Issuu

AERIE PA R E N T S , A L U MNI A ND F R IE ND S O F

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

7900 SW 176 TH STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA 3315 7

SUMMER 202 4

www.palmertrinity.org

HENRY STARK PTS CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPION

GLOBAL CITIZENS IN THE MAKING:

SUMMER 202 4

THE ACADEMIC & CULTURAL ADVANTAGES OF STUDENT TRAVEL

ALUMNI PROFILES DR. SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY Palmer Trinity is an Episcopal school dedicated to promoting academic excellence and inspiring students to lead lives of virtue, humanity, and spirit. Providing a supportive, inclusive environment for students, we emphasize academic distinction, ethical global citizenship, and character. As members of the greater community, we inspire students to lead lives of honor and social responsibility. Palmer Trinity School is committed to diversity and includes students with a range of academic interests, as well as students from diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The Aerie is published yearly by Palmer Trinity School for Alumni, parents, grandparents, students and friends. The e-newsletter informs the community of campus events and student and faculty accomplishments. Send story ideas or comments to scalleja@palmertrinity.org. Palmer Trinity School offers a full-service website, www.palmertrinity.org, where you can look up friends in a searchable directory, find out about the latest news and events, and connect with our Alumni office. We also post back issues of 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.

SUMMER 2024 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

Elizabeth Bellande

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Blanca Morales, Marketing & Communications Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY Tina Bustamante, Suzanne Calleja, Jill Kahn, Blanca Morales, Claudia Storper

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eduardo Barreto Elizabeth Bellande Sofia Bennett ‘23 Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini Ashley Chapman Denise Gallardo Isabella Gonzalez ‘24 Matt Levin Isabella Martino ‘18 Blanca Morales Derek Smith Pete Tolmach Emily Wilken Ayo Williams ‘25 Sandi Wood

PROOFREADERS Taylor Haas ‘11, Kaylee Padron, Emily Wilken

DESIGN Brand Poets

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Head of School Patrick Roberts Director of Financial Aid and Sr. Associate Director of Admission Giovanna Arrien Associate Head of School for Communications and Strategic Partnerships Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja Director of Student Activities Alexandra Cartaya Chaplain Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini Chief Financial Officer Jose Chao Head of Upper School Ashley Chapman Upper School Dean of Students Brook De Melo Gomes Registrar Amy Duarte Director of Parent Relations Denise Gallardo Director of Development Juan Gomez Director of Athletics Dave Lanham Director of Environmental Stewardship Leo Llinás Executive Assistant to Head of School Marina Lithgow Alumni Relations Coordinator Isabella Martino Board of Trustees Liaison Laura Marandino Director of Annual Fund George Montes School Counselors Adrianna Munoz, Susanna Cetta Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Monifa Kelsey, Aldo Regalado Associate Head of School for External Relations Danny Reynolds Director of Technology Gus Sabogal Middle School Dean of Students Noel Schael Head of Middle School Peter Tolmach Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs Adrianna Truby Advisory Coordinator Evan Apanovitch

Ryan A. Jurney ‘04

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023-2024 Marcel Navarro, Chairman Jesus Socorro, Vice-Chair Elizabeth Bacardi, Secretary Jared Kaplan, Treasurer Lynley Ciorobea Vivian More Cortinas Daniel Diaz Leyva Bishop Peter Eaton Emilio Fernandez Richard Grillo Doug Rothfeldt Harvey Sperling, Posthumously Kim Vinas Russell Wilson

PA L MER T RINI T Y S CHOOL A NNOUNCE S SI X

BOA RD OF TRUS TEES A PPOINTMENT S The Palmer Trinity School Board is a dedicated volunteer group committed to serving the school community. As the guardians of the school’s mission, the board ensures its relevance and vitality within the community. Their responsibilities include monitoring the school’s success in fulfilling its mission and making necessary adjustments to maintain its impact and significance.

