Aerie 2021 Summer

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

Remembering Vivian Cerione THE HEART OF OUR SCHOOL

SUMMER 202 1

Alumni Profiles DANIEL DIAZ LEYVA ‘98, WINTER WHEELER ‘99 and CRISTINA SARNOFF ‘03

Congratulations, Graduates!

CLASS OF 2021

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

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

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

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

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

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

AERIE

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Helida Dodd

SUMMER 2021

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Brian Gershen ‘98

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-2021

Hugo Mantilla, Chairman Marcel Navarro, Vice-Chair Jesus Socorro, Secretary Rachel Malueg, Treasurer

MANAGING EDITOR

Blanca Morales EDITORIAL ADVISOR

Jennifer Agress DESIGN

Brand Poets ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Head of School Patrick Roberts Director of Financial Aid and Sr. Associate Director of Admissions Giovanna Arrien Upper School Dean of Students Brook De Melo Gomes Associate Head for Communications and Strategic Partnerships Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Director of Alumni Relations Alexandra Cartaya Chaplain Rev. Mary Ellen Cassini Registrar Vivian Cerione Director of Student Activities Susana Cetta Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Upper School Head Ashley Chapman Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Director of Development Juan Gomez Director of Athletics David Lanham Director of Environmental Stewardship Leo Llinás Assistant Director of College Counseling Catie Paschick Executive Assistant to Head of School Susie Loiacono Director of Annual Fund George Montes Equity and Inclusivity Coordinators Ashley Armato, Monifa Kelsey, and Aldo Regalado Associate Head for External Relations Danny Reynolds Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Associate Head for Academic Affairs Manjula Salomon Middle School Dean of Students Noël Schael Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Advisory Coordinator Micah Whitley Associate Head for Operations and Real Estate Paul Zamek

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Elizabeth Bacardi Jeffrey S. Bass Rev. Frank J. Corbishley Patricia Cornish Vivian More Cortinas Bishop Peter Eaton Emilio Fernandez Jared Kaplan Lynne Keller Sonia O’Donnell Philip Serrate Harvey B. Sperling Russell Wilson Michael Baiamonte (Trustee Emeritus) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

ON THE COVER

The Consecration of Trinity Chapel February 2021. Bishop Eaton, Head of School, Patrick Roberts, Board Chair Hugo Mantilla, Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini

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MESSAGE FROM THE HE AD OF SCHOOL

Dear students, teachers, families and friends, First, I am so incredibly thankful that we are healthy as a community, especially as we reach the summer months.

While we have had our share of COVID cases and challenges, overall, we stayed safe and well. I never take good health for granted and feel so very blessed in this respect.

I am also so grateful for all of you—our entire Palmer Trinity community.

Over these last 15 months, we have navigated this crisis admirably, with a clear commitment to our mission. We have come together (albeit, many times virtually) in new and powerful ways. We have pivoted and flexed our ways of thinking and teaching and seemingly mastered the hybrid way of life. While we have certainly adapted our educational model to the pandemic, we did not abandon who we are at our core; a community committed to caring and serving one another, being part of something greater than ourselves, and yes, leading with love.

During this most unique year, I think the spirit of Palmer Trinity School has only strengthened. How do I know this? It’s simple. I witness incredible moments at our school each and every day, all because of our amazing students and dedicated faculty and staff. I draw great inspiration from the good work being done by each of you, work that is certainly not limited to the classroom.

I’ve seen beautiful artwork, interesting scientific discoveries and stellar athletic and academic feats. I’ve heard inspiring music, had powerful conversations and watched students get encouraged to raise their voices, cast their vote and help others through their own service projects. I’ve cheered at virtual pep rallies and student athlete signings, seen quiet moments of reflection on campus and laughed and cried with colleagues. I was privileged to watch another graduation and baccalaureate and the consecration of our sacred Trinity Chapel, a moment we have waited for for nearly 40 years.

No amount of quarantine or pause in our daily lives kept any of these amazing things from happening.

And while many of us felt frustrated at times or like we lost something this year, I will argue that we gained so much more than we lost. We are stronger. We found new ways to be creative, be diligent problem-solvers and be positive, servant leaders. I sincerely hope you will join me in my optimism, as I firmly believe that, through this challenge, we are discovering inner strengths and capabilities we may never have known otherwise.

So, as we head into a more “normal” summer, I do hope you’ll take a moment to stop, look around and notice the good and the abundant blessings that surround you. I encourage you to pause, rest and maybe heed the following words from Orin Crain’s poem Slow Me Down: Slow Me Down Slow me down, Lord!

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.

Steady my harried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amidst the confusions of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves with the soothing music of the singing streams That live in my memory.

Help me to know the magical power of sleep.

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations of slowing down to look at a flower; To chat with an old friend or to make a new one.

Remind me each day that the race is not always won by the swift; That there is more to life than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak And know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep Into the soil of life’s enduring values that I may grow toward the stars Of our greater destiny.

I wish you all the very best for a healthy, happy and relaxing summer. Stay well. I look forward to seeing you, in person, in August!

PATRIC K RO BE RTS, HE A D OF S CHOOL

Table of Contents BIRD’S EYE VIEW 06 The Show Must Go On: PTS Theatre During COVID-19 08 A Veteran Salute 09 Our Forever Falcons 10 The Pothos Project 12 Mathematics and Computer Science Department 13 A Snapshot in Time 14 Ozzie Selent: Protector and Friend 16 Honoring Our Class of 2021 Athletes 18 The Practice of Service Living in a Pandemic: Lessons Learned 20 PTS Track: A Team Full of Heart PERSPECTIVES 22 Expanding Our Classrooms 24 Remembering Vivian Cerione: The Heart of Our School 26 Finding Our Way 28 Keeping Students Connected Around the World EVENTS 30 The Consecration of Trinity Chapel 33 College Sweatshirt Day 34 Graduation 2021

06 ALUM NEWS 36 Class Notes The Tradition Continues 38 Introducing the Alumni Inclusion and Equity Committee 44 Alumni Citizenship Panel 45 Alumni Mentoring Program 46 College Day 2021, The Palmer Trinity Master Class Series 51 To Graduates, With Love 55 Emily + Austin: A PTS Love Story 56 Alumni Give Back 58 Alumni Board, 2020-2021 ALUMNI PROFILES 40 Q&A with Winter Wheeler, Class of 1999 48 Cristina Sarnoff, Class of 2003 52 Daniel Diaz Leyva, Class of 1998 DEPARTMENTS 03 Message from the Head of School 05 Message from the Editor

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MESSAGE FROM THE E DITOR It feels like yesterday that my son started sixth grade at Palmer Trinity School, but here I am, creating a mental to-do list for all the things we need to buy and accomplish before taking him to college in Ohio in the fall. It doesn’t seem real! How is my little boy, my only child, not going to be living with me come August?

Time flies, and oh how quickly our children grow up. As babies and toddlers, they keep us running after them physically; then they become teenagers and we’re running around their emotions. Before you know it, they’re 18. They’re hardly children to the outside world anymore, but to you, they will always be that little boy or girl you’d drop anything to run after.

Though many have tried to create one, there is no rulebook or 12-Step program for becoming the perfect parent. We all just act according to instinct and figure it out along the way.

Every child is different, and as every parent can attest, until you have experienced raising a child yourself—from the late-night baby feedings and cuddles to the less-pleasant teenage outbursts—you don’t really know what it means. While raising my son and watching him grow up, I truly believe I have grown up too. His life has been as much a journey for him as it has been for me.

Speaking of growth, as you’ll see in this magazine, this past year has been a journey for all of us at PTS, especially our students and teachers. In Expanding Our Classrooms, Adrianna Truby writes about how virtual education positively affected our children this year, an aspect of the pandemic we don’t usually consider. Flip through our “Bird’s Eye View” section and you’ll see how COVID-19 changed even our most typical activities at PTS, like making a yearbook, putting on our spring musical and doing community service, and forced our students to think outside the box. On a personal level, it was a sad year for our school too, as in the midst of our pandemic isolation, we lost our beloved Registrar: Ms. Viviane Cerione.

Parenting is a gift and a curse. It’s something we want and something that gives us gray hair.

We love our children more than anything, and sometimes we thank God for reminding us that we love them that much. Years ago, I thought about producing a documentary about whether or not we should have to be licensed to be parents. Like Keanu Reeves says in the movie Parenthood, “You need a license to fish, to sell booze, and to be a hairdresser. Why don’t you need a license to parent?” As strange as that would be, I don’t think it would change anything.

We would all still be growing right alongside our children, learning from them just as they learn from us.

My cousin described it perfectly when she told me this story. “One night, at 2 a.m., my daughter called me and asked for advice about how to calm her newborn child. In that same conversation, she said to me, ‘Mom, when do they ever stop needing you?’ I replied, ‘Well, you’re calling me at 2 a.m. about your child, so I would guess never.’ She laughed.”

As my son walked across that graduation stage this past May, I couldn’t have been prouder of him. I want to thank Palmer Trinity School for helping me raise my child. He has grown into a kind, smart, funny, independent and caring man and I love every ounce of him.

In these pages, please enjoy stories about your children. Wishing you a wonderful summer.

SUZ ANNE GOT TLIE B CALLE JA A S S O C I AT E H E A D O F S C H O O L F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A N D S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P S

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

The Show Must Go On: PTS Theatre During COVID-19

By Michael Stoddard, PTS Theatre

IT HAS BEEN OVER A YE AR since theaters shut their doors all over the world. Even New York City’s Theater District remains dark—so it should come as no surprise that keeping the drama program alive at Palmer Trinity School this year has been an exciting challenge.

In fall 2020, both the Upper School Troupe 5458 and Junior Troupe 88939 were able to compete in a virtual

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edition of the annual Florida State District Thespian Competitions. Between the two troupes, a total of 40 students rehearsed 55 pieces online, from monologues, solo musical pieces and scenes, to pantomimes and small group pieces. In lieu of in-person competitions, these pieces were then filmed and submitted to the festival for judging. More than 60% of the pieces qualified for state-level competitions and 95% scored in the top

two categories. In March 2021, 20 pieces competed as part of the Florida Thespian State Festival, also a virtual competition.

As we hit October and many students returned to campus, I began planning for our annual all-school musical. This year, PTS Theatre proudly produced a one-hour version of Sister Act Jr. I decided to move the show from March to April to allow for maximum flexibility in the rehearsal schedule, as I knew students might have to miss some due to quarantine and online learning. In light of COVID-19, we ran the show with only 30 students, converted the middle school chickee into an outdoor rehearsal space, required students to wear masks at all times while rehearsing and ultimately performed the show for some faculty and staff and families of the cast and crew only.

To really set the scene, Stages Plus, a company that specializes in the setup and performance of outdoor concerts, constructed a 36-foot stage in the corner field, by the North Gate entrance, with full lights and sound. For one week, the students rehearsed on this outdoor stage and got ready for our limited audience.

This was definitely one of the most innovative and professional productions I have had the privilege of doing here at Palmer Trinity School! To make sure no one missed out, a video of the production was shared with the hundreds of people who were not able to attend in person.

The 16 members of our spring Theater Production class closed our school theater season at the end of April with The Laramie Project. Alongside the advisory program, we used this play to explore diversity and understand how—on October 6, 1988—intolerance led to a gay student at the University of Wyoming being beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming. This incident changed the face of hate crime legislation in America. This mature and moving play was performed outdoors for a very limited audience consisting of just family members and some faculty and staff.

This year, especially, I want to thank our PTS Administration for allowing theater to still take place in a safe and controlled environment. I also want to thank our students, as these shows would not have happened without their flexibility, dedication, drive and love of theater. They constantly inspire my creativity and helped keep performing arts alive here during the pandemic—a time when we needed the power and escape of theater more than ever before.

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

A Veteran Salute

By Blanca Morales, Marketing and Communications Manager (with contributions by Brittney Mills ‘22)

Palmer Trinity School students Brittney Mills ‘22 and Ismael Alvarez ‘22 arrived at The Palace Gardens— an assisted living community in Homestead—armed with a video camera. Their mission? To record the stories of veteran soldiers to share with the PTS community.

During their time there, Brittney and Ismael listened as each veteran gave their personal account of war; reliving how they were recruited, when they volunteered, the friendships they made in their respective branches and the honor and pride they felt serving their country. Witnessing the patriotism of each veteran was incredibly meaningful for both students.

“Honoring and respecting veterans and the elderly is some of the most precious and necessary work that needs to be done,” said Brittney. “A special gem that all of their stories seemed to have in common was their feelings of pride about their service. They expressed that their service was a very impactful, memorable part of their life.”

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In light of COVID-19, the students were not allowed to be in the same room as the three residents they spoke with, who were 83, 91 and 94 years old.

Behind glass doors, the students met John Riesz (U.S. Army), James Mason (U.S. Air Force), and James L. Davis, Sr. (U.S. Marine Corp), who wore headsets and microphones to communicate with their visitors.

With these filmed interviews, Brittney and Ismael produced a video for our PTS Veteran’s Day convocation. Ismael took the lead on this, motivated by his excitement to preserve a part of history and share the gentlemen’s interesting accounts with his fellow students.

John volunteered for the draft and began his service in 1958. He attended boot camp and went on to be part of the president’s Honor Guard in D.C. for 15 months.

James Mason was 18 when he went into service in 1955, during the Vietnam War. “I enjoyed being in the Air Force,” he told the students. “No regrets. None.”

Just a couple of months shy of earning his high school diploma, James Davis enlisted with the U.S. Marines. All his friends were going, so his mother signed for him and gave him the green light to fight for his country. He served for 40 years, was wounded during World War II and feels privileged to have lived a long life ever since. (As he proudly said at the start of their interview, “I’m going to live until I’m 103!”)

Of course, Brittney and Ismael couldn’t leave the interview without asking these respected veterans for some sage wisdom for their generation.

Speaking directly to our students, James Davis got straight to the point:

“ Get a good education.

That’s my best advice.

You guys are the future leaders of the country.

I did my share, now it’s going to be up to you.”

We’ll salute to that.

Our Forever Falcons This year we had several members of our Falcon family take flight toward a new horizon: retirement. As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together,” and these women have shown the beauty of teamwork and community through their own unique contributions to the school.

chronicling all the wonderful ways they have served our PTS community, we’ve asked them to share some of the things they’ve loved most about their time here.

The dedication they have offered to Palmer Trinity School over the years has impacted our students, faculty and staff in ways that would take pages upon pages to list. Instead of

The entire school community is grateful for their contributions to our academic and administrative departments. They will forever be a part of our Falcon family. We wish them all the very best as they move on to their next adventure!

CAROLINE GOODWIN, FRENCH INSTRUCTOR 37 YEARS

SUSIE LOIACONO, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 25 YEARS

HARRIETT MOCK, SCHOOL NURSE 23 YEARS

I have loved sharing my language and culture with so many students over the years teaching French, but the highlight is all about the relationships.

As a school nurse, you’re like I loved almost all aspects of a mom and grandma all at my job, but I guess my favorite the same time. It’s not just part was planning parties to cuts and bruises, it’s hearts give back to the faculty and that also need healing. One staff so that they could enjoy has to be ready for anything. time spent together. Getting to know one another really One of the most rewarding helps to create the supportive, parts of my job was when I nurturing environment that would get a thank you letter makes this campus so special. or note--those mean a lot to me. They make tough days The absolute, ultimate best good again. To know I could memory was working with be used to help others feel two people who became better, to give comfort to lifelong friends—Vivian others, knowing I’m doing Cerione and Ashley what I’m supposed to do in Chapman. That was an life--that’s what really makes amazing bonus for me! me happy. Every day, I would wake up excited to go to work; I have loved watching PTS I love my job as a nurse. I grow in so many different keep in mind ‘to act justly ways; not just in size but and to love mercy and to walk in depth of spirituality, humbly with God (Micah 6:8). academics and so much That is how I live my life.” more. This amazing, caring community is the very best part of Palmer Trinity.”

