Aerie 2015 Spring

S P R I N G 2 015

PA R E N T S , A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S o f PA L M E R T R I N I T Y S C H O O L

Horizons Alumni Profiles Zach Korth '05 Karl Sturge '82 Jayne Truckenbrod '98

Perspectives:

Global Programming

VisionAerie: Honoring Ms. DV For Three Decades Of Service

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

Editor Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Assistant Editor Daniel Mutter Editorial Advisors Mary Ellen Cassini and Susan Ludovici Special Thanks for Copy Editing Kathy Vale Photo Contributors Anais Ganouna Photography Design RMC ADMINISTR ATION

Head of School Patrick Roberts Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Associate Head of School for Real Estate Paul Zamek Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini Academic Dean Adrianna Truby Admission, College Counseling, and Study Away Danny Reynolds Diversity Coordinator Koreé Hood Global Scholar in Residence Manjula Salomon Director of Athletics Ernest Robertson Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Registrar Vivian Cerione Executive Assistant to Head of School Susie Loiacono DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Director of Development Susana Cetta Director of Annual Giving Rachele Huelsman Director of Alumni Relations Lauren Dowlen Development Assistant Terri Agress Prospect Researcher Marilyn Klenk

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK.COM/PTSFANPAGE FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@PALMERTRINITY JOIN US ON LINKEDIN

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015

Michael Baiamonte Chairman Bronwen Rutter Vice-Chair Ricardo Albarran Secretary Charles Klenk Treasurer Donna Abood Susan Benenati (Executive Committee) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) Rev. Frank J. Corbishley (Bishop’s Designate) Rt. Rev. Leo Frade John D. Fumagalli Lynne Keller Tina Lane Hugo Mantilla Camilo Montaña Tina Portuondo Rev. Jennie Lou Reid (Executive Committee) Alejandro Rodriguez Isabel Rodriguez Rt. Rev. Retired Bishop Calvin Schofield Beth Serrate Riva Steinman William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD 2014–2015

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96 President Tom Magenheimer ‘78 Vice President Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99 Secretary Charles Baumberger ‘94 Andrew Bennett ‘95 Michael Contreras ‘04 Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91 Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98 Adrian Foley ‘02 Brian Gershen ‘98 Michael Haggard ‘88 Mason Harris ‘89 John Malloy ‘85 Ariel Moger ‘08 Gordy O’Neil ‘84 Maggie Rosas-Guyon ‘93 Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 Lee Sterling ‘81 Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97 Nathan Zeder ‘98

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

The Aerie is published 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, Lauren Dowlen at ldowlen@palmertrinity.org or (305) 969-4282. 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.

editor’s note WHEN YOU READ THE WORD “HORIZON,”

what comes to mind? For some, it will be the line at which the Earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet. For others, it will be the limit of a person’s mental perception, experience, or interest.

What interests me about horizons is the place where those two definitions intersect. If you reread the definitions, you’ll notice something interesting — both involve observation. Where the earth and sky appear to meet. The limits of a person’s mental perception. These are not concrete meanings etched in stone, but rather elusive places we either seek in the distance or in our own minds. Both are based on our observations of the world.

To that end, academic institutions are founded largely on observation. The observations of our teachers — guiding our students, listening to their needs, bridging the gaps of understanding, delighting in their fruition. The observations of our parents — watching their children grow and thrive. And, of course, the observations of our students, who see the world anew.

The theme of horizons runs through this issue of the Aerie. You will read about the future horizon for Breakthrough Miami here at PTS. This program connects Palmer Trinity students with local middle school students to provide academic resources and an outstanding mentorship program. As one Breakthrough Miami participant, Gabriela Shaikh says, “I think the education I have here helps me have a deeper understanding of the subjects, and helps me become a better teacher.” In terms of perception, this program is one without limits, as each student positively affects another, who affects another, and so forth.

Seeing the horizon for these students is the real breakthrough.

Read, as Cathy Blackburn shares her students’ accounts about what it meant to write country music songs, and also about what they may have discovered along the way. The students share how their classroom work helped to broaden their creative limits, and to let a story come to them without forcing it. These students might have had an idea of their creative abilities before this assignment, but it sounds as if they surprised even themselves.

Then learn about the importance of linguistics, as Anderson Stewart beautifully communicates the argument for language development. He says, “When one chooses to study another

language, one chooses by default to learn a new culture, a new or different way of living. Such an opportunity leads us to make meaningful connections, both personal and professional, that enable us to broaden our horizons.”

These meaningful connections become manifest in Dr. Leo Llinás’ article about Palmer Trinity’s extensive partners in education. Every year, for the past seven years, he has travelled with Adrianna Truby and student volunteers to Managua, Nicaragua where they participate in essential, transformative programs. This is a case when both definitions of horizon expand and perhaps become clearer in the process.

Not to be outdone by the arts, athletics, and service programs, technology is broadening new horizons here at PTS as well.

Deep Sidhu writes about a teacher’s duty to weigh the value added (against the disadvantages) of technology use in the classrooms. She highlights a vocabulary lesson in which students moved from rote memorization to a creative, visual process that would only be possible with a technological understanding.

Horizons mirror life itself — there is always something intangible, just out of our reach. It’s what keeps us living. “ The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon.

We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.”

— R A LPH WA LDO EMER SON

Thanks for reading,

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Director of Strategic Communications and Community Relations

LINKEDIN.COM (SEARCH “PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL NETWORK”)

Get the Aerie on your tablet or smart phone!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

The Aerie is available on the iPad, Kindle Fire, NOOK tablet, Android devices and iPhone, as well as the UberFlip app. To read the Aerie tablet edition, go to www.palmertrinity.org/aerie-archive.

@PALMERTRINITY WATCH US ON YOUTUBE

PTSFANPAGE

S P R I N G 2 015

3

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

Editor Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Assistant Editor Daniel Mutter Editorial Advisors Mary Ellen Cassini and Susan Ludovici Special Thanks for Copy Editing Kathy Vale Photo Contributors Anais Ganouna Photography Design RMC ADMINISTR ATION

Head of School Patrick Roberts Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Associate Head of School for Real Estate Paul Zamek Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini Academic Dean Adrianna Truby Admission, College Counseling, and Study Away Danny Reynolds Diversity Coordinator Koreé Hood Global Scholar in Residence Manjula Salomon Director of Athletics Ernest Robertson Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Registrar Vivian Cerione Executive Assistant to Head of School Susie Loiacono DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Director of Development Susana Cetta Director of Annual Giving Rachele Huelsman Director of Alumni Relations Lauren Dowlen Development Assistant Terri Agress Prospect Researcher Marilyn Klenk

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK.COM/PTSFANPAGE FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@PALMERTRINITY JOIN US ON LINKEDIN

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015

Michael Baiamonte Chairman Bronwen Rutter Vice-Chair Ricardo Albarran Secretary Charles Klenk Treasurer Donna Abood Susan Benenati (Executive Committee) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) Rev. Frank J. Corbishley (Bishop’s Designate) Rt. Rev. Leo Frade John D. Fumagalli Lynne Keller Tina Lane Hugo Mantilla Camilo Montaña Tina Portuondo Rev. Jennie Lou Reid (Executive Committee) Alejandro Rodriguez Isabel Rodriguez Rt. Rev. Retired Bishop Calvin Schofield Beth Serrate Riva Steinman William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD 2014–2015

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96 President Tom Magenheimer ‘78 Vice President Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99 Secretary Charles Baumberger ‘94 Andrew Bennett ‘95 Michael Contreras ‘04 Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91 Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98 Adrian Foley ‘02 Brian Gershen ‘98 Michael Haggard ‘88 Mason Harris ‘89 John Malloy ‘85 Ariel Moger ‘08 Gordy O’Neil ‘84 Maggie Rosas-Guyon ‘93 Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 Lee Sterling ‘81 Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97 Nathan Zeder ‘98

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

The Aerie is published 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, Lauren Dowlen at ldowlen@palmertrinity.org or (305) 969-4282. 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.

editor’s note WHEN YOU READ THE WORD “HORIZON,”

what comes to mind? For some, it will be the line at which the Earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet. For others, it will be the limit of a person’s mental perception, experience, or interest.

What interests me about horizons is the place where those two definitions intersect. If you reread the definitions, you’ll notice something interesting — both involve observation. Where the earth and sky appear to meet. The limits of a person’s mental perception. These are not concrete meanings etched in stone, but rather elusive places we either seek in the distance or in our own minds. Both are based on our observations of the world.

To that end, academic institutions are founded largely on observation. The observations of our teachers — guiding our students, listening to their needs, bridging the gaps of understanding, delighting in their fruition. The observations of our parents — watching their children grow and thrive. And, of course, the observations of our students, who see the world anew.

The theme of horizons runs through this issue of the Aerie. You will read about the future horizon for Breakthrough Miami here at PTS. This program connects Palmer Trinity students with local middle school students to provide academic resources and an outstanding mentorship program. As one Breakthrough Miami participant, Gabriela Shaikh says, “I think the education I have here helps me have a deeper understanding of the subjects, and helps me become a better teacher.” In terms of perception, this program is one without limits, as each student positively affects another, who affects another, and so forth.

Seeing the horizon for these students is the real breakthrough.

Read, as Cathy Blackburn shares her students’ accounts about what it meant to write country music songs, and also about what they may have discovered along the way. The students share how their classroom work helped to broaden their creative limits, and to let a story come to them without forcing it. These students might have had an idea of their creative abilities before this assignment, but it sounds as if they surprised even themselves.

Then learn about the importance of linguistics, as Anderson Stewart beautifully communicates the argument for language development. He says, “When one chooses to study another

language, one chooses by default to learn a new culture, a new or different way of living. Such an opportunity leads us to make meaningful connections, both personal and professional, that enable us to broaden our horizons.”

These meaningful connections become manifest in Dr. Leo Llinás’ article about Palmer Trinity’s extensive partners in education. Every year, for the past seven years, he has travelled with Adrianna Truby and student volunteers to Managua, Nicaragua where they participate in essential, transformative programs. This is a case when both definitions of horizon expand and perhaps become clearer in the process.

Not to be outdone by the arts, athletics, and service programs, technology is broadening new horizons here at PTS as well.

Deep Sidhu writes about a teacher’s duty to weigh the value added (against the disadvantages) of technology use in the classrooms. She highlights a vocabulary lesson in which students moved from rote memorization to a creative, visual process that would only be possible with a technological understanding.

Horizons mirror life itself — there is always something intangible, just out of our reach. It’s what keeps us living. “ The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon.

We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.”

— R A LPH WA LDO EMER SON

Thanks for reading,

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Director of Strategic Communications and Community Relations

LINKEDIN.COM (SEARCH “PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL NETWORK”)

Get the Aerie on your tablet or smart phone!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

The Aerie is available on the iPad, Kindle Fire, NOOK tablet, Android devices and iPhone, as well as the UberFlip app. To read the Aerie tablet edition, go to www.palmertrinity.org/aerie-archive.

@PALMERTRINITY WATCH US ON YOUTUBE

PTSFANPAGE

S P R I N G 2 015

3

CONTENTS

letter from Patrick Roberts BIR D'S EY E V IEW 06

A Powerful Season for Middle School Baseball

07

A Hard Act to Follow

10

13

08

PTPA Holiday Party

09

Middle School Grandparents Days

Creating Art

11

Homecoming Week 2014

T3: Teachers Teaching Teachers

12

PTS Gives Back

Student Club Lights the Way for Young Readers

14

Heads Circle Reception

44

Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament

Annual Fund Challenge

V ISIONA ER IE 16

Elena “DV” De Villiers Three Decades of Service

By Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

PERSPECTIV ES 20

Empowering Students

By Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini

26

New Horizons for Global Programming

By Dr. Manjula Salomon

28 30 32

36

Class Notes

37

Alumni Soccer Game

38

Collegiate Alumni Day

43

Alumni Holiday Party

47

Alumni Reunions: New York and Boston

51

PTS Alumni Association

Technology in the Classroom

A LU M N I PROF I L E S 40

Zach Korth ‘05

48

Karl Sturge ‘82

52

Jayne Truckenbrod ‘98

By Deepjyot Sidhu

DEPARTMENTS

Country Music, Anyone?

03

Editor’s Note

By Cathy Blackburn

05

Letter from Patrick Roberts, Head of School

The Importance of Language

By Anderson A. Stewart

34

CREATING ART {PG. 07}

Amazing Stories

By Mark E. Hayes

24

ALUM NEWS

Breaking Through

By Ebony Rhodes

22

EV ENTS

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM {PG. 28}

ALUMNI PROFILE: ZACH KORTH ‘05 {PG. 40}

Partners in Education

By Dr. Leopoldo Llinás

RECENTLY, WE CELEBRATED MY DAUGHTER KATHERINE ANNE’S THIRD BIRTHDAY. For many young girls, this year’s hot topic is the newly released version of Cinderella, which our entire family attended over Spring Break together. Quite an outing!

With her shiny blue dress and glass slippers to match, Katherine Anne certainly can pass for a three-year-old version of Cinderella, and with three older brothers, ranging in ages from four to almost eight, she is also quite the princess, having a host of protectors who surround her and make sure that every wish is granted, so to speak!

While the Plan certainly contains many strategic initiatives, at the core is the simple, yet powerful concept of community. Certainly it is exciting to contemplate the creation of new spaces, the expansion of our School onto the property of the South Campus, and gaze in awe at the latest advances in technology, yet the fundamental advantage our School holds is the lifelong impact that our daily interactions ensure. The student-teacher relationship here is sacred, and, as I have noted on many occasions this year, is one that has lifelong dividends.

In my interactions with alumni this year and across the country (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York), it is clear to me that our young people graduate from our School with a host of advisors and mentors who have impacted them for life. We cannot quantify these relationships, yet they are the heart of any of our achievements, and we should be duly proud.

As we begin to make plans for all four of our children to attend school next year (a first for us, to have everyone out of the house), I spend many moments thinking about what the future holds for Kat, John Patrick, Hagan and Cook. Beyond the financial pressure and the obvious stress of trying to calculate the cost of college education in 2026, I contemplate what education itself will look like in the future. Such questions arise:

Moreover, our Mission is one that emphasizes the development of the student in Body, Mind and Spirit. As the only Episcopal high school in Miami-Dade, we consciously work diligently to provide an atmosphere based on trust, love and responsibility. Furthermore, our School expects each student to live, work and play within an environment based upon trustworthiness and compassion. As we now recite together each week both the School Honor Code and Prayer, we firmly hold ourselves accountable, and, thus, I might argue, strengthen the very fabric of what it means to be a community. We serve one another, and in doing so, reach beyond ourselves, ultimately, serving the greater good.

• Will the ancient model of school evolve from an agrarian one, to one in which school is held year round?

• Will technology play an even greater role, ultimately leading to the absence of books, pen and paper?

• Will students spend more time out of the traditional classroom setting, working even more in teams and in the real world?

• Will there be a need for an actual physical space in which students gather each day?

• What will the modern schoolhouse actually look like, and what will it cost?

• How will our faculty adapt to such changes, and how do we be part of a proactive shift in such a paradigm?

The list goes on, and, believe me, can keep one up at night!

In my daily work here at Palmer Trinity School, we wrestle constantly with this idea and these questions of exactly what the future will hold for our students. Over the past year, the School has invested much time and thought into the recently released Strategic Plan 2020, the new, five year road map for Palmer Trinity School.

Numerous committees met last year, and nearly 70 volunteers gave their opinions over a weekend last April in an open discussion.

Both the Executive Staff and Board of Trustees vetted the Plan this fall and winter, ensuring that a number of perspectives are reflected in the work.

on the cover Ms. Brokaw, Ms. De Villiers, and Ms. Trice of the Palmer School 1988-89 Math Department.

VISIONAERIE: Elena De Villiers {PG. 16}

With a newly crafted Mission Statement, the creation of both a Statement of Commitment and the Profile of a Graduate, the School has already undergone significant implementation of the Plan, and taken real steps to avoid letting the Plan collect dust. It is to be a working document — both flexible and fluid — and I am proud to be a part of its life.

As we will celebrate the achievements of our students later this spring, and send 87 new graduates into the greater world in May, let us take a moment to reflect upon any of those non-quantifiable moments through the course of a normal day at Palmer Trinity School.

Perhaps it is a passing word of encouragement from a teacher or peer, or a simple discussion around the Harkness table; perhaps it is quiet point of reflection in Chapel or under the shade of one our beautiful Palmettos. Perhaps it occurs in a challenging moment on stage or on the playing field in the heat of battle. No matter where or when the moment occurs, we have much to be thankful for, and regardless of what the future holds, I feel confident that Palmer Trinity School will be more than prepared; we will lead confidently and with the core values that never go out of style. “ One must not always think so much about what one should do, but rather what one should be. Our works do not ennoble us; but we must ennoble our works.”

— MEISTER ECK H A RT

Patrick H.F. Roberts Head of School

S P R I N G 2 015

5

CONTENTS

letter from Patrick Roberts BIR D'S EY E V IEW 06

A Powerful Season for Middle School Baseball

07

A Hard Act to Follow

10

13

08

PTPA Holiday Party

09

Middle School Grandparents Days

Creating Art

11

Homecoming Week 2014

T3: Teachers Teaching Teachers

12

PTS Gives Back

Student Club Lights the Way for Young Readers

14

Heads Circle Reception

44

Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament

Annual Fund Challenge

V ISIONA ER IE 16

Elena “DV” De Villiers Three Decades of Service

By Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

PERSPECTIV ES 20

Empowering Students

By Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini

26

New Horizons for Global Programming

By Dr. Manjula Salomon

28 30 32

36

Class Notes

37

Alumni Soccer Game

38

Collegiate Alumni Day

43

Alumni Holiday Party

47

Alumni Reunions: New York and Boston

51

PTS Alumni Association

Technology in the Classroom

A LU M N I PROF I L E S 40

Zach Korth ‘05

48

Karl Sturge ‘82

52

Jayne Truckenbrod ‘98

By Deepjyot Sidhu

DEPARTMENTS

Country Music, Anyone?

03

Editor’s Note

By Cathy Blackburn

05

Letter from Patrick Roberts, Head of School

The Importance of Language

By Anderson A. Stewart

34

CREATING ART {PG. 07}

Amazing Stories

By Mark E. Hayes

24

ALUM NEWS

Breaking Through

By Ebony Rhodes

22

EV ENTS

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM {PG. 28}

ALUMNI PROFILE: ZACH KORTH ‘05 {PG. 40}

Partners in Education

By Dr. Leopoldo Llinás

RECENTLY, WE CELEBRATED MY DAUGHTER KATHERINE ANNE’S THIRD BIRTHDAY. For many young girls, this year’s hot topic is the newly released version of Cinderella, which our entire family attended over Spring Break together. Quite an outing!

With her shiny blue dress and glass slippers to match, Katherine Anne certainly can pass for a three-year-old version of Cinderella, and with three older brothers, ranging in ages from four to almost eight, she is also quite the princess, having a host of protectors who surround her and make sure that every wish is granted, so to speak!

While the Plan certainly contains many strategic initiatives, at the core is the simple, yet powerful concept of community. Certainly it is exciting to contemplate the creation of new spaces, the expansion of our School onto the property of the South Campus, and gaze in awe at the latest advances in technology, yet the fundamental advantage our School holds is the lifelong impact that our daily interactions ensure. The student-teacher relationship here is sacred, and, as I have noted on many occasions this year, is one that has lifelong dividends.

In my interactions with alumni this year and across the country (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York), it is clear to me that our young people graduate from our School with a host of advisors and mentors who have impacted them for life. We cannot quantify these relationships, yet they are the heart of any of our achievements, and we should be duly proud.

As we begin to make plans for all four of our children to attend school next year (a first for us, to have everyone out of the house), I spend many moments thinking about what the future holds for Kat, John Patrick, Hagan and Cook. Beyond the financial pressure and the obvious stress of trying to calculate the cost of college education in 2026, I contemplate what education itself will look like in the future. Such questions arise:

Moreover, our Mission is one that emphasizes the development of the student in Body, Mind and Spirit. As the only Episcopal high school in Miami-Dade, we consciously work diligently to provide an atmosphere based on trust, love and responsibility. Furthermore, our School expects each student to live, work and play within an environment based upon trustworthiness and compassion. As we now recite together each week both the School Honor Code and Prayer, we firmly hold ourselves accountable, and, thus, I might argue, strengthen the very fabric of what it means to be a community. We serve one another, and in doing so, reach beyond ourselves, ultimately, serving the greater good.

• Will the ancient model of school evolve from an agrarian one, to one in which school is held year round?

• Will technology play an even greater role, ultimately leading to the absence of books, pen and paper?

• Will students spend more time out of the traditional classroom setting, working even more in teams and in the real world?

• Will there be a need for an actual physical space in which students gather each day?

• What will the modern schoolhouse actually look like, and what will it cost?

• How will our faculty adapt to such changes, and how do we be part of a proactive shift in such a paradigm?

The list goes on, and, believe me, can keep one up at night!

In my daily work here at Palmer Trinity School, we wrestle constantly with this idea and these questions of exactly what the future will hold for our students. Over the past year, the School has invested much time and thought into the recently released Strategic Plan 2020, the new, five year road map for Palmer Trinity School.

Numerous committees met last year, and nearly 70 volunteers gave their opinions over a weekend last April in an open discussion.

Both the Executive Staff and Board of Trustees vetted the Plan this fall and winter, ensuring that a number of perspectives are reflected in the work.

on the cover Ms. Brokaw, Ms. De Villiers, and Ms. Trice of the Palmer School 1988-89 Math Department.

VISIONAERIE: Elena De Villiers {PG. 16}

With a newly crafted Mission Statement, the creation of both a Statement of Commitment and the Profile of a Graduate, the School has already undergone significant implementation of the Plan, and taken real steps to avoid letting the Plan collect dust. It is to be a working document — both flexible and fluid — and I am proud to be a part of its life.

As we will celebrate the achievements of our students later this spring, and send 87 new graduates into the greater world in May, let us take a moment to reflect upon any of those non-quantifiable moments through the course of a normal day at Palmer Trinity School.

Perhaps it is a passing word of encouragement from a teacher or peer, or a simple discussion around the Harkness table; perhaps it is quiet point of reflection in Chapel or under the shade of one our beautiful Palmettos. Perhaps it occurs in a challenging moment on stage or on the playing field in the heat of battle. No matter where or when the moment occurs, we have much to be thankful for, and regardless of what the future holds, I feel confident that Palmer Trinity School will be more than prepared; we will lead confidently and with the core values that never go out of style. “ One must not always think so much about what one should do, but rather what one should be. Our works do not ennoble us; but we must ennoble our works.”

— MEISTER ECK H A RT

Patrick H.F. Roberts Head of School

S P R I N G 2 015

5

BIR D’S EY E V IE W

A Hard Act To Follow

A Powerful Season For

Falcons Baseball IT HAS BEEN AN EXHILAR ATING Y EAR for Palmer Trinity School Baseball fans. The Varsity team started the season with a string of strong wins against Ransom Everglades, LaSalle, Coral Shores, Champagnat, Archbishop Curley, and Marathon. The boys suffered their first loss of the season against Florida Christian, but bounced back with an 11-5 win over district rivals Archbishop Carroll. They then continued their winning ways on the road with a strong 11-0 victory over Miami Country Day. Head Varsity Baseball Coach Donnie Harvey owes much of the season’s success to a great pitching game. “Taylor Walker has been our ace all year long, he’s won every game he’s started,” said Coach Harvey. “I think only three times we gave up more than five runs in a game all year long, which is amazing.”

After their second loss of the season against Westminster, the boys redeemed themselves with another powerful winning streak securing

them the number one seed heading into the South Florida Baseball Conference Finals.

Despite a tough loss in the finals, the Falcons stayed vigilant The Middle School Baseball Team celebrates a big heading into the postseason.

10-9 season opener win over Florida Christian.

“Our biggest goal this season is to win our first round district game and get into regionals so the attention of Falcon fans this spring. The that’s still ahead of us,” said Coach Harvey.

Middle School Baseball Team’s season began Securing the first round district win would with a huge win over Florida Christian 10-9. mean 20 wins this season, a new record for Starting out as the South Florida Middle School PTS Baseball. Coach Harvey, Noriega, Moore, Conference leaders set the tone for an impressive Rose, and Miller are optimistic that the team season. The team continued on to beat Ransom will surpass its goals this year. “Nearly all of Everglades 8-2 thanks in part to a powerful the players have exceeded our expectations,” pitching game by eighth grader Grant Foreman. said Coach Harvey, “It’s been a great year After beating Ransom, Doctor’s Charter and it’s really been a lot of magic and all the proved to be an easy match ending by Mercy credit goes to the kids. They work their butts Rule in the 5th inning with a score of 12-2. off, they like each other, and they play hard The boys were confident that they would for each other and that’s what matters.” continue their undefeated season until a close The Varsity boys weren’t the only ones gaining call against Gulliver. After being down 5-1 early in the game, the Falcons went on to win with a powerful last inning and a final score of 11-8. “We’ve been down at the beginning of every game this season,” said Head Middle School Baseball Coach Manny Reyes. “I always tell my players you have to weather the storm. You have to bring your own storm and not give in to defeat because you’ve got to be mentally strong to play this game.”

W ITH T WO ENTERTAINING MUSICALS, several fantastic community performances, and record-breaking competition scores at both the district and state levels, Palmer Trinity School Thespians have certainly had a lot to celebrate this year.

The performance season began with international award-winning musical Legally Blonde. Based on the critically acclaimed book and film, this fun up-beat musical follows main character Elle Woods, a sorority sister who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. In January, the PTS Theatre was transformed into an underwater wonderland for the Disney classic movie adaptation Little Mermaid, Jr. PTS Thespians then moved the stage outdoors for their final show of the season, William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

In between the busy performance season, PTS students had the opportunity to compete in a variety of performance and technical categories at thespian festivals. The festivals also gave students the chance to attend classes and watch performances by other Florida schools.

Not to be upstaged, Upper School Thespians followed with a great showing at the District 8 Thespian Festival. 19 students participated in 17 performance and technical categories and large group musical Bend & Snap was eligible to move on to states. Junior Priscilla Carlo also did a terrific job, receiving straight “Superiors” on her solo musical performance. At the Florida State Thespian Festival, the large group musical received the score of “Excellent” and Priscilla once again achieved a “Superior” for her solo musical performance.

In October, PTS Middle School students attended the District 4 Junior Thespian Festival. The Junior Thespians did an outstanding job; Giovanna Befeler, Marco Campiani, and Hope Almeida all received perfect scores and nine out of ten entries qualified for state competition. The Junior Thespians

“Our PTS theatre program has grown larger each year,” said PTS Theatre Arts Director Phebe Hibshman. “The students understand the value of working as an ensemble and are committed to facing any theatrical challenge with professionalism and love.”

Creating Art

enter in several art contests, including the Miami Dade Youth Fair and Artsonia. One of my Britto imitations was chosen to be displayed in the principal’s office, which, for a young student, was quite an honor.

Written by S A B R I N A Y A N E S ‘ 1 5

The summer before I began 6th grade at Palmer Trinity, my mother enrolled me in Mrs. Wood’s Art Camp. Since then, I have taken every Art course that PTS offers. During my sophomore year, I received an invitation from the AP Art class to join as the only junior. It was an honor to be recommended for the AP Art class. Although it was very challenging, to say the least, the AP Art course gave me the freedom to express my creativity and imagination without restrictions or guidelines.

With this in mind, I decided to test myself my junior year by choosing the sensitive subject of self-destruction for my concentration portfolio. I was able to work outside the barriers of my comfort zone and create pieces that reached new boundaries of self-expression. As a senior and in my second year in AP Art, I have developed a more personal concentration that I entitled “Minding My Past”. This includes usage of different mediums depicting memories of my childhood and throughout my teenage years.

For Coach Reyes, victory is about more than just winning the game; it’s about going out on the field and playing together as a team.

“This team has really become a family.

When the guys aren’t in the game they’re cheering on one another from the bench.

They’re picking each other up, they know their roles, and they get along great.”

The Varsity Baseball Team receives the South Florida Baseball Conference Regular Season Champions trophy. Senior Taylor Walker was awarded Conference Player of the Year and Head Coach Donnie Harvey was awarded Conference Coach of the Year.

6

www.palmertrinity.org

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Coaches Reyes, Miller, Rose, Moore, Noriega, and Harvey, these young Falcons had a lot to be proud of this season. Win or lose, the teammates have formed a strong bond that will continue to grow and shape the future of Palmer Trinity Baseball.

moved on to the Florida State Junior Thespian Festival in Melbourne in February and for the first time in PTS history, the entire troupe scored straight “Superiors”, the highest possible score at competition.

ART CAN BE AN Y THING you want it to be. It is undefined and unconfined. It is one of the few things that has no rules or wrong answers.

Art has always been appealing to me. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to express myself through mediums other than words. I just “create”. In elementary school, my fifth grade art teacher took an interest in me and my art projects. She began to give me additional assignments so that I could develop my skills and chose my pieces to

When I reflect upon my six years at Palmer Trinity and the few months I have left until graduation, I realize how fortunate I have been to have such support and encouragement from my teachers Mrs. Wood and Ms. Strauss, and my parents. PTS has definitely shaped me into the art student I am today. I was recently accepted to both Loyola New Orleans and Florida International University and have applied to several other strong state schools. My college plans include Art courses to better define my skills as well as Business courses in Marketing and Management. With the discipline and self-reliance that I have learned in the Art program and throughout my academic tenure at Palmer Trinity School, I am looking forward to the future.

“Art is not what you see, but what others see” — E D G A R DE G A S S P R I N G 2 015

7

BIR D’S EY E V IE W

A Hard Act To Follow

A Powerful Season For

Falcons Baseball IT HAS BEEN AN EXHILAR ATING Y EAR for Palmer Trinity School Baseball fans. The Varsity team started the season with a string of strong wins against Ransom Everglades, LaSalle, Coral Shores, Champagnat, Archbishop Curley, and Marathon. The boys suffered their first loss of the season against Florida Christian, but bounced back with an 11-5 win over district rivals Archbishop Carroll. They then continued their winning ways on the road with a strong 11-0 victory over Miami Country Day. Head Varsity Baseball Coach Donnie Harvey owes much of the season’s success to a great pitching game. “Taylor Walker has been our ace all year long, he’s won every game he’s started,” said Coach Harvey. “I think only three times we gave up more than five runs in a game all year long, which is amazing.”

After their second loss of the season against Westminster, the boys redeemed themselves with another powerful winning streak securing

them the number one seed heading into the South Florida Baseball Conference Finals.

Despite a tough loss in the finals, the Falcons stayed vigilant The Middle School Baseball Team celebrates a big heading into the postseason.

10-9 season opener win over Florida Christian.

“Our biggest goal this season is to win our first round district game and get into regionals so the attention of Falcon fans this spring. The that’s still ahead of us,” said Coach Harvey.

Middle School Baseball Team’s season began Securing the first round district win would with a huge win over Florida Christian 10-9. mean 20 wins this season, a new record for Starting out as the South Florida Middle School PTS Baseball. Coach Harvey, Noriega, Moore, Conference leaders set the tone for an impressive Rose, and Miller are optimistic that the team season. The team continued on to beat Ransom will surpass its goals this year. “Nearly all of Everglades 8-2 thanks in part to a powerful the players have exceeded our expectations,” pitching game by eighth grader Grant Foreman. said Coach Harvey, “It’s been a great year After beating Ransom, Doctor’s Charter and it’s really been a lot of magic and all the proved to be an easy match ending by Mercy credit goes to the kids. They work their butts Rule in the 5th inning with a score of 12-2. off, they like each other, and they play hard The boys were confident that they would for each other and that’s what matters.” continue their undefeated season until a close The Varsity boys weren’t the only ones gaining call against Gulliver. After being down 5-1 early in the game, the Falcons went on to win with a powerful last inning and a final score of 11-8. “We’ve been down at the beginning of every game this season,” said Head Middle School Baseball Coach Manny Reyes. “I always tell my players you have to weather the storm. You have to bring your own storm and not give in to defeat because you’ve got to be mentally strong to play this game.”

W ITH T WO ENTERTAINING MUSICALS, several fantastic community performances, and record-breaking competition scores at both the district and state levels, Palmer Trinity School Thespians have certainly had a lot to celebrate this year.

The performance season began with international award-winning musical Legally Blonde. Based on the critically acclaimed book and film, this fun up-beat musical follows main character Elle Woods, a sorority sister who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. In January, the PTS Theatre was transformed into an underwater wonderland for the Disney classic movie adaptation Little Mermaid, Jr. PTS Thespians then moved the stage outdoors for their final show of the season, William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

In between the busy performance season, PTS students had the opportunity to compete in a variety of performance and technical categories at thespian festivals. The festivals also gave students the chance to attend classes and watch performances by other Florida schools.

