Aerie 2023 Summer

AERIE SUMMER 202 3

PA RENT S, A LUMNI A ND FRIEND S OF

FINDING FRIENDS IN THE MAASAI MARA

TEACHING SHAKESPEARE

A ROUNDSQUARE TRIP TO KENYA

ASHLEY CHAPMAN

ALUMNI WHO OWN RESTAURANTS RANDY ALONSO ‘02 CONSTANTINO GRILLAS ‘98 JAVIER URIBE ‘10

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.

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION Kim Vinas

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ryan A. Jurney ‘04

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022-2023 Marcel Navarro, Chairman Jesus Socorro, Vice-Chair Elizabeth Bacardi, Secretary Jared Kaplan, Treasurer Lynley Ciorobea Patricia Cornish Vivian More Cortinas Daniel Diaz Leyva Bishop Peter Eaton Emilio Fernandez Richard Grillo Douglas Rothfeldt Kim Vinas Russell Wilson

The Aerie is published yearly by Palmer Trinity School for Alumni, parents, grandparents, students and friends. The Week At A Glance informs the community of campus events and student and faculty accomplishments.

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

Patrick Roberts, Head of School (Ex-Officio) Michael Baiamonte (Trustee Emeritus) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

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

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

ON THE COVER MS Round Square students in Africa.

Photo by Jana Arnhold

HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE You manage things; you lead people.”

REAR ADMIR AL GR ACE MURR AY HOPPER

DURING THIS PAST YEAR, I had the unique and wonderful opportunity to offer our first-ever Leadership course for 16 of our Upper School students.

For me personally, this was a real “labor of love,” as I have always had a deep interest in this topic, and have spent much time in my professional life developing my own leadership philosophy and, hopefully, putting it into practice. I have attended numerous workshops, conferences, and even spent a year-long study and evaluation process (2004–2005) serving in the first cohort of the E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, through the National Association of Independent Schools. My bookshelves are filled with titles encompassing a wide range of theories, perspectives, and suggestions for effective management, philosophy, and style of leadership.

Entitled Lessons in Leadership, this elective course was designed around the principle that Leadership can be taught, and that there are certain skills, behaviors, and an overall mindset that can be fostered and improved upon, for effective servant leadership and good collaboration. In our work over the Fall Semester, students were asked the following questions, and given a myriad of opportunities to examine, explore, and, ultimately, come to their own conclusions regarding this everevolving topic: What is Leadership? How do you recognize it? Where do you see it?

What are the characteristics of a Leader? Are you a Leader? Are there certain traits? Is it a “natural state”?

What is the difference between Leadership and Management? Is one better than the other? What is the difference between Formal and Informal Leadership?

What makes a great team? What makes an effective teammate?

What does this concept, Lead with Love, mean? How do we as a School implement it and embody it?

How can we be true Servant Leaders?

What is your Leadership Style?

What type of Leader are you? What type of Leader do you aspire to be?

Throughout the Fall, students engaged in a wide variety of activities, discussions, and readings.

Each student was also required to research a particular historical figure and to identify and interview a current leader whom they admire.

Students also had the chance, in class, to meet and to speak with 20 individuals, as selected by me, from Palmer Trinity School, fellow independent schools, the military, our local government, the business sector, and the non-profit community.

These visits provided a wealth of information and gave the class members the chance to compare and contrast various styles of leadership and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Moreover, students were asked to complete their own inventory, helping to determine both their strengths and areas for growth, in terms of both their leadership style and overall effectiveness as a good team member. Our readings included but were not limited to, such works as The Captain Class (Sam Walker), The Hero Code (Admiral William H. McRaven), She Did It! 21 Women Who Changed the Way We Think (Emily Arnold McCully), Great Teams: 16 Things High Performing Organizations Do Differently (Don Yeager), Learning From Lincoln (Harvey Alvy/Pam Robbins), Eleven

Rings: The Soul of Success (Phil Jackson), and The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse (Charlie Mackery).

And, in an unexpected “twist,” our class was given the opportunity by our local Mayor, the Honorable Karyn Cunningham, to create a new Oath for Leadership, which was unveiled at the Swearing-In of the Mayor in December. Our students worked diligently and thoughtfully in writing this pledge, and it was quite an honor to be recognized so formally within our beloved Palmetto Bay Community.

As I reflect upon this past year, and, as I make plans for the next iteration of Lessons in Leadership this coming Fall, I am most grateful to have had this opportunity to connect with, engage, and serve in such enjoyable and enriching ways with our students. My sincere hope is that all members of our Palmer Trinity Community recognize that Leadership comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Each of us chooses to be a positive influence, and by ultimately serving others and walking through life with humility, a sense of gratitude, and a positive attitude, we can impact our own school, the greater community, and the world, in magnificent and lifechanging ways. I draw genuine hope and continue to be inspired by our young people, and again, say “thank you” for the support given to me to create and build such a course at our School.

PATRICK ROBERTS Head of School

1

CONTENTS BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Faculty News / Unlocking Hidden Talents

5

News Around Campus

6

Honoring Senior Athletes

8

Athletics: Limoges Visit

10

Student Poems

11

Creative Outlook

12

PTS Theatre ‘Razzle Dazzles’ with Chicago

15

PERSPECTIVES Shakespeare – Learn or Spurn?

16

Reset: Rest, Restore & Rejuvenate

19

Crossing Boarders at Thimun

20

The Year to Reset

23

Learning To “Take Less, Be More”

26

Finding Friends in the Maasai Mara

28

Lessons in Leadership

32

EVENTS Homecoming 2022

34

21 Annual Sandy Golf Tournament

36

PTS and Village Of Palmetto Bay Gather to Honor Veterans

38

st

Leadership Circle Reception

39

Lessons and Carols

40

Bows & Bow Ties

41

International Festival

42

Class of 2023

44

ALUMNI NEWS Class Notes

48

Thanksgiving Yearbook Gathering

51

Alumni Who Own Restaurants

52

Spotted on Campus

56

DC Alumni Reunion

58

Alumni Mentorship Program

63

Care Packages

65

Alumni Reunion Party

66

All Souls Day

68

SipSip Alumni Social

69

In Memoriam

71

Palmer Trinity Alumni Board

72

Alumni Profile Kamal Moo, Class of 1998

60

DEPARTMENTS Head of School Message

1

Letter from the Editor

4

3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR After being at Palmer Trinity for over 18 years, during which we produced 24 editions of the Aerie magazine, it took me a little more time this year to decide what I wanted to say. Then, I looked at all of the articles that were submitted for publication in the magazine, and I realized how genuinely fortunate I am to work at a school that has so many exciting opportunities on and off campus – opportunities faculty and students can’t wait to write about.

“PASSION IS ONE GREAT FORCE THAT UNLEASHES CREATIVITY, BECAUSE IF YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING, THEN YOU’RE MORE WILLING TO TAKE RISKS. ” – Y O YO MA

PROFESSIONAL CELLIST

This year, I had the privilege of chaperoning the Hague Model United Nations Conference in January, an event beautifully captured in Camila Gomes’ article on page 20. As I read the article, I was reminded that Palmer Trinity’s commitment to global exploration is intertwined with nurturing creativity. The conference offered our students a stimulating environment where they could engage in lively debates, devise innovative solutions, and embrace diverse perspectives. It was a celebration of creativity in diplomacy, where young minds dared to dream big and think outside the box.

In another article, on page 16, exploring the timeless essence of creativity, Ashley Chapman, the Head of the Upper School, delves into the enduring legacy of Shakespeare and poses a crucial inquiry: is Shakespeare still relevant today? As Mr. Chapman skillfully navigates through the archives of literary history, he highlights the profound impact of Shakespeare’s works on human thought, emotion, and cultural fabric. He reminds us that despite the passage of centuries, Shakespeare’s masterpieces continue to resonate with contemporary audiences, transcending the boundaries of time and societal evolution. Through this piece, Chapman invites us to reflect upon the enduring power of creativity, reminding us that the genius of Shakespeare remains as relevant and influential today as it was when it was written all those years ago.

As we see in these articles, our School provides resources and support for students to engage in creative endeavors beyond the classroom. We value the arts as a means of self-expression and personal growth. Whether it’s through visual arts, music, theater, or creative writing, students are encouraged to explore their artistic talents and find their unique voices. These artistic outlets not only enhance their academic journey but also foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of human expression.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

As we reflect on the creative endeavors happening at Palmer Trinity, illustrated on the following pages, we are reminded of the immense potential within each of our students. Our school’s commitment to nurturing creativity is a testament to the belief that innovation is the driving force behind positive change. By empowering our students to think creatively, we are preparing them to become leaders, problem solvers, and visionaries who will shape a better future for themselves and others.

4

SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA

Associate Head of School for Communications and Strategic Partnerships

UNL OCK ING HIDDEN TA L EN T S FACULT Y NE WS

DR. LEO LLINÁS & MRS. LAURA MASSA RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN GLOBAL LEARNING Palmer Trinity announced the creation of the Patrick H.F. Roberts Global Learning Endowment Fund. The endowment fund of $310,000 is designed to help PTS faculty and staff cover the cost of their global education development.

Congratulations to the first recipients of the fund, Leo Llinás, Chair of the Science Department and Laura Massa, Chair of the History Department.

“Palmer Trinity is a global school, and global education has never been more important,” stated Manjula Salomon, former Associate Head of School for Academics and a donor to the endowment fund.

“This endowment will ensure that Palmer Trinity’s exceptional faculty and staff will have the means to continue their education in a dynamic way.”

FACULTY SPACES FEATURE COLLECTION OF ARTWORK Creativity is celebrated by all members of our campus–it’s not just for the students!

The 2022-23 Faculty & Staff Art Show began in October with an Opening Reception in both faculty workspaces, featuring paintings, photography, and even jewelry. The show ran through the duration of the school year.

“We are blessed with talented colleagues willing to share their beautiful artwork with the school community. What a wonderful opportunity to show that it’s not just the art teachers who make art!” said Sandi Wood, Visual Arts Department Chair.

THE ARTISTS IN THIS YEAR’S SHOW: Ania Bade

Blanca Morales

Suzanne Calleja

Alexander Porto

Julio Carassou

Barbara Rivera

Brian Diaz

Sandi Wood

Laura Gill

The vision for the fund is: »

To celebrate faculty and staff as life-long learners

»

To cultivate global exposure and aid in the development of global mindsets for faculty and staff

»

To provide financial support to full-time PTS faculty and staff who require travel to enrich their education and to help advance their teaching

»

To improve their students’ global learning experience

“I’m truly honored to be the namesake of this important fund,” said Head of School Patrick Roberts. “Global competency is not an option but an imperative in today’s world. This investment will not only enhance our faculty and staff’s teaching skills but will ultimately affect our students in a profound way.”

Mrs. Massa was chosen by OER Project/Gates Ventures to attend the Annual Teacher Leader Summit in Seattle. Mrs. Massa was also chosen to present a brief TED Talk-style module based on a pedagogical activity she implements in 9th grade World History.

Dr. Leo Llinás was chosen to serve on the Miami Dade College Earth Ethics Institute (EEI) National Advisory Board. Dr. Llinás is the director of Environmental Stewardship at PTS where he also is the advisor for the Environmental Action Club.

Scan here to learn more 5

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

News Around Campus PRETTY AS A PICTURE

INTRODUCING FALCON FL ASH

The Admissions Office, located in the Student Life Building, which was completed in 2021, recently acquired two new custom-made paintings: watercolors of campus.

The art, commissioned by former staff member Lucia de Sola, was created by artist Diane Lary. Lary, parent of alums CURTIS ‘17 and BRITTNEY ‘19 LARY, has earned numerous awards for her watercolor paintings and is an active member of the Miami Watercolor Society.

This academic year, we welcomed new Media, Journalism, and Broadcast classes, led by Mrs. Alexa Sueiras and assisted in the second semester by Ms. Brooke LeMaire.

Mrs. Sueiras initiated PTTV, a production created by students in the Broadcast class. Falcon Flash, PTTV’s morning show, is pre-recorded each week with news and interviews to be shared on Monday mornings during advisory.

Scan here to view episodes of Falcon Flash

A GREEN APPLE SCHOOL JACKS ON GR AY ‘ 24 In February, Jackson performed in Carnegie Hall in New York. Jackson was accepted into the Honors Performance Series chorus, through the guidance of Performing Arts/ Chorus teacher, Mr. Tim Lester. The Honors Performance Series assembles rising young musicians to perform under renowned conductors at several of the world’s most celebrated concert halls.

Palmer Trinity School earned the Green Apple designation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, for the school’s commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The Florida Green School Designation Program designates and recognizes K-12 schools that make a voluntary commitment to environmental stewardship.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

JAHMIR EVERETT ‘23

6

“The experience connected to my past when I was very involved in music. At the event, we sang seven classical choral arrangements including Ave Verum Corpus. Before the concert, Mr. Lester emphasized the importance of being very prepared. With his assistance, I was one of the strongest leaders in my section.”

Jahmir was awarded the first annual Colin Powell Scholarship for the Episcopal Church of Southeast Florida. Jahmir was recognized for his strong academic record, athletic leadership as captain of both the football and basketball teams, selfless service within his community, and active involvement with the Black Student Union. “Jahmir is the consummate leader who personifies the school commitment to ‘Lead with Love,’” said Chaplain Cassini.

CRE ATING A SPACE FOR REMEMBRANCE Invited by Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini, PTS parents created an elaborate Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) altar in Trinity Chapel. At a convocation, the school welcomed a representative from the Mexican consulate who shared about the roots of the tradition. Members of the community were welcome to place photos of their deceased loved ones alongside ofrendas (“offerings”) such as flowers and bread. Thank you to the parents of PTS’ Mexican community for organizing the speakers, presentations and altars.

WORLD CUP FEVER For the first time, the World Cup was held during the school year, due to Qatar’s scorching temperatures in the summer. The World Cup was a great opportunity to tie in students’ interest in soccer with global learning. Students also had the opportunity to represent their favorite team during one of the Spirit Days.

CONVOCATION FOR NATIONAL POETRY MONTH On Monday, April 3, Palmer Trinity organized a convocation featuring readings by guest poets, CARIDAD MORO-GRONLIER (author of ‘Tortillera: Poems’), NICOLE TALLMAN (Poetry Ambassador for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava), and RICHARD BLANCO (Fifth Presidential Inaugural Poet in U.S. history).

P T S IN AUGUR AT E S L AUNCH PROGR A M The transition from middle school to upper school is a process. To assist students on that journey, PTS developed a program involving teachers, advisors, students, and administrators. A variety of sessions were designed to provide freshmen tools and skills necessary to navigate through upper school.

FA L C ON BE AT S The Electronic Music Design class now has music on YouTube @PTSfalconbeats. This upper school music course teaches composition and production through song structure, rhythm and harmony by analyzing and composing in a variety of electronic music styles.

Students gained an understanding of the many aspects of contemporary electronic music including beats, harmony, bass lines, groove, melodies, automation, editing, and sound design. Students—many of whom did not previously have musical training before enrolling in the course—created and produced music using FL Studio, a digital audio workstation (DAW) and software program.

Check out www.youtube.com/@PTSfalconbeats to listen.