Life-long friendships with so many great school employees and with alums.

I have been able to stay in touch with so many former students—that’s my most precious memory, and what I will keep in my heart.”

RITA FEILD, SCHOOL COUNSELOR 20 YEARS The best part of my time here was to have collaborated with so many colleagues and students—especially peer counselors to help facilitate the growth of those students who were experiencing internal struggles. Helping students come to a fuller awareness of who they are as individuals and how they are members of a larger community is a joy. Witnessing the development of resilience and self-confidence in individual students is one of the highlights of my 20 years at PTS. I love the underlying current of genuine goodness that is present in all groups of the Palmer Trinity community— from students to faculty and staff, parents, maintenance, kitchen (and any other group I missed)--and the open willingness to share it.”

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

The Pothos Project

By Natalia Zurcher, MS Science and 6th Grade Lead Advisor

THIS PAST YE AR, sixth grade students at Palmer Trinity School partnered with Kerry Schabacker, from A Plant in Every Classroom, to grow Pothos plants and donate them to schools in underserved communities with the dual goal of connecting those students and teachers to nature and improving their mental health. (While COVID-19 rules prevented our students from being able to donate their plants to schools in Miami-Dade County, they were able to donate them to two charitable foster care organizations instead: the Center for Family and Child Enrichment [CFCE] and His House Children’s Home.)

Between a lengthy global pandemic and increased social unrest, stress and anxiety have increased over the last year. Educators and students have had to quickly adapt to a different pace, new technology and out-of-the-box methods of teaching and studying. Our mental health has become a topic of concern in these hectic times, making it even more important for us to understand the many benefits that nature has to offer. Scientific studies have shown that plants have a positive effect on students and teachers. For example, did you know that just looking at a plant for 40 seconds can significantly improve

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the sustained attention of an individual, and therefore positively impact their cognitive functioning? Plants help ease stress, improve focus and attention and create a culture of health.

Experiential learning is crucial for students, as it helps them develop scientific knowledge associated with their own experiences and recognize how science can inform solutions and personal decision-making. By creating a project-based learning opportunity that included hands-on learning and service living, “The Pothos Project” gave students an opportunity to engage in the learning process, practice active participation and learn about the benefits of growing plants.

Pothos plants are perfect for any classroom (at-home or otherwise!) because they are low light, low allergy, low toxicity, and low water plants that are easy to care for. For The Pothos Project, sixth grade students were tasked with the challenge of growing a Pothos plant at home. They had to collect and propagate their own Pothos cuttings, plant them in soil, research the best way to care for them, and document their experience on a website of their creation.

Throughout the project, students

measured and recorded data, monitored the growth and health of their Pothos plant and used analytical skills to answer a series of discussion questions that encouraged them to connect the health of their Pothos plant to different concepts learned in class.

To end the project, each student had to write a letter to the charitable organization that adopted his or her plant. In it, they were asked to share their own personal experience growing the Pothos plant and the benefits of having a plant in any learning area.

As a science teacher, it has always been my hope to use science literacy as a channel to instill empathy and socio-environmental responsibility in my students. Because of The Pothos Project, fifty plants were donated to the Center for Family and Child Enrichment (CFCE) and His House Children’s Home.

I am proud of our sixth grade class, and I am filled with joy and gratitude knowing others can now also enjoy a healthier learning space and gain from the mental health benefits nature has to offer.

To learn more about A Plant in Every Classroom, visit www.aplantineveryclassroom.org.

Experiential learning is crucial for students.

Photo Credit: Blanca Morales

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Mathematics and Computer Science Department

By Joseph Rivera, Computer Science

So many exciting computer science developments are happening at Palmer Trinity School!

Recently, our department officially merged with the Mathematics Department to become the Mathematics and Computer Science Department.

This exciting union was a long time coming, as we have collaborated with the Mathematics Department at PTS on many projects over the years.

The goal of the new Mathematics and Computer Science Department is to cultivate lifelong learners who are confident, creative, critical thinkers and true problem solvers.

Last year, five seniors joined together for a year-long project to design, program and host a website that allows users to play games with the aim of generating ad-revenue to donate to local charities. This course was a completely handson experience for the students and required them to research, learn about and program a variety of technologies, including Linux, Apache, HTML5, CSS3, P5.js, Ruby with Sinatra, MySQL and more. This experience inspired many students to study computer science at the college level.

This year, another senior completed an independent study that sharpened his Python programming skills as he developed a web application using Linux, NGINX, HTML5, CSS3, Python,

Django, PostgreSQL and more that enabled students and teachers to better manage their coursework and schedules.

In 2020, our PTS STEEEM Club won the first and second phase of NASA’s national Growing Beyond Earth Maker Contest! In partnership with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, this competition asked teams to design a limited-size, plant-growing container that scientists living on the International Space Station could use to grow different vegetables, like red romaine lettuce, in microgravity.

To bring home this victory, our students worked incredibly hard on their growth chamber “GAIA,” which stands for Growth Apparatus In AstroEnvironments. This year, the STEEEM Club is continuing that project by creating student-designed, 3D-printed parts and Arduino boards and sensors in an effort to automate their design.

Today, our new department only continues to evolve. Our students enthusiastically conduct independent study courses, participate in the STEEEM Club and design, build and work on forward-thinking projects in the Innovation Station, a makerspace led by

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fellow computer science teacher Brian Diaz. Mr. Diaz and I have also proposed three new courses for the student curriculum next year: Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science Principles and Advanced Topics in Programming. Computer Science Principles will be a one-semester, introductory course that offers students a variety of experiences in computer science. AP Computer Science Principles will give upper school students an introductory college-level computing course. Students who excel at that course can move on to Advanced Topics in Programming, where they will learn about networking, encryption, error-handling, computer graphics, data structures and algorithm analyses.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that technology will continue to be an essential part of our everyday lives. It is with great enthusiasm that the Mathematics and Computer Science Department has joined forces to provide more opportunities for our students to learn and grow in the field of computer science, and we look forward to watching our students turn those skills into real world opportunities.

A Snapshot in Time

By Jackie Taylor, MS English

IN THE SPRING OF 2020, as I planned ahead for the next school year, I naively thought that—by fall—everything would be back to normal. Surely by August we’d be back in school again, face-to-face, right? I was not prepared to kick off a school year virtually, but I was even less prepared to put together a yearbook, which traditionally documents student life on campus.

The new normal would require thinking outside the box. With guidance from our publisher, Walsworth, I decided to shift the focus of our coverage. What was important now? If it wasn’t school gatherings, what was the glue holding us together?

The first step was choosing a theme.

The yearbook staff decided on a theme that appeals to all of us: music. We also chose vintage colors and graphics that established a sense of feel-good nostalgia. Additionally, to make up for the lack of student life coverage, we decided to try something new that would also give our community something special to look forward to.

We used augmented reality (AR) to link YouTube videos to certain images in our book. Using a cell phone, the Walsworth yearbook app scans a photo tagged with a specific icon and then pulls up a designated playlist on YouTube.

For example, when we covered the Black Lives Matter movement, those pages had an icon that connected to a playlist of songs that have changed the world—like John Lennon’s “Imagine.” At the end of the senior section, we included a playlist of all the songs our seniors selected to be a part of the “Soundtrack of PTS.” Additionally, to solve the problem of students who remained online and couldn’t come to campus to take their school picture, we collected photos submitted by students and put them in a Zoom template to help document this historic time. Students and teachers alike will always remember what it was like to distance learn.

Many of our stories cover topics specific to the pandemic, like what it’s like to wear a mask all the time, how Zoom has changed the way we learn, what students did with their newfound time and more.

And while these challenging times are not over yet, one day we will laugh about these days, look back fondly and remember how we made it through a pandemic together. The yearbook staff hopes this year’s volume captures these historic moments and helps the community focus on what’s really important: each other.

We are excited to share that our PTS 2020-2021 yearbook was selected to be in the Publisher’s Gallery of Excellence.

The yearbook is shared with other schools across the nation as an example of top quality design.

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Ozzie Selent: Protector and Friend

By Blanca Morales, Marketing and Communications Manager

OZZIE SELENT KNOWS a lot of things. Not only does he come from a background in military and airport security, but he knows the secrets of everyone who comes to campus.

He doesn’t ask to be told things, but everyone from the students to the faculty and staff all know they can trust him. Need proof? When he sat down for an interview about his professional background, he responded to basic questions about operations with: “That’s classified.”

Yet somehow, despite his intimidating background and vault of knowledge, Ozzie, who has worked at PTS as head of security for just under four years, is one of the friendliest faces on campus.

Everyone visits with Ozzie. Stay and chat long enough and you may hear 1960s country music playing from his desk. In that same area, there are cards from graduating seniors (his “other grandchildren,” as he says), thanking him for being there. Their notes and joking exchanges back and forth have become a favorite part of his workday.

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“I pick on them and they pick on me.

That’s the fun part of my job,” Ozzie says. “I say, ‘I don’t know why they built the chapel; everyone comes to confess at the guardhouse!’ To me, I get my kicks being here. It’s important to get to know people.”

“I went into the army in 1967, right in the middle of the Vietnam War. I did basic training in Georgia, then went to California to train mainly in cryptology, which I scored high in—it was fun,” he remembers. “After additional training, I got a kick in the pants to Vietnam.”

Born as Osvald Selent, named after his Polish uncle, Ozzie grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina before coming to America in 1965.

After two tours of duty, Ozzie found himself working at the airport in Portchester. He dreamed of becoming a pilot, but didn’t have the funds to get his license or do the necessary training. One of his colleagues at the time suggested he consider becoming an aircraft dispatcher, which requires candidates to know a lot about meteorology, aircraft performance and operation and how to keep things running on time. Ozzie didn’t know much about it, but undeterred, he went straight to the Pan Am desk and asked.

He was sent to their academy and his G.I. bill paid for half of his training.

“When I was young and good looking at 20 years old, I came to the U.S. Been here ever since,” he said. “Here, in this country, people thought my name was too long; so I’ve been ‘Ozzie’ for 55 years.”

He first moved to White Plains, NY, and got his first job cutting grass for a landscaping company just three days later. After a handful of professional gigs over the next couple years, Ozzie felt a strong call to defend his new home—so he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

He started his career in the airline industry with Braniff International Airways, when a position opened

Miami Men’s Soccer Team,” said Scott De Feu, math teacher and former PTS soccer coach and Athletic Director. “If he were not our Head of Security, he could most definitely be a soccer analyst for ESPN. And when Ozzie isn’t telling you about a European soccer match, he will tell you a joke that you will undoubtedly reshare.”

up in Miami. They needed someone who was bilingual. Speaking three languages, English, Spanish and Portuguese, Ozzie was a perfect fit for the position and moved to Miami in 1974.

“I’ve worked in the operations department for 40 years,” Ozzie recalls, brushing past his many accomplishments. During his tenure, he worked all over the world (in Africa and many places throughout the US). After 9/11, he went through training with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), TSA and customs in order to show airport employees how to look for dangerous items hidden in ramps or carts.

Throughout that time, 95% of his work was in security training, “training the trainers,” as he would say.

His conversation about his past professional work is peppered with words like “intelligentsia” and “decoys.”

Ozzie has a sharp eye, and even while taking a break to interview he saw everything happening around him—and he knows exactly when something is amiss. While he worked in airport security, his wife is an evidence investigator with the Secret Service and his kids are all in law enforcement.

Now at Palmer Trinity School, Ozzie is everyone’s defender, friend and confidant. He is one of the first faces you see at PTS, and the one you want to call when there’s a problem.

In response to the violence happening in schools, in early 2019, Ozzie arranged for Paul Zamek to meet with his son, Kevin, who is a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security (DHS). Kevin provided valuable insights into what the school should be doing to make Palmer Trinity even more safe. Kevin met with Paul, Ozzie and our PTS Crisis Management Team over the following months to develop a plan to conduct active shooter training at PTS, in collaboration with DHS and local Palmetto Bay law enforcement.

In October 2019, the school held an active shooter simulation for faculty and staff during a Professional Day. While multiple active shooters pretended to wander around campus, faculty and staff stayed in their classrooms and offices and followed a list of required protocols, should that incident happen in real life. (An apache helicopter even landed on our South Campus playing field to take away “the wounded!”) Once our focus turns away from the pandemic, PTS hopes to have another training—this time, with students.

Of course, for Ozzie, being a positive force on campus is just another day on the job.

“I love to greet people,” said Ozzie, who frequently jokes with those who come on and off campus. Right after he said that to me, a student came over to hand him an exit pass. “Aha! An escapee!” Ozzie joked back.

Drive by at the end of the school week, and without fail, he’ll even start your weekend off on the right foot.

“Don’t forget,” Ozzie reminds everyone each Friday, with a smile.

“It’s Friday!”

Ozzie's first priority is to keep our school community safe."

“Ozzie’s military service and security background provides Palmer Trinity with a wealth of practical knowledge and experience,” said Paul Zamek, Associate Head of School for Operations & Real Estate. “On top of that, he’s an excellent ambassador of our school.”

And everyone, from students and teachers to parents, will tell you the same. Because while Ozzie’s first priority is to keep our school community safe, he is always quick to give us a reason to smile, too.

“Not only is this man a defender of our country, but also an incredible coach, having coached the last University of

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Honoring Our Class of 2021 Athletes

Despite the many obstacles faced by our student athletes this year, we are so proud of the way they handled that adversity and represented Palmer Trinity School with class and optimism.

These talented athletes from the Class of 2021 were instrumental in securing multiple championship plays and wins at the district, regional and state level, and forged lifelong memories and friendships along the way. Best of luck to all our graduating student athletes!

