amanda

volunteers her time helping PTS on the Admission Advisory Board as well as the Alumni Association.

1997

Katrina Campins is starring in the new Style Network show Hot Listings Miami. After graduating from Palmer Trinity School, Katrina went on to get her BBA in International Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami. Founder of Campins Company, Katrina flipped her first investment property at age 17, and made national attention when she competed on the first season of The Apprentice. Katrina has since been featured in Realtor Magazine’s “Top 30 under 30,” Forbes, USA Today, Ocean Drive and Haute Living magazine, among others.

Captain Michael Davis and his family came to Miami during the month of June to visit his parents. He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters, Maegan (age 6) and Claire (age 4). Capt. Davis will be returning overseas before the end of the summer for another deployment.

Derek Vale and Krysia Mossakowski of Vancouver, B.C., were married by Fr. Roger Tobin at the

Kampong in Coconut Grove last December. Derek works as Health Business Analyst, Office of Information Management & Technology for the State of Hawai’i. Krysia teaches sociology at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

1998

Daniel Diaz Leyva attended The Consejo Empresarial De America Latina (CEAL) Annual Conference. CEAL’s President Gilberto Marin Quintero opened the conference with a speech promoting further economic integration in the region and raising awareness of the challenges facing entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region. The Conference reflected a who’s who of Latin America’s top business owners and executives. Various panel discussions were arranged on topics such as the political landscape in the region, energy policy and sustainability, infrastructure, telecommunications, consumer goods, and the economy. These panels consisted of some of the most distinguished leaders in Latin America including, but not limited to former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, and Assistant Secretary General to the OAS, Albert Ramdin. Daniel is

DANIEL DIAZ-LEYVA ‘ 98

ROB VALE WITH JR. BRIDESMAID, SIMONE VALE, RICHARD GRILLO ‘ 97, NATE TOBIN ‘ 97, DEREK VALE ‘ 97 AND KRYSIA, BEST MAN

ROBERT O ‘ DONNELL ‘ 00, JONATHAN TOBIN ‘ 01, AND YORK FLIK

CAPT. MICHAEL DAVIS ‘ 97

CAMPBELL WALKER ‘ 94

Alumni College and Career Day

On April 11, 2013, Palmer Trinity School was proud to host its 5th annual Alumni College and Career Day. This year, the Class of 2014 met with 13 returning Alumni who talked about their careers in areas such as real estate, environmental landscaping, television, radio, marine biology, and international race car journalism. They also shared their impressions of college and reflected on fond memories of Palmer Trinity School. Alumni visitors were divided into four classrooms where they hosted round-table discussions with different groups of juniors. After their presentations, the Alumni gathered in the Private Dining Room (PDR) to catch up with a few of their favorite Palmer Trinity School teachers.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENT:

Craig Zimmett ‘77

Hart Baur ‘82

Daniel Diaz-Leyva, Esq. ‘98

Brian Gershen ‘98

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99

Wesley Farrell ‘01

Carlos Huerta ‘01

Sarah Ferguson-Brown ‘03

Ian Wogan ‘04

Shea Adam ‘08

Alessia Bachrach ‘08

Juan L. Policastro ‘08

Marty Migilaccio, Nathan Zeder ‘98, Brian Gershen ‘98, Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99, Ian Wogan ‘04, Elena DeVillers

Alumni College and Career Day Group

Students listening to Alumni experiences

Sarah Ferguson-Brown ‘03 and Carlos Huerta ‘01

Hart Baur ‘82 and Craig Zimmett ‘77

Juan L. Policastro ‘08, Shea Adam ‘08, Alessia Bachrach ‘08

TIFFANY GLICK

Growing up, Palmer Trinity School Alumna Tiffany Glick ‘04, was always interested in the ever-changing field of journalism. Tiffany first started to develop her skills while working at The Falconer as a Palmer Trinity student. By pursuing the relatively new field of digital journalism, Tiffany learned many important skills that have helped contribute to a successful early career. Recently, Tiffany began applying her knowledge of multimedia journalism to her work with the historical Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, FL. Reflecting back on her time in college; Tiffany offers great advice to those interested in pursuing a career in digital journalism.