Learn more here:

7

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

s n o c l a f r e v e for HONORING SENIOR ATHLETES

RILEY BELL 3 Years Golf

DANIEL BENITEZ 4 Years Football 2 Years Lacrosse

CORBIN BERG 4 Years Track & Field

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

JUSTO BERISSO 2Y ears Cross Country 2 Years Soccer 2 Years Track & Field

8

SAMUEL BURNITZ 4 Years Baseball

VALENTINA COLL 2 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Winter Cheer 1 Year Fall Cheer

EMILY CORDERO 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Track & Field

SEBASTIAN DEBASA 2 Years Baseball

EDUARDO DEL ROSAL 4Y ears Cross Country 4 Years Track & Field

AUSTIN FOSTER 4Y ears Cross Country 4 Years Track & Field

FELICIT Y FR ANKLIN 4 Years Track & Field 2 Years Fall Cheer

CAMIL A GOMES 4 Years Winter Cheer 3 Years Fall Cheer

HANNAH GRENE 5 Years Golf 4 Years Lacrosse

ANGELICA DERIBEAUX 4 Years Soccer 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Lacrosse

EMME FUNDOR A 4 Years Softball

SOFIA HEGEWISCH 4 Years Golf

ADEN DAVENPORT 4 Years Football

VALENTINA ERIGOYEN 4 Years Lacrosse 4 Years Fall Cheer 4 Years Winter Cheer

CAROLINE GALL AGHER 2 Years Winter Cheer 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Track & Field

GABRIEL HERRER A 2 Years Soccer 1 Year Football 1 Year Lacrosse

VASCO DE MELO GOMES 4 Years Lacrosse

JAHMIR EVERETT 2 Years Basketball 2 Years Football 1 Year Track & Field

ANNA GIR ALDO 4 Years Winter Cheer 3 Years Fall Cheer

RICHARD JACKSON 4 Years Baseball

DONOVAN COSTELLO 4 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Football

CECILIA JIMENEZ 2Y ears Cross Country 2 Years Fall Cheer 2 Years Winter Cheer

DREW K APL AN 2 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Football

KYLE KELSEY 4 Years Track & Field 3 Years Football

RYAN KLEBER 4 Years Football 4 Years Lacrosse

HENRY KUEMMEL 3 Years Soccer

ISABELLE LOPEZ NEGRETE 4 Years Golf

MIR ANDA MARTEL 4 Years Fall Cheer 4 Years Winter Cheer 4 Years Lacrosse

MA X MILIAN 2 Years Golf

EMILY MONTES 5 Years Basketball 4 Years Track & Field 1 Year Cross Country

MICHAEL NIEVES 1 Year Basketball 1 Year Golf

EMMA O’CONNOR 7 Years Softball 3 Years Soccer 1 Year Fall Cheer

ISABELL A PORTO 4 Years Basketball 1 Year Lacrosse

JUDE POWELL 2 Years Soccer

ALEJANDRO ANDRES RODRIGUEZ 3 Years Soccer 2 Years Football

CAROLINA SEGREDO 2 Years Lacrosse 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Winter Cheer

MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ 3 Years Tennis 1 Year Track & Field GIANCARLO VIDAL 3 Years Soccer 3 Years Track & Field

DANIEL ROMBAUT 1 Year Soccer

SIGNE MARTHINSSON 3Y ears Cross Country 3 Years Track & Field

ALEJANDR A MOR A ORTEGA 2Y ears Cross Country 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Winter Cheer 1 Year Track & Field

LUCAS ORTEGAMOR ALES 2 Years Football 2 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Soccer

SYDNEY POWELL 5 Years Golf 5 Years Lacrosse 3 Years Soccer 1 Year Softball

MADELINE VINAS 4 Years Tennis 1 Year Fall Cheer 1 Year Winter Cheer NICHOL AS ROMBAUT 1 Year Soccer

GISELLE MARTINEZ 2 Years Volleyball 2 Year Track & Field 1 Year Cross Country

LUCA MARTINEZ 4 Years Track & Field 2Y ears Cross Country

MARIANA MORIN 3 Years Tennis

RICARDO NAVARRO 2 Years Soccer

RENE PAEZ 2 Years Football 2 Years Track & Field 1 Year Cross Country

JOSEPH POLO 2 Years Lacrosse

NICOLE R ATMIROFF 1 Year Fall Cheer

NICOL AS RODRIGUEZ ALMERINI 4 Years Tennis

CLEMENTINA SALDIVIA 3 Years Tennis

SIMONE SCHWEDEL 2 Years Track & Field 1 Year Cross Country

AL AN WILSON 2 Years Soccer

GREGORY ZHAMGOTSEV 4 Years Lacrosse 2 Years Golf 9

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

ATHLETIC S

L IMOGE S V ISI T PTS WELCOMED a delegation of eighteen visitors from Limoges, France who traveled to Miami to engage in an athletic exchange on campus. Fourteen players and four coaches from the ASPTT Limoges U17 Club Basketball Team were hosted for a week by ten PTS Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball families and five PTS faculty, spending a day on campus, touring Miami sights and participating in a basketball tournament. During a luncheon in their honor, the players were visited by the “Voice of the Miami Heat,” Mr. Michael Baiamonte.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Palmer Trinity will reciprocate this exchange in late June 2023 when the varsity basketball team travels to Limoges

10

and Paris. The exchange was organized by DEREK SMITH, Global Scholar in Residence at Palmer Trinity School.

“A special thanks to the PTS student athletes and PTS faculty who, along with their families, opened their hearts, minds and homes to our French guests,” Smith said. During their stay, the French student athlete guests attended classes with their PTS host brothers and played a basketball tournament against the Falcons Varsity Basketball team, as well as teams from Gulliver Prep and Ransom Everglades.

A POEM WITH NO THOUGHT WRIT TEN BY EMRY WILLIAMS ‘28

Poetry is full of meaning and laughter But what if it was made by computers Would there be meaning?

Or just auto generated banter Pixels made to act like Humans But no modern tool can create a Human’s message No freedom, joy, and meaning Is made by something with no feelings Yes, computers are smart But I believe you have to have a heart to be able to create your own art

ZERO TO A CROW WRIT TEN BY ISABEL PAPP ‘24

Today I learned that crows understand the concept of zero.

They know lack of.

They know longing.

But what has a crow to lose?

The trinkets they clutch in their talons, seeing the stars and dropping the pennies that looked just like it?

The water at the base of bird-baths, waving away sparrows from what they want until their beaks hit the dry stone?

Each other, mid flight and sudden, bird hearts knowing that their bird loves are gone leaving bird minds desperate for the space they aren’t filling?

Maybe it was just in them.

No one taught a spider to weave, nor a beaver to build.

Maybe some creatures are just born with loss in their bones.

Monkeys, men, bees, crows.

But only we gave it a name.

Only we put it on the mantel.

11

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

CR E AT I V E OUTLOOK INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS BY BL ANCA MOR ALES

IN A YEAR FOCUSED ON “RESET,” we’ve seen a great resurgence of creativity at PTS. From a bird’s eye view, one might argue that creativity is merely something to combat boredom. Hone in on the benefits, however, and you’ll find that creativity improves cognitive function by promoting mental health, boosting one’s confidence, and developing divergent thinking necessary for innovation.

Dedicating time for expanding creative capacity helps to pave the way for greater success in all areas of life, including critical thinking. According to Palmer Trinity’s 3D Art teacher, Alex Porto, “just as in the real world, learning art teaches students many life skills. As an artist, one learns to think ahead, to be a problem solver, to find solutions, to be organized and how to collaborate with others.”

Because creativity is a uniquely human achievement, it is a form of communication. As Visual Arts Chair Sandi Wood puts it, “Art is an expression of the human, the soul inside each student.” In fact, the Art Department’s slogan this year is Head, Hand and Heart. Art students use their head to create conceptual content, their hand to develop technical finesse with art materials, and their heart to infuse each piece with a personal connection. “We believe this concept is an integral part of inspiring students to lead lives of virtue, humanity, and spirit,” she said.

Members of the Palmer Trinity community, whether or not they take an art class, have found plenty of ways to cultivate creativity through class assignments and independent projects. The following students share why creativity matters to them:

RYA N A LVA RE Z ‘ 2 5 WHAT DO YOU CREATE AND WHY? I’ve built two guitars; the first one started out as a project during lockdown. It was a six-string headless guitar. I decided to build the second guitar after the passing of Eddie Van Halen. Because of the impact he had on my playing, I wanted to make something to commemorate him and his influence. I wanted to make it somehow unique to me and my playing, so I decided to create a seven-string – a more modern form of guitar with an additional low string. The Bumblebee was the first guitar that my mom and I built by hand together. It was an awesome experience. Also, I’ve been writing music ever since I’ve had the capability to play instruments.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC YOU’VE CREATED. My songwriting ability has improved tremendously over the years. I’ve been studying audio engineering, so I’m able to record the music myself.

Learning how to record is also a valuable skill as I’ve been able to make a lot of connections in the local music scene in Miami. I mixed and recorded a couple different bands for the past three years, but right now I’m just focusing on recording my own music. Songwriting is a process that comes naturally with the writer’s inspiration and influences. Right now, my friend and I are working on recording an album. We hope to finish and put it out by summer and play a bunch of local shows.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

HOW HAS PTS GUIDED YOU IN YOUR GROWTH AS A MUSICIAN?

12

Scan to view Ryan’s guitar build

PTS has guided more than I thought. The music teachers are insanely knowledgeable and talented and can provide feedback or help to almost anything. In my experience, Dr. Harvin has been a big help. He’s always a good source of critique and feedback. PTS also always has opportunities to play.

JOSEPH POLO ‘23 WHAT DO YOU CREATE AND WHY? I create digital art, for which I got best in show and second place at the Beaux Arts Festival. I was always interested in art, because it brings me peace. It’s something I do just for fun. Art has been a hobby that has helped me destress.

HOW HAS PTS HELPED YOU BECOME MORE CREATIVE? Art at PTS has made me more creative, because I create more than I would normally. It’s challenging, because Mrs. Wood might give me topics that require me to do something I haven’t tried before.

During 10th and 11th grade, I entered contests through the school. I’m also part of the Culinary Club, the STEEEM Club and Solar Car Club this year.

HOW WILL YOU CONTINUE WITH CREATIVITY AFTER GRADUATION? My goal is to become an architect.

I believe art will help me be creative when planning and designing buildings. That’s why I took art classes. I’ve learned to do new things, for which I’m grateful for.

13

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

EMILIA RAMOS ‘28 WHAT DO YOU CREATE AND WHY? I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first book in fourth grade and published it in fifth grade. I wrote it during lockdown; I had a lot of time since everything was virtual. I was already interested in writing, but the pandemic was a sign to do more. You’re never too young to write a book, no matter what others tell you.

I already have the second and third book in the series written, the second is in the editing phase.

HOW HAS PTS HELPED YOU GROW CREATIVELY? I love the theatre program at PTS! I’ve won top honors for my solo and superior in states. I also sing and have performed at different school functions. I was a reporter in CHICAGO and do shows outside of school: Miami Conservatory of Music, the theatre at Miracle Mile, and will be performing at Area Stage. I also collaborated with another student to do artwork for the book and characters. The cover art for the second book is by MILA DURSO ‘28.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS YOUR FAMILY SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR CREATIVITY?

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

My protagonist, Naomi, was inspired by my sister, SARA RAMOS ‘22 — how brave she is and how kind she is. Sara is really talented; she wrote a poetry book with her own sketches. My family was my accountability in the writing process. I would write a chapter a day and I would read it to them at dinner. They would

14

listen and it was the best feeling in the world. They would tell me what they liked or didn’t like. It was awesome because writers a lot of times get engulfed in their little world and no one else knows about [their writing], so it was really great for me to have someone supporting me every step of the way. My grandma who was a philosophy professor in Colombia–very ahead of her time--taught me to appreciate books and engrained my love for reading at a time I didn’t like it. I love having philosophical conversations with her even if I don’t understand it.

Visit Emilia’s website to learn more: EmiliaRamosSamper.com

’ s e l z z a D e l z z a ‘R P T S T HE AT R E

WITH

CHICAGO

On March 3 and 4, Palmer Trinity students performed in the school’s musical, Chicago, “a universal tale of fame and fortune, where crime is sensationalized by the media.” The production, featuring choreography inspired by Bob Fosse, took place in Homestead’s historic Seminole Theater.

“Nothing beats the feeling I got when I was waiting backstage for my cue, listening to the quiet chatter of the audience and the excited whispers of my peers as they tiptoed around each other in bowler hats and character shoes,” said ELENA MORIN ‘23, who was the stage manager, musician, and a performer in the show.

The musical was a great success thanks in large part to the leadership of new theatre teacher, MRS. CELIA POTTER. Mrs. Potter had toured internationally with the Broadway company of Chicago for eight years, playing differing roles throughout her career. She has also performed with local regional theaters, choreographed and directed for offBroadway, and worked at Miami Children’s Theater.

WRIT TEN AND PHOTOGR APHED BY BL ANCA MOR ALES

place in my heart, so I am thrilled to share it as a new teacher here at Palmer Trinity.”

“Mrs. Potter is one of the best people I’ve ever known, and I’ll be forever grateful to her for making my last show at Palmer Trinity so beautiful,” Elena added.

Mrs. Potter shared that this show was a welcomed challenge because the core ensemble group was involved in numerous numbers where they sang and danced in a style most, if not all, were not accustomed to.

“Harry Potter’s magic pales in comparison to the magic Celia Potter worked in putting together the musical,” said faculty member Scott Du Feu, who enjoyed the show.

To close off the year, the upper school production class put on a black box show in late April called, “Revolutionary Broadway.” Written by the students, the review style show featured musical numbers, scenes and excerpts from various contributions to Broadway that have helped pave the way for change.

“I always had a passion for teaching,” she said. “Chicago obviously holds a special

15

PERSPECTIVES

LEARN OR SPURN? WRI

BY

N

YC

T TE

A SHL E

HA

AN

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

P

M

16

,H

EAD

OF UPPER SC

HO

OL

IT’S A THURSDAY AFTERNOON during break and a thought crosses my mind as I think about what texts we should read in English classes, and why. As an English student and teacher I firmly believe that literature can teach us about life without getting our hands dirty or committing ourselves and our lives to a path without reflection. Some believe that Shakespeare is outdated, his plays out of touch or out of reach, his characters old-fashioned and unrelatable. Hearing and seeing Shakespeare will open us to discover the answers to questions like: What does a good leader look like? Is ambition admirable? Can we understand human nature?

SHOULD WE TEACH SHAKESPEARE? Unsure about how to address the need for a study of Shakespeare, without merely offering a list of reasons like his themes or concerns explore the human condition (family relationships, lovers, friends, and enemies) or our common emotions (such as fear, love, hate, despair, jealousy, or wonder), I think a good approach is to consider a few plays and very briefly consider what we can learn from his characters in those situations.

Macbeth highlights the razor’s edge between the good and evil in our hearts. Can an essentially good and admirable man fall prey to evil and wrongdoing as rapidly as Macbeth does? Exposed to the influences of others (in this case his wife) Macbeth is persuaded to succumb to his dormant ambition. Macbeth kills the king without good reason.

Persuaded by his wife and a suggestion made by the witches, Macbeth admits to himself, I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself

(Macbeth, Act I, scene v)

Macbeth has no real cause to commit this deed. It is an evil act without real justification.

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE EXAMPLE OF MACBETH? The course of our lives depends on the choices we make and we will be called upon to make a choice. What choice will you make knowing the story of Macbeth?

A consideration of the play Hamlet goes far in giving us a lesson about fear and the way to deal with our very real human fears in life. Faced with an intolerable situation (his father murdered by his uncle who then married his mother), Hamlet is called upon to do something about this state of affairs. Hamlet is paralyzed by the fear of doing what needs to be done to rectify the situation – take revenge on the villain who killed his father by killing him. Without suggesting that in our lives we will be called upon to commit murder, we must know that at some point we will be required to make a choice that will affect the course of our lives.