CAROLINA CARBA JALES-VIETA 3 Years Soccer 1 Year Softball

CHARLOTTE CREWS 7 Years Softball 3 Years Volleyball 1 Year Soccer

LEANDRO DE ARMAS 4Y ears Cross Country 4 Years Track & Field

EDUARDO ANDRES FRANCESCHI 3 Years Soccer KURT JABLONSKI 3 Years Football

GABRIEL FRIEDLAND 3 Years Basketball

MEGAN KELLER 7 Years Softball 3 Years Volleyball

ALEXA CARRILLO 1 Year Track 1 Year Winter Cheer

SOFIA AGUIAR 2 Years Winter Cheer 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Softball

CONNOR BARTHET 4 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Golf

ALEXANDRA DERIBEAUX 4 Years Soccer

DAVID FUMAGALLI 4 Years Golf 3 Years Basketball 1 Year Baseball

GRANT KLEBER 4 Years Football 1 Year Lacrosse

LUIS COLMENTER 3 Years Soccer 1 Year Golf

OSCAR ANZOLASCHNELL 4 Years Soccer

PAMELA ASCOBERETA 4 Years Golf

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KAITLIN BURNITZ 4 Years Softball 3 Years Soccer 1 Year Lacrosse

CARLOS CALLEJA 4 Years Football 4 Years Baseball

ANTHONY DEROSA 1 Year Winter Cheer

JOSE CORBO 4 Years Football 3 Years Track & Field 1 Year Basketball

MATTHEW DYLEWSKI 2 Years Football 1 Year Basketball

RYAN GOMEZ 4 Years Baseball

SENA IRVIN 4Y ears Cross Country 3 Years Track & Field 3 Years Lacrosse

ALBERT KNOEPFFLER 1 Year Cross Country 1 Year Track & Field

ISABELLA MARTINS 1 Year Lacrosse PAULINA LANG 5 Years Track & Field 4Y ears Cross Country 3 Years Soccer 1 Year Lacrosse

MASSIMO MOSCETTI 2 Years Baseball 1 Year Tennis

SAMIYAH PANJABI 4 Years Volleyball 1 Year Track & Field

JEREMY SHODELL 4 Years Baseball ANDREW WALDMAN 3 Years Basketball

YURI MATHELIER 3 Years Lacrosse

EDUARDO ORTEGA 2 Years Soccer

SEBASTIAN POULIN 2 Years Soccer

MARISSA TANNEBAUM 4 Years Volleyball 3 Years Lacrosse

JESSICA WEBER 5 Years Volleyball 2 Years Track & Field 1 Year Winter Cheer

CRISTIAN LOPEZ 3 Years Soccer 2 Years Baseball 1 Year Cross Country FIONA MCLAUGHLIN 5 Years Volleyball 1 Year Track & Field 1 Year Lacrosse

ALVARO ORTEGAMORALES 4 Years Football 1 Year Track & Field 1 Year Baseball

MORGAN POWELL 4 Years Golf

ISABELLA THOMAS 3 Years Winter Cheer 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Lacrosse

MAIA WENGER 5 Years Soccer 1 Year Track & Field DYLAN LOPEZ 3 Years Soccer BENJAMIN MORALES 1 Year Soccer

GEORGIA MALUEG 5 Years Soccer 2 Years Track & Field

PEDRO MORALES 4 Years Tennis

ALEJANDRO ORTIZ 4 Years Tennis

FRANCISCO ORTIZ 1 Year Soccer

CAMILLA RABANAL 2 Years Tennis 1 Year Lacrosse

KYNDAL ROYAL 5 Years Football 3 Years Track & Field

ISAIAH THOMAS 2 Years Basketball 2 Years Track & Field

BAILEY TOPPING 3 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Track & Field 1 Year Softball

CALEB MCKENZIE YOUNG 3 Years Football 2 Years Basketball 1 Year Track & Field

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

The Practice of Service Living in a Pandemic: Lessons Learned

By Susana Cetta, LMHC, Director of Student Activities & Service Living

ON MARCH 13, 2020, life as we knew it changed. Everyone and everything came to a screeching halt and shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Little was known, but fear was rampant. Questions unanswered. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gyms and restaurants were all closed or severely limited. It was then our school made the decision to go fully online. It was jarring to the soul. For students and faculty alike, we were quickly finding our way through this new world from home.

At first, Zoom was novel and fun. It was very enjoyable to be able to be “together” while we were apart. Teaching was fun and my students in my Positive Psychology and Social Entrepreneurship classes were managing, some better than others. After a few weeks, motivation waned. Prom was cancelled and all end-of-year school activities were put on hold.

In no time at all, I started to receive emails and text messages from students expressing their deep concern for people in our community who had minimal resources for emergency supplies; people who were often undocumented and living paycheck to paycheck at minimum wage jobs.

Our Falcons asked, “What can we do to help?” I asked them to come together to create some ideas that were COVIDsafe and impactful. Our PTS Cares Club came up with several initiatives: Online Virtual Tutoring Program: PTS students were invited to tutor Pre-K through 8th grade students who were in the Branches Florida City program, at Lotus House Shelter or children of Homestead Hospital healthcare workers. Many of these students needed help with their reading and math skills.

PTS CARES Gratitude Social Media Challenge: This competition encouraged students to express their thanks to South Florida’s healthcare heroes! During the month of May, students were asked to submit social media ads that could be posted daily in honor of healthcare workers. The student who submitted the best ads was awarded an Amazon gift card.

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Virtual Mentoring/Buddy Program: Twice a week, for 30 minutes, students could sign up to “hang out” with an elementary-age student living at Lotus House Shelter. During this time, they could play games like Bingo, Heads Up or Charades, or even sing songs together to brighten the elementary student’s day.

Baking Projects: When Miami-Dade County Schools didn’t provide meals during holiday breaks, our students suggested baking casseroles and desserts for homeless students at Miami Southridge Senior High School.

VIP (Virtual Intergenerational Program) Zoom Buddies and Holiday Baked Goods Program: Students could sign up to connect with a specified “Zoom Buddy” or bake monthly holiday themed treats for residents of Palace Gardens in Homestead.

Food Drives: Two PTS students, Andy Malha ‘22 and Edward Strong ‘22, took the initiative to give food to people in need in our South Florida community.

Within PTS, Andy collected online food donations from Instacart, Walmart, Amazon and more to send to Father Claudio Barbut and his Mission Ruah program in Homestead. Edward collected food donations for a migrant camp in the Redlands that catered to undocumented individuals who had recently lost their jobs and didn’t qualify for federal aid.

So many Miami-Dade County Public School students didn’t have devices that allowed them to stay connected with fellow students online. They were immediately cut off from their safety nets; on so many levels, it was a terrible crisis for at-risk children and their families. The children and families we regularly served at Chapman Partnership, Branches Florida City, Lotus House Shelter and Miami Southridge Senior High School were experiencing hardship like

never before. Children in Miami-Dade County were suffering, and agencies all over town began reaching out to community partners for help.

Our school community responded immediately, organizing food drives and donating harvests from our Middle School vegetable garden and all the food in the school’s cafeteria pantry and deep freezer for those in need. We filled an entire school van, from top to bottom, with food for Branches Florida City. This amazing organization helps families find self-sufficiency through education, and during the pandemic, it committed to feeding approximately 500 people per day. We are so grateful to our students and their families for their great response during this emergency support initiative.

According to the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES): “Episcopal schools like Palmer Trinity School are places that teach students to use both the mind’s eye and the eye of the heart: a wholeness of spirit, a connection to others, and a life graced by joy and purpose.”

We strive for equity and justice not because it’s trendy, but because it is our call to serve.

The impact of this type of education isn’t linear, but exponential. Each life touched is like a pebble in a pond.

Building compassion for service helps our students grow as student leaders and develop lifelong capacities for service, both by identifying needs and helping to fill them. Our students and their families are forever changed by receiving this kind of education, as are the lives of the thousands of graduates over the lifetime of the school who bring a sense of purpose and inner strength to whatever they do. Righting wrongs, speaking out against oppression, and belonging to something you believe in—this is what matters. This is why service matters.

Rachel Remen, an American author and thought leader, once wrote: “Serving is different from helping.

Helping is based on inequality; it is not a relationship between equals. When you help, you use your own strength to help those of lesser strength. If I pay attention to what’s going on inside me when I am helping, I find that I’m always helping someone not as strong as I am.

People genuinely feel this inequality.

When we help, we may inadvertently take away from people more than we could ever give them; we may diminish their self-esteem, sense of worth, integrity, and wholeness. When we help, we are very aware of our own strength.

But, when we serve, we serve with our whole selves, not our strength. We draw from all our individual experiences. The wholeness in us serves the wholeness in others and in life. Service, you see, is a relationship between equals.

From the perspective of service, we are all connected; all suffering is like my suffering and joy is like my joy. An attitude of service provides healing to all.”

Now at the end of a challenging year, we are still uncertain as to what we can expect next and if we really will be “back to normal” for the new school year. Even with that uncertainty, my heart is so full of pride and appreciation for our caring, thoughtful and loving community. Our students and parents support our Service Living program through their actions and words. We are so proud of all our students, from 6th grade all the way to our graduating seniors. Thank you for serving with your heart open and for making a significant difference.

SUMMER 2021

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

PTS Track: A Team Full of Heart IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, running gave this group of athletes something to work hard for and be proud of. The team started the track season with little experience, but their hard work, dedication and heart got many of them all the way to the State Championship. When the season started, the team demonstrated promising potential.

With every meet that went by, members of the team kept improving and hitting new personal milestones. By the time Districts came around, several members of the team had already broken school records. At the District championship, they gave it their all, and both the girls and boys teams became District Champions. As they celebrated their win, they found a new source of motivation and set a goal to dominate at Regionals and make it all the way to the State Championship.

For the next two weeks, these athletes trained harder than ever, and their dedicated coaches left no room for excuses.

When they arrived at the Regional meet, they were pumped and ready to compete. The Boys team dominated and earned the Regional Championship Title, and the Girls also had their best performance of the season coming in as the 20

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Regional Runner-Up. Fifteen athletes qualified for the State Championship meet and eleven of them won 21 medals in 18 different events. Brandon Pottinger ‘22 finished as the FHSAA Class 1A State Champion, making him the first State Champion at PTS since 1993—a record held by Coach Tamara King ‘94. Overall, this team made history at PTS earning more State medals than ever and setting 21 new school records.

Aside from all the medals earned by this team, their greatest accomplishment was becoming a family. Seasoned runner and team captain, George Stark ‘22 shares, “I love the sense of family on the track team and I feel that we all support each other well!” One of the girl captains, Daniella Perez-Cartaya ‘24, explains that, “Coach King is our track mom. She shows us tough love by pushing us to surpass our limits. We work hard to make her proud.” Coach King, who ran for Palmer Trinity back in the early 90’s, has been coaching CrossCountry and Track at PTS for the past 12 years. She was an Olympic-hopeful and shares her knowledge and experience with her runners. Coach King describes the team as having as having “an internal drive toward greatness.”

School Records Broken BOYS Brandon Pottinger 100m (11.12), 200m (22.14), High Jump (2.02m) Isaiah Thomas 110 Hurdles (15.86), 300 Hurdles (42.7) Austin Foster 400m(50.45) Jose Corbo Javelin(47.93m) Luca Martinez Long Jump (6.33m) Robbie Robertson Triple Jump (13.52m) Jose Corbo, Brandon Pottinger, Luca Martinez, Isaiah Thomas 4x100 (43.0) Jose Corbo, Isaiah Thomas, Sebastian Salazar, Kyndal Royal 4x200 (1:37) Brandon Pottinger, Robbie Robertson, Sebastian Salazar, Austin Foster 4x400 (3:29.2) Robbie Robertson, Ale Storper, Austin Foster, George Stark 4x800 (8:21)

GIRLS Gaby Dorta 100m Hurdles (16.66) Dani Perez-Cartaya 1600m (05:45.4) Maria Camposano 300m Hurdles (47.34) Amaia Vadillo, Olivia Assalone, Isabella Westgate, Cailyn Sullivan 4x200m (2:00.5) Angelina Deleon, Gaby Dorta Noelani Sadler, Dani Perez-Cartaya 4x800 (10:05.7)

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PERSPECTIVES

EXPANDING OUR CLASSROOMS AND OTHER BENEFITS OF TEACHING DURING COVID

By Adrianna Truby, Academic Dean

SINCE PTS INITIALLY PIVOTED to online learning last spring, faculty have continued to ask the same questions: What opportunities will online learning provide teachers and students? What content, concepts and skills must we prioritize and why? And, most importantly, how are we growing as educators?

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problem solving and innovation like never before.

One benefit of online learning has been the way in which professional development has been amplified. Out of sheer necessity, we have embraced a spirit of collaboration, creative

Specifically, teachers are reinventing the notion of the “classroom.” It is no longer limited to the physical space, the constraints of the school day or deliberation over logistics such as types of seating, print resources or electronics. The COVID-era classroom is neither entirely physical nor fully virtual. It’s a combination of the best of both. It comprises the tangible four walls, as well as everything and everywhere to which and when we can

CONNECTING WITH DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

PARTICIPATING IN A MINI COURSE: THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE

Danielle Befeler ‘09 and Ms. Laura Massa’s Women’s Studies Class

Mr. Fred Truby, 8th Grade American Studies Teacher, and students

Danielle Befeler, an immigration attorney, joined the Women’s Studies class to introduce the legal framework under which certain communities can receive protection. Specifically, Ms. Befeler introduced the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the current U.S. immigration policy. By reviewing case studies, students explored the complexities of issues that women face under the everchanging political landscapes of the executive branch of government and the role that each administration may play, either strengthening or eroding these forms of relief. Special attention was given to political concerns involving family petitions for green cards, asylum seekers, gender-based violence and other humanitarian visas.

Leading up to the most recent election season, Mr. Truby partnered with Anne Harold and Laura Rocha from Envoys Global Learning. Their evening virtual sessions with invited students American Studies provided an opportunity for those students to gain a deeper understanding of the national election machine in the United States, with particular attention to polling, fundraising, voting, reporting and campaigning. Jason Parquet, Policy Advisor to the 2020 Mike Bloomberg Presidential Campaign, joined the group and initiated lively and engaging dialogue.

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PARTICIPANTS: Andrea Ortiz ‘25,

Elianny Michelle Matos Galva ‘25, and Anabella Dodd ‘25.

connect. This shift from solely relying on the utilization of the classroom has led teachers to prioritize concepts and skills, optimize more authentic and varied instruction and forge connections with other learning communities, near and far.

Our teachers expand classrooms by introducing content and concepts and then broadening the parameters for time, space and participants in all learning activities. A few examples of expanded classrooms over the last semester include:

JOINING VIRTUAL LIVE TOURS: EDGAR ALLAN POE MUSEUM

10th Grade American Literature with Ms. Tara Harrison and Mr. Alex Rojas

Our 10th Grade American Literature classes wrapped up a unit about American author Edgar Allan Poe in October, cleverly titled “Poe-Tober.” Dean Knight, Program Director at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, hosted a live tour and question-and-answer period with students on the life and writings of Poe. Students saw original short fictional pieces, artifacts and images that corresponded with the month-long lesson they had recently completed. The tour and interaction with the host allowed students to make connections and analyze the influence the author’s background and upbringing had on his work.

AND, L ASTLY, MY OWN EXPERIENCE:

LEADING A MINI COURSE LITERATURE AND IN ROUND SQUARE: SUSTAINABLE FOLKLORE & LEGENDS DEVELOPMENT GOALS: Danny Reynolds, Associate Head of School/Admission/College Counseling/ A CROSS-ATLANTIC Round Square and Semester Abroad COLLABORATION

The Round Square “Folklore & Legends” conference included over 100 students from 20 different countries. Mike Arias ‘22 and Sealey Bacardi ‘22 organized and narrated the collaboration.

Students researched folklore, “tall tales’’ and urban legends from different regions of the world. They discovered commonalities from region to region and the arc of progression from origins to music to pop culture. They concluded that the monster slayer of ancient stories has not declined in popularity and understood that, even as our storytelling technology has changed, our love of these stories has stayed the same. Such legends even form the basic concept of many video games: the hero emerges and slays an increasingly difficult series of monsters before facing the “final boss.” Students agreed that, although there is no scientific evidence to support any of these stories, they are fun to tell and retell, and they survive in popular culture because of their psychological effect.

PARTICIPANTS: Maria Munilla ‘22, Diego Cano ‘22, Carlos Penzini ‘22, Marcos Leon ‘22, Tyler McCray ‘22 and Gaby Cruz ‘22

AP Literature

Over a two-month period, seniors in AP Literature partnered with students at Herlufsholm School in Denmark to learn how personal stories illuminate broader, more universal concerns. The partnership began with an overview from Martin Hansen, who comes from Bonn, Germany and serves at the U.N. He shared an overview of the Sustainable Development Goals. After this introduction, students selected a work of literature that connects with one of the four targeted goals. They met regularly, both during and outside of class time, to study the work of literature, analyze perspective and voice and explore how audiences from different countries may perceive the text differently.