MAIA SUAZO-MALER: What year did you start at PTS and what activities were you involved in while at school?

TIFFANY GLICK: I started at Palmer Trinity in the middle of the 1997–1998 school year as a sixth grader. Even though I came in as the “new kid,” my classmates and teachers welcomed me with open arms and PTS quickly became my home for the next seven years. I started out serving on the staff of The Falconer and eventually became Editor-in-Chief my junior and senior years. I was also a member of the Student Government Association, as acting President during the 2003–2004 school year, and I served on the Honor Council my junior and senior years.

MSM: What influenced you to choose your major at SMU?

TG: While at Southern Methodist University, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. I knew from a young age that I wanted to study journalism, mainly because my father was a great sports journalist early in his career. He had so many amazing on-the-job stories to tell, prompting me to want to follow in his footsteps. Working with The Falconer staff at PTS gave me the jump start to pursue this field.

MSM: What made you choose Northwestern for graduate school and what did you gain from attending that university?

TG: I decided to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. because it was one of the few journalism graduate programs that allowed its students to really specialize in a particular area of journalism—whether it was broadcast, magazine publishing, business reporting, health reporting. I was particularly drawn to the Interactive Storytelling track, which focused on digital journalism and how to effectively tell stories in innovative ways using the Internet.

MSM: What did you learn about technology in your graduate program?

TG: I learned that technology was not the death of journalism, like so many “traditional news” people feared. On the contrary, technology gives journalists the freedom to be creative and to tell stories on so many different platforms, using various forms of media. Multimedia stories are often more interactive, engaging, and oftentimes more informative than a traditional print report.

MSM: What was your professional experience after receiving your master’s degree?

TG: Right away, I began a fellowship with one of Time Inc.’s websites based in Birmingham, Alabama. Luckily, I was one of the few members of my graduating class who had a paying job lined up before graduation (in 2009—the heart of the recession), which I can attribute to my digital journalism background.

MSM: Why did you specifically choose the digital journalism track?

TG: The decision to go into the field of digital journalism was a nobrainer for me! Aside from wanting to make myself as marketable as possible to potential employers, digital journalism allows you to tell stories in creative, engaging, and innovative ways that traditional forms of media often prohibit.

MSM: What type of work did you do at Channel 10? How did technology play a role in your day-to-day work?

TG: I chose to move back to Miami to work for Post-Newsweek Stations, the broadcast television division of the Washington Post Company. I was based at Miami station WPLG-TV Local 10, but I also helped produce the website content for Post-Newsweek’s six TV stations in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Houston, San Antonio and Detroit. I used technology constantly; from posting videos, building slideshows, and updating social media feeds to writing stories for websites that were physically located across the country, a feat that never could’ve been possible without technology.

MSM: How did you get involved with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation?

TG: I became Communications and Marketing Associate for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. It is my job to market and promote all of the programs the Federation runs in our community.

MSM: What project are you currently working on at the Holocaust Memorial?

TG: Currently, I am producing the new website for the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. We are using the new website to give users a glimpse into this stunning tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. The website also provides information for incoming visitors, as well as how they can raise much needed funds to support the longevity of this important Miami landmark. Recent studies have shown the exponential growth of online giving in the past few years.

This new website will provide the Memorial with a way to collect online donations, ensuring their future success.

This project was very important to me, personally and professionally. Professionally, it’s what I had studied and trained for in college and graduate school, and at my first few jobs in the news business. I was getting the opportunity to tell the story of the Memorial in a way that had never been done before. Personally, my grandparents, Shirley and Selig Golen, escaped from the Nazis during World War II and built their lives here in America. A special wall at the Memorial bears their names as founders of the monument.

MSM: In your opinion, do you think technology has changed journalism?

TG: Fundamentally, no. Good journalism is good journalism no matter what medium is being used to tell the story. There is no substitute for fair, accurate reporting. However, technology has allowed journalists to be more creative in how they do their jobs.

MSM: What do you recommend students be aware of when facing all of the different opportunities to use technology?

TG: Don’t let technology be a replacement for doing good work. Just because you can do something flashy, doesn’t mean you should. Use technology as a strategic tool. Think about its usefulness critically and specifically and how it can elevate your work.