Not to be upstaged, Upper School Thespians followed with a great showing at the District 8 Thespian Festival. 19 students participated in 17 performance and technical categories and large group musical Bend & Snap was eligible to move on to states. Junior Priscilla Carlo also did a terrific job, receiving straight “Superiors” on her solo musical performance. At the Florida State Thespian Festival, the large group musical received the score of “Excellent” and Priscilla once again achieved a “Superior” for her solo musical performance.

In October, PTS Middle School students attended the District 4 Junior Thespian Festival. The Junior Thespians did an outstanding job; Giovanna Befeler, Marco Campiani, and Hope Almeida all received perfect scores and nine out of ten entries qualified for state competition. The Junior Thespians

“Our PTS theatre program has grown larger each year,” said PTS Theatre Arts Director Phebe Hibshman. “The students understand the value of working as an ensemble and are committed to facing any theatrical challenge with professionalism and love.”

Creating Art

enter in several art contests, including the Miami Dade Youth Fair and Artsonia. One of my Britto imitations was chosen to be displayed in the principal’s office, which, for a young student, was quite an honor.

Written by S A B R I N A Y A N E S ‘ 1 5

The summer before I began 6th grade at Palmer Trinity, my mother enrolled me in Mrs. Wood’s Art Camp. Since then, I have taken every Art course that PTS offers. During my sophomore year, I received an invitation from the AP Art class to join as the only junior. It was an honor to be recommended for the AP Art class. Although it was very challenging, to say the least, the AP Art course gave me the freedom to express my creativity and imagination without restrictions or guidelines.

With this in mind, I decided to test myself my junior year by choosing the sensitive subject of self-destruction for my concentration portfolio. I was able to work outside the barriers of my comfort zone and create pieces that reached new boundaries of self-expression. As a senior and in my second year in AP Art, I have developed a more personal concentration that I entitled “Minding My Past”. This includes usage of different mediums depicting memories of my childhood and throughout my teenage years.

For Coach Reyes, victory is about more than just winning the game; it’s about going out on the field and playing together as a team.

“This team has really become a family.

When the guys aren’t in the game they’re cheering on one another from the bench.

They’re picking each other up, they know their roles, and they get along great.”

The Varsity Baseball Team receives the South Florida Baseball Conference Regular Season Champions trophy. Senior Taylor Walker was awarded Conference Player of the Year and Head Coach Donnie Harvey was awarded Conference Coach of the Year.

6

www.palmertrinity.org

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Coaches Reyes, Miller, Rose, Moore, Noriega, and Harvey, these young Falcons had a lot to be proud of this season. Win or lose, the teammates have formed a strong bond that will continue to grow and shape the future of Palmer Trinity Baseball.

moved on to the Florida State Junior Thespian Festival in Melbourne in February and for the first time in PTS history, the entire troupe scored straight “Superiors”, the highest possible score at competition.

ART CAN BE AN Y THING you want it to be. It is undefined and unconfined. It is one of the few things that has no rules or wrong answers.

Art has always been appealing to me. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to express myself through mediums other than words. I just “create”. In elementary school, my fifth grade art teacher took an interest in me and my art projects. She began to give me additional assignments so that I could develop my skills and chose my pieces to

When I reflect upon my six years at Palmer Trinity and the few months I have left until graduation, I realize how fortunate I have been to have such support and encouragement from my teachers Mrs. Wood and Ms. Strauss, and my parents. PTS has definitely shaped me into the art student I am today. I was recently accepted to both Loyola New Orleans and Florida International University and have applied to several other strong state schools. My college plans include Art courses to better define my skills as well as Business courses in Marketing and Management. With the discipline and self-reliance that I have learned in the Art program and throughout my academic tenure at Palmer Trinity School, I am looking forward to the future.

“Art is not what you see, but what others see” — E D G A R DE G A S S P R I N G 2 015

7

EV ENTS

Palmer Trinity Parent Association (PTPA)

Holiday Party

TO CELEBR ATE THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, PTS parents gathered at the home of Ricardo and Carla Albarran, parents of Susanna ‘15, Ricardo ‘18, and Carla ‘20, to enjoy delicious food and drink and spend time with one another before Holiday Break.

Silvia Rotemberg, Mary Ellen Cassini, Jose Birriel, Maria Pilar Gutierrez, Rachele Huelsman

Jeff Bass, Heather Bass, Laura Roberts, Patrick Roberts, Ann Elson, Steve Elson

Richard McMichael, Janet McMichael, Irma Hinke, Manuel Hinke

Lenny Roberts, Elaine Klein

Lisa Tannenbaum, Gerardo Guariño, Rebekka Haggard, Michael Haggard, Carola Guariño

Belkis and Gary Freedman

Middle School Grandparents Day MOR E THAN 125 GR ANDPAR ENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS filled the PTS Gymnasium on Friday, February 6th, for Middle School Grandparents Day. Grandparents were treated to a program led by Middle School Student Government Association representatives Fiona McLaughlin, Carmen Gonzalezdel Valle, and Frank Hall. Seventh Grade General Guitar students played a traditional blues song where each student improvised a solo on the spot while the student sitting next to them played the chords to accompany their solo. The Middle School Band performed Lean on Me by Bill Withers. Following the entertainment and delicious breakfast provided by SAGE Dining, grandparents got the chance to visit several morning classroom sessions.

Bronwen Rutter, Jim Benenati, Sue Benenati, Joe Sanz, Joan Sanz

Phil Serrate, Beth Serrate, Michael Baiamonte, Natalie Baiamonte

Doreen and Michael Peterson

Reese Bell ‘21 with Dan and Trish Bell

Jim and Cynthia Slaman

Lynne and John Keller 8

www.palmertrinity.org

Patrick Roberts, Laura Roberts, Carla Albarran, Ricardo Albarran

Denise Gallardo, Kenneth Irigoyen, Elizabeth Hutson, Estela Irigoyen

Georgia Malueg ‘21 with Nancy and Charles Malueg

Stephanie Murphy ‘20 with Alumni parent and grandparent Lisa Murphy

Frank Hall ‘19 with Mildred Hall

Alejandro Rodriguez, Susi Cetta, Michael Baiamonte

Chirine Mneimneh, Chalece Erixon, Ziyad Mneimneh

Milena Diaz, Juan Diaz, James Block, Janet Nesbitt

Madison Haggard ‘20 with Russell and Esperanza Buckhalt

Julia Irvin ‘19 with Alumni parent and grandparent Dr. George Irvin and Alexandra Saldivia ‘19

Leandro de Armas ‘21 with Alumni parents and grandparents Gladys and Ruben Matz S P R I N G 2 015

9

EV ENTS

Palmer Trinity Parent Association (PTPA)

Holiday Party

TO CELEBR ATE THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, PTS parents gathered at the home of Ricardo and Carla Albarran, parents of Susanna ‘15, Ricardo ‘18, and Carla ‘20, to enjoy delicious food and drink and spend time with one another before Holiday Break.

Silvia Rotemberg, Mary Ellen Cassini, Jose Birriel, Maria Pilar Gutierrez, Rachele Huelsman

Jeff Bass, Heather Bass, Laura Roberts, Patrick Roberts, Ann Elson, Steve Elson

Richard McMichael, Janet McMichael, Irma Hinke, Manuel Hinke

Lenny Roberts, Elaine Klein

Lisa Tannenbaum, Gerardo Guariño, Rebekka Haggard, Michael Haggard, Carola Guariño

Belkis and Gary Freedman

Middle School Grandparents Day MOR E THAN 125 GR ANDPAR ENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS filled the PTS Gymnasium on Friday, February 6th, for Middle School Grandparents Day. Grandparents were treated to a program led by Middle School Student Government Association representatives Fiona McLaughlin, Carmen Gonzalezdel Valle, and Frank Hall. Seventh Grade General Guitar students played a traditional blues song where each student improvised a solo on the spot while the student sitting next to them played the chords to accompany their solo. The Middle School Band performed Lean on Me by Bill Withers. Following the entertainment and delicious breakfast provided by SAGE Dining, grandparents got the chance to visit several morning classroom sessions.

Bronwen Rutter, Jim Benenati, Sue Benenati, Joe Sanz, Joan Sanz

Phil Serrate, Beth Serrate, Michael Baiamonte, Natalie Baiamonte

Doreen and Michael Peterson

Reese Bell ‘21 with Dan and Trish Bell

Jim and Cynthia Slaman

Lynne and John Keller 8

www.palmertrinity.org

Patrick Roberts, Laura Roberts, Carla Albarran, Ricardo Albarran

Denise Gallardo, Kenneth Irigoyen, Elizabeth Hutson, Estela Irigoyen

Georgia Malueg ‘21 with Nancy and Charles Malueg

Stephanie Murphy ‘20 with Alumni parent and grandparent Lisa Murphy

Frank Hall ‘19 with Mildred Hall

Alejandro Rodriguez, Susi Cetta, Michael Baiamonte

Chirine Mneimneh, Chalece Erixon, Ziyad Mneimneh

Milena Diaz, Juan Diaz, James Block, Janet Nesbitt

Madison Haggard ‘20 with Russell and Esperanza Buckhalt

Julia Irvin ‘19 with Alumni parent and grandparent Dr. George Irvin and Alexandra Saldivia ‘19

Leandro de Armas ‘21 with Alumni parents and grandparents Gladys and Ruben Matz S P R I N G 2 015

9

BIR D’S EY E V IE W

T3: Teachers Teaching Teachers AT PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL, students are exposed to a dedicated group of faculty members who strive to provide the best education in South Florida.

Our teachers understand that in order to provide a great education, they must continue to better themselves through professional development opportunities.

PTS faculty and staff have always been encouraged to attend educational conferences and classes. This year alone, faculty members have attended over 20 different professional development conferences with

topics ranging from student advisories and diversity to technology in the classroom and teaching Advanced Placement courses.

“The School is committed to support the development of faculty as effective teachers.

Professional development encourages teachers to enhance their teaching by broadening areas of interest and expertise,” said Palmer Trinity Academic Dean Adrianna Truby.

“Upon their return to school, teachers are expected to share their experiences, allowing all teaching faculty to remain well informed about innovative instructional methodologies and to collaborate with one another for the benefit of our students.”

and Public Participation, the Harkness Method, What Makes a Great Teacher, Building Community Partnerships, Admin Plus Users, and Episcopal Identity.

An important mission of Palmer Trinity School is nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of our students, faculty, and staff. In accordance with this mission, many faculty members volunteer their time to teach weekly courses at PTS. These classes include Yoga, Zumba, Self Defense, Community Bike Rides, Mandarin, and Spanish. At Palmer Trinity, great teachers not only teach academic, physical, and spiritual balance, they model it.

Shreeya started the Light The Way Club in her sophomore year at PTS. In the fall of 2012, she began a school-wide book drive to collect books for a new reading room at the Little Lighthouse Foundation—an organization that assists children and their families in South Florida who struggle with educational, financial, and medical hardships.

Any books that were too advanced for young readers were sold on Amazon.com to raise money for future club initiatives.

www.palmertrinity.org

TIME AT PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL. During the week of

October 21, 2014, students took part in a variety of fun spirited activities including the Girls Football Game, Mr. Falcon Competition, and the Homecoming Court. Despite a rain-delayed game, the Falcons came back the next day to defeat Pinecrest Academy 55 to 6. The PTS Boosters were there to cheer on the Falcons at the FIFC Championship game with a delicious Booster BBQ for students, faculty, and staff. The week ended with the

In addition to national and web-based conferences, teachers participate in Professional Days at Palmer Trinity. Professional Days provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn from each other in a classroom environment. Throughout the course of the day, faculty and staff attend “break out sessions” covering a variety of topics. At a recent Professional Day, topics included: Inquiry-Based Learning, Students

Instead of throwing away unwanted books, why not donate them to help children become better readers.

10

HOMECOMING W EEK IS ALWAYS AN EXCITING

Middle School Halloween Dance and a Hall of Fame themed Homecoming Dance for Upper School students.

Student Club Lights The Way For Young Readers

IT’S A PROBLEM MAN Y OF US FACE: TOO MAN Y BOOKS AND NOT ENOUGH SHELF SPACE. In the summer of 2012, PTS Senior Shreeya Mishra saw that problem as an opportunity.

E M C OMING O H WEEK

After completing the reading room project at Little Lighthouse, the club began to collect books for a new library at the Children’s Home Society of Florida. “I felt like helping these kids learn to read could light the way for a better future,” said Shreeya. In the fall of 2013, Light The Way Club built a new

Homecoming King and Queen Matthew Roberts and Hannah Forristall with Head of School Patrick Roberts

Middle School Students had a great time at the Halloween Homecoming Bash

Seniors make a grand entrance for the Girls Football Game

PTS Boosters put on a delicious BBQ for the FIFC Championship game

PTS Freshman Maria Alvarez (center) designed this year’s awesome Homecoming shirts

Mr. Falcon contestants show off their best evening wear

Students enjoy delicious food at the Booster BBQ

The Varsity Football team rushes onto Brockway Field for its match against Pinecrest Academy

Upper School students showed off their best dance moves at the Homecoming Dance

library at CHSF during the 2nd Annual PTS Gives Back event. Using money raised from book sales, the club built bookshelves and filled them with a huge variety of children’s books, novels, and textbooks.

Light The Way Club continues to take part in a variety of service projects to enrich the lives of local children. This past year, club members put on a Halloween party and collected toys for a Christmas Toy Drive for the children at CHSF. Club members also regularly volunteer to read during story time at Little Light House.

With Shreeya graduating this year, her brother Shaunak plans to take on the leadership of the club. “Reading and interacting with the kids, I’ve really seen how important it is to continue to help improve student literacy,” said Shreeya. “I’m confident that after I leave, Light The Way Club will continue to grow and create positive partnerships with children’s organizations in our community.”

S P R I N G 2 015

11

BIR D’S EY E V IE W

T3: Teachers Teaching Teachers AT PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL, students are exposed to a dedicated group of faculty members who strive to provide the best education in South Florida.

Our teachers understand that in order to provide a great education, they must continue to better themselves through professional development opportunities.

PTS faculty and staff have always been encouraged to attend educational conferences and classes. This year alone, faculty members have attended over 20 different professional development conferences with

topics ranging from student advisories and diversity to technology in the classroom and teaching Advanced Placement courses.

“The School is committed to support the development of faculty as effective teachers.

Professional development encourages teachers to enhance their teaching by broadening areas of interest and expertise,” said Palmer Trinity Academic Dean Adrianna Truby.

“Upon their return to school, teachers are expected to share their experiences, allowing all teaching faculty to remain well informed about innovative instructional methodologies and to collaborate with one another for the benefit of our students.”

and Public Participation, the Harkness Method, What Makes a Great Teacher, Building Community Partnerships, Admin Plus Users, and Episcopal Identity.

An important mission of Palmer Trinity School is nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of our students, faculty, and staff. In accordance with this mission, many faculty members volunteer their time to teach weekly courses at PTS. These classes include Yoga, Zumba, Self Defense, Community Bike Rides, Mandarin, and Spanish. At Palmer Trinity, great teachers not only teach academic, physical, and spiritual balance, they model it.

Shreeya started the Light The Way Club in her sophomore year at PTS. In the fall of 2012, she began a school-wide book drive to collect books for a new reading room at the Little Lighthouse Foundation—an organization that assists children and their families in South Florida who struggle with educational, financial, and medical hardships.

Any books that were too advanced for young readers were sold on Amazon.com to raise money for future club initiatives.

www.palmertrinity.org

TIME AT PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL. During the week of

October 21, 2014, students took part in a variety of fun spirited activities including the Girls Football Game, Mr. Falcon Competition, and the Homecoming Court. Despite a rain-delayed game, the Falcons came back the next day to defeat Pinecrest Academy 55 to 6. The PTS Boosters were there to cheer on the Falcons at the FIFC Championship game with a delicious Booster BBQ for students, faculty, and staff. The week ended with the

In addition to national and web-based conferences, teachers participate in Professional Days at Palmer Trinity. Professional Days provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn from each other in a classroom environment. Throughout the course of the day, faculty and staff attend “break out sessions” covering a variety of topics. At a recent Professional Day, topics included: Inquiry-Based Learning, Students

Instead of throwing away unwanted books, why not donate them to help children become better readers.

10

HOMECOMING W EEK IS ALWAYS AN EXCITING

Middle School Halloween Dance and a Hall of Fame themed Homecoming Dance for Upper School students.

Student Club Lights The Way For Young Readers

IT’S A PROBLEM MAN Y OF US FACE: TOO MAN Y BOOKS AND NOT ENOUGH SHELF SPACE. In the summer of 2012, PTS Senior Shreeya Mishra saw that problem as an opportunity.

E M C OMING O H WEEK

After completing the reading room project at Little Lighthouse, the club began to collect books for a new library at the Children’s Home Society of Florida. “I felt like helping these kids learn to read could light the way for a better future,” said Shreeya. In the fall of 2013, Light The Way Club built a new

Homecoming King and Queen Matthew Roberts and Hannah Forristall with Head of School Patrick Roberts

Middle School Students had a great time at the Halloween Homecoming Bash

Seniors make a grand entrance for the Girls Football Game

PTS Boosters put on a delicious BBQ for the FIFC Championship game

PTS Freshman Maria Alvarez (center) designed this year’s awesome Homecoming shirts

Mr. Falcon contestants show off their best evening wear

Students enjoy delicious food at the Booster BBQ

The Varsity Football team rushes onto Brockway Field for its match against Pinecrest Academy

Upper School students showed off their best dance moves at the Homecoming Dance

library at CHSF during the 2nd Annual PTS Gives Back event. Using money raised from book sales, the club built bookshelves and filled them with a huge variety of children’s books, novels, and textbooks.

Light The Way Club continues to take part in a variety of service projects to enrich the lives of local children. This past year, club members put on a Halloween party and collected toys for a Christmas Toy Drive for the children at CHSF. Club members also regularly volunteer to read during story time at Little Light House.

With Shreeya graduating this year, her brother Shaunak plans to take on the leadership of the club. “Reading and interacting with the kids, I’ve really seen how important it is to continue to help improve student literacy,” said Shreeya. “I’m confident that after I leave, Light The Way Club will continue to grow and create positive partnerships with children’s organizations in our community.”

S P R I N G 2 015

11

EV ENTS

Annual Fund Challenge

3RD AL

ANNU

A DAY OF GIVING PTS students join together for a day of service.

OV ER 300 MEMBERS OF THE PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL COMMUNIT Y PARTICIPATED in this year’s PTS Gives Back — a day of social responsibility, community, fellowship and learning. On Saturday, November 15th, students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, alumni and friends participated in 12 service projects, both on- and off-campus, to benefit the Greater Miami-Dade community.

Off-campus volunteers visited seniors at The Palace Renaissance, joined the FARE

Walk for Food Allergy, helped Centro Mater with their vegetable garden, served dinner at Camillus House, worked with the Second Chance horses at the Vega-Sanz ranch, participated in beach clean-up efforts, worked the “Deering Goes to the Birds” event, and visited patients at Miami Children’s Hospital.

Participants also took part in a number of on-campus opportunities, including: writing letters of appreciation to the troops, assembling stress balls for cancer patients, creating posters and teaching

aides for Breakthrough Miami, and assisting in cleaning and removing invasive species from the PTS fossil rock bed.

New this year, the PTS Best Buddies Club teamed up with the Miracle League of Miami Dade, an organization co-chaired by PTS alumnus Karl Sturge ‘82, which provides opportunities for children with mental and/or physical challenges to take part in a game of baseball. Students enjoyed spending time with their new buddies as they hit baseballs and ran around the bases of the PTS baseball field.

THE ANNUAL FUND COV ERS 7% OF PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL’S OPER ATING EXPENSES. The School relies on annual support to keep tuition competitive and enables the talented and dedicated faculty to uphold the mission of the school by preparing our students to stride confidently into the world.

Palmer Trinity School depends on our entire community to contribute to the Annual Fund.

A high family participation rate sends a strong message to prospective students and faculty that PTS has a vibrant and committed parent

and donor network. To attract the very best, we need to demonstrate how Palmer Trinity excels.

class reaches 100% family participation, Mrs. Brockway has generously agreed to donate an additional $1,000 to the Annual Fund.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS A POWERFUL EXPRESSION OF LOYALTY AND PRIDE

On January 15, 2015, the Board of Trustees committed to matching Mrs. Brockway’s commitment. That means that for every class that hits 100% participation by June 30th, an additional $2,000 will be donated to the Annual Fund from Mrs. Brockway and the Board!

This year, Palmer Trinity School is committed to reaching 100% class participation. Simply making a donation of any size will help Palmer Trinity in achieving this ambitious feat.

On November 1, 2014, PTS, through the generosity of one of our families, launched the Brockway Challenge. Each time a

If you have already made your commitment to the 2015 Annual Fund, thank you! If you haven’t yet made a gift this year, now is the moment. Give now, be part of our bright future, and help us support our excellent students and faculty. Your participation has never been more important.

This is a tremendous opportunity; one that will allow Palmer Trinity to put the additional funds toward supporting today’s and tomorrow’s students.

FARE Walk for Food Allergy

Letters for Soldiers

Miami Children’s Hospital

Centro Mater

Every donation, no matter the size, makes it all possible. To make a gift to the Annual Fund, please see the enclosed envelope in this magazine or contact the Director of Annual Giving, Rachele Huelsman, at rhuelsman@ palmertrinity.org. You can also give online at www.palmertrinity.org/onlinegiving.

DID YOU KNOW...

Eco Club

Breakthrough Miami

12

www.palmertrinity.org

Beach Clean Up

Stress Balls for Breast Cancer

Miracle League

Second Chance

The Palace

Annual funds are where many small gifts come together to form one of the largest gifts that Palmer Trinity School receives in a year. Last year, that gift totaled $631,000. » 80% of donors providing annual funds gave between $1-999. » 22% of PTS students receive financial assistance — funds that annual gifts help provide. » 100% of faculty and staff have committed financial contributions to the annual fund this year.

TOP: Members of the 2014-2015 Palmer Trinity School Board of Trustees BOTTOM: Alumni parent and current grandparent Pat Brockway and her four grandchildren Brock ‘17, Mackenzie ‘19, Hunter ‘17, and Chad ‘17 S P R I N G 2 015

13

EV ENTS

Annual Fund Challenge

3RD AL

ANNU

A DAY OF GIVING PTS students join together for a day of service.

OV ER 300 MEMBERS OF THE PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL COMMUNIT Y PARTICIPATED in this year’s PTS Gives Back — a day of social responsibility, community, fellowship and learning. On Saturday, November 15th, students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, alumni and friends participated in 12 service projects, both on- and off-campus, to benefit the Greater Miami-Dade community.

Off-campus volunteers visited seniors at The Palace Renaissance, joined the FARE

Walk for Food Allergy, helped Centro Mater with their vegetable garden, served dinner at Camillus House, worked with the Second Chance horses at the Vega-Sanz ranch, participated in beach clean-up efforts, worked the “Deering Goes to the Birds” event, and visited patients at Miami Children’s Hospital.

Participants also took part in a number of on-campus opportunities, including: writing letters of appreciation to the troops, assembling stress balls for cancer patients, creating posters and teaching

aides for Breakthrough Miami, and assisting in cleaning and removing invasive species from the PTS fossil rock bed.

New this year, the PTS Best Buddies Club teamed up with the Miracle League of Miami Dade, an organization co-chaired by PTS alumnus Karl Sturge ‘82, which provides opportunities for children with mental and/or physical challenges to take part in a game of baseball. Students enjoyed spending time with their new buddies as they hit baseballs and ran around the bases of the PTS baseball field.

THE ANNUAL FUND COV ERS 7% OF PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL’S OPER ATING EXPENSES. The School relies on annual support to keep tuition competitive and enables the talented and dedicated faculty to uphold the mission of the school by preparing our students to stride confidently into the world.

Palmer Trinity School depends on our entire community to contribute to the Annual Fund.

A high family participation rate sends a strong message to prospective students and faculty that PTS has a vibrant and committed parent

and donor network. To attract the very best, we need to demonstrate how Palmer Trinity excels.

class reaches 100% family participation, Mrs. Brockway has generously agreed to donate an additional $1,000 to the Annual Fund.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS A POWERFUL EXPRESSION OF LOYALTY AND PRIDE

On January 15, 2015, the Board of Trustees committed to matching Mrs. Brockway’s commitment. That means that for every class that hits 100% participation by June 30th, an additional $2,000 will be donated to the Annual Fund from Mrs. Brockway and the Board!

This year, Palmer Trinity School is committed to reaching 100% class participation. Simply making a donation of any size will help Palmer Trinity in achieving this ambitious feat.

On November 1, 2014, PTS, through the generosity of one of our families, launched the Brockway Challenge. Each time a

If you have already made your commitment to the 2015 Annual Fund, thank you! If you haven’t yet made a gift this year, now is the moment. Give now, be part of our bright future, and help us support our excellent students and faculty. Your participation has never been more important.

This is a tremendous opportunity; one that will allow Palmer Trinity to put the additional funds toward supporting today’s and tomorrow’s students.

FARE Walk for Food Allergy

Letters for Soldiers

Miami Children’s Hospital

Centro Mater

Every donation, no matter the size, makes it all possible. To make a gift to the Annual Fund, please see the enclosed envelope in this magazine or contact the Director of Annual Giving, Rachele Huelsman, at rhuelsman@ palmertrinity.org. You can also give online at www.palmertrinity.org/onlinegiving.

DID YOU KNOW...

Eco Club

Breakthrough Miami

12

www.palmertrinity.org

Beach Clean Up

Stress Balls for Breast Cancer

Miracle League

Second Chance

The Palace

Annual funds are where many small gifts come together to form one of the largest gifts that Palmer Trinity School receives in a year. Last year, that gift totaled $631,000. » 80% of donors providing annual funds gave between $1-999. » 22% of PTS students receive financial assistance — funds that annual gifts help provide. » 100% of faculty and staff have committed financial contributions to the annual fund this year.

TOP: Members of the 2014-2015 Palmer Trinity School Board of Trustees BOTTOM: Alumni parent and current grandparent Pat Brockway and her four grandchildren Brock ‘17, Mackenzie ‘19, Hunter ‘17, and Chad ‘17 S P R I N G 2 015

13

EV ENTS

Heads Circle Reception

ON MARCH 12 TH , Head of School Patrick Roberts and his wife Laura, graciously opened their home to honor over 100 Annual Fund donors at the Head’s Level ($1,250 and above). Current parents, past parents, alumni, and trustees enjoyed hearing campus updates and an inspiring message from Patrick Roberts and Chairman of the Board, Michael Baiamonte. To learn more about the Annual Fund, please visit www.palmertrinity.org/annual_fund.

Trustee Hugo Mantilla, Silvia Montaña, Camilo Montaña, Susi Cetta

Bekki and Michael Haggard ‘88 with Alumni parents Bob and Kathy Vale

Trustee Bishop Cal Schofield, Alumni parent Jan Morrison and Trustee John Fumagalli

Ivan Morales, Patrick and Laura Roberts, Kelli Morales

Phil and Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 with Sandy and Rodney Bell

Gisel Cruz, PTPA President Ann Elson, Belkis Freedman and Parent Relations Director Denise Gallardo

Emilio Fernandez and Oswaldo Lairet

Trustee Alejandro and Greyhni Rodriguez, Trustee Camilo and Silivia Montana, Carolina and Paolo Longo

Leivys and Jesus Socorro

Build our Community with your gift to the 2014-2015 Annual Fund.

Today, your gift has an immediate and positive impact on the students and faculty and leads the way for our future.

Make your tax deductible gift online by June 30th by visiting www.palmertrinity.org/onlinegiving or call Rachele Huelsman at (305) 969-4240

Julio and Tania Calderon 14

www.palmertrinity.org

Upper School Head Ashley Chapman and Alumni Parent and Trustee Tina Lane

Raul and Simone Segredo

Thank you!

EV ENTS

Heads Circle Reception

ON MARCH 12 TH , Head of School Patrick Roberts and his wife Laura, graciously opened their home to honor over 100 Annual Fund donors at the Head’s Level ($1,250 and above). Current parents, past parents, alumni, and trustees enjoyed hearing campus updates and an inspiring message from Patrick Roberts and Chairman of the Board, Michael Baiamonte. To learn more about the Annual Fund, please visit www.palmertrinity.org/annual_fund.

Trustee Hugo Mantilla, Silvia Montaña, Camilo Montaña, Susi Cetta

Bekki and Michael Haggard ‘88 with Alumni parents Bob and Kathy Vale

Trustee Bishop Cal Schofield, Alumni parent Jan Morrison and Trustee John Fumagalli

Ivan Morales, Patrick and Laura Roberts, Kelli Morales

Phil and Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 with Sandy and Rodney Bell

Gisel Cruz, PTPA President Ann Elson, Belkis Freedman and Parent Relations Director Denise Gallardo

Emilio Fernandez and Oswaldo Lairet

Trustee Alejandro and Greyhni Rodriguez, Trustee Camilo and Silivia Montana, Carolina and Paolo Longo

Leivys and Jesus Socorro

Build our Community with your gift to the 2014-2015 Annual Fund.

Today, your gift has an immediate and positive impact on the students and faculty and leads the way for our future.

Make your tax deductible gift online by June 30th by visiting www.palmertrinity.org/onlinegiving or call Rachele Huelsman at (305) 969-4240

Julio and Tania Calderon 14

www.palmertrinity.org

Upper School Head Ashley Chapman and Alumni Parent and Trustee Tina Lane

Raul and Simone Segredo

Thank you!

V ISIONA ER IE

IN AN ISSUE THAT FOCUSES ON PUSHING OUR STUDENTS TO REACH NEW HORIZONS, there is no better individual to recognize than a woman who has led generations of Palmer School and Palmer Trinity School students through some of their greatest accomplishments. Retiring this year, after 31 years at Palmer School and Palmer Trinity School, Ms. Elena “RG” “DV” De Villiers came as a Math teacher, but leaves as a beloved member of the PTS family. Having watched the school transform from two institutions into one, survive a devastating hurricane, go through ten Heads of School, add new grade levels, build the foundation of the existing campus, and as of just a few years ago, expand to include an additional 33 acres — Ms. De Villiers isn’t just a part of PTS history; she helped create it.

Coming to Palmer School from Belen Jesuit Preparatory in 1984, Ms. De Villiers remembers how different the campus once looked. The feeling of the place, however, has never changed.

“It was so small; we only had about 300 students, from grades seven to twelve,” she recalls of those days. “I mean, imagine this place with fewer buildings and half the number of students. It was a whole other world; but it was still a very fun place to be.”

And since those early days, she has watched as the school has gone through a myriad of changes; some for the better, and all responsible for how far Palmer Trinity School has come today.

“I have said to people that the only thing constant here has been change. It could be because of the influx or recycling of the administration, because of individual philosophies, or because a new person wanted to leave his or her mark.”

Elena “DV” De Villiers

BELOVED EDUCATOR RETIRES AFTER THREE DECADES, LEAVING A LEGACY Written by S U Z A N N E G O T T L I E B C A L L E J A , Director of Strategic Communications and Community Outreach

16

www.palmertrinity.org

Other changes, however, couldn’t have been planned. During the 1991-1992 school year, Palmer Trinity School was hit with two defining moments in its complicated history: the merger of Palmer and Trinity Episcopal School, and Hurricane Andrew. The first of these major events brought internal controversy, while the latter demolished the entire campus.

“We had some hard times back then; partly because of the physical condition of the school, and partly because the merger of Palmer and Trinity Episcopal School had just happened.

Emotions were running high as changes in personnel were made,” she remembers.

“It was a hard year, but here we are.”

If anything, as in most times of strife, the impact of Hurricane Andrew on the Palmer Trinity School campus — leaving it utterly unusable, as it was right in the center of the storm’s devastating northeast quadrant — brought the faculty and staff together. As soon as they were able to travel, teachers and parents alike came to pick up the campus and do whatever they could to help.

“When I first pulled into Palmer Trinity School after Hurricane Andrew, I was devastated. I started crying because I didn’t think I had a job. The place was in shambles; I went to my classroom, on the second floor of what is now the middle school building, and I could see the sky from my room — the roof had been blown off. The gym had no roof and no back wall; the place was a wreck.”

Fortunately, a trustee at the time was gracious enough to hire a company from outside of Miami-Dade County to get the classrooms up and running just a few weeks after the original first day of school, a true miracle considering its original condition.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: Elena with Upper School Head Ashley Chapman, former Head of School Judy Andrews and AJ West; Elena and Amanda Omachonu ‘05; Elena with one of her many graduates JB Garth ‘97; Alumni parent Congresswoman Ileana RosLehtinen and Elena. OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Marty Migliaccio, Elena, Caroline Goodwin, Bill Johnson and Richard Rosen; Wilson Hernandez ‘05, Elena and Brittney (Fyffe) Hernandez ‘06; Elena and Marty Migliaccio take the ‘88 Palmer School Key Club to a conference in Daytona Beach; Elena, Christina (RosasGuyon) Hart ‘97, Jason Hart and family

S P R I N G 2 015

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V ISIONA ER IE

IN AN ISSUE THAT FOCUSES ON PUSHING OUR STUDENTS TO REACH NEW HORIZONS, there is no better individual to recognize than a woman who has led generations of Palmer School and Palmer Trinity School students through some of their greatest accomplishments. Retiring this year, after 31 years at Palmer School and Palmer Trinity School, Ms. Elena “RG” “DV” De Villiers came as a Math teacher, but leaves as a beloved member of the PTS family. Having watched the school transform from two institutions into one, survive a devastating hurricane, go through ten Heads of School, add new grade levels, build the foundation of the existing campus, and as of just a few years ago, expand to include an additional 33 acres — Ms. De Villiers isn’t just a part of PTS history; she helped create it.

