Aerie 2019 Summer

PA RENT S, A LUMNI A ND FRIEND S OF PA L MER TRINIT Y SCHOOL

SUMMER 2019

Trinity Chapel Groundbreaking Ceremony Alumni Profiles

BRYANT WRIGHT ‘04 AND BRANDON ROSE ‘05

Graduation CLASS OF 2019

VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM POSING TOGETHER WITH PATRICK ROBERTS AND THE OAR. SUMMER 2019

3

ALUMNI NEWS

M E S S AG E F RO M T H E H E A D O F S C H O O L MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

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

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

AERIE

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Monique Befeler

SUMMER 2019

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mason Harris ‘89

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018–2019

Michael Baiamonte, Chairman Hugo Mantilla, Vice-Chair Beth Brockway Serrate ‘85, Secretary Rachel Malueg, Treasurer

MANAGING EDITOR

Ashley Valentin DESIGN

Jeffrey S. Bass Rev. Frank J. Corbishley Bishop Peter Eaton Emilio Fernandez John D. Fumagalli Jared Kaplan Lynne Keller Tina Lane Camilo Montana Marcel Navarro Sonia O’Donnell Jesus Socorro Harvey B. Sperling Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

Brand Poets ADMINISTRATION

Head of School Patrick Roberts Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini Associate Head for External Relations Danny Reynolds Associate Head for Academic Affairs Manjula Salomon

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

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

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

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

Associate Head for Communications and Strategic Partnerships Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Associate Head for Real Estate Paul Zamek Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Academic Dean Adrianna Truby Director of Athletics Ernest Robertson Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Registrar Vivian Cerione Executive Assistant to Head of School Susie Loiacono Special Events Chriss Wood

Director of Development Juan Gomez Director of Annual Giving George Montes Director of Alumni Relations Alexandra Cartaya

ON THE COVER

Development Assistant Terri Agress

Varsity football team posing together with Patrick Roberts and the Oar.

Development Assistant Marilyn Klenk

JOIN US ON LINKEDIN

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@PALMERTRINITY

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

4

palmertrinity.org

Whatever the scenario, find a way to get away from distractions, and establish time for real solitude. Silence really can be golden and, as you will soon discover, it is often where the best creative thought lies. As noted American writer Carl Sandburg so astutely writes: “ Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln never saw a movie, heard a radio, or looked at t.v. They had “loneliness” and knew what to do with it. They were not afraid of being lonely because they knew that was when the creative mood in them would work.”

Take time to disconnect, allowing your “creative mood” go to work. Maybe it’s an early morning jog, or a leisurely stroll in the evening. Maybe it’s sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll by. Maybe it’s curling up on the couch with a good book. Maybe it’s a simple, spontaneous “mind drift,” while on vacation.

Whatever the case may be, spending part of your day without the distractions of “all things electronic” will be well worth it, I promise. Make the time to pause, and take advantage of simply “being,” knowing the power such a moment brings.

“ If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘Thank you’, that would suffice.”

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

“ The bow that’s always bent will quickly break; but if unstrung will serve you at your need. So let the mind some relaxation take, to come back to its task with fresher heed…”

Each morning, I begin my day here at School with a bit of quiet time, often reading a short devotional, or simply soaking in a bit of solitude. As I reflect upon this recently completed academic year, I am incredibly grateful for this community. Completing my fifth year at Palmer Trinity, I am sincerely proud of just “where we stand” as a School, and I sincerely believe we have an incredibly bright future before us. Each day brings new adventures, enticing possibilities to grow and learn, and endless opportunities for wonderful moments to occur. We have so much to be grateful for, and I am so very appreciative of the support of this community. For me, the sage words of the medieval German philosopher, Meister Eckhart, serve as a simple reminder of the power of gratitude:

Director of Student Activities Susana Cetta

FACEBOOK.COM/PALMERTRINITYSCHOOL

Summer is officially underway, bringing with it all the excitement and eager anticipation of what might unfold.

Whether it’s traveling somewhere exotic, relaxing at home, attending family reunions, or taking the kids to camp, I truly encourage you to find time to disconnect — to unplug and simply “be.” And yes, as difficult as it sounds, that means to turn your cell phone and your other electronic devices off! If you can, try to do it for 24 hours. While finding the actual time to be alone may be challenging, the rewards are surely well worth the effort. As the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato so wisely tells us:

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Thank you. I wish you and yours a healthy, happy, and — dare I say — quiet Summer.

PATRICK ROBERTS

@PALMERTRINITY

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE

PTSFANPAGE

SUMMER 2019

5

ALUMNI NEWS

M E S S AG E F RO M T H E H E A D O F S C H O O L MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

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

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

AERIE

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Monique Befeler

SUMMER 2019

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mason Harris ‘89

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018–2019

Michael Baiamonte, Chairman Hugo Mantilla, Vice-Chair Beth Brockway Serrate ‘85, Secretary Rachel Malueg, Treasurer

MANAGING EDITOR

Ashley Valentin DESIGN

Jeffrey S. Bass Rev. Frank J. Corbishley Bishop Peter Eaton Emilio Fernandez John D. Fumagalli Jared Kaplan Lynne Keller Tina Lane Camilo Montana Marcel Navarro Sonia O’Donnell Jesus Socorro Harvey B. Sperling Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

Brand Poets ADMINISTRATION

Head of School Patrick Roberts Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini Associate Head for External Relations Danny Reynolds Associate Head for Academic Affairs Manjula Salomon

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

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

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

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

Associate Head for Communications and Strategic Partnerships Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Associate Head for Real Estate Paul Zamek Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Academic Dean Adrianna Truby Director of Athletics Ernest Robertson Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Registrar Vivian Cerione Executive Assistant to Head of School Susie Loiacono Special Events Chriss Wood

Director of Development Juan Gomez Director of Annual Giving George Montes Director of Alumni Relations Alexandra Cartaya

ON THE COVER

Development Assistant Terri Agress

Varsity football team posing together with Patrick Roberts and the Oar.

Development Assistant Marilyn Klenk

JOIN US ON LINKEDIN

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@PALMERTRINITY

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

4

palmertrinity.org

Whatever the scenario, find a way to get away from distractions, and establish time for real solitude. Silence really can be golden and, as you will soon discover, it is often where the best creative thought lies. As noted American writer Carl Sandburg so astutely writes: “ Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln never saw a movie, heard a radio, or looked at t.v. They had “loneliness” and knew what to do with it. They were not afraid of being lonely because they knew that was when the creative mood in them would work.”

Take time to disconnect, allowing your “creative mood” go to work. Maybe it’s an early morning jog, or a leisurely stroll in the evening. Maybe it’s sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll by. Maybe it’s curling up on the couch with a good book. Maybe it’s a simple, spontaneous “mind drift,” while on vacation.

Whatever the case may be, spending part of your day without the distractions of “all things electronic” will be well worth it, I promise. Make the time to pause, and take advantage of simply “being,” knowing the power such a moment brings.

“ If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘Thank you’, that would suffice.”

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

“ The bow that’s always bent will quickly break; but if unstrung will serve you at your need. So let the mind some relaxation take, to come back to its task with fresher heed…”

Each morning, I begin my day here at School with a bit of quiet time, often reading a short devotional, or simply soaking in a bit of solitude. As I reflect upon this recently completed academic year, I am incredibly grateful for this community. Completing my fifth year at Palmer Trinity, I am sincerely proud of just “where we stand” as a School, and I sincerely believe we have an incredibly bright future before us. Each day brings new adventures, enticing possibilities to grow and learn, and endless opportunities for wonderful moments to occur. We have so much to be grateful for, and I am so very appreciative of the support of this community. For me, the sage words of the medieval German philosopher, Meister Eckhart, serve as a simple reminder of the power of gratitude:

Director of Student Activities Susana Cetta

FACEBOOK.COM/PALMERTRINITYSCHOOL

Summer is officially underway, bringing with it all the excitement and eager anticipation of what might unfold.

Whether it’s traveling somewhere exotic, relaxing at home, attending family reunions, or taking the kids to camp, I truly encourage you to find time to disconnect — to unplug and simply “be.” And yes, as difficult as it sounds, that means to turn your cell phone and your other electronic devices off! If you can, try to do it for 24 hours. While finding the actual time to be alone may be challenging, the rewards are surely well worth the effort. As the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato so wisely tells us:

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Thank you. I wish you and yours a healthy, happy, and — dare I say — quiet Summer.

PATRICK ROBERTS

@PALMERTRINITY

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE

PTSFANPAGE

SUMMER 2019

5

Table of Contents BIRD’S EYE VIEW 06 PTS French Honor Society Takes Care of the People of Lamecette, Haiti 07 Finding Beauty in the Little Things 08 This Year In Theatre 09 The Walking Closet Club Donates To Lotus House!

10 Middle School Gardening Project 11 The Reclamation Project 12 Honoring Senior Athletes PERSPECTIVES 14 Building a Sense of Belonging & Making Caring Common 16 Celebrating Teaching and Learning Through the Ideas Café at PTS 18 Trinity Chapel Groundbreaking Ceremony 20 Victor Calderon: An Enduring Face at Palmer Trinity School 21 Tikkun Olam 22 Palmer Trinity’s 2nd Annual Miami Model UN Conference

M E S S AG E F R O M T H E E D I T O R

EVENTS 23 Battle of the Oar: The Tradition Continues 24 Homecoming 2018 26 Palmer Trinity Holiday Party 27 Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament 28 International Festival 30 A Special Blessing of the Animals 31 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

“ The function

07

of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically.

Intelligence plus character

CLASS OF 2019 32 Congratulations Graduates

— that is the

ALUM NEWS 34 Class Notes 36 Collegiate Alumni Day 39 Alumni Leadership Circle 44 Alumni Back-to-School Social at Strada in the Grove 46 PT Alums on the Road 47 Alumni Games 50 Internship Match Breakfast 51 2018-2019 Alumni Board 52 Alumni Reunion Weekend 53 End of Year Social Playdate in the Park 54 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 55 Distinguished Alumni Awards

10

education.”

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

24

Education comes in many forms. We educate our students through basic classroom instruction. We educate them through travel. Through our clubs, sports teams and academic organizations, we educate them about the value of teamwork. We use our commitment to community service to educate students about leading lives of honor and social responsibility. Through our daily interactions, we both teach and show them kindness; one of humanity’s most basic but important virtues. While the word alone might not seem like much, education is how our 770 students see that they can make a difference in the world. That alone is invaluable.

This year, despite my amazing learning experiences as a student at Smith College, I decided it was time to further my own education. I enrolled in an accelerated, yearlong executive program at Georgetown University to get my Master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications. Through this program, I spent a week in our nation’s capital, and several more weeks in England, Brazil, and Singapore. With my over twenty-year-long career in media and communications, I still got an education. I learned how to be a better teacher, a better integrator, a better advisor, and even now, a better student. When I finish my degree at the end of this summer, I know I’ll leave inspired, maybe enough to make my own small mark on the world.

We can’t possibly talk about the value of education without mentioning the teachers, both traditional and otherwise, who make it possible. Here at Palmer Trinity School, we know how fortunate we are to have some of the best teachers in the nation. It is because of their passion that our students (and our entire PTS community!) ultimately become better learners, better people, better leaders, and in many ways, teachers themselves—for our friends, families, neighbors, and generations to come.

As you read this issue of the Aerie and see all of the wonderful ways our faculty, staff, students and new graduates are making a difference, I hope you appreciate how your efforts, whether as a parent or an alumnus, has helped to shape our students’ education. I encourage you to take a note from their playbook and learn something new this summer. When the 2019-2020 academic year starts, come visit me. Let us teach each other what we have learned.

ALUMNI PROFILES 42 Bryant Wright, Class of 2004 48 Brandon Rose, Class of 2005 DEPARTMENTS 03 Message from the Head of School 05 Message from the Editor

goal of a true

It has long been said that education is the most important gift we can give our children—and here at Palmer Trinity School, we take that gift seriously.

Have a wonderful and educational summer.

28

See you in August,

SUZ ANNE GOT TLIEB CALLE JA A S S OCIAT E HE A D OF S CHOOL FOR COMMUNICATIONS A ND ST R AT EGIC PA RT NERSHIP S

09 6

palmertrinity.org

18

32 SUMMER 2019

7

Table of Contents BIRD’S EYE VIEW 06 PTS French Honor Society Takes Care of the People of Lamecette, Haiti 07 Finding Beauty in the Little Things 08 This Year In Theatre 09 The Walking Closet Club Donates To Lotus House!

10 Middle School Gardening Project 11 The Reclamation Project 12 Honoring Senior Athletes PERSPECTIVES 14 Building a Sense of Belonging & Making Caring Common 16 Celebrating Teaching and Learning Through the Ideas Café at PTS 18 Trinity Chapel Groundbreaking Ceremony 20 Victor Calderon: An Enduring Face at Palmer Trinity School 21 Tikkun Olam 22 Palmer Trinity’s 2nd Annual Miami Model UN Conference

M E S S AG E F R O M T H E E D I T O R

EVENTS 23 Battle of the Oar: The Tradition Continues 24 Homecoming 2018 26 Palmer Trinity Holiday Party 27 Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament 28 International Festival 30 A Special Blessing of the Animals 31 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

“ The function

07

of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically.

Intelligence plus character

CLASS OF 2019 32 Congratulations Graduates

— that is the

ALUM NEWS 34 Class Notes 36 Collegiate Alumni Day 39 Alumni Leadership Circle 44 Alumni Back-to-School Social at Strada in the Grove 46 PT Alums on the Road 47 Alumni Games 50 Internship Match Breakfast 51 2018-2019 Alumni Board 52 Alumni Reunion Weekend 53 End of Year Social Playdate in the Park 54 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 55 Distinguished Alumni Awards

10

education.”

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

24

Education comes in many forms. We educate our students through basic classroom instruction. We educate them through travel. Through our clubs, sports teams and academic organizations, we educate them about the value of teamwork. We use our commitment to community service to educate students about leading lives of honor and social responsibility. Through our daily interactions, we both teach and show them kindness; one of humanity’s most basic but important virtues. While the word alone might not seem like much, education is how our 770 students see that they can make a difference in the world. That alone is invaluable.

This year, despite my amazing learning experiences as a student at Smith College, I decided it was time to further my own education. I enrolled in an accelerated, yearlong executive program at Georgetown University to get my Master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications. Through this program, I spent a week in our nation’s capital, and several more weeks in England, Brazil, and Singapore. With my over twenty-year-long career in media and communications, I still got an education. I learned how to be a better teacher, a better integrator, a better advisor, and even now, a better student. When I finish my degree at the end of this summer, I know I’ll leave inspired, maybe enough to make my own small mark on the world.

We can’t possibly talk about the value of education without mentioning the teachers, both traditional and otherwise, who make it possible. Here at Palmer Trinity School, we know how fortunate we are to have some of the best teachers in the nation. It is because of their passion that our students (and our entire PTS community!) ultimately become better learners, better people, better leaders, and in many ways, teachers themselves—for our friends, families, neighbors, and generations to come.

As you read this issue of the Aerie and see all of the wonderful ways our faculty, staff, students and new graduates are making a difference, I hope you appreciate how your efforts, whether as a parent or an alumnus, has helped to shape our students’ education. I encourage you to take a note from their playbook and learn something new this summer. When the 2019-2020 academic year starts, come visit me. Let us teach each other what we have learned.

ALUMNI PROFILES 42 Bryant Wright, Class of 2004 48 Brandon Rose, Class of 2005 DEPARTMENTS 03 Message from the Head of School 05 Message from the Editor

goal of a true

It has long been said that education is the most important gift we can give our children—and here at Palmer Trinity School, we take that gift seriously.

Have a wonderful and educational summer.

28

See you in August,

SUZ ANNE GOT TLIEB CALLE JA A S S OCIAT E HE A D OF S CHOOL FOR COMMUNICATIONS A ND ST R AT EGIC PA RT NERSHIP S

09 6

palmertrinity.org

18

32 SUMMER 2019

7

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Finding Beauty in the Little Things

By Luca Martinez ‘23

T PTS French Honor Society (FHS) Takes Care of the People of Lamecette, Haiti

By Rohan Myers ‘19 and Marla Ricart ‘19

“Un pour tous, tous pour un.”

IN 2013, the Palmer Trinity School French Honor Society President had a vision. She wanted to use the resources of her chapter of FHS to improve the lives of the people of Haiti. She approached a Palmer Trinity teacher, to create a partnership with a school (St. Thomas School) in Lamecette, Haiti. In addition, the FHS sponsor Mme Caroline Rubeau Goodwin and Palmer Trinity’s French Honor Society collectively agreed to donate all of its funds to the program.

After choosing the school “with the most needs,” the pioneers of the Haiti Partnership Program made their first trip. “I wanted to show the students of both schools that we had a partnership, regardless of their differing economic statuses,” Mr. Gonzalez said.

8

palmertrinity.org

Since 2014, the Haiti Partnership Program and the Palmer Trinity School French Honor Society, through donations of supplies, funds from the French Honor Society, and the love of our community, have fundraised to transform a mud shed in a rural Haitian town into a durable concrete classroom with 7 rooms and accommodation for 300 students. To provide funds for this program, the French Honor Society has monthly croissant sales (raising approximately $300 each time) and hosts a food country booth (one of the largest) at Palmer Trinity’s annual International Festival. The International Festival is a communitywide school event, attracting the friends and families of our 770 students, and providing cultural food booths for around 28 countries.

Because of the reactions of PTS students and the blissful appreciation of the children of Lamecette, the Haiti Partnership Program has organized annual trips since 2013, with the trip’s signup sheets filling up almost instantaneously.

The French Honor Society is an energetic and community-minded group which takes very seriously its mission to help Haiti. Mme Goodwin states that “helping Haiti has been our labor of love for five years, and I’m so proud of the 30 plus members who all accept this mission so completely.

With an outstanding group of officers again this year, I have no doubt that we can continue to make a difference, as the motto of our FHS chapter states “Un pour tous, tous pour un,” which translates to “one for all, all for one.”

his past February, thirteen Palmer Trinity students and I went to the Galapagos Islands and Quito, Ecuador on a Round Square collaboration where we met up with students from Sunshine Montessori School in Ontario and Park City Day School in Utah. The travel experience was eye opening as we explored a variety of places, immersed ourselves in new cultures, and grew as individuals. Being a part of this travel experience required us to step out of our comfort zones as we immediately began to develop relationships with new people all without the security blanket of our cell phones.

Interacting with people without our phones was unfamiliar for all of us. I want to share about how that experience changed me.

Danji, our tour guide in Ecuador, challenged us to voice our observations after the 10-day trip in the Galapagos and Quito. Among the responses, one that struck me was the idea that “the U.S. is so much more advanced than Ecuador.” I suppose it depends on how you define advanced.

From a technological standpoint, the U.S. dominates. Come to think of it, even my 1-year-old cousin has a baby iPad that he sits in front of while eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I used to wake up and instantly grab my phone and, before I realized it, three hours were lost and I hadn’t even said good morning to my family. These devices have replaced oneon-one relationships. Smart phones have taught us how to encapsulate detail and use as few words as possible. Lost is the art of communication.

Today, we are so consumed with the need to constantly keep up with the pulse of technology that we don’t even realize the beauty that lives all around us. I bet that most people cannot even tell me whether it’s cloudy or sunny outside or about one natural thing that they’ve seen today.

...we feel very lucky to have been a part of something this special.

In Quito, the connections I made with people that I didn’t know existed two days prior were amazing. Not having my iPhone allowed me to exist in the moment and to be 100% present. Nothing was on my mind except what I was living. There were no interruptions or disappointments. The choices I made no longer revolved around a device. I realized how much I’m missing out on. Pay attention to each little drop of morning dew and the way it glistens at the tip of each shrub leaf. Look up and see if you can spot one of the red-shouldered hawks, we have here on campus.

little things are what help us through the hard times. Sure, a luxurious boat may make us feel good temporarily, but what about the next day, or the day after that?

Not only is it important to recognize and appreciate every moment that brings us joy, it’s also important to remember those moments.

To me, an advanced country is not one that relies on technology for everything.

An advanced country is one that fosters relationships and compassion for one another regardless of ethnicity, skin color, sexual orientation, or wealth. I know I can speak for everyone who was part of this experience when I say that we feel very lucky to have been a part of something this special. We are fortunate to be part of PTS – a traveling school – that knows the value of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

As we go off for the summer, take some time to disconnect and cherish the beauty in the little moments of life.

In the future, my peers and I will search for the perfect job or amount of money that we think will bring us happiness.

We often forget that the little things in life are what truly make us happy. Those SUMMER 2019

9

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Finding Beauty in the Little Things

By Luca Martinez ‘23

T PTS French Honor Society (FHS) Takes Care of the People of Lamecette, Haiti

By Rohan Myers ‘19 and Marla Ricart ‘19

“Un pour tous, tous pour un.”

IN 2013, the Palmer Trinity School French Honor Society President had a vision. She wanted to use the resources of her chapter of FHS to improve the lives of the people of Haiti. She approached a Palmer Trinity teacher, to create a partnership with a school (St. Thomas School) in Lamecette, Haiti. In addition, the FHS sponsor Mme Caroline Rubeau Goodwin and Palmer Trinity’s French Honor Society collectively agreed to donate all of its funds to the program.