MSM: Since Graduation, what do you wish you had learned in school about technology, multimedia or the Internet?

TG: Looking back, learning how social media was going to change the way we receive the news would have been something I wish I had known. Social media sites were just starting up during my first few years of college and I didn’t really see a major expansion until after I had graduated. I think every student should take advantage and learn as much as they can about using social media as a tool for telling stories to the world we now live in.

a proud member of this organization and helped organize its US chapter under the leadership of Senator Mel Martinez.

Krystel Chehab is a PhD candidate in Art History at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. A sessional instructor during the year, she is teaching in the UBC summer term in Venice. Krystel graduated cum laude in Finance & Marketing from the University of Miami and then earned her MA in Art History at McGill University in Montreal.

Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda and her husband are expecting their third child this summer. They are the proud parents of two little boys and are very excited for their third.

Jayne Truckenbrod writes: “I just graduated from my Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. (and received a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services). She will be starting a job as a Hospitalist and Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at The University of Texas Southwestern Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, TX. I am very excited to be heading back to Austin. I hope all’s well in Miami, and the reunions were fabulous!”

1999

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe and wife Kara welcomed their first son, Jackson Dean, on June 15, 2013. Jackson came into this world weighing 6 lbs. 2 oz. and measured in at 18 1/2 inches.

2000

Soolmaz Hosseini and husband, Lucas, welcomed their first daughter, Vega Sofia, into this world in September, 2012. Soolmaz graduated from FIU and is owner of Steelhouse Fitness Miami.

2001

Wes Farrell celebrated his 30th birthday by announcing the coming of his first child. He and Helen will welcome their little one in October 2013.

2002

Marla Timmons was recently promoted to Operations Manager Consultant II in Collier County.

2003

Scott Adamo was recently engaged to Vannessa Almeida. Scott graduated from Colombia University with his Master’s in Finance and continues to work for Citigroup in NYC.

Laura Ateca was recently engaged to Jeffrey Runge. She lives in Philadelphia, PA. and works as the Small Animal Emergency and Critical

Care Resident at the University of Pennsylvania.

Miguel Gosalbez graduated from the UM School of Medicine in May 2013. He received his BA from Vanderbilt University in 2007, majoring in Spanish and Molecular and Cellular Biology. Miguel also studied at the University of Pennsylvania and received his Post-Bac in the Special Sciences Program in 2008. He is now working and living in Nashville, TN.

Jessica (Johnson) Douglas and husband Robert are expecting their first child in August 2013. They are currently living in Ardmore, PA.

2004

Tiffany Glick is back in Miami working for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. She earned her undergraduate degree at SMU and attended Northwestern University for her MS at Medill School of Journalism.

TIFFANY GLICK ‘ 04, JASMINE GLICK ‘ 09, AND HEIDI (GLICK) RUTLAND ‘ 01

Daniel Ibarra-Scurr and wife Sarah welcomed their first child, Charlie, on March 4, 2013. Charlie came into this world weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz.

2005

Robert Moore graduated May 2013 from Tufts University with a Master of Art in Teaching (MAT).

‘ 05 AND SAMANTHA

Lauren Santa Cruz writes: “I am working on growing a foundation in memory and honor of my brother, Michael “Mikey” Santa Cruz ‘02. FIVRA, or Fundacion Inspira Vida Respira Amor (E.S.A.L.), is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking Cystic Fibrosis from every angle. It was established in Bogota, Colombia, in September 2012 in honor of Mikey, who passed away in the summer of 2012. FIVRA is recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the Chamber of Commerce in Colombia, and we are in the process of acquiring 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. FIVRA believes that through heightened awareness of CF, the quality of life for people with this disease will be improved and even lengthened! Our focus is to support the patients, families, and medical practitioners to improve the quality of life for those with CF, until ultimately a cure is found. More importantly, we work on acquiring expensive equipment and medication needed by young children with CF who come from low-income families in Colombia.