Coming to Palmer School from Belen Jesuit Preparatory in 1984, Ms. De Villiers remembers how different the campus once looked. The feeling of the place, however, has never changed.

“It was so small; we only had about 300 students, from grades seven to twelve,” she recalls of those days. “I mean, imagine this place with fewer buildings and half the number of students. It was a whole other world; but it was still a very fun place to be.”

And since those early days, she has watched as the school has gone through a myriad of changes; some for the better, and all responsible for how far Palmer Trinity School has come today.

“I have said to people that the only thing constant here has been change. It could be because of the influx or recycling of the administration, because of individual philosophies, or because a new person wanted to leave his or her mark.”

Elena “DV” De Villiers

BELOVED EDUCATOR RETIRES AFTER THREE DECADES, LEAVING A LEGACY Written by S U Z A N N E G O T T L I E B C A L L E J A , Director of Strategic Communications and Community Outreach

16

www.palmertrinity.org

Other changes, however, couldn’t have been planned. During the 1991-1992 school year, Palmer Trinity School was hit with two defining moments in its complicated history: the merger of Palmer and Trinity Episcopal School, and Hurricane Andrew. The first of these major events brought internal controversy, while the latter demolished the entire campus.

“We had some hard times back then; partly because of the physical condition of the school, and partly because the merger of Palmer and Trinity Episcopal School had just happened.

Emotions were running high as changes in personnel were made,” she remembers.

“It was a hard year, but here we are.”

If anything, as in most times of strife, the impact of Hurricane Andrew on the Palmer Trinity School campus — leaving it utterly unusable, as it was right in the center of the storm’s devastating northeast quadrant — brought the faculty and staff together. As soon as they were able to travel, teachers and parents alike came to pick up the campus and do whatever they could to help.

“When I first pulled into Palmer Trinity School after Hurricane Andrew, I was devastated. I started crying because I didn’t think I had a job. The place was in shambles; I went to my classroom, on the second floor of what is now the middle school building, and I could see the sky from my room — the roof had been blown off. The gym had no roof and no back wall; the place was a wreck.”

Fortunately, a trustee at the time was gracious enough to hire a company from outside of Miami-Dade County to get the classrooms up and running just a few weeks after the original first day of school, a true miracle considering its original condition.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: Elena with Upper School Head Ashley Chapman, former Head of School Judy Andrews and AJ West; Elena and Amanda Omachonu ‘05; Elena with one of her many graduates JB Garth ‘97; Alumni parent Congresswoman Ileana RosLehtinen and Elena. OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Marty Migliaccio, Elena, Caroline Goodwin, Bill Johnson and Richard Rosen; Wilson Hernandez ‘05, Elena and Brittney (Fyffe) Hernandez ‘06; Elena and Marty Migliaccio take the ‘88 Palmer School Key Club to a conference in Daytona Beach; Elena, Christina (RosasGuyon) Hart ‘97, Jason Hart and family

S P R I N G 2 015

17

V ISIONA ER IE

FROM LEFT: Elena with Rob Morean ‘13 celebrating the 40th Anniversary of PTS; Elena and Costas Grillas ‘97; Elena with former faculty members Diane Kline, Carol Bonner and Carol Trice; John Lederman ‘87 and Elena

“I think I have gotten more out of it than they have. Kids know when you really care about them and you really love them. That’s what they keep coming back for: the memories.”

The remainder of the campus, however — which, at the time, included the gym and the cafeteria — was destroyed. A tent was pitched in the middle of the courtyard for convocations, lunches and dinners, and other tents in what is now the delivery area functioned as a working kitchen.

“It was so bad that the National Guard even set up camp in our field and patrolled the area for looters. They opened the school year with a flag ceremony, and they raised the flag on the first day of school. Walls and buildings fell down, but that flag survived.

It was very emotional to see it rise again.”

That said, even in the worst of times, and in true Palmer Trinity School fashion, Ms. De Villiers remembers moments of joy and laughter.

“I’ll never forget it — they had a beautiful camp, with showers and everything, but had those little ‘ready-to-eat’ meals. The Palmer Trinity School moms couldn’t bear to see these young men eating such horrible food, so they would make them huge pots of arroz con pollo and lasagna. They were the best fed National Guard in the whole country!”

18

www.palmertrinity.org

And since those days, for Ms. De Villiers and the hundreds of students whose lives she has touched, that joy has only continued.

Driven by a sense of community service instilled in her as a little girl — as well as her natural love for her students — Ms. DV took it upon herself to get involved in the school community in as many ways as she could. Since then, she has not only taught different levels of Geometry, but for many years she held the position of Mathematics Department Chair, was the “Math Counts” coach, and served as Mu Alpha Theta advisor. When she wasn’t teaching students in the classroom, she was leading — and usually, inspiring — them through their extracurricular or academic pursuits.

Among her many accomplishments, she worked with Project Feel Good, Chapman Partnership for the Homeless, and Key Club.

She was Student Activities Coordinator and Silver Knight Coordinator. She also founded the Sunshine Committee, an organization of teachers designed to build camaraderie amongst faculty members while giving back to the community.

In fact, given her passion for helping others, Ms. De Villiers’ favorite position was that of Community Service Coordinator.

“When we came over from Cuba, there were so many people out there helping us in so many different ways, even if it was as simple as saying ‘Hey, here’s a coat you can use for winter.’ Little

things like that made a difference for us; and eventually, we were able to give back and help others. That was something my grandmother just lived by. She instilled it in us, and it just became my passion.”

Most recently, Ms. De Villiers was appointed as Director of Student Activities; a natural progression, considering how much she loved spending time with her students.

“I have always worked with students, whether or not I had the title of Student Activities Director, because I enjoy it. For me personally, it was another way for me to get involved in my own children’s extracurriculars — I would always take them here and there to different activities and in the process, I just became the ‘activities person.’ ”

But whether she was teaching in the classroom, walking the halls as hall monitor, working with various student organizations and teachers, or simply entertaining those she spoke with through her infectious laughter and buoyant smile, Ms. De Villiers was one of those individuals everyone wanted a chance to work with. Even today, students who graduated anywhere from six months to thirty years ago — some of whose children are now students of Ms. DV — still come back to find out what’s going on with their favorite Math teacher.

While this idea might be surprising at any other educational institution of Palmer Trinity School’s size, it’s not at all surprising for those of us who are blessed to know the incomparable Ms. De Villiers.

“I think I have gotten more out of it than they have. Kids know when you really care about them and you really love them. They just know. That’s what they keep coming back for: the memories.”

And just as much as Ms. De Villiers will be loved and missed by all of her students and colleagues when she leaves at the end of this school year, she too, will never forget the wonderful memories she has of Palmer, and now Palmer Trinity School.

“Besides it being a beautiful place, there’s a community here, and you can sense it the moment you get out of your car in

the morning. The children are wonderful people; they have big hearts, they want to do good for others, and they want to please. They are just great, great kids.”

Above all, what makes Palmer Trinity School so special is the unexplainable feeling that you’re “home”; an atmosphere that can only be created by those irreplaceable individuals, like Ms. De Villiers, who make every day at Palmer Trinity School a positive one.

“I’m going to miss everything about it; the kids, the students, the interactions with the students, seeing Alumni come back.

You just look forward to being here.”

And on behalf of all Palmer and Palmer Trinity School students, alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff, Ms. De Villiers will be missed even more. But in addition to all those times we expect to run into her at future Palmer Trinity School activities and events, Ms. De Villiers will still be with us every day as we enter our classrooms or walk through the Palmer Trinity School halls. After all, having spent 31 years at a school with just over a 40-year history, Ms. De Villiers will forever be considered one of Palmer Trinity School’s leaders; and in a place where leadership is a founding principle of our educational curriculum, individuals like her are never forgotten.

BELOW, FROM LEFT: “Team De Villiers”; Andre Lemmers ‘00 and Elena at the annual Alumni Soccer Game; Longtime friends Elena and Marty on vacation; Jeff and Patti Rose, Elena, Maria Vanegas, Jeremy Nicholls, Julie Suris, and Caroline Goodwin

S P R I N G 2 015

19

V ISIONA ER IE

FROM LEFT: Elena with Rob Morean ‘13 celebrating the 40th Anniversary of PTS; Elena and Costas Grillas ‘97; Elena with former faculty members Diane Kline, Carol Bonner and Carol Trice; John Lederman ‘87 and Elena

“I think I have gotten more out of it than they have. Kids know when you really care about them and you really love them. That’s what they keep coming back for: the memories.”

The remainder of the campus, however — which, at the time, included the gym and the cafeteria — was destroyed. A tent was pitched in the middle of the courtyard for convocations, lunches and dinners, and other tents in what is now the delivery area functioned as a working kitchen.

“It was so bad that the National Guard even set up camp in our field and patrolled the area for looters. They opened the school year with a flag ceremony, and they raised the flag on the first day of school. Walls and buildings fell down, but that flag survived.

It was very emotional to see it rise again.”

That said, even in the worst of times, and in true Palmer Trinity School fashion, Ms. De Villiers remembers moments of joy and laughter.

“I’ll never forget it — they had a beautiful camp, with showers and everything, but had those little ‘ready-to-eat’ meals. The Palmer Trinity School moms couldn’t bear to see these young men eating such horrible food, so they would make them huge pots of arroz con pollo and lasagna. They were the best fed National Guard in the whole country!”

18

www.palmertrinity.org

And since those days, for Ms. De Villiers and the hundreds of students whose lives she has touched, that joy has only continued.

Driven by a sense of community service instilled in her as a little girl — as well as her natural love for her students — Ms. DV took it upon herself to get involved in the school community in as many ways as she could. Since then, she has not only taught different levels of Geometry, but for many years she held the position of Mathematics Department Chair, was the “Math Counts” coach, and served as Mu Alpha Theta advisor. When she wasn’t teaching students in the classroom, she was leading — and usually, inspiring — them through their extracurricular or academic pursuits.

Among her many accomplishments, she worked with Project Feel Good, Chapman Partnership for the Homeless, and Key Club.

She was Student Activities Coordinator and Silver Knight Coordinator. She also founded the Sunshine Committee, an organization of teachers designed to build camaraderie amongst faculty members while giving back to the community.

In fact, given her passion for helping others, Ms. De Villiers’ favorite position was that of Community Service Coordinator.

“When we came over from Cuba, there were so many people out there helping us in so many different ways, even if it was as simple as saying ‘Hey, here’s a coat you can use for winter.’ Little

things like that made a difference for us; and eventually, we were able to give back and help others. That was something my grandmother just lived by. She instilled it in us, and it just became my passion.”

Most recently, Ms. De Villiers was appointed as Director of Student Activities; a natural progression, considering how much she loved spending time with her students.

“I have always worked with students, whether or not I had the title of Student Activities Director, because I enjoy it. For me personally, it was another way for me to get involved in my own children’s extracurriculars — I would always take them here and there to different activities and in the process, I just became the ‘activities person.’ ”

But whether she was teaching in the classroom, walking the halls as hall monitor, working with various student organizations and teachers, or simply entertaining those she spoke with through her infectious laughter and buoyant smile, Ms. De Villiers was one of those individuals everyone wanted a chance to work with. Even today, students who graduated anywhere from six months to thirty years ago — some of whose children are now students of Ms. DV — still come back to find out what’s going on with their favorite Math teacher.

While this idea might be surprising at any other educational institution of Palmer Trinity School’s size, it’s not at all surprising for those of us who are blessed to know the incomparable Ms. De Villiers.

“I think I have gotten more out of it than they have. Kids know when you really care about them and you really love them. They just know. That’s what they keep coming back for: the memories.”

And just as much as Ms. De Villiers will be loved and missed by all of her students and colleagues when she leaves at the end of this school year, she too, will never forget the wonderful memories she has of Palmer, and now Palmer Trinity School.

“Besides it being a beautiful place, there’s a community here, and you can sense it the moment you get out of your car in

the morning. The children are wonderful people; they have big hearts, they want to do good for others, and they want to please. They are just great, great kids.”

Above all, what makes Palmer Trinity School so special is the unexplainable feeling that you’re “home”; an atmosphere that can only be created by those irreplaceable individuals, like Ms. De Villiers, who make every day at Palmer Trinity School a positive one.

“I’m going to miss everything about it; the kids, the students, the interactions with the students, seeing Alumni come back.

You just look forward to being here.”

And on behalf of all Palmer and Palmer Trinity School students, alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff, Ms. De Villiers will be missed even more. But in addition to all those times we expect to run into her at future Palmer Trinity School activities and events, Ms. De Villiers will still be with us every day as we enter our classrooms or walk through the Palmer Trinity School halls. After all, having spent 31 years at a school with just over a 40-year history, Ms. De Villiers will forever be considered one of Palmer Trinity School’s leaders; and in a place where leadership is a founding principle of our educational curriculum, individuals like her are never forgotten.

BELOW, FROM LEFT: “Team De Villiers”; Andre Lemmers ‘00 and Elena at the annual Alumni Soccer Game; Longtime friends Elena and Marty on vacation; Jeff and Patti Rose, Elena, Maria Vanegas, Jeremy Nicholls, Julie Suris, and Caroline Goodwin

S P R I N G 2 015

19

PER SPEC T I V E S

NEXT I WANTED TO KNOW HOW SHE FELT BEING A PALMER TRINITY STUDENT IMPACTS HER INVOLVEMENT WITH BREAKTHROUGH:

“ The topics we teach at Breakthrough are the topics that we cover here at Palmer Trinity. And so I think the education I have here helps me have a deeper understanding of the subjects, and helps me become a better teacher.”

As Gaby is explaining, I think about the ways we have begun to explore the value of having Palmer Trinity’s staff and faculty involved in developing our student teachers. For the first time last summer we engaged PTS staff to work directly with our program. Micah Whitley, middle school English teacher, worked as an Instructional Coach to provide professional development to our Teaching Fellows. We also utilized the expertise of Katie Lamiell, Learning Resource Specialist, to provide a workshop on middle school psychology to help our teachers more thoughtfully design their lesson plans.

I continue on in the conversation with Gaby, “...and conversely, as you walk through the halls or sit in class during the week, what aspects of being a Breakthrough student do you bring to those spaces?”

“Although sometimes I can be kind of quiet, Breakthrough has helped me speak up and become more of a leader. It really helped with social skills, because not only did we take classes, but it really forced you to try new things, and put you out of your shell.”

Breaking Through: Insights from a Palmer Trinity Breakthrough Scholar Written by E B O N Y R H O D E S , Breakthrough Miami Senior Site Director

BR EAKTHROUGH MIA MI’S MISSION IS T WOFOLD: to provide access to excellent academic resources to the underserved middle school students we recruit from the local community, and to develop our high school and college age volunteers into strong teachers, mentors, and leaders. For any Breakthrough program, our host schools are our single greatest resource for achieving this mission. As we approach our 5th summer on Palmer Trinity School’s campus, I am eager to reflect on our progress so far, and ask: “What’s next?” I believe our success as a program is directly linked to how well we are able to tap into the heart of Palmer Trinity School and foster

20

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a creative synergy that benefits both our Breakthrough scholars, and the Palmer Trinity students who dedicate their time.

As I contemplate the future of Breakthrough at PTS, I wanted to engage the insight of one student who truly embodies three important aspects of this experience. Gabriela Shaikh joined Breakthrough Miami as a student in 7th grade and still participates today in our College Bound program. She enrolled in Palmer Trinity in 9th grade, and is now a junior who teaches at Breakthrough on Saturdays. Her perspective offers an opportunity to examine the nuances of how these two institutions could deepen their collaboration.

It is powerful to realize that it was young high school and college students who created the experience that Gaby had, and in order for them to teach the leadership skills that encouraged her, they first had to find those qualities within themselves.

The full impact of the program is this reciprocal effect. As Gaby observes, Breakthrough attracts students who “may be quiet sometimes, but are unique and intellectual. I see them in class and they bring very interesting perspectives to the table –those are the kids I see volunteering at Breakthrough.”

And so the question remains, what is on the horizon for Breakthrough Miami at Palmer Trinity School? I believe the answer lies in this continued exchange of ideas and inspirations that are embodied in Gaby Shaikh’s experience. We both agree that what we hope for the program is simply for more people to get involved. Our Breakthrough Club now has about 25 active students who are teaching on Saturdays, compared to the 5-10 in the program’s early years. Thus, our growing visibility on campus has brought to Breakthrough a strong new cohort of students. The same growth is occurring within the wider Palmer Trinity community as noted by an increase in faculty and staff involvement, like that of Micah Whitley and Katie Lamiell. It is also reflected in the active participation of PTS parents in the newly formed PTPA committee led by Belkis Freedman, Marcia Pirani, and Mary Ellen Fernandez.

It will be interesting to see how Breakthrough is able to expand as more students, teachers, and parents pool their resources to support its mission, and it will be equally interesting to see what the Palmer Trinity community is able to learn about themselves as they watch their collective impact shape the essence of this program. All in all, I say the future looks bright for this growing partnership!

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Gabriela teaches a lesson during Breakthrough Saturday; Breakthrough Miami Senior Site Director Ebony Rhodes and PTS Junior Gabriela Shaikh OPPOSITE PAGE: PTS Junior Gabriela Shaikh with Breakthrough Miami Scholars

TO BEGIN OUR CONVERSATION, I ASKED HER TO REFLECT ON HOW HER MULTIPLE “IDENTITIES” INTERSECT AND INFORM ONE ANOTHER:

“ Although they all have their differences, they are all very similar too. When you look at it, the education here at Palmer Trinity is the same as when you go to Breakthrough, because this is a college prep school. So what this school is doing is trying to motivate you to go to college, and that’s the whole goal that Breakthrough has as well.”

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NEXT I WANTED TO KNOW HOW SHE FELT BEING A PALMER TRINITY STUDENT IMPACTS HER INVOLVEMENT WITH BREAKTHROUGH:

“ The topics we teach at Breakthrough are the topics that we cover here at Palmer Trinity. And so I think the education I have here helps me have a deeper understanding of the subjects, and helps me become a better teacher.”

As Gaby is explaining, I think about the ways we have begun to explore the value of having Palmer Trinity’s staff and faculty involved in developing our student teachers. For the first time last summer we engaged PTS staff to work directly with our program. Micah Whitley, middle school English teacher, worked as an Instructional Coach to provide professional development to our Teaching Fellows. We also utilized the expertise of Katie Lamiell, Learning Resource Specialist, to provide a workshop on middle school psychology to help our teachers more thoughtfully design their lesson plans.

I continue on in the conversation with Gaby, “...and conversely, as you walk through the halls or sit in class during the week, what aspects of being a Breakthrough student do you bring to those spaces?”

“Although sometimes I can be kind of quiet, Breakthrough has helped me speak up and become more of a leader. It really helped with social skills, because not only did we take classes, but it really forced you to try new things, and put you out of your shell.”

Breaking Through: Insights from a Palmer Trinity Breakthrough Scholar Written by E B O N Y R H O D E S , Breakthrough Miami Senior Site Director

BR EAKTHROUGH MIA MI’S MISSION IS T WOFOLD: to provide access to excellent academic resources to the underserved middle school students we recruit from the local community, and to develop our high school and college age volunteers into strong teachers, mentors, and leaders. For any Breakthrough program, our host schools are our single greatest resource for achieving this mission. As we approach our 5th summer on Palmer Trinity School’s campus, I am eager to reflect on our progress so far, and ask: “What’s next?” I believe our success as a program is directly linked to how well we are able to tap into the heart of Palmer Trinity School and foster

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a creative synergy that benefits both our Breakthrough scholars, and the Palmer Trinity students who dedicate their time.

As I contemplate the future of Breakthrough at PTS, I wanted to engage the insight of one student who truly embodies three important aspects of this experience. Gabriela Shaikh joined Breakthrough Miami as a student in 7th grade and still participates today in our College Bound program. She enrolled in Palmer Trinity in 9th grade, and is now a junior who teaches at Breakthrough on Saturdays. Her perspective offers an opportunity to examine the nuances of how these two institutions could deepen their collaboration.

It is powerful to realize that it was young high school and college students who created the experience that Gaby had, and in order for them to teach the leadership skills that encouraged her, they first had to find those qualities within themselves.

The full impact of the program is this reciprocal effect. As Gaby observes, Breakthrough attracts students who “may be quiet sometimes, but are unique and intellectual. I see them in class and they bring very interesting perspectives to the table –those are the kids I see volunteering at Breakthrough.”

And so the question remains, what is on the horizon for Breakthrough Miami at Palmer Trinity School? I believe the answer lies in this continued exchange of ideas and inspirations that are embodied in Gaby Shaikh’s experience. We both agree that what we hope for the program is simply for more people to get involved. Our Breakthrough Club now has about 25 active students who are teaching on Saturdays, compared to the 5-10 in the program’s early years. Thus, our growing visibility on campus has brought to Breakthrough a strong new cohort of students. The same growth is occurring within the wider Palmer Trinity community as noted by an increase in faculty and staff involvement, like that of Micah Whitley and Katie Lamiell. It is also reflected in the active participation of PTS parents in the newly formed PTPA committee led by Belkis Freedman, Marcia Pirani, and Mary Ellen Fernandez.

It will be interesting to see how Breakthrough is able to expand as more students, teachers, and parents pool their resources to support its mission, and it will be equally interesting to see what the Palmer Trinity community is able to learn about themselves as they watch their collective impact shape the essence of this program. All in all, I say the future looks bright for this growing partnership!

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Gabriela teaches a lesson during Breakthrough Saturday; Breakthrough Miami Senior Site Director Ebony Rhodes and PTS Junior Gabriela Shaikh OPPOSITE PAGE: PTS Junior Gabriela Shaikh with Breakthrough Miami Scholars

TO BEGIN OUR CONVERSATION, I ASKED HER TO REFLECT ON HOW HER MULTIPLE “IDENTITIES” INTERSECT AND INFORM ONE ANOTHER:

“ Although they all have their differences, they are all very similar too. When you look at it, the education here at Palmer Trinity is the same as when you go to Breakthrough, because this is a college prep school. So what this school is doing is trying to motivate you to go to college, and that’s the whole goal that Breakthrough has as well.”

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AMAZING STORIES What I Learned From Teaching Science Fiction Written by M A R K E . H A Y E S , English Department Chair

THE HEAPS OF SCIENCE FICTION books, movies, television, and comics I consumed as a child – and adult – over the years have been a mixed source of pride and chagrin. Almost everyone was impressed by the amount of material I had covered; on the other hand, more than a few of my teachers were distressed because I wasn’t reading more serious and, dare we say it, literary material. I didn’t care much about the naysayers, as I knew that science fiction fed my imagination in a very profound way.

of science fiction – the “What if?” at the heart of the genre – in encouraging students to think creatively about problems they might face in their own futures. One might take a look at J.F. Rischard’s High Noon: 20 Global Problems and 20 Years to Solve Them as a starting point for thinking about what challenges the future might bring. In short, I wanted to explore how could we bring some serious futurology into the classroom? And who better to do this with than seniors, soon to be embarked on their own voyages into the future?

These days, of course, the lines between popular culture and elite culture are more fuzzy, and we’ve left behind the delegation of certain genres – science fiction, fantasy, westerns, detective stories – to scuzzy, pulpy slums outside the ivory tower of a “proper” literary canon. Once our ideas about the canon have been broadened, we can begin to make use of the particular qualities of a genre as a feature of instruction.

As a starting point for reading science fiction – a type of literature sometimes called speculative fiction – I wanted to give students a fairly obvious example of this “What if?” thinking. The Italian writer Italo Calvino’s collection, Cosmicomics, worked well. Each of its stories use some sort of “fact” that science has presented to describe the universe. For instance, in the story “All At One Point,” the moment just before the Big Bang provides the setting for a very strange world in which all its inhabitants – in which all things, really – exist in a single point. As the narrator explains, “Naturally, we were all there... Where else could we have been? Nobody

For several years I taught a course in science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism to Palmer Trinity seniors. Among several goals, I was most interested in using the speculative nature

knew then that there could be space. Or time either: what use did we have for time, packed in there like sardines?”

After the “what-if-ness” sank in, we turned our attention to alternate histories. Based on what we know about the past and the present, how can we imagine a different course of events? In Philip K. Dick’s, The Man in the High Castle, we follow the lives of characters struggling in an unfamiliar world. In this novel, by 1962, the Axis powers, having won World War II, now control much of America – Imperial Japan on the west coast and Nazi Germany in the east. High Castle’s complex story is as much a mediation on the nature of history and fate as it is an examination of what fascism might look like when it speaks with an American accent.

Moving to a more pure, classic form of science fiction, a work like Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake offered students the chance to discuss the possible effects of current-day trends: Inequitable income distribution, rampant consumerism, unregulated development in bioengineering, information technology, and robotics. In short, this novel asks the question about how humanity’s obsession with the useful, profitable inventions of science can bring about the destruction of human society. In Oryx and Crake, the world before the collapse is, as you might expect, a little too similar to our own.

Finally, looking to the distant future, in the Polish writer Stanislaw Lem’s, The Futurological Congress, the protagonist Ijon Tichy visits the Eighth World Futurological Congress, only to discover that the utopian world he inhabits is an illusion created by global political blocs who are locked into a cold war struggle for diminishing resources.

Certainly, particular themes informed my choice of these works – globalization, sustainability, ethics – but those themes have been reflected as ones that are important to the school. Presenting challenging dilemmas about what problems the future may bring is no easy task, but the vehicle of science fiction allowed us to have serious discussions about real problems in a way that proved less depressing. It’s not that we didn’t have our gloomy moments when confronting the possibility of overwhelming problems – because we did. The challenge, in the end, is to move students from the question of “What if?” to “What now?” And if science fiction teaches us anything, it’s that anything is possible – including solutions to apparently impossible problems.

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AMAZING STORIES What I Learned From Teaching Science Fiction Written by M A R K E . H A Y E S , English Department Chair

THE HEAPS OF SCIENCE FICTION books, movies, television, and comics I consumed as a child – and adult – over the years have been a mixed source of pride and chagrin. Almost everyone was impressed by the amount of material I had covered; on the other hand, more than a few of my teachers were distressed because I wasn’t reading more serious and, dare we say it, literary material. I didn’t care much about the naysayers, as I knew that science fiction fed my imagination in a very profound way.

of science fiction – the “What if?” at the heart of the genre – in encouraging students to think creatively about problems they might face in their own futures. One might take a look at J.F. Rischard’s High Noon: 20 Global Problems and 20 Years to Solve Them as a starting point for thinking about what challenges the future might bring. In short, I wanted to explore how could we bring some serious futurology into the classroom? And who better to do this with than seniors, soon to be embarked on their own voyages into the future?

These days, of course, the lines between popular culture and elite culture are more fuzzy, and we’ve left behind the delegation of certain genres – science fiction, fantasy, westerns, detective stories – to scuzzy, pulpy slums outside the ivory tower of a “proper” literary canon. Once our ideas about the canon have been broadened, we can begin to make use of the particular qualities of a genre as a feature of instruction.

As a starting point for reading science fiction – a type of literature sometimes called speculative fiction – I wanted to give students a fairly obvious example of this “What if?” thinking. The Italian writer Italo Calvino’s collection, Cosmicomics, worked well. Each of its stories use some sort of “fact” that science has presented to describe the universe. For instance, in the story “All At One Point,” the moment just before the Big Bang provides the setting for a very strange world in which all its inhabitants – in which all things, really – exist in a single point. As the narrator explains, “Naturally, we were all there... Where else could we have been? Nobody

For several years I taught a course in science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism to Palmer Trinity seniors. Among several goals, I was most interested in using the speculative nature

knew then that there could be space. Or time either: what use did we have for time, packed in there like sardines?”

After the “what-if-ness” sank in, we turned our attention to alternate histories. Based on what we know about the past and the present, how can we imagine a different course of events? In Philip K. Dick’s, The Man in the High Castle, we follow the lives of characters struggling in an unfamiliar world. In this novel, by 1962, the Axis powers, having won World War II, now control much of America – Imperial Japan on the west coast and Nazi Germany in the east. High Castle’s complex story is as much a mediation on the nature of history and fate as it is an examination of what fascism might look like when it speaks with an American accent.

Moving to a more pure, classic form of science fiction, a work like Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake offered students the chance to discuss the possible effects of current-day trends: Inequitable income distribution, rampant consumerism, unregulated development in bioengineering, information technology, and robotics. In short, this novel asks the question about how humanity’s obsession with the useful, profitable inventions of science can bring about the destruction of human society. In Oryx and Crake, the world before the collapse is, as you might expect, a little too similar to our own.

Finally, looking to the distant future, in the Polish writer Stanislaw Lem’s, The Futurological Congress, the protagonist Ijon Tichy visits the Eighth World Futurological Congress, only to discover that the utopian world he inhabits is an illusion created by global political blocs who are locked into a cold war struggle for diminishing resources.

Certainly, particular themes informed my choice of these works – globalization, sustainability, ethics – but those themes have been reflected as ones that are important to the school. Presenting challenging dilemmas about what problems the future may bring is no easy task, but the vehicle of science fiction allowed us to have serious discussions about real problems in a way that proved less depressing. It’s not that we didn’t have our gloomy moments when confronting the possibility of overwhelming problems – because we did. The challenge, in the end, is to move students from the question of “What if?” to “What now?” And if science fiction teaches us anything, it’s that anything is possible – including solutions to apparently impossible problems.

22

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curiosity while encouraging an inquiring engagement in metaphysical studies, and respecting personal faith development. PTS strives to enhance a safe atmosphere of acceptance, faith expressions, and appropriate skepticism.

PERSONA L ENCOUNTERS Caring for all of creation, including each other, the environment and the world, is reflected in our daily exchanges. Our community encourages participation in faith-based and interfaith groups. The Mosaic program through advisory once a month ensures that students and faculty are in dialogue about important issues in our world. Community service and global curriculum programs foster service leadership among various communities. In particular, Palmer Trinity’s commitment to the Breakthrough Collaborative reflects its dedication to engaging with the local community.

Thus, Palmer Trinity School is committed to the essential ethic of leading moral and honorable lives through good choices.

Along with establishing the Principles of Good Practice of Episcopal Identity in our school, in particular, PTS is developing student led oversight of the Chapel programming through a Student Vestry. This group will be composed of students from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.

Empowering Students Through Episcopal Identity Written by D R . M A R Y E L L E N C A S S I N I , Chaplain

DURING MY FIRST Y EAR AT PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL AS CHAPLAIN, my priority is helping the community navigate our Episcopal Identity. The Administrative team has prescribed the particular application of Principles of Good Practice for Episcopal Schools. Building healthy relationships among all members of the learning community is our goal. Also, offering a pastoral presence of support for community members is essential. Our rich tradition expresses itself within three general areas: community gatherings, pedagogy, and personal encounters in the various communities.

COMMUNIT Y GATHER INGS Regularly scheduled Chapels, including celebrations of religious and civic holidays and special school events, occur weekly. Convocations are community gatherings that highlight student activities and performances. The Chapel Committee, comprised of faculty,

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administration and student leaders, meets on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss, plan, and prepare the Chapel curriculum.

An annual survey of programs completed by the community will provide feedback for development of future plans. Engendering an atmosphere of inclusion for the diversity and values of the student body, including various religious and spiritual traditions, is seminal to the identity of our school. Collaborating with local dwellings of worship to celebrate the diversity of our community is an essential part of our tradition. PTS also participates in the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida and the National Association of Episcopal Schools.

As with all things English, there is a great history behind the notion of a “vestry”. Middle English vestrie, probably from Anglo-French *vesterie, alteration of Middle French vestiarie, from Medieval Latin vestiarium, from Latin, cupboard for storing clothes, from vestis garment; from its use as a robing room for the clergy. The first known use was in the 14th century. Today, the vestry of an Episcopal Church is an elective body in an Episcopal parish composed of the rector and a group of elected parishioners administering the temporal affairs of the parish. (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

With my support, junior Emily Himes is researching the vestries of other Episcopal Schools including: St. Alban’s School for Boys and National Cathedral School for Girls (Washington, D.C.) Episcopal High (Co-ed); Alexandria, Virginia St. Stephen’s School (Co-ed); Bradenton, Florida) St. Paul’s (Co-ed); Concord, New Hampshire

PEDAGOGY Palmer Trinity School students are required to select two one semester elective courses focused on the academic study of religion and philosophy. The goal is to foster each student’s intellectual

St. Paul’s (Boys and Girls School); Baltimore, Maryland Campbell Hall (Co-ed); Los Angeles, California

ABOVE: Students met with Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida Bishop Coadjutor candidates and their spouses during a visit to Palmer Trinity School; Students, faculty, and staff enjoy a lively salsa dance during Hispanic Heritage Month Convocation OPPOSITE PAGE: Chaplain Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini with Student Vestry Senior Warden Emily Himes ‘16

Her research collected from the schools will be compiled along with interviews from people who participated in Palmer Trinity School’s previous Vestry structure and accomplishments.