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The creation, implementation and success of these expanded classrooms are the result of teachers optimizing the technology all around us, the newfound flexibility of our school day and the intention to embrace the endless possibilities before us as we design teaching and learning experiences post COVID. Expanded Classrooms result from teachers prioritizing content and concepts while ensuring students see relevance in what they study.

Finally, they share a common thread: connection. In a time when we think we are isolated in our work behind the laptop, teachers challenge that view and show that Expanded Classrooms promote problem solving, allows for application of skill and builds studentcentered learning communities.

Our partnership culminated in a student-led showcase where each group shared a creative presentation on their understanding of the work.

They highlighted the role of perspective and voice in literature, the power of “individual story” in helping us tackle broader issues and the reasons why all of these questions matter to them.

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PERSPECTIVES

Remembering Vivian Cerione: The Heart of Our School

By Anne Neyra, US English

A

midst the most extraordinary of years that all will remember for a long time, Palmer Trinity lost a beacon on campus.

Ms. Cerione. Vivian. Viv. A beloved mother, grandmother, friend, sister in Christ, counselor, confidant, spiritual guide and mentor.

All of these she enacted with pure love. Love in the midst of trials; love in uncertainty; love in joyous moments; but above all, simple and pure love. In the words of Mary Andreu, “I loved her smirk, smile, twinkle, full body laugh, clasped hands, head bowed, and her eloquent prayers of intercession.

She always reached out—helping, comforting, and healing.”

And from her dear friend Susie Loiacono, “She was the consummate friend; able to give and receive love and always willing to offer her help to her friends whenever needed, whether in the form of a hug or a heartfelt prayer.”

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I could fill a book with quotes; all representing the same sentiment.

Vivian had a knack for making you feel important, even when she had a huge pile of work to do. One could walk into her office and she would look up with that bright smile and kind eyes.

Then, she would set about working on whatever issues we brought her, adjusting her glasses and peering into the computer to see how she could resolve it. Most of us remember how willingly she helped with our routine practical needs, but for many, she was so much more than that.

In the words of Dr. Salomon, “She offered forgiveness, she offered respect for all living things, she offered a warmth that was deeply Christian, and she offered a view of what a Christian life might be.”

Vivian was a sanctuary of truth and hope for many of her colleagues, and quietly prayed for everyone’s needs on campus. She would embrace you

in her arms and hug from the heart, but most of all, it was her unwavering faith that shone through. If you needed prayer, she would pray. If you needed a hug, she would get up from her desk and walk right on over to make you feel better. Behind her desk were hundreds of pictures of lives she had touched, and across the room, a framed yearbook page entitled The Brightest Star on Campus. Sitting in that office, I would often think about how aptly that article from the yearbook was titled. Another card from a colleague read, “Some warm the heart with human touch, some have a gift of helping others to see the world as a place of possibility.” Vivian was both of those things.

Outside of school, Vivian had a packed social calendar; from worship concerts and dining out with her friends to visiting her sons JJ, Chris, David and Nick, who she adored. One special year, all three of her boys married— she danced and rejoiced, welcoming

her new daughters to the family. She cherished family holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, arriving with arms full of gifts and a heart full of love for her eight grandchildren.

Each summer, she would host “Camp Memaw,” allowing her sons and their wives to get time away—so typical of her giving spirit. She hosted Bible study every Saturday in her home and served as a hostess in her church, too; I wasn’t a member there, but I cannot think of a more perfect role for Vivian.

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t was the day of her passing, in October 2020, that all of this so revealed itself in her office.

Upon hearing the shattering news, a group spontaneously gathered there, as if she had drawn the people that needed her together. Within ten minutes, eight women were standing

there crying in shock and trying to fathom the great void thrust upon us in that moment. A loud silence ensued as the chasm of her death sat upon us.

The shockwaves reverberated, but so did her calming presence, so palpable in an office filled with her porcelain angels and words of inspiration.

Then came the hugs that broke through COVID. Walking across campus the next day, there was heaviness in the air, knowing glances and pained faces passed each other silently across the courtyard. Our dear chaplain set up an area for faculty to sit and reflect. All day long, stunned faculty and staff sat and wrote notes of reflection pondering just how this could be. Her picture quickly appeared in the entrance of the faculty lounge— now her bright smile welcomes all just like it did when she was here with us.

Vivian’s last words to me were the day before she passed. They were along the lines of, “God will work this out.

He has a plan and you do not need to worry about it anymore.” She had such unwavering faith. May her words then offer you the same comfort they did for me now.

In February this year, we opened our Trinity Chapel, a dream Vivian had long waited to see fulfilled. In fact, she had always said she could not retire until it was fully finished. She often said, “It will be the heart of our campus.” I can’t think of a more perfect way to honor her now as we have in Trinity Chapel, naming the choir loft in honor of Vivian herself—someone who was the heart of our school for so many years.

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PERSPECTIVES

FINDING OUR WAY

By Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, PTS Chaplain

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TR AVELING IN LIFE, literally and metaphorically, is a universal theme present in every religious and cultural tradition. Pilgrimages produce personal growth and possibly spiritual awakening. When creating a course that would be interesting and poignant for our students, I discerned the “journey” motif would provide rich and profound stories to explore with my students. After all, we all experience life with its twists and turns into the mysterious future.

I was able to find films, as well as guest speakers, that were relevant to the course. Two teachers, Julio Carasso and William Gonzalez, told stories of leaving Cuba under very different circumstances.

The agony of giving up home and moving into the unknown shakes people to their very core. What we plan is never the full outcome; journeys are exterior and interior in movement.

Journeys that are chosen are certainly very different from journeys that are forced. But, both are difficult. We learn so much from our travels in so many ways. In the mid 1940s, my Australian mother, a “war bride,” was nineteen when she met a handsome American lieutenant who swept her off her feet and proposed to her. She left everything familiar behind and traveled to the United States to begin a successful life together. They loved each other for fifty years until he died. However, she continued to mourn leaving Australia, especially her beloved family. Her’s was a choice. Rarely do we ever understand the ramifications of the sacrifices we make, or the gift of blessings received as we make life decisions.

In my classes, we watch films such as Lion, The Life of Pi, Into the Wild, Wild, The Way, and Harriet, which show how people are transformed by their journeys.

The class also covers the Twelve Step Program and the perilous journeys of addiction and recovery.

Understanding its Benedictine roots of confession and reconciliation, we grapple with life’s obstacles.

Everyone faces life alone and in a community, where we encounter diverse people, family and friends who change us. We also change others.

Robert Frost, Mary Oliver and other poets lead us into the existential meandering of the journey.

Learning about religious pilgrimages such as the Camino of Santiago de Compostela, Canterbury Trail, The Holy Land, The March of the Living, and the Hajj take us to places of suffering and awareness. We

experience feelings of remorse and regret, yet also the emotions of celebration and ecstasy.

Whether it be Odysseus, who travels far and wide after the Trojan War, or Penelope, who stays home and travels psychologically into defending her way of life, journeys are epic and convoluted. He shows his bravery in various places while she courageously faces danger right in her own backyard.

Life is unexpected. Our dance is one of engagement and disengagement. We meet ourselves in different and unexpected places, being renewed and recreated each day by our own travels.

The Journey by Mary Oliver One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice– though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles.

“Mend my life!” each voice cried.

But you didn’t stop.

You knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations, though their melancholy was terrible.

It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones.

But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do– determined to save the only life you could save.

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PERSPECTIVES but we found a fun and engaging way to stay connected virtually.

Keeping Students Connected Around the World

By M ichael Arias ‘22, Chairperson, Round Square Committee and Global Collaborations

Above – Round Square Colombia 2018.

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T

he COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all in more ways than we ever imagined. That’s especially true for the travel-loving, globally-minded students at Palmer Trinity School, who look forward to every trip and hands-on learning experience. Whether it is a Model UN conference in China, an independent study class that culminates with a trip to Scotland, or a Round Square global conference in India—being globally connected is part of who we are at Palmer Trinity School.

PTS is one of 15 schools in the U.S. that are members of Round Square, a global organization of 200 schools from 50 countries around the world. Round Square schools share a commitment to the ideals of international understanding, democracy, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership and service. Palmer Trinity Round Square student delegates travel to conferences organized by host schools in different countries, which often includes a home exchange with a host school student family, cultural and environmental field trips and a service project. Each conference has a theme and features notable keynote speakers. Unfortunately, the pandemic temporarily paused live conferences;

Palmer Trinity School students began participating in virtual Round Square conferences during the summer of 2020. The first event took place in June and was a collaboration with The British School in New Delhi, India. It was followed by a Global Conversations virtual session hosted by BB&T School in Boston, Massachusetts that explored the title topic of “Stigmas.”

Another conference with the Isle of Wight in the UK was themed “Circular Economies,” and our delegates discussed the many sustainability programs underway at PTS. One of the most memorable conferences was hosted by Scotch Oakburn College, in Tasmania, where we shared our local traditions. Because of the time difference, our Palmer Trinity School delegates had to sign on at 4 a.m. EST! For experienced Round Square delegates like myself (I first participated in a Young Round Square conference in Colombia in 2018, when I was in middle school), moving to virtual conferences became a great way to stretch from participation to leadership by helping organize events, recruit new delegates and moderate our school’s first-ever virtual Round Square conference. This conference, which was themed “Folklore & Legends,” took place on January 27, 2021 and featured over 100 student delegates from 20 countries.

The challenge to stay globally connected during the pandemic has turned out to be an opportunity for many students to get involved with Round Square for the first time. Take Sealey Bacardi ‘22, who had been active in Model UN but wanted to join Round Square because of the sense of global community it creates. She started by participating in a summer virtual conference hosted by a school in Asia.

“We discussed traditions that are sacred to respective cultures, nations and ethnicities. We talked about how important culture is to a single person and whether or not cultural beliefs translate into other aspects of life,” said Sealey.

Wanting to get more involved, Bacardi became Chairperson of Round Square and Global Collaborations and helped organize and moderate PTS’ Folklore & Legends conference.

conference is refreshing. Seeing people have differences of opinion, but still able to come together and find a common solution, makes me happy.

We need more of that in today’s world.”

“As students from around the world shared their perspectives on this topic, it made me truly realize that there is nothing insignificant in this world and that countries are more closely linked than I had initially thought,” she said.

Classmate Diego Cano ‘22 got involved with Round Square for the first time as a delegate for the PTS Folklore & Legends conference. Along with fellow first-time delegates Gabriella Cruz ‘22, Marcos Leon ‘22, Maria Munilla ‘22 and Carlos Penzini ‘22, he led our virtual Baraza group discussions. (The word “Baraza” is Swahili and means “the coming together of different people.” These Baraza discussions are led by a student leader, dig deep into the greater conference topic and enable conversations where everyone’s opinion is valued equally.)

Tyler McCray ‘22 was also among the first middle school students to go on a Young Round Square trip when he went to India in 2018. Moving to virtual Round Square conferences gave him the opportunity to continue to participate and stay globally connected.

“Round Square allows me to continue to connect with other students about any topic, even if it’s through a computer screen,” said Tyler. “That social interaction and the coming together of minds that you may not really get anywhere outside of the

“I enjoyed leading the breakout rooms, as I was able to ask these international students about their lives and the different experiences they had,” said Diego.

As students from around the world shared their perspectives on this topic, it made me truly realize that there is nothing insignificant in this world and that countries are more closely linked than I had initially thought.”

Over the last six months, PTS delegates have participated in six virtual Round Square conferences and hosted one.

Next up is a virtual conference with a school in Australia titled “Feminism Around the World.” While we are all counting down the days until it is safe to travel and participate in in-person conferences again, for the time being, staying connected virtually is definitely the next best thing.

Above – Scotland Left – Zoom, Folklore invitation combined SUMMER 2021

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EVENTS

The Consecration of Trinity Chapel AFTER YE ARS OF ANTICIPATION, Trinity Chapel at Palmer Trinity School is finally here—and we could not be more excited. It’s been a long time since the Diocese of Southeast Florida added a new place of worship to its roster of churches, giving us reason to celebrate its momentous arrival with the Bishop himself, Right Reverend Peter Eaton, who consecrated Trinity Chapel and celebrated the first eucharist with our own Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini. During a time when so many in church leadership are forced to close their place of worship, this historic occasion served as a sign of hope.

identity, which is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and recognizes that places have the capacity to mediate the holiness, beauty and presence of God. In that context, this building also has elements that are unique to the history and passion of the Palmer Trinity School community. For one, Trinity Chapel honors the hard work and dedication of the first Head of School of Trinity Episcopal School, the Reverend Dr. Edward “Ned” Dougherty, to recognize his commitment to the school in its early years. In that same vein, an icon of the Hebrew Testament Trinity, often called the “Hospitality of Abraham,” will be placed in the chapel.

Taking every health and safety protocol necessitated by the pandemic, this consecration mass featured Head of School Patrick Roberts, Chairman of the Board Hugo Mantilla and special guests Ms. Tina Lane, Megan ‘21 and Jake ‘25 Keller, Reverend Jennie Lou Reid and Benjamin Reid, one of the Vice Chancellors of the diocese.

“This chapel, which sits at the heart of our school campus, reminds us that God is present in the midst of us all the time, and that the life of the soul is as crucial as the life of the mind, the life of the heart, and the life of the body,” Mantilla said to the crowd.

“The building of this chapel is the fruit of a long-cherished dream and the efforts of many,” Dr. Cassini said at the service. “Standing as a symbol of the school’s Episcopal identity, Trinity Chapel has been made possible by the generosity of benefactors who had the vision of a sacred place for the community to gather.”

Of course, at the heart of this new addition is the school’s Episcopal 30

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As students played musical contributions, attendees prayed, and our community welcomed the addition of a new Episcopal landmark in South Florida, Mr. Roberts looked to the future.

“This sacred space will be a place where our Alumni and others can celebrate weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, and other special events in their lives,” he said.

May Trinity Chapel be a place of joy, and reverence, for us all.