Patrick Roberts (Trustee Ex-Officio) Michael Baiamonte (Trustee Emeritus) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

EDITORIAL OFFICE Aerie Magazine 7900 SW 176th Street Miami, Florida 33157 Share Article Ideas to: Blanca Morales, Editorial Director bmorales@palmertrinity.org Send Address and Email Changes to: Alumni Office: Attn. Isabella Martino ‘18 imartino@palmertrinity.org

ON THE COVER PTS Cross Country State Champion Henry Stark Photo by Mikey Berlfein

Judy Andrews

Walter Gonzalez

David Neithardt

Carlos Penzini

Hudson Smith

Travis Sullivan

HE A D OF S CHOOL

ME S S AGE As I reflect upon the idea of Connections, I am reminded of the words of noted author, Herman Melville, who states:

We cannot live for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” Here at Palmer Trinity School, connections are happening all the time. Meaningful moments occur each and every day, and the possibilities for building community are endless. On any given day, our 800 students are in the process of forming lifetime friendships, in a myriad of ways: in the classroom, on the playing fields, and through any number of extracurricular activities, global travel, or other experiences. Our 132 Faculty and Staff work alongside one another, fostering a true spirit of collaboration and professionalism, setting a positive tone for our students. Our Advisory Program helps to provide a framework in which each day literally begins with both formal and informal connections, giving students the chance to “check in”, and build a strong, family-like unit. Every Thursday, we gather formally within the beautiful, sacred walls of Trinity Chapel, providing more moments for quiet reflection, and a chance to build community. In my role as Head of School, I am privileged to witness all of these moments in real time, and have the opportunity to connect on many levels, with a wide array of people. Whether it comes in the form of teaching Upper School students in my Leadership course, partnering on a project with a colleague, solving an issue with a parent, simply saying “thank you” to a

supporter of our School, or serving as an Ambassador for Palmer Trinity, I have the unique joy of connection, with the end goal being one of service to our students, with a clear Mission at the forefront. With nearly 1,000 individuals on campus, we are an ever evolving community, growing, changing, and extending our “reach”, so to speak. Beyond our campus, our Alumni population is also growing, to well over 3,000 proud, and our Parent community includes well over 1,500 individuals. Opportunities for connection with every constituency abound! In order to be successful in my role, the work I engage in requires my best “people skills”. Each day is filled with interactions and moments in which I often spend time listening, hopefully providing sound advice, or simply being present. One need only glance at my Daily Calendar, and the evidence is clear: this work I am privileged to do is a “people business”. As we navigate this post-Covid world, the need for connection is vital, and its importance cannot be underestimated. For all of us, the ability to develop those “people skills” will be critical. We will need to be good teammates. We are called upon to be good listeners, effective problem solvers, persons of integrity; in short, we must be able to exhibit the best qualities of a Palmer Trinity graduate–one who aspires for excellence in all things; one who is committed to serving others; one who leads with love. Perhaps it is in knowing this ideal—this vision for Palmer Trinity—that inspires me to engage in such meaningful work. By investing my full self in these connections, our beloved Community only grows stronger, ensuring a better and brighter future both here at Palmer Trinity and in the greater world.

PATRICK ROBERTS Head of School

CONTENTS BIRD’S EYE VIEW Faculty News

News Around Campus

Athletics: XC State Champion Henry Stark

Theatre News

Senior Athletes

The Advantages of Student Travel

Understanding the World Through Language

Connection Through Content Creation

Taking Flight: Retiring Faculty Members

Building Community

Integrating Head, Hand & Heart in Visual Arts

The Power of Appreciation

PERSPECTIVES Kingmakers in the Classroom

Chaplain’s Corner: The Power of Connection

Why Read?

Mastering Public Speaking

EVENTS Homecoming

Leadership Circle Reception

Veterans Day

Bows & Bow Ties

Lessons and Carols

Sandy Golf Tournament

International Festival

Graduation

ALUMNI NEWS Class Notes

Palmer Trinity Alumni Board

Alumni Faculty & Staff

Senior College Day

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Alumni Profile: Dr. Shirin Razdan ‘11

Alumni Socials

Alumni Spotted on Campus

Athletic Hall of Fame

Legacy Family Breakfast

Alumni Mentorship

Alumni Games

Remembering Past Alumni

Save the Date

DEPARTMENTS Head of School Message

Letter from the Editor

“...THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FACULTY AND STUDENT IS NOT JUST ABOUT IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE BUT ABOUT NURTURING A SENSE OF BELONGING, EMPATHY, AND CONNECTION...” –

SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA

BUILDING CONNECTIONS on the Palmer Trinity Campus At Palmer Trinity School, the bond between faculty and student is more than just educational; it’s foundational to our community ethos. As an Episcopal School, we uphold values of compassion, understanding, and respect, fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and heard.

of every voice in our community and actively work to

During the first semester this year, I seized the chance to lead my inaugural solo class at PTS, delving into the intricate art of Public Speaking. Guiding a group of 16 students, I had the opportunity to share valuable insights and techniques aimed at honing their speaking prowess. Engaging with each student individually, I witnessed their growth firsthand as they endeavored to enhance their abilities, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and camaraderie within the classroom.

importance of embracing diversity and fostering a

ensure that all perspectives are heard and valued. Whether through open discussions in the classroom, student-led initiatives, or supportive extracurricular activities, we strive to create opportunities for connection and understanding. Moreover, our Episcopal values emphasize the sense of belonging. Through service projects, religious studies, and community outreach programs, we encourage students to engage with the world around them, promoting empathy, social responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. In essence, at Palmer Trinity School, the relationship between faculty and student is not just about

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Last semester, I was able to witness, firsthand, that the relationship between teacher and student is pivotal in shaping academic success and personal growth. Our faculty members are not just educators but mentors, guides, and providers of support at times. Through small class sizes and personalized attention, they cultivate an atmosphere of trust and collaboration, where students feel empowered to explore their interests and reach their full potential.

Central to Palmer Trinity’s approach is the commitment to inclusivity and empathy. We recognize the importance

imparting knowledge but about nurturing a sense of belonging, empathy, and connection that extends far beyond the classroom walls. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference in the world. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this distinct community, which supports the teacher/ student connection on a daily basis. Please enjoy more stories about human connection throughout this issue of the Aerie magazine. SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA

Associate Head of School for Communications and Strategic Partnerships

FACULTY AND STAFF PRESENTATIONS

FAC ULT Y NE W S

This year, there were plenty of opportunities for our faculty and staff to present their insights and expertise at various events. Some of these include: • Leo Llinas presented at the GEBG (Global Education Benchmark Group) Environmental Summit.

Patrick H.F. Roberts Global Learning Endowment Award 2024 Congratulations to this year’s distinguished recipients of the Patrick H.F. Roberts Global Learning Endowment Award: Ania Bade, ESOL Director, and Susy Chu, STEM Coordinator. Ania Bade is set to embark on an enlightening journey to Lourdes and Pau, nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees Atlantic region of France. Her expedition is aimed at delving into the diverse religious communities and the area’s abundant historical richness. These explorations promise to expand her approaches to teaching World History and Foundations in World Religions. Susy Chu is poised to venture into the dynamic cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya in Japan. Her mission is to immerse herself in the forefront of technological innovation across various industries. Susy envisions Japan as an exemplary hub for understanding STEM and its practical integration into daily life.

Further Congratulations to

Art Teachers Display

Susy Chu, who also won the Teacher Excellence Award from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), which recognizes outstanding technology and engineering teachers. Palmer Trinity was also recognized as a 2023-2024 STEM School of Excellence (fourth year in a row!) by the ITEEA.

Work at Exhibition The Visual Arts teachers recently exhibited their artwork in partnership with ArtSouth in the Village of Palmetto Bay at the lovely Perrine Community House. They are grateful to all who joined them that evening. It was a fabulous night!

• PTS faculty and staff presented at FCIS, including Suzanne Calleja together with Tana Llinas, CEO of Brand Poets, and Ernest Robertson, among others. • Adrianna Truby presented at NAIS. • In April, Brittney McCabe traveled to Montreal, Canada to present at GEBG’s annual conference on the emphasis colleges are placing on experiential learning. McCabe focused on the many ways experiential learning is central to Palmer Trinity School’s curriculum and global citizenship. • Director of Technology Gus Sabogal gave a presentation on A.I. at a Palmetto Bay Business Association Networking Lunch. Members of PTS staff came out to support. • At the PTPA Volunteer Breakfast, Chaplain Cassini was presented with the Spotlight Award.