After choosing the school “with the most needs,” the pioneers of the Haiti Partnership Program made their first trip. “I wanted to show the students of both schools that we had a partnership, regardless of their differing economic statuses,” Mr. Gonzalez said.

8

palmertrinity.org

Since 2014, the Haiti Partnership Program and the Palmer Trinity School French Honor Society, through donations of supplies, funds from the French Honor Society, and the love of our community, have fundraised to transform a mud shed in a rural Haitian town into a durable concrete classroom with 7 rooms and accommodation for 300 students. To provide funds for this program, the French Honor Society has monthly croissant sales (raising approximately $300 each time) and hosts a food country booth (one of the largest) at Palmer Trinity’s annual International Festival. The International Festival is a communitywide school event, attracting the friends and families of our 770 students, and providing cultural food booths for around 28 countries.

Because of the reactions of PTS students and the blissful appreciation of the children of Lamecette, the Haiti Partnership Program has organized annual trips since 2013, with the trip’s signup sheets filling up almost instantaneously.

The French Honor Society is an energetic and community-minded group which takes very seriously its mission to help Haiti. Mme Goodwin states that “helping Haiti has been our labor of love for five years, and I’m so proud of the 30 plus members who all accept this mission so completely.

With an outstanding group of officers again this year, I have no doubt that we can continue to make a difference, as the motto of our FHS chapter states “Un pour tous, tous pour un,” which translates to “one for all, all for one.”

his past February, thirteen Palmer Trinity students and I went to the Galapagos Islands and Quito, Ecuador on a Round Square collaboration where we met up with students from Sunshine Montessori School in Ontario and Park City Day School in Utah. The travel experience was eye opening as we explored a variety of places, immersed ourselves in new cultures, and grew as individuals. Being a part of this travel experience required us to step out of our comfort zones as we immediately began to develop relationships with new people all without the security blanket of our cell phones.

Interacting with people without our phones was unfamiliar for all of us. I want to share about how that experience changed me.

Danji, our tour guide in Ecuador, challenged us to voice our observations after the 10-day trip in the Galapagos and Quito. Among the responses, one that struck me was the idea that “the U.S. is so much more advanced than Ecuador.” I suppose it depends on how you define advanced.

From a technological standpoint, the U.S. dominates. Come to think of it, even my 1-year-old cousin has a baby iPad that he sits in front of while eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I used to wake up and instantly grab my phone and, before I realized it, three hours were lost and I hadn’t even said good morning to my family. These devices have replaced oneon-one relationships. Smart phones have taught us how to encapsulate detail and use as few words as possible. Lost is the art of communication.

Today, we are so consumed with the need to constantly keep up with the pulse of technology that we don’t even realize the beauty that lives all around us. I bet that most people cannot even tell me whether it’s cloudy or sunny outside or about one natural thing that they’ve seen today.

...we feel very lucky to have been a part of something this special.

In Quito, the connections I made with people that I didn’t know existed two days prior were amazing. Not having my iPhone allowed me to exist in the moment and to be 100% present. Nothing was on my mind except what I was living. There were no interruptions or disappointments. The choices I made no longer revolved around a device. I realized how much I’m missing out on. Pay attention to each little drop of morning dew and the way it glistens at the tip of each shrub leaf. Look up and see if you can spot one of the red-shouldered hawks, we have here on campus.

little things are what help us through the hard times. Sure, a luxurious boat may make us feel good temporarily, but what about the next day, or the day after that?

Not only is it important to recognize and appreciate every moment that brings us joy, it’s also important to remember those moments.

To me, an advanced country is not one that relies on technology for everything.

An advanced country is one that fosters relationships and compassion for one another regardless of ethnicity, skin color, sexual orientation, or wealth. I know I can speak for everyone who was part of this experience when I say that we feel very lucky to have been a part of something this special. We are fortunate to be part of PTS – a traveling school – that knows the value of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

As we go off for the summer, take some time to disconnect and cherish the beauty in the little moments of life.

In the future, my peers and I will search for the perfect job or amount of money that we think will bring us happiness.

We often forget that the little things in life are what truly make us happy. Those SUMMER 2019

9

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

THE

Walking Closet Club This Year In Theatre THIS YEAR THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT put on two large musical productions for the PTS community. The first production, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, took place in October at Pinecrest Gardens. The show explored love and relationships through short vignettes into the lives of characters trying to navigate dating and marriage. The show was a huge hit with laughs roaring through the audience.

The second large production of the year was Hairspray Jr. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. This musical was special because the cast was comprised of students from all grade levels as well as faculty and staff.

Hairspray takes a look into 1960’s segregation through the eyes of several teenagers and their love for dancing. The show was exciting, funny, and heart-warming all at once.

DONAT E S TO

Lotus House!

By Ashley Valentin, Communications Coordinator

THE STATE OF FLORIDA INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS REPORTED that over 32,000 homeless men, women, and children are residing in our state. As of January 2018, the Homeless Trust reports that there are 1,000 people living on the streets on any given day and 2,000 living in shelters in MiamiDade County.

On Friday, October 26, PTS Club, The Walking Closet Club went to the Lotus House in Overtown to bring a donation of Halloween costumes. Two weeks prior, the students collected over 60 Halloween costumes from their peers at Palmer Trinity School to share with the kids at Lotus House. The Walking Closet collects clothing throughout the year to be donated to those in need. The Lotus House is a homeless shelter for women and children. While at Lotus House, Walking Closet club members had a great time playing with the children, helped organize the donated costumes, and helped made Halloween very special for everyone at Lotus House!

The kids dressed up, ate candy, and had an amazing Halloween!

For any information on The Walking Closet or any information on future clothing drives, please contact Anthony DeRosa, aderosa21@palmertrinity.org.

Thank you, Mr. Stoddard, for your directorial expertise.

10

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

11

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

THE

Walking Closet Club This Year In Theatre THIS YEAR THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT put on two large musical productions for the PTS community. The first production, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, took place in October at Pinecrest Gardens. The show explored love and relationships through short vignettes into the lives of characters trying to navigate dating and marriage. The show was a huge hit with laughs roaring through the audience.

The second large production of the year was Hairspray Jr. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. This musical was special because the cast was comprised of students from all grade levels as well as faculty and staff.

Hairspray takes a look into 1960’s segregation through the eyes of several teenagers and their love for dancing. The show was exciting, funny, and heart-warming all at once.

DONAT E S TO

Lotus House!

By Ashley Valentin, Communications Coordinator

THE STATE OF FLORIDA INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS REPORTED that over 32,000 homeless men, women, and children are residing in our state. As of January 2018, the Homeless Trust reports that there are 1,000 people living on the streets on any given day and 2,000 living in shelters in MiamiDade County.

On Friday, October 26, PTS Club, The Walking Closet Club went to the Lotus House in Overtown to bring a donation of Halloween costumes. Two weeks prior, the students collected over 60 Halloween costumes from their peers at Palmer Trinity School to share with the kids at Lotus House. The Walking Closet collects clothing throughout the year to be donated to those in need. The Lotus House is a homeless shelter for women and children. While at Lotus House, Walking Closet club members had a great time playing with the children, helped organize the donated costumes, and helped made Halloween very special for everyone at Lotus House!

The kids dressed up, ate candy, and had an amazing Halloween!

For any information on The Walking Closet or any information on future clothing drives, please contact Anthony DeRosa, aderosa21@palmertrinity.org.

Thank you, Mr. Stoddard, for your directorial expertise.

10

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

11

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Middle School Gardening Project

– THE RECLAMATION PROJECT – ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2018, Dr. Llinás and his students gathered in Pinecrest Gardens to meet with renowned artist Xavier Cortada. Cortada’s art centers around eco-friendliness and restoring the environment. For this project, he helped students “plant” mangrove seeds in cups full of water and hang them up on a wall.

This setup is an art installation for Pinecrest Gardens guests to see. The mangrove seeds began to slowly grow on the wall, with the end goal being mangrove restoration by planting the trees back into nature. With a large amount of Miami’s mangroves having been destroyed due to construction and population growth, this project helps to restore our ecosystem and promote a healthy environment.

If you walked around near the Humanities building this year, you couldn’t miss the plots of plants and vegetables growing ever taller.

The project is an interdisciplinary effort, bringing math and science together. In October, the 6th grade math teachers took their students out to the garden to measure individual plots, laying the groundwork for the science students to plant their crops.

The 6th grade science classes grew and maintained the plants.

They selected crops, planted them, tended to them, and harvested the vegetables. Throughout the year, food grown in the garden was cooked and served to the community to taste. The purpose of this project was to show the symbiotic relationships between plants and animals.

12

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

13

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Middle School Gardening Project

– THE RECLAMATION PROJECT – ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2018, Dr. Llinás and his students gathered in Pinecrest Gardens to meet with renowned artist Xavier Cortada. Cortada’s art centers around eco-friendliness and restoring the environment. For this project, he helped students “plant” mangrove seeds in cups full of water and hang them up on a wall.

This setup is an art installation for Pinecrest Gardens guests to see. The mangrove seeds began to slowly grow on the wall, with the end goal being mangrove restoration by planting the trees back into nature. With a large amount of Miami’s mangroves having been destroyed due to construction and population growth, this project helps to restore our ecosystem and promote a healthy environment.

If you walked around near the Humanities building this year, you couldn’t miss the plots of plants and vegetables growing ever taller.

The project is an interdisciplinary effort, bringing math and science together. In October, the 6th grade math teachers took their students out to the garden to measure individual plots, laying the groundwork for the science students to plant their crops.

The 6th grade science classes grew and maintained the plants.

They selected crops, planted them, tended to them, and harvested the vegetables. Throughout the year, food grown in the garden was cooked and served to the community to taste. The purpose of this project was to show the symbiotic relationships between plants and animals.

12

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

13

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Honoring SENIOR ATHLETES

MAXIMILIAN ACEBAL 3 Years Baseball

CAROLINA ALEGRETT 4 Years Tennis 3 Years Cross Country 1 Year Track & Field

ANDRES ALVAREZ PAUL 3 Years Football 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

JOHN-PAUL ARRIEN 2 Years Basketball 1 Year Football

SOPHIA BAKER 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading 1 Year Lacrosse

MARTIN BALAREZO 2 Years Soccer

ROBERT BISTRY 4 Years Golf 4 Years Soccer

HEIDI CUEVA 3 Years Soccer 2 Years Lacrosse

MARCO CAMPIANI 3 Years Soccer

DYLAN DYLEWSKI 4 Years Football 2 Years Track & Field

LUIS CARVAJAL 4 Years Baseball

ALBERTO ENRIQUE FRANCESCHI 4 Years Soccer

HOPE FRANKLIN 1 Year Fall Cheerleading

BROOKE KLEBER 4 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading

SEBASTIAN LOPEZ 4 Years Cross Country 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Tennis 1 Year Track & Field

MICHAEL GOMEZ 4 Years Tennis 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Golf ORIANA LACAU 4 Years Fall Cheerleading 4 Years Winter Cheerleading 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Track & Field

CHARLOTTE ERIXON 2 Years Volleyball ZACHARY FRIEDLAND 4 Years Basketball

NICHOLAS CASARES 4 Years Football 2 Years Basketball 1 Year Track & Field

ISABELLA GOMEZ 4 Years Tennis

JACQUELINE GOODRICH 6 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Soccer

JONATHAN LUDWIG 4 Years Soccer

JOHN MALLOY 4 Years Football 3 Years Track & Field BIANCA LANG 5 Years Soccer 2 Years Track & Field 1 Year Cross Country 1 Year Lacrosse

NICOLAS FERNANDEZ 3 Years Soccer

ADRIAN GARCIA 2 Years Football

REILLY MAY 5 Years Track & Field 4 Years Cross Country

CASEY McCARTHY 6 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Cross Country 1 Year Fall Cheerleading 1 Year Soccer

ALEXANDRA PHILION 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Track & Field

ANNA BAUER 4 Years Basketball 4 Years Lacrosse

FRANCESCO CIMO 3 Years Soccer

THOMAS McMICHAEL 4 Years Tennis 2 Years Cross Country

JACOB GASSENHEIMER 4 Years Lacrosse 3 Years Football 2 Years Winter Cheerleading

NORY ARONFELD 2 Years Soccer

14

palmertrinity.org

GIOVANNA BEFELER 3 Years Basketball

JULIA COHEN 4 Years Volleyball 2 Years Track & Field

KRISTIAN FORTIS 4 Years Golf 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

JULIA IRVIN 5 Years Cross Country 5 Years Track & Field 1 Year Soccer

VICTORIA TORRES 4 Years Softball

SARA WHITE 4 Years Lacrosse

MARLA RICART 3 Years Lacrosse 3 Years Soccer

SAMANTHA SOURBER 6 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Cross Country SANTIAGO MESSMACHER 4 Years Football 3 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Baseball 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

BRITTNEY LARY 6 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Basketball

MACKENZIE SERRATE 2 Years Volleyball

CAROLINA SOCORRO 4 Years Winter Cheerleading 3 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Track & Field

KATHERINE MARTINEZ 2 Years Lacrosse

ARTURO ALVAREZ 4 Years Football 4 Years Soccer 1 Year Track & Field

PEDRO TORRES 2 Years Baseball

NICOLAS REY 4 Years Cross Country 4 Years Track & Field 3 Years Soccer

SOFIA HIDALGO 3 Years Volleyball

GRANT FOREMAN 4 Years Baseball 1 Year Golf

HAYDEN SAPHIER 4 Years Baseball

KYON WHITE-ROYAL 4 Years Football 3 Years Track & Field 1 Year Baseball 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

KLEVER ROSALES 4 Years Soccer 1 Year Baseball

RAMIRO MARTINEZ 3 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Football RODRIGO SANTANDER 2 Years Soccer

AUTUMN-JADE STONER 4 Years Track & Field 2 Years Cross Country 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading

BRANDON YANES 3 Years Basketball 1 Year Football

SUMMER 2019

15

BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Honoring SENIOR ATHLETES

MAXIMILIAN ACEBAL 3 Years Baseball

CAROLINA ALEGRETT 4 Years Tennis 3 Years Cross Country 1 Year Track & Field

ANDRES ALVAREZ PAUL 3 Years Football 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

JOHN-PAUL ARRIEN 2 Years Basketball 1 Year Football

SOPHIA BAKER 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading 1 Year Lacrosse

MARTIN BALAREZO 2 Years Soccer

ROBERT BISTRY 4 Years Golf 4 Years Soccer

HEIDI CUEVA 3 Years Soccer 2 Years Lacrosse

MARCO CAMPIANI 3 Years Soccer

DYLAN DYLEWSKI 4 Years Football 2 Years Track & Field

LUIS CARVAJAL 4 Years Baseball

ALBERTO ENRIQUE FRANCESCHI 4 Years Soccer

HOPE FRANKLIN 1 Year Fall Cheerleading

BROOKE KLEBER 4 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading

SEBASTIAN LOPEZ 4 Years Cross Country 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Tennis 1 Year Track & Field

MICHAEL GOMEZ 4 Years Tennis 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Golf ORIANA LACAU 4 Years Fall Cheerleading 4 Years Winter Cheerleading 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Track & Field

CHARLOTTE ERIXON 2 Years Volleyball ZACHARY FRIEDLAND 4 Years Basketball

NICHOLAS CASARES 4 Years Football 2 Years Basketball 1 Year Track & Field

ISABELLA GOMEZ 4 Years Tennis

JACQUELINE GOODRICH 6 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Soccer

JONATHAN LUDWIG 4 Years Soccer

JOHN MALLOY 4 Years Football 3 Years Track & Field BIANCA LANG 5 Years Soccer 2 Years Track & Field 1 Year Cross Country 1 Year Lacrosse

NICOLAS FERNANDEZ 3 Years Soccer

ADRIAN GARCIA 2 Years Football

REILLY MAY 5 Years Track & Field 4 Years Cross Country

CASEY McCARTHY 6 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Cross Country 1 Year Fall Cheerleading 1 Year Soccer

ALEXANDRA PHILION 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Track & Field

ANNA BAUER 4 Years Basketball 4 Years Lacrosse

FRANCESCO CIMO 3 Years Soccer

THOMAS McMICHAEL 4 Years Tennis 2 Years Cross Country

JACOB GASSENHEIMER 4 Years Lacrosse 3 Years Football 2 Years Winter Cheerleading

NORY ARONFELD 2 Years Soccer

14

palmertrinity.org

GIOVANNA BEFELER 3 Years Basketball

JULIA COHEN 4 Years Volleyball 2 Years Track & Field

KRISTIAN FORTIS 4 Years Golf 1 Year Lacrosse 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

JULIA IRVIN 5 Years Cross Country 5 Years Track & Field 1 Year Soccer

VICTORIA TORRES 4 Years Softball

SARA WHITE 4 Years Lacrosse

MARLA RICART 3 Years Lacrosse 3 Years Soccer

SAMANTHA SOURBER 6 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Cross Country SANTIAGO MESSMACHER 4 Years Football 3 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Baseball 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

BRITTNEY LARY 6 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Basketball

MACKENZIE SERRATE 2 Years Volleyball

CAROLINA SOCORRO 4 Years Winter Cheerleading 3 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Track & Field

KATHERINE MARTINEZ 2 Years Lacrosse

ARTURO ALVAREZ 4 Years Football 4 Years Soccer 1 Year Track & Field

PEDRO TORRES 2 Years Baseball

NICOLAS REY 4 Years Cross Country 4 Years Track & Field 3 Years Soccer

SOFIA HIDALGO 3 Years Volleyball

GRANT FOREMAN 4 Years Baseball 1 Year Golf

HAYDEN SAPHIER 4 Years Baseball

KYON WHITE-ROYAL 4 Years Football 3 Years Track & Field 1 Year Baseball 1 Year Winter Cheerleading

KLEVER ROSALES 4 Years Soccer 1 Year Baseball

RAMIRO MARTINEZ 3 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Football RODRIGO SANTANDER 2 Years Soccer

AUTUMN-JADE STONER 4 Years Track & Field 2 Years Cross Country 2 Years Fall Cheerleading 2 Years Winter Cheerleading

BRANDON YANES 3 Years Basketball 1 Year Football

SUMMER 2019

15

&

PERSPECTIVES

BUILDING A SENSE OF BELONGING MAKING CARING COMMON

By Mrs. Susana Cetta, LMHC, Director of Student Activities and Service Living

BELONGING IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN NEED. It is difficult to articulate, but it is something that we feel intensely and profusely. It is a distinct feeling to experience no matter the age. With teenagers, belonging ebbs and flows depending on the day and varies in intensity and volume; depending on not only the mood, but also the group teenaged students are associating with at the time. Bring social media into the mix and this complicates things; it can be a recipe for success or failure, depending on the day. It is a dynamic system that is constantly changing.

At Palmer Trinity, we strive to offer many opportunities for connection and achievement of a positive sense of belonging by means of planned service living activities via our PTS Service Living Program. There are over 50 student organizations that offer opportunities for authentic human connection. These organizations are led by dynamic and passionate student leaders and advised by equally driven and passionate faculty members. On any given day there are many opportunities with which to connect and serve others for the greater good such as serving dinner to the homeless at Chapman Partnership, volunteering to teach a class during a Breakthrough session, participating in a local 5K to support raising funds to promote melanoma research, volunteering with young children at an early childhood learning center, 16

palmertrinity.org

painting and cleaning up a garden at a local family center, conducting a clothing or costume drive and writing letters of appreciation and thanks to our local police department during Thanksgiving.

According to Dr. Abraham Maslow, a humanistic psychologist, belonging is one of the five significant needs an individual must achieve in the pursuit of happiness based on his well known theory of human motivation.

Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation

At Palmer Trinity, we really care about one another. Service begins at school by building human connections based on similarities, differences, common interests, and current events. We communicate and respect one another. There is something for everyone to get involved in, and every student, faculty, and staff member belongs to this great community.” Mrs. Cetta, Director of Student Activities and Service Living Maslow’s theory begins with the physiological or basic human needs. He contends that if one isn’t able to have food, water, sleep, etc., the only thing that individual will seek is to meet their basic human needs. People who are starving are preoccupied with finding food to meet their basic needs. Nothing else will seem important or worthy of effort. Once this need is satisfied, then we move to feelings of safety and security. This refers to more than physical safety- it refers to vocational, financial, physical and psychological safety. While safety needs are less immediate, they are still vital to one’s success and overall balance. For example, if one loses their job, their home, or their life savings, the homeostasis in their world is upset and until stability is found, things are out of balance and very insecure. A lack of confidence ensues.