(Macbeth made the wrong choice!)

17

PERSPECTIVES

Hamlet’s tortured thinking in his “To be or not to be” soliloquy outlines the challenge we face in making a choice that will change our lives. Read the speech substituting “to be” with “to act” and we see Hamlet considering the risk involved in killing his uncle and facing his fears. What Hamlet’s speech teaches us is to live our lives fully, to be actively involved, to face the choices we are called upon to make and avoid the “not to be,” the temptation to sit idly by while your life is governed by others.

When Hamlet does act and asks the players to act out a scene that resembles how his uncle killed his father we see Hamlet’s inventiveness and creative thinking. He challenges the view that nothing can be done to change his situation and teaches us that our imaginations, our reason, will allow innovative thinking and action in a complicated world. In confronting uncertainty and fear, Hamlet provides an example of the power we have to control and direct our lives. I am reminded here of Cassius in his speech to Brutus recognizing that our human dignity depends on our own actions.

Why, man, he [Caesar] doth bestride the narrow world Like a colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves.

Men at some time are masters of their fates; The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

(Julius Caesar, Act I, scene ii)

When we consider other plays written by Shakespeare we deal with history and an approach to a changing world. In The Tempest, an aging Prospero comes to understand what is important in life. Set during a time of English exploration allowing us to see a “brave new world,” Shakespeare suggests that new vistas require us to maintain open minds in considering new places and ideas. Henry V offers inspiration and insight. Concerned about the nature of kingship, Henry walks among his soldiers to have the view of the common man on their situation before a major battle and then exhorts and encourages his soldiers We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition PALMERTRINITY.ORG

(Henry V)

18

Henry is so successful in inspiring his men that they defeat the French army who outnumber them. With

triumph come pride, fame, and solidarity – does Henry V not become a text to teach successful leadership?

Consider, too, Othello who murders his young bride because he is the victim of a plot developed

by Iago to engineer Othello’s downfall for no real cause. Open and honest with the audience.

Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains.

Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love, Which is indeed but sign.

(Othello)

Iago is the consummate villain and shows how interesting evil can be – fascinating, manipulative, and destructive. The lesson for us here? Do not be deceived by people who are confident, slick, and lack honesty.

Place your trust in people who speak from the heart.

LET’S ASK AGAIN – SHOULD WE TEACH SHAKESPEARE? My answer is a resounding “yes!” We need to hear Shakespeare. The language we use daily owes much to his work. If we feel that we are “more sinned against than sinning,” or enjoy “cold comfort” or are “tongue-tied” and a “laughing stock” “without rhyme or reason” we are quoting Shakespeare. Should something “vanish into thin air” because of “foul play” we are using Shakespeare’s words. In his sonnets we enjoy the beauty of the world, and enjoy his thoughts about love in its many forms. Our students need to wrestle with and come to understand the joy and power that comes from understanding a complex text. We need our students to be exposed to the concerns and vicissitudes of life. We need to study human relationships (fathers, daughters, sons, mothers, lovers, friends, and enemies) to appreciate and understand our humanity; we need to explore our common human emotions (love, hate, fear, courage, anger, wonder) to appreciate the range of human experience. A study of the power of Shakespeare’s language (to persuade, to deceive, to exhort, to share conscience) will allow students to understand how they can use language to reason, to communicate, to argue and support. Shakespeare’s plays give insight into different views and beliefs and different ways of living.

His characters are both familiar and exotic. Let our students experience and grapple with the extremes of emotions, let them inhabit other worlds and spaces, but most of all, let them learn from a close encounter with others who allow them insight into our wide, exciting, and often frightening world. They will be stronger for it!

R

R E S E T: REST RESTORE & R E JU V EN AT E TEN

Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?

B Y

RE

Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

V. D R . M A RY ELLEN

CA

SS

IN

I

WRIT

Isaiah is a fountain of wisdom and comfort for people over the ages who discern insight to the Divine. His words continue to be relevant today.

We are to watch and see the “new creation” of the life that we are amidst. In today’s technological world we have come to grasp the recognition that we need to turn off our devices and restart them in order to reset them properly. Maybe this is true with our lives. We need to shut off our contact with the world; rest, restore, and rejuvenate our souls.

Pondering our choices and the way we decide to journey in life is often confusing. We hold our decision in our embrace and look at the possible outcome of each choice; we may be presented with a dilemma. Do we ever know how another choice would have moved our life in another direction? This can be in terms of people and places. I find it soothing and sometimes disturbing to review my choices and discern where my life has meandered. Sometimes life’s movement is fast and furious, sometimes it is slow and deliberate.

With the theme of “reset,” how much should I retain from life before the pandemic and how much should I release? This moment is a good time to review what has happened in our lives so far and what direction we want to lean into at this point. What should we hold on to and what should we release? Gathering or shedding is part of our odyssey of life.

According to experts, our relationships are what bring us joy and happiness. Our relationships may also bring us pain and sadness. Humanity struggles with learning to be with each other.

Does anyone ever know us intimately? Do we know ourselves? We can surprise ourselves with a response or an action. Outcomes can be uncertain.

As a community, Palmer Trinity School never forgets the essential reason we are unique. We emphasize quality relationships that foster each student’s mind, body and spirit. May we value our precious relationships and discern how to move into our lives with more meaning.

In this time of “reset” may we establish healthy boundaries for ourselves and recognize the power of choice.

John O’Donohue, the great Celtic poet, reminds us that life is a series of letting go of people, places and habits, and greeting new experiences: If you remain generous, Time will come good; And you will find your feet Again on fresh pastures of promise, Where the air will be kind And blushed with beginning.

(Bless the Space Between Us)

19

PERSPECTIVES

CROSSING BORDERS AT

THIMUN

IL

AG

OM

ES ‘23

A student reflection on The Hague International Model United Nations Conference

M

A YC

WRIT T

E

NB

BY THE END OF THE YEAR 2022, over 90

Hague International Model United Nations,

million people around the world will

or to us THIMUN.

have been affected by conflicts over the settlement of borders and sovereignty – some displaced, some harmed, some exiled, and all of their lives changed.

Naturally, you wouldn’t expect a bunch of teenagers to settle one of the most challenging conflicts the world faces today. However, in January of 2023, more than 3,500 students from around the globe met at the World Forum in The

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Hague, Netherlands, with a common goal:

20

If you aren’t familiar with the concept of Model United Nations (MUN), the event described above must sound almost outlandish, but MUN isn’t otherworldly.

It’s a small-scale representation of what happens in the real world. In a conference, such as THIMUN, all students become delegates. They are assigned countries and issues to respectively represent and discuss. With that in mind, we delegates are bound to not only understand, but

coming together to share and orchestrate

defend different points of view, goals,

responses to the future of borders. I had

and concerns, even when they may not

the honor of being one of the eighteen PTS

align with our own. MUN is a constant

student delegates at this conference, The

reminder that the true treasure of global

connections isn’t being the best debater, or the most outspoken, but rather the one most willing to collaborate, because ultimately we don’t live in a world made of a single nation with a unitary opinion. We are diverse, collaborative, and united.

Palmer Trinity had the chance to represent the country of Gabon, the GreenPeace Organization, and even have a student as a Chair and leader at the event. The Gabonese Republic is a small, francophone country on the western coast of Africa, with little more than two million habitants. If you are anything like me, this country might have easily passed undetected, but after four days of representing this country at the Security Council of THIMUN, I was able to learn a lot more about Gabon, and all other nations in the world.

Somewhere along the line, we must have been wired to associate importance and relevance with size, magnanimity, and power.

The truth is that those aren’t much related at all. Relevance and importance, so far as I see it, are given or at least should be. Small countries, developing countries, the ones we don’t know about, barely speak of, are due the importance they’ve been long neglected.

They deserve a voice, an input. In THIMUN we learned that however small, a nation’s grievances, ambitions, and values are worth being heard. So, be it in regards to conflicts, like the wars in Ethiopia, or to the sovereignty over Antarctica, we delegates had one job: to represent Gabon and GreenPeace, doing it dutifully, and honoring their importance and voice.

Besides the already foreign (and rough) environment of the European winter, with a rough sea breeze, and rain so chilled it felt almost frozen in the air at night, for a whole week, we got the chance to be in contact with not one, but many other international cultures and people. The conference, which took over four days of the trip, wasn’t only dedicated to diplomatic procedure and debate, but also opened our doors to the whole world. With more than two hundred global schools, PTS delegates got the chance to meet and keep in touch with other students all over the world. When not at the conference, our chaperones, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Cetta and Mrs. Calleja took us to learn more about the history and culture of the Netherlands. We explored the port area of Scheveningen, and even got a chance to spend a day in Amsterdam. Most interestingly, we got a chance to attend a trial in the International Court of Justice, and to talk to some of the families involved with the Serbian case being addressed.

In our free time, though we could have easily opted for being on our phones, as a group we were almost always laughing or talking to each other. Be it from doing spa face masks at the tiny hotel lobby to playing the piano and singing American Pie, or even accidentally locking ourselves out of our rooms, as a delegation, whatever borders we had found between ourselves at school were soon dissolved and gave way to something truly special: care, love, and hope for a better future.

21

22

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

PERSPECTIVES

OVER THE LAST FEW SCHOOL YEARS, words like “quarantine” and “pivot” were thrown around as we navigated life during the pandemic. Now, this year, as the “COVID Fog” (another new phrase) lifted, we started school with a strong message of “RESET.” This was a message about getting back to school life as it should be. Our focus was either to get back to school life before COVID or at least get school to a place post COVID where learning and being on campus was not going to be disrupted by the pandemic.

It was about learning to live in a new norm where COVID was not completely gone - we were just doing a much better job navigating school. During last year’s 8th Grade Closing Ceremony, I compared the idea of “reset” to the movie, “Back to the Future” where in order to get to the future, we have to go back to the past as the main character, Marty McFly, did in the movie trilogy.

If you think back over the last four school years, we were

coasting right along until the spring of 2020 when I, along with the entire Leadership Team, made the decision to shut campus down and go online.

I recall being in that meeting telling my colleagues, “I’ll see you in two weeks.” Boy, was I wrong. Then over the next two school years, we made improvements having gone from a very disrupted academic experience to a smoother one.

We had begun to learn to live with COVID - either that or we were not as afraid as we once were.

For me personally, the 2021-2022 academic year was also a little eye opening in a way that I was not expecting. We were teaching bell to bell and our expectations were intact but I did not fully grasp the negative effects COVID had on our students.

They lacked academic resilience, academic foundation, and the ability to understand social cues and facial expressions.

As a result, we began the 20222023 academic year with the “RESET” mantra as a way for

OO OF MIDDL E S CH

EAD ,H CH

Reset

L

THE YEAR TO

WRI

T TEN BY

T PETE

OL

MA

all of us to rethink how we do schooling. As a school, we thought about how we can support our students in the classroom and how can we help them navigate socially. We knew we couldn’t do this alone so we enlisted the help of many of the parents. The School even went as far as to hire a second School Counselor to help our students deal with the social-emotional aspect of school. It has been noted in many studies that COVID has had a negative impact on students which, in turn, has lead to an increase in mental health issues for our students. Stress and anxiety have manifested themselves a little bit more in this year and our Student Services Team has done a great job working with our students.

To help the entire student body our School Counselors have led student presentations in this area. Additionally, we made a big push to ban cell phone use and emphasized our academic expectations.

23

PERSPECTIVES

Here are some of the ways we have addressed the concerns:

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

ACADEMIC RESILIENCE

24

Very few students are able to get through their middle and high school years without some bump in the road. Some academic challenge is bound to happen. For many students, they are able to put in some extra effort, reformat study habits and work a little bit harder.

For some others, the thought of what that looks like is so daunting, they feel defeated. Students in that situation don’t know how to navigate the challenges. Of course for these

students, it’s easier to give up. Hard work and dedication are difficult.

When I have been in conversations with parents and students this year, and there is a need for academic resilience, I frame it in small, manageable chunks that students can attain and find small successes with. Small successes are like snow balls that build momentum until they are moving right along.

Achieving success, especially for those students who struggle, can be seen in the very same way. Knowing

what to do, like homework, is the first step. Then from there, managing time is the next step. Understanding what the next assessments are will help students prepare, allocate time to their studies and if they plan it out, they can reduce their stress.

ACADEMIC FOUNDATION Along with resilience, we see each grade level lacks some of the foundation needed to be successful.

The gaps vary by student but they are present. A student’s inability

to retain and absorb information can also hinder their ability to increase their academic foundation.

In the classroom, teachers have had to compact their teaching in some areas in order to expand others. Reviewing material to help students retain it has certainly been a practice in many classrooms.

As we continue to move beyond COVID, the foundation will be

reinforced and not an issue for students to move forward.

ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND SOCIAL CUES If you think about the Spring of 2020 when schools shut down, the main source of communication for our students was through electronic devices. Many students opted

to use text messaging or social media. There was not much in the way of seeing other people or hearing their voices. I am sure that each of us have been in situations where tones in the written form (like this) are difficult to decipher, especially if you are speaking to someone who often uses sarcasm.

How Can We Move on From Here? My advice for parents: I often share with parents that they need to monitor their children’s cell phone. It’s a dangerous world and cell phone use doesn’t make it any easier. Students are up late on their phones, they tend to send inappropriate messages and the social pressures are tremendous.

Taking it a step further, I encourage parents to take the phones away from their children at night. Perhaps this is a bit impossible for our older students but it’s worth it at least to think about. Phones are not going away so allow your children to be a part of the problem solving and solution. Additionally, for those of you who haven’t given their children a phone, make them earn it. Before my son got his phone for his fifth grade graduation, he had to make a presentation to me and my wife on why he deserved one and what he was going to do to keep himself safe.

When your children begin to show signs of issues, it’s natural for parents to want to help. It’s your parental instinct. More and more parents overstep, and instead of

helping their children problem solve, they end up doing it for them or make excuses for them. Instead of that progression, help your children realize the issue and point them in the right direction. Usually if there is an academic problem the conversation is directed towards the classroom teacher. That should be the first person you have THEM contact. Have them do it – don’t do it for them. If your child makes a mistake or you don’t see a solution, then speak to them about next steps. Depending on the situation, you may need to inquire but do so where you are not doing it for them.

We have spent a great deal of time providing space for students to socially interact with one another in a less stressful environment.

Students have participated in Advisory Circles where each one of them is as valuable as the next. We have even gone one step further in Middle School to provide time, mostly on Fridays, for our students to engage in activities that promote bonding and teamwork.

Understanding their social surroundings may be their toughest obstacle and that will largely depend on how connected they are to their phones. When we go on school trips and do not allow them to use their phones, as is customary in many of our travels, we force face-to-face interactions which they do appreciate in the end. At home, promote the idea of unplugging – stepping away from electronic devices to engage with others. When friends come over, take away cell phones and have them do other activities instead. In the long run, they will understand that this is to benefit them.

More and more parents overstep, and instead of helping their children problem solve, they end up doing it for them or make excuses for them.”

25

PERSPECTIVES

LEARNING TO

“ TA K E L E S S , B E M O R E ” Round Square is a network of more than 160 schools from more than 50 countries across the globe, all of which share the same ideals: internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. In these conferences, students interact with one another and discuss global issues like climate change and international relations.