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

News Around Campus PTS WELCOMES AUSTRALIAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

In the fall, we welcomed exchange students from Australia, who started classes at PTS in September. We continue our two-decade partnership with Abbotsleigh School and our new partnership with St. Catherine’s in Sydney.

PALMER TRINIT Y HOSTS

THE SUNSHINE BAND FROM GYMNASIUM HOCHRAD IN HAMBURG ¡FELICITACIONES, HALCONES! The Spanish Conference (FSSC 2024) was a great success! Our team of “halcones” (falcons in Spanish) delivered impressive performances in impromptu speeches, poetry declamation, regional customs, and dramatic presentations. This year, 32 schools from our state participated in two divisions and categories. Palmer Trinity competed in Division II, Category 3A. Out of 8 schools, PTS received first place (18 Outstanding, 5 Superior, Dramatic presentation: Superior)!

NEW STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

WITH LICEO SOROLLA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN MADRID, SPAIN

Palmer Trinity School is proud to announce the implementation of a new student exchange program with Liceo Sorolla International School in Madrid, Spain. This program seeks to build a cultural and linguistic bridge between students and families from the United States and Spain.

The Performing Arts Department hosted the Sunshine Band from Gymnasium Hochrad in Hamburg, Germany. They performed for the school during Flex and then were paired with PTS students to tour and experience a day on campus.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR SPEAKS TO STUDENTS PTS had the honor of welcoming Holocaust survivor David Schaecter, who shared his story and answered questions from the student body. He greeted students with hugs, reminding them of their role in preventing antisemitism.

PTS HOSTS

ROUND SQUARE EVENTS Palmer Trinity School had the honor of hosting two prestigious Round Square events in March. The program began with the biannual Round Square Board of Governors meeting. We were privileged to host this gathering of leaders from 6 continents. The highlight of the week was the Round Square America’s Forum, bringing together 65 heads of school and Round Square representatives from across North and South America.

PALMER TRINIT Y SCHOOL PARTNERED

WITH BOOKS & BOOKS TO W EL COME CELEBR ATED JOUR N A L I S T A ND NO V EL I S T, CARL HIA ASEN Hiaasen met with middle school students to discuss his writing and answer questions about his creative process, favorite works and writing influences. “We are grateful to Carl for his generosity with our middle school students,” said Head of School, Mr. Roberts. “As huge fans of his books, they were eager to learn about a writer’s mindset and inspirations for his novels.”

WELCOMING STUDENT VISITORS FROM DENMARK Students from the Sine School visited PTS for a day of cultural exchange. “[It was] a fantastic experience, to see the USA school culture,” said student Emil Grøtkjær. Another student, Laurits Trum, noted the difference between American schools and Danish schools: “It is different from Denmark, with [the] dress code and large dining area, and fantastic facilities, which was fun to see.” Having now visited Palmer Trinity for the second year, Sine School teacher Chris Orton confirms it was a wonderful experience. “We always meet happy faces, teachers and pupils that are so pleasant, and can tell us about their goals and interests as a teenager in the USA. I’m sure this experience helps our pupils grow, and they tell us they had a great day.” 7

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

AT HL E T I C S

S TA RK BRING S HOME PA L MER T R INI T Y ’ S

FIRS T XC S TATE CH A MPIONSHIP PALMERTRINITY.ORG

BY MATT LEVIN, DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Once I adapted to the fact that I would just have to put my head down and work, I developed an all or nothing mentality that drove me to new heights.” WHEN HENRY STARK WAS JUST A SIXTH GRADER AND HE WALKED AROUND THE GYMNASIUM, HE NEVER IMAGINED THAT HIS NAME WOULD GO UP IN THE RAFTERS OR ON THE RECORD BOARDS. In fact, when Stark joined the Cross Country team in 6th grade and the Track & Field team in 7th grade, he was just merely happy to be a part of the team. His older brother George was a very talented athlete within these sports and Henry joined to follow in his footsteps as he looked up to George. The love for the sport, however, was not there. When Stark first arrived on campus in the Fall of 2017, it was George’s name up on the record boards, holding the PTS Physical Education best 1600m and 800m times. Through the years, the Stark brothers enjoyed running together and the camaraderie that came with it, even if George was miles ahead of Henry, both literally and figuratively. During Stark’s sophomore year is when it all changed. “I got to the level in which I could run alongside him. It gave me the boost of confidence knowing my brother had my back and I had his as we continued to push each other on the track,” Stark recalls.