Emily will also discern how it functioned and why it no longer is in existence. Her report will be presented to the Chapel Committee and then to the Administration and Faculty.

Hopefully, Palmer Trinity will have a student vestry for the 2015-2016 school year that empowers student voices even more in our community.

Palmer Trinity is committed to an ethic of a question from the Baptismal covenant: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” (Book of Common Prayer 305) Working together with kindness and respect for one another as its core value, PTS will continue to be a community of learners enabling each other to be the best that he or she can be.

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curiosity while encouraging an inquiring engagement in metaphysical studies, and respecting personal faith development. PTS strives to enhance a safe atmosphere of acceptance, faith expressions, and appropriate skepticism.

PERSONA L ENCOUNTERS Caring for all of creation, including each other, the environment and the world, is reflected in our daily exchanges. Our community encourages participation in faith-based and interfaith groups. The Mosaic program through advisory once a month ensures that students and faculty are in dialogue about important issues in our world. Community service and global curriculum programs foster service leadership among various communities. In particular, Palmer Trinity’s commitment to the Breakthrough Collaborative reflects its dedication to engaging with the local community.

Thus, Palmer Trinity School is committed to the essential ethic of leading moral and honorable lives through good choices.

Along with establishing the Principles of Good Practice of Episcopal Identity in our school, in particular, PTS is developing student led oversight of the Chapel programming through a Student Vestry. This group will be composed of students from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.

Empowering Students Through Episcopal Identity Written by D R . M A R Y E L L E N C A S S I N I , Chaplain

DURING MY FIRST Y EAR AT PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL AS CHAPLAIN, my priority is helping the community navigate our Episcopal Identity. The Administrative team has prescribed the particular application of Principles of Good Practice for Episcopal Schools. Building healthy relationships among all members of the learning community is our goal. Also, offering a pastoral presence of support for community members is essential. Our rich tradition expresses itself within three general areas: community gatherings, pedagogy, and personal encounters in the various communities.

COMMUNIT Y GATHER INGS Regularly scheduled Chapels, including celebrations of religious and civic holidays and special school events, occur weekly. Convocations are community gatherings that highlight student activities and performances. The Chapel Committee, comprised of faculty,

24

www.palmertrinity.org

administration and student leaders, meets on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss, plan, and prepare the Chapel curriculum.

An annual survey of programs completed by the community will provide feedback for development of future plans. Engendering an atmosphere of inclusion for the diversity and values of the student body, including various religious and spiritual traditions, is seminal to the identity of our school. Collaborating with local dwellings of worship to celebrate the diversity of our community is an essential part of our tradition. PTS also participates in the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida and the National Association of Episcopal Schools.

As with all things English, there is a great history behind the notion of a “vestry”. Middle English vestrie, probably from Anglo-French *vesterie, alteration of Middle French vestiarie, from Medieval Latin vestiarium, from Latin, cupboard for storing clothes, from vestis garment; from its use as a robing room for the clergy. The first known use was in the 14th century. Today, the vestry of an Episcopal Church is an elective body in an Episcopal parish composed of the rector and a group of elected parishioners administering the temporal affairs of the parish. (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

With my support, junior Emily Himes is researching the vestries of other Episcopal Schools including: St. Alban’s School for Boys and National Cathedral School for Girls (Washington, D.C.) Episcopal High (Co-ed); Alexandria, Virginia St. Stephen’s School (Co-ed); Bradenton, Florida) St. Paul’s (Co-ed); Concord, New Hampshire

PEDAGOGY Palmer Trinity School students are required to select two one semester elective courses focused on the academic study of religion and philosophy. The goal is to foster each student’s intellectual

St. Paul’s (Boys and Girls School); Baltimore, Maryland Campbell Hall (Co-ed); Los Angeles, California

ABOVE: Students met with Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida Bishop Coadjutor candidates and their spouses during a visit to Palmer Trinity School; Students, faculty, and staff enjoy a lively salsa dance during Hispanic Heritage Month Convocation OPPOSITE PAGE: Chaplain Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini with Student Vestry Senior Warden Emily Himes ‘16

Her research collected from the schools will be compiled along with interviews from people who participated in Palmer Trinity School’s previous Vestry structure and accomplishments.

Emily will also discern how it functioned and why it no longer is in existence. Her report will be presented to the Chapel Committee and then to the Administration and Faculty.

Hopefully, Palmer Trinity will have a student vestry for the 2015-2016 school year that empowers student voices even more in our community.

Palmer Trinity is committed to an ethic of a question from the Baptismal covenant: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” (Book of Common Prayer 305) Working together with kindness and respect for one another as its core value, PTS will continue to be a community of learners enabling each other to be the best that he or she can be.

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New Horizons for Global Programming: Building PTS as a leading Global School Written by D R . M A N J U L A S A L O M O N , Global Scholar in Residence

Global is the way we all now live Reith Lectures, BBC 2011

Palmer Trinity School has taken the urgent responsibility to prepare students for their life and work as citizens and leaders in a global world. Global Education, therefore, is not optional; it is imperative. Certainly the school has certain starting advantages.

• We are situated in multicultural Miami, as reflected in both our faculty and student body – many of them bilingual and trilingual.

• We are a founding member of the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), a national institution of independent schools that have leading global programs.

In 2015, PTS will host the national conference for GEBG with about 200 schools expected.

• This year the Board and School have appointed a Global Scholar in Residence. This alone marks a school that has unfurled its sails to the powerful new winds of the global era.

• We have a new Head of School, a man whose gentle manner and warm personality hide institutional courage and political risk taking. This Head has a wide vision for teaching and learning.

In being intentional about Global Education, we set our horizons on four points on the global education compass.

TRAVEL

At Palmer Trinity School we see TRAVEL as the culminating and experiential part of our academic learning. Our Study Away and Travel Programs are in three categories with several options: Students may apply to live and attend school in France, Spain, Australia, Chile, New York City, Idaho, and Ecuador. Our Language and Civilization summer experiences in France and Spain support our language programs. As part of our Episcopal identity we offer Service-Partnerships experience in Nicaragua, Haiti and the Sioux reservation on the Cheyenne River. In the Middle School there is grade level experiential travel to the Everglades, music and drama performance, intercultural travel to Canada and more.

Our first priority has been risk mitigation and setting a protocol, which teachers will use across the board. We anticipate undertaking Travel Leader training, and writing or obtaining travel curriculum. The Reflection component is central to all our travel, so that we can reflect on not only what we can do but also how we change. Next year, we hope to travel to China with students. Our Head will travel, with 40 other Heads, to India and come back with a school partnership.

Six faculty and staff members took part in this year’s Nicaragua Mission Trip in the neighborhood of Chiquilistagua in Managua

TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR GLOBAL REALITIES

I was recruited at Accreditation time and I was immediately involved in curriculum work with several departments.

LEFT: Nine students and three faculty members traveled to Haiti to visit Palmer Trinity’s partner school in Lamecette; BELOW: Ryan Cheng, Ana Martinez-Oletta, Lucio Capilla, Alexandra Valladares, Mr. Chapman, and Ms. Paris visited Aix en Provence, Marseille, and Paris

• If we had a teacher profile, as we have a graduate profile, it would need to show the makings of a global American teacher – one who has a world minded approach to Curriculum, and who values multiple perspectives and yet maintains the clarity of one’s own values. To the usual qualities of skill and commitment and caring, I would add a sense of cosmopolitanism and unmistakable responsibility to other lives, “because we cannot be without them.”

• Our faculty engages an increasingly diverse student body. Most of us did not grow up in a global world, yet must teach and prepare students who were born into it. The faculty should be offered the highest quality of professional development opportunities.

THE WORLD IN OUR MIDST

• On December 17, 2014, President Obama announced the end of the embargo and the biggest rapprochement since the fall of the Berlin Wall began. (The silence in the websites of the Miami schools was very loud.) This week two initiatives began. The website now has a new header called GLOBAL UPDATE. Here’s the sweet part: the Grade 7 Global

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Connections class will write the headers for this Global Update once a week. The Head of School suggested that we also give attention to national and local news, and immediately, Miami was at the center of global, regional and local news.

• The second initiative is being negotiated among many people.

But FIU has suggested an undertaking of research with four of our teachers on the identity of Cuban Americans across several generations. This places Palmer Trinity School, ready or not, at the center of global learning.

GLOBAL CENTER

In the reconstruction of our campus, we would be far behind our peer leading schools if we did not have a multi-purpose area intentionally designated as the Palmer Trinity Global Center. This could well be a named Center for an alumnus, parent or patron in the global world of commerce or sports or politics or service.

It would be the site where we bring the world to PTS speakers, films, panels, celebrations. Parental investment in the school is striking. This area is where parents can assist the school.

Palmer Trinity School should be the leading global school in the area, training our youth in stepping into a global world. Again, this is an act of courage. We are not a stodgy school. If you want to waltz you don’t attend Palmer Trinity School, because here we rock and roll...

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New Horizons for Global Programming: Building PTS as a leading Global School Written by D R . M A N J U L A S A L O M O N , Global Scholar in Residence

Global is the way we all now live Reith Lectures, BBC 2011

Palmer Trinity School has taken the urgent responsibility to prepare students for their life and work as citizens and leaders in a global world. Global Education, therefore, is not optional; it is imperative. Certainly the school has certain starting advantages.

• We are situated in multicultural Miami, as reflected in both our faculty and student body – many of them bilingual and trilingual.

• We are a founding member of the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), a national institution of independent schools that have leading global programs.

In 2015, PTS will host the national conference for GEBG with about 200 schools expected.

• This year the Board and School have appointed a Global Scholar in Residence. This alone marks a school that has unfurled its sails to the powerful new winds of the global era.

• We have a new Head of School, a man whose gentle manner and warm personality hide institutional courage and political risk taking. This Head has a wide vision for teaching and learning.

In being intentional about Global Education, we set our horizons on four points on the global education compass.

TRAVEL

At Palmer Trinity School we see TRAVEL as the culminating and experiential part of our academic learning. Our Study Away and Travel Programs are in three categories with several options: Students may apply to live and attend school in France, Spain, Australia, Chile, New York City, Idaho, and Ecuador. Our Language and Civilization summer experiences in France and Spain support our language programs. As part of our Episcopal identity we offer Service-Partnerships experience in Nicaragua, Haiti and the Sioux reservation on the Cheyenne River. In the Middle School there is grade level experiential travel to the Everglades, music and drama performance, intercultural travel to Canada and more.

Our first priority has been risk mitigation and setting a protocol, which teachers will use across the board. We anticipate undertaking Travel Leader training, and writing or obtaining travel curriculum. The Reflection component is central to all our travel, so that we can reflect on not only what we can do but also how we change. Next year, we hope to travel to China with students. Our Head will travel, with 40 other Heads, to India and come back with a school partnership.

Six faculty and staff members took part in this year’s Nicaragua Mission Trip in the neighborhood of Chiquilistagua in Managua

TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR GLOBAL REALITIES

I was recruited at Accreditation time and I was immediately involved in curriculum work with several departments.

LEFT: Nine students and three faculty members traveled to Haiti to visit Palmer Trinity’s partner school in Lamecette; BELOW: Ryan Cheng, Ana Martinez-Oletta, Lucio Capilla, Alexandra Valladares, Mr. Chapman, and Ms. Paris visited Aix en Provence, Marseille, and Paris

• If we had a teacher profile, as we have a graduate profile, it would need to show the makings of a global American teacher – one who has a world minded approach to Curriculum, and who values multiple perspectives and yet maintains the clarity of one’s own values. To the usual qualities of skill and commitment and caring, I would add a sense of cosmopolitanism and unmistakable responsibility to other lives, “because we cannot be without them.”

• Our faculty engages an increasingly diverse student body. Most of us did not grow up in a global world, yet must teach and prepare students who were born into it. The faculty should be offered the highest quality of professional development opportunities.

THE WORLD IN OUR MIDST

• On December 17, 2014, President Obama announced the end of the embargo and the biggest rapprochement since the fall of the Berlin Wall began. (The silence in the websites of the Miami schools was very loud.) This week two initiatives began. The website now has a new header called GLOBAL UPDATE. Here’s the sweet part: the Grade 7 Global

26

www.palmertrinity.org

Connections class will write the headers for this Global Update once a week. The Head of School suggested that we also give attention to national and local news, and immediately, Miami was at the center of global, regional and local news.

• The second initiative is being negotiated among many people.

But FIU has suggested an undertaking of research with four of our teachers on the identity of Cuban Americans across several generations. This places Palmer Trinity School, ready or not, at the center of global learning.

GLOBAL CENTER

In the reconstruction of our campus, we would be far behind our peer leading schools if we did not have a multi-purpose area intentionally designated as the Palmer Trinity Global Center. This could well be a named Center for an alumnus, parent or patron in the global world of commerce or sports or politics or service.

It would be the site where we bring the world to PTS speakers, films, panels, celebrations. Parental investment in the school is striking. This area is where parents can assist the school.

Palmer Trinity School should be the leading global school in the area, training our youth in stepping into a global world. Again, this is an act of courage. We are not a stodgy school. If you want to waltz you don’t attend Palmer Trinity School, because here we rock and roll...

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PER SPEC T I V E S

“It’s not a faith in technology. It’s a faith in people.”

– S T E V E JOB S –

BALANCE IN THE CLASSROOM: OUR DUTY

We will need our students to be thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, and listeners forevermore, and teaching our students those skills is still our priority.

Yet, our pedagogical methods are adaptable, and our ideas can, and should, be more innovative.

For example, this semester, I decided to try a new approach with vocabulary. My goal with vocabulary lessons is for students to feel comfortable with a word after learning it; I want them to use it and make it their own. This is usually quite a challenge. So, I decided to try an assignment in which students would have to produce their own vocabulary videos. This assignment allowed for multiple styles of learning to occur at once visual, auditory, and tactile - and it was a great success.

Technology in the Classroom Written by D E E P J Y O T S I D H U , English Department

DURING THE COURSE OF MY LIFETIME, and in the midst of my own K-12 education, the Internet entered the home of nearly all Americans. I can remember using my family’s computer to “dial up” a connection in elementary school; just a few years later, I was refreshing my phone’s browser to view my term grades in college.

Within the past two decades, technology has transformed education and classrooms. A quick snapshot of Palmer Trinity shows technology boards instead of blackboards, video-conferencing with classrooms around the globe instead of pen-pals, access to millions of digital resources through our PTS library database instead of a limited selection on the shelves, and so much more. Information is at our fingertips and 28

www.palmertrinity.org

access is so readily available. The challenge turns to us as educators: how do we best prepare our students for our world one or two decades from now? How will that world look? What do our students need?

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: TOO RISKY OR WORTH THE RISK?

At the beginning of this semester, I held a session during our faculty professional development day entitled Technology in the Humanities Classroom. Many faculty members from both divisions and all subject areas attended. We agreed to attempt an inquiry-based approach, stemming from the question, “How can I enhance rather than replace my current pedagogical toolbox?” At the end of the session, we took time to

ABOVE, FROM TOP: Director of Technology Gus Sabogal hosts a class for PTS Faculty during Professional Day; Students in Mrs. Sidhu’s American Literature class use the Willboard to teach fellow classmates the vocabulary words OPPOSITE PAGE: Students in the 9th-Grade World History course host a Skype session with the creator of the Big History Project, historian Dr. David Christian

discuss the benefits and obstacles we have experienced when introducing new technology into our classes.

An obstacle which many teachers discussed was the risk of the effects that this technology may have on students’ comprehension, analytical, and critical thinking skills, in addition to its detrimental effects on their work habits, patience, and perseverance in the face of complex problems. There can be great cost, some said, in subscribing to the immediate accessibility our students have to information and answers; many become dependent on these shortcuts and use less of their own brains.

On the other hand, the benefits to introducing new technology in the classroom include the potential to enhance our instruction and student engagement, provide our students with more learning opportunities and marketable skills, and ultimately, prepare our students to use technology safely and smartly.

Technology is ever-increasing, and the more that we resist it, the more that we prevent our students from becoming thinkers, learners, risk-takers, and leaders who are in the forefront of their time.

In order to produce this video, students had to research each vocabulary word, decide how to “teach” it through using the word and depicting it with images and/or “gifs”, cite all research, and present it in a slideshow with voice-over narration. Although I explained that they would be graded on content and not on media skills, students recorded and re-recorded their videos to perfection. The perceived permanence of their work, with the additional element of presenting to the class, influenced them to work through the video with rapt attention. By the end of the assignment, after students had created videos and viewed one another’s, they had re-visited each word at least 25 times. Thus, without using any additional class time than I would have for any other vocabulary exercise, the learning objective was met, and the students enjoyed themselves; they learned to use the words and make them their own. And this one small example is one of many at our school.

I am inspired daily by my colleagues who are innovative and forward-thinking in their approaches to help shape our students to be at the forefront of what is to come. As Palmer Trinity educators, we have the great joy of teaching such wonderful young men and women. We have a tremendous duty to shape them to be ready for the ever-changing and ever-evolving world. Onwards and upwards!

S P R I N G 2 015

29

PER SPEC T I V E S

“It’s not a faith in technology. It’s a faith in people.”

– S T E V E JOB S –

BALANCE IN THE CLASSROOM: OUR DUTY

We will need our students to be thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, and listeners forevermore, and teaching our students those skills is still our priority.

Yet, our pedagogical methods are adaptable, and our ideas can, and should, be more innovative.

For example, this semester, I decided to try a new approach with vocabulary. My goal with vocabulary lessons is for students to feel comfortable with a word after learning it; I want them to use it and make it their own. This is usually quite a challenge. So, I decided to try an assignment in which students would have to produce their own vocabulary videos. This assignment allowed for multiple styles of learning to occur at once visual, auditory, and tactile - and it was a great success.

Technology in the Classroom Written by D E E P J Y O T S I D H U , English Department

DURING THE COURSE OF MY LIFETIME, and in the midst of my own K-12 education, the Internet entered the home of nearly all Americans. I can remember using my family’s computer to “dial up” a connection in elementary school; just a few years later, I was refreshing my phone’s browser to view my term grades in college.

Within the past two decades, technology has transformed education and classrooms. A quick snapshot of Palmer Trinity shows technology boards instead of blackboards, video-conferencing with classrooms around the globe instead of pen-pals, access to millions of digital resources through our PTS library database instead of a limited selection on the shelves, and so much more. Information is at our fingertips and 28

www.palmertrinity.org

access is so readily available. The challenge turns to us as educators: how do we best prepare our students for our world one or two decades from now? How will that world look? What do our students need?

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: TOO RISKY OR WORTH THE RISK?

At the beginning of this semester, I held a session during our faculty professional development day entitled Technology in the Humanities Classroom. Many faculty members from both divisions and all subject areas attended. We agreed to attempt an inquiry-based approach, stemming from the question, “How can I enhance rather than replace my current pedagogical toolbox?” At the end of the session, we took time to

ABOVE, FROM TOP: Director of Technology Gus Sabogal hosts a class for PTS Faculty during Professional Day; Students in Mrs. Sidhu’s American Literature class use the Willboard to teach fellow classmates the vocabulary words OPPOSITE PAGE: Students in the 9th-Grade World History course host a Skype session with the creator of the Big History Project, historian Dr. David Christian

discuss the benefits and obstacles we have experienced when introducing new technology into our classes.

An obstacle which many teachers discussed was the risk of the effects that this technology may have on students’ comprehension, analytical, and critical thinking skills, in addition to its detrimental effects on their work habits, patience, and perseverance in the face of complex problems. There can be great cost, some said, in subscribing to the immediate accessibility our students have to information and answers; many become dependent on these shortcuts and use less of their own brains.

On the other hand, the benefits to introducing new technology in the classroom include the potential to enhance our instruction and student engagement, provide our students with more learning opportunities and marketable skills, and ultimately, prepare our students to use technology safely and smartly.

Technology is ever-increasing, and the more that we resist it, the more that we prevent our students from becoming thinkers, learners, risk-takers, and leaders who are in the forefront of their time.

In order to produce this video, students had to research each vocabulary word, decide how to “teach” it through using the word and depicting it with images and/or “gifs”, cite all research, and present it in a slideshow with voice-over narration. Although I explained that they would be graded on content and not on media skills, students recorded and re-recorded their videos to perfection. The perceived permanence of their work, with the additional element of presenting to the class, influenced them to work through the video with rapt attention. By the end of the assignment, after students had created videos and viewed one another’s, they had re-visited each word at least 25 times. Thus, without using any additional class time than I would have for any other vocabulary exercise, the learning objective was met, and the students enjoyed themselves; they learned to use the words and make them their own. And this one small example is one of many at our school.

I am inspired daily by my colleagues who are innovative and forward-thinking in their approaches to help shape our students to be at the forefront of what is to come. As Palmer Trinity educators, we have the great joy of teaching such wonderful young men and women. We have a tremendous duty to shape them to be ready for the ever-changing and ever-evolving world. Onwards and upwards!

S P R I N G 2 015

29

PER SPEC T I V E S

Country Music, Anyone?

Written by C A T H Y B L A C K B U R N , English Department

I happen to be a country music enthusiast, and when I was told that we were writing a country song, I became overcome with happiness. I loved the fact that I was going to be able to write a country song, because country music tells a story about something, and ultimately I was able to tell my own story. MICHA EL GR AV IER

The pencil in my left hand could not keep up with the cascading thoughts in my mind as I scribbled the first draft of my song. I played with the lyrics and moved verses up and down, mirroring the frustrations of a songwriter.

It was a puzzle that I solved after several drafts. STEPHA NIE GR EENFIELD

Mrs. Blackburn told me I had to write a country song. I hate country music. This was going to be interesting. The first day I decided to sit down and begin to work on the song, I was absolutely frozen.

Blocked. I didn’t know what to do, what to write about, what to say. I had no other option: I had to listen to some country music. Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Zach Brown Band began to fill my room with noise. PABLO PEDROSO

I was surprised to find that my best work didn’t come when I was trying to write, but rather when I was focused on something else entirely. LEO JONES

I was finally content with my work. It led me to the realization that my best work is created when I care about the topic at hand. A LE SOTO

The repetition of ‘American Dream’ in my song and the American qualities of dedication and perseverance portrayed in the story make my song distinctly American.

Although frustrating at times, the process of writing my country song proved to be a liberating experience that truly broadened my creative limits. A LYSSA LEV Y

STEPHA NIE GR EENFIELD

I sang my song to all my friends and they loved it. My whole soccer team would always sing it during practices or before games. I was also surprised when I heard someone singing it in the hallway. TIA NNA SCHIAPPA PIETR A I discovered that if you can enjoy an assignment, your creativity will take over and create a piece filled with parts of yourself. NATA LIA BENCHLOUCH By seeing the end result, I also came to realize that the saying, “Good writing takes time” is in fact true. A NDR EA GONZ A LEZ This song revealed that I can achieve anything if I just put my heart and effort into it. V ICTORIA ROSA LES I did not expect to have fun doing this assignment, but at one point, I forgot that it was actually an assignment with a due date. I felt as though I was just writing for myself. HOPE MOR A LES

“IT’S HARD TO FIND COUNTRY IN THE 305”

by Emily Himes

IN LATE SEPTEMBER I told the students in my three sections of Honors English 11/10 American Literature that they would be creating the lyrics of a country song. I wanted to offer them something new — an assignment that would encourage them to challenge any preconceived notions they may have had about this particular genre of music. I also wanted them to confront any doubts they may have had in their ability to see a particular creative process through to a satisfying conclusion.

Perhaps most of all, I wanted them to have the chance to tell another of their own “American stories,” this time in song, and to have fun in the process. The lyrics the students composed — and ultimately their reflections about the unique creative processes they followed in order to bring their songs to fruition — became the third and fourth pieces in our year-long series of “Living in America” writing assignments.

As I had anticipated, my initial announcement of the country music project met with mixed reactions. I read in the faces of the students various degrees of surprise and apprehension, as well as frustration and (thankfully) glee. The weeks of the fall semester continued to turn, and gradually as the students and I received updates and “state of the lyrics” reports about the songs in-process, we became more and more excited to see the final pieces.

Because writing is almost always a process of discovery — a way of opening and exploring thought — I ask my students to answer 30

www.palmertrinity.org

a set of “Postwrite” questions each time they complete a new composition. Responding to these questions is a metacognitive process, a way of “thinking about thinking,” a kind of selfassessment. And so it was that on December 2 when the students had put the finishing touches on the lyrics of their country songs, I asked them to consider the following Postwrite questions: • What did you discover while you were in the process of writing your song?

• Did you learn or relearn anything about language — about America — about yourself?

• Do you see yourself writing another country song sometime in the future?”

Although I always have high expectations for the work my students create, many of the lyrics they crafted far exceeded what I had imagined and hoped for them. A number of the students also chose to a write a melody line for their songs, and some of them produced music videos. Who knows? We may eventually see the names of former Palmer Trinity students in the “lights” of Nashville.

Among the many burgeoning country music lyricists who live among us are Emily Himes and Catherine Dos Santos Alves. I am proud to celebrate two of their stories in song, “It’s Hard to Find Country in the 305” and “That Next Somewhere.”

I’m from the southernmost part of the USA, But it’s a long way from the South.

When somebody asks, “What’s your favorite song?”

No one knows what I’m talking about.

Oh, I like living in the Sunshine State, It’s where everybody wants to be, But sunshine and breezes, parties and beaches Don’t add up to the mountains of Tennessee.

CHORUS Calle Ocho, South Beach and Disneyworld Ain’t that special to a country girl.

I miss Nashville every day I’m alive.

It’s hard to find country in the 305.

Some folks are country down to their core From their cowboy hats to their boots on the floor.

I couldn’t be that way even if I tried, But I do like to show some American pride.

Don’t get me wrong, I truly feel at ease

Among the pelicans, the peacocks, and the manatees, But there’s only one place that I’d rather be And that’s hearing country music up in Tennessee.

the moon to my right and one more night, planes overhead, and I brace myself.

I stand up, I shake it off.

That next somewhere, I’m almost there.

My eyes are set and I can’t wait.

All I want is there, and all I need is me.

And I might change my mind once or twice along the way because the journey is long — but I will not be swayed.

Certainty is a rare gift, less common than common sense.

I don’t possess it, but I believe in all my thoughts, all my words, all my senses.

(Repeat Chorus) No one here likes a country song.

They look at me like I’m crazy when I sing along.

They don’t understand it’s what keeps me alive.

It’s hard to find country in the 305.

“THAT NEXT SOMEWHERE”

by Catherine Dos Santos Alves There are parts of me that I haven’t seen in a while.

I’m sick of all the pretense and all the reasons why.

When I’m quiet, you wonder, if I speak out, it’s too much.

No more staying quiet now. I can’t wait much longer.

Finally, I’m moving on.

CHORUS All I want, all I need is morning air and time to heal —

(Repeat Chorus) They say time heals all wounds, then why aren’t I done?

Everything’s aching, but at least I still stand, and my one Great Perhaps will not wait.

(Repeat Chorus) S P R I N G 2 015

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PER SPEC T I V E S

Country Music, Anyone?

Written by C A T H Y B L A C K B U R N , English Department

I happen to be a country music enthusiast, and when I was told that we were writing a country song, I became overcome with happiness. I loved the fact that I was going to be able to write a country song, because country music tells a story about something, and ultimately I was able to tell my own story. MICHA EL GR AV IER

The pencil in my left hand could not keep up with the cascading thoughts in my mind as I scribbled the first draft of my song. I played with the lyrics and moved verses up and down, mirroring the frustrations of a songwriter.

It was a puzzle that I solved after several drafts. STEPHA NIE GR EENFIELD

Mrs. Blackburn told me I had to write a country song. I hate country music. This was going to be interesting. The first day I decided to sit down and begin to work on the song, I was absolutely frozen.

Blocked. I didn’t know what to do, what to write about, what to say. I had no other option: I had to listen to some country music. Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Zach Brown Band began to fill my room with noise. PABLO PEDROSO

I was surprised to find that my best work didn’t come when I was trying to write, but rather when I was focused on something else entirely. LEO JONES

I was finally content with my work. It led me to the realization that my best work is created when I care about the topic at hand. A LE SOTO

The repetition of ‘American Dream’ in my song and the American qualities of dedication and perseverance portrayed in the story make my song distinctly American.

Although frustrating at times, the process of writing my country song proved to be a liberating experience that truly broadened my creative limits. A LYSSA LEV Y

STEPHA NIE GR EENFIELD

I sang my song to all my friends and they loved it. My whole soccer team would always sing it during practices or before games. I was also surprised when I heard someone singing it in the hallway. TIA NNA SCHIAPPA PIETR A I discovered that if you can enjoy an assignment, your creativity will take over and create a piece filled with parts of yourself. NATA LIA BENCHLOUCH By seeing the end result, I also came to realize that the saying, “Good writing takes time” is in fact true. A NDR EA GONZ A LEZ This song revealed that I can achieve anything if I just put my heart and effort into it. V ICTORIA ROSA LES I did not expect to have fun doing this assignment, but at one point, I forgot that it was actually an assignment with a due date. I felt as though I was just writing for myself. HOPE MOR A LES

“IT’S HARD TO FIND COUNTRY IN THE 305”

by Emily Himes

IN LATE SEPTEMBER I told the students in my three sections of Honors English 11/10 American Literature that they would be creating the lyrics of a country song. I wanted to offer them something new — an assignment that would encourage them to challenge any preconceived notions they may have had about this particular genre of music. I also wanted them to confront any doubts they may have had in their ability to see a particular creative process through to a satisfying conclusion.

Perhaps most of all, I wanted them to have the chance to tell another of their own “American stories,” this time in song, and to have fun in the process. The lyrics the students composed — and ultimately their reflections about the unique creative processes they followed in order to bring their songs to fruition — became the third and fourth pieces in our year-long series of “Living in America” writing assignments.

As I had anticipated, my initial announcement of the country music project met with mixed reactions. I read in the faces of the students various degrees of surprise and apprehension, as well as frustration and (thankfully) glee. The weeks of the fall semester continued to turn, and gradually as the students and I received updates and “state of the lyrics” reports about the songs in-process, we became more and more excited to see the final pieces.

Because writing is almost always a process of discovery — a way of opening and exploring thought — I ask my students to answer 30

www.palmertrinity.org

a set of “Postwrite” questions each time they complete a new composition. Responding to these questions is a metacognitive process, a way of “thinking about thinking,” a kind of selfassessment. And so it was that on December 2 when the students had put the finishing touches on the lyrics of their country songs, I asked them to consider the following Postwrite questions: • What did you discover while you were in the process of writing your song?

• Did you learn or relearn anything about language — about America — about yourself?

• Do you see yourself writing another country song sometime in the future?”

Although I always have high expectations for the work my students create, many of the lyrics they crafted far exceeded what I had imagined and hoped for them. A number of the students also chose to a write a melody line for their songs, and some of them produced music videos. Who knows? We may eventually see the names of former Palmer Trinity students in the “lights” of Nashville.

Among the many burgeoning country music lyricists who live among us are Emily Himes and Catherine Dos Santos Alves. I am proud to celebrate two of their stories in song, “It’s Hard to Find Country in the 305” and “That Next Somewhere.”

I’m from the southernmost part of the USA, But it’s a long way from the South.

When somebody asks, “What’s your favorite song?”

No one knows what I’m talking about.

Oh, I like living in the Sunshine State, It’s where everybody wants to be, But sunshine and breezes, parties and beaches Don’t add up to the mountains of Tennessee.

CHORUS Calle Ocho, South Beach and Disneyworld Ain’t that special to a country girl.

I miss Nashville every day I’m alive.

It’s hard to find country in the 305.

Some folks are country down to their core From their cowboy hats to their boots on the floor.

I couldn’t be that way even if I tried, But I do like to show some American pride.

Don’t get me wrong, I truly feel at ease

Among the pelicans, the peacocks, and the manatees, But there’s only one place that I’d rather be And that’s hearing country music up in Tennessee.

the moon to my right and one more night, planes overhead, and I brace myself.

I stand up, I shake it off.

That next somewhere, I’m almost there.

My eyes are set and I can’t wait.

All I want is there, and all I need is me.

And I might change my mind once or twice along the way because the journey is long — but I will not be swayed.

Certainty is a rare gift, less common than common sense.

I don’t possess it, but I believe in all my thoughts, all my words, all my senses.

(Repeat Chorus) No one here likes a country song.