Photo Credit: Claudia Storper

Photo Credit: Steven Brooke SUMMER 2021

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THE FUTURE BEGINS NOW ACCEPTA NCES A ND M ATR ICUL ATIONS Adelphi University* Alcorn State University American Musical and Dramatic Academy* American University (2)* Appalachian State University* Arizona State University* Assumption University Auburn University* Ave Maria University Babson College(3)* Bard College* Barnard College Barry University* Baylor University* Becker College Belmont University* Bentley University* Berry College Bethune-Cookman University* Boston College* Boston University (2)* Brandeis University* Bridgewater College Brown University Bryant University Butler University California Institute of Technology Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University* Catholic University of America* Chatham University Clark University Clemson University* Cleveland State University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston* College of the Holy Cross* Colorado College* Colorado State University Cornell University Curry College* Dean College Delaware State University (2)* Denison University DePaul University* Drexel University* Duke University Duquesne University Durham University-UK* Eckerd College* Elon University* Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University* Emerson College* Emmanuel College Emory University Endicott College* Fairleigh Dickinson University Fisher College* Flagler College

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University* Florida Atlantic University* Florida Gulf Coast University* Florida International University (3)* Florida Polytechnic University* Florida Southern College* Florida State University (4)* Fordham University* Franklin & Marshall College Full Sail University* Furman University* George Mason University George Washington University (2)* Georgia Institute of Technology* Georgia State University Goucher College Guilford College Hamilton College Hampton University* Hawaii Pacific University High Point University* Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Holmes Community College Howard University Hult International Business School – UK* IE University – Spain* Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana University (2)* Jacksonville State University Jacksonville University Johnson C Smith University Juniata College Kenyon College* King’s College London – UK* Lafayette College Lehigh University* Louisiana State University* Loyola Marymount University* Loyola University Chicago* Loyola University Maryland* Loyola University New Orleans* Lynn University* Manhattan College Marist College* Maryland Institute College of Art Mercer University Merrimack College* Miami Dade College* Miami University Michigan State University* Middlebury College (2)* Mt San Antonio College New York University (4)* Newcastle University – UK North Carolina State University* Northeastern University (4)* Northwestern University* Nova Southeastern University* Occidental College

Ohio Wesleyan University University of Colorado Boulder* Pace University* University of Connecticut* Palm Beach Atlantic University University of Denver Pennsylvania State University* University of Florida (5)* Pitzer College University of Glasgow – Scotland* Purdue University* University of Houston Regis College University of Illinois* Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute* Ringling College of Art and Design University of Kansas Rochester Institute of Technology* University of Maryland* Rollins College University of Massachusetts (Amherst)* Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology University of Massachusetts (Boston)* Rutgers University University of Memphis Saint Joseph’s University University of Miami (4)* Saint Leo University Saint Louis University* University of Michigan (4)* Saint Louis University – Madrid* University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) Saint Vincent College University of Mississippi* Samford University* University of North Carolina Santa Clara University* at Chapel Hill* Santa Fe College University of North Florida Sarah Lawrence College* University of Notre Dame* Savannah College of Art and Design (2)* University of Pennsylvania School of Visual Arts Seattle University University of Redlands Seton Hill University University of Rhode Island Sewanee: The University of the South* University of Richmond Simmons University University of San Diego* Skidmore College* University of San Francisco* Southern Methodist University* University of South Carolina St. Thomas University* University of South Florida* Stetson University* Stony Brook University University of Southern California* Suffolk University (2)* University of St Andrews* – Scotland (3)* SUNY at Purchase College University of Vermont* SUNY College at Oswego University of Wisconsin* Syracuse University* University of York – UK* Tallahassee Community College* Valdosta State University* Temple University Tennessee State University Valencia College The American University of Paris* Vanderbilt University (3)* The New School Villanova University* The Ohio State University* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and The University of Alabama* State University* The University of Edinburgh – Scotland* Wake Forest University* The University of Manchester – UK* Waseda University – Japan The University of Nottingham – UK* Washington and Lee University The University of Tampa* The University of Texas at Austin Washington University in St Louis (2)* The University of West Florida* Wentworth Institute of Technology Trinity College* Wesleyan University* Tufts University West Virginia University Tulane University (3)* Wheaton College* University of Arizona* Whittier College University of Bristol – UK* University of California (Los Angeles) William and Mary College (2)* University of California (Riverside) Wingate University University of California (San Diego) Wofford College University of California (Santa Barbara)* * Matriculated University of California (Santa Cruz)* University of Central Florida* Multiple Acceptances

COLLEGE-BOUND: Seniors proudly represent their universities on College Sweatshirt Day

SUMMER 2021

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CLASS OF 2021

Graduation 2021 AFTER A YE AR OF UNCERTAINT Y, school closures, and virtual events, May 15th looked like the start of a new chapter. The Class of 2021 graduated—together, this year— surrounded by their families, teachers, and classmates on a bright Saturday morning on Brockway Field. As our seniors recalled the challenges of the past 15 months, they also celebrated all that they overcame in their last year of high school.

“Oliver Strong will forever be a beloved member of our class and, for this reason, the Student Government Association (SGA) has decided to place a bench in Oliver’s memory in the new plaza outside of the chapel. The inscription on the bench reads:

During the ceremony, the students took a special moment to remember their late classmate, Oliver Strong ‘21, who tragically passed away during their time in middle school at Palmer Trinity School. They dedicated their senior gift to Oliver. As Maia Wenger ‘21 said:

from the Class of 2021

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR CL ASSMATE

Oliver Strong

#ForeverSTRONG Our class’ engraved bricks will be placed close to the bench, symbolizing our own angel watching over us.”

When I look back on our “family” history, I see a story of challenge and change. We saw difficulty after difficulty come our way and we adapted to get through the hard times. Along our journey, we overcame adversity by relying on the kind hearted people around us. We weathered a global pandemic together.”

DAVID FUMAGALLI, VALEDICTORIAN

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Contrary to our slogan, this has been a godo ride but it is not our last ride. Together, our class has overcome hardship against all odds, especially with Covid.

I’m beyond confident our class can conquer life’s obstacles.”

GEORGIA MALUEG, SALUTATORIAN

Congratulations Class of 2021

Photo Credits: Anthony McFarlane and Blanca Morales

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ALUMNI NEWS

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 or (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 2021-2022 issue of the Aerie.

The Tradition Continues

WE WELCOME THE CL ASS OF 2021 to the Alumni Association. This year’s graduating class received their alumni caps at the Senior Breakfast after hearing Alumni Association President, Brian Gershen ‘98, speak to them about joining the Alumni family.

Palmer Trinity Alumni Association

M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T The objectives of the Palmer Trinity Alumni Association shall be to advocate and support Palmer Trinity School and its mission, provide opportunities for Alumni involvement with the School and fundraising, and to lead activities and events that build and maintain an active, informed, and engaged Alumni community.

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‘73 ‘74 ‘75

Class Agent Needed Class Agent Needed Class Agent Needed

‘76

Class Agents Andrew Hessen Lynn Cohen

Melissa (Jones) Woolf ‘76 married Dennis McCrory on November 28, 2020. They are happily living in Charlotte, NC.

‘77 ‘78 ‘79

Class Agent Craig Zimmett Class Agent Thomas Magenheimer Class Agent Needed

‘80

Class Agent Laurence Moser

Dawn (Hoyt) Kidd, PhD ‘80, began working as an adjunct instructor at Lamar University, in the Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, in fall 2020.

She continues her regular position as an 8th grade mathematics teacher at Texas School for the Deaf, where she has now worked for 30 years. Additionally, she and her husband, Kelly, became grandparents for the first time when their son, Colton, and his wife, Olivia, welcomed Cassidy James Kidd to the family in January 2020.

‘81 ‘82 ‘83

Class Agent Lee Sterling Class Agent Hart Baur Class Agent Needed

‘84

Class Agent Suyain George

‘85

Class Agent Beth (Brockway) Serrate

Michael Higgs ‘85 graduated from American International College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and has worked up and down the east coast in multiple roles for commercial, military and government organizations. Here in South Florida, he has worked for Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. He currently resides in Fort Lauderdale with his wife of over 16 years, Jennafer, who is vice president of a national advertising firm in Broward County.

After nearly 30 years working in corporate IT engineering, management and consulting, he has since retired and has started a real estate investing business. Together with his wife, they also invested in Tutor Doctor, an in-home/online tutoring service that offers support to students with extra help, test prep, A/B Improvement and homeschooling needs.

Before the pandemic, they enjoyed traveling extensively, having just experienced a Baltic Sea cruise in 2019 and seeing countries like Russia, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and others. Before that, they traveled extensively through Europe and started exploring South America with a trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu and upcoming trips to the Galapagos and a South American cruise around Cape Horn. Their travel bucket list is to set foot on every continent, with five of seven already complete. In his spare time, Michael assists The Church By The Sea, in Fort Lauderdale, with its business and technology needs, volunteers for local dog rescue groups, enjoys day trading and works with state and local political groups. He continues to have the great love of automobiles he had when he attended Palmer, having driven over 1.1 million miles in his lifetime so far.

Betty (Matz) Gelsky ‘85 writes, “I am blissfully married to my husband, Brad, and we are the proud parents of our nine dear children. I have appeared on the Florida Love Show several times as a relationship and love expert. I serve as a dating coach for an online dating website. For over 25 years, I participated in the Adventures in Intimacy weekend workshops for couples.

My private practice is in Miami Shores, but I offer virtual and teletherapy as well.”

Melissa (Jones) Woolf McCrory ‘76

Michael Higgs ‘85

Betty (Matz) Gelsky ‘85 SUMMER 2021

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ALUMNI NEWS

‘86 ‘87

Class Agent Joelle (Wagshul) Steinberg Class Agent Needed

‘88

Class Agent Elena (Essen) Baur

Elena Baur ‘88 is living in Miami and married to Hart Baur ‘82. They have two daughters, Scarlett Baur ‘26, who is currently in 7th grade at PTS, and Morgan Baur ‘28, who will begin school at PTS next fall. Elena feels blessed to have a group of Palmer Alumni friends in South Florida that have kept in touch throughout the years.

They created a special bond during their years at Palmer that has only strengthened with time.

Laura (Matalon) Chandley ‘88 lives in Jamaica with her husband. Their daughter, Rachel, will be attending the University of Miami in the fall of 2021.

Lisa (O’Connell) Chiong ‘88 is living in Port St. Lucie with her husband and two beautiful daughters, Claire and Madeline.

Elkie (Smoleny) Wienczkowski ‘88 is living in Wellington, FL with her husband and beautiful son and daughter. Her niece, Vanessa Smoleny ‘25, is currently attending Palmer Trinity School.

‘89

Class Agents Mason Harris Scott Shelfer

Christina (Casey) Kruszewki ‘89 is living in Stuart, FL with her husband, John. She works at ADP and enjoys spending time with her whole family, kids and grandkids.

‘90

Christina (Casey) Kruszewski ‘89, Elena (Essen) Baur ‘88, Lisa (O’Connell) Chiong ‘88, Laura (Matalon) Chandley ‘88, Elkie (Smoleny) Wienczkowski ‘88

Class Agent Needed

‘91

Class Agent Evans (Dunwoody) Crews

Evans (Dunwoody) Crews ‘91 is a proud PTS parent. Her oldest daughter, Attie Crews ‘21, is graduating this year and heading to FSU. Her youngest daughter, Callie Crews ‘25, is in 8th grade and looking forward to high school at PTS. Evans Crews ‘91

INTRODUCING THE ALUMNI INCLUSION AND EQUIT Y COMMIT TEE In light of some of the tragic events that took place in our country during 2020, a passionate group of PTS Alumni—led by Shaina Louis-Jean ‘13, Farida Amer ‘13, Tiago Rachelson ‘17 and Priscilla Carlo ‘16—came together to form the Inclusion and Equity Committee (IEC). The IEC is an Alumni advisory committee created to assist Palmer Trinity School in promoting justice and equality for all members of the school community. During the 2020-2021 academic school year, the committee worked with the administration, faculty and students to facilitate informed conversations about diversity and inclusion. Prior to the 2020 presidential election, the committee produced a video that encouraged students to use their voice and be politically active. They also collaborated with PTS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinators and student Mosaic Facilitators to organize meaningful lessons and activities for our students. The Inclusion and Equity Committee may be new to Palmer Trinity School, but we know their impact will last for years to come.

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and be in business together. Today, MiLu and HGP are partners under an umbrella and do everything as one. They have 70+ projects in development, but some of the soon-to-go projects include Aleppo, The Thicket, Acqua, Robotech and White Devil.

‘01

From left to right, row 1 — Jon Lawrence ‘98, Max Martinez ‘99, Andre Lemmers III ‘00. Row 2 – Alison Steed ‘01, David Adler ‘01, Randy Wolfson ‘02, Laura Davila ‘02.

‘92 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 ‘97

Class Agents Nathalie (Grubair) Carletta Nickaros Sanchoo Class Agent Caroline Camus Class Agent Charles Baumberger, Jr. Class Agent Andrew Bennett Class Agent Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea Class Agent Brett French

‘98

Class Agents Brian Gershen Nathan Zeder

Jon Lawrence ‘98 and his partner, Ashlee Suran, welcomed their daughter, Charlotte “Charlie” Joy Lawrence, to their family on November 12, 2020.

‘99

Class Agents Panee (Chuechunklin) Cili Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe

Max Martinez-Miyashiki ‘99 and his wife welcomed their second baby girl, Isabella, to the world in March 2021.

‘00

Class Agents Olivia Bacardi Maddie Haggard

Soozie Klock ‘00 moved to Marathon in the spring of 2020. In addition to practicing law, she runs Keys Fitness Center, Marathon Liquor and Deli and Plaza Grille Wine & Martini Bar. Andre Lemmers III ‘00 has been working in Hollywood for a long time now. He worked as a creative executive under his mentor, Gianni Nunnari, where they produced films like the 300 franchise, The Departed, Shutter Island and more! In 2017, he left and started his own company, MiLu Entertainment (named using the first two letters of each of his children’s first names), and just one year later, he received a call from Gianni asking to be 50/50 partners

Class Agent Wesley Farrell

David S. Adler ‘01 is engaged to Cristina Mas. David and Cristina first met through a mutual friend at a dinner party in 2017, and have been together ever since. David proposed while hiking on a beautiful day in North Carolina, before celebrating with their families and his children who held a sign that aptly read, “Will You Marry Us?” The couple’s initial celebration was pushed due to the pandemic, but will now be taking place on August 15, 2021. Following the wedding, the Adlers will continue living in Miami, where David serves as president of the Adler Group, a third generation development company.

Jacob Fuerst ‘01 is going back to graduate school to earn another Master’s degree.

He is studying Explosives Engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

Alison (Steed) Thiebault ‘01, her husband and her daughter welcomed a baby boy, Calder Ronan Thiebault, on March 10, 2021.

‘02

Class Agent Tamara (Rutter) Walsh

‘02

Class Agent Adria “Peach” Jenkins

Randi (Wolfson) Adamo ‘02, her husband and her son welcomed a second baby.

Laura Davila ‘02 received her D.D.S. from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Her post-doctoral training included a two-year general practice residency at Weill Cornell Medical University - New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident and trained through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Davila then completed a prosthodontic residency at the Manhattan Veterans Administration Hospital – New York Health Harbor Center, where she served as Chief Resident and went on to earn her

(Continued on Page 42) SUMMER 2021

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ALUMNI PROFILE NEWS

Q+A with

WINTER WHEELER class of 1999

PTS: Where did you go (college/early work) after attending Palmer Trinity School, and how did you get to where you are today?

WW: I graduated from PTS in 1999 and attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. I studied abroad for one year at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and graduated from Georgetown in 2003. I went directly to Tulane Law School, where I focused on international and criminal law, and spent one summer studying in The Netherlands.

After graduating in 2006, I moved to Tampa, Florida and worked as an Assistant Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit of Florida in Hillsborough County. I was homesick after all my years away from Miami, so I moved back home and started my career as a civil defense attorney at the largest litigation firm in the state in 2007.

In 2009, I met my now husband and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where I’ve been ever since. I continued my career as a civil defense attorney until November 2019, when I became a fulltime mediator and arbitrator. I have spent this time during the pandemic learning to shift my entire business model to a virtual platform, which included finding new and innovative ways to market and promote my business.

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Describe yourself as a student at PTS. What were your favorite classes and activities, and how did PTS help shape you into the person you are today?

As a PTS student, I enjoyed all of my classes, really— other than chemistry and physics! I was in all honors and AP classes with a very small group of female students.

We were lovingly called “The Awesome Women.” My teachers were all so kind, considerate and nurturing.

They took a great deal of interest in what was important to me and what I excelled at, and they helped me harness those interests to find my passions.