The third stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs involves seeking a sense of love and belonging. This refers to the importance that family relationships, close friendships and intimate relationships have on one’s daily lives and has been directly connected to one’s level of satisfaction and happiness. Next is esteem. Maslow felt there was a distinction between love and respect or esteem; he felt that the ability to personally feel self-esteem or positive feelings is for being loved and appreciated by family and one’s close circle of friends. Maslow believed that once one has a measure of self-esteem and confidence, that they can gain the psychological freedom to be creative and grow as well as be more generous to others. This freedom gives the individual permission to seek their full potential as an individual, professionally or personally and

meet a process of self-actualization. This system of needs achievement is dynamic and changes based on life’s daily dramas and occurrences. The good news is that with stability, there is a greater awareness for health and wellness.

At Palmer Trinity, we strive to build and maintain our caring community. Last spring, we were invited by Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education to join an elite group of 135 schools across the country and world who commit to building caring communities by prioritizing the Making Caring Common program for the school. We are committed to developing ethical thought leaders who will stand up and commit to making a difference in the world. We want them to use their voice and the power of their words and actions to create a more caring and compassionate world. The campaign seeks to advance the following specific goals by working with schools nationwide:

01 02 03

Deepen students’ care for others and their communities.

Increase equity and access for all students in the college admissions process.

Reduce excessive achievement pressure in communities where it is detrimental to students.

It is our hope that by participating in many service living and other Making Caring Common scheduled activities throughout the school year, we will will successfully build stronger bonds in our community, and share this incredible sense of belonging with others within our personal and professional lives.

For more information on the Making Caring Common initiative, please visit www.makingcaringcommon.org. To contact Mrs. Cetta, please email her at scetta@palmertrinity.org.

SUMMER 2019

17

&

PERSPECTIVES

BUILDING A SENSE OF BELONGING MAKING CARING COMMON

By Mrs. Susana Cetta, LMHC, Director of Student Activities and Service Living

BELONGING IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN NEED. It is difficult to articulate, but it is something that we feel intensely and profusely. It is a distinct feeling to experience no matter the age. With teenagers, belonging ebbs and flows depending on the day and varies in intensity and volume; depending on not only the mood, but also the group teenaged students are associating with at the time. Bring social media into the mix and this complicates things; it can be a recipe for success or failure, depending on the day. It is a dynamic system that is constantly changing.

At Palmer Trinity, we strive to offer many opportunities for connection and achievement of a positive sense of belonging by means of planned service living activities via our PTS Service Living Program. There are over 50 student organizations that offer opportunities for authentic human connection. These organizations are led by dynamic and passionate student leaders and advised by equally driven and passionate faculty members. On any given day there are many opportunities with which to connect and serve others for the greater good such as serving dinner to the homeless at Chapman Partnership, volunteering to teach a class during a Breakthrough session, participating in a local 5K to support raising funds to promote melanoma research, volunteering with young children at an early childhood learning center, 16

palmertrinity.org

painting and cleaning up a garden at a local family center, conducting a clothing or costume drive and writing letters of appreciation and thanks to our local police department during Thanksgiving.

According to Dr. Abraham Maslow, a humanistic psychologist, belonging is one of the five significant needs an individual must achieve in the pursuit of happiness based on his well known theory of human motivation.

Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation

At Palmer Trinity, we really care about one another. Service begins at school by building human connections based on similarities, differences, common interests, and current events. We communicate and respect one another. There is something for everyone to get involved in, and every student, faculty, and staff member belongs to this great community.” Mrs. Cetta, Director of Student Activities and Service Living Maslow’s theory begins with the physiological or basic human needs. He contends that if one isn’t able to have food, water, sleep, etc., the only thing that individual will seek is to meet their basic human needs. People who are starving are preoccupied with finding food to meet their basic needs. Nothing else will seem important or worthy of effort. Once this need is satisfied, then we move to feelings of safety and security. This refers to more than physical safety- it refers to vocational, financial, physical and psychological safety. While safety needs are less immediate, they are still vital to one’s success and overall balance. For example, if one loses their job, their home, or their life savings, the homeostasis in their world is upset and until stability is found, things are out of balance and very insecure. A lack of confidence ensues.

The third stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs involves seeking a sense of love and belonging. This refers to the importance that family relationships, close friendships and intimate relationships have on one’s daily lives and has been directly connected to one’s level of satisfaction and happiness. Next is esteem. Maslow felt there was a distinction between love and respect or esteem; he felt that the ability to personally feel self-esteem or positive feelings is for being loved and appreciated by family and one’s close circle of friends. Maslow believed that once one has a measure of self-esteem and confidence, that they can gain the psychological freedom to be creative and grow as well as be more generous to others. This freedom gives the individual permission to seek their full potential as an individual, professionally or personally and

meet a process of self-actualization. This system of needs achievement is dynamic and changes based on life’s daily dramas and occurrences. The good news is that with stability, there is a greater awareness for health and wellness.

At Palmer Trinity, we strive to build and maintain our caring community. Last spring, we were invited by Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education to join an elite group of 135 schools across the country and world who commit to building caring communities by prioritizing the Making Caring Common program for the school. We are committed to developing ethical thought leaders who will stand up and commit to making a difference in the world. We want them to use their voice and the power of their words and actions to create a more caring and compassionate world. The campaign seeks to advance the following specific goals by working with schools nationwide:

01 02 03

Deepen students’ care for others and their communities.

Increase equity and access for all students in the college admissions process.

Reduce excessive achievement pressure in communities where it is detrimental to students.

It is our hope that by participating in many service living and other Making Caring Common scheduled activities throughout the school year, we will will successfully build stronger bonds in our community, and share this incredible sense of belonging with others within our personal and professional lives.

For more information on the Making Caring Common initiative, please visit www.makingcaringcommon.org. To contact Mrs. Cetta, please email her at scetta@palmertrinity.org.

SUMMER 2019

17

PERSPECTIVES As a result, I will personally grow more familiar with the expertise and the needs on campus with the goal of better facilitating fruitful partnerships across our school.

CELEBRATING TEACHING AND LEARNING THROUGH

THE IDEAS CAFÉ @PTS

By Adrianna Palumbo Truby, LL‘16, Academic Dean

As the Academic Dean at Palmer Trinity School, my work centers primarily on teacher professional development and curriculum design. In this role, it is essential to foster authentic interest from my colleagues and help them gain agency in the implementation of both their craft and pedagogy.

I attended the gcLi Leadership Lab two summers ago, and this experience left a profound mark on how I approach my work.

Although I was one of few people in attendance who works more closely with adult leaders than with student leaders, there is no doubt that I regularly apply the lessons that I learned there.

Specifically, I draw these lessons as we are establishing our own Center for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at Palmer Trinity School. The pervasive ethos of the gcLi informs much of the vision and purpose of our Center. For example, last year I met with teachers from another school to learn about their Center for Teaching and Learning, and I came across a little gem of an idea that I seized upon: the benefits of creating an internal newsletter designed solely for teaching faculty. I immediately drew a connection between the purpose of that publication and the ways in which it would assist in cultivating leadership in my colleagues.

I quickly committed to writing such a newsletter this year, and envisioned it serving three goals:

Celebrate the positive work our teachers are doing in class on a daily basis.

18

palmertrinity.org

Provide an impetus for conversations among teachers.

Ensure that I visit classrooms on a consistent and frequent basis.

The inaugural edition this fall highlighted two teachers who focus specifically on developing students’ visual literacy. In their interviews, we spent a good deal of time talking about the ways in which they effectively facilitate such instruction, the far-reaching benefits of cultivating the skill of observation, and the natural connections such skills play in other disciplines. Interestingly, we had a lot of conversation about the benefits of visual literacy in the study of mathematics and science as it pertains to interpreting graphs and other forms of data. The teachers explained that all images of data tell a story, and if we teach students how to read the “story,” we teach them how to read the data with ease.

Ideas Café Faculty Newsletter – Palmer Trinity School Truthfully, I was a bit anxious before I shared the first edition. I imagined this plan easily backfiring. Would colleagues wonder if I was playing favorites? Would they think I was honoring one discipline over others?

Would I grow too busy or distracted and let the newsletter fall to the side and appear uncommitted to the task?

Would people even read it?

As it turns out, my anxiety was misplaced. I was thrilled with its reception! The Art teachers applauded the attention that the article paid to the value of observation. Both English and Humanities teachers recounted the ways in which they will utilize the linked videos. Two math teachers acknowledged that they never thought about visual literacy playing such an important role in mathematics instruction. They were excited to experiment with a new approach!

I was so pleased when a colleague asked if we could highlight some of

his plans in the next newsletter. He is currently teaching the causes and effects of the Red Tide epidemic, a most serious and timely concern to us in South Florida. He hopes the newsletter can inspire teachers of other disciplines to teach civic engagement, persuasive writing, and economics in and around this Red Tide unit.

Ironically, last month, I fretted over the publication of this newsletter, and this month, my calendar is filled with interviewees and fellow teachers who want to continue the conversations.

Together, we are recognizing the range of leadership on campus and creating venues for colleagues to collaborate and explore topics together.

My second newsletter highlights our AP Calculus BC teacher. This particular member of the math department continues to achieve extraordinary success, with nearly all students earning 5s. I regret that I had already anticipated the narrative before we ever sat for the interview: How does she meet with such success and in what ways have these successes carried over to her other courses?

Enjoying an Engaging Conversation with Students To my great surprise – and chagrin – my colleague wanted to talk about an entirely different topic. She wanted to focus on teaching students about systems. She explained that she bases instruction in all of her courses on teaching students how to create systems for themselves that work to their greatest advantage. We enjoyed an engaging conversation essentially about teaching students metacognition in ways that they can practice and value. Again, I found myself talking with a colleague who centers her instruction on one methodology that naturally crosses disciplines and benefits students’ long-term success.

Further, our initial interaction during that interview prompted me to draw on the listening strategies we practiced at the gcLi Leadership Lab. I quickly recognized that in my preconceived notion of how the interview would take place, I was limiting the potential of my colleague. I immediately took stock of my manner of participation in the interview and shifted my focus to listening with the sole purpose of understanding rather than directing.

Once I made that singular change, I saw that my colleague began to share her ideas freely and with confidence.

Of course, we were both focused on developing leaders: she was leading her students through self reflection toward growth mindsets, and I was creating a venue to showcase her expertise. By the end of the interview, we were both in a better place to ask the broader, essential questions that will help us move the discussion forward with other colleagues. To our mutual delight, we both gained from the experience.

The benefits of Palmer Trinity’s faculty newsletter, Ideas Café, are already revealing themselves in both tangible and intangible ways. The teachers who are highlighted feel validated in knowing that others see merit in their efforts and expertise.

And the interview and subsequent conversations allow us an opportunity to engage in discussion that honors our professionalism. We delve into the “why” and “how” of what we teach. Finally, in writing about these teachers, I become better acquainted with the invaluable, dynamic resources that are available to share with others.

Connections are being forged and community strengthened.

The Ideas Café is one step toward establishing our Center for Excellence in Teaching. We believe our Center will stand as a beacon on a hill to inspire all its constituents to strive daily for excellence, and I look forward to meeting with the next teachers who will share their stories with me.

SUMMER 2019

19

PERSPECTIVES As a result, I will personally grow more familiar with the expertise and the needs on campus with the goal of better facilitating fruitful partnerships across our school.

CELEBRATING TEACHING AND LEARNING THROUGH

THE IDEAS CAFÉ @PTS

By Adrianna Palumbo Truby, LL‘16, Academic Dean

As the Academic Dean at Palmer Trinity School, my work centers primarily on teacher professional development and curriculum design. In this role, it is essential to foster authentic interest from my colleagues and help them gain agency in the implementation of both their craft and pedagogy.

I attended the gcLi Leadership Lab two summers ago, and this experience left a profound mark on how I approach my work.

Although I was one of few people in attendance who works more closely with adult leaders than with student leaders, there is no doubt that I regularly apply the lessons that I learned there.

Specifically, I draw these lessons as we are establishing our own Center for Learning and Teaching (CELT) at Palmer Trinity School. The pervasive ethos of the gcLi informs much of the vision and purpose of our Center. For example, last year I met with teachers from another school to learn about their Center for Teaching and Learning, and I came across a little gem of an idea that I seized upon: the benefits of creating an internal newsletter designed solely for teaching faculty. I immediately drew a connection between the purpose of that publication and the ways in which it would assist in cultivating leadership in my colleagues.

I quickly committed to writing such a newsletter this year, and envisioned it serving three goals:

Celebrate the positive work our teachers are doing in class on a daily basis.

18

palmertrinity.org

Provide an impetus for conversations among teachers.

Ensure that I visit classrooms on a consistent and frequent basis.

The inaugural edition this fall highlighted two teachers who focus specifically on developing students’ visual literacy. In their interviews, we spent a good deal of time talking about the ways in which they effectively facilitate such instruction, the far-reaching benefits of cultivating the skill of observation, and the natural connections such skills play in other disciplines. Interestingly, we had a lot of conversation about the benefits of visual literacy in the study of mathematics and science as it pertains to interpreting graphs and other forms of data. The teachers explained that all images of data tell a story, and if we teach students how to read the “story,” we teach them how to read the data with ease.

Ideas Café Faculty Newsletter – Palmer Trinity School Truthfully, I was a bit anxious before I shared the first edition. I imagined this plan easily backfiring. Would colleagues wonder if I was playing favorites? Would they think I was honoring one discipline over others?

Would I grow too busy or distracted and let the newsletter fall to the side and appear uncommitted to the task?

Would people even read it?

As it turns out, my anxiety was misplaced. I was thrilled with its reception! The Art teachers applauded the attention that the article paid to the value of observation. Both English and Humanities teachers recounted the ways in which they will utilize the linked videos. Two math teachers acknowledged that they never thought about visual literacy playing such an important role in mathematics instruction. They were excited to experiment with a new approach!

I was so pleased when a colleague asked if we could highlight some of

his plans in the next newsletter. He is currently teaching the causes and effects of the Red Tide epidemic, a most serious and timely concern to us in South Florida. He hopes the newsletter can inspire teachers of other disciplines to teach civic engagement, persuasive writing, and economics in and around this Red Tide unit.

Ironically, last month, I fretted over the publication of this newsletter, and this month, my calendar is filled with interviewees and fellow teachers who want to continue the conversations.

Together, we are recognizing the range of leadership on campus and creating venues for colleagues to collaborate and explore topics together.

My second newsletter highlights our AP Calculus BC teacher. This particular member of the math department continues to achieve extraordinary success, with nearly all students earning 5s. I regret that I had already anticipated the narrative before we ever sat for the interview: How does she meet with such success and in what ways have these successes carried over to her other courses?

Enjoying an Engaging Conversation with Students To my great surprise – and chagrin – my colleague wanted to talk about an entirely different topic. She wanted to focus on teaching students about systems. She explained that she bases instruction in all of her courses on teaching students how to create systems for themselves that work to their greatest advantage. We enjoyed an engaging conversation essentially about teaching students metacognition in ways that they can practice and value. Again, I found myself talking with a colleague who centers her instruction on one methodology that naturally crosses disciplines and benefits students’ long-term success.

Further, our initial interaction during that interview prompted me to draw on the listening strategies we practiced at the gcLi Leadership Lab. I quickly recognized that in my preconceived notion of how the interview would take place, I was limiting the potential of my colleague. I immediately took stock of my manner of participation in the interview and shifted my focus to listening with the sole purpose of understanding rather than directing.

Once I made that singular change, I saw that my colleague began to share her ideas freely and with confidence.

Of course, we were both focused on developing leaders: she was leading her students through self reflection toward growth mindsets, and I was creating a venue to showcase her expertise. By the end of the interview, we were both in a better place to ask the broader, essential questions that will help us move the discussion forward with other colleagues. To our mutual delight, we both gained from the experience.

The benefits of Palmer Trinity’s faculty newsletter, Ideas Café, are already revealing themselves in both tangible and intangible ways. The teachers who are highlighted feel validated in knowing that others see merit in their efforts and expertise.

And the interview and subsequent conversations allow us an opportunity to engage in discussion that honors our professionalism. We delve into the “why” and “how” of what we teach. Finally, in writing about these teachers, I become better acquainted with the invaluable, dynamic resources that are available to share with others.

Connections are being forged and community strengthened.

The Ideas Café is one step toward establishing our Center for Excellence in Teaching. We believe our Center will stand as a beacon on a hill to inspire all its constituents to strive daily for excellence, and I look forward to meeting with the next teachers who will share their stories with me.

SUMMER 2019

19

PERSPECTIVES

TRINITY CHAPEL Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Chaplain

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018, Palmer Trinity School proudly broke ground for “Trinity Chapel,” in honor of the Reverend Dr. Edward Dougherty, a beloved Head of School in the early days of the merger of the schools, Palmer and Trinity. Upon meeting “Ned” for the first time, I was struck by his humility, kindness and compassion. He is an honored and respected educator, leader in the history of our beloved school. The dedicated group of families who are supporting the building of the Chapel, are passionate about creating a holy sanctuary for our community.

20

palmertrinity.org

The community of Palmer Trinity yearns for a place of calm and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the daily schedule. Our commitment to the spiritual component of life draws faculty, staff and students to find a way to reconnect to the divine essence which is holy and comforting.

Finding our way to sanctity, in a place where celebrating the sacramental life, including births, marriages, healings and reconciliation, as well as gathering times for significant community events, reveals our commitment to our practiced Episcopal identity. Our Chapel will be a place of celebration and consolation for our entire community of learners.

Over the centuries, a Chapel is a place of worship serving a community. The word “chapel” is derived from a relic of Saint Martin of Tours: traditional stories about Martin relate that while he was still a soldier, he cut his military cloak in half to give part to a

beggar in need. The other half he wore over his shoulders as a “small cape” from Latin: capella. This cape came into the possession of the Frankish kings, and they kept the relic with them as they did battle. The tent which kept the cape was called the capella and the priests who said daily Mass in the tent were known as the capellani. From these words, via Old French, we get the names “chapel” and “chaplain.”

Chapels are often non-denominational and interfaith – focused, and serve a variety of communities. Some are identified as “meditation rooms” and can be found in medical centers, airports, and even at the United Nations headquarters. Sacred places of reflection and meditation, Chapels may be “thin places” of extraordinary comfort.

From the New York Times writer Eric Weiner: “I’m drawn to places that beguile and inspire, sedate and

stir, places where, for a few blissful moments I loosen my death grip on life, and can breathe again. It turns out these destinations have a name: thin places...They are locales where the distance between heaven and earth collapses and we’re able to catch glimpses of the divine, or the transcendent or, as I like to think of it, the Infinite Whatever.” Weiner continues, “The ancient pagan Celts, and later, Christians, used the term to describe mesmerizing places like the wind-swept isle of Iona… Heaven and earth, the Celtic saying goes, are only three feet apart, but in thin places that distance is even shorter.”

Christians believe in the Incarnation of the great “I AM,” where the Divine came to earth in flesh so God’s people could witness God’s presence. Our prayer for Palmer Trinity School is that we intentionally live into the presence of the Divine, in our own “thin place,” the Trinity Chapel.

PRAYER FOR PALMER TRINITY CHAPEL O God we ask our Chapel be a place of serenity from the busyness of the world. Enable us to pray alone and with each other, and to move in life to do your will; Help us to be open and vulnerable that we may live in unobtrusive modesty; Encourage us to reach outward to the world and care deeply for all your children; Assist us to be a community of respect and honor; Generate in us the desire to love one another as you have loved us. In the midst of commotion, let our Chapel create sanctuary for the hearing of your “still small voice.” AMEN SUMMER 2019

21

PERSPECTIVES

TRINITY CHAPEL Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Chaplain

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018, Palmer Trinity School proudly broke ground for “Trinity Chapel,” in honor of the Reverend Dr. Edward Dougherty, a beloved Head of School in the early days of the merger of the schools, Palmer and Trinity. Upon meeting “Ned” for the first time, I was struck by his humility, kindness and compassion. He is an honored and respected educator, leader in the history of our beloved school. The dedicated group of families who are supporting the building of the Chapel, are passionate about creating a holy sanctuary for our community.

20

palmertrinity.org

The community of Palmer Trinity yearns for a place of calm and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the daily schedule. Our commitment to the spiritual component of life draws faculty, staff and students to find a way to reconnect to the divine essence which is holy and comforting.

Finding our way to sanctity, in a place where celebrating the sacramental life, including births, marriages, healings and reconciliation, as well as gathering times for significant community events, reveals our commitment to our practiced Episcopal identity. Our Chapel will be a place of celebration and consolation for our entire community of learners.

Over the centuries, a Chapel is a place of worship serving a community. The word “chapel” is derived from a relic of Saint Martin of Tours: traditional stories about Martin relate that while he was still a soldier, he cut his military cloak in half to give part to a

beggar in need. The other half he wore over his shoulders as a “small cape” from Latin: capella. This cape came into the possession of the Frankish kings, and they kept the relic with them as they did battle. The tent which kept the cape was called the capella and the priests who said daily Mass in the tent were known as the capellani. From these words, via Old French, we get the names “chapel” and “chaplain.”

Chapels are often non-denominational and interfaith – focused, and serve a variety of communities. Some are identified as “meditation rooms” and can be found in medical centers, airports, and even at the United Nations headquarters. Sacred places of reflection and meditation, Chapels may be “thin places” of extraordinary comfort.