On September 19, 2022, eight Palmer Trinity upperclassmen traveled to the United Kingdom to participate in the Round Square International Conference hosted by local schools throughout the UK. Among these students were SARAH BAYAS ‘24, FELICITY FRANKLIN ‘23, HENRY KUEMMEL ‘23, NICOLE RATMIROFF ‘23, SOFIA ROCHA ‘23, MARIANNA STOL ‘23, ALAN WILSON ‘23, and myself.

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The first day in London, we went to Buckingham palace to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth along with the millions of people visiting London during that week. “That was the moment I realized it was such a sad but historical, impactful time to be there,” says senior Nicole Ratmiroff.

One of the students selected for the conference, Ratmiroff touches on the sheer significance of the trip. Round Square allows for students to learn about other cultures at a whole new level; this trip in particular gave students the opportunity to fully understand the residents of the United Kingdom’s emotional connection to their monarch. Flowers were placed at the front of every establishment along with books for passersby to sign in her honor, and students

WR

IT TE

N BY SOFIA BEN

T NE

T‘

24

observed the kilometers-long line to see her lying state. However, this diversification of their world perspectives wasn’t the only way the students grew as individuals.

“I think I saw them all gain confidence, a sense of certainty of knowing who I am, what I represent, what I’m interested [in],” said Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman, one of the three chaperones of the conference.

As the conference went on, he oversaw the student’s activities and interactions with others.

He, as a chaperone, also got

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

In 2022, the theme of the conference was, “Take Less, Be More.” Students were asked to think on how, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, they began to realize the insignificance of material things in comparison to real human connection. The universal topic was a gateway for students to find common ground with one another and eventually create deeper bonds with other participants.

26

Prior to the conference, we traveled around London for a few days to get a sense of the new environment we were in. We arrived during an unexpectedly historic time in British history, which was the week of

Round Square participants from around the globe gather at Latymer Upper School for a formal gala, where they say their goodbyes. Students enjoyed a disco-party and danced to popular songs from different countries, which connected them on a cultural level. Senior Marianna Stol explains she “felt absolutely happy and free accompanied with all [her] new friends.”

Amelia from Japan (left) and Emma from Denmark (right) are strolling the colleges of Oxford during the 2022 International conference.

Round Square students were exploring city sites, learning about Oxford’s history while bonding with one another. Amelia states that “the streets of Oxford were amazing and what was even more memorable were the small chats we had as we walked down together, where we got the chance to get to know more about one another.”

the chance to make connections with other chaperones from around the globe, participating in the conference in other ways.

Mr. Chapman had never traveled around London and gained a lot from this experience as a chaperone.

For me, being in contact with other people my age from so many different cultures excited me. I would enthusiastically introduce myself to all kinds of people, asking them about their daily lives, what their school life was like, and how they felt about the United Kingdom.

It thrilled me to be near all these students with vastly different cultures and ways of living. It only heightened my respect for the impact that culture has on the globe.

“The conferences and postcards give you an opportunity to talk with new people, and hopefully to learn more about the world around you,” said senior Henry Kuemmel, co-chair of the Round Square club at the school.

Kuemmel, who participated and led postcards (hour-long Zoom

discussions about current global issues), bonded over similar qualities or interests with students from all around the world. Students would play soccer together, participate in virtual games, and even enjoy some simple games like tag. These connections, no matter how trivial, exemplify how, although cultural differences are present, everyone shares certain similarities as human beings. Conferences urge students to come to this realization prior to their journey into adulthood so they may enter society with an openminded perspective on the world, ready to behave like the global citizens they were trained to be.

Students are also able to share ideas about tackling worldwide issues to help make a change in their generation. During Sarah Bayas’ discussions with kids from other Round Square schools, she encountered a student whose school had implemented several policies to reduce climate change, which made her reflect on the

significance of the conversations held at the conferences.

“I would definitely recommend people to join Round Square, or at least participate in postcards because you can learn so many things, and get so many ideas to bring to your own community,” she said.

Round Square students are seen observing the mourners at Buckingham Palace on September 15, 2022. The queen’s funeral was coming up in the next few days, meaning students had traveled here at a culturally significant time. Junior Sarah Bayas (bottom left) expressed that, “You could really see the love everyone had for her and how close of a connection [UK residents] felt with the Queen.”

27

I WR

A ROUNDSQUARE TRIP TO KENYA You know that feeling you get right before a roller coaster drops over the big hill? The one where your heart rate picks up and your throat meets your stomach mushed somewhere in the middle of other vital organs; where your rational brain convinces you that the physics checks out, but you can’t help but be overcome with uncertainty? That is how we felt less than 24 hours after touching down in Kenya. We found ourselves feet from a head that seemed larger than the diameter of a car’s tire staring back at us, and it was full of teeth. We met our first lioness!

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

This was only the beginning of many experiences that would leave us in awe during our Roundsquare collaboration Travel to Kenya with Holy Innocents Episcopal School from Atlanta. We went in search of the Roundsquare IDEALS —Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service— but found much more in the Maasai Mara.

28

The word mara roughly translates into “dotted plains” in the Maasai’s native language. It was easy to see why that name had been given to the ecosystem as we flew in two 12-passenger planes from Nairobi into the middle of the bush. Vast plains reached for as far as the eye could see as we flew over the great rift valley.

C O, A ND RES AF U LT Y M E M B E R AC S

FINDING FRIENDS IN THE MAASAI MARA

,F

PERSPECTIVES

NOEL S CH AEL ,A ND A PA NO V I T N A CH EV BY

RE

T

N TE

29

PERSPECTIVES

NICOLE SCHACHTER ‘27 remarked, “Something that really stood out to me was when we first got to the Maasai Mara and got in the safari car and headed to camp. I was in shock at the variety of animals and the landscape.”

As stunning as the landscape was, we quickly learned that the Maasai community members are what make it truly special.

The Maasai’s nomadic herding lifestyle preserves the grassland ecosystem that allowed us to see all of the big five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo.

The constant grazing and moving of their prized cattle keep the grasslands healthy and allow for the trophic cascades that feed everything from the smallest Tompson’s gazelle to the mightiest bull elephant.

Young warriors prove their manhood by leaving their families at young ages to graze their cattle in mobile paddocks called bomas. Sleeping three or four to a single tiny tent made of scraps of plastic, these young men spend years on end with the cattle. They learn how to live with the land and as a result preserve its beauty.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

The knowledge and friendship that our Maasai guides shared with us during our travels was the true gift from this travel experience. John and Gladys were particular favorites of the students.

When it was time to say goodbye there were not many dry eyes. We wept out of sadness for leaving our newfound friends.

We wept out of joy for the experiences that we will always hold in our hearts.

30

“The guides who we now call friends, imparted their wisdom and knowledge and allowed us to be part of their world,” said MRS. ANDREA FRESCO, who co-lead the travel experience.

The Maasai selflessly shared their love of the landscape and the

wildlife with us, and in doing so, they shared much more.”

EMILIANO MEDINA ‘27 added, “My favorite memory of the Kenya trip was meeting the community members who guided and worked with us. They were all very kind and I will carry them in my heart. Especially John!”

trees that we hope will grow with our friendships, gifted learning supplies to classrooms that only had one book for 30-40 students, and most importantly, installed water cisterns so the children could have access to clean water.

The Maasai certainly left an impression on our group and we hope that we were able to leave a small gift in return. Our Palmer Trinity community raised nearly ten thousand dollars that went to help the children of the Golden Naboisho School. We planted

VICTORIA ENRIQUEZ ‘27 shared that her “favorite part of the trip was definitely the kids. They were all so happy to see us and I had a lot of fun reading and playing with them.”

It was heartbreaking to see the facilities the children had to endure

in order to learn, but their smiles and love of reading was inspirational.

“For me the best part was seeing the kids in the school for the first time. As we were coming into the school and seeing their faces when they saw us made me super happy, ” added MATIAS LARA ‘27.

We are thankful for the experience that our Roundsquare collaboration travel to Kenya afforded us. The wildlife was amazing, but it is the people and their willingness to share their way of life with us that has made a lasting impact.

Photos courtesy of Jana Arnhold, Wildlife Photographer 31

PERSPECTIVES

LESSONS IN

LEADERSHIP

WR

IT TE

N BY AUDRE Y

E L OP

Z‘

23

Senior Audrey Lopez shared this speech about Head of School Mr. Patrick Roberts’ new Leadership Course.

LAST YEAR, when picking my schedule, I had recently won the election for student class president. Which is why when I saw the class “Lessons in Leadership’’ was being offered, I immediately chose it as one of my electives, hoping to improve my leadership skills considering my new position. Knowing practically nothing about the class, I was mostly basing my expectation off the course name, and was also excited by the opportunity to become closer with our Head of School. Little did I know this class would have such a vast impact on me.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Since the first day of class back in August, after only spending 45 minutes with Mr. Roberts, I felt his excitement and passion for the class he had created, and I was motivated by it. Throughout the past few months, Mr. Roberts has been able to create the ideal classroom environment, where learning did not feel like a chore instead a privilege.

This class has pushed me to understand the importance of good leadership and encouraged me to improve my own skills. As a class, we have studied various historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln. After extensively studying President Lincoln through reading texts, watching video clips, and discussion we learned many novel concepts such as the significance of his use of humor.

32

We have also had the privilege of interviewing various members of our community with leadership roles. Our first Interviews were with Dr. Dana Markham, Head of the Pine Crest School and Dr. Barbara Hodges, Executive Director of the Florida

Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), who both hold leadership positions in education.

They taught and reminded our class of many important lessons such as forgiving yourself when you are learning and knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and combating those weaknesses with your team members’ strengths. Our class also had the privilege of listening to the leadership stories of various faculty members. I particularly enjoyed this because I was able to further understand the leadership in our own school. Mr. Robert’s also had us learn about individuals such as Phil Jackson when learning about the importance of knowing how to be a team member as well as a leader.

At the beginning of the year we were given two assignments that would be our major assignments of the year. An interview project and a historical figures project. These two assignments allowed us to learn from both the present and the future. The interview with Palmetto Bay’s Mayor, Karyn Cunningham, in particular, taught me about leadership and responsibility.

Overall, the way Mr. Roberts has organized this class has allowed me to truly benefit from it. At the start of the year Mr. Roberts asked us to write a brief paragraph of our expectations for the class and what we believed leadership was. We were recently handed back those papers and I can tell you now my answers would be drastically different. Prior to this class I believed the best leader was the person who commanded authority from their team, was stern

Photo by Claudia Storper

and kept people on task. However, I was mistaken— that is a manager. As the months have gone by, I have observed those exact qualities in Mr. Roberts.

“A good leader must, without a doubt, be trusted by their team and in order to earn that trust must display unwavering integrity in their position.”

To truly display the impact this class has had on me, I want to share a quote from one of my college supplements for the University of Michigan: “I have been lucky enough to find a mentor in my head of school, who has immensely contributed to my investment in leadership.”

This class has not only taught me major lessons, but I truly believe it has changed my character. I can at times hear Mr. Roberts’ inspiring lessons from class in the back of my head, pushing me to do my absolute best. I am so glad to have gotten the opportunity to take this class my senior year and believe every student should be strongly encouraged to do the same.

33

EVENTS

Due to Hurricane Ian, Varsity Football hosted two games in a week and put together two strong performances, defeating Somerset South Homestead 26-7 and Palm Glades Academy 40-12.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

In the homecoming game against Palm Glades, the Falcons celebrated with a big win. ANDRES WILLIAMS ‘24 scored a rushing, punt return, and interception return touchdown. ADEN DAVENPORT ‘23 threw for three touchdowns on just six throws, completing a touchdown to JAHMIR EVERETT ‘23, WALKER SMITH ‘24, and MAX DRUCKER ‘24. With food trucks and the Dads Club grill, it was a great afternoon to cheer on the Falcons together as students, families, alumni and faculty.

34

35

EVENTS

21 ST ANNUAL SANDY GOLF TOURNAMENT Photos by Jan Morrisson

It was a great day for all who came out to Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club to support the annual Sandy Golf Tournament on Monday, January 30. For the last two decades, this event has supported the Sandy Block Financial Aid Fund at PTS. Proceeds offer an outstanding student the opportunity to attend Palmer Trinity through need-based financial aid. The event sold out once again this year: 144 men and women hit the links and enjoyed a day of good food, drink, and friendly competition. With approximately $100,000 raised—including orchid sales, raffle tickets and other golf course games—it was a very successful tournament.

A special thanks to Chris Block, son of the late Sandy Block, for whom the tournament is named. Through the golf tournament, Chris honors the memory of his father, while bringing the community together for a good cause. We also thank our presenting sponsor Northern Trust, our Fairway Sponsor Brickell City Centre, and all of our wonderful sponsors, players, alumni and volunteers who helped make it happen.

Luke Savage, Brett French ‘97, Jon Lawrence ‘98, Brian Gershen ‘98

Amy Hays, Sara and John Fumagalli, William Morrison

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Jolie Duenas, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Lynne Keller, Elizabeth (Lane) Bacardi ‘93

36

Chris Block and Head of School, Patrick Roberts

Austin Cannon ‘16 and Brock Serrate ‘17

PR E SEN T ING SP ONS OR Nathan Zeder ‘98, Evan Zeder ‘01, Anthony Rubino, Gary Trief

FA IR WAY SP ONS OR

F IR S T P L A C E W INNER S Nathan Zeder ‘98, Evan Zeder ‘01, Gary Trief, Anthony Rubino

Gregory Eckblom ‘09 and Aleck DaGrosa ‘09

S E C OND P L A C E W INNER S Mike Miraglia, Nelson Mesa, Dave Lanham, Adolfo Perez Landon Michelson ‘10 and Jackson Fox ‘15

Laura Roberts, Cristina Soulavy, Meredith Ortega, Marie Arnoux

R A F F L E T IC K E T W INNER S Gift Basket from Oliva Cigars & Total Wine Private Wine Class for 20 – Jeff Noyes Yeti Tundra Cooler with Top Shelf Liquors – Danny Puig Plasencia Cigars with Tank Brewery Tasting Tour – Jose Chao Let’s Eat Dining Package – Ryan Jurney ‘04 Golf Package Foursomes to play at Trump International and Deering Bay, Range Finder, and Speaker – Richard Roy 4 Miami Heat Tickets, Suite, Drinks, Food, Parking – Sarah Kemeness The Biltmore Hotel Package – Laura Roberts Krieger Tidal Watch – Kelly Arnold LP and the Vinyl, Old Lisbon and Aida Restaurants – Alexandra Hill The PTS Package - Franmar Bus Service for one year (1 student) to Palmer Trinity School, a $100 gift certificate to the PTS Bookstore and a hand painted Falcon hat (Total value $1,300) – Zaria Walter 37

EVENTS

PTS AND VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY GATHER TO HONOR VETERANS Palmer Trinity is proud to honor all veterans and thank them for their service. In partnership with the Village of Palmetto Bay, PTS hosted the 8th Annual Veterans Day celebration on campus. This year, our guest speaker was MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA. We also heard from K ARYN CUNNINGHAM, Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor; Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners and Commissioner for District 12 JOSE PEPE DIAZ; and an opening prayer from the REVEREND FRANK CORBISHLEY, Chaplain of St. Bede Chapel at UM. Many of our students and faculty also participated in the service. Following the convocation, the school hosted a buffet-style breakfast for veterans and their families.

THE PTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS ALUMNI WHO ARE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES: Kirby Battle ‘10 Michael Davis ‘97 Jacob Davis ‘03 Chris Ehrenhaft ‘07 Bailey Evans ‘12 Chad Fairbank ‘96 Sam Houston Forristall ‘13 Ben Morse ‘98 Duncan Stoner ‘18

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

and all others who have served our country.