They look at me like I’m crazy when I sing along.

They don’t understand it’s what keeps me alive.

It’s hard to find country in the 305.

“THAT NEXT SOMEWHERE”

by Catherine Dos Santos Alves There are parts of me that I haven’t seen in a while.

I’m sick of all the pretense and all the reasons why.

When I’m quiet, you wonder, if I speak out, it’s too much.

No more staying quiet now. I can’t wait much longer.

Finally, I’m moving on.

CHORUS All I want, all I need is morning air and time to heal —

(Repeat Chorus) They say time heals all wounds, then why aren’t I done?

Everything’s aching, but at least I still stand, and my one Great Perhaps will not wait.

(Repeat Chorus) S P R I N G 2 015

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PER SPEC T I V E S

THIS PAGE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Anderson and fellow classmates in Baeza, Andalucía during his masters program in 2003; Anderson at age 7 in Trinidad and Tobago with his two brothers; Anderson and two of his ESL students at Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota

The Importance of Language in Expanding Horizons

OPPOSITE PAGE: Mr. Stewart goes over an assignment with middle school Spanish students

Written by A N D E R S O N A . S T E W A R T , World Languages Department

THE A MERICAN COUNCIL FOR THE TEACHING OF FOR EIGN LANGUAGES (ACTFL) DEFINES ITS V ISION AS A “belie[f] that language and communication are at the heart of the human experience, that the U.S. must nurture and develop indigenous, immigrant, and world language resources, and that the U.S. must educate students to be linguistically and culturally prepared to function as world citizens…” I believe strongly that this perspective is what undergirds the primary mission of all language teachers. When one chooses to study another language, one chooses by default to learn a new culture, a new or different way of living. Such an opportunity leads us to make meaningful connections, both personal and professional, that enable 32

www.palmertrinity.org

us to broaden our horizons and expand our individual notions of the so-called “Other.”

Beyond the obvious reasons that one would have for undertaking the study of a new language, to wit: exploring new texts, communicating with others in their native tongue, and experiencing a new way of living, foreign language study also permits one to embark on a circuitous journey of self-discovery. With the study of a new language comes a great deal of analysis and reflection. This stems from a process of constant second-guessing and auto-correction inherent to such a venture. And from this, arises a greater awareness of one’s place and impact in his/her social milieu. Navigating multiple languages compels one to cultivate this understanding.

As a speaker of multiple languages, I am often

amazed at how much I impact the lives of others through language. At the same time, I have to remember to choose my words carefully, understanding that there is no such thing as a careless phrase. Moreover, I am even more acutely aware of such things like audience, tone, and register, recognizing that in order to communicate effectively, I must be able to adapt my message to suit its particular circumstance.

I came to the United States in February of 1994, during the carnival season. I mention this as I find it an appropriate description of my life for the first few months here in the U.S. Though I am a native English speaker, I became immediately aware that my relationship with my own language was indeed quite different from that of my peers. It seemed as

if the world had been capsized literally, and everything that I had mastered in my own language suddenly became useless. The first couple of months were filled with constant explanations of the meanings of certain words and expressions that were quite unfamiliar to me, foreign even, and needless to say, I spent a lot of time and energy trying, sometimes, in vain, to explain concepts with which I had dwelled for the first twelve years of my life.

Gradually, I began to learn the new lingo and was able to, through imitation I should admit, speak like the “other Americans.” Though I was assimilating, in a deliberate fashion, this new culture that I would eventually come to regard as my own, my family, especially my mother, was adamant that we not forget the culture we had left behind. In

essence, I had to become bi-cultural, and I began unconsciously a constant process of negotiation and, sometimes, unsuccessful reconciliation between these two cultures.

With each encounter that challenges my notion of how things are or how I may think they should be, I recognize that I am afforded the opportunity to evolve as an individual.

As I have matured, I have learned to accept the occasional dissonance that results from living between two cultures. This has inculcated in me an understanding of the importance of being adaptable. I would like to think that I can make the best of any situation regardless of how uncomfortable it may become. Perhaps this is why I have always been a successful student of foreign languages and cultures.

Such an endeavor provides me the opportunity re-create myself on a daily basis, and as well, I am afforded the privilege to engage with other people who see the world differently from me. I crave these experiences selfishly.

In my daily role as a foreign language educator I strive to re-create these same opportunities for my students. In keeping with ACTFL’s vision, I find it important, necessary even, to challenge their notions of culture and otherness so that they may become better-informed global citizens.

At the very least, it is my hope that they will actively seek out opportunities to engage with the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable, something that is innate in foreign language study.

Expanding one’s horizons through language is not an easy task. One has to tarry a long time in order to find sustained success. However, difficult as it may be, it is always a rewarding venture.

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PER SPEC T I V E S

THIS PAGE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Anderson and fellow classmates in Baeza, Andalucía during his masters program in 2003; Anderson at age 7 in Trinidad and Tobago with his two brothers; Anderson and two of his ESL students at Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota

The Importance of Language in Expanding Horizons

OPPOSITE PAGE: Mr. Stewart goes over an assignment with middle school Spanish students

Written by A N D E R S O N A . S T E W A R T , World Languages Department

THE A MERICAN COUNCIL FOR THE TEACHING OF FOR EIGN LANGUAGES (ACTFL) DEFINES ITS V ISION AS A “belie[f] that language and communication are at the heart of the human experience, that the U.S. must nurture and develop indigenous, immigrant, and world language resources, and that the U.S. must educate students to be linguistically and culturally prepared to function as world citizens…” I believe strongly that this perspective is what undergirds the primary mission of all language teachers. When one chooses to study another language, one chooses by default to learn a new culture, a new or different way of living. Such an opportunity leads us to make meaningful connections, both personal and professional, that enable 32

www.palmertrinity.org

us to broaden our horizons and expand our individual notions of the so-called “Other.”

Beyond the obvious reasons that one would have for undertaking the study of a new language, to wit: exploring new texts, communicating with others in their native tongue, and experiencing a new way of living, foreign language study also permits one to embark on a circuitous journey of self-discovery. With the study of a new language comes a great deal of analysis and reflection. This stems from a process of constant second-guessing and auto-correction inherent to such a venture. And from this, arises a greater awareness of one’s place and impact in his/her social milieu. Navigating multiple languages compels one to cultivate this understanding.

As a speaker of multiple languages, I am often

amazed at how much I impact the lives of others through language. At the same time, I have to remember to choose my words carefully, understanding that there is no such thing as a careless phrase. Moreover, I am even more acutely aware of such things like audience, tone, and register, recognizing that in order to communicate effectively, I must be able to adapt my message to suit its particular circumstance.

I came to the United States in February of 1994, during the carnival season. I mention this as I find it an appropriate description of my life for the first few months here in the U.S. Though I am a native English speaker, I became immediately aware that my relationship with my own language was indeed quite different from that of my peers. It seemed as

if the world had been capsized literally, and everything that I had mastered in my own language suddenly became useless. The first couple of months were filled with constant explanations of the meanings of certain words and expressions that were quite unfamiliar to me, foreign even, and needless to say, I spent a lot of time and energy trying, sometimes, in vain, to explain concepts with which I had dwelled for the first twelve years of my life.

Gradually, I began to learn the new lingo and was able to, through imitation I should admit, speak like the “other Americans.” Though I was assimilating, in a deliberate fashion, this new culture that I would eventually come to regard as my own, my family, especially my mother, was adamant that we not forget the culture we had left behind. In

essence, I had to become bi-cultural, and I began unconsciously a constant process of negotiation and, sometimes, unsuccessful reconciliation between these two cultures.

With each encounter that challenges my notion of how things are or how I may think they should be, I recognize that I am afforded the opportunity to evolve as an individual.

As I have matured, I have learned to accept the occasional dissonance that results from living between two cultures. This has inculcated in me an understanding of the importance of being adaptable. I would like to think that I can make the best of any situation regardless of how uncomfortable it may become. Perhaps this is why I have always been a successful student of foreign languages and cultures.

Such an endeavor provides me the opportunity re-create myself on a daily basis, and as well, I am afforded the privilege to engage with other people who see the world differently from me. I crave these experiences selfishly.

In my daily role as a foreign language educator I strive to re-create these same opportunities for my students. In keeping with ACTFL’s vision, I find it important, necessary even, to challenge their notions of culture and otherness so that they may become better-informed global citizens.

At the very least, it is my hope that they will actively seek out opportunities to engage with the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable, something that is innate in foreign language study.

Expanding one’s horizons through language is not an easy task. One has to tarry a long time in order to find sustained success. However, difficult as it may be, it is always a rewarding venture.

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PER SPEC T I V E S

Partners in Education Written by D R . L E O P O L D O L L I N Á S , Director of Environmental Stewardship

TO IMPROV E OUR SCHOOL COMMUNIT Y – to make it a place where students develop high standards of character and scholarship, a passion for learning, a global perspective, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility – takes a lot of work. As educators, we know all too well that we can’t do it alone. The ability to partner effectively with other individuals and organizations – both inside and outside the school – is absolutely essential to prepare our students for success in today’s world.

I first learned the value of working together as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. With a group of other volunteers from across the United States, together we did what none of us could have done alone, to build simple, decent, and safe houses for families in Ethiopia who lacked adequate shelter.

For the past seven years, Adrianna Truby and I have led week-long excursions of student volunteers from Palmer Trinity School to work in Managua, Nicaragua and its surrounding communities. Students experienced life changing events. We built simple houses, financially supported Club Cristiano La Esperanza, taught dental hygiene, and worked with abused boys and girls in two rescue homes.

We did all this and more with generous donations and strategic partnerships. The school community helped, parents donated money and materials, students and staff donated labor, and our partner in Nicaragua, Open Hearts Ministries, coordinated the logistics. The partnerships of the Nicaragua Service Experience provided us the capacity to achieve what might not otherwise have been possible.

FROM LEFT: Nestor de la Cruz ‘15 participates in authentic research at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; Susanna Albarran ‘15 climbs Table Rock Mountain, NC with Curtis Lary ‘17 on belay for safety; Dr. Llinás donates supplies to locals during the 2014 Cambodia Program supported by GEBG

FROM LEFT: Connor Milton ‘15 learns modern propagation techniques used

by Fairchild’s researchers; Ana MartinezOletta ‘16 restores a beach in Virginia Key, FL with MUVE; Eco Club students display water conservation posters for Dream in Green’s Green Schools Challenge

EVERGLADES FOUNDATION

GLOBAL EDUCATION BENCHMARK GROUP

The Everglades Restoration Curriculum was designed to help raise awareness about America’s most important wetland ecosystem and to introduce students to key aspects of the Everglades ecosystem including its watershed, endangered species, water conservation and other topics. www.evergladesfoundation.org

GEBG promotes the development of global citizens in independent schools and beyond through global curriculum, experiences, and institutional support. It also organizes professional development institutes for teachers interested in connecting their curriculum to world affairs. www.gebg.org

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN // FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE

PATRICIA AND PHILLIP FROST SCIENCE MUSEUM // MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

NORTH CAROLINA OUTWARD BOUND

The 9th grade Outward Bound experience off the west coast of Florida in Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge provides challenging opportunities in unfamiliar settings where students step outside their comfort zones to discover their true potential. www.ncobs.org

SOME OTHER SIGNIFICANT PARTNERSHIPS INCLUDE THE FOLLOW ING PRESTIGIOUS ENTITIES: ACADEMY OF AGENTS OF CHANGE

Lonesome George & Co., an apparel company from Ecuador, provided funding as well as scholarships to launch the Academy of Agents of Change at Palmer Trinity. The Academy empowers idealistic young people with the necessary skills and experiences to design and launch their own ventures for social change. www.lonesomegeorge.net/academy BREAKTHROUGH MIAMI

Breakthrough Miami partnered with us to equip motivated middle school 34

www.palmertrinity.org

students from underserved communities with the skills they need to achieve their most ambitious goals in life. Their studentsteaching-students internship has engaged outstanding Palmer Trinity students as teachers, mentors and role models. www.breakthroughmiami.org

Exhibit, the diverse works of our student artists were displayed at this cultural landmark. www.deeringestate.com

DREAM IN GREEN DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER

Deering Estate at Cutler partnered with our educators to prepare 8th grade students for their 9th grade Outward Bound wilderness expeditions using the natural resources of this historic site. Also, during the Youth Arts

Through Dream in Green’s Green Schools Challenge, our students and staff are directly involved in designing and implementing energy and environmental solutions at our school. dreamingreen.org

The Fairchild Challenge is an interdisciplinary, environmental science competition designed to engage students to explore the natural world. The program empowers students to become the next generation of scientists, researchers, educated voters, policy makers, and environmentally-minded citizens. www.fairchildgarden.org/Education/ The-Fairchild-Challenge

Museum Volunteers for the Environment, or MUVE, is the Patricia and Phillip Frost Science Museum’s volunteer based restoration project.

MUVE uses social media, eco-art, and science exhibits to engage local residents to restore coastal habitats that once thrived in Miami. www.miamisci.org/muve/

R.J. DUNLAP MARINE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The program provides students with exhilarating, hands-on learning experiences in marine biology by taking high school students into the field to participate in shark research. rjd.miami.edu

Effective partnerships, created by individual parties who believe they can better achieve their goals by working together, combine resources to enable them to meet larger and often more complex challenges. Palmer Trinity’s educational partners have helped to prepare students, making them participants and contributors, not just inhabitants, for the thriving global community that awaits them.

S P R I N G 2 015

35

PER SPEC T I V E S

Partners in Education Written by D R . L E O P O L D O L L I N Á S , Director of Environmental Stewardship

TO IMPROV E OUR SCHOOL COMMUNIT Y – to make it a place where students develop high standards of character and scholarship, a passion for learning, a global perspective, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility – takes a lot of work. As educators, we know all too well that we can’t do it alone. The ability to partner effectively with other individuals and organizations – both inside and outside the school – is absolutely essential to prepare our students for success in today’s world.

I first learned the value of working together as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. With a group of other volunteers from across the United States, together we did what none of us could have done alone, to build simple, decent, and safe houses for families in Ethiopia who lacked adequate shelter.

For the past seven years, Adrianna Truby and I have led week-long excursions of student volunteers from Palmer Trinity School to work in Managua, Nicaragua and its surrounding communities. Students experienced life changing events. We built simple houses, financially supported Club Cristiano La Esperanza, taught dental hygiene, and worked with abused boys and girls in two rescue homes.

We did all this and more with generous donations and strategic partnerships. The school community helped, parents donated money and materials, students and staff donated labor, and our partner in Nicaragua, Open Hearts Ministries, coordinated the logistics. The partnerships of the Nicaragua Service Experience provided us the capacity to achieve what might not otherwise have been possible.

FROM LEFT: Nestor de la Cruz ‘15 participates in authentic research at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; Susanna Albarran ‘15 climbs Table Rock Mountain, NC with Curtis Lary ‘17 on belay for safety; Dr. Llinás donates supplies to locals during the 2014 Cambodia Program supported by GEBG

FROM LEFT: Connor Milton ‘15 learns modern propagation techniques used

by Fairchild’s researchers; Ana MartinezOletta ‘16 restores a beach in Virginia Key, FL with MUVE; Eco Club students display water conservation posters for Dream in Green’s Green Schools Challenge

EVERGLADES FOUNDATION

GLOBAL EDUCATION BENCHMARK GROUP

The Everglades Restoration Curriculum was designed to help raise awareness about America’s most important wetland ecosystem and to introduce students to key aspects of the Everglades ecosystem including its watershed, endangered species, water conservation and other topics. www.evergladesfoundation.org

GEBG promotes the development of global citizens in independent schools and beyond through global curriculum, experiences, and institutional support. It also organizes professional development institutes for teachers interested in connecting their curriculum to world affairs. www.gebg.org

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN // FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE

PATRICIA AND PHILLIP FROST SCIENCE MUSEUM // MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

NORTH CAROLINA OUTWARD BOUND

The 9th grade Outward Bound experience off the west coast of Florida in Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge provides challenging opportunities in unfamiliar settings where students step outside their comfort zones to discover their true potential. www.ncobs.org

SOME OTHER SIGNIFICANT PARTNERSHIPS INCLUDE THE FOLLOW ING PRESTIGIOUS ENTITIES: ACADEMY OF AGENTS OF CHANGE

Lonesome George & Co., an apparel company from Ecuador, provided funding as well as scholarships to launch the Academy of Agents of Change at Palmer Trinity. The Academy empowers idealistic young people with the necessary skills and experiences to design and launch their own ventures for social change. www.lonesomegeorge.net/academy BREAKTHROUGH MIAMI

Breakthrough Miami partnered with us to equip motivated middle school 34

www.palmertrinity.org

students from underserved communities with the skills they need to achieve their most ambitious goals in life. Their studentsteaching-students internship has engaged outstanding Palmer Trinity students as teachers, mentors and role models. www.breakthroughmiami.org

Exhibit, the diverse works of our student artists were displayed at this cultural landmark. www.deeringestate.com

DREAM IN GREEN DEERING ESTATE AT CUTLER

Deering Estate at Cutler partnered with our educators to prepare 8th grade students for their 9th grade Outward Bound wilderness expeditions using the natural resources of this historic site. Also, during the Youth Arts

Through Dream in Green’s Green Schools Challenge, our students and staff are directly involved in designing and implementing energy and environmental solutions at our school. dreamingreen.org

The Fairchild Challenge is an interdisciplinary, environmental science competition designed to engage students to explore the natural world. The program empowers students to become the next generation of scientists, researchers, educated voters, policy makers, and environmentally-minded citizens. www.fairchildgarden.org/Education/ The-Fairchild-Challenge

Museum Volunteers for the Environment, or MUVE, is the Patricia and Phillip Frost Science Museum’s volunteer based restoration project.

MUVE uses social media, eco-art, and science exhibits to engage local residents to restore coastal habitats that once thrived in Miami. www.miamisci.org/muve/

R.J. DUNLAP MARINE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The program provides students with exhilarating, hands-on learning experiences in marine biology by taking high school students into the field to participate in shark research. rjd.miami.edu

Effective partnerships, created by individual parties who believe they can better achieve their goals by working together, combine resources to enable them to meet larger and often more complex challenges. Palmer Trinity’s educational partners have helped to prepare students, making them participants and contributors, not just inhabitants, for the thriving global community that awaits them.

S P R I N G 2 015

35

1974

AlumNews

class notes

Class Notes strengthen the connection of our Alumni community to their classmates and Palmer Trinity School. Thank you for sending us your news, announcements, pictures, and general updates. Thanks especially to our Class Agents, who volunteer to serve as a liaison between the school and the entire Class. This is a fun way to stay connected and make a difference to our Alumni community.

To find out more about serving as a Class Agent, please contact Lauren Dowlen, Director of Alumni Relations, at ldowlen@palmertrinity.org or 305-969-4282. Special thanks to Alumni Board members Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 and John Malloy ‘85 for their support in reaching out to Class Agents this year.

Lauren Dowlen, Director of Alumni Relations (305) 969 4282 | ldowlen@palmertrinity.org

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

Class Agents as of 4/5/15 1973

DAVID WOOD

1990

mdavidwood@comcast.net 1974

JULIE (COLEMAN) MANSFIELD

PETER BAUMBERGER

2004 CORINA (LOPEZ) MINERA

psb@rbrlaw.com 1991

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1992

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

cminera@ymail.com LISA (MIGLIACCIO) HAYNES

lisanmig@yahoo.com

juliemansfield@comcast.net 1975

CLASS AGENT NEEDED 1993

1976

hesstang@aol.com 1994 1977

1978

baumberger16@gmail.com

cazfla@aol.com

CAMPBELL WALKER

1979

LORI (FOGEL) LA FORGIA

ljlaforgia@gmail.com 1980

1995 1996

psports@bellsouth.net 1982

lynley3@gmail.com 1997

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1998

BRIAN GERSHEN

briangershen@gmail.com

tracy@martintabor.com

NATHAN ZEDER

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1984

BETH (MOSKOWITZ) LAZAR

nathan@allmiamirealestate.com 1999

JOHN MALLOY

seklock@gmail.com

1986

JOELLE (WAGSHUL) STEINBERG

2001

1987

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1988

ELENA (ESSEN) ENDARA

partyuv5@bellsouth.net 1989

SCOTT SHELFER

scott@exactaland.com

36

www.palmertrinity.org

2002

1977

Craig Zimmett shares: “Our daughter, Alissa, is graduating cum laude from the University of Florida in May. She’s receiving a BFA in Acting with a minor in Education. The sky’s the limit for her; Donna and I are very proud!”

1980

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Lauren Dowlen in the Alumni Office if you are interested in getting involved.

1981

Don Robinson has been a Special Agent with the FBI for 23 years. He has served in San Diego, Washing-

1982

Karl Sturge is the Executive Board Member at the Miracle League of Miami-Dade as well as a practicing attorney. With Karl’s help the Miracle League Club at PTS hosted a game for players with special needs during the 3rd Annual PTS Gives Back day in the fall.

Hart Baur was thrilled to release his film, SKUM Rocks, on Miami Beach this spring. SKUM Rocks tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the strangest acts in rock history, the 1980’s band SKUM, which spent a significant part of its history based in Miami. An after-concert featured Eddie Money, Quiet Riot and The Urge. The premiere of the film raised funds for CHARLEE, a program that provides resources and support that help abused, abandoned, and neglected children and at-risk families reach their full potential in the Miami area.

1984

Roy Weinfeld joined Fortune International as a Realtor Associate and continues to practice law. He joined several other Alumni in the fall Alumni Soccer Game at Palmer Trinity and also played tennis in the Sandy Block Tennis Tournament.

1985

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Beth (Brockway) Serrate or John Malloy for more information or to get involved.

Scott Russell and his wife Linda celebrated their twentieth anniversary.

They live in Pinecrest, Florida with their two daughters.

DeAnna (Hayden) Pledger shares: “My oldest son, Sam, and my youngest daughter, Ellie, will both be graduating from Jupiter Christian School on May 22nd; One from high school and the other from kindergarten. In the fall, Sam will be attending Bethel University, in McKenzie, TN, where he will

jessica.mazon@gmail.com natismata@hotmail.com 2010

VICTORIA FERNANDEZ

vifer18@gmail.com 2011

ALEXA CAJIGA

acajiga93@me.com KATIE DIFEDE

91difede@cardinalmail.cua.edu 2012

BIRAAJ MAHAJAN

bmahajan@bu.edu 2013

PRESTON MICHELSON

michelsonpr@gmail.com

WES FARRELL

wesfarrell21@gmail.com

jwagshul@aol.com

Sheri (Waldo) Andino-Straka is retired and living in the Tampa area after a long career in the United States Air Force as a Colonel. Her son is graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical School this spring and is to enter the Navy in the fall.

NATALIA MATALLANA

2000 SOOZIE KLOCK

jcmalloy@malloylaw.com

In addition to his work with ESGR, Michael maintains his police certifi-

JOINT REUNION YEAR with 1974! Please contact Julie (Coleman) Mansfield ‘74 if you are interested in getting involved.

HART BAUER ‘82

2009 JESSICA MAZON

BELINDA FRIERI

jenderbias@gmail.com

Michael writes: “The honor of my service with ESGR is very rewarding.

Having never served in the military, I have come to know hundreds of National Guard or Reserve Component members from Generals to young men and women trying to balance their personal, family and work commitments with their duty as “citizen soldiers”. The fact that they represent about half of our country’s military strength reminds me of the importance of ensuring that they, and prospective young people, feel encouraged and supported by employers and their community.”

1975

ton, DC and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho specializing in criminal and counterterrorism investigations. He is currently assigned as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Moscow, Russia. He will leave Russia in the summer of 2015 to take a new post as the FBI’s Legal Attaché for Belgium. He will also serve as the senior FBI representative to the European Union and NATO. Don is married and has four children.

megancunningham215@gmail.com

BRITTNEY (HOFFMAN) MCCABE

BETH (BROCKWAY) SERRATE

bethserrate@mac.com

aemoger@gmail.com

belifrieri@yahoo.com

beth@wcvlaw.com

ARIEL MOGER MEGAN CUNNINGHAM

AMANDA (CHRYCY) THOMPSON

TRACY (TABOR) SHELOWITZ

1983

1985

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA

WILL MORRISON

wmorrison@cresa.com

achrycy@aol.com

DAWN (HOYT) KIDD

LEE STERLING

2007

2008

dhoytkidd@gmail.com 1981

amandaom22@gmail.com

cwalker@lincolnharris.com

TOM MAGENHEIMER

tmagmai@aol.com

2006 AMANDA OMACHONU

CHARLES BAUMBERGER

CRAIG ZIMMETT

KATEY O’REGAN

omgkatey@gmail.com

AMANDA MATALON

amatalon@austin.rr.com

ANDY HESSEN

2005

Michael Mills – After retiring from the South Miami Police Department as an Assistant Chief in 2010, Michael joined the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR). ESGR is a U.S. Dept. of Defense agency that is tasked with developing and promoting a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.

The ESGR has over 4,000 volunteer committee members in 54 states and territories. In addition to serving as the Area Chair for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Michael also works as an Ombudsman, mediating complaints of discrimination due to military service.

cation through part-time work with the Town of Golden Beach Police Marine Patrol Unit.

2014

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

ADRIA JENKINS

mz.adria@gmail.com 2003

DAX TEJERA

dax.tejera@gmail.com

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014, more than thirty Alumni gathered at Falcon Field for Palmer Trinity School’s annual Alumni Soccer Game. Led by PTS Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Scott du Feu, Alumni enjoyed playing with old friends and reminiscing about their time as athletes at Palmer, Trinity Episcopal, and Palmer Trinity School.

S P R I N G 2 015

37

1974

AlumNews

class notes

Class Notes strengthen the connection of our Alumni community to their classmates and Palmer Trinity School. Thank you for sending us your news, announcements, pictures, and general updates. Thanks especially to our Class Agents, who volunteer to serve as a liaison between the school and the entire Class. This is a fun way to stay connected and make a difference to our Alumni community.

To find out more about serving as a Class Agent, please contact Lauren Dowlen, Director of Alumni Relations, at ldowlen@palmertrinity.org or 305-969-4282. Special thanks to Alumni Board members Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 and John Malloy ‘85 for their support in reaching out to Class Agents this year.

Lauren Dowlen, Director of Alumni Relations (305) 969 4282 | ldowlen@palmertrinity.org

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

Class Agents as of 4/5/15 1973

DAVID WOOD

1990

mdavidwood@comcast.net 1974

JULIE (COLEMAN) MANSFIELD

PETER BAUMBERGER

2004 CORINA (LOPEZ) MINERA

psb@rbrlaw.com 1991

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1992

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

cminera@ymail.com LISA (MIGLIACCIO) HAYNES

lisanmig@yahoo.com

juliemansfield@comcast.net 1975

CLASS AGENT NEEDED 1993

1976

hesstang@aol.com 1994 1977

1978

baumberger16@gmail.com

cazfla@aol.com

CAMPBELL WALKER

1979

LORI (FOGEL) LA FORGIA

ljlaforgia@gmail.com 1980

1995 1996

psports@bellsouth.net 1982

lynley3@gmail.com 1997

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1998

BRIAN GERSHEN

briangershen@gmail.com

tracy@martintabor.com

NATHAN ZEDER

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1984

BETH (MOSKOWITZ) LAZAR

nathan@allmiamirealestate.com 1999

JOHN MALLOY

seklock@gmail.com

1986

JOELLE (WAGSHUL) STEINBERG

2001

1987

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1988

ELENA (ESSEN) ENDARA

partyuv5@bellsouth.net 1989

SCOTT SHELFER

scott@exactaland.com

36

www.palmertrinity.org

2002

1977

Craig Zimmett shares: “Our daughter, Alissa, is graduating cum laude from the University of Florida in May. She’s receiving a BFA in Acting with a minor in Education. The sky’s the limit for her; Donna and I are very proud!”

1980

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Lauren Dowlen in the Alumni Office if you are interested in getting involved.

1981

Don Robinson has been a Special Agent with the FBI for 23 years. He has served in San Diego, Washing-

1982

Karl Sturge is the Executive Board Member at the Miracle League of Miami-Dade as well as a practicing attorney. With Karl’s help the Miracle League Club at PTS hosted a game for players with special needs during the 3rd Annual PTS Gives Back day in the fall.

Hart Baur was thrilled to release his film, SKUM Rocks, on Miami Beach this spring. SKUM Rocks tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the strangest acts in rock history, the 1980’s band SKUM, which spent a significant part of its history based in Miami. An after-concert featured Eddie Money, Quiet Riot and The Urge. The premiere of the film raised funds for CHARLEE, a program that provides resources and support that help abused, abandoned, and neglected children and at-risk families reach their full potential in the Miami area.

1984

Roy Weinfeld joined Fortune International as a Realtor Associate and continues to practice law. He joined several other Alumni in the fall Alumni Soccer Game at Palmer Trinity and also played tennis in the Sandy Block Tennis Tournament.

1985

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Beth (Brockway) Serrate or John Malloy for more information or to get involved.

Scott Russell and his wife Linda celebrated their twentieth anniversary.

They live in Pinecrest, Florida with their two daughters.

DeAnna (Hayden) Pledger shares: “My oldest son, Sam, and my youngest daughter, Ellie, will both be graduating from Jupiter Christian School on May 22nd; One from high school and the other from kindergarten. In the fall, Sam will be attending Bethel University, in McKenzie, TN, where he will

jessica.mazon@gmail.com natismata@hotmail.com 2010

VICTORIA FERNANDEZ

vifer18@gmail.com 2011

ALEXA CAJIGA

acajiga93@me.com KATIE DIFEDE

91difede@cardinalmail.cua.edu 2012

BIRAAJ MAHAJAN

bmahajan@bu.edu 2013

PRESTON MICHELSON

michelsonpr@gmail.com

WES FARRELL

wesfarrell21@gmail.com

jwagshul@aol.com

Sheri (Waldo) Andino-Straka is retired and living in the Tampa area after a long career in the United States Air Force as a Colonel. Her son is graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical School this spring and is to enter the Navy in the fall.

NATALIA MATALLANA

2000 SOOZIE KLOCK

jcmalloy@malloylaw.com

In addition to his work with ESGR, Michael maintains his police certifi-

JOINT REUNION YEAR with 1974! Please contact Julie (Coleman) Mansfield ‘74 if you are interested in getting involved.

HART BAUER ‘82

2009 JESSICA MAZON

BELINDA FRIERI

jenderbias@gmail.com

Michael writes: “The honor of my service with ESGR is very rewarding.

Having never served in the military, I have come to know hundreds of National Guard or Reserve Component members from Generals to young men and women trying to balance their personal, family and work commitments with their duty as “citizen soldiers”. The fact that they represent about half of our country’s military strength reminds me of the importance of ensuring that they, and prospective young people, feel encouraged and supported by employers and their community.”

1975

ton, DC and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho specializing in criminal and counterterrorism investigations. He is currently assigned as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Moscow, Russia. He will leave Russia in the summer of 2015 to take a new post as the FBI’s Legal Attaché for Belgium. He will also serve as the senior FBI representative to the European Union and NATO. Don is married and has four children.

megancunningham215@gmail.com

BRITTNEY (HOFFMAN) MCCABE

BETH (BROCKWAY) SERRATE

bethserrate@mac.com

aemoger@gmail.com

belifrieri@yahoo.com

beth@wcvlaw.com

ARIEL MOGER MEGAN CUNNINGHAM

AMANDA (CHRYCY) THOMPSON

TRACY (TABOR) SHELOWITZ

1983

1985

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA

WILL MORRISON

wmorrison@cresa.com

achrycy@aol.com

DAWN (HOYT) KIDD

LEE STERLING

2007

2008

dhoytkidd@gmail.com 1981

amandaom22@gmail.com

cwalker@lincolnharris.com

TOM MAGENHEIMER

tmagmai@aol.com

2006 AMANDA OMACHONU

CHARLES BAUMBERGER

CRAIG ZIMMETT

KATEY O’REGAN

omgkatey@gmail.com

AMANDA MATALON

amatalon@austin.rr.com

ANDY HESSEN

2005

Michael Mills – After retiring from the South Miami Police Department as an Assistant Chief in 2010, Michael joined the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR). ESGR is a U.S. Dept. of Defense agency that is tasked with developing and promoting a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.

The ESGR has over 4,000 volunteer committee members in 54 states and territories. In addition to serving as the Area Chair for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Michael also works as an Ombudsman, mediating complaints of discrimination due to military service.

cation through part-time work with the Town of Golden Beach Police Marine Patrol Unit.

2014

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

ADRIA JENKINS

mz.adria@gmail.com 2003

DAX TEJERA

dax.tejera@gmail.com

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014, more than thirty Alumni gathered at Falcon Field for Palmer Trinity School’s annual Alumni Soccer Game. Led by PTS Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Scott du Feu, Alumni enjoyed playing with old friends and reminiscing about their time as athletes at Palmer, Trinity Episcopal, and Palmer Trinity School.