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW PALMERTRINITY.ORG

In the two years that followed, Stark has pushed to new heights and well past what he thought was ever possible. As one of the few seniors on the Varsity Boys Cross Country team, Stark knew he would have to train and work alone for the majority of the season. “Once I adapted to the fact that I would just have to put my head down and work, I developed an all or nothing mentality that drove me to new heights.” Stark’s senior season saw a meteoric rise up the FHSAA rankings, regardless of classification. Stark was firmly on the map in the Cross Country world, and he planned to stay.

In October, Stark broke Todd Snyder’s 37-yearold school record with a new 5k time of 15:05.95. In November, Stark became the first Palmer Trinity runner to win a Cross Country State Championship and the first since Mike Reynolds and Snyder won back-to-back Championships as Palmer Pirates in the 1980’s before the merger with Trinity School. Head Coach Tammy King, who won two State Championships as a student in Track & Field in the early 90’s, is proud of Stark’s growth both in the sport and mentally, noting the difference in his focus and determination this year.

HENRY IS NOT AFRAID TO TAKE A CHANCE, HE IS A GUTSY RUNNER, AND HE LOVES RUNNING FROM THE FRONT AND TAKING CHARGE.” COACH TAMMY KING

As Stark recalls the lead-up to the State Championship race, he knew he had to trust his training. It was a cautious balance of eating properly and continuing to train hard without tiring out his legs. When it came time for the race, Stark remembers being both nervous and tense. However, when the gun went off, the nerves were replaced by adrenaline and he coasted through the first half-mile before sitting back into the pace. “I raced as smart as I could by adapting to any surges or unknown contenders that would push the pace and always staying near the front of the pack,” Stark recalls. As Stark came to “The Wall”, which is a steep climb followed by small hills, he knew that he only had a mile left and was able to pick up the pace and didn’t look back. Back on campus, Stark’s classmates watched a livestream in the gymnasium and cheered as Stark approached the finish line without anyone else in sight. Stark was a State Champion. “It is an honor to be woven into Palmer Trinity’s Athletic history,” Stark says proudly, “it is a privilege to be written into the history books along with other notable athletes I have trained with and, most importantly, my Head Coach Tammy King.” Stark is excited knowing he has what it takes to perform under the highest stakes and at the next level. He will continue his cross country and track career at Appalachian State University in the fall.

P T S T HE AT R E NE W S

ll a C n i a Curt

BY SOFIA BENNETT ‘24

Palmer Trinity students perform (top left) in “The Cagebirds” and “Into the Woods” which included an all school cast.

Kicking off the year, Palmer Trinity School’s theatre department brought in a strong cast of nine powerful actresses to put on the non-traditional one-act play, The Cagebirds. The play follows the story of imprisoned women reluctant to leave their “cage,” when the character, the Wild One, is suddenly introduced. The Wild One uproots their traditional ideas of the cage, creating tension among the women that leaves an impactful message about society. A challenging piece, the cast learned to incorporate intense mannerisms and character quirks to bring the essence of the show to life. In addition to this play, the theatre department prepared solos, scenes, and theater designs to take to the Florida Thespian competition. At district competition, the Junior and Senior troupe took home 16 Superior scores altogether, with two perfect scores for the solo musical performance by Katerina Morin ‘26 and the duet acting piece by Sofia Bennett ‘24 and Iliana Cardoso ‘24. They advanced to the State Competition in March. To finish off a successful year, PTS theatre put on the show Into the Woods with musical lyrics by Steven Sondheim. Another difficult show, the

all-school cast performed exceptionally well and learned new styles of music and theatre. Seniors Hana Hernandez ‘24 and Salvatore Pizzolato ‘24 were given the opportunity to perform as Little Red Riding Hood and the Baker, respectively, challenging them theatrically and musically as leads. Overall, students learned new aspects of theatre, explored new characters, and scored highly in their competitions, signaling a successful year for the Palmer Trinity thespians.