I started Palmer Trinity School in 7th grade and participated in so many different extracurriculars. I was a cheerleader for two years and tried soccer, but I am not coordinated enough to excel at that type of sport! I was part of the yearbook staff and generally tried to find ways to get involved in the school community in any way that I could.

The Episcopal tenets of selflessness and caring for others, the international flavor of the school and the encouragement to learn about other cultures and to immerse myself in them nurtured my naturallyempathetic nature.

My time at PTS truly made me a global citizen—my time at Georgetown built upon and solidified that.

Today, my global citizenship has made me stay fully in touch with my ancestral past (and work hard to make sure my children are as well) and I seek to make such knowledge accessible to others. I use my cultural and linguistic knowledge to help parties to lawsuits be fully

acknowledged and understood during mediations and arbitrations. I serve as a conduit between those whose cultural distinctions would otherwise keep them apart or in a state of misunderstanding.

How and when did you know you wanted to become an attorney/mediator?

I went to law school on a whim, essentially. I was not someone who always wanted to be a lawyer—quite the contrary. But I’m glad I did it. I enjoyed being a litigator very, very much, but I knew early into my career as a litigator that I would prefer the work that was being done by the mediator.

I met a mediator who gave me several tips on how I could use my litigation experience to build a strong, successful and prosperous career in mediation and arbitration.

What do you love most about your career?

Dispute resolution is my passion because I get to work with people who need help getting through a rough time in their lives. They often feel misunderstood, unheard and isolated.

I love being the person who can reach them emotionally and help them through their problems. I help people to feel whole again and move on with their lives. I like to say that I help give people their lives back.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?

The biggest challenges I’ve faced are related to maintaining the business during the pandemic. Staying creative and agile in the face of extreme uncertainty has not been easy, but I have loved it more than any job I have ever had.

What’s your greatest accomplishment to date?

My greatest accomplishments are my four children. Roman, Rex, Helena and Titan are my entire world. Everything I do, I ultimately do for them.

Tell us a little bit about your recent book, #Networked, and the work you’ve done to empower women and encourage diversity.

As part of my endeavors, I co-authored a book titled #Networked with 19 other female lawyers. The book chronicles our stories of grit and endurance during the pandemic as we were determined to grow and prosper during such a difficult time. The book debuted as a #1 bestseller on Amazon.

Since the success of the book, my coauthors and I have been on an extensive speaking tour, seeking to inspire men and women alike. I have spoken to colleges, law schools, paralegals, networking groups, affinity groups and

numerous law firms about the need to pull together in these times and support each other. I speak a lot about the story I share in the book, and the importance of believing in yourself and refusing to entertain naysayers.

We know you give back through lots of community service. Can you talk about some of your volunteer work and why you do it?

My desire to be heavily involved in community service certainly dates back to my time at PTS. While community service was a graduation requirement, I realized quickly that I enjoyed being part of my community and sharing the immense blessings that my family and I always enjoyed. Right now, I volunteer by giving my time and expertise to help indigent individuals who cannot afford to retain an attorney.

Tell us a little bit about your personal life, like your four adorable children, and anything you enjoy doing in your free time.

I spend a lot of time with family. We enjoy cooking and baking. We love to throw impromptu parties at home, complete with gourmet meals and silly decorations. For example, for Valentine’s Day, my four year-old requested that we roast a 20-pound turkey and pretend it was Thanksgiving.

She wanted it to be unicorn themed, so we decorated accordingly.

What advice would you give high school students about life? About pursuing a career in law?

I would recommend spending a lot of time researching different areas of law, and think about how those areas of law are practiced in different jurisdictions.

Give consideration to which colleges will give you the best shot at which law schools, and which law school will get you to the area of law you want to practice. Be mindful of the cost of living wherever you go.

From left – #Networked Book Cover, TMN Podcast.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Left to right, row 1 — Dax Tejera ‘03, Alexis Undorfer ‘04, Michael Contreras ‘04, Lisa ‘04 and Alex Haynes ‘04, Rebecca (Imran) Freeland ‘05.

Row 2 – Brittney Hernandez ‘06, Maria Barreto ‘06, Paola (Granados) Radlick ‘06, Tracy Wilk ‘06, Alejandra Tovar ‘07.

Certificate in Prosthodontics and do didactic training at New York University College of Dentistry. Laura is back in Miami and working as a dentist at Coral Gables Dentistry.

‘03

Class Agent Mercedes (Anez) Stark

Jose I. Rodriguez ‘03 has lived in Tampa since 2017 with wife, Jelianne Roger— cousin of Philippe Roger ‘04, Camila Roger ‘07 and Daniela Roger ‘11. They recently welcomed their first daughter, AnneSophie. Jose is a Compliance executive at JP Morgan’s Corporate Investment Bank and is responsible for steering the Global Risk Assessment program.

Dax Tejera ‘03 writes, “Veronica and I celebrated the birth of our firstborn, Sofia Melffi, on November 30, 2020. Veronica was due December 4 and wanted very much to avoid delivering in November because of a crush of family birthdays that month. On Sunday, November 29, I returned home from producing ABC’s This Week and Veronica spent the afternoon reading on the couch. I suggested she turn on the lights to the Christmas tree we had gotten early. Right as she sprung up to do just that… her water broke. Sofia Melffi was born at 3:08 a.m. on the same day as her

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uncle and godfather, my brother Justin.

All are well and strong. It was a prolonged Christmas miracle!”

‘04

Class Agent Ryan Jurney

Mimi (Jacome) Gamarra ‘04 and her husband welcomed their third little princess, Victoria, in the spring of 2020. Our two other daughters, Gabriela 5 and Catalina 2 are extremely happy with their new little sister.

Alexis Undorfer ‘04 and her late husband, who passed in November 2020, welcomed son Liam Maximilian on May 28, 2020.

She recently marked her third year with the Florida Office of the Attorney General, where she is an Investigation Specialist for the Consumer Protection Division.

Michael Contreras ‘04 and his wife, Sandra Caicedo, welcomed their first baby, Antonio Ignacio, into the world on July 10, 2020.

Even with the challenges of the pandemic, they were able to baptize their son on December 12, during the Feast of La Virgen De Guadalupe, a special day for both of their families.

Lisa (Migliaccio) Haynes ‘04 and Alexander Haynes ‘04 relocated to Richmond, Virginia last summer. Alex works as a research data

analyst at VCU Health’s Massey Cancer Center, after four years working at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami. They have two daughters, ages three and six, and are enjoying the (much) cooler Virginia weather! Lisa’s parents, Chris and Marty Migliaccio (“Mrs. Mig”), have recently relocated as well and love being close to their granddaughters again.

‘05

Class Agents Maria Boria Robert Moore

Rebecca (Imran) Freeland ‘05 welcomed baby boy Everett with her husband, Josh Freeland, on Christmas Eve 2020. She will be finishing her residency in anesthesiology at the University of Utah in July and starting her fellowship in pain medicine at Johns Hopkins in August 2021.

Eddy Mendiola ‘05 and Lindsay Mendiola welcomed, Lucia “Lulu” Aylin Mendiola, their second baby girl this year on January 11. She is the younger sister of Alexandra Leigh Mendiola, by exactly 2 years.

‘06

Class Agents Samantha (Evans) Moore Julio Ligorria

Alumni couple, Brittney (Fyffe) Hernandez

‘06 and Wilson Hernandez ‘06, along with their two sons, Gabriel (5) and Adrian (2) welcomed their first daughter, Maya, on March 29, 2021.

Paola (Granados) Radlick ‘06 and her husband welcomed their first son, Sebastian Michael Radlick, on January 24, 2021.

Maria Luiza Barreto Dzegar ‘06 and Alexander Dzegar welcomed their daughter, Anastasia Barreto Dzegar, into the world on February 24, 2021.

Tracy Wilk ‘06 wrote a cookbook, #BakeItForward, with all her favorite recipes that she developed during the pandemic. This inspiring book also features stories from some of the bravest frontline workers who chronicled the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘07

Class Agent Danielle (Snyder) Sanabria

Alejandra Tovar ‘07 writes, “I married my best friend, Shea Bowers, in 2016 and we have been living in New Orleans, LA for the past nine years. I’ve been working in the film and television industry since 2012, in both the property and set decoration

departments. I love my job and the creativity that comes with it. Lastly, I got the great news, a few months ago, that I was selected to be inducted into the Palmer Trinity School Athletics Hall of Fame! I am not only honored, but thrilled to be receiving this recognition.

Víctor Sanabria ‘07 and Danielle (Snyder) Sanabria ‘07 welcomed their first baby boy, Connor James Sanabria, on January 20, 2021.

‘08

Class Agent Lauren Franklin

Megan Cunningham ‘08 writes, “I got engaged to a non-PTS Alum, Rusty Handler. We’re getting married on May 28, 2022 in Laguna Beach, CA.” Lauren Franklin-Ludovici ‘08 and Stephen Ludovici ‘08 are planning to move to New York City this summer. Lauren recently joined J. Crew’s corporate office as a Distribution Analyst for Men’s Apparel.

Stephen is an Associate at White and Case LLP, in their Financial Restructuring and Insolvency practice.

Mike Woll ‘08 and Paula (Vizcarra)

Woll ‘09 welcomed Luca Gabriel Woll and are moving to Atlanta in July so Paula can attend Emory’s Physician Assistant program.

Romina Puga ‘08 is a bilingual host on a new children’s series, Club Mundo Kids, that airs on Televisa and Universo. The show is aimed at young first- and secondgeneration Hispanic children living in the US. Lauren (Adamo) Bross ‘08 and her husband, Joshua welcomed their first baby girl, Ellie Savannah this past May.

‘09

Class Agents Laura Posada Paula Vizcarra

Zoe Braun ‘09 married Chelsie Collier and is a practicing veterinarian.

Faris Desir ‘09 and his wife welcomed their second baby boy on January 2, 2021.

Jaquen Castellanos ‘09 is a Writer’s Guild Award-nominated writer living in Los Angeles. She has written for shows like The Affair, Sweetbitter, David Makes Man and others. She recently signed a deal with Amazon Studios to develop and create content that will premier on Prime Video.

Left to right, row 1 — Victor and Danielle (Snyder) Sanabria ‘07, Megan Cunningham ‘08, Paula’09 and Mike Woll ‘08, Romina Puga ‘08, Lauren (Adamo) Bross ‘08. Row 2 – Emily (Tarbe) DaGrosa ‘09 and Aleck DaGrosa ‘09, Jaquen Castellanos ‘09, Melanie (Metal) Lander ‘09, Natalia Matallana ‘09, Zoey Braun ‘09.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Citizenship Panel

THIS YE AR OUR 8 TH GR ADERS could not attend the Democracy in DC trip because of COVID-19. Therefore, on May 7th, our alumni stepped up to the plate to help give them a meaningful virtual experience. Students began the day by analyzing what is currently memorialized on the National Mall and then worked in advisory groups to prototype what they believe should be included in this memorialization but are currently not. Then our 8th graders had the opportunity to hear from four amazing alumni who have chosen careers that focus on making a positive change in our world. Thank you to the following alumni who volunteered their time to inspire our 8th -grade students.

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PATRICK ERIN MURPHY ‘01 UNITED STATES CONGRESS

CAITI (POMERANCE) WAKS ‘07 DEBRIS FREE OCEANS

ANDREA ORTIZ ‘12 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION

SEBASTIAN NICHOLLS ‘12 PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS

Congressman Patrick Erin Murphy ‘01 is currently Executive Vice President of Coastal Construction, where he oversees Coastal’s diversification and growth as the company continues its expansion throughout Florida. He also co-chairs Coastal’s philanthropic arm, Coastal Cares. Murphy’s key accomplishments in office include helping secure nearly $2B in Everglades restoration funding, introducing the SAVE Act to eliminate billions in wasteful government spending, and passing legislation to reform the national flood insurance market.

Caiti Waks ‘07 received her degree in Ecosystem Science and Policy from the University of Miami before earning a law degree from the University of Florida.

Over one summer in law school, Caiti biked across the United States while brainstorming solutions to issues affecting our oceans, which led her to co-found the nonprofit organization Debris Free Oceans.

Caiti also co-founded the nonprofit Ohio Ocean Foundation and is a Board Member of both Friends of Our Florida Reefs and the City of Miami Beach’s Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority.

Andrea Ortiz ‘12 works for the UN migration agency, also known as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to her work in South America, she worked at IOM’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and was a policy consultant in Mexico City.

She has a B.A. in Social Studies and Economics from Harvard University and a Master’s in Migration Studies from the University of Oxford.

Sebastian Nicholls ‘12 currently works on international environmental policy at Pew Charitable Trusts, with a focus on marine conservation. He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service in 2016 with a degree in Science, Technology, and International Affairs and a focus on energy and the environment. He has written petitions that have been sent to the White House and the UN to create a standalone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on oceans, now SDG14.

palmertrinity.org

Alumni Mentoring Program THE ALUMNI MENTORING PROGR AM was created to connect current students and recent graduates with successful Alumni in various professions to help them learn, grow and prepare for their future. As COVID-19 opened the door to the “virtual classroom,” Alumni from all over the country were able to Zoom in to our Palmer Trinity School classrooms and offer career and life advice.

This year, we were fortunate to have the following guest speakers mentor and inspire our students.

Carlos Huerta ‘01, Director at Bank of America, spoke to Financial Algebra students about careers in banking.

Jaquen Castellanos ‘09, a Writer’s Guild Awardnominated writer in Los Angeles, spoke to our American Literature classes about her journey as a writer.

Kamal Moo ‘98, an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles and author of The Straightforward Guide to the Music Biz, gave music students advice about breaking into the music industry.

Michele (Baker) Benesch ‘89, President of Menu Men, Inc., encouraged Social Entrepreneurship students to remember social responsibility as they develop new business ideas.

Victoria Garcia ‘01, Rebecca Dahdah ‘08, and Alexa Tannebaum ‘17, all strong women in STEM, spoke to the SWENext Club (Society of Women in Engineering – High School Chapter) about their experience in STEM careers and opportunities in the field.

Curt Lary ‘17, Founder of Hextronics—a revolutionary drone technology— met with our Apollo Club, SWENext Club and Computer Science classes to talk about his invention and even recruit new interns to help with his product launch.

Victoria Varela ‘05, Outreach Coordinator at Lotus House Women’s Shelter, spoke to Social Entrepreneurship students about the reality of poverty and homelessness in the US.

Danielle Befeler ‘09, an immigration attorney, spoke to our Women’s Studies class to help students gain a deeper understanding of human rights with regards to immigration, asylum seekers and the Violence Against Women Act.

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ALUMNI NEWS

College Day 2021

COLLEGE DAY IS ALWAYS FUN for graduating seniors!

On January 14th, PTS Alumni met with the Class of 2020 over Zoom to share their college experiences and advice with fellow Falcons. To prepare our seniors for the road ahead, they talked about everything from being at a new school and taking classes, to making friends and creating good time management skills. Special thanks to all the Alumni who participated in this year’s event!

The Palmer Trinity Master Class Series

ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE PANDEMIC in 2020 was the lack of social interaction. So to keep members of the community engaged and connected during their time at home, PTS launched The Palmer Trinity Master Class Series—a series of virtual classes taught by parents and Alumni who are experts in everything from gardening and baking, to investing, real estate, politics and even perfume appreciation. These interactive classes were taught on Zoom and gave the entire PTS community an opportunity to connect with one another while learning something new.

Special thanks to the PTS parents and Alumni who volunteered to teach a master class: Helida Dodd, Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96, Nathan Zeder ‘98, Daniel Diaz Leyva ‘98, Adrian Foley ‘02, Bobby Moore ‘05, Tracey Wilk ‘06, Julio Ligorria ‘06, Douglas Rothfeldt ‘10 and Daniel Omachonu ‘12.