(continues on page 44)

WES FARRELL ‘ 01

SCOTT ADAMO ‘ 03

BRITTNEY (HOFFMAN) MCCABE ‘ 99

ROBERT

(EVANS) MOORE ‘ 06

DANIEL IBARRA-SCURR ‘ 04

Admission Advisory Board

On Thursday, May 23, 2013, the Admission Advisory Board met in the Private Dining Room where they listened to recent graduates talk about their fondest memories as students at Palmer Trinity School. The group also received an update from Danny Reynolds about this year’s incoming students. The Admission Advisory Board was formed in 2009 with the collaboration of Danny Reynolds, Director of Admission, College Counseling, Financial Aid and Study Abroad and Monica Sanchez, Director of Alumni and Event Relations. Consisting of 20 Alumni and several community leaders, the Admission Advisory Board meets twice a year to discuss current Admission standings, statistics, school events, and ways to promote Palmer Trinity School to the community.

Samantha Oswald ‘13, Preston Michelson ‘13, Nicole Font ‘13, Sam Forristal ‘13, Wes Farrell ‘01, Ariel Moger ‘08

Holly Lee Zawyer ‘97, Amanda (Chrycy) Thompson ‘96, Lynley Walker-Ciorobea ‘96, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Hadley (Nichols) Foreman ‘93

Brian Gershen ‘98 and Nathan Zeder ‘98

Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85, Tiffany Glick ‘04, Brian Gershen ‘98, Daniel Diaz-Leyva ‘98

Ben Roberts ‘13, Andrew Miller ‘13, Alex Block ‘13, Chris Narchet ‘07

Wes Farrell ‘01 and Danny Reynolds

SANTA CRUZ ‘ 05 AND MIKEY ‘ S ENTOURAGE

If you would like more information about FIVRA, email us at FIVRA@FIVRA.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/FIVRAforMikey.”

Katherine Wood graduated from Julliard in May 2013 and will continue to pursue her passion for theatre in NYC.

2006

Alexandra Colindres writes: “I work for an art gallery in Miami called Spinello Projects, where I am currently the gallery manager. Spinello Projects is a contemporary art venture based in Miami founded by Anthony Spinello in 2005. Spinello

Projects prides itself in exhibiting intelligent works of art in every conceivable medium by local emerging artists. We are also very proud to announce our participation in the eleventh edition of Art Basel Miami Beach. At this year’s Art Basel, we are one of the two Miami based galleries participating.”

SAMANTHA (EVANS) MOORE ‘ 06 AND ROBERT MOORE ‘ 05

Samantha (Evans) Moore received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) from Tufts University May 2013.

Michael Silva and Patty Lehtinen became engaged over Thanksgiving 2012, after starting their relationship as sophomores at Palmer

Trinity. Patty will graduate from Georgetown Law in May of this year and then return to Miami to work for Federal Judge James Lawrence King. Michael will graduate from UVA School of Medicine in May 2014. Patty and Michael plan to be married after Michael’s graduation and will have several PTS alumni in their bridal party and in attendance.

SILVA ‘ 06 AND PATTY LEHTINEN ‘ 06

Edward Luckmann recently graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in

20TH-YEAR

London, United Kingdom in May 2013. He received his undergraduate degree in Architecture from Northeastern University in 2011. Joining Edward to celebrate his accomplishments in London was fellow PTS classmates Brandon McNary ‘06 and Colton Chase ‘06. Brandon works as a Manager of Financial Systems at H.I.G Capital in Miami. He graduated from Indiana University in 2010. Colton studies Ecosystem Science and Policy at the University of Miami and is now the Executive Director of savetheblue.org.

2007

Will Morrison participated in St. Thomas Episcopal School’s Fishing Tournament along with fellow PTS Alumni and won. His fishing team included Sophi Policastro ‘08 and Monty Sibley ‘07, who caught the largest fish—a 55 lb. bull dolphin. The name of the boat is “Chasing Bills.” Will is working downtown for Studley Commercial Real Estate.