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

HONORING SENIOR ATHLETES

LUCAS ALONSO Four Years Football One Year Track & Field

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

SARAH BAYAS Five Years Volleyball One Year Tennis One Year Track & Field

GABRIELA BUTLER Three Years Volleyball One Year Soccer One Year Track & Field

MARIA CAMPOSANO Four Years Track & Field Two Years Cross Country

GABRIEL BELLANDE Three Years Soccer

DANIELA CARBAJALES-VIETA Five Years Soccer

SOFIA BENNETT One Year Fall Cheer One Year Lacrosse

COLIN CARLETTA Three Years Basketball

SEBASTIAN BORRERO One Year Golf

CAROLINA DE LA RIVA Four Years Soccer

MAXWELL DRUCKER Two Years Football One Year Track & Field

JAKE FONT Five Years Baseball

VALENTINA FONTELES CAMPS Two Years Fall Cheer Two Years Winter Cheer Two Years Lacrosse

SANTIAGO FRANCESCHI Two Years Soccer

HANA HERNANDEZ Five Years Fall Cheer Five Years Winter Cheer

THOMAS HUDSON Two Years Soccer Two Years Track & Field One Year Football

COLE JACKSON Four Years Football One Year Baseball One Year Track & Field

ALEXANDER KEEPING Two Years Soccer One Year Track & Field

LUDWIG KIPP Three Years Football Two Years Track & Field

SEBASTIAN LANZ Five Years Golf

CONNOR LEATHE One Year Soccer

JADE LEON Five Years Basketball One Year Cross Country One Year Softball One Year Track & Field

DEVIN LIDA Two Years Soccer

KAYLIAH LIMSANG Four Years Track & Field

MACKENZIE METKA Four Years Soccer One Year Lacrosse One Year Track & Field

JUAN DIEGO PAIZ One Year Football

ANGELICA QUIROGA One Year Lacrosse

JAKE PEARCY Four Years Baseball Four Years Football

LIAM RENE Three Years Track & Field

KATARINA PENA Four Years Cross Country Four Years Track & Field

OMAR PEREZ Four Years Cross Country Four Years Track & Field

KEIRRA ROA Four Years Volleyball

AUGUSTINE SCHUITEMAKER-MARCH Three Years Softball

WALKER SMITH Four Years Football Two Years Track & Field

HENRY STARK Four Years Cross Country Four Years Track & Field Two Years Soccer

CAILYN SULLIVAN Four Years Track & Field Three Years Soccer Three Years Volleyball One Year Cross Country

PERRY SYLVAIN Four Years Football Three Years Track & Field One Year Baseball

GREGORY TINDLE Four Years Track & Field

MELINA RUIZ Four Years Tennis Two Years Basketball SARA STEPHANOU Five Years Tennis Three Years Soccer

ETHAN VANZANT Three Years Football Two Years Track & Field One Year Basketball

SEBASTIAN VIVES Four Years Golf Three Years Tennis Two Years Soccer

REECE WEBER Four Years Golf

ANDRES WILLIAMS Four Years Baseball Four Years Football

FINN ZUCCARINI Two Years Football Two Years Track & Field One Year Lacrosse

NOELANI SADLER Four Years Track & Field DANIELLA PEREZ-CARTAYA Four Years Cross Country Four Years Track & Field

STONE STROUD Three Years Football

MATI VELOSO Five Years Basketball One Year Cross Country One Year Softball One Year Track & Field

GIANLUCA SALVATO Two Years Soccer

RODRIGO PONTES One Year Soccer

DIEGO SUAREZ Three Years Soccer

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

GL OB A L C I T I Z ENS IN T HE M A K ING :

T HE AC A DEMIC A ND C ULT UR A L A DVA N TAGE S OF S T UDEN T T R AV EL In our interview with Derek Smith, the school’s Global Scholar in Residence, we uncover the importance of nurturing cultural fluency, and why Palmer Trinity focuses on cultivating a global mindset.