From the New York Times writer Eric Weiner: “I’m drawn to places that beguile and inspire, sedate and

stir, places where, for a few blissful moments I loosen my death grip on life, and can breathe again. It turns out these destinations have a name: thin places...They are locales where the distance between heaven and earth collapses and we’re able to catch glimpses of the divine, or the transcendent or, as I like to think of it, the Infinite Whatever.” Weiner continues, “The ancient pagan Celts, and later, Christians, used the term to describe mesmerizing places like the wind-swept isle of Iona… Heaven and earth, the Celtic saying goes, are only three feet apart, but in thin places that distance is even shorter.”

Christians believe in the Incarnation of the great “I AM,” where the Divine came to earth in flesh so God’s people could witness God’s presence. Our prayer for Palmer Trinity School is that we intentionally live into the presence of the Divine, in our own “thin place,” the Trinity Chapel.

PRAYER FOR PALMER TRINITY CHAPEL O God we ask our Chapel be a place of serenity from the busyness of the world. Enable us to pray alone and with each other, and to move in life to do your will; Help us to be open and vulnerable that we may live in unobtrusive modesty; Encourage us to reach outward to the world and care deeply for all your children; Assist us to be a community of respect and honor; Generate in us the desire to love one another as you have loved us. In the midst of commotion, let our Chapel create sanctuary for the hearing of your “still small voice.” AMEN SUMMER 2019

21

PERSPECTIVES

VICTOR CALDERON

An Enduring Face at Palmer Trinity School

By Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Chaplain

By Ashley Valentin

FOR THE PAST 26 YEARS, Victor Calderon has been a consistent source of warmth and kindness for our students, parents, faculty, and staff. He maintains a watchful eye around campus, always ready to escort an injured student to the nurse’s office, and constantly making sure our campus is safe. Victor has worked as a security guard for PTS since July 7, 1993. We wanted to learn more about his time at Palmer Trinity, and so he sat down for an interview.

Where are you from?

Guatemala. I’ve been living here in Miami for 27 years, but I lived in Montreal, Canada from the age of 17, and later in Toronto for 15 years. I raised my children here in Miami.

What do you love most about PTS? I love everything, but the kids are the most important to me. We have very nice kids, they’re respectful, and they’re kind to me. I try to be the same with them.

How have the students impacted you?

The kids have shown me that if you give respect you receive it back. I try to be as kind as possible with everyone because they’re so kind. They have impacted and changed me.

What is one of your fondest memories here at the school?

There was a student who graduated from here, Pace Weber, who always chatted with me. I remember him as a 22

palmertrinity.org

young 7th -grader. When he graduated, he went into the military and was killed in combat. I remember the military coming in to do a funeral service. It impacted me a lot because I loved him.

What changes have you seen happen at PTS over the past two and a half decades?

When I started working here, the library was half its current size. The gym and the cafeteria were both very small. The dining area was a tent with picnic tables because Hurricane Andrew blew away part of the cafeteria, and the portables were in the courtyard. Beyond the fence separating us from the Hester property (the current south campus) was a large field of mango trees. Andrew also damaged the gym roof and the trailers, so they had to renovate everything.

Around this time, they put glass panels in the library, relocated many of the offices, and started building lockers.

The tennis courts were located where the Humanities building is currently located. Later on, the school purchased the Hester property and began to develop it. That was the most important change I saw.

As for changes in my job, the school put a guardhouse on the north side of the campus. I had a heart problem, and my boss at the time said that they would put me in there because of my health and I could watch the kids. I would make sure students didn’t skip school, and I would collect their passes. That was in 2004. The guardhouse was really small and hot, and only had room for a stool.

When Paul Zamek was hired, he began to fix up the guardhouse, and then asked me to start patrolling the campus in a golf cart. Since then, that’s what I’ve been doing.

How has school security changed over the past two decades?

With the rise of school shootings we’ve had to change the way we handle school security. We now we have a police officer driving around campus.

We have more security guards, more patrolling, lots of cameras, we verify visitors when they come on campus, and if we need to, we call the police.

In the past two decades I have never seen anything dangerous at Palmer Trinity. It’s quiet, and we hope it stays like that for a long time.

OVER SPRING BREAK, my husband and I watched the PBS documentary on “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

(2018) This film delves into the ministry of Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian minister who changed the way Americans talked to children. His commitment was to make every child feel safe and unique. I remember watching him with our two sons and enjoying his message, never realizing that his philosophy was so impacting and cutting edge. During the presentation, Mr. Rogers quoted the Hebrew concept of “Tikkun Olam” which he translated as “Repairing Creation.” In other translations I have heard “Repairing the World or Earth.” Rabbi Lawrence Kushner uses, “Repairing the Cosmos.” In all the translations there is a grand sense of healing and returning to wholeness. I prayed and meditated on the phrase and began to see how it united Passover, Earth Day and Easter.

For the Israelites, exiled in Egypt, returning to their homeland and escaping enslavement. Moses, the unlikely prophet and leader, courageously faces Pharaoh and leads them out of bondage.

Theologians see three meanings in this “Passover.” Freedom from the Angel of Death, freedom from enslavement, and freedom to return to the Promised land.

The Last Supper was a Seder meal Jesus shared with his loved ones.

Earth Day reminds us of the incredible blessing and lifegiving environment.

Clean water, air, food is precious and keeps us healthy. Cherishing the earth reminds of the Book of Genesis where God decrees that the whole creation and humans are good. We can return to a time of reunion with nature if we so recognize its essential contributions to our lives and the beauty of the world.

This is a matter of life and death. Our PTS solar car is a beginning!

Easter, the Paschal Mystery for Christians, is the central concept of faith relating to the history of salvation. Its main subject is the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the work God the Father sent His Son to accomplish on earth. This resurrection from death to life is the miracle of Jesus. He is the incarnation of the Creator and he brings loving God and neighbor to the broken world of Roman Occupation. If we pay attention, we learn to love one another as God loves us.

Living in Southeast Florida, the power of spring and rebirth is subtle.

In northern places, spring is more dramatic. The blooming of the flowers,

the birth of baby animals, the thawing of the cold and renewal of the ground all create the miracle of resurrection.

Our Chapel, “Tikkun Olam:” Repairing Creation shared the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ, his devotion to the Passover event, and our love and respect for all of God’s creatures. Dr. Reho, Dr. Llinás, Mrs. Calleja, Mr. Beguristain, Mrs. Tobin, and I all collaborated to ensure our respect for our traditions.

Father Roger Tobin and Pastor Jorge Sayago- Gonzalez joined us in celebration. Lena Robertson’s singing, Simone Schwedel’s homily on the gift and essential nature of water, and the incredible Intel, including Alejandro Cortinas and Max Acebal, as well as the ever-faithful Vestry leadership of Carlos Calleja, Pamela Ascobereta, and Caroline Zamek.

Celebrating creation, freedom, and our lives in community is our joy. Let us be grateful for one another and the blessing of our shared lives.

“And God saw everything that God made, and behold, it was good.”

GENESIS 1:31

SUMMER 2019

23

PERSPECTIVES

VICTOR CALDERON

An Enduring Face at Palmer Trinity School

By Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Chaplain

By Ashley Valentin

FOR THE PAST 26 YEARS, Victor Calderon has been a consistent source of warmth and kindness for our students, parents, faculty, and staff. He maintains a watchful eye around campus, always ready to escort an injured student to the nurse’s office, and constantly making sure our campus is safe. Victor has worked as a security guard for PTS since July 7, 1993. We wanted to learn more about his time at Palmer Trinity, and so he sat down for an interview.

Where are you from?

Guatemala. I’ve been living here in Miami for 27 years, but I lived in Montreal, Canada from the age of 17, and later in Toronto for 15 years. I raised my children here in Miami.

What do you love most about PTS? I love everything, but the kids are the most important to me. We have very nice kids, they’re respectful, and they’re kind to me. I try to be the same with them.

How have the students impacted you?

The kids have shown me that if you give respect you receive it back. I try to be as kind as possible with everyone because they’re so kind. They have impacted and changed me.

What is one of your fondest memories here at the school?

There was a student who graduated from here, Pace Weber, who always chatted with me. I remember him as a 22

palmertrinity.org

young 7th -grader. When he graduated, he went into the military and was killed in combat. I remember the military coming in to do a funeral service. It impacted me a lot because I loved him.

What changes have you seen happen at PTS over the past two and a half decades?

When I started working here, the library was half its current size. The gym and the cafeteria were both very small. The dining area was a tent with picnic tables because Hurricane Andrew blew away part of the cafeteria, and the portables were in the courtyard. Beyond the fence separating us from the Hester property (the current south campus) was a large field of mango trees. Andrew also damaged the gym roof and the trailers, so they had to renovate everything.

Around this time, they put glass panels in the library, relocated many of the offices, and started building lockers.

The tennis courts were located where the Humanities building is currently located. Later on, the school purchased the Hester property and began to develop it. That was the most important change I saw.

As for changes in my job, the school put a guardhouse on the north side of the campus. I had a heart problem, and my boss at the time said that they would put me in there because of my health and I could watch the kids. I would make sure students didn’t skip school, and I would collect their passes. That was in 2004. The guardhouse was really small and hot, and only had room for a stool.

When Paul Zamek was hired, he began to fix up the guardhouse, and then asked me to start patrolling the campus in a golf cart. Since then, that’s what I’ve been doing.

How has school security changed over the past two decades?

With the rise of school shootings we’ve had to change the way we handle school security. We now we have a police officer driving around campus.

We have more security guards, more patrolling, lots of cameras, we verify visitors when they come on campus, and if we need to, we call the police.

In the past two decades I have never seen anything dangerous at Palmer Trinity. It’s quiet, and we hope it stays like that for a long time.

OVER SPRING BREAK, my husband and I watched the PBS documentary on “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

(2018) This film delves into the ministry of Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian minister who changed the way Americans talked to children. His commitment was to make every child feel safe and unique. I remember watching him with our two sons and enjoying his message, never realizing that his philosophy was so impacting and cutting edge. During the presentation, Mr. Rogers quoted the Hebrew concept of “Tikkun Olam” which he translated as “Repairing Creation.” In other translations I have heard “Repairing the World or Earth.” Rabbi Lawrence Kushner uses, “Repairing the Cosmos.” In all the translations there is a grand sense of healing and returning to wholeness. I prayed and meditated on the phrase and began to see how it united Passover, Earth Day and Easter.

For the Israelites, exiled in Egypt, returning to their homeland and escaping enslavement. Moses, the unlikely prophet and leader, courageously faces Pharaoh and leads them out of bondage.

Theologians see three meanings in this “Passover.” Freedom from the Angel of Death, freedom from enslavement, and freedom to return to the Promised land.

The Last Supper was a Seder meal Jesus shared with his loved ones.

Earth Day reminds us of the incredible blessing and lifegiving environment.

Clean water, air, food is precious and keeps us healthy. Cherishing the earth reminds of the Book of Genesis where God decrees that the whole creation and humans are good. We can return to a time of reunion with nature if we so recognize its essential contributions to our lives and the beauty of the world.

This is a matter of life and death. Our PTS solar car is a beginning!

Easter, the Paschal Mystery for Christians, is the central concept of faith relating to the history of salvation. Its main subject is the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the work God the Father sent His Son to accomplish on earth. This resurrection from death to life is the miracle of Jesus. He is the incarnation of the Creator and he brings loving God and neighbor to the broken world of Roman Occupation. If we pay attention, we learn to love one another as God loves us.

Living in Southeast Florida, the power of spring and rebirth is subtle.

In northern places, spring is more dramatic. The blooming of the flowers,

the birth of baby animals, the thawing of the cold and renewal of the ground all create the miracle of resurrection.

Our Chapel, “Tikkun Olam:” Repairing Creation shared the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ, his devotion to the Passover event, and our love and respect for all of God’s creatures. Dr. Reho, Dr. Llinás, Mrs. Calleja, Mr. Beguristain, Mrs. Tobin, and I all collaborated to ensure our respect for our traditions.

Father Roger Tobin and Pastor Jorge Sayago- Gonzalez joined us in celebration. Lena Robertson’s singing, Simone Schwedel’s homily on the gift and essential nature of water, and the incredible Intel, including Alejandro Cortinas and Max Acebal, as well as the ever-faithful Vestry leadership of Carlos Calleja, Pamela Ascobereta, and Caroline Zamek.

Celebrating creation, freedom, and our lives in community is our joy. Let us be grateful for one another and the blessing of our shared lives.

“And God saw everything that God made, and behold, it was good.”

GENESIS 1:31

SUMMER 2019

23

PERSPECTIVES

Palmer Trinity’s 2nd Annual Miami Model UN Conference

R A O E H T F O E L T T BA

Palmer Trinity School (PTS) and the PTS Model United Nations organization hosted the 2nd Annual Miami Model United Nations Conference (MIAMUN II) on Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. The PTS club welcomed fellow local Model UN high school students from St. Thomas Aquinas and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.

More than 60 delegates debated under the theme of this year’s conference: Building Multilateral Connections.

They were led by capable committee chairs and assisted by nearly twenty Middle School volunteers.

The conference was divided into three committees: the UN Security Council which discussed the current crisis in Venezuela, the General Assembly Social Humanitarian 3rd Committee (SOCHUM) which debated the issue of human trafficking, and the General Assembly Special Political and Decolonization 4th Committee (SPECPOL) that questioned the future of Palestine. All committees fostered a healthy environment where delegates could work on solutions to global issues, come to agreements and engage in meaningful dialogue that increased their international awareness.

“Congratulations to all the participants and many thanks to all the advisors and PTS support staff who made this conference a reality! Palmer Trinity School truly preps our students to be global citizens,” stated Dr. Manjula Salomon, Associate Head for Academic Affairs.

THE BATTLE OF THE OAR is a long-standing tradition that began in the fall of 1974. The oar was chosen as a symbol to represent then Palmer School’s and Ransom’s relationship to the nearby bay, as well as their mascots, the Pirates and the Raiders. Every year since, Palmer Trinity students fill the stands as we take on our rival, Ransom Everglades. Over 30 years of wins and losses between the two schools are written on the oar’s paddle. This year, after a long streak of losses, we managed to take back the oar! The oar has stood proudly in the library in front of the Head of School’s office for all to see throughout the year.

24

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SUMMER 2019

25

PERSPECTIVES

Palmer Trinity’s 2nd Annual Miami Model UN Conference

R A O E H T F O E L T T BA

Palmer Trinity School (PTS) and the PTS Model United Nations organization hosted the 2nd Annual Miami Model United Nations Conference (MIAMUN II) on Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. The PTS club welcomed fellow local Model UN high school students from St. Thomas Aquinas and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.

More than 60 delegates debated under the theme of this year’s conference: Building Multilateral Connections.

They were led by capable committee chairs and assisted by nearly twenty Middle School volunteers.

The conference was divided into three committees: the UN Security Council which discussed the current crisis in Venezuela, the General Assembly Social Humanitarian 3rd Committee (SOCHUM) which debated the issue of human trafficking, and the General Assembly Special Political and Decolonization 4th Committee (SPECPOL) that questioned the future of Palestine. All committees fostered a healthy environment where delegates could work on solutions to global issues, come to agreements and engage in meaningful dialogue that increased their international awareness.

“Congratulations to all the participants and many thanks to all the advisors and PTS support staff who made this conference a reality! Palmer Trinity School truly preps our students to be global citizens,” stated Dr. Manjula Salomon, Associate Head for Academic Affairs.

THE BATTLE OF THE OAR is a long-standing tradition that began in the fall of 1974. The oar was chosen as a symbol to represent then Palmer School’s and Ransom’s relationship to the nearby bay, as well as their mascots, the Pirates and the Raiders. Every year since, Palmer Trinity students fill the stands as we take on our rival, Ransom Everglades. Over 30 years of wins and losses between the two schools are written on the oar’s paddle. This year, after a long streak of losses, we managed to take back the oar! The oar has stood proudly in the library in front of the Head of School’s office for all to see throughout the year.

24

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

25

EVENTS

EVERY YEAR, Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events among students and faculty. It’s full of games, sports, wacky costumes, contests, and the Homecoming Dance.

Nothing fires up our school pride quite like this event.

This year’s Homecoming Week saw Disney costumes, Hawaiian shirts, celebrity impersonations and, of course, spirit gear. Students and teachers donned their navy and gold and cheered loudly as our football team won the game on our Main Athletic Field.

This year’s Homecoming was one of the most memorable yet.

GO !

S N O C L FA

26

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

27

EVENTS

EVERY YEAR, Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events among students and faculty. It’s full of games, sports, wacky costumes, contests, and the Homecoming Dance.

Nothing fires up our school pride quite like this event.

This year’s Homecoming Week saw Disney costumes, Hawaiian shirts, celebrity impersonations and, of course, spirit gear. Students and teachers donned their navy and gold and cheered loudly as our football team won the game on our Main Athletic Field.

This year’s Homecoming was one of the most memorable yet.

GO !

S N O C L FA

26

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

27

EVENTS

Palmer Trinity Holiday Party

PARENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND STAFF gathered at the Head of School’s residence for the annual holiday party, “Bows and Bow Ties,” on Saturday, December 8, 2018. The party was a huge success as everyone came together to celebrate friendship and family during the holiday season. Thank you to Laura Marandino, Leivys Socorro, Kelly Fullerton, Marivi Hudson, Helida Dodd, and Denise Gallardo for putting on such a memorable event.

ON JANUARY 28, 2019, Palmer Trinity School hosted its 18th Annual Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament.

Held at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club, all proceeds from the event 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 our presenting sponsor, Northern Trust, for their support and leadership. Thank you to our generous event sponsors, underwriters, donors, participants, volunteers, golfers, and tennis players for supporting this important event. With your help, we raised over $105,000 for financial aid.

PRE SENTING SP ONS OR

FA IRWAY SP ONS OR

28

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

29

EVENTS

Palmer Trinity Holiday Party

PARENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND STAFF gathered at the Head of School’s residence for the annual holiday party, “Bows and Bow Ties,” on Saturday, December 8, 2018. The party was a huge success as everyone came together to celebrate friendship and family during the holiday season. Thank you to Laura Marandino, Leivys Socorro, Kelly Fullerton, Marivi Hudson, Helida Dodd, and Denise Gallardo for putting on such a memorable event.

ON JANUARY 28, 2019, Palmer Trinity School hosted its 18th Annual Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament.

Held at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club, all proceeds from the event 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 our presenting sponsor, Northern Trust, for their support and leadership. Thank you to our generous event sponsors, underwriters, donors, participants, volunteers, golfers, and tennis players for supporting this important event. With your help, we raised over $105,000 for financial aid.

PRE SENTING SP ONS OR

FA IRWAY SP ONS OR

28

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

29

EVENTS

PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL hosted its 19th annual International Festival on Saturday, March 2. The International Festival celebrates the School’s vibrant multicultural community and celebrates our commitment to environmental and global sustainability. Entertainment included student performers, a dragon dance, salsa performances, live bands, and upbeat music.

The International Festival is a foodie’s dream. Signature dishes from a wide variety of cultures were available for tasting.

Students also had a chance to sell accessories and snacks to raise money for their community service clubs.

The flag parade, the festival’s signature event, was a spirited march of flags from over 50 countries, led by our Middle and Upper School students. The parade weaved through the booths and ended at the main stage where the flags were placed on display for all to see.

All money raised at the International Festival goes to support Palmer Trinity School’s global education initiatives.

30

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

31

EVENTS

PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL hosted its 19th annual International Festival on Saturday, March 2. The International Festival celebrates the School’s vibrant multicultural community and celebrates our commitment to environmental and global sustainability. Entertainment included student performers, a dragon dance, salsa performances, live bands, and upbeat music.

The International Festival is a foodie’s dream. Signature dishes from a wide variety of cultures were available for tasting.

Students also had a chance to sell accessories and snacks to raise money for their community service clubs.

The flag parade, the festival’s signature event, was a spirited march of flags from over 50 countries, led by our Middle and Upper School students. The parade weaved through the booths and ended at the main stage where the flags were placed on display for all to see.

All money raised at the International Festival goes to support Palmer Trinity School’s global education initiatives.

30

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31

EVENTS

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast ON THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019, Palmer Trinity School celebrated all of the volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to help put on events and make our school a vibrant community. Student Ricky Alzetta ‘22 entertained guests on the piano with a wonderful Chopin performance. Diane Larry won the Volunteer Appreciation Award and Victor Calderon won the Faculty Staff Appreciation Award.

Guests were treated to a wonderful array of breakfast foods and musical performances. Thank you to all of the volunteers for your dedication to Palmer Trinity School.

A Special Blessing of the Animals

THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY GATHERED in the courtyard on April 24 for a very special Blessing of the Animals Day. This year’s event was a celebration of Passover, Easter, and Earth Day. Musical performances by student musicians and thespians set a happy tone as dogs, cats, bunnies, and even a tortoise made their way onto the campus. Thank you, Chaplain Cassini and the Vestry, for setting up this beautiful event.