REUNION

CLASS OF 1993 AT CALAMARI

LAUREN

MICHAEL

Celebrating their 20th Reunion are Charlie Martin, Caroline Camus, Penny Rotolante, Jennifer Moses Matheny, Alejandro Robles, Corey Hunter, Maggie Rosas-Guyon, Amanda Matalon

Rothfeldt Family Honored at Palmer Trinity School

The Rothfeldt family was honored at this year’s 3rd Annual Tony Trot 5K on Sunday, April 14, 2013. Voice of the Miami Heat and PTS Board of Trustees Vice Chair, Michael Baiamonte, officially dedicated the Rothfeldt Running Trail to the Rothfeldt family for their outstanding philanthropic support of Palmer Trinity School. Since 2010, Maggie Rothfeldt has been a member of the PTS Board of Trustees. Over the years, the Rothfeldts have contributed in many ways: to the Imagine Campaign, as Golden Falcon donors, and most recently, enhancing financial aid efforts. The Rothfeldt Running Trail extends along the border of the new Palmer Trinity School South Campus. This year also marked the graduation of the Rothfeldt’s youngest child Danielle. Their son Doug graduated from PTS in 2010.

Ashley Pemsler received her Master’s from the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development in Community Mental Health Counseling. She received her BS from the University of Rochester where she majored in Psychology. Ashley was recently engaged to Mike Cara in October 2012 and they are now living in Madison, Wisconsin where she will begin her search for a job as a therapist, specifically interested in adult and geriatric populations.

Caitlin Pomerance and Katrina Bilella have embarked on a 70 day, 4,700 mile bike ride from Baltimore to San Francisco this summer to raise money for the 4K For Cancer program. They have created a blog to keep friends and family updated on their ride: caitiandkatbikeacrossamerica.wordpress.com/

2008

Lauren Adamo is working as an RN for the University of Miami Hospital. She continues to play lots of tennis.

Nicholas Betancourt graduated from the University of Florida in May 2013. In June, he will start work as a mechanical engineer for Schlumberger, an oil services company in Houston. Nick writes: “I’m so excited, and so grateful to Palmer Trinity for all the things I learned while I was there.”

Kyle Knoblock graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo in May 2013. Kyle writes: “Just landed the

internship at Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, hopefully making an exhibit teaching about the allowance of cultural subsistence fishing within the sanctuary.”

Romain Lang-Willar was recently featured in Boca Life Magazine Summer 2013 under “Summer Stars” for his outstanding accomplishments as vice president of Stéphane’s Steak and Seafood. Receiving accolades from his successful restaurant owner and father, Romain strives to follow a similar path. Noted for his meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of the nuances of running a successful restaurant chain, Romain faces a bright future in the restaurant industry.

2009

Mark Allen achieved All-Patriot League status on the final day of the 2013 Patriot League Championships, finishing first in the 5,000

meter run to close out competition. Mark won the event and was named First Team All-Patriot League. In honor of graduation from American University, Mark ran for 100 minutes just before the ceremony.

Andrea Buhler graduated from Barnard University in May with a Major in Psychology and Economics. She will be working at Princeton University in the Entrepreneurial Lab this summer. The Princeton Lab provides a launch pad to Princeton University’s most dynamic entrepreneurs by helping them develop their nascent start up ideas into viable, scalable ventures.

(continues

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Chuck Klenk (PTS Board of Trustees), Ulla-Marie Rothfeldt, Marc Rothfeldt, Danielle Rothfeldt ‘13, and Magdalena Rothfeldt (PTS Board of Trustees), and Michael Baiamonte (PTS Board of Trustees)

WILL MORRISON ‘ 07

ASHLEY PEMSLER ‘ 07 AND MIKE CARA

CAITLIN POMERANCE ‘ 07 AND KATRINA BILELLA ‘ 07

KYLE KNOBLOCK ‘ 08

MARK ALLEN ‘ 09

ANDREA BUHLER ‘ 09

DAX TEJERA ‘03 AND LAUREN SANTA-CRUZ ‘05

BEING SUCH A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY, PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL IS PROUD TO PRODUCE AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI, WHO OFTEN CROSS EACH OTHER’S PATHS FOLLOWING GRADUATION.

Recently, Dax Tejera ‘03 has begun working with fellow Falcon Lauren Santa-Cruz ‘05 at Fusion—a new network aimed at Latinos and millennials that is the brainchild of television networks ABC and Univision. Lauren joined Fusion as a Digital Journalist for the network’s flagship primetime show, “America with Jorge Ramos.”

Joining the PTS family as a freshman in the Upper School, Dax was always eager to get involved in activities; including Student Government, Key Club and the school’s Thespian Troupe, to name a few. After graduation, Dax headed north to Dartmouth College, where he earned a double major in History and Government. With degrees in hand, he left Dartmouth and immediately began working for NBC.