W H AT E X A C T LY I S A “ GL OB A L S C HOL A R IN R E S IDENC E ? ” I was named the PTS Global Scholar in Residence upon the retirement of our former esteemed colleague, Dr. Manjula Salomon, in the spring of 2022. As many of us in the Palmer Trinity community were aware at the time, it was not possible to fill Dr. Salomon’s shoes. I had to try on my own and put my stamp on the position. We are grateful for the global pathway Dr. Salomon forged for our PTS community. As for the job description, I get asked that a lot! I consider the Global Scholar in Residence position to serve as the school’s global thought leader who lives the mission of global scholarship both personally and professionally and harnesses their global network to elevate international experiential opportunities for the PTS community. By leveraging my own experiences and networks, I aim to enrich the educational journey of our students, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

DO O T HER L OC A L PR I VAT E / INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS H AV E A “GL OB A L S CHOL A R IN RESIDENCE”? WHY DOES P T S FIND I T IMP OR TA N T T O H AV E ONE ?

The title is unique among independent schools. Many schools have a “Global Studies Director” or “International Education Coordinator.” I consider these position titles to represent more of the transactional nature of running a global education program. While these tasks are Multi Layers of the Middle East Travel Experience, Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, March 2023 important and necessary, I feel the title of “Global Scholar in Residence” more effectively captures the transformational spirit of what this position entails. It plays a crucial role in shaping the global mindset of our students, faculty, and community. By reinforcing global perspectives found in the fabric of our educational ethos, PTS recognizes the importance of fostering global competence, empathy, and cultural fluency, which are indispensable skills in the world we live in today.

W ITH S T UDENT S FROM VA RIOU S COUNTRIES AND EXPERIENCES A BROA D, W H Y DO W E H AV E A COMMITMENT TO GROWING IN GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP? As it states in our Portrait of a Graduate, “Palmer Trinity School educates our students to be… Global Citizens who strive to recognize their universal humanity and appreciate their responsibility towards each other and the world.” As such, we are a traveling school with a global footprint that rivals many independent schools around the world. We live the mission here at PTS. We do not conduct “trips,” but rather we run “travel experiences.” Faculty “chaperones” do not lead these experiences, but rather “travel leaders.” Travel experiences at Palmer Trinity are not merely about visiting new places; they are about cultivating global citizens who possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By immersing students in diverse cultures, fostering empathy and understanding, and promoting active engagement with global issues, travel experiences at PTS serve as transformative opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

HOW IS A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE IN T EGR AT ED IN T O T HE CURRICULUM FOR THOSE W HO DO NO T TR AV EL? PTS recognizes that not all students may have the desire or opportunity to travel abroad, therefore we are committed to integrating global perspectives into our curriculum. For example, our International Baccalaureate Diploma program and offerings of regional histories in our History Department are two pathways that provide a robust global education experience. We also provide a wide array of extra curricular opportunities as well, including international student virtual exchanges with the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), participation in local Model United Nations (MUN) conferences including our own Miami Model UN (MIAMUN) Conference and multicultural events like our renowned PTS International Festival. By providing diverse educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom, we ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop a nuanced understanding of the world and their place within it.

HOW ARE STUDENTS PREPARED FOR THEIR RE SPEC TI V E TR AV EL EXPERIENCES? We are very intentional about preparation for travel and recognize there are important components to the “before, during and after” stages of these transformational experiences. Educational objectives are established by our faculty travel leaders as an extension to what they teach in their classrooms. Prior to embarking on their journeys, students undergo comprehensive preparation that goes beyond logistical details. We encourage our students to open their hearts and minds, develop travel resilience and apply situational awareness as the fundamental tenets of their travel experiences. Through experiential learning activities and reflective Number of Continents exercises such as journal writing, Visited This School Year students are equipped with the tools and cultivate the mindset necessary to navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence and empathy.

HOW DO YOU HOPE THE SE TR AV EL EXPERIENCES SHAPE OUR STUDENTS, NOT JUST IN THEIR TIME AT P T S , BU T FOR THE FUTURE?