32

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

33

EVENTS

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast ON THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019, Palmer Trinity School celebrated all of the volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to help put on events and make our school a vibrant community. Student Ricky Alzetta ‘22 entertained guests on the piano with a wonderful Chopin performance. Diane Larry won the Volunteer Appreciation Award and Victor Calderon won the Faculty Staff Appreciation Award.

Guests were treated to a wonderful array of breakfast foods and musical performances. Thank you to all of the volunteers for your dedication to Palmer Trinity School.

A Special Blessing of the Animals

THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY GATHERED in the courtyard on April 24 for a very special Blessing of the Animals Day. This year’s event was a celebration of Passover, Easter, and Earth Day. Musical performances by student musicians and thespians set a happy tone as dogs, cats, bunnies, and even a tortoise made their way onto the campus. Thank you, Chaplain Cassini and the Vestry, for setting up this beautiful event.

32

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33

CLASS OF 2019

Congratulations Graduates GRADUATION IS the highlight of the school year. As the Class of 2019 walked across the stage on Saturday, May 18, pride filled the hearts of everyone in attendance. We would like to extend our earnest congratulations to this year’s graduating class, and we can’t wait to see you back on campus to share your successes with us.

REFLECTIONS “At Palmer Trinity, each student has their own ship. With a ship comes the desired destination.

And with each destination comes a lot of toil to get ourselves there. We have dreams. We have ambition.

We know that it is hard to change our lives. Especially when we are alone. Thankfully, Palmer Trinity has given us the chance to have people in our lives that take roles on our individual ships. As we captain our ships along, they are there for us. They support us. They nurture us. They coach us. They study with us. They occasionally send us homework.

But most importantly, they love us and remind us that we are the chosen ones to get to our destinations.”

JOHN MALLOY, VALEDICTORIAN

“Promise that as we prepare for this next stage of our lives, we do whatever it is we choose to do because we love it and we find purpose in its work. For the true barometer of our character is not derived from reputation, but our insistence to act in harmony with the radical laws of justice and compassion.”

NOAH PIRANI, SALUTATORIAN

“As we seniors leave off into the world, Palmer Trinity you are not seeing the last of us, we will be back and continue contributing to this community even after we leave. We will come back and share our impossible stories. After all, Palmer Trinity is not just walls, floors, ceilings, desks and everything in between, it is a community that will continue to impact everyone who walks through its halls. We all are Palmer Trinity.”

BROOKE KLEBER, STUDENT SPEAKER

34

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SUMMER 2019

35

CLASS OF 2019

Congratulations Graduates GRADUATION IS the highlight of the school year. As the Class of 2019 walked across the stage on Saturday, May 18, pride filled the hearts of everyone in attendance. We would like to extend our earnest congratulations to this year’s graduating class, and we can’t wait to see you back on campus to share your successes with us.

REFLECTIONS “At Palmer Trinity, each student has their own ship. With a ship comes the desired destination.

And with each destination comes a lot of toil to get ourselves there. We have dreams. We have ambition.

We know that it is hard to change our lives. Especially when we are alone. Thankfully, Palmer Trinity has given us the chance to have people in our lives that take roles on our individual ships. As we captain our ships along, they are there for us. They support us. They nurture us. They coach us. They study with us. They occasionally send us homework.

But most importantly, they love us and remind us that we are the chosen ones to get to our destinations.”

JOHN MALLOY, VALEDICTORIAN

“Promise that as we prepare for this next stage of our lives, we do whatever it is we choose to do because we love it and we find purpose in its work. For the true barometer of our character is not derived from reputation, but our insistence to act in harmony with the radical laws of justice and compassion.”

NOAH PIRANI, SALUTATORIAN

“As we seniors leave off into the world, Palmer Trinity you are not seeing the last of us, we will be back and continue contributing to this community even after we leave. We will come back and share our impossible stories. After all, Palmer Trinity is not just walls, floors, ceilings, desks and everything in between, it is a community that will continue to impact everyone who walks through its halls. We all are Palmer Trinity.”

BROOKE KLEBER, STUDENT SPEAKER

34

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35

ALUMNI NEWS

1973

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1974

CLASS AGENT

Everyone has a story after they leave Palmer Trinity School – share yours by contacting our Director of Alumni Relations, Alexandra Cartaya, at acartaya@palmertrinity.org and (305) 969-4282.

The Aerie magazine editorial staff also welcomes submissions and suggestions. If you have an idea for a feature story, please contact our Editor-in-Chief, Suzanne Calleja, at scalleja@palmertrinity.org.

As always, we encourage you to keep in touch with your class agent by sending in your Class Notes for the 2019-2020 issue of the Aerie.

Julie (Coleman) Mansfield juliemansfield@comcast.net

1975

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

Col. Sheri (Waldo) AndinoStraka writes, “My son, Sean Andino, earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and his naval pilot wings. He also married Holly Guthrie on June 29, 2019. We are so happy and proud of them.”

1976

CLASS AGENT

Andrew Hessen hesstang@aol.com

1977

CLASS AGENT

Craig Zimmett cazfla@aol.com

1978

CLASS AGENT

Thomas Magenheimer tmagmai@aol.com

1979

1986

1989

Lori (Fogel) La Forgia ljlaforgia@gmail.com

Joelle (Wagshul) Steinberg jwagshul@aol.com

Scott Shelfer scott@exactaland.com

CLASS AGENT

CLASS AGENT

CLASS AGENT

1980

1987

1990

Dawn (Hoyt) Kidd dhoytkidd@gmail.com

Miles McGrath miles.mcgrath@gmail.com

Peter Baumberger psb@kubickidraper.com

CLASS AGENT

1981

CLASS AGENT

Lee Sterling psports@bellsouth.net

1982

CLASS AGENT

Hart Baur info@miamiumbrellas.com

1983

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1984

CLASS AGENT

Beth (Moskowitz) Lazar bethm1428@aol.com

1985

CLASS AGENT

John Malloy jcmalloy@malloylaw.com

CLASS AGENT

1988

CLASS AGENT

Elena E. Essen elena3k@me.com Elena (Essen) Baur and Hart Baur ‘82 were married on July 7, 2018. They were married in Stanardsville, VA. Palmer classmate Craig Baur ‘85 was the best man and Patrick Burke ‘83 was in attendance. Elena’s daughter Callie Endara was her Maid of Honor. The bride and groom were surrounded by their children, families, best friends, SKUM band members, and the William and Mary Soccer Team. It was a three-day long celebration of love, family and friendship. They are also very excited that their daughter, Scarlet Baur will be a Falcon next year as a 6th grader at PTS!

CLASS AGENT

1991

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1992

CLASS AGENT

Nickaros Sanchoo nickaros.sanchoo@gmail.com

1993

CLASS AGENT

Amanda R. Matalon amandamatalon@gmail.com Maggie Rosas-Guyon rosasguyon@hotmail.com Maggie Rosas-Guyon Relloso, has a new position as a realtor.

In addition to her math tutoring business, she is a sales associate with Lifestyle Realty, Inc. She invites all the Falcons to follow her on IG @justcallmaggie.

Palmer Trinity Alumni Association

MISSION STATEMENT The objectives of the Palmer Trinity Alumni Association shall be to advocate and support Palmer Trinity School and its mission, provide opportunities for alumni involvement with the school, fundraising, and to lead activities and events that build and maintain an active, informed, and engaged alumni community.

Left to right — Elena Essen ‘88; Maggie Relloso ‘93; Charles Baumberger’s (‘94) daughter, and future Falcon, Olivia Marie Baumberger 36

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

37

ALUMNI NEWS

1973

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1974

CLASS AGENT

Everyone has a story after they leave Palmer Trinity School – share yours by contacting our Director of Alumni Relations, Alexandra Cartaya, at acartaya@palmertrinity.org and (305) 969-4282.

The Aerie magazine editorial staff also welcomes submissions and suggestions. If you have an idea for a feature story, please contact our Editor-in-Chief, Suzanne Calleja, at scalleja@palmertrinity.org.

As always, we encourage you to keep in touch with your class agent by sending in your Class Notes for the 2019-2020 issue of the Aerie.

Julie (Coleman) Mansfield juliemansfield@comcast.net

1975

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

Col. Sheri (Waldo) AndinoStraka writes, “My son, Sean Andino, earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering and his naval pilot wings. He also married Holly Guthrie on June 29, 2019. We are so happy and proud of them.”

1976

CLASS AGENT

Andrew Hessen hesstang@aol.com

1977

CLASS AGENT

Craig Zimmett cazfla@aol.com

1978

CLASS AGENT

Thomas Magenheimer tmagmai@aol.com

1979

1986

1989

Lori (Fogel) La Forgia ljlaforgia@gmail.com

Joelle (Wagshul) Steinberg jwagshul@aol.com

Scott Shelfer scott@exactaland.com

CLASS AGENT

CLASS AGENT

CLASS AGENT

1980

1987

1990

Dawn (Hoyt) Kidd dhoytkidd@gmail.com

Miles McGrath miles.mcgrath@gmail.com

Peter Baumberger psb@kubickidraper.com

CLASS AGENT

1981

CLASS AGENT

Lee Sterling psports@bellsouth.net

1982

CLASS AGENT

Hart Baur info@miamiumbrellas.com

1983

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1984

CLASS AGENT

Beth (Moskowitz) Lazar bethm1428@aol.com

1985

CLASS AGENT

John Malloy jcmalloy@malloylaw.com

CLASS AGENT

1988

CLASS AGENT

Elena E. Essen elena3k@me.com Elena (Essen) Baur and Hart Baur ‘82 were married on July 7, 2018. They were married in Stanardsville, VA. Palmer classmate Craig Baur ‘85 was the best man and Patrick Burke ‘83 was in attendance. Elena’s daughter Callie Endara was her Maid of Honor. The bride and groom were surrounded by their children, families, best friends, SKUM band members, and the William and Mary Soccer Team. It was a three-day long celebration of love, family and friendship. They are also very excited that their daughter, Scarlet Baur will be a Falcon next year as a 6th grader at PTS!

CLASS AGENT

1991

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

1992

CLASS AGENT

Nickaros Sanchoo nickaros.sanchoo@gmail.com

1993

CLASS AGENT

Amanda R. Matalon amandamatalon@gmail.com Maggie Rosas-Guyon rosasguyon@hotmail.com Maggie Rosas-Guyon Relloso, has a new position as a realtor.

In addition to her math tutoring business, she is a sales associate with Lifestyle Realty, Inc. She invites all the Falcons to follow her on IG @justcallmaggie.

Palmer Trinity Alumni Association

MISSION STATEMENT The objectives of the Palmer Trinity Alumni Association shall be to advocate and support Palmer Trinity School and its mission, provide opportunities for alumni involvement with the school, fundraising, and to lead activities and events that build and maintain an active, informed, and engaged alumni community.

Left to right — Elena Essen ‘88; Maggie Relloso ‘93; Charles Baumberger’s (‘94) daughter, and future Falcon, Olivia Marie Baumberger 36

palmertrinity.org

SUMMER 2019

37

ALUMNI NEWS

1994

1995

Campbell Walker cwalker@lincolnharris.com

Andrew Bennett andrewpbennett@gmail.com

CLASS AGENT

Charles Baumberger, Jr. baumberger16@gmail.com Charles Baumberger writes, “My daughter, Olivia Marie Baumberger is celebrating her acceptance to PTS. Her dad graduated from PTS in ‘94. Her uncle graduated from Palmer in ‘90. Her grandmother was Co-President of the first PTS Parents Association and her grandfather was on the first Board of Directors for PTS. We are so excited for her to continue the tradition.”

CLASS AGENT

1996

CLASS AGENT

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea lynley3@gmail.com Amanda (Chrycy) Thompson achrycy@aol.com The eldest son of Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea, Walker Ciorobea is proud to be a future Falcon. He will be entering Palmer Trinity’s 6th grade class for the 2019-2020 school year.

He is the first grandchild of a

former Head of School, Laura Walker, to be attending PTS. Cindy Denkhaus and her husband welcomed their daughter, Juniper Charlotte Zamaria, into the world in December 2018.

1997

CLASS AGENT

Brett French brettfrench@yahoo.com Gil Lang married Marisa Pepper on December 15 surrounded by family and friends including Brett French ‘97, Tef French ‘94, Breton Applebaum ‘98, and Brian Gershen ‘98.

1998

1999

Brian Gershen briangershen@gmail.com

Belinda Frieri belifrieri@yahoo.com

CLASS AGENT

CLASS AGENT

Nathan Zeder nathan@allmiamirealestate.com Nathan Zeder writes, “I’m so proud that my son, Jack Hainline Zeder, will become a Falcon next year. Like his father, he enjoys playing golf and is looking forward to joining the team at PTS.”

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe bmccabe@palmertrinity.org Lynley Walker ‘96

Kevin Sanz ‘01

Mercedes Stark ‘01

Belinda Frieri writes “On September 14, 2018, we welcomed our second son Felipe Hataway. His brother Mateo is very excited to have a little brother. I am still living in Cumming, GA, but come to visit our family in Miami every time we get a chance. I am currently staying home with the baby and teaching Zumba.”

2000

CLASS AGENT

Collegiate Alumni Day

Soozie Klock seklock@gmail.com

Gil Lang ‘97

2001

ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, several of our collegiate alumni visited campus to offer college advice to the class of 2019. After a panel discussion with the seniors, the alumni were invited for lunch with their friends and former teachers. Thank you to our young alumni for staying involved and mentoring our seniors as they prepare to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Wesley Farrell wesfarrell21@gmail.com

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Tatiana Suarez welcomed a baby girl, Luna Isabel Iglesias, on September 13, 2018.

Evan Zeder and his wife Meredith welcomed their first daughter, Isla Rose Zeder, into the world on December 1, 2018.

Kevin Sanz and his wife, Holly, welcomed their son, Bode Axel Sanz on March 22, 2018.

Belinda Frieri ‘99

Evan Zeder ‘01 palmertrinity.org

2002

CLASS AGENT

Adria (Jenkins) Simon mz.adria@gmail.com Tamara (Rutter) Walsh and her husband David Walsh welcomed their 2nd daughter, Cora Paige Walsh in July 2018.

Their first-born, Kaia Elizabeth Walsh, will likely start her first year of preschool at St. Thomas in August.

CLASS AGENT

Chad Stark ‘01 and Chelle

38

of Chelle construction and Whitecap construction. Chad loves what he does, and is grateful to have the opportunity to build a building for his alma mater, which he holds close to his heart. Hopefully one day our kids will be able to attend school there as well. We have one daughter, Penelope Stark, who is two and a half years old, and another daughter on the way, due at the beginning of June.”

Tatiana Suarez ‘01

Tamara Walsh ‘02

Mercedes (Anez) Stark writes, “My husband, Chad Stark ‘01 started working with Chelle Construction, a commercial construction company, in 2004 while he was a sophomore in college. He worked his way up to becoming partner and half owner. He started his own residential construction company, WhiteCap Construction in 2010. Together with Richard Lehman, who attended Palmer (when it was just Palmer, but didn’t graduate from there) share ownership

2003

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

Dax Tejera writes “I proposed to Veronica Bautista on a surprise trip to Venice this past summer.

On an island just off St. Mark’s Square, with a photographer hidden to capture the moment, Veronica asked me why I had chosen this place for what I had disguised as a ‘birthday trip.’

It was then that I told her the truth - that when I was a younger man and had travelled to Venice with my parents, I had always thought that it was the most beautiful place in the world and that when I came back it would be with a beautiful woman that I loved. And at that point, I got on my knee and asked her to marry me…as the photographer rushed in the capture the moment. We’ll be getting married this August in Cartagena, Colombia!”

Jessica (Johnson) Douglas writes, “I began at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, DE in SUMMER 2019

39

ALUMNI NEWS

1994

1995

Campbell Walker cwalker@lincolnharris.com

Andrew Bennett andrewpbennett@gmail.com

CLASS AGENT

Charles Baumberger, Jr. baumberger16@gmail.com Charles Baumberger writes, “My daughter, Olivia Marie Baumberger is celebrating her acceptance to PTS. Her dad graduated from PTS in ‘94. Her uncle graduated from Palmer in ‘90. Her grandmother was Co-President of the first PTS Parents Association and her grandfather was on the first Board of Directors for PTS. We are so excited for her to continue the tradition.”

CLASS AGENT

1996

CLASS AGENT

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea lynley3@gmail.com Amanda (Chrycy) Thompson achrycy@aol.com The eldest son of Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea, Walker Ciorobea is proud to be a future Falcon. He will be entering Palmer Trinity’s 6th grade class for the 2019-2020 school year.

He is the first grandchild of a

former Head of School, Laura Walker, to be attending PTS. Cindy Denkhaus and her husband welcomed their daughter, Juniper Charlotte Zamaria, into the world in December 2018.

1997

CLASS AGENT

Brett French brettfrench@yahoo.com Gil Lang married Marisa Pepper on December 15 surrounded by family and friends including Brett French ‘97, Tef French ‘94, Breton Applebaum ‘98, and Brian Gershen ‘98.

1998

1999

Brian Gershen briangershen@gmail.com

Belinda Frieri belifrieri@yahoo.com

CLASS AGENT

CLASS AGENT

Nathan Zeder nathan@allmiamirealestate.com Nathan Zeder writes, “I’m so proud that my son, Jack Hainline Zeder, will become a Falcon next year. Like his father, he enjoys playing golf and is looking forward to joining the team at PTS.”

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe bmccabe@palmertrinity.org Lynley Walker ‘96

Kevin Sanz ‘01

Mercedes Stark ‘01

Belinda Frieri writes “On September 14, 2018, we welcomed our second son Felipe Hataway. His brother Mateo is very excited to have a little brother. I am still living in Cumming, GA, but come to visit our family in Miami every time we get a chance. I am currently staying home with the baby and teaching Zumba.”

2000

CLASS AGENT

Collegiate Alumni Day

Soozie Klock seklock@gmail.com

Gil Lang ‘97

2001

ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, several of our collegiate alumni visited campus to offer college advice to the class of 2019. After a panel discussion with the seniors, the alumni were invited for lunch with their friends and former teachers. Thank you to our young alumni for staying involved and mentoring our seniors as they prepare to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Wesley Farrell wesfarrell21@gmail.com

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Tatiana Suarez welcomed a baby girl, Luna Isabel Iglesias, on September 13, 2018.

Evan Zeder and his wife Meredith welcomed their first daughter, Isla Rose Zeder, into the world on December 1, 2018.

Kevin Sanz and his wife, Holly, welcomed their son, Bode Axel Sanz on March 22, 2018.

Belinda Frieri ‘99

Evan Zeder ‘01 palmertrinity.org

2002

CLASS AGENT

Adria (Jenkins) Simon mz.adria@gmail.com Tamara (Rutter) Walsh and her husband David Walsh welcomed their 2nd daughter, Cora Paige Walsh in July 2018.

Their first-born, Kaia Elizabeth Walsh, will likely start her first year of preschool at St. Thomas in August.

CLASS AGENT

Chad Stark ‘01 and Chelle

38

of Chelle construction and Whitecap construction. Chad loves what he does, and is grateful to have the opportunity to build a building for his alma mater, which he holds close to his heart. Hopefully one day our kids will be able to attend school there as well. We have one daughter, Penelope Stark, who is two and a half years old, and another daughter on the way, due at the beginning of June.”

Tatiana Suarez ‘01

Tamara Walsh ‘02

Mercedes (Anez) Stark writes, “My husband, Chad Stark ‘01 started working with Chelle Construction, a commercial construction company, in 2004 while he was a sophomore in college. He worked his way up to becoming partner and half owner. He started his own residential construction company, WhiteCap Construction in 2010. Together with Richard Lehman, who attended Palmer (when it was just Palmer, but didn’t graduate from there) share ownership

2003

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

Dax Tejera writes “I proposed to Veronica Bautista on a surprise trip to Venice this past summer.

On an island just off St. Mark’s Square, with a photographer hidden to capture the moment, Veronica asked me why I had chosen this place for what I had disguised as a ‘birthday trip.’

It was then that I told her the truth - that when I was a younger man and had travelled to Venice with my parents, I had always thought that it was the most beautiful place in the world and that when I came back it would be with a beautiful woman that I loved. And at that point, I got on my knee and asked her to marry me…as the photographer rushed in the capture the moment. We’ll be getting married this August in Cartagena, Colombia!”

Jessica (Johnson) Douglas writes, “I began at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, DE in SUMMER 2019

39

ALUMNI NEWS

— Alumni Leadership Circle — CHRIS SANZ ‘04 // “Palmer Trinity played a pivotal role in my life and was instrumental in my development as a student, an athlete, and person. To this day, the friendships forged with fellow students, coaches, and faculty at Palmer remain some of the most important relationships in my life. I am hopeful this donation helps a future student enjoy the same advantages I had when I attended Palmer Trinity.”

WES FARRELL ‘01 // “I am giving for all the incredibly selfless educators and classmates from PTS who supported and shaped my foundation as a young man.”

Left to right, row 1 — Dax Tejera ‘03; Jessica Douglas ‘03; Bryant Wright ‘04. Row 2 – Chris Sanz ‘04; Kyle Rutter ‘04; Tiffany Glick ‘04.