“It was kind of surreal—I had a childhood obsession with television, but I never thought my childhood dream could come true,” Dax said. “Within a few months of graduating from college, I was in the same hallways as Brian Williams, Matt Lauer, and Tom Brokaw, working the biggest stories of the day—and frankly, it hasn’t been any less exciting since.”

As a Producer, Dax spent his early days working as NBC led its peers into the emerging digital age and set the standard for digital technology in the television news industry. “NBC trained me to be ready to travel to any part of the world and broadcast a live television signal with nothing more than myself and a backpack of technology— literally,” Dax says. “And that’s an extraordinary privilege in this day and age.”

Starting at Palmer Trinity School as a 7th-grade student, in 1999, Lauren Santa-Cruz ’05 was very involved in Falcon athletics—joining Varsity Girls Basketball, Softball, Soccer, and Volleyball, the sport she was most known for. With an interest in human behavior, Lauren earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Miami, and later went on to earn a Master’s in Multimedia Journalism

“I’ve told my parents, plenty of times, that I still feel Palmer Trinity School was most formative in the big picture of my life,”

Dax says. “And I’m immensely proud of that.”

from the same institution. “Photography had been a hobby of mine since high school, and I knew I wanted to explore the genre in a much more in-depth way,” Lauren said. “It was the best decision I made for myself in terms of my career.”

After graduate school, Lauren completed a paid internship for TIME Magazine, where she worked in their video department. From there, she moved to Washington, D.C. and accepted a position as Video Producer/Editor with the Center for American Progress—a non-profit organization founded by John Podesta, former Chief of Staff to President Clinton. “I traveled all over the United States telling stories that held huge political and cultural implications for our country,” she said. “It was an amazing experience.”

They may have taken completely different paths, but today, these two former Falcons have combined powers and are now working together to build the future of Fusion. Launching on October 28, 2013, Fusion will provide a collection of daily and nightly news shows and satirical programming with a focus on issues that are relevant to a growing Hispanic population.

Focusing on “America with Jorge Ramos” through their positions, Dax and Lauren have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use advances in technology to change the face of national news. “Our target audience is ‘millennials,’” says Lauren. “As young people, we hope that they will be engaged with our show through Twitter and other social media sites.” For both of them, however, embracing the future of technology is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. “Our job is to bring the talents of Jorge Ramos to the English language, and in a critical way, we’ll achieve that by keeping our focus on digital platforms and acknowledging that television might be the second screen,” Dax said. “If people consume our product on their computers, smartphones or iPads, we’re fine with that. That’s where media is going anyway—if it isn’t already there.”

Having gained so much success in such a short amount of time, both Dax and Lauren know that they have a lot of people—and experiences—to help them along the way. “I’ve told my parents, plenty of times, that I still feel Palmer Trinity School was most formative in the big picture of my life,” Dax says. “And I’m immensely proud of that.”

Dexter Carr has been very busy acting and dancing, and did a stint this year in Miami. He now lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Stephanie Castillo earned her Baccalaureate in June at Dartmouth and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She was a recipient of an Ames Award for academic achievement in her major. Her most memorable college experience was studying in Rome under the auspices of the departments of Art History and Italian Language. Her most rewarding college experience was serving as a calculus tutor with the Department of Mathematics.

Marcel Contreras celebrated his graduation from George Washington University in May with a major in Marketing and Events Management.

Michelle Evans graduated from Dartmouth College in June. She is now employed with The University of Chicago working as a field researcher at the Cayo Santiago Caribbean Primate Center in Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico.

Kirsten Ferreira graduated from Elon University in May and she will be attending George Washington University this fall for graduate school.

Jasmine Glick graduated from the University of Arizona and will be moving to Los Angeles.

Natalia Matallana graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans and is now working for Deveney Communication, a PR and Advertising firm in New Orleans, LA.

Narubi Martinez had her whole family in attendance for her recent graduation from USC.