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Melanie (Metal) Lander ‘09 accepted a position as Community Planning and Design Extension Specialist for the Hawaii Sea Grant College Program at the University of Hawaii. Melanie’s work focuses on the urban-environmental interface in coastal areas. She specializes in mitigating present day issues caused by yesterday’s decisions, like stream channelization, development on the shoreline and within floodplains, wetland and native species loss, wastewater management and urban sprawl. Melanie is interested in how the restoration of ecosystems in urban areas can be used to adapt to global climate change and improve the health of communities. Her work highlights the importance of considering place in policy making, and prioritizes the use of low-impact development to protect and restore ecosystem services from land to sea. Previously, Melanie worked as a project analyst for the Hawai’i Office of Planning Coastal Zone Management Program, a Peter J. Rappa Sustainable Coastal Development Fellow with Hawai’i Sea Grant and a wetland ecologist in South Florida. Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Florida, and her Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech.

Natalie Matallana ‘09 got engaged to her long time boyfriend, Alex Hart, and has started her own marketing agency. They are living in New Orleans.

Emily (Tarbe) DaGrosa ‘09 & Aleck DaGrosa ‘09 welcomed their first baby boy, Aleck John DaGrosa Jr., on September 21, 2020.

‘10

Class Agents Camila Aime Douglas Rothfeldt

Brooke Sonenreich ‘10 is living in Atlanta, GA, where she is editor-in-chief at a publishing company called Oz.

Top to bottom — Briana Henry ‘10, Christina Ludovici ‘10, Daniela Agurcia ‘10, Ashley Ramkishun ‘11, Katie Di Fede ‘11, Marcel Apple ‘11.

Daniela Agurcia ‘10 started her own jewelry line, Loulou La Mar. When she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Daniela had to adjust her lifestyle by focusing on her diet, well-being and overall stress control. Designing jewelry is a therapeutic and creative release for her, and 5% of her profits are donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Christina Ludovici ‘10 got engaged to

Dogan Dinlecener after being together for over two years. They look forward to celebrating with their friends and family after the pandemic.

Briana Henry ‘10 married Kris Bower in the summer of 2020. When their original wedding was cancelled due to COVID-19, they had a perfect, fairytale, backyard wedding with their closest friends and family. Briana is an actress in Los Angeles who currently plays Jordan Ashford in General Hospital, and Kris is a music composer.

‘11

Class Agents Katherine Difede Matthew MacNair Matias Faillace

Marcel Apple ‘11 graduated from the American University Washington College of Law in May. He and his fiancé, Kristina Lauria, recently bought a home in Alexandria, VA, and will be getting married in Coconut Grove next spring.

Alexa Cajiga ‘11 is currently living in Denver, Colorado. She is Customer Success Manager at wix.com, and is a luxury travel broker for The Luxe Collective, an ultraluxury travel brokerage. In the beginning of the pandemic, she started to focus more on her photography and launched an online print shop: alexacajiga.com.

Katie DiFede ‘11 has been sewing from the age of 10. While making her own Halloween costumes and gifting personalized items to her family and friends has always been a hobby for her, she branded it into her own business in 2020. The brand, Upskale Threads, which incorporates her initials “KRD,” gives local and global customers the opportunity to bring their own customizations to life. Whether it be a logo for their business or matching t-shirts for the annual family trip, Katie works closely with her clients to provide custom pieces for any occasion. She has been invited to pop-up events all over South Florida, where she customizes pieces on site and offers an immediate turnaround so customers can witness the creative process from start to finish. For more information, or to be a part of her journey, send an email to upskalethreads@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram at @upskalethreads.

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ALUMNI PROFILE NEWS

CRISTINA SARNOFF

class of 2003

My mission is to leave the world better than I found it through purposedriven storytelling, and to garner as much peace and happiness as possible along the way.”

CRISTINA SARNOFF IS an AmericanCuban film director and producer who was born in New York City and raised in both Geneva, Switzerland and Miami, FL. After graduating from Palmer Trinity School in 2003, she studied political science and broadcast journalism at Emerson College. Later, she furthered her education at Columbia University, where she focused on human rights, film and media studies.

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Cristina’s passion for philanthropy began during her internship with the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. After Emerson, Cristina worked for Jerry Bruckheimer, in Hollywood. A few years later, after she was presented with the opportunity to coordinate The Nelson Mandela Inauguration Day and Dinner in New York City, she decided to start her own company. It was then that Cristina fully

realized that you really can change the world “one imprint at a time,” as Nelson Mandela himself says. Moving forward, Cristina set out to align her career with her purpose in life: to make the world a better place.

Growing up in the entertainment business and having deep roots in media—her great grandfather, General David Sarnoff, was the founder of NBC and a leading pioneer in the field of

content. She is the creator behind Discovery USH’s Go Originals, which focuses on building bridges for multicultural audiences and brands and empowering Hispanics across the country. Cristina is also the creator and host of Discovery’s digital series Follow in Her Footsteps, which aims to empower women by celebrating their accomplishments and attributing their success to healthy habits.

Above, left to right – Cristina, her husband, Juan Pablo Yepez and their son, Christopher Daniel Yepez-Sarnoff; Cristina and her mother on an interview for Buzzsaw about Jeffery Epstein and human trafficking issues. Below – Cristina Sarnoff and her husband Juan Pablo Yepez Opposite page, left to right – Cristina on set in London with 1st Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland for documentary Connected; Cristina in Ecuador while shooting feature film, Son of Man.

radio and television—made Cristina astutely aware of the power of storytelling. After organizing events in NYC, Cristina returned to Los Angeles to work at Arenas Entertainment as a production executive on a story about faith. In 2012, Cristina founded Atila Films, a documentary company, and embarked on a storytelling adventure about modern-day slavery that would change her life.

H E R V IS I O N FO R ATI L A FI LM S:

“We believe in the good of the people and every story we tell sheds light on a social issue. We begin with awareness. We educate, engage and empower our audiences. We believe that, together, we can change the world for the better through the medium of storytelling. We have the ability to see where others cannot. We are here to tell your story and change the world, one story at a time.”

With her vision in mind, Cristina set out to direct Connected, a docuseries that sheds light on modern-day slavery. This docuseries caught the eye of a handful of “do-gooders” and her dear friend Julian Lennon, who became her executive producer. The docuseries, which exposes how all of our lives are deeply connected to human exploitation, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, is expected to be released in 2022. In it, Cristina

explores places around the world— from Qatar’s latest structure for the 2022 World Cup, to cacao plantations in West Africa and sex-trafficking rings in Los Angeles, CA—to show how 41 million men, women and children worldwide are forced into slavery.

In conjunction with Connected, Cristina directed a public service announcement with Ed Harris to raise awareness about sex trafficking in the United States.

It’s a family affair, too. Cristina’s mother, Conchita Sarnoff, has been working tirelessly to combat human trafficking for years and is the investigative reporter who broke the Jeffery Epstein case in early 2008. Conchita also has a nonprofit foundation, Alliance To Rescue Victims of Trafficking, which raises awareness about human trafficking from its office in Washington, D.C. Currently, Cristina’s scripted film company, Sarnoff Artist Media, is in development for a feature film based on her mother’s book TrafficKing (which exposes the Jeffrey Epstein saga), as well as a biopic about General Sarnoff.

Cristina exemplifies Palmer Trinity School’s “Portrait of a Graduate.” She is a problem solver, an independent thinker, a critical listener, a passionate learner, a global citizen and an ethical leader. Cristina has focused her entire career around telling stories that educate and advocate for justice and empower women and minorities to ultimately level the playing field and change the narrative.

Cristina asks herself the following questions daily and encourages others to do the same: » “Why do I do what I do?” » “Who am I?” » “What is my purpose?” » “When I leave planet Earth, what kind of world will I have left behind?” » “Did I do enough to serve generations for times to come?” » “Did I love big enough and live with passion?”

“My biggest regret thus far has been not dreaming big enough, which I use as a good reminder for my present and future,” said Cristina.

“My greatest accomplishment yet still hasn’t happened.”

Aside from her independent work, Cristina is also Executive Producer of Discovery US Hispanic’s Branded Entertainment division and spearheads their digital branded SUMMER 2021

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ALUMNI NEWS

Row 1 — Chris McAlpin ‘12, Giancarlo Falconi ‘12, Sean Ramras ‘12, Ximena Bobadilla ‘12. Row 2 – Preston Michelson ‘13, Claudia Viyella ‘13, Victoria Friedlander ‘15.

Ashley Ramkishun ‘11 writes, “I am currently working at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor. I’ve been with the office since August 2019. While the job itself is very demanding, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to lead and mentor fellow attorneys in my current role as a training attorney. The office promoted me recently!

Starting next month, I will be transitioning into my new role as Assistant Chief of County Court.”

‘12

Class Agents Emily Eckblom Andres Valverde Kris Rest

Ximena Bobadilla ‘12 writes, “I was admitted to grad school and will be attending the full time MBA program at USC Marshall School of Business, joining the class of 2023. I aim to pivot from real estate to consulting to break into the entertainment industry. Historically, MBA programs have lacked diversity and I am excited to be representing the Latinx community in graduate school.”

Giancarlo Falconi ‘12 writes, “Cristy and I met in the most embarrassing way, but I’m so glad we both chose to swipe right on Tinder! We matched in the early hours 50

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of October 22, 2019, and were so shocked and amazed by one another’s photos, background and culture that we couldn’t resist meeting up in person the next day.

Yes, we went out the very next day—on October 23—at a gas station: El Carajo Spanish Restaurant on US1. We enjoyed that day so much that we continued seeing each other, meeting one another’s families and going on some very fun dates. Long story short, we ended up falling in love only nine days after. I proposed to her a year from the day we met, in Newport Rhode Island, a town I used to visit to sail competitively during my high school years at Palmer Trinity School. Fast forward to today, and we have bought a lot, are building a house from the ground up and are getting married in November 2021 at the Church of the Little Flower!”

Chris McAlpin ‘12 is an attorney and litigation associate at Lawson & Weitzen, a law firm in Boston, where he handles an array of commercial, real estate and tort litigation. Chris often represents a national educational tour company in litigation brought across various U.S. jurisdictions and courts. Additionally, Chris represents real estate developers and their related entities in a plethora of zoning, construction and real estate-related disputes. Chris is a hardworking, results-driven attorney

who relies on his sharp legal skills to serve clients through all aspects of litigation. He is adept in litigation strategies and actively counsels his clients to maximize favorable results. Chris often praises his high school alma mater for instilling the essential critical-thinking skills that he utilizes everyday in his practice of the law.

Sean Ramras ‘12 writes, “I just graduated from medical school at St. George’s University. I graduated summa cum laude and as a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. I will begin residency in general surgery at Waterbury Hospital, in Connecticut, in July 2021.”

‘13

Class Agents Fernando Bonet Nicole Font

Daniella Almanza ‘13 moved to Orlando, FL and is working as a full time transportation planner and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping specialist with TranSystems.

Preston Michelson ‘13 writes, “I am finishing up my second year at the Maurer School of Law at Indiana UniversityBloomington. Next year, I will serve as editor-in-chief of the Indiana Law Journal, the school’s flagship, general interest legal

To Graduates, With Love

FOR THE PAST THREE YE ARS, the Moms and Dads of Grads Committee—made up of parents of PTS Alumni—has gotten together every year to assemble care packages for graduated seniors. With the pandemic looming, this year’s gathering took place outside and involved a smaller number of parents. These packages were made up of snacks, Alumni memorabilia and notes from current PTS students and faculty, and were sent to Class of 2020 graduates during their freshman year of college to remind them that we’re always thinking about them. Thank you to all of the parents who contributed to this wonderful tradition!

publication. This summer, I will be working as a summer associate for Mayer Brown, a law firm in Chicago.”

Claudia Viyella ‘13 writes, “My husband’s name is Stefano Giorgio Balli. We met in our hometown of Miami, shortly after I graduated from Palmer Trinity School in 2013. We dated throughout college and afterwards and got engaged in Aspen after seven years, right before the pandemic started. After a year of lockdowns, panic and vaccinations (finally), we had our dream wedding at Casa de Campo, in the Dominican Republic. We took the proper precautions, like testing beforehand and throughout the weekend, and ensured all events were held outdoors. Amongst my bridesmaids were Danielle Rothfeldt ‘13, Katherine Brockway ‘13, Tatiana Campuzano ‘13 and Darcy Velasquez

‘13. Amongst the groomsmen were Jose Viyella ‘17, Andres Valverde ‘12, Fernando Castillo ‘12 and Cameron McDonough ‘11.”

‘14

Class Agent Sarah Medina

‘15

Class Agents Janelle Gonzalez Kelly Marie Malloy Keenan Rodriguez

Victoria Friedlander ‘15 writes, “I wanted to share that I’ve graduated with my Master’s in War Studies from King’s College London. I’ve also recently gotten engaged to Michael Stephens and moved to London permanently.”

moved into the Marquis last year from New York City. She is a recent Cornell University graduate and is excited to share her vision of Miami and society. In her paintings, which depict everything from iconic celebratory champagne glasses to the unfortunate hangover the next morning, she incorporates the colorful imagery of Miami nightlife using bright colors on a large scale canvas. The paintings seek to entice its audience to engage in our Miami nights. She is also fascinated by our social interactions with each other and social media, and uses her art to explore how we change our faces to accommodate different social settings. To view more of her work, please visit www.carinasegredo. com and follow her on Instagram at @paintings.by.carina.

Carina Segredo ‘15 is a young artist who

Left to right – Carina Segredo ‘15, Rodrigo Gerbasi ‘16, Kristyn Abbood ‘16 SUMMER 2021

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DANIEL“Danny” DIAZ LEYVA

ALUMNI PROFILE NEWS

class of 1998

2017, Danny co-founded the Diaz Leyva Group, a Find your priorities in life. Inleading minority-owned boutique law firm focused on real estate and business transactions. The Diaz Life is short. Enjoy the Leyva Group supports client businesses in two key areas: real estate and business transactions. journey with those who Through his services as outside general counsel and an outsourced legal department, Danny and his firm enhance it.” are able to address a variety of client needs in the That is advice from Daniel “Danny” Diaz Leyva ‘98 to high school students. Danny, an accomplished attorney and trusted advisor, has three main priorities in his life: first and foremost, his family, and then his thriving law firm and giving back to his community.

Danny transferred to Palmer Trinity School during his sophomore year. He fondly remembers his American Literature class with Mrs. Susan Patterson, who lit a spark in his academic curiosity, and his advanced math classes with Ms. Elena De Villiers, who was a “Cuban mother hen” for her students. Outside the classroom, Danny’s favorite activities were football and basketball. He served as a co-captain of both teams with Preston Dickerson ‘98 his senior year. He is eternally grateful for the discipline, focus and hard work Coach Hewitt, Coach Mancuso, Coach Grubair and Coach Rachelson instilled in him.

industry from the structuring, formation and daily operations of companies to the acquisition, financing, leasing, development and disposition of real estate.

They represent a variety of clientele, including owneroperators, family offices, investors, home builders and developers and bank and non-bank lenders.

Danny presently serves as outside general counsel for the 10 th -largest publicly-traded homebuilder in the country, LGI Homes, representing them throughout the State of Florida. Earlier this year, Diaz Leyva Group also represented Barlington Group in its acquisition of 32 properties leased to Dollar General in 22 states, from 18 owners, in two different closings. Other clients include: Maynada Capital Management, Farm Stores, and Beto Perez,

“They pushed their athletes tremendously and showed them the importance of teamwork and being part of something bigger than themselves,” said Danny.