Row 3 – Julio Ligoria ‘06; Katy Lovell ‘06; Paola Granados ‘06.

the fall as the Teaching and Learning Specialist – I work with students and teachers for strategies for learning and for differentiated instruction.

My 5 year old, Henry, attends THS in PreK and my 3 year old, Alasdair, will join us next fall.

We are currently in the process of moving from Philadelphia to Wilmington this spring.”

40

palmertrinity.org

2004

CLASS AGENT

Corina (Lopez) Minera cminera@ymail.com Chris Sanz and his wife welcomed their son, Ryder Joseph Sanz into the world on September 7, 2018.

Tiffany (Glick) Pinkert and her husband, Mark welcomed their first baby boy, Eli Charles Pinkert

on March 3, 2019. He weighed 5 lbs. 6 oz., and measured 18.5 inches.

Alumni couple Bryant Wright and Victoria Pineros welcomed their first baby, Mylo Wright on February 25, 2019.

Katie and Kyle Rutter welcomed the birth of their second son, Jackson Beckett on April 13th.

2005

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

2006

CLASS AGENT

Julio Ligorria jeligorria@gmail.com Julio Ligoria writes “After being away for 10 years, I finally made it back to Miami. In that time I

SOOZIE KLOCK ‘01 “Palmer Trinity wasn’t just an academic institution, it was the community I needed and it molded who I am today. From diverse students to engaging and devoted faculty, to Outward Bound, Model UN, and trips abroad with faculty volunteers, the experiences at PTS were like no other.

Having seen the development in the school in the 24 years since I first stepped onto campus, I look forward to the day my daughter can join the PTS community, along with the children of some of my former schoolmates, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for new Falcons.”

BETH (BROCKWAY) SERRATE ‘85 “Believing in the future and taking from our past will make the vision of Palmer Trinity a true reality. The day has come for us to unite to show our support for our Alma Mater.”

KEVIN SANZ ‘01 // “Attending Palmer Trinity was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

My family and I remain committed to the school because of its academic excellence and sense of community. The relationships I forged in those impressionable years, both in the classroom and on the field, helped shape my life. I hope my donation serves as an acknowledgment to the teachers for their service to our community in addition to helping those in need.”

ELIZABETH (LANE) BACARDI ‘93 “When I think of PTS and why this school is so special, it’s all about community and the amazing people. Vivian Cerione and Danny Reynolds continue to make a big impact, as they did for me and so many others, including our daughters. We support Palmer Trinity because this incredible community feels like home.”

RAUL RODRIGUEZ ‘04 “I attribute much of my success in college and professionally to the amazing faculty at PTS. This donation is a small token of my appreciation.”

ANDRE CARBONELL ‘05 // “I am who I am today because of my experiences while attending Palmer Trinity. I will forever be grateful to my teachers, the staff, and friends. You all have helped me become the man my parents sought out for me to be. For this reason, I continue to support and donate to PTS. I am hopeful that my experiences and success are passed on to many more.”

VIRGIL GUMA ‘90 AND KELLY (KIMMEL) GUMA ‘89 “Palmer Trinity has been an exceptional place in the history of our family. It was a nurturing environment that allowed us to grow, supported by an incredible community of teachers and life long friends.”

JAN (RISI) FIELD ‘77 “PTS has great meaning for me as it directly contributed to my path in life. The most important aspect of my education at Palmer was the ability to participate in experiential learning activities. The three that stand out are an internship with the Miami Herald, a trip to Europe, and my internship in Washington D.C. PTS continues to support students in a wide variety of activities that are above and beyond a traditional-formatted education. In addition, the teacher mentors were amazing.”

GARRETT NAVIA ‘04 “Understanding that I could never repay PTS for helping me become the man I am today, I wanted to donate to help with financial aid for students who could not otherwise attend PTS. Hopefully, they receive the same amount of blessings I have.”

JON GREENWELL ‘79 AND MARY ELDREDGE GREENWELL ‘79 “After 33 years of marriage, Palmer still holds great memories for us. It was so small back in the late ‘70s. Everyone knew one another and their families since it was a group effort in many aspects.”

SUMMER 2019

41

ALUMNI NEWS

— Alumni Leadership Circle — CHRIS SANZ ‘04 // “Palmer Trinity played a pivotal role in my life and was instrumental in my development as a student, an athlete, and person. To this day, the friendships forged with fellow students, coaches, and faculty at Palmer remain some of the most important relationships in my life. I am hopeful this donation helps a future student enjoy the same advantages I had when I attended Palmer Trinity.”

WES FARRELL ‘01 // “I am giving for all the incredibly selfless educators and classmates from PTS who supported and shaped my foundation as a young man.”

Left to right, row 1 — Dax Tejera ‘03; Jessica Douglas ‘03; Bryant Wright ‘04. Row 2 – Chris Sanz ‘04; Kyle Rutter ‘04; Tiffany Glick ‘04.

Row 3 – Julio Ligoria ‘06; Katy Lovell ‘06; Paola Granados ‘06.

the fall as the Teaching and Learning Specialist – I work with students and teachers for strategies for learning and for differentiated instruction.

My 5 year old, Henry, attends THS in PreK and my 3 year old, Alasdair, will join us next fall.

We are currently in the process of moving from Philadelphia to Wilmington this spring.”

40

palmertrinity.org

2004

CLASS AGENT

Corina (Lopez) Minera cminera@ymail.com Chris Sanz and his wife welcomed their son, Ryder Joseph Sanz into the world on September 7, 2018.

Tiffany (Glick) Pinkert and her husband, Mark welcomed their first baby boy, Eli Charles Pinkert

on March 3, 2019. He weighed 5 lbs. 6 oz., and measured 18.5 inches.

Alumni couple Bryant Wright and Victoria Pineros welcomed their first baby, Mylo Wright on February 25, 2019.

Katie and Kyle Rutter welcomed the birth of their second son, Jackson Beckett on April 13th.

2005

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

2006

CLASS AGENT

Julio Ligorria jeligorria@gmail.com Julio Ligoria writes “After being away for 10 years, I finally made it back to Miami. In that time I

SOOZIE KLOCK ‘01 “Palmer Trinity wasn’t just an academic institution, it was the community I needed and it molded who I am today. From diverse students to engaging and devoted faculty, to Outward Bound, Model UN, and trips abroad with faculty volunteers, the experiences at PTS were like no other.

Having seen the development in the school in the 24 years since I first stepped onto campus, I look forward to the day my daughter can join the PTS community, along with the children of some of my former schoolmates, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for new Falcons.”

BETH (BROCKWAY) SERRATE ‘85 “Believing in the future and taking from our past will make the vision of Palmer Trinity a true reality. The day has come for us to unite to show our support for our Alma Mater.”

KEVIN SANZ ‘01 // “Attending Palmer Trinity was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

My family and I remain committed to the school because of its academic excellence and sense of community. The relationships I forged in those impressionable years, both in the classroom and on the field, helped shape my life. I hope my donation serves as an acknowledgment to the teachers for their service to our community in addition to helping those in need.”

ELIZABETH (LANE) BACARDI ‘93 “When I think of PTS and why this school is so special, it’s all about community and the amazing people. Vivian Cerione and Danny Reynolds continue to make a big impact, as they did for me and so many others, including our daughters. We support Palmer Trinity because this incredible community feels like home.”

RAUL RODRIGUEZ ‘04 “I attribute much of my success in college and professionally to the amazing faculty at PTS. This donation is a small token of my appreciation.”

ANDRE CARBONELL ‘05 // “I am who I am today because of my experiences while attending Palmer Trinity. I will forever be grateful to my teachers, the staff, and friends. You all have helped me become the man my parents sought out for me to be. For this reason, I continue to support and donate to PTS. I am hopeful that my experiences and success are passed on to many more.”

VIRGIL GUMA ‘90 AND KELLY (KIMMEL) GUMA ‘89 “Palmer Trinity has been an exceptional place in the history of our family. It was a nurturing environment that allowed us to grow, supported by an incredible community of teachers and life long friends.”

JAN (RISI) FIELD ‘77 “PTS has great meaning for me as it directly contributed to my path in life. The most important aspect of my education at Palmer was the ability to participate in experiential learning activities. The three that stand out are an internship with the Miami Herald, a trip to Europe, and my internship in Washington D.C. PTS continues to support students in a wide variety of activities that are above and beyond a traditional-formatted education. In addition, the teacher mentors were amazing.”

GARRETT NAVIA ‘04 “Understanding that I could never repay PTS for helping me become the man I am today, I wanted to donate to help with financial aid for students who could not otherwise attend PTS. Hopefully, they receive the same amount of blessings I have.”

JON GREENWELL ‘79 AND MARY ELDREDGE GREENWELL ‘79 “After 33 years of marriage, Palmer still holds great memories for us. It was so small back in the late ‘70s. Everyone knew one another and their families since it was a group effort in many aspects.”

SUMMER 2019

41

ALUMNI NEWS and friends, including several other Palmer Trinity Alumni: Raquel Quinones ‘07, Amanda Quinones ‘12, Wes Hevia ‘05, Anthony Will ‘07, Chris Narchet ‘07, Riley Smith ‘07, and Eric Sanabria ‘10.

J.P. Gilbert writes “On April 15, 2019, I was presented a “30 Under 30” Award presented by the University of Central Florida (UCF) Alumni Association.

The award recognizes alumni who continue to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives since graduating from UCF. On May 5, 2019, I was married in Maitland, Florida to Avery Kiefer with several Palmer Trinity Alumni in

attendance. We are expecting our first child, a baby girl, in September.”

Defina Güemes Galvez writes “On May 2nd, we welcomed our baby boy, Gustavo Eduardo Galvez. His arrival has overwhelmed with us with happiness and we look forward to him being a Future Falcon!”

Ricardo Martinez married Daniela Basmagi on February 9, 2019 in Cartagena, Colombia surrounded by friends and family including several PTS alumni.

2008

CLASS AGENT

Megan Cunningham megancunningham215@gmail.com Ariel Moger aemoger@gmail.com Lauren Franklin laurenfranklin17@gmail.com Romina Puga got married on January 20, 2018 at the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami. It was an outdoor wedding with their closest family and friends. She met her husband Miguel Tamayo at work six years ago, and the two live in Los Angeles now. Romina also recently took a job with ABC News as a multi-platform

reporter from their LA bureau.

Lauren Adamo writes, “In June 2018 I got married to Joshua Bross in Cedar Grove, NJ surrounded by family and friends. Also in attendance from PTS was Hailey Wood ‘09, Kirsten Ferreira-Flowers ‘09, Katie Titley ‘09, Kristen Titley ‘10 and Michelle Evans ‘09.”

High School sweethearts Lauren Franklin and Stephen Ludovici were married in February at Villa Woodbine in Miami. They were surrounded by friends and family and several PTS alumni.

Sophia Policastro became an aunt to a baby boy, Matias Policastro, who was born on

From left to right, row 1 — Ian McLaughlin ‘06; Tracy Wilk ‘06; Eva Adan ‘06; Delfina Guemes ‘07. Row 2 – Danielle Snyder ‘07; JP Gilbert ‘07; Ricardo Martinez ‘07.

graduated from George Mason University, worked in several different countries gathering the knowledge and work experience required to stand out in the very competitive industries of Public Relations and Crisis Management. I spent a good amount of time in Panama working for Burson-Marsteller’s (now Burson Cohn & Wolfe) crisis and corporate communications division as a Senior Consultant.

At the end of 2017 I decided it was time to move home. After considering a few options, I ultimately accepted a position at Balsera Communications as Director of Special Projects in 2018. Balsera Communications is a leading national Public Affairs firm based out of Coral Gables specialized in engaging general market and multicultural audiences at the local, state and national level. You can learn more about our other leading activities at www.balserapr.com. Finally, In November of 2018, I proposed to my girlfriend of 5 years, Allison Overholser and she said yes!

42

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We will be getting married later this year.”

Ian McLaughlin writes, “Bo Zhao and I welcomed our baby girl, Milü McLaughlin – which, for those of us who lack the lingual dexterity to pronounce Chinese words accurately, can be pronounced like Mila (Mee-lah).

It’s a Chinese pinyin spelling for the translation of the ancient Chinese approximation of Pi (π) – literally translating to “close ratio”.

Turbo dorky, we know. What do you expect from two millennial parents with backgrounds in science? She’s was born on the 31st of December, and gaining weight like a champion. She’s adorable, charismatic, and has a great sense of humor. Let me know if you’re ever near Philly, I’d love to catch up with all of you!”

Tracy Wilk writes, “I have been teaching cooking classes at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC since February 2018 and love my new teaching career.

Manny Contreras ‘06 came to one of my classes so we

wanted to send this over. We had a great time making pizza and reminiscing over our high school days.”

Katy Lovell was recently married to her longtime boyfriend, Daniel Mora at her family’s home in Ocala Florida.

Alumni, Katrina Barrios ‘06, Maria Luiza (Barreto) Dzegar ‘06, and Tracy Wilk ‘06 were a part of her bridal party and it was a beautiful celebration!

The photo attached includes the PTS alum that celebrated Katy and Daniel’s day: Katrina Barrios ‘06, Ashley Forman ‘06, Maria Luiza (Barreto) Dzegar ‘06, Alex Colindres ‘06, Lizzie Parsley ‘06, Tracy Wilk ‘06, and Katy Lovell ‘06.

Eva (Adan) Rengstl is a busy stay at home mom to 3 children, Sofia, Paris, and baby Christian. She and her husband Patrick welcomed their first son, Christian, on Valentine’s Day 2018.

Paola Granados-Radlick writes, “I am starting a private practice in 2019 where I will be seeing children, adolescents, and young adults for psychotherapy.

My services will include individual therapy, family therapy, parenting skills, and group therapy. Areas that I specialize in include depression and other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems at school or home, academic difficulties and stress management, challenges with life transitions, parenting skills, and interpersonal difficulties.”

2007

CLASS AGENT

Will Morrison willmorrisonfl@gmail.com Danielle Snyder snyder.daniellelynn@gmail.com Victor Sanabria and Danielle Snyder, recently got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They were surrounded by family

From left to right, row 1 — Lauren Franklin ‘08; Romina Puga ‘08, Diego Uribe ‘08, Angel Diaz ‘08, Bernarda Reyes ‘08, Natalia Pineros ‘08, Laura Parody ‘08, Sophia Policastro ‘08, Will Morrison ‘07. Row 2 – Sofia Policastro ‘08, Hailey Wood ‘09, Kristen (Ferreira) Flowers ‘09, Katie Titley ‘09, Lauren (Adamo) Bross ‘08, Kirsten Titley ‘10, Michelle Evans ‘09. Row 3 – Aleck and Emily DaGrosa ‘09; Hailey Wood ‘09.

SUMMER 2019

43

ALUMNI NEWS and friends, including several other Palmer Trinity Alumni: Raquel Quinones ‘07, Amanda Quinones ‘12, Wes Hevia ‘05, Anthony Will ‘07, Chris Narchet ‘07, Riley Smith ‘07, and Eric Sanabria ‘10.

J.P. Gilbert writes “On April 15, 2019, I was presented a “30 Under 30” Award presented by the University of Central Florida (UCF) Alumni Association.

The award recognizes alumni who continue to “Reach for the Stars” in their professional and personal lives since graduating from UCF. On May 5, 2019, I was married in Maitland, Florida to Avery Kiefer with several Palmer Trinity Alumni in

attendance. We are expecting our first child, a baby girl, in September.”

Defina Güemes Galvez writes “On May 2nd, we welcomed our baby boy, Gustavo Eduardo Galvez. His arrival has overwhelmed with us with happiness and we look forward to him being a Future Falcon!”

Ricardo Martinez married Daniela Basmagi on February 9, 2019 in Cartagena, Colombia surrounded by friends and family including several PTS alumni.

2008

CLASS AGENT

Megan Cunningham megancunningham215@gmail.com Ariel Moger aemoger@gmail.com Lauren Franklin laurenfranklin17@gmail.com Romina Puga got married on January 20, 2018 at the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami. It was an outdoor wedding with their closest family and friends. She met her husband Miguel Tamayo at work six years ago, and the two live in Los Angeles now. Romina also recently took a job with ABC News as a multi-platform

reporter from their LA bureau.

Lauren Adamo writes, “In June 2018 I got married to Joshua Bross in Cedar Grove, NJ surrounded by family and friends. Also in attendance from PTS was Hailey Wood ‘09, Kirsten Ferreira-Flowers ‘09, Katie Titley ‘09, Kristen Titley ‘10 and Michelle Evans ‘09.”

High School sweethearts Lauren Franklin and Stephen Ludovici were married in February at Villa Woodbine in Miami. They were surrounded by friends and family and several PTS alumni.

Sophia Policastro became an aunt to a baby boy, Matias Policastro, who was born on

From left to right, row 1 — Ian McLaughlin ‘06; Tracy Wilk ‘06; Eva Adan ‘06; Delfina Guemes ‘07. Row 2 – Danielle Snyder ‘07; JP Gilbert ‘07; Ricardo Martinez ‘07.

graduated from George Mason University, worked in several different countries gathering the knowledge and work experience required to stand out in the very competitive industries of Public Relations and Crisis Management. I spent a good amount of time in Panama working for Burson-Marsteller’s (now Burson Cohn & Wolfe) crisis and corporate communications division as a Senior Consultant.

At the end of 2017 I decided it was time to move home. After considering a few options, I ultimately accepted a position at Balsera Communications as Director of Special Projects in 2018. Balsera Communications is a leading national Public Affairs firm based out of Coral Gables specialized in engaging general market and multicultural audiences at the local, state and national level. You can learn more about our other leading activities at www.balserapr.com. Finally, In November of 2018, I proposed to my girlfriend of 5 years, Allison Overholser and she said yes!

42

palmertrinity.org

We will be getting married later this year.”

Ian McLaughlin writes, “Bo Zhao and I welcomed our baby girl, Milü McLaughlin – which, for those of us who lack the lingual dexterity to pronounce Chinese words accurately, can be pronounced like Mila (Mee-lah).

It’s a Chinese pinyin spelling for the translation of the ancient Chinese approximation of Pi (π) – literally translating to “close ratio”.

Turbo dorky, we know. What do you expect from two millennial parents with backgrounds in science? She’s was born on the 31st of December, and gaining weight like a champion. She’s adorable, charismatic, and has a great sense of humor. Let me know if you’re ever near Philly, I’d love to catch up with all of you!”

Tracy Wilk writes, “I have been teaching cooking classes at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC since February 2018 and love my new teaching career.

Manny Contreras ‘06 came to one of my classes so we

wanted to send this over. We had a great time making pizza and reminiscing over our high school days.”

Katy Lovell was recently married to her longtime boyfriend, Daniel Mora at her family’s home in Ocala Florida.

Alumni, Katrina Barrios ‘06, Maria Luiza (Barreto) Dzegar ‘06, and Tracy Wilk ‘06 were a part of her bridal party and it was a beautiful celebration!

The photo attached includes the PTS alum that celebrated Katy and Daniel’s day: Katrina Barrios ‘06, Ashley Forman ‘06, Maria Luiza (Barreto) Dzegar ‘06, Alex Colindres ‘06, Lizzie Parsley ‘06, Tracy Wilk ‘06, and Katy Lovell ‘06.

Eva (Adan) Rengstl is a busy stay at home mom to 3 children, Sofia, Paris, and baby Christian. She and her husband Patrick welcomed their first son, Christian, on Valentine’s Day 2018.

Paola Granados-Radlick writes, “I am starting a private practice in 2019 where I will be seeing children, adolescents, and young adults for psychotherapy.

My services will include individual therapy, family therapy, parenting skills, and group therapy. Areas that I specialize in include depression and other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems at school or home, academic difficulties and stress management, challenges with life transitions, parenting skills, and interpersonal difficulties.”

2007

CLASS AGENT

Will Morrison willmorrisonfl@gmail.com Danielle Snyder snyder.daniellelynn@gmail.com Victor Sanabria and Danielle Snyder, recently got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They were surrounded by family

From left to right, row 1 — Lauren Franklin ‘08; Romina Puga ‘08, Diego Uribe ‘08, Angel Diaz ‘08, Bernarda Reyes ‘08, Natalia Pineros ‘08, Laura Parody ‘08, Sophia Policastro ‘08, Will Morrison ‘07. Row 2 – Sofia Policastro ‘08, Hailey Wood ‘09, Kristen (Ferreira) Flowers ‘09, Katie Titley ‘09, Lauren (Adamo) Bross ‘08, Kirsten Titley ‘10, Michelle Evans ‘09. Row 3 – Aleck and Emily DaGrosa ‘09; Hailey Wood ‘09.

SUMMER 2019

43

ALUMNI PROFILE ALUMNI NEWS

...It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today and I definitely encountered a lot of challenges along the way.”

Vitoria, Bryan, and their son.

As a senior at Palmer Trinity School, Bryant wasn’t sure if he was going to make it into his dream school, Babson College in Boston; but, he was persistent and fought his way in. At Babson, Bryant studied Finance and Entrepreneurship.