38

We also thank those who gave their lives in service to our country, especially our Palmer Trinity School alumnus, PACE WEBER ‘94.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE RECEPTION ON MARCH 2, 2023 we hosted our Annual Leadership Circle Reception at the Thesis Hotel Miami. It was an extraordinary evening dedicated to expressing our deepest appreciation for the generous donors who have contributed at one of our five esteemed leadership circle levels, which start at $2,500. We extend our sincerest thanks to all of our donors, as your support has made a profound difference in our community. Special thanks goes to Brent and Daniella Reynolds for their exceptional hospitality in hosting this memorable event.

Alexandra and Kevin Wilson

Diego and Paola Ardid

Emilio and Raquel Fernandez

Camilo and Silvia Montaña

Rodrigo and Lili Sideris and Alvaro Araujo and Sofia Liebes Eugenio Vasquez and Randy Harmat

Hudson and Laura Smith

Alan Nichols, Mary Ellen Cassini, Sue Nichols, Tina Lane, Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96

39

EVENTS

LESSONS AND CAROLS The Lessons and Carols service gave students and their families the opportunity to celebrate Advent, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa as a community.

The service included musical pieces by the PTS Symphony Orchestra, Palmer Trinity Singers, PTS Guitar Ensemble, and reading selections, as well as lighting of candles to celebrate the following holidays: Hanukkah: a time to celebrate the miracle of light and the essential gift of freedom. Escaping violence and destruction, the Maccabees were able to find new life in safety.

Kwanzaa: a time to recognize the profound gift of tradition.

All are grateful for the harvests that enrich our lives and nourish us. With light and gratefulness, the time of gathering the crops and gathering as a community is celebrated.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Advent: a time of preparation and waiting for the Light that ushers in the new church year. One candle is lit each week, on the four Sundays before December 25, to mark the forthcoming birth of Jesus Christ.

40

Following the service, all gathered around Lane Plaza and the Bacardi Quadrangle to see the Tree Lighting. The night ended with a flair: Santa (Head of School, Patrick Roberts), the Grinch (Head of Upper School, Ashley Chapman) and Frosty the Snowman (Head of Middle School, Pete Tolmach) arrived in style on a bedecked golf cart. They greeted students and families with candy, high fives and Christmas cheer.

Scan to Watch Tree Lighting Video

Steering Committee – Helida Dodd, Marivi Hudson, Merce Anez, Kelli Powell, Denise Gallardo, Laura Marandino, Jessica Malvicino, Maria Valdes Bulnes

BOWS & BOW TIES Amanda Chrycy ‘96 and Kurt Bauer

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 TH the Palmer Trinity Parents Association hosted the 3rd Annual Bows and Bow Ties Holiday Party. Parents, alumni, faculty, and staff all joined together to celebrate the spirit of the holidays with each other. We are grateful to the steering committee, Helida Dodd, Jessica Malvicino, Kelli Powell, Cata Justiniano, and Marivi Hudson for organizing and throwing the party of the year. We also thank the Roberts’ family for their gracious hospitality and for opening their home for the event.

Daniel J. Diaz Leyva ‘98 and wife Cristina

Evans (Dunwoody) Crews ‘91 and husband Sean

Tahlia Brankston ‘21 and Tara Harrison

Blanca Morales and Bella Martino ‘18

Gisela and Luis Segredo

Emily and Daniel Villa de Rey

Charles Baumberger, Jr. ‘94 and wife Diana

Dayanara Martinez and Alexandra Smith

41

EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL PALMER TRINITY’S SIGNATURE EVENT, the International Festival, was held on Saturday, March 11, and was made possible by the combined volunteer efforts of students, faculty, staff, and parents. With over 37 countries represented this Festival attracts more than 2,000 guests. We are asking for your help to ensure that this year’s Festival is another huge success. All proceeds support Palmer Trinity’s Global Learning initiatives. Thank you to our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsor Lopefra.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating our School’s very special multicultural community again next year.

42

43

EVENTS

CONGRATULATIONS

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

CLASS OF 2023 44

WITH “POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE,” THE SENIOR CLASS TOOK THEIR FIRST STEP TOWARD THEIR FUTURE. CONGRATS TO THE GRADUATES ON THIS NEW JOURNEY! PHOTOS BY ANTHONY M c FARL ANE AND BL ANCA MOR ALES

s n o i t c e l f e R CLASS OF 2023

Take this positivity, take this youthful ambition and passion with you as you move on into the world and assume the consequential roles of leadership you were destined to hold.”

HENRY KUEMMEL, VALEDICTORIAN

That’s the wonderful thing about going to a school like Palmer Trinity: it challenges you to become a better person than you were before. In fact, if I could use two words to describe our class’s progress through the years, those words would be ‘most improved.’”

As the Class of 2023 goes on to become successful leaders of the world, I will once again caution them: Don’t be judgmental; Be curious. Success will not occur unless judgments are put aside, fully willing to listen.”

SYDNEY POWELL, STUDENT SPEAKER

DANIELA DEL ROSAL, SALUTATORIAN

BACCALAUREATE CEREMONY EVERY YEAR, the graduating class comes together the evening before commencement for prayers and Holy Communion. The Baccalaureate Ceremony is a formal time to reflect upon meaningful student memories. This year, the Reverend Licia Affer, Canon to the Ordinary for the Bishop’s Office, was the celebrant.

45

46

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

EVENTS

47

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES Everyone has a story after they leave Palmer Trinity School – share yours by contacting our Alumni Relations Coordinator, Isabella Martino ‘18 at imartino@palmertrinity.org or (305) 969-4285. 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 2023-2024 issue of the Aerie.

WELCOME THE CLASS OF 2023 TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

PALMER TRINITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mission Statement

48

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.

ATESSA AZADI’S ‘91 son, CAMRON ACKER ‘27, will be attending Palmer Trinity School in fall 2023.

CAMRON ACKER ‘27

ALBERT “CHIP” WALTER ‘95

JESSICA (CORRY) SIERR ALTA’96 & MALIA SIERR ALTA ‘30

PHILIP BELLINS ‘96

DANNY DIA Z, JR. ‘30

JASON JOHNSON ‘99

STEPHEN SMITHIES ‘93 owns two companies, a yacht management company called Smithies Marine and a seafood purveyor company called Boat to Table. Steve has two children, Sabrina (13) and Michael (11).

ELIZABETH (LANE) BACARDI ‘93 is proud to announce that her fourth daughter, LILA BACARDI ‘30, will be attending Palmer Trinity School in the fall of 2023.

ALBERT “CHIP” WALTER ‘95 has worked with the development and design community all over the country. He focuses his efforts on sourcing tile and stone for large scale projects both commercial and residential. Chip’s company, Collaborative Architectural Surfaces (CAS), imports tile from Europe and South America.

In his spare time, Chip competes in Stand Up Paddleboard endurance events. His races are mostly self supported with a minimum distance of 200 miles. Chip’s longest event, so far, was the Yukon Challenge where he paddled 1,000 miles in the Yukon, taking him 8 days and 20 hours to complete. Chip also offers SUP adventure tours through Adventure Sports Miami that take

individuals and small groups out for the day to explore Biscayne Bay.

Trinity starting in fall 2023.

Malia is looking forward to joining the Falcons.

STACIE LARCO-COOPER ‘96 is currently a Physician Assistant at Baptist Urgent Care. She is a mother of three: Regan, Cuttino “Tino” and Tatum Cooper.

REGAN ‘25 and TINO ‘27 attend Palmer Trinity School. Stacie was a guest speaker at the Palmer Trinity School French Heritage convocation on March 16, 2023.

She shared about Haiti and its contributions to Latin America.

NATHAN ZEDER ‘98 and Victoria Zeder welcomed Valentina Pilar Zeder into the world on March 9, 2023.

Their three other children, JACK ‘26, Brooke and Blake are very excited to be older siblings.

PHILIP BELLINS ‘96 is currently living in the Lake Nona area of Orlando. He graduated from Rollins College in 2002 with an economics major and a business minor. Currently, Philip runs a successful sneaker LLC business and is a full-time stock trader. Philip’s hobbies include playing basketball and tennis, dining, and traveling. He is very active in Orlando in men’s basketball leagues and is the GM of all the teams that he has played on. His current team name is “next gen.” Philip welcomed his first child, Grace Rose Noronha Bellins, into the world on April 17, 2023.

JESSICA (CORRY) SIERRALTA ‘96 is excited that her daughter MALIA SIERRALTA ‘30 will be following in her footsteps and attending Palmer

DANIEL DIAZ LEY VA ‘98 has recently merged his law practice with Day Pitney LLP, a leading private client practice in the US. He leads the firm’s Florida real estate practice. His son, DANNY DIAZ, JR. ‘30, will be starting at Palmer Trinity School in the fall of 2023.

JASON JOHNSON ‘99 is currently a freelance artist specializing in pencil/ charcoal drawing and acrylic painting. He makes T-shirts and hoodies which he will sell on his soonto-launch online store.

He accomplishes this while staying home and watching his daughter, who was born the same day as the Coronavirus was labeled a pandemic.

ALEX ARCAS ‘99 lives in Valencia, Spain. He credits his international influences, which inspired him to dedicate his professional life to international trade.

SUSAN “SOOZIE” KLOCK ‘00 and Todd Frank got engaged on February 14, 2023 in Marathon, FL. The pair live in the Florida Keys with their children and 49

ALUMNI NEWS

EVAN ZEDER ‘01

ADRIAN FOLEY ‘02 & ANDREA (KIRKPATRICK) FOLEY ‘04

MARJORIE BLACH-PETERSEN ‘02

LOREANA VON PLOCKI ‘05

EVA (ADAN) RENGSTL ‘06

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

recently started Adrenaline Adventures LLC, a race boat charter company.

50

TATIANA SUAREZ ‘01

HORACIO RODRIGUEZ ‘00 & LOREANA VON PLOCKI ‘05 are very excited that their daughter, ISABELLA RODRIGUEZ ‘30 will be attending Palmer Trinity School in the fall of 2023.

TATIANA SUAREZ ‘01 welcomed her son Leo in August 2022, becoming a

family of 4. She is taking things slow to focus on the baby but expects to be back to art and painting soon.

EVAN ZEDER ‘01 recently bought a house in High Pines. He continues to work at New Balance as Head of Global Baseball and Tennis Sports Marketing. His daughter, Isla, is 4 years old and his wife Meredith works with his mother and brother on the Jill Zeder team.

LIVIA (ABR ARPOUR) SCHOPPEN ‘02

AMANDA ABR ARPOUR ‘04

ALEJANDRO MELEÁN VILL ARROEL ‘05

JEAN-PIERRE (J.P.) GILBERT ‘07

ADRIAN FOLEY ‘02 & ANDREA (KIRKPATRICK) FOLEY ‘04 moved to Charleston, SC last April and are enjoying life in the Lowcountry with their children, Laura (3) and William (1.5).

MARJORIE BLACHPETERSEN ‘02* attended Palmer Trinity School for middle and part of high school, where she formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Recently, TAMARA

(RUTTER) WALSH ‘02 visited Marjorie in Marbella, Spain.

They have been friends since 1997 where they met at Palmer Trinity School.

Marjorie went on to study business in the UK and had a career in marketing.

She is married to Nicholas, who she met at college, and they have 4 children together, aged 11, 8, 3, and 1. In 2021, Marjorie and her family of 6 moved from

London to Marbella, Spain.

The move was prompted by the pandemic, which gave them a new take on life. Marjorie explained “life was now, so in search of sunshine, blue skies and palm trees [they] chose the southernmost point of Europe” which felt similar to Miami. It was the best decision of her life. Marjoie tries to visit Miami once a year. Last year she came back to Miami and toured Palmer Trinity School. She remarks on how impressive and special the school is and how she is glad to be part of such a thriving and tight-knit community.

LIVIA (ABRARPOUR) SCHOPPEN ‘02 is currently living in São Paulo, Brazil.

She is married to Kai, from Germany, and together they have 3 boys: Benjamin, Noah and Sebastian.

and Rafaela. She currently works for Amazon Ads, leading sales for US Spanish Ads. Amanda continues to play volleyball in her free time and enjoys spending time with her family.

ADAM NADER ‘03 and his wife Jaclyn Nader welcomed their daughter, Lyla Rose Nader, into the world on December 13, 2022 in Miami, FL. Their son, Aiden Nader, is excited to be a big brother.

HEATHER ALARCÓN HIGGINBOTHAM ‘05 lives with her husband, Bob Salzano, in LA. She is currently the production coordinator for the Star Wars shows, including The Mandalorian, season three which was released in March, and Ahsoka, which will be released soon.

Heather is also involved in comedy. She has a monthly comedy show at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade theater

AMANDA ABRARPOUR ‘04 lived abroad in Argentina for 9 years, and moved back to Miami 3 years ago, where she now lives with her husband Martin and her two future Falcons – Thomas

with her LatinX improv team Menudo. She is also half of a sketch duo called John Baxter with her friend Anna Salinas. Heather is excited about her upcoming projects with Anna that are currently in development.

ALEJANDRO MELEÁN VILLARROEL ‘05 renewed his contract for a 2nd year with Guabirá, a team from Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Alejandro and his wife Bruna have a daughter, Alessia, who is 7 years old.

EVA (ADAN) RENGSTL ‘06 and husband Patrick Rengstl welcomed their fifth baby, a boy named Cillian, in January 2023.

g in er h at G k oo rb ea Y g n vi gi ks an h T

ON NOVEMBER 25 over 70 alumni from the class of 2022 gathered at Casacuba for a reunion breakfast. They reminisced on their time at Palmer Trinity School while sharing all they have experienced in the first semester of college.

51

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI WHO

OWN RESTAURANTS

Palmer Trinity School is proud to feature three alumni who are prominent in the local Miami hospitality and restaurant industry. Randy Alonso ‘02, Constantino Grillas ‘98 and Javier Uribe ‘10. Randy Alonso ‘02 owns and operates Lost Boy Dry Goods, Tropezon, Fox’s Lounge, Mayfair Grill, Sipsip, and Joliet. Constantino Grillas ‘98 owns and operates Calista, Loretta and the Butcher, Johnny Papagallo. Javier Uribe owns and operates Strada in the Grove and Farinelli 1937 (Commodore Hospitality Group). These restaurateurs answer four questions about their journey, including their inspirations from Palmer Trinity School.

CONSTANTINO GRILLAS ‘97 CALISTA, LORETTA AND THE BUTCHER, JOHNNY PAPAGALLO Beginning in the Industry Costa graduated from Palmer Trinity School in 1997 and went on to attend two years of college in Montreal and then finished his last two years back in Miami at FIU. Costa was always involved in the restaurant and hospitality industry because his father owned hotels and restaurants in Montreal and later Miami. During his two years at FIU Costa would work shifts at his father’s restaurant, making little to no profit for himself. He then worked in finance at Morgan Stanley, where he realized the hospitality industry was his true passion.

Costa really enjoyed working in the hospitality and restaurant industry but felt he would learn better if he was working separately from his family business. Costa then started to work at Villagio and later Carpaccio. He started from the bottom as a waiter and worked his way up to general manager. Working for these big corporations gave him the necessary skill set and attitude to own multiple restaurants and split his time well. Costa also ventured into the commercial real estate world. He currently has many places he rents out to other local restaurants in Miami. He says he is good at commercial real estate because of his time working in a restaurant and the knowledge he gained.