After graduating from Palmer Trinity School in 1998, Danny earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Miami and pursued a law degree from St. Thomas University. He knew that becoming a licensed attorney would set him apart in the business world. After earning his degrees, Danny practiced as an attorney and government relations consultant, and served in various management positions for a number of well-known firms, including Foley & Lardner LLP, one of our nation’s oldest and most respected AmLaw 50 firms.

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Danny delivering school supplies and backpacks to Citrus Grove Elementary

Clockwise from top left – Danny and his family in their Miami home, Danny on one of his visits to Miami Dade College, Danny with his family in the Colorado mountains, Danny speaking to students at Miami Dade College.

the founder of Zumba Fitness. The Diaz Leyva Group now includes all facets of the real estate industry and even took on the representation of national clients.

In addition to commercial work, Danny’s team handles residential real estate closings, which have grown due to the influx of new Florida residents.

Danny loves supporting his clients and helping them prosper in their business.

“Seeing my clients succeed makes me proud and it’s always an honor to be a part of their story,” says Danny. “And they are part of my story. They not only strengthen the backbone of my business, but give me the drive to continue growing it.”

However, his success didn’t come without some challenges. In 2014, Danny ran for public office. He received extensive support from friends while pouring his heart and soul into the campaign. It was a rewarding experience, but he sacrificed a lot of time away from his family during the effort. Danny lost the election by a slim margin. It was a painful and stinging defeat, but Danny now realizes it was God’s way of redirecting his path. At the time, Danny’s son was experiencing

some medical challenges and losing the election allowed Danny to be present and support him.

“This painful loss helped me refocus my time and energy towards my family and my practice and eventually build a successful business,” he remembers.

“As I reflect today, six years later, that loss was the best thing that happened to me. Those years steeled me to adversity and discomfort and helped me reset my priorities. I am happier today than I have ever been.”

As a man of faith, Danny believes Luke 12:48, which reads, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” He is a true servant leader, dedicating countless hours of service throughout our community. While in law school, Danny began volunteering at CHARLEE Homes for Children, the largest foster care agency in Miami-Dade County.

With his mentor and friend, Danny helped raise awareness and funds to support the effort and eventually served on its Board of Directors. Since then, he has volunteered and served on various boards in support of our community, including initiatives for mental health, substance abuse, diplomacy and international relations

in our hemisphere and education.

More recently, he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College, and was also invited to sit on the Alumni Board at Palmer Trinity School.

During his free time, Danny likes being outdoors and traveling with his wife, Cristy, and their two children, Danny Jr. and Adriana. As a Miami native, he loves the water, but also enjoys hiking, skiing and horseback riding through the mountains of Colorado, his home away from home. Danny is a true role model in our community. His determination and perseverance have brought him much success and he’s managed to stay focused on his priorities: his family, his business and serving others. Danny knows how Palmer Trinity School helped pave the way for his success, too.

“My time at Palmer Trinity School was truly defining,” he says. “I have no doubt that the friendships I made in the classroom and on the field, the discipline that was instilled in me by my teachers and coaches and my exposure to diverse studies in the classroom helped shape me as a young student and set the tone for my future.”

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ALUMNI NEWS

‘16

Class Agents Emily Kalbac Carolina Mantilla

Kristyn Abood Vicente ‘16 recently graduated from Vanderbilt University with a major in Medicine, Health and Society and a minor in Psychology.

She is currently working as a scribe in the radiation oncology department at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, while pursuing a graduate certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

She hopes to attend medical school next year, with the ultimate goal of using her career to increase access to healthcare in the South Florida community.

Rodrigo Gerbasi ‘16 is a senior on the Purdue Cheerleading team. He was selected for the Big Ten Coed First Team All-Conference and voted “Male Athlete of the Year.”

Carolina Mantilla ‘16 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Rochester Institute of Technology and will be moving to Denmark this summer.

‘17

Class Agent Needed

Charles Bailey ‘17 writes, “I am graduating UCF in May and joining Hudson River Trading, in New York City, as Core Developer (Software Engineer) in August.”

Curt Lary ‘17 graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and founded Hextronics, a company that makes drone technology more efficient and feasible. As an article on Medium explains, “Hextronics works with a team of talented engineers to expand its platform and technology. With its premier product, the ONE, Hextronics is looking to become a vanguard of economical Drone-in-aBox technologies. Three components are typically required in automatic drone flight: 1) sending control signals, 2) secure launch sites and 3) fuel. Within the product design of the Hextronics ONE — the box-shaped resilient drone station — all three of these components are supplied automatically. Hextronics is leading the way in the development of new computer vision applications by virtue of

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aerial autonomy. Computer vision is the process of analyzing a stream of images and extracting highly-valuable data from them. The applications of this technology are projected to grow immensely in the coming decade, and Hextronics ONE will accelerate this growth by providing resources for recurring, autonomous image capturing. Hextronics is founded on the philosophy of democratizing drone technology. ‘We want to build a world where all businesses can have the opportunity to utilize the sky — not just through the sole hands of tech giants as it is now,’ says Lary. The Hextronics ONE is currently moving into scaled production with distributors worldwide to ensure its product delivery by Q4 of 2021. Those who are interested in acquiring the Hextronics ONE or becoming a partner can reach out to Mr. Lary at curt@hextronics.tech.”

‘18

Class Agents Alan Macaulay Elizabeth Vallejo Samantha Yanes

Sophie Gravier ‘18 writes, “I am graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Development and a minor in Developmental Psychology.

After graduation, I plan on earning my Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders and practicing as a pediatric early intervention speech and language pathologist, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder, and continuing to do research in the field.”

Elizabeth Vallejo ‘18 is living in San Francisco and working at Brilliant Earth, an e-commerce company that specializes in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

‘19 ‘20

Class Agents John-Paul Arrien Carolina Socorro Class Agent Needed

Top to bottom – Charles Bailey ‘17, Curt Lary ‘17, Elizabeth Vallejo ‘18, Sophie Gravier ‘18.

Emily + Austin: A PTS Love Story

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHE ARTS Emily (Kalbac) Cannon ‘16 and Austin Cannon ‘16 began their love story at Palmer Trinity School in the summer of 2009 and recently returned to campus to say “I do” in the newly built, state-of-theart Trinity Chapel. The newlyweds first met at a PTS ice cream social in the weeks prior to their first day of sixth grade. Often partnered together in Judi Jennings’ sixth and seventh-grade P.E. classes, the two spent much time together and quickly became close friends. At the 2012 PTS homecoming football game, following their crowning as 9th grade homecoming prince and princess, Austin asked Emily to be his girlfriend.

Throughout their years at Palmer Trinity, the pair supported one another in their academic, extracurricular, and athletic pursuits. Emily was often spotted cheering for Austin on the sidelines of his lacrosse and football games, where he led both teams as team captain, and Austin was often spotted supporting Emily at her Tri-M music honor society coffee house events and Climb-4-Colitis fundraisers. Both Emily and Austin participated in the school’s music program for all seven years of attendance—Emily in the orchestra as a violinist and Austin in the band as a trumpet and baritone player. During their time at PTS, the two shared many memories, including canoeing through the Everglades on their Outward Bound trip, traveling to Atlanta and Orlando with the Palmer Trinity music program, attending Marlins games with Ms. Vanegas’s advisory, and being announced as homecoming king and queen during their senior year.

After graduating from high school, Emily attended the University of Miami, where she studied health sciences, chemistry, public health, and psychology, and Austin attended Florida International University, where he studied business management and finance. Austin currently works as the Chief Administrative Officer for The Miami Sportscenter, an 820,000 square-foot, indoor, multi-use sports complex, being built in Doral. Starting in the fall of 2021, Emily will be attending medical school at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she hopes to continue conducting basic science and clinical research and to become more heavily involved with health policy. Together, the two hope to improve the health and wellness of those in Miami-Dade County and beyond, and to use their time and resources to advocate for the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in our community.

Wedding Photo Credit: Carla Garcia Costa

SUMMER 2021

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Give Back Leadership Gifts

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Adam Moskowitz ‘85 R. HARDY MATHESON CIRCLE Mr. Facundo and Mrs. Elizabeth (Lane) Bacardi ‘93 Mr. and Mrs. Andre Carbonell ‘05 Mr. Phil and Mrs. Beth (Brockway) Serrate ‘85 ROSE PALMER O’NEIL CIRCLE Mr. Richard Grillo ‘97 and Mrs. Lara (O’Donnell) Grillo ‘98 Mr. Douglas Rothfeldt ‘10 Mr. Robert Valls and Mrs. Ophelia (Grillo) Valls ‘92 Mr. Nathan Zeder ‘98 ADAM MOSKOWITZ ‘85 I have wonderful memories from my time at Palmer and know that my children will also come away with the same strong values I did. The school has as much, if not more, heart as it did when I was a student and I’m proud to give back to a place that gave me so much.”

SCOTT SHELFER ‘89 It is an honor and a pleasure to contribute to the future of Palmer Trinity! Although we are far away, Miami will always be home, and the PTS community continues to fill our hearts with gratitude and love.”

SEAN MURPHY ‘89 Palmer is consistently a leader in quality education, community involvement and amazing families, students and faculty. It always feels like home!”

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BOO (PARK) ZAMEK ‘90 We believe in charitable giving, and we can’t think of a better entity to give to than the one that shapes the lives of our children each day. Supporting PTS is the best way we can think of to stay ‘thank you!’”

HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Diaz Leyva ‘98 Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Jurney ‘04 Ms. Soozie Klock ‘00 Mr. John E. Moll ‘03 Mr. and Mrs. Sean Murphy ‘89 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Shelfer ‘89 Mr. David Walsh and Mrs. Tamara (Rutter) Walsh ‘02 Mr. Paul and Mrs. Boo (Park) Zamek ‘90

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.”

ELIZABETH (LANE) BACARDI ‘93 When I think of Palmer Trinity and why this school stands out, I think about the strong, centered community and the amazing people that make this school so special. The incredible and dedicated faculty and staff who made such a positive impact on me continue to do so with current students, including our daughters. We support Palmer Trinity because of its welcoming community that feels like home.”

DANIEL DIAZ LEYVA ‘98 As a young man, attending Palmer Trinity was a privilege for me. I was blessed to be surrounded by incredible teachers and coaches who challenged me, helped shape my character and prepared me for the future. Coupled with the friendships I made along the way, it was truly a transformative experience in my early years. Through my financial donations and contributions of time and service, I am committed to supporting an institution that gave me so much.”

RICHARD GRILLO ‘97 AND LARA (O’DONNELL) GRILLO ‘98 Palmer Trinity and its wonderful faculty, staff, and community provided us with a supportive, loving environment in which to learn and grow. We are incredibly lucky to have spent our middle school and high school years there and are grateful for the opportunity to give back to a place that gave us so much.”

TAMARA (RUTTER) WALSH ‘02 Palmer Trinity changed my life in many ways. It was there that I learned the immeasurable value of teachers who care for their students on a personal level. This PTS ‘family’ became a second home where I made some of the most meaningful friendships of my life.”

NATHAN ZEDER ‘98 As someone who feels that Palmer Trinity played an integral part of his childhood and young adult life, I can’t be more grateful that I have the opportunity to give back to its current students. I am hopeful that the time they spend there is as rewarding and fulfilling for them as it was for me.”

RYAN JURNEY ‘04 Palmer Trinity was and continues to be a special place for me. Lifelong relationships were built during my time as a student and I owe Palmer a tremendous debt of gratitude for years of support. My hope is that my donation helps others enjoy and benefit from all the wonderful things the school has to offer, both in and out of the classroom.”

ANDRE CARBONELL ‘05 My experience at Palmer Trinity School was amazing. My life is what it is today because of the endless support I received from my teachers, staff and friends. Palmer Trinity School holds a special place in my life and I will be forever grateful. It is for this reason that I continue to support our great school and only hope that others can enjoy the same experience I did.”

SOOZIE KLOCK ‘00 Palmer Trinity wasn’t just an academic institution—it was a community that I needed and that molded who I am today. From the diverse students and engaging and devoted faculty, to Outward Bound, Model UN, and trips abroad during school breaks with faculty volunteers, my student experiences at PTS were like no other.”

DOUGLAS ROTHFELDT ‘10 PTS has always provided me with an opportunity to learn and grow. I give back because of how much PTS has given me, both while I was a student and after. Being a part of our close-knit community has been invaluable.”

SUMMER 2021

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Board

Michele Baker Benesch ‘89 Andrew Bennett ‘95

Thank you to this year’s Alumni Board and Class Agents for their leadership and service to our community.

Brian Gershen ‘98 President

Ryan Jurney ‘04 Vice President

Andre Carbonell ‘05

Evans Dunwody Crews ‘91 Secretary

Daniel Diaz Leyva ‘98 Samantha Evans Moore ‘06 Lauren Franklin-Ludovici ‘08 Mason Harris ‘89 Gil Lang ‘97 Holly Lee Zawyer ‘97 Shaina Louis-Jean ‘13 Tom Magenheimer ‘78 Douglas Rothfeldt ‘10 Kevin Russo ‘85 Tamara Rutter Walsh ‘02 Rashard Scippio ‘05 Paula Vizcarra ‘09 Lynley Walker Ciorobea ‘96 Nathan Zeder ‘98

Homecoming Alumni Awards Reception

OCTOBER 8, 2021 PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL

4:00

Homecoming Games

6:00

Homecoming Reception (MDR)

6:30

7:15

Athletic Hall of Distinguished Fame Induction Alumni Awards FOUNDERS’ AWARD Ceremony Elizabeth (Lane) Bacardi ‘93 ALEJANDRA TOVAR ‘07 Soccer and Tennis EVAN ZEDER ‘01 Tennis BRENDAN WINKLER ‘98 Lacrosse

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S AWARD Andrea Ortiz ‘12 JAN MORRISON AWARD Joan Sanz

AUGUST 18

8:15 AM

Ribbon Cutting and 50th Anniversary Kick-Off

SEPTEMBER 10

8:00 AM Alumni Legacy Breakfast SEPTEMBER 30

6:00 PM 50th Anniversary Founders Forum Reception OCTOBER 8

2:00 PM Homecoming Pep Rally 4:00 PM Homecoming Game 6:00 PM Alumni Homecoming Reception 6:30 PM Awards/Athletic Hall of Fame 7:15 PM Distinguished Alumni Awards DECEMBER 9

5:00 PM Lessons and Carols and Lighting of the PTS Tree

ars e Y 0 5 g n Celebrati nce in Education of Excelle

DECEMBER 11 | ALUMNI WEEKEND

9:30 AM Alumni Games 7:00 PM

Alumni Reunions

JANUARY 31

9:00 AM Sandy Golf and Tennis Tournament FEBRUARY 12

11:30 AM International Festival APRIL 2

7:30 PM

50th Anniversary Golden Gala Celebration

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

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

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

ALUMNI WEEKEND Alumni Weekend S AV E-T HE-D AT E

DECEMBER 11, 2021 9:30 AM

7:00 PM

ALUMNI GAMES

REUNION PARTY HONORING

Soccer, Basketball, Flag Football, and Kickball at Palmer Trinity

the Classes of 1991,1992,1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 Location TBD

For more information or to join the Reunion Committee contact Alex Cartaya at acartaya@palmertrinity.org