Ariel Suazo-Maler graduating with honors from Wellesley College and was offered the opportunity to pursue her degree in neuroscience at Columbia University’s Medical Center, where she is currently the youngest research technician at the Zuker Lab. Ariel co-authored a presentation entitled “Changes in Grey Matter Volume after Cognitive Training in Individuals at Clinical Risk for Psychosis” while she was an undergradu-

(continues on page 50)

15TH-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1998 AT RIVIERA COUNTRY CLUB

Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, Monica Sanchez, Jon Laurence, Jessica and Marc Thomes, Annie and Nathan Zeder, James Heatley, Joanna De Velasco, Cristy and Daniel Diaz-Leyva, and Brian Gershen

NATALIA MATALLANA ‘ 09

MARCEL CONTRERAS ‘ 09

DEXTER CARR ‘ 09

Alumni Cocktail Reception

On Friday, May 31st, alumni, family, and faculty members filled the PDR to kick off 2013 Alumni Reunion Weekend with the Alumni Cocktail Reception. Alumni had the opportunity to tour the beautiful Palmer Trinity campus and catch up with old friends and former teachers. The evening also included the inaugural presentation of our Distinguished Alumni Awards to Lynley Walker-Ciorobea ‘96 (The Founders’ Alumni Award) and Congressman Patrick Erin Murphy ‘01 (The Head of School’s Alumni Award).

The Founders’ Alumni Award recognizes Alumni who have demonstrated honor, courage and leadership and helped to fulfill the vision of our school’s founders. The Head of School’s Alumni Award recognizes distinguished service to the community, which exemplifies Palmer Trinity School’s mission — commitment to the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and creative growth of all members of our community.

Friends and family of Patrick Erin Murphy ‘01 take a look at his 8th Grade Close up Trip Photo taken in 1997

Joan Sanz, Alan Nichols, Laura Walker, Sue Nichols, and Joe Sanz

Lynley Walker-Ciorobea ‘96 and Patrick Erin Murphy ‘01

Sean Murphy presents Patrick Erin Murphy ‘01 with an old class photo of his 8th grade trip to DC

Danny Reynolds and Lynley Walker-Ciorobea ‘96

Marty Migliaccio and Amanda Matalon ‘93

Sean Murphy’s ‘89 daughter, Stephanie, takes a moment to look at her dad’s yearbook pictures

Alex Obregon ‘01 and Carl Rachelson

Kevin Sanz ‘01 and Sean Murphy ‘89

ate research assistant at Harvard University’s Socio and Neuropathology Lab. She has now been asked to present her findings at this year’s Society for Research in Psychopathology in Oakland, California.

Katie Titley graduated from Colorado College with a B.A. in Environmental Science.

Laura Vogel graduated in May from the University of Miami with a BS in Environmental Engineering and an MS in Civil Engineering. Imme-

diately after graduation she relocated to Ontario, Canada to pursue her PhD In Environmental Engineering. Joining the RESTORE team, a project with Western University, the University of Waterloo, and Environment Canada, Laura will perform microbiology studies of groundwater in the Great Lakes region.

Hailey Wood received family and friends during her graduation weekend at High Point University. After

graduation, Hailey was hired to work as a Junior Account Executive at Kreps DeMaria Public Relations & Marketing in Miami.

2010

Margaret Cookson is going into her senior year at Davidson College. She plans to go to medical school in 2014. She visited PTS this summer with her brother Cameron who will graduate this year.

Kirsten Marbert is in her senior year at UCLA and has been busy working in numerous jobs across L.A. pursuing her passion of dancing. Kristen writes:

“I’m finishing up my time at UCLA as both a student and a member of the cheer squad (graduating early), and in addition working part time as a dancer. I’m represented by Bloc Talent Agency, who hooked me up with an awesome summer job working with Disney on their newest feature: Monster’s University. I got the chance to work at the world premiere in Hollywood, where I performed for all types of celebrities and their children. All summer I will be performing in the on stage version of the show at the El Capitan Theater on Hollywood Blvd.”