Inspirations Costa remarks that “working at Villagio and Carpaccio was a huge inspiration because [he] was able to experience all the positions in a restaurant. I started from the bottom as a waiter and worked my way up to general manager.”

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

He is also inspired by his family’s history working in the industry. Costa’s family has been involved in the hospitality industry in Montreal [his] whole life. [He] moved back to Miami when [he] was 20 and attended school full time while also working at [his] father’s hotel on Ponce.”

52

Costa explains that he has always been a disciplined person, “responsibly, athletically, and work ethic wise.” He fondly remembers Elena C. De Villiers. Costa explains that her “zero

tolerance for incompetence and lack of respect, mixed with her genuine love of teaching truly inspired [him] and academically kept [him] in check.”

To this day, he runs his business with this discipline and passion in mind.

Restaurants Costa started a Greek restaurant called Calista Taverna and a cafe called Calista Cafe. He hopes to soon extend the cafe into the store next door and make it a Greek wine bar. Costa was able to bring the feel of Greece to Coral Gables. He even directly and personally picked out Greek furniture in Mykonos. In regards to the food, Costa “aims to sell quality food that is always fresh.”

He recommends a glass of Greek wine, Assyrtiko, and fresh fish.

When asked about Loretta and The Butcher, Costa explains that the restaurant was opened in March 2020 when the COVID pandemic was just beginning. Costa remembers that it was “very difficult to operate with all the restrictions and lack of staff. But [they] worked hard, gave exceptional service, and had a valuedriven menu, which allowed [them] to build a strong local following.”

And lastly, Costas’ most recent restaurant is called Johnny Pappagallo. It took over Swenson’s, a restaurant which was there for 44 years. Costa comments that “every true Miami resident has been to Swenson’s one point in their life.” He is especially proud of keeping the authenticity of this Miami locale in tack. The interior of Johnny Pappagalloi is made up

of 70% of the original Swenson’s decor, even though the vibe was drastically changed to an old-school New York-style Italian Tavern.

Johnny Pappagallo pays homage to Swenson’s not only in its decor but in its menu as well. Costa explains that while “serving dishes like veal chop Milanese, truffle porcini lasagna, and traditional tiramisu, we also kept an ice cream selection on the menu. And as a result, this is the one restaurant my kids beg me to go to every weekend.”

Advice Costa advises potential restaurateurs to “forget about glamor and novelty.

The restaurant industry is all about sacrifices that don’t usually come with running other businesses. Since I am truly passionate about my work, the rewards do justify the sacrifices.”

JAVIER FELIPE URIBE ‘10 STRADA IN THE GROVE AND FARINELLI 1937 (COMMODORE HOSPITALITY GROUP)

Beginning in the Industry Javier Uribe entered the restaurant industry at 15 years old as a busboy in a now closed pizzeria owned by a family friend, Maurizio. His father was a firm believer in kids developing a sense of responsibility and learning to manage money and understand personal finance through a job.

Maurizio would later become a great influence in Javier’s professional life. Javier continued working at

the restaurant every consecutive summer break until he graduated from Palmer Trinity School. He then attended George Washington University where he studied business, hospitality and management.

Javier returned to Miami where he eventually opened Strada with his family. After its success, a few years later they opened Farinelli right across the street.

Inspirations Javier emphasizes two inspirations, the Coconut Grove community and his time working in a restaurant.

Javier now owns Strada and Farinelli 1937, both nestled in the lively community of Coconut Grove. Javier was always inspired by the Coconut Grove Community. He has lived there all his life and feels very connected to it. His restaurants have helped the neighborhood thrive and return 53

ALUMNI NEWS

to its original status as a must-see destination in Miami. Javier states that “the Coconut Grove Community is a big inspiration to me and a constant in my life. Farinelli and Strada are large parts of the community. This connection is beautiful because it aided the resurgence of the Grove and made it a popular place to be again.”

Another inspiration to Javier was being exposed to various parts of the industry at a young age. Between working in the restaurant industry during summer vacation and returning from George Washington University, Javier experienced every position in a restaurant. The positions he experienced ranged from busboy to manager to working in the kitchen and behind the bar. He greatly attributes these experiences to his passion for the industry, expertise and eventual ownership of Strada in the Grove and Farinelli 1937.

During Javier’s time at Palmer Trinity School, he learned the value of diversity. Javier remarks that his “time at Palmer Trinity School was much more than just academics. [He] was immersed into a melting pot of different cultures which influenced how [he] developed and designed restaurants and menus. Also, when owning a restaurant, you must manage people from many different cultures, not only staff but customers. Palmer Trinity’s diversity prepared [him] for this without even knowing it at the time.”

Restaurants Javier is most proud of how his restaurants are “community based.”

Strada and Farinelli have been actively engaged in the Coconut Grove community and beyond ever since they opened. Javier’s restaurants are hubs for school events and community wide gatherings. Javier also partnered with Palmer Trinity to make a garden that is locally grown

on campus. Fresh produce is used for ingredients in Farinelli dishes.

Advice Javiers advises that it is “crucial to go through the ranks and understand every position in a restaurant and how they work and interconnect.”

The biggest disadvantage to any restaurateur would be to skip steps and disregard all the other positions in a restaurant beside the owner.

Even as an owner, Javier is always ready to “roll up his sleeves and serve tables” and “ do any other tasks the restaurant may need at that moment.”

Another tip Javier shared is to conduct “R&D (research and development) by going out and exploring other restaurants.” He is a firm believer in drawing inspiration from the different cultures and communities around you.

A lot of the special dishes and decor of Strada and Farinelli are drawn from other places such as New York City, Spain, Italy and of course Miami.

RANDY ALONSO ‘02

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

LOST BOY DRY GOODS, TROPEZON, FOX’S LOUNGE, MAYFAIR GRILL, SIPSIP, AND JOLIET

54

Beginning in the Industry Randy’s journey into hospitality wasn’t traditional. After graduating from Duke University in 2006 Randy came back to Miami to be the third generation to go into the family retail business which was a department store downtown, La Epoca.

His family decided to close the store in 2018. But along the way, Randy had designed a denim shop across from the department store and wasn’t ready to give up the location. In lieu of this, he transitioned all retail aspects of the store with the intention of creating a long term, neighborhood bar in its place. He and his friend decided to open the bar together.

Their opening day was supposed to be small and lowkey but it landed on the day that Argentina played in the last World Cup series. That small opening day turned into 200 people in there watching a World Cup and it was a lot more exciting than expected. This was Randy’s entrance into hospitality.

He quickly realized that he had a love for it and has more of a

personality for the restaurant/bar life than the retail industry. A pandemic and a few years later Randy’s portfolio now consists of five restaurants and three bars, with two of them in hotels.

Inspirations Randy attributes many of his restaurant concepts to creative and historical inspirations. He “loves to design and implement concepts where people can create memories.” All of Randy’s restaurants have a common thread of bringing back history and taking the position of storytelling through food and beverage. At a young age, Randy designed a Jean shop next to his family’s department store, which is now Lost Boy Dry Goods.

Even though his family’s department store is no longer, there are still pieces of its essence within Lost Boy, such as Randy’s grandfather’s safe and his father’s hat rack. Randy says that “it is important for [his] restaurants and bars to have historical connections that enable memories and storytelling to take place.”

During Randy’s time at Palmer Trinity School, he was both a saxophonist in the band and a football & lacrosse player. Randy talks about the influence playing this instrument had on him at such a young age, taught by Dr. Douglas Jordan. Randy believes he was one of Dr. Jordan’s very first students at Palmer Trinity School. He attributes much of his blend of both creativity and organization to being a part of the school band. “There is a delicate balance in playing music comprised of following structure yet applying art.

I find it is a very similar combination that works well in the culinary business.” He also fondly remembers his football coaches, Coach Dave Hewett and Coach Don Cramp, and their endless life lessons and proverbs.

Restaurants Randy is especially proud that his restaurants all follow the ethos of storytelling through historical contexts and creativity. Lost Boy Dry Goods is a former denim shop where a majority of the decor is old family heirlooms, Fox’s

Lounge has been a Miami staple in South Miami since the 1940s, Tropezon on Espanola Way is named after the one bar that was in his grandfather’s hometown in Spain, the Mayfair Hotel is an iconic Coconut Grove establishment where his restaurant concepts draw from both the Bohemian and Bahamian heritage of the neighborhood. Randy remarks that “though all of the bars and restaurants are very new in their openings, it’s exciting to see people enjoying the spaces and getting to experience creating stories of their own.”

Advice Randy advises those looking for a career path to search for something they feel passionate and connected to. In regards to the hospitality and restaurant industry, Randy says “If you have a passion for it, it is an incredible career path. It is a very gratifying industry, and you work with and learn from amazing and talented, creative people.”

55

ALUMNI NEWS

Spotted on Campus Adam Moskowitz ‘95

Gabriela Cruz ‘22, Britteny Mills ‘22

Doug Rothfeldt ‘10, Head of School Patrick Roberts, Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman

Attie Crews ‘21, Natalie Bellande ‘22, Jessica Leathe ‘22, Siena Siegel ‘22

Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman, Marco Campiani ‘19, Alberto Franceschi ‘19, Francesco Cimo ‘19, Head of School Patrick Roberts

Isabella Cannon ‘18 with faculty Lauren Lane and Aldo Regalado

Philip McMichael ‘16, Thomas McMichael ‘19

Kyndal Royal ‘21, Caleb Young ‘21, Elizabeth (Lane) Bacardi ‘93, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Robert Moore ‘05, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06, Ryan Jurney ‘04

Faculty Graham Andrews and Susi Cetta, Jonathan Ludwig ‘19, Nico Ludwig ‘18

Daniela Gomez ‘20

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Madalena Fernandes ‘22, Garrett McNamara ‘22

56

Faculty Jeff Rose, Sabrina Bond ‘18

Valentina Mannella ‘15, Bella Martino ‘18

Marco Campiani ‘19, Alvaro Ortega-Morales ‘21, Luis Colmenter-Brewer ‘21, Oscar AnzolaSchnell ‘21, Alberto Franceschi ‘19, Eduardo Franceschi ‘21, Francesco Cimo ‘19, Rafael Olloqui ‘21

Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini, Chase Howard ‘20, Eric Ballesteros

Sophia Benitez ‘18

Savannah Milton ‘17

Charles Baumberger ‘94, Mason Harris ‘89, Andrew Bennett ‘95

MEGAN (CUNNINGHAM) HANDLER ‘08

JEAN-PIERRE (J.P.) GILBERT ‘07 is currently serving as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Florida. On February 22, 2023, J.P. and his wife Avery welcomed their 2nd daughter, Antoinette “Toni” Michel Gilbert. Their eldest daughter, Viera, is thrilled to take on the role of big sister.

ALIX (BRAUN) TRUMAN ‘07 currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, Chris Truman.

They got married in 2021.

Alix earned her masters degree in Marital and Family Therapy and now works as an eating disorder therapist in a treatment facility.

CHRISTOPHER KIT FAIELLA ‘07 lives in Washington, DC with his fiancée and works at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education where he leads data modernization initiatives and policy research.

ALECK DAGROSA ‘09 AND EMILY (TARBE) DAGROSA ‘09

BERNARDA (REYES) MALAVENDA ‘08 is currently at Sony Music Latin leading the Digital Marketing Department. She and her husband have two kids, ages 4 and 2.5 years old.

MEGAN (CUNNINGHAM) HANDLER ‘08 got married in Laguna Beach, CA in May 2022. She and her husband, Rusty Handler, moved from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA at the beginning of 2023.

ISABELLE VERWA AY ‘10

ANGEL DIAZ ‘08 played lacrosse at Adelphi in Long Island and then graduated

from the University of Miami. Post-graduation, he moved to Denver, CO where he spent 4 years creating a home away from home and surrounding himself with amazing, loving people.

During the height of the pandemic, Angel decided to move back home to Miami.

He is now a Senior Account Executive at Distribution Wholesale (DW) and a Business Development Representative at VHEMP (one of the largest hemp and supplement manufacturers in the country). Angel plans to live between both Colorado and Miami.

ALECK DAGROSA ‘09 and EMILY (TARBE) DAGROSA ‘09 are now a family of 4.

They welcomed their son, Cooper Gary DaGrosa, on February 7, 2023.

JESSICA MAZON ‘09 is living in Perth, Australia and is engaged to be married.

BELLE VERWAAY ‘10 graduated with distinction from Harvard GSD with her master’s degree in architecture nearly 5 years ago. From the GSD, she received the Clifford Wong Prize in Housing and the Faculty Award Prize. Belle’s thesis on housing in her hometown of Port-auPrince, Haiti was featured in Wallpaper Magazine as part of a tribute to the world’s top 10 graduate students in design. She is currently the Lead Designer at a small architectural practice: LA DALLMAN Architects 57

ALUMNI NEWS

based out of Cambridge, MA. She opened and is currently running the Miami office and is focused on single-family residences, multi-family housing, and institutional, commercial, and civic spaces as well as research. In Belle’s personal life, she is busy and constantly running around Miami with her husband, Karl, and two daughters, Adelle (3) and Gigi (2).

is currently stationed at Camp Lejeune. Kirby is an operations officer for Alpha Company at 8th Communication Battalion and plans operations in support of the II MEF (Marine Expeditionary Force). She is also a communications officer (0602 MOS) as well as the battalion suicide prevention officer. Kirby is approaching her fourth year in service.

Port Antonio, Jamaica.

She is the COO of clothing brand Pītusa.

KIRBY BATTLE ‘10 serves as 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps where she

REBECCA MERRITT ‘11 married Kieran Walsh on February 19, 2022 in

SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11 married Shubham Kumar in a traditional Hindu ceremony

CAMERON MCDONOUGH ‘11 got engaged to Isabelle Anagnostou on November 21, 2022 in Siesta Key, Florida.

ADRIANA (ALVAREZ) FIGUEROA ‘11 married Anthony Figueroa on December 3, 2022 in Puerto Rico.

in New Delhi, India on February 23, 2023. Alumni FELICIA BURKE ‘11 and TAYLOR HAAS ‘11 were in attendance. The couple currently lives in New York City, where Shubham works as a consultant and Shirin is Chief Resident of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital. She will be starting a fellowship in robotics at Mount Sinai Hospital in July 2023.

NINA MAS ‘11 is married to Lindsey Brown. They have a baby named Mateo who is almost 8 months old.

DC Alumni Reunion

Rodolfo Martinez-Don ‘13, Austin Tolchin ‘13, Matias Valenzuela ‘14, Adrianna Truby

Director of Development Juan Gomez, William Pittinos ‘02, Duncan Stoner ‘18, Austin Tolchin ‘14, Anthony DeRosa ‘21, Associate Head for External Relationships Danny Reynolds, Rodolfo Martinez-Don ‘13, Associate Head for Academics Adrianna Truby, Matias Valenzuela ‘14, Christy Burke-Simmons ‘00, Andrea Rey ‘12, Travis Anderson ‘00, Janelle Mendez ‘12, Alumni Relations Coordinator Bella Martino ‘18

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Bella Martino ‘18, Duncan Stoner ‘18

58

Danny Reynolds, Christy Burke-Simmons ‘00, Travis Anderson ‘00

Janelle Mendez ‘12, Adrianna Truby, Andrea Rey ‘12

Janelle Mendez ‘12, Anthony DeRosa ‘21, William Pittinos ‘02, Adrianna Truby

Adrianna Truby, William Pittinos ‘02, Danny Reynolds

Duncan Stoner ‘18, Juan Gomez

ADAM BLOCK ‘11

ADRIANA (ALVAREZ) FIGUEROA ‘11

K ATHERINE DIFEDE ‘11

NINA MAS ‘11

Nina works as an oncology physical therapist. She recently left her job at the University of Miami to start her private practice, MasMed Rehab. Nina’s practice specializes in lymphedema therapy, pelvic floor therapy, cancer rehab & orthopedics.