S P R I N G 2 015

37

CL A SS NOTE S be on the sporting clays shooting team. This past July, Sam won the National Championship for the NSCA Sporting Clays. We are so very proud of Sam and his accomplishments! I am also looking forward to our 30th High School reunion May 29th and 30th!”

1988

Lisa Dwoskin encouraged students to think actively about the balance of their mind, body and spirit, and spoke about writing her book, Metamorphecise, when she spoke to current Palmer Trinity students in Elena De Villiers’ and Coach Judi Jennings’ classes. Lisa has a degree in both Psychology and Exercise Physiology from the University of LISA DWOSKIN ‘88

and Model, Writer, Author, and Publisher. She also does many speaking engagements around the U.S. on Meditation, Positive Mindset, and Healing From the Inside Out. Michael Haggard was recently honored by the Florida Justice Association. Michael’s daughter Madison is a current Palmer Trinity seventh grader, and his son Carson will join the school next fall.

1990

JOINT REUNION YEAR with 1989! Please contact Peter Baumberger or Virgil Guma for more information or to get involved.

Peter Baumberger and his wife Molly welcomed their baby girl, Cora, last fall.

PETER BAUMBERGER ‘90

1989

JOINT REUNION YEAR with 1990! Please contact Kelly (Kimmel) Guma, Michele (Baker) Benesch or Mason Harris for more information or to get involved.

Classmates and teammates visited with Coach Dave Hewett in Key Largo recently: Virgil Guma ‘90, Mason Harris ‘89, Peter Baumberger ‘90, Ricky Jofre ‘90, Todd O’Donald ‘91, Tessa (Vergara) Bonells ‘91, Chris Van Grieken ‘90 and Victor Balestra ‘90.

Jay Younger writes: “The Younger family is doing very well. My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Washington, DC with three wonderful children (12, 9, and 5) who occupy most of our time and attention. I travel a fair bit and have been waiting for Miami to appear on the radar so I can have a convenient excuse to stop by the campus.”

1994 Miami. She owned Metamorphecise Spa and Health Club in Pembroke Pines, FL for the past 13 years. She is now a Life Coach, Fitness Expert

Campbell Walker and his wife Amy welcomed a baby boy, Holt, in the fall.

Tammy King has been invited to race in Lyon, France this August at

the 2015 World Masters Athletics Outdoor Championships. In a note from her family: “She will run as a testament to the respect that she has for her mind and her body. She will run for the 16,000+ children she has impacted in South Florida through her nonprofit, Alpha Omega Elite Track Team & Fitness. She will run as promoter and ambassador for health and wellness. She will run because she believes every child deserves the same opportunity she has had to create positive mindsets and behaviors that last a lifetime.

She will run to further her own self-actualization. The farther she travels within, the more knowledge and heart she will have to give to her local community.” Tammy will return to Palmer Trinity this fall as the Head Track and Field Coach for our current students.

1995

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Andrew Bennett, Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt or Corey Krissel-Gonzalez for more information or to get involved.

1996

Noelle Brown visited Vivian Cerione at PTS, coincidentally on Homecoming Day. She and her husband live in Mexico.

HEATHER CURTIS ‘96

Andrea Kirkpatrick was recently promoted in the Miami office of Tabas, Freedman & Soloff, P.A. to Trustee Department Manager.

Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University and is continuing her education at Miami Dade College.

Heidi Glick and her husband Dan will welcome their second son this spring. He will be big brother to Tommy, age 3. Heidi and her family recently raised funds for Parkinson’s disease through the tennis tournament called Putaway Parkinsons.

Lynley (Ciorobea) Walker has recently launched LC Realty, and was appointed to EWM’s Chairman’s Club in 2014, recognizing the top agents in the company. Lynley is rated amongst the top 2% of realtors nationwide, and closed $9 Million in real estate in 2014.

Heather Curtis was recently married to Chris Land, at the Thalatta Estate in Palmetto Bay, facing the water of Biscayne Bay. Her cousins Maggie (Tkac) Jones ‘96 and Tracy (Reiter) Ross ‘96 were members of her wedding party. Chris and Heather met through his sister when Heather worked for Marriott in Miami. The couple was married by the Rev. Bill Walker. She added: “We spent a few days on the west coast of Florida after the wedding and are planning a trip to Spain and Morocco in the fall.”

Brian Alonso opened a new store in Downtown Miami called Lost Boy Dry Goods. The store and Brian were featured in a profile in the Miami Today newspaper. He and his wife have welcomed a new baby boy named Henry.

BRIAN ALONSO ‘97

www.palmertrinity.org

Monica Margolis and her husband Aidan Morton announce the birth of their son Max on January 11, 2015.

Evan Zeder married Meredith Blalock in Miami this winter.

Gil Lang visited the Palmer Trinity School campus last fall and inspired students with examples of his work in South Africa, using creative communications and partnerships to effect social change.

Nathaniel Tobin recently joined the law firm Kelly Kronenberg in Miami, focusing his practice on First Party Insurance Defense, Property and Casualty and Complex Commercial Construction Disputes.

Nathaniel lives in Miami with his wife, Maryann and daughter Genevieve, age 2.

NATHANIEL TOBIN ‘97

1997

38

really can do whatever you want; you set your limits and goals.”

2001

Lesley (Taylor) Kline was recently promoted to Regional Vice President for Macy’s, based in Miami.

Recent Palmer Trinity School Alumni came back to campus on FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 TH to host a panel for current PTS Seniors. Ten alumni from the Classes of 2012–2014 came to talk about their college experiences and to answer any questions from current PTS students. Seniors enjoyed catching up with old friends and learning what to expect at college next year. Thank you to all of our young Alumni who came to speak: Biraaj Mahajan ‘12, Frankie Nespral ‘12, Andrea Ortiz ‘12, Roberto Morean ‘14, Andrew Miller ‘13, Pedro Domit ‘14, Esteban Summo ‘14, Giancarlo Falconi ‘12, Fabi Vivacqua ‘14, and Keith Macauley ‘13.

Rebecca Williams for more information or to get involved.

1998

Preston Dickerson married Jennifer Alvarez in New York City this past December.

1999

Jason Johnson is showcasing his artistic talent through his company JKJ Illustrations. He is married and living in South Miami-Dade.

2000

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Soozie Klock, Layda Morales or

2004

Corina (Lopez) Minera was recently recognized as School Teacher of the Month at her school, Palm Glade Academy in Southwest Miami-Dade County. Corina is known at the school as a “Math Queen”!

Vanessa Fernandez graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (ranked #1 by U.S. News Report for Public Arts Universities in the country). She will be launching her first jewelry collection in May, 2015, with a grand opening in the Miami Design District. Vanessa has spent years traveling, working and learning around the world, experiencing hands on what it is to be in the industry of designer luxury jewelry.

After graduating from VCU with a BFA focus in Jewelry and Metals, she was granted working internships at the studios of “John Hardy” (Bali, Indonesia) and Lorenz Bäumer in Place Vendôme for Louis Vuitton (Paris, France). More recently, she was awarded the opportunity to create a one of a kind piece of jewelry with family artist Teresita Fernández, Japanese Pearl company Tasaki, and Hidetoshi Nakata, (an active supporter of Japanese traditional culture and craftsmanship) for a fundraiser later this year in Japan.

Tiffany Glick and her family recently put on a fundraiser called Putaway Parkinson’s, a tennis tournament to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research and support.

Tiffany writes: “Our dad, Joe, was diagnosed about three years ago with Parkinson’s and has made it his mission to stay active and healthy — and so far, he is doing a tremendous job.

The tennis tournament raised several thousand dollars thanks to player donations and purchases made in a silent auction — and we’re still collecting donations from anyone who is feeling charitable! We had some great current PTS students as volunteers and ball boys/girls — they were a tremendous help! I am still living in Miami and recently got engaged to Mark Pinkert and am planning on getting married in March 2016.”

Ian Wogan was recently featured in Miami Magazine and Zagat Miami’s 30 Under 30, highlighting him and his company Garden of Ian for the organic honey which he produces for local high-end restaurants.

2005

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Lauren Santa-Cruz Ypes, Brandon Rose or Katey O’Regan for more information or to get involved.

Gene Chong recently visited with Faculty member Jeff Rose on a trip to Miami. Gene is currently an Engineer with General Electric in Greenville, South Carolina.

GENE CHONG ‘05

Vanessa’s collection will consist of works ranging from gold and diamonds to silver and gold plated brass.

“Palmer Trinity provided me and my five siblings with the best education.

I received the exposure and experience that pushed me to follow what I really wanted to pursue as a career.

With hard work and tenacity, you (continues on page 42)

CL A SS NOTE S be on the sporting clays shooting team. This past July, Sam won the National Championship for the NSCA Sporting Clays. We are so very proud of Sam and his accomplishments! I am also looking forward to our 30th High School reunion May 29th and 30th!”

1988

Lisa Dwoskin encouraged students to think actively about the balance of their mind, body and spirit, and spoke about writing her book, Metamorphecise, when she spoke to current Palmer Trinity students in Elena De Villiers’ and Coach Judi Jennings’ classes. Lisa has a degree in both Psychology and Exercise Physiology from the University of LISA DWOSKIN ‘88

and Model, Writer, Author, and Publisher. She also does many speaking engagements around the U.S. on Meditation, Positive Mindset, and Healing From the Inside Out. Michael Haggard was recently honored by the Florida Justice Association. Michael’s daughter Madison is a current Palmer Trinity seventh grader, and his son Carson will join the school next fall.

1990

JOINT REUNION YEAR with 1989! Please contact Peter Baumberger or Virgil Guma for more information or to get involved.

Peter Baumberger and his wife Molly welcomed their baby girl, Cora, last fall.

PETER BAUMBERGER ‘90

1989

JOINT REUNION YEAR with 1990! Please contact Kelly (Kimmel) Guma, Michele (Baker) Benesch or Mason Harris for more information or to get involved.

Classmates and teammates visited with Coach Dave Hewett in Key Largo recently: Virgil Guma ‘90, Mason Harris ‘89, Peter Baumberger ‘90, Ricky Jofre ‘90, Todd O’Donald ‘91, Tessa (Vergara) Bonells ‘91, Chris Van Grieken ‘90 and Victor Balestra ‘90.

Jay Younger writes: “The Younger family is doing very well. My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Washington, DC with three wonderful children (12, 9, and 5) who occupy most of our time and attention. I travel a fair bit and have been waiting for Miami to appear on the radar so I can have a convenient excuse to stop by the campus.”

1994 Miami. She owned Metamorphecise Spa and Health Club in Pembroke Pines, FL for the past 13 years. She is now a Life Coach, Fitness Expert

Campbell Walker and his wife Amy welcomed a baby boy, Holt, in the fall.

Tammy King has been invited to race in Lyon, France this August at

the 2015 World Masters Athletics Outdoor Championships. In a note from her family: “She will run as a testament to the respect that she has for her mind and her body. She will run for the 16,000+ children she has impacted in South Florida through her nonprofit, Alpha Omega Elite Track Team & Fitness. She will run as promoter and ambassador for health and wellness. She will run because she believes every child deserves the same opportunity she has had to create positive mindsets and behaviors that last a lifetime.

She will run to further her own self-actualization. The farther she travels within, the more knowledge and heart she will have to give to her local community.” Tammy will return to Palmer Trinity this fall as the Head Track and Field Coach for our current students.

1995

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Andrew Bennett, Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt or Corey Krissel-Gonzalez for more information or to get involved.

1996

Noelle Brown visited Vivian Cerione at PTS, coincidentally on Homecoming Day. She and her husband live in Mexico.

HEATHER CURTIS ‘96

Andrea Kirkpatrick was recently promoted in the Miami office of Tabas, Freedman & Soloff, P.A. to Trustee Department Manager.

Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University and is continuing her education at Miami Dade College.

Heidi Glick and her husband Dan will welcome their second son this spring. He will be big brother to Tommy, age 3. Heidi and her family recently raised funds for Parkinson’s disease through the tennis tournament called Putaway Parkinsons.

Lynley (Ciorobea) Walker has recently launched LC Realty, and was appointed to EWM’s Chairman’s Club in 2014, recognizing the top agents in the company. Lynley is rated amongst the top 2% of realtors nationwide, and closed $9 Million in real estate in 2014.

Heather Curtis was recently married to Chris Land, at the Thalatta Estate in Palmetto Bay, facing the water of Biscayne Bay. Her cousins Maggie (Tkac) Jones ‘96 and Tracy (Reiter) Ross ‘96 were members of her wedding party. Chris and Heather met through his sister when Heather worked for Marriott in Miami. The couple was married by the Rev. Bill Walker. She added: “We spent a few days on the west coast of Florida after the wedding and are planning a trip to Spain and Morocco in the fall.”

Brian Alonso opened a new store in Downtown Miami called Lost Boy Dry Goods. The store and Brian were featured in a profile in the Miami Today newspaper. He and his wife have welcomed a new baby boy named Henry.

BRIAN ALONSO ‘97

www.palmertrinity.org

Monica Margolis and her husband Aidan Morton announce the birth of their son Max on January 11, 2015.

Evan Zeder married Meredith Blalock in Miami this winter.

Gil Lang visited the Palmer Trinity School campus last fall and inspired students with examples of his work in South Africa, using creative communications and partnerships to effect social change.

Nathaniel Tobin recently joined the law firm Kelly Kronenberg in Miami, focusing his practice on First Party Insurance Defense, Property and Casualty and Complex Commercial Construction Disputes.

Nathaniel lives in Miami with his wife, Maryann and daughter Genevieve, age 2.

NATHANIEL TOBIN ‘97

1997

38

really can do whatever you want; you set your limits and goals.”

2001

Lesley (Taylor) Kline was recently promoted to Regional Vice President for Macy’s, based in Miami.

Recent Palmer Trinity School Alumni came back to campus on FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 TH to host a panel for current PTS Seniors. Ten alumni from the Classes of 2012–2014 came to talk about their college experiences and to answer any questions from current PTS students. Seniors enjoyed catching up with old friends and learning what to expect at college next year. Thank you to all of our young Alumni who came to speak: Biraaj Mahajan ‘12, Frankie Nespral ‘12, Andrea Ortiz ‘12, Roberto Morean ‘14, Andrew Miller ‘13, Pedro Domit ‘14, Esteban Summo ‘14, Giancarlo Falconi ‘12, Fabi Vivacqua ‘14, and Keith Macauley ‘13.

Rebecca Williams for more information or to get involved.

1998

Preston Dickerson married Jennifer Alvarez in New York City this past December.

1999

Jason Johnson is showcasing his artistic talent through his company JKJ Illustrations. He is married and living in South Miami-Dade.

2000

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Soozie Klock, Layda Morales or

2004

Corina (Lopez) Minera was recently recognized as School Teacher of the Month at her school, Palm Glade Academy in Southwest Miami-Dade County. Corina is known at the school as a “Math Queen”!

Vanessa Fernandez graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (ranked #1 by U.S. News Report for Public Arts Universities in the country). She will be launching her first jewelry collection in May, 2015, with a grand opening in the Miami Design District. Vanessa has spent years traveling, working and learning around the world, experiencing hands on what it is to be in the industry of designer luxury jewelry.

After graduating from VCU with a BFA focus in Jewelry and Metals, she was granted working internships at the studios of “John Hardy” (Bali, Indonesia) and Lorenz Bäumer in Place Vendôme for Louis Vuitton (Paris, France). More recently, she was awarded the opportunity to create a one of a kind piece of jewelry with family artist Teresita Fernández, Japanese Pearl company Tasaki, and Hidetoshi Nakata, (an active supporter of Japanese traditional culture and craftsmanship) for a fundraiser later this year in Japan.

Tiffany Glick and her family recently put on a fundraiser called Putaway Parkinson’s, a tennis tournament to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research and support.

Tiffany writes: “Our dad, Joe, was diagnosed about three years ago with Parkinson’s and has made it his mission to stay active and healthy — and so far, he is doing a tremendous job.

The tennis tournament raised several thousand dollars thanks to player donations and purchases made in a silent auction — and we’re still collecting donations from anyone who is feeling charitable! We had some great current PTS students as volunteers and ball boys/girls — they were a tremendous help! I am still living in Miami and recently got engaged to Mark Pinkert and am planning on getting married in March 2016.”

Ian Wogan was recently featured in Miami Magazine and Zagat Miami’s 30 Under 30, highlighting him and his company Garden of Ian for the organic honey which he produces for local high-end restaurants.

2005

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Lauren Santa-Cruz Ypes, Brandon Rose or Katey O’Regan for more information or to get involved.

Gene Chong recently visited with Faculty member Jeff Rose on a trip to Miami. Gene is currently an Engineer with General Electric in Greenville, South Carolina.

GENE CHONG ‘05

Vanessa’s collection will consist of works ranging from gold and diamonds to silver and gold plated brass.

“Palmer Trinity provided me and my five siblings with the best education.

I received the exposure and experience that pushed me to follow what I really wanted to pursue as a career.

With hard work and tenacity, you (continues on page 42)

A LU M NI PROFIL E

A LU M NI PROFIL E

In a nutshell, we use enormous laser systems to measure incredibly small changes in distance caused by the passing of gravitational waves, which are fluctuations in space-time itself generated by very massive objects around the universe (e.g., black hole binary systems, supernovae, etc.). Each detector, of which there are two in the U.S. (one in Livingston, LA and the other in Hanford, WA), is in an “L” shape, with arms about 2.5 miles long, and the entire tube that encloses the laser beam is at ultra-high-vacuum. They are sensitive to displacements smaller than one-thousandth the size of a proton.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER?

For me, this was a long process. I have always been the “take things apart, figure them out, and then (try to) put them back together again” kind of person. My parents tell a story about how, when I was barely old enough to walk, I would just stand at a door, opening and closing it while staring at the hinges.

They may have had other ideas at the time, but in retrospect they like to think of it as an indication of what I would grow up to be.

ZACH KORTH 2005

ALUMNUS ZACH KORTH ‘05 FOUND HIS PASSION FOR PHYSICS DURING HIS TIME AS A STUDENT AT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL. He never thought that after reading about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) that he would ever be able to work on such an impactful project.

Today, Zach is a graduate student at Caltech, where he works at LIGO in hopes of finding and measuring gravitational waves in our universe.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WHILE A STUDENT AT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL?

Like most people’s, my experience at Palmer Trinity was a great one. The years one spends in middle and high school are so formative, and I’m extremely grateful to have spent mine at PTS. Of course, I don’t have anything to contrast it with personally, but I can say that there have been many times where, in discussions, my friends and colleagues have been surprised by my recollections of secondary school. The experiences I had and the relationships fostered by this school continue to be a very big influence in my life; in large part, I became who I am today at Palmer Trinity.

40

www.palmertrinity.org

That said, entering high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a living. I had interests, but I didn’t know what they were called, much less how one went about making a career out of them. That changed at PTS, as I took my first courses in physics. Now, my passion had a name, and I was learning about it from several very intelligent people. By the time I graduated and went to college, I had a clear image of my future: I was a physicist.

I remember reading a popular book on physics and cosmology when I was a junior, taking AP Physics with Dr. Bailey Edwards.

In it, I read about this incredible, massive project called the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO).

“That’s so neat,” I thought. “I hope one day I can work on something cool like that.” Flash forward a few years and here I am, at Caltech, working on that very project. I’m certain that wouldn’t have happened without my experiences at PTS, which gave me the focus I needed throughout college to get here.

CAN YOU EXPAND ON YOUR RESEARCH?

I work in a very big project called LIGO (which stands for “Laser Interferometer Gravitationalwave Observatory). It is funded by the NSF and operated by Caltech, where I’m a graduate student, and MIT, but research for it is supported by a much larger network of over 900 scientists from institutions across the globe.

We have not yet measured a gravitational wave but are likely to do so within the next two years, after decades of research. The first detection will be a huge achievement, further confirming Einstein’s theory of gravitation, and will likely win some of my predecessors a Nobel Prize. It will also open up a new “window to the universe”: gravitational waves will be the medium of an entirely new form of astronomy, in many cases carrying completely new information about distant objects in the sky that are not able to be probed with light (as with a conventional telescope).

WHAT CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE YOU IN YOUR WORK?

This is something that I’d guess is different from one person to the next. For me, the biggest driving force has always been curiosity.

Whether it’s pondering the inner workings of a door hinge or the universe itself, I want to know what’s going on. Throughout my studies, I’ve found that the more I learn, the more I want to learn. Thankfully, this is as true today as it was when I cracked open that first physics textbook.

The second part, which admittedly comes later, is a sense of purpose. I don’t care to be particularly rich or famous, but I do want to feel like I’ve contributed to something bigger than myself. That’s the big payoff for all the work I’ve put into studying all these years, and, not discounting the satisfaction I get right now from understanding something I might not have otherwise, it’s what I’ll end up leaving behind once I’m gone. If humanity knows just one more thing about the world because of something I had the chance to work on, that makes it all worth it to me.

the immense benefit of having PTS as your launchpad. Use your time at this wonderful place to figure out where you want to be down the line. Explore different opportunities.

Discover who you are. Equally important, be careful not to take things too seriously too early; in a few years, you may not have a choice in that, but for now, you’re young and the best thing you can do is have a good look down the roads ahead of you before you start sprinting.

One day not so long ago, I sat down on a sunny patch of green grass at Palmer Trinity — maybe after guitar class and before U.S. History, or Biology, or American Lit. — and read a book about space-time and the funny little ripples that Einstein said must flow through it, carrying information about distant realms of the universe. Today, I’m an expert in them. I’ve had my hands on the billion-dollar machine that generations before me have spent designing and building to catch a trace of them, and I’ve personally installed a piece of it that will take that first trace and turn it into an electrical signal that we can analyze.

Is my story cool? You bet. Is it unique? Hardly.

If you’re like most people, gravitational waves probably aren’t your bag, but there’s a story like mine waiting for you. The hardest part is deciding what it is; after that, and maybe some sweat, you’ll be surprised how the rest falls in place.

BELOW: Zach using UV light to glue two pieces of glass together with a UV-cure epoxy. This component is an “optical cavity” known as the Output Mode Cleaner (OMC), and it is the last part of the entire detector that the laser signal generated by a gravitational wave will pass through before being transduced into an electrical signal by a photodetector; ABOVE: Zach inspecting the double-pendulum suspension (recently assembled by him and a colleague) that went on to hold the OMC, isolating it from the motion of the ground; OPPOSITE: Zach, and a colleague, installing the OMC into the vacuum system at the Livingston, LA site.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT STUDENTS ABOUT FINDING THEIR PASSIONS AND PURSUING THEIR DREAMS?

It’s a tired old saying, but I really do believe that you can do almost anything you want if you are passionate about it and if you put in the effort. This is all the more true with S P R I N G 2 015

41

A LU M NI PROFIL E

A LU M NI PROFIL E

In a nutshell, we use enormous laser systems to measure incredibly small changes in distance caused by the passing of gravitational waves, which are fluctuations in space-time itself generated by very massive objects around the universe (e.g., black hole binary systems, supernovae, etc.). Each detector, of which there are two in the U.S. (one in Livingston, LA and the other in Hanford, WA), is in an “L” shape, with arms about 2.5 miles long, and the entire tube that encloses the laser beam is at ultra-high-vacuum. They are sensitive to displacements smaller than one-thousandth the size of a proton.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER?

For me, this was a long process. I have always been the “take things apart, figure them out, and then (try to) put them back together again” kind of person. My parents tell a story about how, when I was barely old enough to walk, I would just stand at a door, opening and closing it while staring at the hinges.

They may have had other ideas at the time, but in retrospect they like to think of it as an indication of what I would grow up to be.

ZACH KORTH 2005

ALUMNUS ZACH KORTH ‘05 FOUND HIS PASSION FOR PHYSICS DURING HIS TIME AS A STUDENT AT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL. He never thought that after reading about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) that he would ever be able to work on such an impactful project.

Today, Zach is a graduate student at Caltech, where he works at LIGO in hopes of finding and measuring gravitational waves in our universe.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WHILE A STUDENT AT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL?

Like most people’s, my experience at Palmer Trinity was a great one. The years one spends in middle and high school are so formative, and I’m extremely grateful to have spent mine at PTS. Of course, I don’t have anything to contrast it with personally, but I can say that there have been many times where, in discussions, my friends and colleagues have been surprised by my recollections of secondary school. The experiences I had and the relationships fostered by this school continue to be a very big influence in my life; in large part, I became who I am today at Palmer Trinity.

40

www.palmertrinity.org

That said, entering high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a living. I had interests, but I didn’t know what they were called, much less how one went about making a career out of them. That changed at PTS, as I took my first courses in physics. Now, my passion had a name, and I was learning about it from several very intelligent people. By the time I graduated and went to college, I had a clear image of my future: I was a physicist.

I remember reading a popular book on physics and cosmology when I was a junior, taking AP Physics with Dr. Bailey Edwards.

In it, I read about this incredible, massive project called the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO).

“That’s so neat,” I thought. “I hope one day I can work on something cool like that.” Flash forward a few years and here I am, at Caltech, working on that very project. I’m certain that wouldn’t have happened without my experiences at PTS, which gave me the focus I needed throughout college to get here.

CAN YOU EXPAND ON YOUR RESEARCH?

I work in a very big project called LIGO (which stands for “Laser Interferometer Gravitationalwave Observatory). It is funded by the NSF and operated by Caltech, where I’m a graduate student, and MIT, but research for it is supported by a much larger network of over 900 scientists from institutions across the globe.

We have not yet measured a gravitational wave but are likely to do so within the next two years, after decades of research. The first detection will be a huge achievement, further confirming Einstein’s theory of gravitation, and will likely win some of my predecessors a Nobel Prize. It will also open up a new “window to the universe”: gravitational waves will be the medium of an entirely new form of astronomy, in many cases carrying completely new information about distant objects in the sky that are not able to be probed with light (as with a conventional telescope).

WHAT CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE YOU IN YOUR WORK?

This is something that I’d guess is different from one person to the next. For me, the biggest driving force has always been curiosity.

Whether it’s pondering the inner workings of a door hinge or the universe itself, I want to know what’s going on. Throughout my studies, I’ve found that the more I learn, the more I want to learn. Thankfully, this is as true today as it was when I cracked open that first physics textbook.

The second part, which admittedly comes later, is a sense of purpose. I don’t care to be particularly rich or famous, but I do want to feel like I’ve contributed to something bigger than myself. That’s the big payoff for all the work I’ve put into studying all these years, and, not discounting the satisfaction I get right now from understanding something I might not have otherwise, it’s what I’ll end up leaving behind once I’m gone. If humanity knows just one more thing about the world because of something I had the chance to work on, that makes it all worth it to me.

the immense benefit of having PTS as your launchpad. Use your time at this wonderful place to figure out where you want to be down the line. Explore different opportunities.

Discover who you are. Equally important, be careful not to take things too seriously too early; in a few years, you may not have a choice in that, but for now, you’re young and the best thing you can do is have a good look down the roads ahead of you before you start sprinting.

One day not so long ago, I sat down on a sunny patch of green grass at Palmer Trinity — maybe after guitar class and before U.S. History, or Biology, or American Lit. — and read a book about space-time and the funny little ripples that Einstein said must flow through it, carrying information about distant realms of the universe. Today, I’m an expert in them. I’ve had my hands on the billion-dollar machine that generations before me have spent designing and building to catch a trace of them, and I’ve personally installed a piece of it that will take that first trace and turn it into an electrical signal that we can analyze.

Is my story cool? You bet. Is it unique? Hardly.

If you’re like most people, gravitational waves probably aren’t your bag, but there’s a story like mine waiting for you. The hardest part is deciding what it is; after that, and maybe some sweat, you’ll be surprised how the rest falls in place.

BELOW: Zach using UV light to glue two pieces of glass together with a UV-cure epoxy. This component is an “optical cavity” known as the Output Mode Cleaner (OMC), and it is the last part of the entire detector that the laser signal generated by a gravitational wave will pass through before being transduced into an electrical signal by a photodetector; ABOVE: Zach inspecting the double-pendulum suspension (recently assembled by him and a colleague) that went on to hold the OMC, isolating it from the motion of the ground; OPPOSITE: Zach, and a colleague, installing the OMC into the vacuum system at the Livingston, LA site.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT STUDENTS ABOUT FINDING THEIR PASSIONS AND PURSUING THEIR DREAMS?

It’s a tired old saying, but I really do believe that you can do almost anything you want if you are passionate about it and if you put in the effort. This is all the more true with S P R I N G 2 015

41

CL A SS NOTE S Martina Faillace graduated from the University of Florida last spring and is studying Law at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

SOFIA GRANAI ‘06

JOANA COSTA NARQUES ‘09

Caiti Pomerance inspired students at Palmer Trinity to think about how to manage the life cycle of plastics and waste to protect and enhance beaches, coral reefs and marine life.

She also discussed the formation of her non-profit Debris Free Oceans.

Francesca Fernandez was recently married to Mario Guerra at a ceremony and reception in Miami.

Many PTS alumni and faculty were in attendance to help celebrate the couple. Francesca and Mario will share time between Miami and New York City.

FRANCESCA FERNANDEZ ‘05

DECEMBER 11, 2014 — Alumni from ‘77 – ‘14 enjoyed the home of Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 and Phil Serrate for this year’s Alumni Holiday Party. Over 100 Alumni gathered together to celebrate the holiday season, catch up with friends and faculty, and reminisce about good times together at Palmer, Trinity Episcopal, and Palmer Trinity School.

Brandon McNary has joined the company WEXUS, an online analytics platform which converts massive water, electric, power, gas, and solar data sets into actionable insights for farmers. He is based in San Francisco, CA.

creativity into each project and to see the final product is very rewarding. Oh, and I adopted a dog named Lobo!”

ALEJANDRA TOVAR ‘07

2007

Alberto Beeck visited the PTS campus last fall and talked to students about how he combines his passion for music and entertainment with business through his music company, Triarchy.

Ben Reid is the lead illustrator of the book, The Running Revolution, which was released by Penguin last fall.

Noelle Robillard has joined the national advertising firm Pierson Grant as an Account Director, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Brandon Rose was honored as one of Miami’s Most Eligible Bachelors for an event to benefit Switchboard Miami, an organization that counsels, connects and empowers people in need.

2006

Sofia Granai married Arturo Cajiga last spring in Antigua, Guatemala.

The couple currently lives in Miami.

Kristofer Hernandez has joined Alvarez Arrieta & Diaz-Silveira as an attorney at a boutique legal firm in downtown Miami.

42

www.palmertrinity.org

Alumni Holiday Party

Jasmine Glick completed a graduate program at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and is working for a start-up company called MeUndies.com.

Vasco Costa-Marquez spoke with students about his experience as an Account Executive for Johnson & Johnson in Dubai.

Adriana Henriquez recently joined the Digital Revenue Operations at Viacom as a Senior Manager, based in Miami.

Melissa Hew completed her Master’s degree in May and now works as a natural resource planner with the ICPRB (Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin). In her current position, she provides on-site support to the Maryland Department of the Environment in the Science Services.

Will Morrison has joined Cresa, a commercial real estate company, as an advisor. Will is based in South Florida.

Alejandra Tovar writes: “I have been living in New Orleans for the past four years working in the film industry. I am a set dresser for the art department, which I love! To be able to incorporate my

Fernando Espino has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the real estate industry. Living in ten homes in ten different neighborhoods in Miami throughout his life has given him a unique and intimate perspective of the Miami residential real estate market. Fernando has joined EWM Realty International, the highest-selling real estate company in Miami, where he works at the Key Biscayne office and specializes in Key Biscayne, Brickell, and Dadeland.

2008

Chris Balcells stopped by Palmer Trinity to share the announcement of the opening of his art exhibition through RAW: Miami, an artist collaborative. Under the handle, Cookie, his street-art was displayed this past March at LMNT in North Miami. Visit www.rawartists.org/ dascookie for more information.

Hailey Wood is the Social Media Content Marketing Specialist for Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa and is currently involved in the planning of commencement and developing an ambassador and alumni program.

Elena De Villiers, Vivian Cerione, and Adriana Truby visit with Alumni from ‘96–‘99

Chad Stark ‘02, Mrs. Mercedes (Anez) Stark, Maria Vanegas

Michael Contreras ‘04 and Head of School Patrick Roberts

Alumni from the Class of 2014 visit with faculty members Tim Cassel and Maria Vanegas

Faculty Member Bobby Moore ‘05, Vivian Cerione, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06

Beth (Moskowitz) Lazar ‘84 and Scott Lazar, Michael Haggard ‘88, Bekki Haggard, Elena De Villiers

Charles Baumberger ‘94, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Hadley (Nichols) Foreman ‘93, Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt ‘95, Diana Baumberger

HAILEY WOOD ‘09

Nicklaus Sijan, Monica Cervera-Sijan ‘96, with faculty member Caroline Goodwin

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96, Mason Harris ‘89, Elena De Villiers, Denie (Freyer) Harris

Vivian Cerione, Brittney (Fyffe) Hernandez ‘06, Wilson Hernandez ‘06

Donna and Craig Zimmett ‘77

2009

Joana Costa Marques was recently promoted to Account Executive for Newlink Group, a Trilingual Public Relations firm based in Miami. She shares: “I was promoted in one year which is a really hard thing to do. I graduated from Palmer in ‘09 and went to Boston University ‘13. I currently work with Palace Resorts, LATAM Airlines, and the JW Marriott Miami.”