Annie Morrison writes: “This summer I’m working as an intern for Congresswoman Ileana Roslehtinen, in her Miami office. It has been a great experience so far, during which I have learned about the inner workings of the House of Representatives, and actual district work. The office sets up many opportunities for interns including a trip to the Easter Seals, the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Passport Tower at Miami International Airport. I had the amazing opportunity of attend-

10TH-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 2003 AT THE GROVE SPOT

Jake Davis, Leo Policastro, Greg Howell, Jose Rodriguez, Miguel Gosalbez, Tom Hashagen, Vanessa Bryan, Dan Pimentel, Scott Adamo, Simon de los Rios, Dax Tejera, Martin Antoniazzi, Andrew Sierra, Christian Lam

HAILEY WOOD ‘ 09 AND HB WOOD

KATIE TITLEY ‘ 09

NARUBI, OSCAR AND RICARDO MARTINEZ ‘ 09

5TH-YEAR REUNION

ing a naturalization ceremony on July 4th, which the congresswoman spoke at. It was the first ever held at the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami. I have learned a lot!! For a few weeks, I also interned with Daniel Omachanu ‘12, who is now studying at Columbia University.”

2011

Sophia Faiella studied abroad in London during fall semester 2012. She will be a Junior come fall 2013 at Eckerd College.

Alexandra and Lauren Mann will be recording and releasing their Halloween song and it may even be even used in a movie. They will be performing in Miami on September 26th at The Stage, which will be a benefit concert for CPHI. Let’s go and show our support for these amazing artists.

2012

Biraaj Mahajan is majoring in Biology with a specialization in Neurobiology at Boston University. He also became an uncle in June to a happy healthy niece.

Sean Ramras was recently selected as one of 15 members of Lock and Chain, one of the oldest Sophomore Honoraries at Washington University in St. Louis. It was founded in 1904, and continues its strong traditions today. Dedicated to community service, philanthropy, and excellence of character, they also strive to create unity among the sophomore class, and extend this unity toward the Washington University community and the Greater St. Louis Area. Inductees are active their sophomore year, but supportive members of the family for life.

ALUMNI SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

OCTOBER 26

Homecoming Day

» Alumni Soccer Game

» Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame

» Boosters BBQ

» PTS Varsity Football Game

DECEMBER 18

Alumni Holiday Party

JANUARY 27

Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament

MARCH 15

International Festival

TBD

Alumni College and Career Day

Stephen Ludovici, Ariel Moger, Rebecca Dahdah, Matthew Tillett, Lauren Franklin, and Joey Coulter enjoy catching up together once again after several years.

NATHALIA PENTON ‘ 12, SEAN RAMRAS ‘ 12, COREY HARVIN, MARY ANN CASAS ‘ 12, AND CAMILA VICTORIANO ‘ 12

SOPHIA FAIELLA ‘ 11

Help us honor the extraordinary faculty, coaches and staff who touched the lives of thousands of students over the years.

Make your tax deductible gift to the Annual Fund, which benefits every current student and supports essential school programs. Show your love for Palmer Trinity and make an immediate impact today!

Give online at www.palmertrinity.org/onlinegiving, mail a check to 7900 S.W. 176th Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 or call (305) 969-4243.

Thank you

7900 Southwest 176th Street, Palmetto Bay, Florida 33157 | www.palmertrinity.org

Manuela Flores

Behind every successful institution are the hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into making it what it is, and Palmer Trinity School’s very own Manuela Flores is certainly no exception. Retiring this past year, after 30 years of service, Manuela—or “Abuelita,” as the students call her—will be forever remembered for her timeless stories, happy whistling, and of course, the caring way with which she attended to the school’s beautiful orchids. Originally from Peru, where she was raised by her grandparents, Manuela came to the United States in the late 1960’s. She married her husband, Jose, in 1967. They had one daughter, Carmen (a former PTS Admissions secretary), and two beloved grandchildren. With her compassionate nature and her love for children to guide her, Manuela attended classes at Miami Dade College, where she received a certificate in childcare.

When Trinity Episcopal School first opened, under the direction of Head of School Ned Dougherty, Manuela knocked on the door and asked if he needed someone to help him clean the school—thus beginning her lifelong career as one of Palmer Trinity School’s most beloved staff members. Even today, as much as we all miss having her on campus each day, we know that Manuela will always be a member of the Palmer Trinity School family—and most importantly, she will always be in our hearts.

“I love Palmer Trinity, and I always will,” Manuela says. “The students are more than just students. They’re my children.”