JULIAN NARCHET ‘11 is currently a program manager with the All of Us Research Program at the University of Miami. All of Us is a national research program started by the NIH with the goal of speeding

MATIAS FAILLACE ‘11, REBECCA MERRITT ‘11 AND MATTHEW MACNAIR ‘11

CAMERON MCDONOUGH ‘11

REBECCA MERRITT ‘11

SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11

up medical research. The program aims to do this by recruiting 1 million participants, ideally many of which will come from various populations that are currently underrepresented in biomedical research.

Participants share information about their health, habits, and lifestyle and in return receive genetic ancestry results as well as health-related results including hereditary markers for breast cancer, heart disease, or blood vessel diseases. Ultimately, All of Us aims to provide the

springboard that will lead to breakthroughs in medicine for generations to come.

ALEXANDRA DAUD ‘11 lives with her partner Andrew and their two cats Joni & Yoko in the Catskill mountains in New York. She works in cybersecurity at Etsy and plays music under the moniker Fascinating Chimera Project.

CAPT WILSON VALLE ‘11 USMC and 1 ST LT. EVAN KLEISS ‘10 USMC paired up for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan. Capt. Valle

CAPT WILSON VALLE ‘11 USMC & 1 ST LT EVAN KLEISS ‘10

is finishing up a deployment to the region as part of the Unit Deployment Program with HMH-465 flying the CH-53E pictured in the background. 1st Lt. Kleiss recently took orders for a three-year stint with VMM262 at MCAS Futenma flying the MV-22B pictured to the right. This is the first time Valle and Kleiss have seen each other since 2010 at Palmer Trinity School.

K ATHERINE DIFEDE ‘11 married Gonzalo Mengotti on March 25, 2023 in Islamorada, Florida.

59

ALUMNI NEWS

THE PATH TO SUCCESS IS RARELY A STRAIGHT LINE

KC L AAS S MO F A1 9 9L8 M O O ALUMNI PROFILE

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Kamal Moo moved to Miami with his family when he was three years old. He began attending Palmer Trinity School in the 7th grade and graduated in 1998. While at Palmer Trinity School, Kamal always knew that he wanted to be part of the music industry, particularly as a record producer. He developed a passion for music production at an early age and even built a home recording studio in his parent’s spare bedroom, where he would spend many hours making music, sometimes to the annoyance of his family members. In addition to music, Kamal considers himself an avid cinephile and even penned a few screenplays as a teenager. His decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of working in entertainment is credited to Adrianna Truby, Kamal’s college counselor, who suggested that he apply to the University of Southern California. Kamal says, “This was back in the days before the internet was readily available, so I didn’t even know USC existed. But I was very grateful that Mrs. Truby introduced me to it because I probably never would have applied otherwise.” Months after graduating from Palmer

60

Trinity School, Kamal moved across the country. While a move like this may be nerve-racking for some teenagers, Kamal says he knew it was the right choice and he “never looked back.” Kamal’s move to California certainly paid off. He earned his B.S. in Music Industry from USC in 2002 and his J.D. from Southwestern Law School in 2005. He was then admitted to The State Bar of California in 2006.

In 2007, after passing the bar and prior to starting his law practice, Kamal’s first job in the entertainment industry was managing his brother NABIL MOO’S ‘07 rock band, “I Set My Friends On Fire.” During his time with the band, Kamal accompanied them on tours and oversaw their deal with Epitaph Records. Kamal eventually launched his own law practice in 2010 and today is a successful music and entertainment lawyer based in Southern California. Over the course of his career, he has negotiated small indie deals and large multimillion dollar agreements, and everything in between. These deals include recording and music publishing contracts, producer and songwriter agreements, and film production

contracts. He represents many clients from various corners of the entertainment industry, from R&B/pop superstar Janet Jackson to the Hallmark Channel, as well as many indie artists, producers, songwriters, labels and music publishers. By far, Kamal’s most well-known client is Ms. Jackson, who was referred to him by another client in 2018, and he has represented both her and her brother/ manager Randy Jackson ever since. Signing Janet as a client was “a full circle moment” says Kamal, since he has been a huge fan of hers since his teenage years.

Harnessing his knowledge and experience in the music industry, Kamal authored the book, The Straightforward

Guide to the Music Biz, in 2020. He was motivated to publish the book after realizing that there is a strong need among both music professionals and amateurs alike for a breakdown of the industry in layman’s terms.

Hundreds of his music clients would ask him the same questions over and over and now all of those answers can be found in his book. Kamal additionally shares his vast experience and knowledge as an adjunct law professor at Southwestern Law School, where he has taught a course on music publishing. Kamal strongly believes that it’s important to “pay it forward” and mentor students who hope to enter the music industry since he has always appreciated the guidance and advice given to him by established industry professionals over the years.

In addition to his career as an attorney, Kamal is also an avid screenwriter. Producing a web series for his brother’s band in 2007 reignited his interest in screenwriting. In 2015, Kamal decided to write and produce a comedy-horror feature film titled “The Midnight Man,” which was released by ITN Films in 2017.

The film was also screened at three indie film festivals and won an award for “Best Chiller-Thriller.” Since that time, Kamal has co-written two other screenplays, which are currently being shopped by producers.

Kamal’s advice to anyone interested in the entertainment industry is very straightforward: “Get out there and start trying things. Entertainment is a very entrepreneurial business, so you need to be willing to take risks and be able to spot opportunities. You’re going to fail sometimes, but that’s okay – the path to success is rarely a straight line.”

61

ALUMNI NEWS

ERICA BACARDICAPPARELLI ‘11 is currently living in Orlando, FL. She got married on March 4, 2023 and is working in Marketing at Bacardi Limited for the company’s cognac brand, D’USSE Cognac, a joint venture with Jay-Z. PAULA (FRANCO) OGILBY ‘12 married J.J. Ogilby III on November 26, 2002 at St. Thomas Episocal Church where she and her husband both attended school together as children.

GIANCARLO FALCONI ‘12 and wife Cristina Falconi welcomed their son Santiago Enrique Falconi into the world.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

MARY ANN CASAS ‘12 graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Building Construction. She then moved to Austin, Texas to live near her family. Mary Ann currently works as a General Contractor for a female owned construction company, Simply Home, that renovates houses around town. She spends her weekends paddleboarding and soaking up the sun playing sand volleyball.

62

ELLIE (NEWMAN) SINATRA ‘12 married Nick Sinatra in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on March 11, 2023.

They met at University of Florida at the start of their freshman year and have been together for over 10 years. Ellie and Nick have lived in 4 cities together and

currently reside in Atlanta, GA with their dog, Arlo.

ELIZABETH EVERSOLE ‘13 was recently promoted within Amazon as a senior process engineer covering two networks that serve 60+ buildings. Her most recent project has helped more customers receive packages in under two days.

From a personal standpoint, Lizzie just purchased her first house and has been busy with remodeling and interior decorating.

In addition, she was recently engaged in Paris, France with the wedding planned for this October.

YASHODHARA SURI ‘13 earned a bachelor of science in Digital Media Studies at FIU Honors. She really enjoyed her time at FIU where she was able to study abroad in France and start a fashion club in the Honors College.

After graduating from college, she pursued Digital Content and Media careers in the technology field.

Currently, she is working at Dropbox as a Web Experience Producer on the Integrated Marketing Team.

DANIELLE (ROTHFELDT) PALENZUELA ‘13 got married on March 11, 2023, at Indian Creek Country Club.

She met her husband while visiting Miami for Thanksgiving in 2019 from New York, and they began a long-distance relationship. Little did they know, the pandemic would bring Danielle back

ELIZABETH (NEWMAN) SINATR A ‘12

GIANCARLO FALCONI ‘12

YASHODHAR A SURI ‘13

PAUL A (FR ANCO) OGILBY ‘12

ELIZABETH EVERSOLE ‘13

BRIDE DANIELLE (ROTHFELDT) PALENZUEL A ‘13 WITH BRIDESMAIDS CL AUDIA VIYELL A DE BALLI ‘13, K ATIE TORBERT ‘13, TATIANA CAMPUZANO ‘13, DARCY VEL A ZQUEZ ‘13 AND TAK A YAMADA ‘13

JOSHUA REID ‘14

to Miami shortly after. Her

DARCY VELAZQUEZ ‘13

best friends from Palmer

and TAK A YAMADA ‘13.

Trinity School were all bridesmaids at her wedding, making it a truly special and memorable day. Her bridesmaids included

JOSHUA REID ‘14 got engaged to Valerie Odorico on October 22nd in Roswell, GA. With the

alumnae CLAUDIA VIYELLA DE

help of Valerie’s parents,

BALLI ‘13, K ATIE TORBERT ‘13,

Josh planned a beautiful

TATIANA CAMPUZANO ‘13,

proposal at Vickery Creek

Alumni Mentorship Program

OLIVIA FALERO ‘21 Mrs. Wood’s AP Art class welcomed back alumna Olivia Falero, who gave a presentation about SCAD. Olivia shared about life as a college student and how her skills have grown in art school.

STACIE L ARCO-COOPER ‘96 Palmer Trinity School parent and alumna, Stacie Larco-Cooper spoke to the whole school at the French Culture and Heritage Chapel on March 16, 2023.

She shared about Haiti and its contributions to Latin America.

DOUG ROTHFELDT ‘10 Doug Rothfeldt, a Private Wealth Advisor, spoke to Palmer Trinity School faculty and staff about personal investment.

REBECCA DAHDAH ‘08 Rebecca Dahdah came to campus to speak with Palmer Trinity School students in the SWENext (Girls in Stem) club as part of the “Girl Powered – Redefining the Face of STEM” worldwide event. Rebecca is now a Civil/Wastewater Engineer with 8 years of professional experience. Rebecca obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Florida International University (FIU). While at FIU, she held several executive board positions in professional organizations, including the Director of Communication of the Society of Women’s Engineers and the President of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) for 3 years. EWB was a key highlight and turning point in her development. She worked on funding, designing, and building a drinking water supply project for the Maleku community in Costa Rica. Feeling the desire to learn more about water policy, governance, and contextualize water issues globally, Rebecca continued her education by completing her master’s degree in Integrated Water Resource Management at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Throughout her career, Rebecca has been both a design engineer and project manager for several major projects with Federal and State mandates and Miami-Dade County’s Water and Sewer Department (MDWASD).

Her work has included expansions and upgrades to Miami’s water and wastewater treatment plants and over 100 sewer pump stations and associated pipelines.

JEAN-PIERRE (J.P.) GILBERT ‘07 Alumnus Jean-Pierre (J.P.) Gilbert spoke at the Palmer Trinity School convocation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. He shared his experiences as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Florida with our entire student body.

LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA ‘96 Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea shared an engaging presentation with Palmer Trinity School faculty and staff on Real Estate in Miami.

63

ALUMNI NEWS

Roswell Mill Park where they had their first date.

BRANDON BALLESTE ‘14 and ALYSSA (LEV Y) BALLESTE ‘16 got married on February 25, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. They had a fantastic celebration afterward with their family and friends – including many other Palmer Trinity School alumni. Brandon and Alyssa began dating while studying for the MCAT together; now, they are in medical school. While on this journey, they began a dynamic educational company — Medisin — aimed to help make medical knowledge easy, accessible, and fun. Their Instagram, @medisinstyle, now has over 100,000 followers.

Alyssa says “This has

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

ALYSSA (LEV Y) BALLESTE ‘16 AND BR ANDON BALLESTE ‘14

64

been an incredibly fun journey for us. We have grown in our relationship, built incredible memories, and supported each other as we do life together.”

SYDNEY MERRITT ‘14 and RODOLFO MARTINEZDON ‘13 got engaged on September 24, 2022 in Charlottesville, VA. EMILIANO MARTINEZ-DON ‘16, CARLOTA MARTINEZ-DON ‘17, REBECCA MERRITT ‘11 were there to congratulate the couple.

VICTORIA (FRIEDLANDER) STEPHENS ‘15 married Michael Stephens on the 26th of November 2022 at the National Liberal Club in London, alongside many of her Palmer Trinity School friends and family.

HANNA DOMIT ‘15 is currently working at SKIMS on the Design team. She has been there for 3 years and is loving being part of such a unique business.

STEPHANIE MONTOYAREDLICH ‘15 has had the opportunity to travel over the last year. She recently took a trip to Greece with alumnae MELISSA CUELLAR ‘15 and VICTORIA LOPEZ ‘15.

ANDREW BEAUPERTHUY ‘15 graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He is now attending medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale.

Andy is currently doing clinical rotations as a 3rd year medical student

EMILIANO MARTINEZ-DON ‘16, CARLOTA MARTINEZ-DON ‘17, RODOLFO MARTINEZ-DON ‘13, SYDNEY MERRITT ‘14 AND REBECCA MERRITT ‘11

STEPHANIE MONTOYA-REDLICH ‘15, MELISSA CUELL AR ‘15 AND VICTORIA LOPEZ ‘15

with plans to graduate in the spring of 2024.

CRYSTAL MARIE FERREIRA ‘16 graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She then began to work at Anatomy, which is a gym located in Midtown. By her 22nd birthday, Crystal had become a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the National Council of Strength and Fitness. She learned from some of the best trainers in South Florida all the tools needed to be able to give the best quality training, programs, and care for her clients. Recently, Crystal began working at Wynwellness, a wellness facility located in Wynwood, where she is now a Chiropractic Assistant. Her

HANNA DOMIT ‘15

VICTORIA (FRIEDL ANDER) STEPHENS ‘15

goal is to educate people on how to properly train their bodies to achieve the best results through both functional training, proper nutrition, and recovery.

JARRETT PICO ‘16 is working with the Boston Red Sox as a Player Development Associate in Fort Myers, FL. PATRICIA MARTINEZ ‘16 received her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago with a double major in journalism and political science. From there, she chose not to leave the cold weather and landed a job in Chicago. Pati works in Healthcare Public Relations at Edelman on the Eli Lilly account. She never expected to end up working in Public Relations or for a pharmaceutical

company, but found the work gratifying. Pati loves being able to help share Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking innovations in treatment for patients suffering from chronic and rare diseases with the world. She credits much of her success to the education and community that Palmer Trinity provided.

ADAM BLOCK ‘16 received a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is currently working as a personal fitness trainer in Miami, FL before beginning medical school in August.

OSMEL ALVAREZ ‘16 is currently in his second year

CRYSTAL MARIE FERREIR A ‘16

JARRETT PICO ‘16

PATRICIA MARTINEZ ‘16

Care Packages

The class of 2022 received their care packages right in time for their first college finals week and shared their excitement with the Palmer Trinity community. The care packages included a personalized note from a senior in the class of 2023, Palmer Trinity School items, a Starbucks gift card, lotto tickets and more.

AVA-RILEY MILES ‘22

BL AKE COBO ‘22

GABRIELL A DORTA ‘22

GABRIELL A JA AR ‘22

ISABELL A PAL ACIO ‘22

MEGAN MAGUIRE ‘22

A special shout out to the Moms and Dads of Grads for organizing the care packages! This Palmer Trinity School alumni tradition gives our Falcons a piece of home during their 1st semester in college.