John Malloy ‘85, Juan Cobo ‘85, Joanie Cobo

Tom Mancuso ‘94, Tammy King-Foster ‘94, Charles Baumberger ‘94, and Andrew Bennett ‘95

Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85, Patrick Kalbac ‘10, Pat Brockway, Cole Brockway ‘09

(continues on page 46) S P R I N G 2 015

43

CL A SS NOTE S Martina Faillace graduated from the University of Florida last spring and is studying Law at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

SOFIA GRANAI ‘06

JOANA COSTA NARQUES ‘09

Caiti Pomerance inspired students at Palmer Trinity to think about how to manage the life cycle of plastics and waste to protect and enhance beaches, coral reefs and marine life.

She also discussed the formation of her non-profit Debris Free Oceans.

Francesca Fernandez was recently married to Mario Guerra at a ceremony and reception in Miami.

Many PTS alumni and faculty were in attendance to help celebrate the couple. Francesca and Mario will share time between Miami and New York City.

FRANCESCA FERNANDEZ ‘05

DECEMBER 11, 2014 — Alumni from ‘77 – ‘14 enjoyed the home of Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 and Phil Serrate for this year’s Alumni Holiday Party. Over 100 Alumni gathered together to celebrate the holiday season, catch up with friends and faculty, and reminisce about good times together at Palmer, Trinity Episcopal, and Palmer Trinity School.

Brandon McNary has joined the company WEXUS, an online analytics platform which converts massive water, electric, power, gas, and solar data sets into actionable insights for farmers. He is based in San Francisco, CA.

creativity into each project and to see the final product is very rewarding. Oh, and I adopted a dog named Lobo!”

ALEJANDRA TOVAR ‘07

2007

Alberto Beeck visited the PTS campus last fall and talked to students about how he combines his passion for music and entertainment with business through his music company, Triarchy.

Ben Reid is the lead illustrator of the book, The Running Revolution, which was released by Penguin last fall.

Noelle Robillard has joined the national advertising firm Pierson Grant as an Account Director, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Brandon Rose was honored as one of Miami’s Most Eligible Bachelors for an event to benefit Switchboard Miami, an organization that counsels, connects and empowers people in need.

2006

Sofia Granai married Arturo Cajiga last spring in Antigua, Guatemala.

The couple currently lives in Miami.

Kristofer Hernandez has joined Alvarez Arrieta & Diaz-Silveira as an attorney at a boutique legal firm in downtown Miami.

42

www.palmertrinity.org

Alumni Holiday Party

Jasmine Glick completed a graduate program at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and is working for a start-up company called MeUndies.com.

Vasco Costa-Marquez spoke with students about his experience as an Account Executive for Johnson & Johnson in Dubai.

Adriana Henriquez recently joined the Digital Revenue Operations at Viacom as a Senior Manager, based in Miami.

Melissa Hew completed her Master’s degree in May and now works as a natural resource planner with the ICPRB (Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin). In her current position, she provides on-site support to the Maryland Department of the Environment in the Science Services.

Will Morrison has joined Cresa, a commercial real estate company, as an advisor. Will is based in South Florida.

Alejandra Tovar writes: “I have been living in New Orleans for the past four years working in the film industry. I am a set dresser for the art department, which I love! To be able to incorporate my

Fernando Espino has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the real estate industry. Living in ten homes in ten different neighborhoods in Miami throughout his life has given him a unique and intimate perspective of the Miami residential real estate market. Fernando has joined EWM Realty International, the highest-selling real estate company in Miami, where he works at the Key Biscayne office and specializes in Key Biscayne, Brickell, and Dadeland.

2008

Chris Balcells stopped by Palmer Trinity to share the announcement of the opening of his art exhibition through RAW: Miami, an artist collaborative. Under the handle, Cookie, his street-art was displayed this past March at LMNT in North Miami. Visit www.rawartists.org/ dascookie for more information.

Hailey Wood is the Social Media Content Marketing Specialist for Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa and is currently involved in the planning of commencement and developing an ambassador and alumni program.

Elena De Villiers, Vivian Cerione, and Adriana Truby visit with Alumni from ‘96–‘99

Chad Stark ‘02, Mrs. Mercedes (Anez) Stark, Maria Vanegas

Michael Contreras ‘04 and Head of School Patrick Roberts

Alumni from the Class of 2014 visit with faculty members Tim Cassel and Maria Vanegas

Faculty Member Bobby Moore ‘05, Vivian Cerione, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06

Beth (Moskowitz) Lazar ‘84 and Scott Lazar, Michael Haggard ‘88, Bekki Haggard, Elena De Villiers

Charles Baumberger ‘94, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Hadley (Nichols) Foreman ‘93, Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt ‘95, Diana Baumberger

HAILEY WOOD ‘09

Nicklaus Sijan, Monica Cervera-Sijan ‘96, with faculty member Caroline Goodwin

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96, Mason Harris ‘89, Elena De Villiers, Denie (Freyer) Harris

Vivian Cerione, Brittney (Fyffe) Hernandez ‘06, Wilson Hernandez ‘06

Donna and Craig Zimmett ‘77

2009

Joana Costa Marques was recently promoted to Account Executive for Newlink Group, a Trilingual Public Relations firm based in Miami. She shares: “I was promoted in one year which is a really hard thing to do. I graduated from Palmer in ‘09 and went to Boston University ‘13. I currently work with Palace Resorts, LATAM Airlines, and the JW Marriott Miami.”

John Malloy ‘85, Juan Cobo ‘85, Joanie Cobo

Tom Mancuso ‘94, Tammy King-Foster ‘94, Charles Baumberger ‘94, and Andrew Bennett ‘95

Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85, Patrick Kalbac ‘10, Pat Brockway, Cole Brockway ‘09

(continues on page 46) S P R I N G 2 015

43

EV ENTS

ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL HOSTED ITS 14TH ANNUAL SANDY GOLF TOURNA MENT AND 5TH ANNUAL TENNIS TOURNA MENT. Held at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club, the event proceeds support the Sandy Block Financial Aid Fund, which enables outstanding students to attend Palmer Trinity School by receiving need-based financial aid. We would like to extend our gratitude to Presenting Sponsor Northern Trust for their incredible support and leadership. Thank you to our generous event sponsors, underwriters, donors, participants, volunteers, and students golfers and tennis players for supporting this remarkable tournament and auction.

TH A NK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ACE SPONSOR

AUCTION SPONSOR

The Topping Family GOLF CART SPONSOR

Coach Jeff Rose and the Varsity Boys Golf Team

Trustee Lynne Keller and Tennis Tournament winner Gina Bruce

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLF BALL SPONSOR

SHOE BAG & TERVIS TUMBLER SPONSOR

EVENT RECEPTION SPONSOR

Patrick and Laura Roberts with Katherine Anne

HAT SPONSOR

GOODY BAG/ COOLER SPONSOR

Dee Quintero, Cindy Slaman, Corinne Kayal, and Michelle Font

2015 SANDY GOLF AND TENNIS COMMITTEE TOUR NA MENT CO-CH A IR S Brian Gershen ‘98 Lynne Keller Chuck Klenk Nathan Zeder ‘98

EAGLE SPONSORS Past Board Chair Joe Kalbac, Tab Verdeja and Benhur Reina

HONOR A RY CH A IR Chris Block ‘96 COMMITTEE Michael Baiamonte Simon Baker Jim Block Bob Booth Shawn Crews Kelly Foreman Brett French ‘97 Sara Fumagalli Bekki Haggard Jon Lawrence ‘98 Jan Morrison Will Morrison ‘07 Maggie Porto Regina Sandilands Beth Serrate ‘85 Margie Shanti Zachary Sulkes 44

www.palmertrinity.org

Tennis Guest, Lauren Adamo ‘08, and Laurie Evans

Phil Newcomm, Marshall Smith, Trustee John Fumagalli and Eric Soulavy

Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP The Block Family BBVA Compass Bank Coastal Building Maintenance Coastal Construction Overholt Construction Corporation The Serrate Family Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A. The Weiss Family Foundation

BIRDIE SPONSORS Camp Lenny Foundation M.C. Harry & Associates

COURT SPONSORS

Volunteers Lois Chumbley and Tina Rodriguez

Kaufman, Rossin and Company Hugo Mantilla Melody Inc

NET SPONSORS

Tennis players enjoying lunch

Tennis players counting their raffle tickets

The Slaman Family The Sanz Family The Cetta Family

FOOD AND DRINK UNDERWRITERS Bacardi Constellation Brands Downstairs Grey Goose Sports Grill

Patrick Kalbac ‘10 and Cole Brockway ‘09

UNDERWRITERS A&T Installations Inc. Bay Plumbing Breakwater Construction and Development The French Gershen Lawrence Zeder Foundation Designers Tops Inc. Geomantic Designs Inc. Gulfstream Fire Sprinklers iCore Construction Ingelmo and Associates Landera and Associates LRG Construction Company Joy McIntosh Ramon Carpet Services, Inc. RBS Enterprises RSI of Florida Smart Air Systems, Inc. THH Construction

Gina Bruce and Heidi Nosich

Carlos Rodriguez, Trustee Alejandro Rodriguez, Karl Cetta, Trustee Hugo Mantilla

Marc Thomes ‘98, Luke Savage, Brett French ‘97, and Brian Gershen ‘98 S P R I N G 2 015

45

EV ENTS

ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL HOSTED ITS 14TH ANNUAL SANDY GOLF TOURNA MENT AND 5TH ANNUAL TENNIS TOURNA MENT. Held at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club, the event proceeds support the Sandy Block Financial Aid Fund, which enables outstanding students to attend Palmer Trinity School by receiving need-based financial aid. We would like to extend our gratitude to Presenting Sponsor Northern Trust for their incredible support and leadership. Thank you to our generous event sponsors, underwriters, donors, participants, volunteers, and students golfers and tennis players for supporting this remarkable tournament and auction.

TH A NK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

ACE SPONSOR

AUCTION SPONSOR

The Topping Family GOLF CART SPONSOR

Coach Jeff Rose and the Varsity Boys Golf Team

Trustee Lynne Keller and Tennis Tournament winner Gina Bruce

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLF BALL SPONSOR

SHOE BAG & TERVIS TUMBLER SPONSOR

EVENT RECEPTION SPONSOR

Patrick and Laura Roberts with Katherine Anne

HAT SPONSOR

GOODY BAG/ COOLER SPONSOR

Dee Quintero, Cindy Slaman, Corinne Kayal, and Michelle Font

2015 SANDY GOLF AND TENNIS COMMITTEE TOUR NA MENT CO-CH A IR S Brian Gershen ‘98 Lynne Keller Chuck Klenk Nathan Zeder ‘98

EAGLE SPONSORS Past Board Chair Joe Kalbac, Tab Verdeja and Benhur Reina

HONOR A RY CH A IR Chris Block ‘96 COMMITTEE Michael Baiamonte Simon Baker Jim Block Bob Booth Shawn Crews Kelly Foreman Brett French ‘97 Sara Fumagalli Bekki Haggard Jon Lawrence ‘98 Jan Morrison Will Morrison ‘07 Maggie Porto Regina Sandilands Beth Serrate ‘85 Margie Shanti Zachary Sulkes 44

www.palmertrinity.org

Tennis Guest, Lauren Adamo ‘08, and Laurie Evans

Phil Newcomm, Marshall Smith, Trustee John Fumagalli and Eric Soulavy

Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP The Block Family BBVA Compass Bank Coastal Building Maintenance Coastal Construction Overholt Construction Corporation The Serrate Family Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A. The Weiss Family Foundation

BIRDIE SPONSORS Camp Lenny Foundation M.C. Harry & Associates

COURT SPONSORS

Volunteers Lois Chumbley and Tina Rodriguez

Kaufman, Rossin and Company Hugo Mantilla Melody Inc

NET SPONSORS

Tennis players enjoying lunch

Tennis players counting their raffle tickets

The Slaman Family The Sanz Family The Cetta Family

FOOD AND DRINK UNDERWRITERS Bacardi Constellation Brands Downstairs Grey Goose Sports Grill

Patrick Kalbac ‘10 and Cole Brockway ‘09

UNDERWRITERS A&T Installations Inc. Bay Plumbing Breakwater Construction and Development The French Gershen Lawrence Zeder Foundation Designers Tops Inc. Geomantic Designs Inc. Gulfstream Fire Sprinklers iCore Construction Ingelmo and Associates Landera and Associates LRG Construction Company Joy McIntosh Ramon Carpet Services, Inc. RBS Enterprises RSI of Florida Smart Air Systems, Inc. THH Construction

Gina Bruce and Heidi Nosich

Carlos Rodriguez, Trustee Alejandro Rodriguez, Karl Cetta, Trustee Hugo Mantilla

Marc Thomes ‘98, Luke Savage, Brett French ‘97, and Brian Gershen ‘98 S P R I N G 2 015

45

CL A SS NOTE S

2010

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Martina Faillace, Victoria Fernandez or Annie Morrison for more details and information.

Yuxin Huang stopped by PTS to visit last December after shooting scenes for her thesis film here in Miami. Yuxin is studying at Bard College in New York.

Christina Ludovici graduated from NYU in May 2014. She’s currently working as a business development analyst at CounselWorks in midtown Manhattan. Christina has fostered and adopted a Chihuahua named Diva.

Kirsten Marbert recently accepted a position working at Betty Mae Casting, working under noted Casting Director Mary Vernieu who is responsible for many award winning films such as Black Swan, Silver Linings Playbook, Training Day and many more. Below is a photo of Kirsten and her coworkers at the Casting Society of America Awards.

KIRSTEN MARBERT ‘10

Nadia Tahoun recently co-produced a film with fellow PTS alumnus Camilo Cadena ‘10. The film, Future Relic, is a series of nine short films directed by artist Daniel Arsham and when strung together will make a full feature film. The first four will premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival.

2011

Alexa Cajiga is working at the event production company, The Rally Agency, in South Beach.

Savannah Dominguez was named to the First Team All Conference and East All Region Team playing volleyball with Bentley University.

She worked this summer at Zubi Advertising.

Marina Bertrand is a front desk agent at the Eden Roc Hotel. She is also pursuing an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management at FIU. Taylor Haas has been fostering her passions for Japan! She not only studied there for one semester last year, but is currently serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Acting as cultural liaison to DC-area schools, she teaches children about the history of the gift of trees and Japanese language and culture. Taylor also serves the greater community by facilitating events and promoting U.S.-Japan relations.

She is presently earning her degree in International Relations with a minor in Japanese at American University.

Ashley Ramkishun is studying at George Washington University and majoring in Criminal Justice. This spring she is interning at the DC Prisoners Project while also working part-time at a law firm.

Philip Quinones studied this summer in Venice, Italy. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree at Santa Clara University.

Wilson Valle shares: “The Naval Academy sent me down to Miami to visit local high schools and inform them of what the Naval Academy is and the opportunities it provides for graduates. I was lucky enough to be able to visit Palmer once again! As far as other notes, I will graduate and receive my degree and officer commission this upcoming May. I will then begin “The Basic School”, a six month long Marine Corps Officer course followed by Naval flight school in Pensacola, FL. That is basically my future in a nutshell.”

WILSON VALLE ‘11

2012

Karly Chynces writes: “Since the beginning of the spring 2015 semester, I have started my Bachelor’s program with a focus on International Business and Marketing at FIU. As a former founder and president of Best Buddies at Palmer Trinity, I have continued my service as secretary of Best Buddies at FIU. This upcoming fall, I will take on the presidency for the 300+ members involved in the club. In addition, I am honored to have the opportunity to be receiving piano lessons from a world-wide concert pianist, Kemal Gekic. All my hours of practice, as a classical pianist for the past 13 years, have truly paid off! Aside from my studies and extracurriculars, I am both blessed and ecstatic to say that I will be interning with the development of the newest iconic building in the world, SkyRise Miami, this summer.

The future that I dreamed of when I graduated from Palmer Trinity two years ago is now my present; it is quite the thrilling journey!”

Danny McCain ‘12 who is studying at Notre Dame when the two schools played each other in football. Preston was the announcer for the game.

Roberto Morean, who recently won his battle against Hodgkins Lymphoma, produced, directed, and performed in a cabaret in New York City called “Raise Your Voice: A Cabaret for a Cure” on Sunday, April 12th, 2015, to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He performed alongside Broadway actors Michael McElroy (RENT, Violet, Wild Party), Caissie Levy (Les Miserables, Ghost, Wicked, Hair), Derek Klena (Dog Fight, Bridges of Madison County, Wicked), Eden Espinosa (RENT, Wicked, Brooklyn), Zuzanna Szadkowski from ‘Gossip Girl’, his friends from the New Studio on Broadway at Tisch School at the Arts, and PTS Alumna, Samantha Ostwald ‘13.

ROBERTO MOREAN ‘13

Earlier this spring, Alumni in Boston and New York enjoyed visiting with each other, and meeting Head of School Patrick Roberts, Associate Head of School for Real Estate Paul Zamek, and Board Chairman Michael Baiamonte. Admission Director Danny Reynolds joined the reception in New York. Palmer Trinity administrators also visited with Alumni in London, Atlanta, and Los Angeles this year.

Ariel Suazo-Maler ‘09, Danny Reynolds, Jaquen Castellanos ‘09 and Christina Ludovici ‘10

Eduardo Abreu ‘01 and Carlos Anllo ‘98

Elizabeth McNichol ‘07, Alfredo Pinel ‘99, Lea Aftimos ‘14 and Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14

Rob Morean ‘13, Danielle Rothfeldt ‘13 and Sabrina Rodriguez ‘14

Patrick Roberts, Laura Roberts and Corey Hunter ‘93

Meridith and Bobby McGlynn, Kristen Titley ‘10 and Katie Titley ‘09

Joe Masterman ‘08 and Ariel Suazo-Maler ‘09

John Bell ‘09, Michael Baiamonte, Tony Schiappa-Pietra ‘12

Katarina Nordqvist ‘10 and Alexandre Lang-Willar ‘08

Laura Roberts, Patrick Roberts, Sofia Pedroso ‘14, Paul Zamek, Jenna Fusfield ‘14, Lauren Dowlen

Luciano Viola ‘08 and Daniel Omachanu ‘12

Maria Luiza Barreto ‘06, Tracy Wilk ‘06 and Katrina Barrios ‘06

Giancarlo Falconi is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering at University of Miami and recently played as the DJ for the PTS Conference Championship Varsity Football game as DJ Scribble.

Nicolas Joseph is completing an internship this spring in Public Relations and Web Design at Leonard Resource Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C. Nick continues his studies at the George Washington University and plans to pursue a career in International Marketing.

Sebastian Nicholls is working as the Chief of Staff for the Georgetown Sustainable Oceans Alliance, while continuing to pursue his undergraduate degree.

Kristof Rest is studying Entrepreneurship with an emphasis on Real Estate at the University of Miami.

Kris also works for a real estate company on Brickell.

2013

Roldolfo Martinez-Don is a legislative intern in Senator Marco Rubio’s office, working with one of his Legislative Aides on Immigration.

Preston Michelson is studying at Northwestern and recently saw

Danielle Rothfeldt writes: “New York is really great. I had spent a majority of my summers there interning so going for college just felt right. I got the opportunity to work backstage at Fashion Week, which was an amazing experience and I’m very happy at my school. I have also been studying French outside of school since I moved to New York as I plan on spending part of this summer, as well as spring semester of my junior year, in Paris. I feel that this will be a great addition to my college experience and I couldn’t be more excited.”

2014

Andres Alonso is working on his sound and lighting equipment (continues on page 50)

46

www.palmertrinity.org

S P R I N G 2 015

47

CL A SS NOTE S

2010

REUNION YEAR! Please contact Martina Faillace, Victoria Fernandez or Annie Morrison for more details and information.

Yuxin Huang stopped by PTS to visit last December after shooting scenes for her thesis film here in Miami. Yuxin is studying at Bard College in New York.

Christina Ludovici graduated from NYU in May 2014. She’s currently working as a business development analyst at CounselWorks in midtown Manhattan. Christina has fostered and adopted a Chihuahua named Diva.

Kirsten Marbert recently accepted a position working at Betty Mae Casting, working under noted Casting Director Mary Vernieu who is responsible for many award winning films such as Black Swan, Silver Linings Playbook, Training Day and many more. Below is a photo of Kirsten and her coworkers at the Casting Society of America Awards.

KIRSTEN MARBERT ‘10

Nadia Tahoun recently co-produced a film with fellow PTS alumnus Camilo Cadena ‘10. The film, Future Relic, is a series of nine short films directed by artist Daniel Arsham and when strung together will make a full feature film. The first four will premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival.

2011

Alexa Cajiga is working at the event production company, The Rally Agency, in South Beach.

Savannah Dominguez was named to the First Team All Conference and East All Region Team playing volleyball with Bentley University.

She worked this summer at Zubi Advertising.

Marina Bertrand is a front desk agent at the Eden Roc Hotel. She is also pursuing an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management at FIU. Taylor Haas has been fostering her passions for Japan! She not only studied there for one semester last year, but is currently serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Acting as cultural liaison to DC-area schools, she teaches children about the history of the gift of trees and Japanese language and culture. Taylor also serves the greater community by facilitating events and promoting U.S.-Japan relations.

She is presently earning her degree in International Relations with a minor in Japanese at American University.

Ashley Ramkishun is studying at George Washington University and majoring in Criminal Justice. This spring she is interning at the DC Prisoners Project while also working part-time at a law firm.

Philip Quinones studied this summer in Venice, Italy. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree at Santa Clara University.

Wilson Valle shares: “The Naval Academy sent me down to Miami to visit local high schools and inform them of what the Naval Academy is and the opportunities it provides for graduates. I was lucky enough to be able to visit Palmer once again! As far as other notes, I will graduate and receive my degree and officer commission this upcoming May. I will then begin “The Basic School”, a six month long Marine Corps Officer course followed by Naval flight school in Pensacola, FL. That is basically my future in a nutshell.”

WILSON VALLE ‘11

2012

Karly Chynces writes: “Since the beginning of the spring 2015 semester, I have started my Bachelor’s program with a focus on International Business and Marketing at FIU. As a former founder and president of Best Buddies at Palmer Trinity, I have continued my service as secretary of Best Buddies at FIU. This upcoming fall, I will take on the presidency for the 300+ members involved in the club. In addition, I am honored to have the opportunity to be receiving piano lessons from a world-wide concert pianist, Kemal Gekic. All my hours of practice, as a classical pianist for the past 13 years, have truly paid off! Aside from my studies and extracurriculars, I am both blessed and ecstatic to say that I will be interning with the development of the newest iconic building in the world, SkyRise Miami, this summer.

The future that I dreamed of when I graduated from Palmer Trinity two years ago is now my present; it is quite the thrilling journey!”

Danny McCain ‘12 who is studying at Notre Dame when the two schools played each other in football. Preston was the announcer for the game.

Roberto Morean, who recently won his battle against Hodgkins Lymphoma, produced, directed, and performed in a cabaret in New York City called “Raise Your Voice: A Cabaret for a Cure” on Sunday, April 12th, 2015, to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He performed alongside Broadway actors Michael McElroy (RENT, Violet, Wild Party), Caissie Levy (Les Miserables, Ghost, Wicked, Hair), Derek Klena (Dog Fight, Bridges of Madison County, Wicked), Eden Espinosa (RENT, Wicked, Brooklyn), Zuzanna Szadkowski from ‘Gossip Girl’, his friends from the New Studio on Broadway at Tisch School at the Arts, and PTS Alumna, Samantha Ostwald ‘13.

ROBERTO MOREAN ‘13

Earlier this spring, Alumni in Boston and New York enjoyed visiting with each other, and meeting Head of School Patrick Roberts, Associate Head of School for Real Estate Paul Zamek, and Board Chairman Michael Baiamonte. Admission Director Danny Reynolds joined the reception in New York. Palmer Trinity administrators also visited with Alumni in London, Atlanta, and Los Angeles this year.

Ariel Suazo-Maler ‘09, Danny Reynolds, Jaquen Castellanos ‘09 and Christina Ludovici ‘10

Eduardo Abreu ‘01 and Carlos Anllo ‘98

Elizabeth McNichol ‘07, Alfredo Pinel ‘99, Lea Aftimos ‘14 and Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14

Rob Morean ‘13, Danielle Rothfeldt ‘13 and Sabrina Rodriguez ‘14

Patrick Roberts, Laura Roberts and Corey Hunter ‘93

Meridith and Bobby McGlynn, Kristen Titley ‘10 and Katie Titley ‘09

Joe Masterman ‘08 and Ariel Suazo-Maler ‘09

John Bell ‘09, Michael Baiamonte, Tony Schiappa-Pietra ‘12

Katarina Nordqvist ‘10 and Alexandre Lang-Willar ‘08

Laura Roberts, Patrick Roberts, Sofia Pedroso ‘14, Paul Zamek, Jenna Fusfield ‘14, Lauren Dowlen

Luciano Viola ‘08 and Daniel Omachanu ‘12

Maria Luiza Barreto ‘06, Tracy Wilk ‘06 and Katrina Barrios ‘06

Giancarlo Falconi is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering at University of Miami and recently played as the DJ for the PTS Conference Championship Varsity Football game as DJ Scribble.

Nicolas Joseph is completing an internship this spring in Public Relations and Web Design at Leonard Resource Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C. Nick continues his studies at the George Washington University and plans to pursue a career in International Marketing.

Sebastian Nicholls is working as the Chief of Staff for the Georgetown Sustainable Oceans Alliance, while continuing to pursue his undergraduate degree.

Kristof Rest is studying Entrepreneurship with an emphasis on Real Estate at the University of Miami.

Kris also works for a real estate company on Brickell.

2013

Roldolfo Martinez-Don is a legislative intern in Senator Marco Rubio’s office, working with one of his Legislative Aides on Immigration.

Preston Michelson is studying at Northwestern and recently saw

Danielle Rothfeldt writes: “New York is really great. I had spent a majority of my summers there interning so going for college just felt right. I got the opportunity to work backstage at Fashion Week, which was an amazing experience and I’m very happy at my school. I have also been studying French outside of school since I moved to New York as I plan on spending part of this summer, as well as spring semester of my junior year, in Paris. I feel that this will be a great addition to my college experience and I couldn’t be more excited.”

2014

Andres Alonso is working on his sound and lighting equipment (continues on page 50)

46

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A LU M NI PROFIL E

KARL STURGE 1982 PALMER ALUMNUS K ARL STURGE ‘82 STARTED AT PALMER SCHOOL AS A 7 TH GR ADER IN 1976. “I was nervous! Coming from the smaller St. Thomas Episcopal School, it was intimidating and nerve-wracking, but absolutely wonderful.” Karl was the first of four siblings to attend Palmer and Palmer Trinity – his late brother Mark ‘83, his sister Edna ‘86 and his brother Clarke ‘91 all graduated from the school as well. “The school was a challenge academically, socially, athletically, and fulfilled all my expectations.”

Karl played sports all through middle school and high school. “I was a good athlete; I played on all the school teams: baseball, football, track, basketball.”

He acknowledges the inspiring and influential coaches and teachers at the time, including Coach Mike Becker, his Math teacher and track coach.

Coach Jeff Caparelli was an “absolute influence on my life,” Karl recalls.

“I was an above average student, but I was more challenged as classes got harder. I had to work hard for my grades. But I was very prepared for college,” Karl remembers. Mr. Robert Yarbrough who taught English and Mr. Gregg Motter who taught Biology were Karl’s top academic influences as a student at Palmer. In fact, he decided on a major of Pre-Med because of what he learned in Mr. Motter’s class. “When I got to SMU and signed up for PreMed Biology class, I was relieved that the textbook was the exact same one we had used in high school at Palmer. I knew I was going to be okay.”

Ultimately, it was Karl’s close relationship with his brother Mark which influenced him to transfer to Florida State University to be able to go to school with his sibling. “We were extremely close,” Karl says. “He had a preference for FSU, so we went to Tallahassee. I told him he had to do all the paperwork because I had to finish my classes at SMU.” The change of college also prompted a change in major. “I thought long and hard about it, and I wasn’t sure I was pursuing pre-med for the right reasons. I liked to argue—and to write, being inspired by Mr. Yarbrough. I decided to double major in English and Biology. I thought, ‘maybe I’ll be a lawyer that defends doctors.’”

His father, Dr. Karl Sturge, a revered urologist in Miami, influenced Karl in only the most positive ways. “My father was wonderful and gave me every option. He spoke with me and encouraged me to do what made me happy. A career would hopefully be a 40-year decision so he encouraged me to choose something I liked to do, rather than choose

48

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A LU M NI PROFIL E

something that might be more financially rewarding.” Dr. and Mrs. Sturge were incredibly supportive of all of their children, After Florida State, Karl returned to Miami to attend the University of Miami Law School. “I truly wanted to reside in Miami and thought going to law school in the city where I want to practice is the best choice.” He has practiced law since 1991 as a high-end litigator, often in bad-faith disputes with insurance companies.

Several times he has argued cases against attorneys with Palmer ties, including a case involving a client of Michael Haggard ‘88.

Karl also returned to sports, getting involved with coaching his kids in baseball. “My father was hands-on, an active father. He had always coached me before I played for Palmer. It really influenced me,” Karl says.

He volunteered through the Howard-Palmetto League at Suniland Park and served on the Board. Over time, another officer of the Board, Keith Reilly, and Karl were discussing the lack of opportunities for children with special needs. “We started researching and came across the Miracle League, a national organization with local chapters. It’s kind of like the “Special Olympics” of baseball.” Karl explains. In 2010, Karl, Keith and other volunteers started the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County.

“To create positive life experiences for children with special needs and their families through baseball,” the Miracle League partners with schools, businesses and individuals to host a game of baseball. Volunteers serve as “buddies” and accompany the players, to the joy of everyone involved. “What the buddies put into each game gives the players a chance to experience what so many of us take for granted,” Karl shares.

“And their moms and dads get to sit in the stands and witness their children feel accepted on a sports field.” Many current and former Palmer Trinity students are involved with the Miracle League: Shelly Robinson ‘15, Maddie Robison ‘18, Evan Steinman ‘15, Blake Miller ‘16, Austin Miller ‘12, Daniel Chumbley ‘15, Nick Font ‘15, and Joro Forman ‘08.

Just this past November, Karl’s brother Mark unexpectedly passed away.

Two days later, as part of the annual PTS Gives Back Day, Palmer Trinity hosted its first game for the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County. As he does for every game, Karl served as overall Master of Ceremonies, umpire and cheerleader for the players and buddies. “I was very proud of my alma mater that day,” Karl says. The turnout from the students was wonderful.

The timing was so very emotional. I needed to be there that day, to honor my brother, and the times we spent on that very baseball field together.”

“Palmer is still so big in my life,” Karl shares. “It was never so evident than on my darkest day. Coaches and teachers, classmates and alumni, families, all came to support me and my family when Mark passed away. Current students need to know how connected the Palmer family is, even in tragic times.”

What continues to motivate Karl is what lies just over the horizon, in the near future. The Miracle League of Miami-Dade plans to build a baseball park, including a rubber turfed field, for children of all disabilities to be able to play and enjoy the game of baseball safely. The facility will cost around $1.5 million, and nearly 2/3 of the funds have already been raised thanks to partners such as the Miami Marlins, Miami-Dade County Parks, Assurant, Grant Miller and the Howard Palmetto organization, and even the State of Florida. Nearly 68,000 children with special needs from the Keys to Ft. Lauderdale will be able to enjoy such a facility.

In sharing what he has learned in his life and work with current students, Karl suggests: “Stay open minded, build on opportunities. Be confident that your high school has given you the best of all foundations you could get — a foundation for success.” As for the college experience, Karl notes, “You do so much growing in four years, and it might take a little longer. That’s okay. Your career may be a lifetime decision. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you are going to love and enjoy.”

THIS PAGE: Palmer Trinity hosted the Miracle League of Miami Dade County last November, only a few days after Mark’s passing. At every game, Karl gives hands-on encouragement to every player.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Sturge siblings, all Palmer graduates: Karl ‘82, Mark ‘83, Edna ‘86, and Clarke ‘91; Karl taking a break as a Senior at Palmer School

S P R I N G 2 015

49

A LU M NI PROFIL E

KARL STURGE 1982 PALMER ALUMNUS K ARL STURGE ‘82 STARTED AT PALMER SCHOOL AS A 7 TH GR ADER IN 1976. “I was nervous! Coming from the smaller St. Thomas Episcopal School, it was intimidating and nerve-wracking, but absolutely wonderful.” Karl was the first of four siblings to attend Palmer and Palmer Trinity – his late brother Mark ‘83, his sister Edna ‘86 and his brother Clarke ‘91 all graduated from the school as well. “The school was a challenge academically, socially, athletically, and fulfilled all my expectations.”