After he received the math award at PTS, Bryant realized that one of his strengths was math and that he wanted to pursue a career in a math related field.

class of 2004 Be persistent and don’t take no for an answer,” is the advice that alumnus Bryant Wright ‘04 gives to the younger generation of Falcons, and it’s this very mindset that got him to where he is today in his life and career. At only 32 years old, Bryant was one of the youngest wealth advisors to make the Forbes list of Top Up and Coming Wealth Advisors.

Bryant shares, “it wasn’t easy to get to where I am today and I definitely encountered a lot of challenges along the way.”

44

palmertrinity.org

Upon graduating from Babson in 2008, Bryant was eager to jump start his career in the financial world. He worked at Legg Mason and Skandia Global Fund and learned to overcome hurdles as both companies were greatly affected by the financial crisis. The beginning of 2010 brought in a new tide as Bryant decided to switch from asset management to wealth management, working as a client service analyst with UBS International Wealth Management. In December 2011, Bryant decided it was time to take the leap as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Out of roughly 150 people who began the program with him, only around 20 finished and Bryant finished top in the nation! Bryant has been working with Morgan Stanley since then, specializing in International Wealth Management with several clients from his

home country, Ecuador. Bryant shares, “The most challenging part of my career has been starting with nothing and building a wide network of clients on my own. Many times I’ve come across older clients who judge me based on my age, but I’m persistent in showing them that even though I’m young, I have the knowledge and expertise to advise them in the best way possible.”

On a personal note, Bryant has also been persistent in his love life. At Palmer Trinity, Bryant dated Vitoria Pineros ‘04 briefly. The two remained friends after graduation, then dated again in college for a couple of months, and eventually got back together after college and have been together ever since. They were married in 2015.

When Bryant looks back at his time spent at PTS, he’s thankful for meeting his wife and several life-long friends and for the opportunity to be in an athletic atmosphere as a soccer player. The happy PTS alumni couple had their first baby in March.

Bryant’s goals for the future are to become the top wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley and to be the best dad possible, raising his son in the same way he was raised.

SUMMER 2019

45

ALUMNI PROFILE ALUMNI NEWS

...It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today and I definitely encountered a lot of challenges along the way.”

Vitoria, Bryan, and their son.

As a senior at Palmer Trinity School, Bryant wasn’t sure if he was going to make it into his dream school, Babson College in Boston; but, he was persistent and fought his way in. At Babson, Bryant studied Finance and Entrepreneurship.

After he received the math award at PTS, Bryant realized that one of his strengths was math and that he wanted to pursue a career in a math related field.

class of 2004 Be persistent and don’t take no for an answer,” is the advice that alumnus Bryant Wright ‘04 gives to the younger generation of Falcons, and it’s this very mindset that got him to where he is today in his life and career. At only 32 years old, Bryant was one of the youngest wealth advisors to make the Forbes list of Top Up and Coming Wealth Advisors.

Bryant shares, “it wasn’t easy to get to where I am today and I definitely encountered a lot of challenges along the way.”

44

palmertrinity.org

Upon graduating from Babson in 2008, Bryant was eager to jump start his career in the financial world. He worked at Legg Mason and Skandia Global Fund and learned to overcome hurdles as both companies were greatly affected by the financial crisis. The beginning of 2010 brought in a new tide as Bryant decided to switch from asset management to wealth management, working as a client service analyst with UBS International Wealth Management. In December 2011, Bryant decided it was time to take the leap as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Out of roughly 150 people who began the program with him, only around 20 finished and Bryant finished top in the nation! Bryant has been working with Morgan Stanley since then, specializing in International Wealth Management with several clients from his

home country, Ecuador. Bryant shares, “The most challenging part of my career has been starting with nothing and building a wide network of clients on my own. Many times I’ve come across older clients who judge me based on my age, but I’m persistent in showing them that even though I’m young, I have the knowledge and expertise to advise them in the best way possible.”

On a personal note, Bryant has also been persistent in his love life. At Palmer Trinity, Bryant dated Vitoria Pineros ‘04 briefly. The two remained friends after graduation, then dated again in college for a couple of months, and eventually got back together after college and have been together ever since. They were married in 2015.

When Bryant looks back at his time spent at PTS, he’s thankful for meeting his wife and several life-long friends and for the opportunity to be in an athletic atmosphere as a soccer player. The happy PTS alumni couple had their first baby in March.

Bryant’s goals for the future are to become the top wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley and to be the best dad possible, raising his son in the same way he was raised.

SUMMER 2019

45

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Back-toSchool Social at Strada in the Grove THE WEATHER WAS HOT, but the people were cool! It was great to reconnect with so many alumni at the Back-to-School Social on Thursday, August 16 at Strada in the Grove. Thank you again to Javier Uribe ‘10 for hosting the PTS Alumni Family.

January 25, 2019 to Alexandro Policastro ‘00.

2009

CLASS AGENT

Paula Vizcarra pmvizcarra@gmail.com Emily (Tarbe) DaGrosa and Aleck DaGrosa, who were PTS high school sweethearts, were married on February 9th surrounded by family, friends, and several PTS alumni.

Hailey Wood married Charles Windfelder on February 23, 2019 in Lake Wales, Florida. Hailey’s wedding party included alumni, Emily Eckblom ‘09, Katie Titley ‘09, Kirsten (Ferreira) Flowers ‘09, Erica Rodriguez ‘09, and Kirby Battle ‘10. They were surrounded by friends and family several PTS alumni.

Laura Chumbley received her Masters in Human Resource Management from Colorado State University in July 2019.

2010

CLASS AGENT

Annie Morrison annie.morrison2@gmail.com Margaret (Cookson) Houser writes “I got married to Jim Houser on June 2, 2018 in Coconut Grove. I also graduated from Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in April 2018.

I am currently completing my transitional year residency at University of Miami Holy Cross Hospital. Starting this July, I will be starting a 4 year Diagnostic Radiology residency at George Washington University Hospital.

I hope to then do a fellowship in Breast Imaging.”

Christian Melean and his wife Dahyana Piñeros became very proud parents of their first born son, Christopher Melean.

Their bundle of joy was due on June 27, 2019.

46

palmertrinity.org

Landon Michelson has been playing golf professionally since he graduated from Rice University. He has had four professional victories and a two-year status on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and he recently won a West Florida Golf Tour event in Brooksville, Florida, shooting 69-65-71.

2011

CLASS AGENT

Katherine Difede katherinedifede@gmail.com Alexa Cajiga along with 14 other members of the Avela Foundation team trekked to Everest Base Camp in order to raise awareness and donations for the Avela Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to helping South African children with serious burn injuries on their emotional and physical road to recovery. The efforts of the group prior and during the trek resulted in Avela raising nearly $152,000 in donations.

The funds generated by the campaign will be used to kickstart the U-Matter program (a psychological support network for burn survivors and their families) and help refurbish the Kimberley Hospital’s burn unit.

The 9-day trekking route began at an elevation of around 2,840 meters at Lukla, Nepal and ended in triumph at 5,364 meters, at the base of Mount Everest.

From left to right, row 1 — Landon Michelson ‘10; Chris Melean ‘10; Margaret Cookson ‘10. Row 2 – Alexa Cajiga ‘11; Sara Strickroot Nigro ‘11; The Mann Sisters ‘11.

Twin sisters Alexandra Mann and Lauren Mann are up-andcoming artists, songwriters, and musicians. Their music and songwriting mirrors their passions and aims to inspire others to care for our environment and each other.

Sisters Mann recently released their EP in Nashville and later in Miami.

Sarah Feliu is currently living in Washington DC. She is a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. She writes “Prior to Palmer Trinity (sophomore SUMMER 2019

47

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Back-toSchool Social at Strada in the Grove THE WEATHER WAS HOT, but the people were cool! It was great to reconnect with so many alumni at the Back-to-School Social on Thursday, August 16 at Strada in the Grove. Thank you again to Javier Uribe ‘10 for hosting the PTS Alumni Family.

January 25, 2019 to Alexandro Policastro ‘00.

2009

CLASS AGENT

Paula Vizcarra pmvizcarra@gmail.com Emily (Tarbe) DaGrosa and Aleck DaGrosa, who were PTS high school sweethearts, were married on February 9th surrounded by family, friends, and several PTS alumni.

Hailey Wood married Charles Windfelder on February 23, 2019 in Lake Wales, Florida. Hailey’s wedding party included alumni, Emily Eckblom ‘09, Katie Titley ‘09, Kirsten (Ferreira) Flowers ‘09, Erica Rodriguez ‘09, and Kirby Battle ‘10. They were surrounded by friends and family several PTS alumni.

Laura Chumbley received her Masters in Human Resource Management from Colorado State University in July 2019.

2010

CLASS AGENT

Annie Morrison annie.morrison2@gmail.com Margaret (Cookson) Houser writes “I got married to Jim Houser on June 2, 2018 in Coconut Grove. I also graduated from Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in April 2018.

I am currently completing my transitional year residency at University of Miami Holy Cross Hospital. Starting this July, I will be starting a 4 year Diagnostic Radiology residency at George Washington University Hospital.

I hope to then do a fellowship in Breast Imaging.”

Christian Melean and his wife Dahyana Piñeros became very proud parents of their first born son, Christopher Melean.

Their bundle of joy was due on June 27, 2019.

46

palmertrinity.org

Landon Michelson has been playing golf professionally since he graduated from Rice University. He has had four professional victories and a two-year status on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and he recently won a West Florida Golf Tour event in Brooksville, Florida, shooting 69-65-71.

2011

CLASS AGENT

Katherine Difede katherinedifede@gmail.com Alexa Cajiga along with 14 other members of the Avela Foundation team trekked to Everest Base Camp in order to raise awareness and donations for the Avela Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to helping South African children with serious burn injuries on their emotional and physical road to recovery. The efforts of the group prior and during the trek resulted in Avela raising nearly $152,000 in donations.

The funds generated by the campaign will be used to kickstart the U-Matter program (a psychological support network for burn survivors and their families) and help refurbish the Kimberley Hospital’s burn unit.

The 9-day trekking route began at an elevation of around 2,840 meters at Lukla, Nepal and ended in triumph at 5,364 meters, at the base of Mount Everest.

From left to right, row 1 — Landon Michelson ‘10; Chris Melean ‘10; Margaret Cookson ‘10. Row 2 – Alexa Cajiga ‘11; Sara Strickroot Nigro ‘11; The Mann Sisters ‘11.

Twin sisters Alexandra Mann and Lauren Mann are up-andcoming artists, songwriters, and musicians. Their music and songwriting mirrors their passions and aims to inspire others to care for our environment and each other.

Sisters Mann recently released their EP in Nashville and later in Miami.

Sarah Feliu is currently living in Washington DC. She is a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. She writes “Prior to Palmer Trinity (sophomore SUMMER 2019

47

ALUMNI NEWS year in high school), I was unfocused, unmotivated and struggled in school. Palmer provided the challenge I needed to get on track academically.

It taught me how to study, think critically and freely share new ideas. At the time, Palmer provided broad perspectives that are crucial for today’s increasingly global world. I am very grateful for Palmer and my parents, Seida and Horace Feliu who saw it as an opportunity to positively impact my future.

Thank you also to Grant, who encouraged me to come to Palmer.”

Alumni Games

OVER 100 ALUMNI CAME OUT to play soccer, volleyball, basketball, and flag football at the Alumni Games event on November 24th. Old friends were able to reunite over their shared love for sports and had a great time. Teachers Scott Du Feu, Carl Rachelson, and William Gonzalez helped in organizing the event. The Alumni Games has established itself as a beloved Palmer Trinity tradition.

Sara (Strickroot) Nigro married Ross Logan Nigro in Littleton, CO surrounded by friends and family.

2012

CLASS AGENT

Giancarlo Falconi g.falconi@umiami.edu Chritina Santilli christina.marie.santilli@gmail.com Ashley Du Feu married Nick Muntean in October of 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nick Gangemi writes, “I am currently in my final year of Law School at the University of Miami. It’s amazing to be back to visit PTS. The South Campus is beautiful! There are a lot of changes, but it still feels like home.”

Frankie Nespral writes, “I’m currently living in Atlanta, GA with fellow alums, Marcelo Guerra ‘12 and Joe Tarbe ‘12. I’m working as a sales coordinator at the Hackett Group and loving life. I’m happy to be visiting PTS and seeing all the updates!”

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From left to right, row 1 — Ashley du Feu ‘12; Nick Gangemi ‘12 and Frankie Nespral ‘12; Rob Morean ‘13.

Row 2 – Mateo Parra ‘14; Miranda Ricart ‘14; Susie Benitez ‘14; Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14.

PT Alums on the Road

THIS PAST SPRING, PTS faculty and staff were able to host alumni gatherings in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington D.C. Danny Reynolds, Ashley Armato and Catie Paschick met up for dinner with our alumni in the Atlanta area. Days later several faculty including Carl Rachelson, Aldo Regalado, Jeff Rose, and Juan Gomez hosted our D.C. alumni at Pinstripes Bowling Alley. It was great to have the opportunity to connect with our out of town alumni!

2013

CLASS AGENT

Nicole Font nicoleafont@gmail.com Dani Almanza dani.almanza@yahoo.com Fernando Bonnet bonetfernando@gmail.com Rob Morean was cast in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song on Broadway which was nominated for two Tony Awards! The show is led by Academy and Tony Award winner Mercedes Reuhl and Michael Urie and is directed

by National Medal of the Arts recipient, Moises Kaufman.

The show opened on Broadway

on November 1, 2018 and ran through January! Rob also recently wrapped filming for a guest star role on Black Lightning on the CW. Dani Almanza moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida’s Urban and Regional Master’s program.

2014

CLASS AGENT

Sarah Medina srmedina30@gmail.com Susie Benitez writes, “As of January 15th, I will be the new Community Coordinator at

Chillhouse! It’s a destination for modern self-care located in New York City’s Lower East Side. Big things are coming soon!”

Mateo Parra writes, “Mariana and I decided to elope on April 30, 2019 in New York City! It was a wonderful experience filled with so much love and happiness.

Currently, I’m working on a virtual reality medical project in Savannah, GA and will soon be graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design as a game designer.”

at California Pictures as a Distribution Executive. We are a film production and sales rep company and part of what we do is go to the main film markets around the world to sell and acquire films. In February we have Berlin, in March, Hong Kong and in May, Cannes. It’s exciting to be “fresh” out of college and already be able to do what I love. I thank all my professors, especially Raul Gonzales from Palmer, and all who supported me in this long journey, which by no means is easy. But hard work pays off.”

Roberta (Roby) Marcondes writes “I got my BA in film production in 2018 and have been since working

Miranda Rose Ricart was accepted into FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine this fall. She writes, “Attaining my SUMMER 2019

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ALUMNI NEWS year in high school), I was unfocused, unmotivated and struggled in school. Palmer provided the challenge I needed to get on track academically.

It taught me how to study, think critically and freely share new ideas. At the time, Palmer provided broad perspectives that are crucial for today’s increasingly global world. I am very grateful for Palmer and my parents, Seida and Horace Feliu who saw it as an opportunity to positively impact my future.

Thank you also to Grant, who encouraged me to come to Palmer.”

Alumni Games

OVER 100 ALUMNI CAME OUT to play soccer, volleyball, basketball, and flag football at the Alumni Games event on November 24th. Old friends were able to reunite over their shared love for sports and had a great time. Teachers Scott Du Feu, Carl Rachelson, and William Gonzalez helped in organizing the event. The Alumni Games has established itself as a beloved Palmer Trinity tradition.

Sara (Strickroot) Nigro married Ross Logan Nigro in Littleton, CO surrounded by friends and family.

2012

CLASS AGENT

Giancarlo Falconi g.falconi@umiami.edu Chritina Santilli christina.marie.santilli@gmail.com Ashley Du Feu married Nick Muntean in October of 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nick Gangemi writes, “I am currently in my final year of Law School at the University of Miami. It’s amazing to be back to visit PTS. The South Campus is beautiful! There are a lot of changes, but it still feels like home.”

Frankie Nespral writes, “I’m currently living in Atlanta, GA with fellow alums, Marcelo Guerra ‘12 and Joe Tarbe ‘12. I’m working as a sales coordinator at the Hackett Group and loving life. I’m happy to be visiting PTS and seeing all the updates!”

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From left to right, row 1 — Ashley du Feu ‘12; Nick Gangemi ‘12 and Frankie Nespral ‘12; Rob Morean ‘13.

Row 2 – Mateo Parra ‘14; Miranda Ricart ‘14; Susie Benitez ‘14; Leo Rocchiccioli ‘14.

PT Alums on the Road

THIS PAST SPRING, PTS faculty and staff were able to host alumni gatherings in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington D.C. Danny Reynolds, Ashley Armato and Catie Paschick met up for dinner with our alumni in the Atlanta area. Days later several faculty including Carl Rachelson, Aldo Regalado, Jeff Rose, and Juan Gomez hosted our D.C. alumni at Pinstripes Bowling Alley. It was great to have the opportunity to connect with our out of town alumni!

2013

CLASS AGENT

Nicole Font nicoleafont@gmail.com Dani Almanza dani.almanza@yahoo.com Fernando Bonnet bonetfernando@gmail.com Rob Morean was cast in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song on Broadway which was nominated for two Tony Awards! The show is led by Academy and Tony Award winner Mercedes Reuhl and Michael Urie and is directed

by National Medal of the Arts recipient, Moises Kaufman.

The show opened on Broadway

on November 1, 2018 and ran through January! Rob also recently wrapped filming for a guest star role on Black Lightning on the CW. Dani Almanza moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida’s Urban and Regional Master’s program.

2014

CLASS AGENT

Sarah Medina srmedina30@gmail.com Susie Benitez writes, “As of January 15th, I will be the new Community Coordinator at

Chillhouse! It’s a destination for modern self-care located in New York City’s Lower East Side. Big things are coming soon!”

Mateo Parra writes, “Mariana and I decided to elope on April 30, 2019 in New York City! It was a wonderful experience filled with so much love and happiness.

Currently, I’m working on a virtual reality medical project in Savannah, GA and will soon be graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design as a game designer.”

at California Pictures as a Distribution Executive. We are a film production and sales rep company and part of what we do is go to the main film markets around the world to sell and acquire films. In February we have Berlin, in March, Hong Kong and in May, Cannes. It’s exciting to be “fresh” out of college and already be able to do what I love. I thank all my professors, especially Raul Gonzales from Palmer, and all who supported me in this long journey, which by no means is easy. But hard work pays off.”

Roberta (Roby) Marcondes writes “I got my BA in film production in 2018 and have been since working

Miranda Rose Ricart was accepted into FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine this fall. She writes, “Attaining my SUMMER 2019

49

ALUMNI PROFILE ALUMNI NEWS

Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for Dibia DREAM, an organization that fosters life skills development through STEM and recreational education for underserved youth in Miami and New Orleans. In addition to spending his weekends volunteering to teach students at Dibia Dream’s “STEM Saturdays,” Brandon also serves on the Board of Directors for Common Threads (Miami), an organization which focuses on bringing health and wellness to children, families, and communities through cooking and nutrition education.

Brandon also serves as a Board Member of Lawyers for Children America (LFCA), a non-profit child advocacy organization that provides pro bono legal representation to children who are victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect and are involved in the child welfare system. Brandon’s commitment to youth development programs was recently recognized when he was honored at the 19th Annual Child Advocacy Pro Bono Awards Luncheon for his service in representing a Miami teen girl in foster care. The child had been placed in foster care several years ago when she was removed from her adoptive mother for allegations of abuse from the mother and her boyfriend. Four years ago, through LFCA Brandon began providing the girl with legal representation and advocated for the teen to ensure she received all of her needed services. During this time, the girl became pregnant and gave birth to her child. Brandon assisted her in finding a high school with access to daycare as well as securing daycare while she worked several jobs. Recently the girl turned 18 and Brandon continued to serve as her lawyer and mentor as she transitioned out of state care.

class of 2005 After graduating from PTS in 2005, Brandon Rose attended Yale University and the University of Florida Law School. Brandon has been working as a prominent commercial litigation attorney at AXS Law Group, PLLC in Wynwood but has made it a priority to serve the underprivileged youth of our community.

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Above – Brandon Rose with Dibia Dream students.

Opposite page – Brandon at a toy drive.

She is also currently working to obtain her GED, and hopes to attend college in the near future with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. Thanks to Brandon’s guidance and service this young lady has been able to overcome her difficult situation and provide a better life for herself and her child.

Brandon stated, “It wasn’t always easy with this young lady. When I first met her she was very reluctant to accept my help since she wasn’t accustomed to people sticking around. It was definitely a challenge, but when I see how well she’s doing now and how her child is blossoming, I can’t help but smile as I am so proud of her.” Alumni like Brandon Rose embody everything we strive to teach our students at Palmer Trinity School; they are the people who make our community a better place, one person at a time.

SUMMER 2019

51

ALUMNI PROFILE ALUMNI NEWS

Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for Dibia DREAM, an organization that fosters life skills development through STEM and recreational education for underserved youth in Miami and New Orleans. In addition to spending his weekends volunteering to teach students at Dibia Dream’s “STEM Saturdays,” Brandon also serves on the Board of Directors for Common Threads (Miami), an organization which focuses on bringing health and wellness to children, families, and communities through cooking and nutrition education.