DAMANI HENDRICKS ‘22

65

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Reunion Party

Stephen Smithies ‘93, Corey Hunter ‘93, Tim Kimmel ‘93, Former Faculty Elena C

Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99, Joanna de Velasco ‘98, Jayne Truckenbrod ‘98

All Alumni

Class of 1988: Michael Haggard ‘88, Elena (Essen) Baur ‘88, George Vergara ‘88, Stephen Bodden ‘88, Leslie (Traba) King ‘88, Former Faculty Elena C. De Villiers

Charles Baumberger ‘94, Caroline Camus ‘93, Andrew Bennett ‘95, Stephen Smithies ‘93, Corey Hunter ‘93, Tim Kimmel ‘93

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Ryan Jurney ‘04, Brittney (Hoffman) McCabe ‘99

66

Adam Nader ‘03, Brooke LeMaire ‘09, Juan Policastro ‘08, Rebecca Dahdah ‘08, Katrina Rodriguez ‘08, Richard Gluski ‘05

Class of 1988: Michael Haggard ‘88, George Vergara ‘88, Laura Weinfeld ‘88

Class of 2018: Emil Chehab ‘18, James Bailey ‘18, Christopher Hudson ‘18, Lindsey Scholer ‘18, Marzia Giambertoni ‘18, Sabrina Bond ‘18, Ana Paula Zalles ‘18, Victoria Sardinas ‘18, Stephanie Azcuy ‘18

Stephen Bodden ‘88, Former Faculty Elena C. De Villiers

Michael Haggard ‘88, Elena (Essen) Baur ‘88, George Vergara ‘88, Stephen Bodden ‘88, Leslie (Traba) King ‘88

Class of 2013: Christopher Ferreira ‘13, Nicole Font ‘13, Andrew Miller ‘13, Fernando Bonet ‘13

of medical school at Duke and plans on pursuing a career in ophthalmology.

Osmel will be coming back to Miami to spend his third year doing research at UM’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

AMANDA BROWN ‘17

ARIANA GOMEZ ‘17

CHRISTOPHER MONTOYA-REDLICH ‘17

PAUL A GUTIERREZ ‘17

MARIO RODRIGUEZ ‘17 graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in management and history. He now lives in Miami, working in Revenue Management for Royal Caribbean Cruises. Mario had also been working for a local art gallery, The Contemporary Art Modern Project Gallery, curating shows in Miami, online, and in The Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport, Connecticut.

GABRIELLA CEPEDA ‘17 accepted a summer associate position at Sandberg Phoenix, a law firm in St. Louis, MO.

DUNCAN STONER ‘18 (RIGHT)

EMIL CHEHAB ‘18

FLORA REAL ‘17 graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

ALEXA GARCIA ‘17 completed her first year of medical school at Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville, TN. ARIANA GOMEZ ‘17 is at Weill Cornell completing a master’s degree in health sciences for the Physician Assistants Program.

SHAN DENG ‘18

AMANDA BROWN ‘17 received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Miami in 2022. She will

complete her masters degree at University of Miami’s graduate School of Architecture focusing on real estate development and urbanism in summer 2023. Amanda currently works in commercial real estate development with the Allen Morris Company as a Development Analyst.

CHRISTOPHER MONTOYAREDLICH ‘17 currently lives in Miami, FL. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2021 from the University of Miami with a major in legal studies and a minor in finance. He continued his education at UM and graduated with a master’s degree in 2022 in Real Estate Development and Urbanism.

He currently works as a Construction Associate at Related Group in the multifamily rental division and is also a licensed real estate sales associate.

PAULA GUTIERREZ ‘17 is living and working in Chicago and is running for Nike’s allfemale running team there.

ISABELLA MARTINO ‘18 graduated from Boston College in May 2022 with a bachelor’s in psychology and English. She is now working at Palmer Trinity School as the Alumni Relations Coordinator.

EMIL CHEHAB ‘18 set up his own production company, Doppio Entertainment.

Recently, he directed and produced a SpiderMan 2099 Fan Film which is available to watch on YouTube.

67

ALUMNI NEWS

ALEXANDER NAVARRO ‘18 started a new position as an Accountant at MMG Equity Partners.

ANTONELLA DIAZBARANDIARAN ‘18 is a JD Candidate at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. She is incredibly excited to continue to learn and grow as part of the 2023 Summer Associate Program at Wicker Smith O’Hara McCoy & Ford, P.A. in the Miami office.

SABRINA FERREIRA BOND ‘18 started a new job as a Life Science Research Professional at Stanford University School of Medicine

where she will be working under the mentorship of Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD researching the role of glial cells in chronic pain. In May 2022, she graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience.

Over the summer, she buckled down to study for the MCAT in preparation for MSTP applications this year and then spent four amazing months over the fall semester wrapping up her undergraduate work with Dagmar Sternad at the Action Lab at Northeastern on postural control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and spearheading video

All Souls Day

analysis in an online study for autism.

SHAN DENG ‘18 is studying fiber and sculpture art at Maryland Institute College of Art. She has been involved in the Fine Art program since 2018 and will be continuing to pursue her career as a professional artist.

2 ND LT. DUNCAN STONER ‘18 has recently completed The Basic School (TBS), a six month long course where all Marine Corps officers learn skills in leadership and fieldcraft. Since completion, Duncan has been assigned a specialty and is now enrolled at the Defense Information

School (DINFOS) where he is learning how to be a Communications Strategy and Operations Officer. Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) is a communication activity that provides timely, accurate information which educates the public about the missions, activities, and performance of the Marine Corps. He is looking forward to executing his orders as a COMMSTRAT officer in North Carolina this summer where he will be managing public affairs, still and video imagery in support of unit training, and community relations at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

ON NOVEMBER 1 ST , we gathered in Trinity Chapel to commemorate our beloved alumni who have passed away.

We were joined by alumni who graciously participated in the service. ADAM MOSKOWITZ ‘85 read our Palmer Trinity School Prayer. ISABELLA MARTINO ‘18 read the Opening Prayer. EDNA (STURGE) FURST ‘86 recited Psalm 121: Assurance of God’s Protection. RYAN JURNEY ‘04 read La Lectura del Evangelio según san Juan 14:1-6. LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA ‘96 and OPHIE (GRILLO) VALLS ‘92 jointly recited the Prayers of the People. And lastly, KEMI (RAATTAMA) EDWARDS ‘89 read the Prayer of Saint Francis. We are grateful to all our alumni.

68

SipSip Alumni Social

ON JANUARY 26, the Alumni Association hosted the first Alumni Happy Hour of 2023. Alumnus Randy Alonso ‘02 hosted the group at his restaurant, SipSip in The Mayfair Coconut Grove. Alumni from all graduation years came to celebrate the New Year, chat and reminiscence about their time at Palmer Trinity School.

Adriana (Figueroa) Alvarez ‘11, Brenda Aguera ‘11, Alexis Capellades ‘11 and Emily Keunen ‘11

Matthew MacNair ‘11, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06, Lorena (Maria) Boria ‘05, Rashard Scippio ‘05 and Wilson Hernandez ‘06

Randy Alonso ‘02, Jane Alonso (mom)

Danielle Befeler ‘09, Daniel Alvarez ‘11

Tamara (Rutter) Wash ‘02, Mariajose (Jacome) Gamarra ‘04, Randi (Wolfson) Adamo ‘02, Isabella Martino ‘18, Nicole Font ‘13

Juan Gomez, Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00

Michael Daud ‘09, Kyra Wehby ‘06, Danielle Befeler ‘09, Brook LeMaire ‘09

Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Randi (Wolfson) Adamo ‘02 and Randy Alonso ‘02

Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06, Brook LeMaire ‘09, Brittney Hernandez ‘06

Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06, Matthew MacNair ‘11

Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91, Brittney Hernandez ‘06, Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06, Brook LeMaire ‘09

Tamara (Rutter) Wash ‘02, Randi (Wolfson) Adamo ‘02, Lorena (Maria) Boria ‘05

Lorena (Maria) Boria ‘05, Imari (Pozo) Boria ‘04, Mariajose (Jacome) Gamarra ‘04 and Sam (Evans) Moore ‘06

Michael Daud ‘09, Karen (Burkett) Rundlet ‘85 and Kevin Russo ‘85

Class of 2011

69

ALUMNI NEWS

MARL A RICART ‘19

SAR A WHITE ‘19

RÓMULO ANDRES L ANDER TORBAR ‘19

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

CHRISTOPHER HUDSON VERDE ‘18 wrapped up his first year at Harvard Law School. After graduating from Columbia University in 2022 with degrees in astrophysics and philosophy, Christopher was excited to start learning the law. Next, Christopher will spend the summer at Morrison & Foerster’s (MoFo) New York office, gaining experience in litigation and corporate law with a special focus on Latin America.

70

NORY ARONFELD ‘19 came out with an album entitled “Earth Rhythm” on March 5, 2023. He describes it as an “electronic and funky collection of songs.”

MARLA RICART ‘19 graduated from Davidson College as a French & Francophone

NORY ARONFELD ‘19

Studies major and a Public Health minor. During her time at Davidson, she served as a Bonner Scholar doing community service in the area. Marla also spent a semester studying abroad in France and extended her stay to complete a summer internship with an environmental organization. Next year, she will be attending Rollins College Master’s in Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

EMILIA ORTEGA ‘19 graduated from FIU in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, as well as two certificates in Entrepreneurship and Social Media Marketing. In August 2023, Emilia will be attending The Academy of Make Up in New York City

for a month, to become a professional makeup artist.

She aspires to pursue a career in the beauty industry, but is open to any opportunities that may arise in the near future.

Rómulo is the co-founder

ROBERT BISTRY ‘19 graduated from Cornell University The Nolan School of Hotel Administration in May 2023. He graduated with a minor in real estate and concentration in finance, accounting, and real estate. Robert will be working as an investment analyst at a private equity firm in Rhode Island.

Wealth Management

RÓMULO ANDRES LANDER TORBAR ‘19 graduated from the University of Miami in May 2023 with a major in economics and a minor in business technology and entrepreneurship.

Massachusetts. Alberto

of a FinTech start-up, Suni Wallet. In his freetime he pursues his passion of Aviation and Marathons/ Triathlons. Upon graduating, Rómulo will join the Private branch of Goldman Sachs out of Miami working with Latin American clients.

FRANCESCO CIMO ‘19 graduated from George Washington University in May of 2023.

ALBERTO E. FRANCESCHI ‘19 is currently a senior at Wheaton College of plays soccer at the collegiate level and will be graduating in the fall of 2023, allowing him to play his final season.

Upon graduation, Alberto

will seek a career in the soccer world in Europe.

MARTIN BALAREZO ‘19 graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in May 2023 with a major in communications and a minor in business.

He plans to move back to Miami to pursue jobs in his area of study.

KLEVER ROSALES ‘19 graduated from Duke University in May 2023.

He will be working in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in the Menlo Park office.

ADRIEN STEUNOU ‘20 got his first apartment this year “after having a rough last two years dealing with and winning [his] battle with bipolar disorder and an eating disorder.” He will graduate from The University of Mississippi in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and psychology and start a PhD program in psychology soon after.

DANIELA GOMEZ ‘20 will graduate from the University

ADRIEN STEUNOU ‘20

of Florida in December 2023 with a degree in business administration and a minor in professional sales. During summer 2023, Dani will intern at Royal Caribbean in the Sales Department.

She hopes to continue a career in consultative sales following graduation.

a member of the Alpha Epsilon Sorority where she holds a position on their executive board. She spent the Spring 2023 semester studying abroad at NYU London. This summer, Carmen will be a Wholesale intern at Ulla Johnson in their New York City office.

JULIAN MARTINO ‘20 is a rising senior at Southern Methodist University.

He will graduate in 2024 with a degree in finance.

During summer 2023, Julian will be an intern at J.P Morgan in their Global Private Banking Division.

PEDRO MORALES ‘21 is studying at Washington University in St. Louis.

AMANDA CRUZ ‘20 is a rising senior at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in computer science in the engineering school with a minor in engineering innovation. This summer she will be in Seattle working for Microsoft as a program manager.

CARMEN GONZALEZ DELVALLE ‘20 is studying English literature on the Pre-Law track at New York University. She is

GABRIELL A JA AR ‘22

FIONA MCLAUGHLIN ‘21 is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and works in a mechanical engineering lab on campus. This summer, Fiona will be an intern at Hextronics, a company founded by alumnus CURT LARY ‘17.

GABRIELLA JAAR ‘22 is currently a freshman at American University. She is pursuing a biology major and is on the pre-med track. Gabriella aspires to become a plastic surgeon in the future.

IN MEMORIAM It is with great sadness that we share the passing of fellow alumni CATHRINE (HIBBEN) SANDOVAL ‘89 and DAX TEJERA ‘03.

Dax Tejera graduated from Palmer Trinity School in 2003. He was an active member of Palmer Trinity’s Community Board, a Class Agent and most recently served as the master of ceremonies for Palmer Trinity’s 50th Anniversary Gala.

Cathrine (Hibben) Sandoval graduated from Palmer School in 1989.

71

ALUMNI NEWS

THE PALMER TRINIT Y ALUMNI BOARD FOR THE 2022–2023 SCHOOL YEAR

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

top, left to right Andre Carbonell ‘05, Thomas Magenheimer ‘78, Kevin Russo ‘85, Ryan Jurney ‘04 (President), Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00, Amanda Chrycy ‘96, Evans Dunwody Crews ‘91 (Vice President)

72

bottom, left to right Edna Sturge Furst ‘86, Samantha Evans Moore ‘06, Katherine Difede ‘11, Isabella Martino ‘18, Michele Baker Benesch ‘89, Holly Lee Zawyer ‘97, Brooke Lemaire ‘09 not pictured Mason Harris ‘89, Tamara Rutter Walsh ‘02, Rashard Scippio ‘05, Julio Ligorria ’06, Kristof Rest ‘12, Nicole Font ‘13, Shaina Louis-Jean ‘13

Alumni Calendar 2023—2024

AUGUST 2023

JANUARY 2024

August 24, 2023 Alumni Social at 6:30 PM, location TBA

January 5, 2024 College Day at 10:30 AM, PTS

SEPTEMBER 2023

January 25, 2024 Alumni Social at 6:30 PM

September 14, 2023 Battle of the Oar Football Game at 4:00 PM, Ransom Everglades September 26, 2023 Legacy Breakfast at 8:00 AM, PTS MDR September 28, 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame at 10:50 AM, PTS Gymnasium

OCTOBER 2023 October 6, 2023 Homecoming Football Game at 4:00 PM, PTS Montana Field

NOVEMBER 2023 November 2, 2023 Alumni Memorial Service at 10:50 AM, Trinity Chapel

January 29, 2024 Sandy Golf Tournament at 10:00 AM, Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club

FEBRUARY 2024 February 8, 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards at 10:50 AM, Trinity Chapel

MARCH 2024 March 16, 2024 International Festival at 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM, PTS March 19, 2024 March Madness Alumni Giving Challenge Begins

November 14, 2023 NYC Reunion

APRIL 2024

November 16, 2023 Give Miami Day

April 8, 2024 March Madness Alumni Giving Challenge Ends

November 24, 2023 Alumni Games at 10:00 AM, PTS

MAY 2024

November 30, 2023 Carols and Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM, Trinity Chapel

DECEMBER 2023 December 9, 2023 Bows and Bow Ties Holiday Party at 7:00 PM, Patrick Robert’s House

May 11, 2024 Alumni Reunion Party May 21, 2024 24 Hour Giving Challenge May 22, 2024 Alumni Internship Breakfast

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

7900 SW 176 TH STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA 3315 7 www.palmertrinity.org