Karl played sports all through middle school and high school. “I was a good athlete; I played on all the school teams: baseball, football, track, basketball.”

He acknowledges the inspiring and influential coaches and teachers at the time, including Coach Mike Becker, his Math teacher and track coach.

Coach Jeff Caparelli was an “absolute influence on my life,” Karl recalls.

“I was an above average student, but I was more challenged as classes got harder. I had to work hard for my grades. But I was very prepared for college,” Karl remembers. Mr. Robert Yarbrough who taught English and Mr. Gregg Motter who taught Biology were Karl’s top academic influences as a student at Palmer. In fact, he decided on a major of Pre-Med because of what he learned in Mr. Motter’s class. “When I got to SMU and signed up for PreMed Biology class, I was relieved that the textbook was the exact same one we had used in high school at Palmer. I knew I was going to be okay.”

Ultimately, it was Karl’s close relationship with his brother Mark which influenced him to transfer to Florida State University to be able to go to school with his sibling. “We were extremely close,” Karl says. “He had a preference for FSU, so we went to Tallahassee. I told him he had to do all the paperwork because I had to finish my classes at SMU.” The change of college also prompted a change in major. “I thought long and hard about it, and I wasn’t sure I was pursuing pre-med for the right reasons. I liked to argue—and to write, being inspired by Mr. Yarbrough. I decided to double major in English and Biology. I thought, ‘maybe I’ll be a lawyer that defends doctors.’”

His father, Dr. Karl Sturge, a revered urologist in Miami, influenced Karl in only the most positive ways. “My father was wonderful and gave me every option. He spoke with me and encouraged me to do what made me happy. A career would hopefully be a 40-year decision so he encouraged me to choose something I liked to do, rather than choose

48

www.palmertrinity.org

A LU M NI PROFIL E

something that might be more financially rewarding.” Dr. and Mrs. Sturge were incredibly supportive of all of their children, After Florida State, Karl returned to Miami to attend the University of Miami Law School. “I truly wanted to reside in Miami and thought going to law school in the city where I want to practice is the best choice.” He has practiced law since 1991 as a high-end litigator, often in bad-faith disputes with insurance companies.

Several times he has argued cases against attorneys with Palmer ties, including a case involving a client of Michael Haggard ‘88.

Karl also returned to sports, getting involved with coaching his kids in baseball. “My father was hands-on, an active father. He had always coached me before I played for Palmer. It really influenced me,” Karl says.

He volunteered through the Howard-Palmetto League at Suniland Park and served on the Board. Over time, another officer of the Board, Keith Reilly, and Karl were discussing the lack of opportunities for children with special needs. “We started researching and came across the Miracle League, a national organization with local chapters. It’s kind of like the “Special Olympics” of baseball.” Karl explains. In 2010, Karl, Keith and other volunteers started the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County.

“To create positive life experiences for children with special needs and their families through baseball,” the Miracle League partners with schools, businesses and individuals to host a game of baseball. Volunteers serve as “buddies” and accompany the players, to the joy of everyone involved. “What the buddies put into each game gives the players a chance to experience what so many of us take for granted,” Karl shares.

“And their moms and dads get to sit in the stands and witness their children feel accepted on a sports field.” Many current and former Palmer Trinity students are involved with the Miracle League: Shelly Robinson ‘15, Maddie Robison ‘18, Evan Steinman ‘15, Blake Miller ‘16, Austin Miller ‘12, Daniel Chumbley ‘15, Nick Font ‘15, and Joro Forman ‘08.

Just this past November, Karl’s brother Mark unexpectedly passed away.

Two days later, as part of the annual PTS Gives Back Day, Palmer Trinity hosted its first game for the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County. As he does for every game, Karl served as overall Master of Ceremonies, umpire and cheerleader for the players and buddies. “I was very proud of my alma mater that day,” Karl says. The turnout from the students was wonderful.

The timing was so very emotional. I needed to be there that day, to honor my brother, and the times we spent on that very baseball field together.”

“Palmer is still so big in my life,” Karl shares. “It was never so evident than on my darkest day. Coaches and teachers, classmates and alumni, families, all came to support me and my family when Mark passed away. Current students need to know how connected the Palmer family is, even in tragic times.”

What continues to motivate Karl is what lies just over the horizon, in the near future. The Miracle League of Miami-Dade plans to build a baseball park, including a rubber turfed field, for children of all disabilities to be able to play and enjoy the game of baseball safely. The facility will cost around $1.5 million, and nearly 2/3 of the funds have already been raised thanks to partners such as the Miami Marlins, Miami-Dade County Parks, Assurant, Grant Miller and the Howard Palmetto organization, and even the State of Florida. Nearly 68,000 children with special needs from the Keys to Ft. Lauderdale will be able to enjoy such a facility.

In sharing what he has learned in his life and work with current students, Karl suggests: “Stay open minded, build on opportunities. Be confident that your high school has given you the best of all foundations you could get — a foundation for success.” As for the college experience, Karl notes, “You do so much growing in four years, and it might take a little longer. That’s okay. Your career may be a lifetime decision. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you are going to love and enjoy.”

THIS PAGE: Palmer Trinity hosted the Miracle League of Miami Dade County last November, only a few days after Mark’s passing. At every game, Karl gives hands-on encouragement to every player.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Sturge siblings, all Palmer graduates: Karl ‘82, Mark ‘83, Edna ‘86, and Clarke ‘91; Karl taking a break as a Senior at Palmer School

S P R I N G 2 015

49

CL A SS NOTE S company, KFX. He is pursuing an Industrial Engineering degree at the University of Miami.

JAIME SEPULVEDA ‘14

Anabel Danon had lunch with retired math teacher Carol Bonner in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the home of her college, Dickinson. Mrs. Bonner took a detour from her leisure travels to see Anabel and both enjoyed the reunion.

ANABEL DANON ‘14

effect you have had on the many students you have taught throughout the years. Your gift of teaching goes deeper than the classroom and farther than the minds that you have touched. The academic world is a better place because of the service you have provided and we are so proud of your accomplishments.

Here’s to the next chapter of your life! We wish you the best and love you very much.

Love,

M S . DV,

Congratulations on your retirement!

Looking back on my Palmer Trinity days, no one stands out in my mind as much as you do. You are an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend, and I look forward to keeping in touch (and hopefully doing some scrapbooking) in the years to come.

Thank you for everything!

XO, Megan Cunningham ‘08

YOU R CH I L DR E N

Louis Rosas-Guyon (‘90), Maggie Rosas-Guyon (‘93) and Christina Rosas-Guyon Hart (‘97) Rodriguez ‘14 (New York University), Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14 (Sarah Lawrence College), Lea Aftimos ‘14 (New York University), Paula San Agustin ‘14 (New York University), Pedro Domit ‘14 (Emerson College) and former faculty member David Cutler (Brimmer and May School).

NYC ALUMNI

M S . R G / DV,

I know I’m 1 of 1 million students that count you among their VERY favorite teachers from PTS! You are so loved and no doubt will be greatly missed. You helped to make learning math fun, and we all love you and appreciate you for that!

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Galicia Rothe is playing Lacrosse for the Wheaton College Lyons. Her bio mentions her time at Palmer Trinity: “BEFORE WHEATON: Attended the Palmer Trinity School... two-year starter on the lacrosse team... named to the All-County and All-District first teams in 2013 and 2014... earned an All-Regional honorable mention as a senior... completed an undefeated season... as district champions her senior year.”

Amanda La Pastina writes: “I’m studying in São Paulo, studying business and economy at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). I wanted to study there because it is where both my parents went to college and São Paulo is the city where I was born and where my whole family resides.”

Jaime Sepulveda played with the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, an incredible honor for a freshman musician.

PTS Teacher Tim Cassel recently spent time with several collegiate Alumni studying in the New York area. Daniel Omachonu ‘12 (Columbia University), Samantha Ostwald ‘13 (New York University), Rob Morean ‘13 (New York University), Danielle Rothfeldt ‘13 (LIM College), Andrea Cantor ‘14 (New York University), Sabrina 50

www.palmertrinity.org

M S . DV,

Alumni in NYC picture includes Susie Benitez ‘14 (New York University), Renee Dobrinsky ‘14 (Dartmouth College), Sara Abbassi ‘14 (Union College), Danielle Rothfeldt (LIM College), Sabrina Rodriguez ‘14 (New York University), Monica Rodriguez, Andrea Cantor (NYU), and Paulina Calderon (Georgetown University).

Faculty News SPECIAL NOTES TO RETIRING FACULTY MEMBER, ELENA (ROSAS-GUYON) DE VILLIERS

In 1984, when you became a part of the Palmer family we were 5, 9 and 12 respectively. Little did we know your decision to join the faculty at a new job would have such a strong impact on all of our lives. We have been so blessed to have experienced your brilliance as a teacher but also to have seen the strong and dramatic

You were such an amazing presence in my life while I was at Palmer Trinity. You always got me to think differently and to work harder. Palmer Trinity is forever indebted to you because of your unbelievable service.

I know you will have a great time in retirement!

Preston Michelson ‘13

D E A R E S T R G / DV,

I will always remember you not only in the classroom but your constant support of the school, its teams and most importantly its students. You always rooted for Falcon and Pirate teams and teammates, while having fun with other students, teachers and families doing so. Your support was always felt and appreciated.

Thank you for your incredible spirit and mentorship.

D E A R M S . DV,

Math was never my forte but that didn’t stop me from enjoying Geometry. That’s because of YOU! Your teaching, your enthusiasm, your kindness, your humor. I know that one of the reasons I became a teacher myself is because of teachers like you that I had in high school. I am honored to have been one of your students.

Love, Patricia Balestra, ‘92

Roberto Morean ‘13

Mark passed away unexpectedly in November of 2014. Mark was a loving son, father, brother and friend and passed away on Thursday, November 13th 2014. A Miami native, Mark graduated from Palmer High school in 1983. He later graduated from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 1994 and established his practice in Miami.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, diving and canoeing in the Everglades. He is survived by

D E A R M S . DV,

Fondly, Jenna ‘14, Bryan ‘12 and the Fusfield family

With all of these facets of the Alumni program in place, the natural next step to building a stronger Alumni program at Palmer Trinity School is with an Association, ratified by the Board of Trustees, supported by the Alumni Office, and led by Palmer Trinity Alumni.

An inaugural Alumni Association Board has worked together since last October. The board will continue to grow and promote our Alumni network, foster lifelong connections among Alumni, and support Palmer Trinity and current students and faculty. Much more is planned for the future to continue connecting our community together. Palmer Trinity boasts nearly 3,000 Alumni, all over the world. For more information or to get involved, please visit us online at www.palmertrinity.org/alumni, or contact Lauren Dowlen, Director of Alumni Relations, at ldowlen@ palmertrinity.org or 305-969-4282.

In Friendship, Charles Baumberger Jr. ‘94

Thank you so much for all of your incredibly hard work and dedication to Palmer Trinity and to your students. You have inspired me and so many others throughout the years and I am so lucky to have met you!

You will be missed dearly as the “Latina Queen of PTS”!

What else can we say but thank you and we love you! We are so happy to have known you and learned from you! We wish you adventures, family and fun and all the best in your future.

PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF AN OFFICIAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Over the years, many members of our Alumni community and staff have built an active Alumni program: an Admissions Advisory Committee, an Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, a Class Agents program, Reunion Chairs and Committees, and more.

In Memorium

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Tom Magenheimer ‘78

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99

PR E S I DE N T

V IC E PR E S I DE N T

S E C R E TA R Y

Charles Baumberger ‘94

Brian Gershen ‘98

Maggie Rosas-Guyon ‘93

Andrew Bennett ‘95

Michael Haggard ‘88

Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85

Michael Contreras ‘04

Mason Harris ‘89

Lee Sterling ‘81

Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91

John Malloy ‘85

Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97

Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98

Ariel Moger ‘08

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Adrian Foley ‘02

Gordy O’Neil ‘84

MARK STURGE ‘83

(continues on page 54)

S P R I N G 2 015

51

CL A SS NOTE S company, KFX. He is pursuing an Industrial Engineering degree at the University of Miami.

JAIME SEPULVEDA ‘14

Anabel Danon had lunch with retired math teacher Carol Bonner in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the home of her college, Dickinson. Mrs. Bonner took a detour from her leisure travels to see Anabel and both enjoyed the reunion.

ANABEL DANON ‘14

effect you have had on the many students you have taught throughout the years. Your gift of teaching goes deeper than the classroom and farther than the minds that you have touched. The academic world is a better place because of the service you have provided and we are so proud of your accomplishments.

Here’s to the next chapter of your life! We wish you the best and love you very much.

Love,

M S . DV,

Congratulations on your retirement!

Looking back on my Palmer Trinity days, no one stands out in my mind as much as you do. You are an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend, and I look forward to keeping in touch (and hopefully doing some scrapbooking) in the years to come.

Thank you for everything!

XO, Megan Cunningham ‘08

YOU R CH I L DR E N

Louis Rosas-Guyon (‘90), Maggie Rosas-Guyon (‘93) and Christina Rosas-Guyon Hart (‘97) Rodriguez ‘14 (New York University), Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14 (Sarah Lawrence College), Lea Aftimos ‘14 (New York University), Paula San Agustin ‘14 (New York University), Pedro Domit ‘14 (Emerson College) and former faculty member David Cutler (Brimmer and May School).

NYC ALUMNI

M S . R G / DV,

I know I’m 1 of 1 million students that count you among their VERY favorite teachers from PTS! You are so loved and no doubt will be greatly missed. You helped to make learning math fun, and we all love you and appreciate you for that!

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Galicia Rothe is playing Lacrosse for the Wheaton College Lyons. Her bio mentions her time at Palmer Trinity: “BEFORE WHEATON: Attended the Palmer Trinity School... two-year starter on the lacrosse team... named to the All-County and All-District first teams in 2013 and 2014... earned an All-Regional honorable mention as a senior... completed an undefeated season... as district champions her senior year.”

Amanda La Pastina writes: “I’m studying in São Paulo, studying business and economy at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). I wanted to study there because it is where both my parents went to college and São Paulo is the city where I was born and where my whole family resides.”

Jaime Sepulveda played with the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, an incredible honor for a freshman musician.

PTS Teacher Tim Cassel recently spent time with several collegiate Alumni studying in the New York area. Daniel Omachonu ‘12 (Columbia University), Samantha Ostwald ‘13 (New York University), Rob Morean ‘13 (New York University), Danielle Rothfeldt ‘13 (LIM College), Andrea Cantor ‘14 (New York University), Sabrina 50

www.palmertrinity.org

M S . DV,

Alumni in NYC picture includes Susie Benitez ‘14 (New York University), Renee Dobrinsky ‘14 (Dartmouth College), Sara Abbassi ‘14 (Union College), Danielle Rothfeldt (LIM College), Sabrina Rodriguez ‘14 (New York University), Monica Rodriguez, Andrea Cantor (NYU), and Paulina Calderon (Georgetown University).

Faculty News SPECIAL NOTES TO RETIRING FACULTY MEMBER, ELENA (ROSAS-GUYON) DE VILLIERS

In 1984, when you became a part of the Palmer family we were 5, 9 and 12 respectively. Little did we know your decision to join the faculty at a new job would have such a strong impact on all of our lives. We have been so blessed to have experienced your brilliance as a teacher but also to have seen the strong and dramatic

You were such an amazing presence in my life while I was at Palmer Trinity. You always got me to think differently and to work harder. Palmer Trinity is forever indebted to you because of your unbelievable service.

I know you will have a great time in retirement!

Preston Michelson ‘13

D E A R E S T R G / DV,

I will always remember you not only in the classroom but your constant support of the school, its teams and most importantly its students. You always rooted for Falcon and Pirate teams and teammates, while having fun with other students, teachers and families doing so. Your support was always felt and appreciated.

Thank you for your incredible spirit and mentorship.

D E A R M S . DV,

Math was never my forte but that didn’t stop me from enjoying Geometry. That’s because of YOU! Your teaching, your enthusiasm, your kindness, your humor. I know that one of the reasons I became a teacher myself is because of teachers like you that I had in high school. I am honored to have been one of your students.

Love, Patricia Balestra, ‘92

Roberto Morean ‘13

Mark passed away unexpectedly in November of 2014. Mark was a loving son, father, brother and friend and passed away on Thursday, November 13th 2014. A Miami native, Mark graduated from Palmer High school in 1983. He later graduated from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 1994 and established his practice in Miami.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, diving and canoeing in the Everglades. He is survived by

D E A R M S . DV,

Fondly, Jenna ‘14, Bryan ‘12 and the Fusfield family

With all of these facets of the Alumni program in place, the natural next step to building a stronger Alumni program at Palmer Trinity School is with an Association, ratified by the Board of Trustees, supported by the Alumni Office, and led by Palmer Trinity Alumni.

An inaugural Alumni Association Board has worked together since last October. The board will continue to grow and promote our Alumni network, foster lifelong connections among Alumni, and support Palmer Trinity and current students and faculty. Much more is planned for the future to continue connecting our community together. Palmer Trinity boasts nearly 3,000 Alumni, all over the world. For more information or to get involved, please visit us online at www.palmertrinity.org/alumni, or contact Lauren Dowlen, Director of Alumni Relations, at ldowlen@ palmertrinity.org or 305-969-4282.

In Friendship, Charles Baumberger Jr. ‘94

Thank you so much for all of your incredibly hard work and dedication to Palmer Trinity and to your students. You have inspired me and so many others throughout the years and I am so lucky to have met you!

You will be missed dearly as the “Latina Queen of PTS”!

What else can we say but thank you and we love you! We are so happy to have known you and learned from you! We wish you adventures, family and fun and all the best in your future.

PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF AN OFFICIAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Over the years, many members of our Alumni community and staff have built an active Alumni program: an Admissions Advisory Committee, an Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, a Class Agents program, Reunion Chairs and Committees, and more.

In Memorium

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Tom Magenheimer ‘78

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99

PR E S I DE N T

V IC E PR E S I DE N T

S E C R E TA R Y

Charles Baumberger ‘94

Brian Gershen ‘98

Maggie Rosas-Guyon ‘93

Andrew Bennett ‘95

Michael Haggard ‘88

Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85

Michael Contreras ‘04

Mason Harris ‘89

Lee Sterling ‘81

Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91

John Malloy ‘85

Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97

Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98

Ariel Moger ‘08

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Adrian Foley ‘02

Gordy O’Neil ‘84

MARK STURGE ‘83

(continues on page 54)

S P R I N G 2 015

51

A LU M NI PROFIL E

A LU M NI PROFIL E

JAYNE TRUCKENBROD 1998

JAY NE AND HER SISTER COMMUTED TO PALMER TRINITY FROM KEY LARGO EVERY DAY. “It was a long drive but completely worth it,” Jayne remembers. “It was an amazing four years!” One of Jayne’s most memorable experiences as a PTS student included playing on the 1998 statequalifying volleyball team coached by AJ West. She played sports throughout her high school career, achieved the honor of Athlete of the Year, and felt deeply inspired by Coach West, as well as Coach Dave Hewett and Coach Marty Migliaccio. “They were big influences who made a difference in my life,” she remembers.

“Sometimes they were tough, but all were special relationships to me. I also forged many friendships with my teammates.”

Jayne’s most memorable classes and teachers included Ceramics with Mr. Moorhouse, AP English and Literature, Spanish, and Biology and Physics. “High school at Palmer Trinity is where I fell in love with the natural sciences,” she says. “When I got to college, I knew I wanted to be a doctor.

Looking back, the exposure and experience of different disciplines that started at PTS and continued in college gave me a different and unique perspective than some of my colleagues who solely focused on science.”

Jane attended the University of Florida as an undergraduate and decided to continue her studies beyond just the pre-med curriculum, choosing to major in Spanish. “I knew that

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Jayne, #10, with the ‘97-‘98 State-Championship qualifying PTS Varsity Volleyball team; Jayne welcomes patients at the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin; Enjoying a Washington Nationals game; Jayne presenting for the American Academy of Pediatrics; Enjoying Washington, DC as a fellow at Children’s National Health Systems

52

www.palmertrinity.org

WE ONLY HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME ON THIS EARTH... I WOULD ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO FIND THEIR PASSIONS. GO TO NEW PLACES, MEET NEW PEOPLE, AND BE OPEN TO LEARNING NEW THINGS.

I liked science but I kept an open mind and vision of all the things that I wanted to incorporate into my life, and my future career.” She took fascinating courses in Spanish literature, history, linguistics and poetics and graduated with honors. She chose the University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College Osteopathic Medicine for medical school and then completed her residency at the Dell Children’s Hospital where she now works in Austin, Texas. However, instead of joining the hospital immediately, Jayne decided to pursue a fellowship at Children’s National Health Systems in Washington, D.C. She was able to learn more about global health and patient safety, areas which she now incorporates into her work at the Dell Children’s Hospital back in Texas.

As the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Jayne advises and mentors at least two fellows a year, in addition to working with a team of interns and medical students. “I love teaching as a part of my job, which was a big reason for my fellowship,” she shares. “I enjoy the theory and research behind the practice. Part of our Hippocratic Oath as healthcare providers is to take on mentoring, and teach others that come after us. I get great satisfaction from learning and seeing others learn, and on a systems level, from seeing more effective processes, increased patient safety, and implementing change that has an effect on a larger amount of people.”

Jayne describes the joy of her work: “There are many facets that continue to motivate me. Clinically, I take care of sick children.

Often when I meet a patient, the parents and family are scared and stressed. They’ve been in the Emergency Room for hours and are now in the hospital. They’ve been through multiple doctors and are second guessing everything. They are exhausted and deserve answers. I get to talk to them, to reassure them that their children are going to have a treatment and feel better. I can literally see a weight lifted off of their shoulders.

Being able to see children coming into the hospital one way, and then, when they leave they have their ‘spark’, and the twinkle back in their eye. It is incredibly rewarding.”

For current Palmer Trinity students, Jayne has some advice about their dreams. “We only have a certain amount of time on this earth. At some point, there is going to be a time when we can rest, feel tired and happy and put our feet up. Until that time, I would encourage students to find their passions.

Go to new places, meet new people, and be open to learning new things. When you get to that time to sit in front of the fire, you can look back on your life and not have regrets.

I’ve kept on going and moving and after all these years I realize that moving forward is not as scary as I thought it might be when I was younger. Taking advantage of opportunities proves so rewarding. It’s these experiences that give me a personal satisfaction.”

S P R I N G 2 015

53

A LU M NI PROFIL E

A LU M NI PROFIL E

JAYNE TRUCKENBROD 1998

JAY NE AND HER SISTER COMMUTED TO PALMER TRINITY FROM KEY LARGO EVERY DAY. “It was a long drive but completely worth it,” Jayne remembers. “It was an amazing four years!” One of Jayne’s most memorable experiences as a PTS student included playing on the 1998 statequalifying volleyball team coached by AJ West. She played sports throughout her high school career, achieved the honor of Athlete of the Year, and felt deeply inspired by Coach West, as well as Coach Dave Hewett and Coach Marty Migliaccio. “They were big influences who made a difference in my life,” she remembers.

“Sometimes they were tough, but all were special relationships to me. I also forged many friendships with my teammates.”

Jayne’s most memorable classes and teachers included Ceramics with Mr. Moorhouse, AP English and Literature, Spanish, and Biology and Physics. “High school at Palmer Trinity is where I fell in love with the natural sciences,” she says. “When I got to college, I knew I wanted to be a doctor.

Looking back, the exposure and experience of different disciplines that started at PTS and continued in college gave me a different and unique perspective than some of my colleagues who solely focused on science.”

Jane attended the University of Florida as an undergraduate and decided to continue her studies beyond just the pre-med curriculum, choosing to major in Spanish. “I knew that

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Jayne, #10, with the ‘97-‘98 State-Championship qualifying PTS Varsity Volleyball team; Jayne welcomes patients at the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin; Enjoying a Washington Nationals game; Jayne presenting for the American Academy of Pediatrics; Enjoying Washington, DC as a fellow at Children’s National Health Systems

52

www.palmertrinity.org

WE ONLY HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME ON THIS EARTH... I WOULD ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO FIND THEIR PASSIONS. GO TO NEW PLACES, MEET NEW PEOPLE, AND BE OPEN TO LEARNING NEW THINGS.

I liked science but I kept an open mind and vision of all the things that I wanted to incorporate into my life, and my future career.” She took fascinating courses in Spanish literature, history, linguistics and poetics and graduated with honors. She chose the University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College Osteopathic Medicine for medical school and then completed her residency at the Dell Children’s Hospital where she now works in Austin, Texas. However, instead of joining the hospital immediately, Jayne decided to pursue a fellowship at Children’s National Health Systems in Washington, D.C. She was able to learn more about global health and patient safety, areas which she now incorporates into her work at the Dell Children’s Hospital back in Texas.

As the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Jayne advises and mentors at least two fellows a year, in addition to working with a team of interns and medical students. “I love teaching as a part of my job, which was a big reason for my fellowship,” she shares. “I enjoy the theory and research behind the practice. Part of our Hippocratic Oath as healthcare providers is to take on mentoring, and teach others that come after us. I get great satisfaction from learning and seeing others learn, and on a systems level, from seeing more effective processes, increased patient safety, and implementing change that has an effect on a larger amount of people.”

Jayne describes the joy of her work: “There are many facets that continue to motivate me. Clinically, I take care of sick children.

Often when I meet a patient, the parents and family are scared and stressed. They’ve been in the Emergency Room for hours and are now in the hospital. They’ve been through multiple doctors and are second guessing everything. They are exhausted and deserve answers. I get to talk to them, to reassure them that their children are going to have a treatment and feel better. I can literally see a weight lifted off of their shoulders.

Being able to see children coming into the hospital one way, and then, when they leave they have their ‘spark’, and the twinkle back in their eye. It is incredibly rewarding.”

For current Palmer Trinity students, Jayne has some advice about their dreams. “We only have a certain amount of time on this earth. At some point, there is going to be a time when we can rest, feel tired and happy and put our feet up. Until that time, I would encourage students to find their passions.

Go to new places, meet new people, and be open to learning new things. When you get to that time to sit in front of the fire, you can look back on your life and not have regrets.

I’ve kept on going and moving and after all these years I realize that moving forward is not as scary as I thought it might be when I was younger. Taking advantage of opportunities proves so rewarding. It’s these experiences that give me a personal satisfaction.”

S P R I N G 2 015

53

CL A SS NOTE S his children Vail, Victoria, Vivian and Kevin Sturge, his parents, Dr. Karl and Edna Sturge and his siblings, Karl ‘84, Edna Lynn (Sturge) Furst ‘86, and Clarke ‘91 and their families. Several days later his brother Karl ‘84 honored him and their memories together on the baseball field of Palmer Trinity by bravely volunteering for a game of baseball with the Miracle League of MiamiDade County and Palmer Trinity School. The Miracle League was a special organization for both Mark and Karl. Their mission is to create

positive life experiences for children with special needs and their families through baseball.

administration’s efforts to offer the Miami community a school with high-quality academics, athletics and character education.

STEVE MAGENHEIMER

Steve led a long, full life and touched many people. After completing his law degree at the University of Virginia and military service overseas at the end of the Korean Conflict, he moved to Florida and had a successful career in the commercial real estate industry. He was instrumental in developing one of the first publicly traded REITs in the 1960’s. He was active in the

Steve Magenheimer served on the Board of Trustees for Palmer School from 1973–1982 and truly helped shape the early years of Palmer School, setting the path forward for the school we enjoy today. Steve served as Chairman of the Board during a few challenging years, overseeing the school’s financial position and supporting the

community and volunteered his talents helping others including Palmer School and as a Rotarian.

Steve was an avid fisherman, reader, and Miami Hurricanes and baseball fan. A man of deep and abiding faith, he was active in his church throughout his life. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Mary Dawn, and survived by sons Andrew ‘82, Stewart ‘76, and Thomas ‘78; daughters-inlaw Debbie, Debby, and Kim; and five grandchildren whom he loved dearly and was extremely proud of.

S AV e T He dAT e f o r o ur

AnnuAl Alumni

reunion Weekend Palmer TriniT y School | miami, Florida

Announcing the launch of the

PALMER TRINITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION More information can be found on our website at www.palmertrinity.org/alumniassociation

ScHedule of eVenTS

LEGAC Y GI V ING 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.

54

www.palmertrinity.org

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

— J ACK BRUMBAUGH, Past Board of Trustee Chair

7:00 p.m.

Annual Alumni Reception Distinguished Alumni Awards Special tribute to retiring faculty member, Elena De Villiers (PTS Main Dining Room)

All Alumni from All Years Welcome

11:00 A.m.

Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Luncheon InDucTeeS: Joakim “Jay” nordqvist ‘79 and Jamaal Douglas ‘03 (Gymnasium)

12:00 – 3:30 p.m.

A LumnI FA mILy FIELD DAy picnic Lunch – Alumni Softball, Lacrosse, Baseball Games – Kid’s Activities – Campus Tours (PTS Brockway and Oliver Fields)

All Alumni Welcome

all events compliments of the school except for class dinner and reunion, charge TBd.

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

To get involved please call lauren dowlen in the Palmer Trinity alumni office: 305-969-4282 or ldowlen@palmertrinity.org

7:30 p.m.

CL A SS DIn nER S A nD R Eu nIonS 1980, 1985, 1989 & 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010

CL A SS NOTE S his children Vail, Victoria, Vivian and Kevin Sturge, his parents, Dr. Karl and Edna Sturge and his siblings, Karl ‘84, Edna Lynn (Sturge) Furst ‘86, and Clarke ‘91 and their families. Several days later his brother Karl ‘84 honored him and their memories together on the baseball field of Palmer Trinity by bravely volunteering for a game of baseball with the Miracle League of MiamiDade County and Palmer Trinity School. The Miracle League was a special organization for both Mark and Karl. Their mission is to create

positive life experiences for children with special needs and their families through baseball.

administration’s efforts to offer the Miami community a school with high-quality academics, athletics and character education.

STEVE MAGENHEIMER

Steve led a long, full life and touched many people. After completing his law degree at the University of Virginia and military service overseas at the end of the Korean Conflict, he moved to Florida and had a successful career in the commercial real estate industry. He was instrumental in developing one of the first publicly traded REITs in the 1960’s. He was active in the

Steve Magenheimer served on the Board of Trustees for Palmer School from 1973–1982 and truly helped shape the early years of Palmer School, setting the path forward for the school we enjoy today. Steve served as Chairman of the Board during a few challenging years, overseeing the school’s financial position and supporting the

community and volunteered his talents helping others including Palmer School and as a Rotarian.

Steve was an avid fisherman, reader, and Miami Hurricanes and baseball fan. A man of deep and abiding faith, he was active in his church throughout his life. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Mary Dawn, and survived by sons Andrew ‘82, Stewart ‘76, and Thomas ‘78; daughters-inlaw Debbie, Debby, and Kim; and five grandchildren whom he loved dearly and was extremely proud of.

S AV e T He dAT e f o r o ur

AnnuAl Alumni

reunion Weekend Palmer TriniT y School | miami, Florida

Announcing the launch of the

PALMER TRINITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION More information can be found on our website at www.palmertrinity.org/alumniassociation

ScHedule of eVenTS

LEGAC Y GI V ING 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.

54

www.palmertrinity.org

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

— J ACK BRUMBAUGH, Past Board of Trustee Chair

7:00 p.m.

Annual Alumni Reception Distinguished Alumni Awards Special tribute to retiring faculty member, Elena De Villiers (PTS Main Dining Room)

All Alumni from All Years Welcome

11:00 A.m.

Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Luncheon InDucTeeS: Joakim “Jay” nordqvist ‘79 and Jamaal Douglas ‘03 (Gymnasium)

12:00 – 3:30 p.m.

A LumnI FA mILy FIELD DAy picnic Lunch – Alumni Softball, Lacrosse, Baseball Games – Kid’s Activities – Campus Tours (PTS Brockway and Oliver Fields)

All Alumni Welcome

all events compliments of the school except for class dinner and reunion, charge TBd.

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

To get involved please call lauren dowlen in the Palmer Trinity alumni office: 305-969-4282 or ldowlen@palmertrinity.org

7:30 p.m.

CL A SS DIn nER S A nD R Eu nIonS 1980, 1985, 1989 & 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 6077

7900 SOU T H W E ST 176 ST R E ET PA L M ET TO BAY, F LOR IDA 33157

WWW.PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Thank you for joining us at the

3rd Annual

Global Educators Conference at Palmer Trinity School this April.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN NEW ORLEANS IN 2016!

Palmer Trinity School is a founding member of GEBG.

The Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG) is an Association of Independent Schools that works together to find best practices in global education to prepare students, academically and experientially, for a diverse and dynamic cultural and socio-economic world.

For more information, visit www.gebg.org