Brandon also serves as a Board Member of Lawyers for Children America (LFCA), a non-profit child advocacy organization that provides pro bono legal representation to children who are victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect and are involved in the child welfare system. Brandon’s commitment to youth development programs was recently recognized when he was honored at the 19th Annual Child Advocacy Pro Bono Awards Luncheon for his service in representing a Miami teen girl in foster care. The child had been placed in foster care several years ago when she was removed from her adoptive mother for allegations of abuse from the mother and her boyfriend. Four years ago, through LFCA Brandon began providing the girl with legal representation and advocated for the teen to ensure she received all of her needed services. During this time, the girl became pregnant and gave birth to her child. Brandon assisted her in finding a high school with access to daycare as well as securing daycare while she worked several jobs. Recently the girl turned 18 and Brandon continued to serve as her lawyer and mentor as she transitioned out of state care.

class of 2005 After graduating from PTS in 2005, Brandon Rose attended Yale University and the University of Florida Law School. Brandon has been working as a prominent commercial litigation attorney at AXS Law Group, PLLC in Wynwood but has made it a priority to serve the underprivileged youth of our community.

50

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Above – Brandon Rose with Dibia Dream students.

Opposite page – Brandon at a toy drive.

She is also currently working to obtain her GED, and hopes to attend college in the near future with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. Thanks to Brandon’s guidance and service this young lady has been able to overcome her difficult situation and provide a better life for herself and her child.

Brandon stated, “It wasn’t always easy with this young lady. When I first met her she was very reluctant to accept my help since she wasn’t accustomed to people sticking around. It was definitely a challenge, but when I see how well she’s doing now and how her child is blossoming, I can’t help but smile as I am so proud of her.” Alumni like Brandon Rose embody everything we strive to teach our students at Palmer Trinity School; they are the people who make our community a better place, one person at a time.

SUMMER 2019

51

ALUMNI NEWS

2018-2019 Alumni Board THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S ALUMNI BOARD FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNIT Y. President, Mason Harris ‘89 Vice President, Brian Gershen ‘89 Secretary, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91

Michele (Baker) Benesch ‘89

Andrew Hessen ‘76

Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt ‘95

Charles Baumberger, Jr. ‘94

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99

Douglas Rothfeldt ‘10

Andrew Bennett ‘95

Ryan Jurney ‘04

Kevin Russo ‘85

Andre Carbonell ‘05

Gilad Lang ‘97

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Samantha (Evans) Moore ‘06

Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Lauren E. Franklin ‘08

Thomas Magenheimer ‘78

Internship Match Breakfast

ON TUESDAY, MAY 21ST, recent PTS graduates had the opportunity to meet their “AlumniMentors” at the Internship Match Breakfast.

Thank you to the pioneers that helped us launch this program!

From top to bottom, left to right, row 1 — Julian Gallardo ‘18, Aleck DaGrosa ‘09, Rodrigo Santander ‘19; Anna Palazzi ‘19, Stacy Laffere (Haggard Law Firm), Victoria Torres ‘19. Row 2 — Kevin Hernandez ‘19, Sophia Baker ‘19, Anna Bauer ‘19, Jose Sanchez ‘20, Chris Bumpus (Deering Estates), Michael Aspinwall ‘18; Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98 and Christopher Hudson ‘18. Row 3 — John Malloy ‘19 and Adrian Foley ‘02; Garrett Navia ‘04 and JP Arrien ‘19. Row 4 — Brett French ‘97 and Nicholas Sondon ‘18; Matthew Vega Sanz ‘14 and Luisana Barajas ‘19.

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SUMMER 2019

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ALUMNI NEWS

2018-2019 Alumni Board THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S ALUMNI BOARD FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNIT Y. President, Mason Harris ‘89 Vice President, Brian Gershen ‘89 Secretary, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91

Michele (Baker) Benesch ‘89

Andrew Hessen ‘76

Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt ‘95

Charles Baumberger, Jr. ‘94

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99

Douglas Rothfeldt ‘10

Andrew Bennett ‘95

Ryan Jurney ‘04

Kevin Russo ‘85

Andre Carbonell ‘05

Gilad Lang ‘97

Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

Samantha (Evans) Moore ‘06

Holly (Lee) Zawyer ‘97

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Lauren E. Franklin ‘08

Thomas Magenheimer ‘78

Internship Match Breakfast

ON TUESDAY, MAY 21ST, recent PTS graduates had the opportunity to meet their “AlumniMentors” at the Internship Match Breakfast.

Thank you to the pioneers that helped us launch this program!

From top to bottom, left to right, row 1 — Julian Gallardo ‘18, Aleck DaGrosa ‘09, Rodrigo Santander ‘19; Anna Palazzi ‘19, Stacy Laffere (Haggard Law Firm), Victoria Torres ‘19. Row 2 — Kevin Hernandez ‘19, Sophia Baker ‘19, Anna Bauer ‘19, Jose Sanchez ‘20, Chris Bumpus (Deering Estates), Michael Aspinwall ‘18; Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98 and Christopher Hudson ‘18. Row 3 — John Malloy ‘19 and Adrian Foley ‘02; Garrett Navia ‘04 and JP Arrien ‘19. Row 4 — Brett French ‘97 and Nicholas Sondon ‘18; Matthew Vega Sanz ‘14 and Luisana Barajas ‘19.

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SUMMER 2019

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Reunion Weekend

OUR ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND was a huge success! This year we celebrated the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 in March. The event was held at the Mayfair Hotel. It was great to see so many alumni at the International Festival and at the reunion party at the Mayfair get together to reminisce on old memories while also forming new ones.

End of Year Social

THANK YOU to all who came out on May 1st to Abi Maria Bar and Refuge for the Alumni Social. At the social, we had the opportunity to honor Carl Rachelson and Raul Gonzalez for their devoted service to Palmer Trinity School.

Mr. Rachelson will be retiring after more than 20 years at PTS and Mr. Gonzalez will be leaving PTS to become an Associate Head of School at an International School in Costa Rica.

They will be missed by the alumni community!

Clockwise, from left — Hannah Forristall ‘15; Rodrigo Gerbasi ‘16; Daniel Chumbley ‘15 and Matthew Roberts ‘15; Kelly Malloy ‘15 and Daniel Witt ‘15

1970s

1994

1989

1999

Playdate in the Park ON SUNDAY, JUNE 2ND Alumni parents gathered at Evelyn Greer Park with their kids for the first “PTS Playdate in the Park.” We look forward to seeing everyone the next time this group gets together.

goal of entering medical school has been surreal. The experience has been more challenging and more enjoyable than I ever fathomed. Now, I have three short years to dream big for my life and career following medical school, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store.”

Leo Rocchiccioli recently graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and is working for a company that focuses on crowdfunding via their app, Wemion, which is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

2015

CLASS AGENT

Keenan Rodriguez keenanrodriguez10@gmail.com

2004

2009

Isabella N. Ruiz isabellaruiz1029@gmail.com Kelly Malloy and Daniel DeWitt plan to attend the University of Miami School of Law starting in August 2019. Kelly is graduating from UF with a degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering, and Daniel is graduating from Bentley University with a degree in Business Management and minors in Law and Sports Management.

2014 54

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Daniel Chumbley graduated from Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and has accepted a job with Next Capital Management in Chicago.

Matthew Roberts graduated from Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and has accepted a job in New York.

Hannah Forristall writes “In May 2019 I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. This summer I will be moving back to Miami to start professional school at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine!”

2016

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

Rodrigo Gerbasi is studying Computer Science and is part of the Cheerleading squad at Purdue University. He will be competing in UCA Collegiate Nationals in the D1 small coed division.

Faculty News PTS Faculty member Richard Rosen, 1983-2009 has recently moved to Ocala, Florida.

Richard and his wife Sandy are happily retired.

SUMMER 2019

55

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Reunion Weekend

OUR ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND was a huge success! This year we celebrated the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 in March. The event was held at the Mayfair Hotel. It was great to see so many alumni at the International Festival and at the reunion party at the Mayfair get together to reminisce on old memories while also forming new ones.

End of Year Social

THANK YOU to all who came out on May 1st to Abi Maria Bar and Refuge for the Alumni Social. At the social, we had the opportunity to honor Carl Rachelson and Raul Gonzalez for their devoted service to Palmer Trinity School.

Mr. Rachelson will be retiring after more than 20 years at PTS and Mr. Gonzalez will be leaving PTS to become an Associate Head of School at an International School in Costa Rica.

They will be missed by the alumni community!

Clockwise, from left — Hannah Forristall ‘15; Rodrigo Gerbasi ‘16; Daniel Chumbley ‘15 and Matthew Roberts ‘15; Kelly Malloy ‘15 and Daniel Witt ‘15

1970s

1994

1989

1999

Playdate in the Park ON SUNDAY, JUNE 2ND Alumni parents gathered at Evelyn Greer Park with their kids for the first “PTS Playdate in the Park.” We look forward to seeing everyone the next time this group gets together.

goal of entering medical school has been surreal. The experience has been more challenging and more enjoyable than I ever fathomed. Now, I have three short years to dream big for my life and career following medical school, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store.”

Leo Rocchiccioli recently graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and is working for a company that focuses on crowdfunding via their app, Wemion, which is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

2015

CLASS AGENT

Keenan Rodriguez keenanrodriguez10@gmail.com

2004

2009

Isabella N. Ruiz isabellaruiz1029@gmail.com Kelly Malloy and Daniel DeWitt plan to attend the University of Miami School of Law starting in August 2019. Kelly is graduating from UF with a degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering, and Daniel is graduating from Bentley University with a degree in Business Management and minors in Law and Sports Management.

2014 54

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Daniel Chumbley graduated from Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and has accepted a job with Next Capital Management in Chicago.

Matthew Roberts graduated from Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and has accepted a job in New York.

Hannah Forristall writes “In May 2019 I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. This summer I will be moving back to Miami to start professional school at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine!”

2016

CLASS AGENT NEEDED

Rodrigo Gerbasi is studying Computer Science and is part of the Cheerleading squad at Purdue University. He will be competing in UCA Collegiate Nationals in the D1 small coed division.

Faculty News PTS Faculty member Richard Rosen, 1983-2009 has recently moved to Ocala, Florida.

Richard and his wife Sandy are happily retired.

SUMMER 2019

55

ALUMNI NEWS

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction On Friday, September 28, 2018 following the Homecoming Game, Alumni families gathered to honor the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees and the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Paulina Prieto ‘12 Paulina Prieto was inducted into the Palmer Trinity Athletic Hall of Fame for her athletic accomplishments in volleyball. During her time at Palmer Trinity, Paulina broke the school record for career kills, aces, and blocks. She was varsity team captain, All-Dade, and MVP. Coming into college, she was ranked #7 in the nation. While playing at Penn State, her team won the National Championship in 2013. In 2014, she transferred to the University of Texas, where she was All-American in 2015 and 2016 and team captain in 2016. After her college career, she was the Rookie of the Year and broke the record for most points in a tournament by a rookie while playing for the Professional League of Puerto Rico. In 2016, she played for the Puerto Rican National Team and qualified for the Brazil Olympics. Coach William Gonzalez describes Paulina as “an extremely talented and competitive player yet humble and supportive of her teammates, and most importantly courageous enough to pursue her dream of becoming a professional volleyball player.”

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Landon Michelson ‘10 Landon Michelson was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding career as a professional Golfer. Landon began playing golf when he was 15 years old. During his career at PTS, he was 24 and 2, the district champion, and finished 11th in the state. After graduation, he went on to play at Birmingham College, where he was ranked in the top 5 among all Division 3 schools during his sophomore year. As a junior, he transferred to Rice University, a Division 1 school, where he was team captain and won the 2014 Conference. He graduated from Rice with a degree in Sports Management and went on to play professionally. He has had four professional victories and two-year status on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica. Coach Rose describes Landon as “passionate, dedicated, and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.” Landon’s goal is to win a PGA tournament and to grow the game of golf in any way possible.

Stewart Magenheimer ‘76 Stewart Magenheimer was inducted into the Palmer Trinity Athletic Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments in soccer, baseball, and football.

During his time at Palmer, he made honorable mention in the Miami Herald All-County Baseball team. Stewart was an All-Conference and All-County soccer player who went on to play at Furman University, a Division 1-A school. After graduating from college, he married alumna Debbie (Clark) in Louisiana. After several years, he and Debbie returned to South Florida where he worked for a large environmental engineering firm as a hydrogeologist and project manager. The work has involved developing water resources and environmental work for cities, counties, foreign countries, and industrial users. The projects, travels, and experiences have been fascinating and have taken Stewart from the U.S. to the Middle East.

Distinguished Alumni Awards Founder’s Award

Mason Harris ‘89 received the Founder’s Alumni Award for his commitment and service to the Palmer, Trinity, and Palmer Trinity alumni community. As a student at Palmer, Mason was a dedicated studentathlete, who played basketball, football, baseball, and golf. After graduating he received a degree in International Business from FIU and took over his family’s business that specializes in hydraulically raising the existing roofs of commercial buildings. Mason always had strong ties to members of the PT community and remained connected after graduating. He has been actively involved in the school’s alumni association since its inception back in 2013. He served as the Secretary on the Inaugural Alumni Board and went on to become the Vice President, and is currently serving as the President of the Board. Mason is passionate about reconnecting alumni with the school and each other. He’s been involved with launching several alumni events and programs ranging from reunions, Holiday Parties, Falcon Forums, and more. He is the loving husband of Denie Freyer, and proud soccer dad of his two daughters, Reese and Penny.

Head of School’s Award

Wesley Farell ‘01 received the Head of School’s award. After graduating from PTS, Wes Farell attended UNC-Chapel Hill and completed his Juris Doctorate and MBA at St. Thomas University. Five days after passing the Florida Bar, operating out of his mother’s guest house, Wes set out to build a law firm that could make a real difference in the world by bringing justice to those in need of a strong and passionate advocate. Wes joined forces with his best friend from law school, Ricky Patel, and they were able to build the firm from just a handful of clients to one of the fastest growing law firms in America. Wes found himself as lead trial counsel for over 3,000 clients seeking several billion dollars in damages resulting from the BP oil spill.

The success from the BP trials further led to Wes working with clients against some of the largest corporations in the world and achieving tremendous results. Wes was recognized as one of the top 100 trial attorneys in America by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and he is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by less than 1% of practicing attorneys in America. He was further recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association as being one of the top “40 under 40” attorneys in America. In addition to bringing justice to his clients, Wes volunteers his time at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Big Brother/Big Sister Organization of Greater Miami, Puerto Rico Relief, and others.

Wes is married to his adoring wife, Helen and he’s the proud father of five beautiful children.

Jan Morrison Award

Jan Morrison, the loving mother of three alumni, Will Morrison ‘07, Hugh Morrison ‘09, and Annie Morrison ‘10, is being honored for her continuous support of Palmer Trinity and the PTS alumni community. While Jan was a parent at PTS, she volunteered in the Development Office, served on several PTPA committees and as PTPA Vice President, was the girls’ soccer and boys’ lacrosse team parent, and organized the remodeling of the school bathrooms and staff lounge.

After her children graduated, she remained involved in the Admissions Advisory Board, as an Annual Fund Ambassador, and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Currently, she serves as a member of the PTS Community Board and as an ambassador of the school.

Over the years, Jan has continued to contribute to the development of the school in many ways and has inspired, encouraged, and supported the alumni community. She has served as a positive mentor for many of the alumni from Palmer Trinity because she is passionate about helping young people be the “best next generation.”

SUMMER 2019

57

ALUMNI NEWS

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction On Friday, September 28, 2018 following the Homecoming Game, Alumni families gathered to honor the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees and the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Paulina Prieto ‘12 Paulina Prieto was inducted into the Palmer Trinity Athletic Hall of Fame for her athletic accomplishments in volleyball. During her time at Palmer Trinity, Paulina broke the school record for career kills, aces, and blocks. She was varsity team captain, All-Dade, and MVP. Coming into college, she was ranked #7 in the nation. While playing at Penn State, her team won the National Championship in 2013. In 2014, she transferred to the University of Texas, where she was All-American in 2015 and 2016 and team captain in 2016. After her college career, she was the Rookie of the Year and broke the record for most points in a tournament by a rookie while playing for the Professional League of Puerto Rico. In 2016, she played for the Puerto Rican National Team and qualified for the Brazil Olympics. Coach William Gonzalez describes Paulina as “an extremely talented and competitive player yet humble and supportive of her teammates, and most importantly courageous enough to pursue her dream of becoming a professional volleyball player.”

56

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Landon Michelson ‘10 Landon Michelson was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding career as a professional Golfer. Landon began playing golf when he was 15 years old. During his career at PTS, he was 24 and 2, the district champion, and finished 11th in the state. After graduation, he went on to play at Birmingham College, where he was ranked in the top 5 among all Division 3 schools during his sophomore year. As a junior, he transferred to Rice University, a Division 1 school, where he was team captain and won the 2014 Conference. He graduated from Rice with a degree in Sports Management and went on to play professionally. He has had four professional victories and two-year status on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica. Coach Rose describes Landon as “passionate, dedicated, and one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.” Landon’s goal is to win a PGA tournament and to grow the game of golf in any way possible.

Stewart Magenheimer ‘76 Stewart Magenheimer was inducted into the Palmer Trinity Athletic Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments in soccer, baseball, and football.

During his time at Palmer, he made honorable mention in the Miami Herald All-County Baseball team. Stewart was an All-Conference and All-County soccer player who went on to play at Furman University, a Division 1-A school. After graduating from college, he married alumna Debbie (Clark) in Louisiana. After several years, he and Debbie returned to South Florida where he worked for a large environmental engineering firm as a hydrogeologist and project manager. The work has involved developing water resources and environmental work for cities, counties, foreign countries, and industrial users. The projects, travels, and experiences have been fascinating and have taken Stewart from the U.S. to the Middle East.

Distinguished Alumni Awards Founder’s Award

Mason Harris ‘89 received the Founder’s Alumni Award for his commitment and service to the Palmer, Trinity, and Palmer Trinity alumni community. As a student at Palmer, Mason was a dedicated studentathlete, who played basketball, football, baseball, and golf. After graduating he received a degree in International Business from FIU and took over his family’s business that specializes in hydraulically raising the existing roofs of commercial buildings. Mason always had strong ties to members of the PT community and remained connected after graduating. He has been actively involved in the school’s alumni association since its inception back in 2013. He served as the Secretary on the Inaugural Alumni Board and went on to become the Vice President, and is currently serving as the President of the Board. Mason is passionate about reconnecting alumni with the school and each other. He’s been involved with launching several alumni events and programs ranging from reunions, Holiday Parties, Falcon Forums, and more. He is the loving husband of Denie Freyer, and proud soccer dad of his two daughters, Reese and Penny.

Head of School’s Award

Wesley Farell ‘01 received the Head of School’s award. After graduating from PTS, Wes Farell attended UNC-Chapel Hill and completed his Juris Doctorate and MBA at St. Thomas University. Five days after passing the Florida Bar, operating out of his mother’s guest house, Wes set out to build a law firm that could make a real difference in the world by bringing justice to those in need of a strong and passionate advocate. Wes joined forces with his best friend from law school, Ricky Patel, and they were able to build the firm from just a handful of clients to one of the fastest growing law firms in America. Wes found himself as lead trial counsel for over 3,000 clients seeking several billion dollars in damages resulting from the BP oil spill.

The success from the BP trials further led to Wes working with clients against some of the largest corporations in the world and achieving tremendous results. Wes was recognized as one of the top 100 trial attorneys in America by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and he is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by less than 1% of practicing attorneys in America. He was further recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association as being one of the top “40 under 40” attorneys in America. In addition to bringing justice to his clients, Wes volunteers his time at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Big Brother/Big Sister Organization of Greater Miami, Puerto Rico Relief, and others.

Wes is married to his adoring wife, Helen and he’s the proud father of five beautiful children.

Jan Morrison Award

Jan Morrison, the loving mother of three alumni, Will Morrison ‘07, Hugh Morrison ‘09, and Annie Morrison ‘10, is being honored for her continuous support of Palmer Trinity and the PTS alumni community. While Jan was a parent at PTS, she volunteered in the Development Office, served on several PTPA committees and as PTPA Vice President, was the girls’ soccer and boys’ lacrosse team parent, and organized the remodeling of the school bathrooms and staff lounge.

After her children graduated, she remained involved in the Admissions Advisory Board, as an Annual Fund Ambassador, and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Currently, she serves as a member of the PTS Community Board and as an ambassador of the school.

Over the years, Jan has continued to contribute to the development of the school in many ways and has inspired, encouraged, and supported the alumni community. She has served as a positive mentor for many of the alumni from Palmer Trinity because she is passionate about helping young people be the “best next generation.”

SUMMER 2019

57

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FL PERMIT NO. 6077

8001 SOUTHWEST 184 STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA 3315 7 www.palmertrinity.org

Class of 2019