3 24 813

Number of School Trips (Domestic & International)

Number of Palmer Trinity Student Travelers

Travel experiences have the power to profoundly impact students’ personal and intellectual growth. It is through the challenges and complexities of travel that students are confronted with their own assumptions, biases, and limitations, ultimately leading to transformative learning experiences. By immersing themselves in new cultures, confronting unfamiliar perspectives, and navigating the complexities of the global landscape, students develop a broader understanding of the world and their role within it. As they return to PTS and beyond, I hope they carry with them a lifelong curiosity, a perspective rendered more discriminate than the average by its ability to draw comparisons and a sense of responsibility to effect positive change in their communities. 15

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

HAVING WORK ED IN OTHER COUNTRIES, WHAT DO YOU NOTICE IS U N I Q U E A B O U T P T S A N D I T S S T U D E N T S /C O M M U N I T Y/ E N V I R O N M E N T ?

e v o L h it W d a e L What I love most about PTS is the extent to which global education is valued and cherished here, arguably more than any school I have encountered in the United States. PTS truly embraces the international nature of the city of Miami. I feel I have one foot in the U.S. and one foot overseas here in south Florida, and this is right where I want to be!

Most importantly, the leadership here at PTS is some of the very best I have worked for anywhere. When Mr. Roberts reminds us to ”Lead With Love,” he truly embodies this philosophy and this mantra permeates throughout our school. At PTS, I have found a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters intellectual curiosity and integrity rooted in our Episcopal foundation. The school’s commitment to cultivating global citizenship sets it apart as a truly exceptional learning environment. I am privileged to be a part of the PTS community and am continually inspired by the passion and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.

S T UDEN T T R AV EL : IN T HEIR OW N WOR D S

“ This trip was memorable because I was able to come together with a group of people from my school and get to know everyone as a friend. It was also an amazing experience with our endeavors in Model United Nations because we got to make connections with a school from abroad and form an international alliance that we hope to continue with later.”

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

–SOFIA REED-GOMES ‘25, LISBON, NOVEMBER 2023

“ The diverse landscapes we saw in Namibia are what made this trip memorable. Since we went to so many different areas of the country with our group, I could see an array of ecosystems and scenery. The grasslands had an abundance of animals I had never seen, as well as awe-inspiring sunsets. The dunes at the desert were like nothing I had ever seen and was truly an out-of-this-world experience. I learned a lot of resilience and patience.”

“I realized that so many of the things people know about the U.S. are wrong, and how assumptions and the internet can really affect your view of a place. I saw how their culture can affect their daily life and who they are. On this trip, I got to know people from PTS I wasn’t as close with, which was fun.”

–AUBREY SANKO ‘26, NAMIBIA, MARCH 2024

–MIA REPENNING ‘28, NEW ZEALAND, DECEMBER 2023

“ I learned the value of learning about the country you’re in. I lived in Germany, but I learned more on this trip than in the two and a half years I was there. I’ve always had trouble opening up, and this trip helped me open up to more people and make friends.” –DIEGO SOCARRAS ‘26, GERMANY, FEBRUARY 2024 “This year, I revisited a place I first got to know on a previous trip for the THIMUN conference. I was already familiar with the Quant hotel and charming towns, but this time I noticed all the little details I had missed back in 2023. It was lovely to go back to a place that had once felt new and now felt like a second home in a distant land.” –SOFIA REED-GOMES ‘25, THE HAGUE/AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, JANUARY 2024

“ It was definitely one of the most enjoyable trips I’ve ever been on because I got to learn a lot of new things. I had really cool experiences like seeing waterfalls, geysers, a geothermal lagoon that we actually got to go inside, glacier hiking, Icelandic ponies, and we even went dog sledding, which might’ve been my favorite part of the trip! On this trip, I learned to always be open to trying new things, because you will regret it if you aren’t.” –KATELYN FLANAGAN ‘29, ICELAND, MARCH 2024

“ One valuable lesson I learned from my experience in China is the importance of openmindedness and kindness. The genuine warmth and kindness of the people I met made my trip to China truly memorable. Feeling welcomed and safe, I had the opportunity to engage with others in a new language. This experience opened up a whole new world of connection for me. The beauty of China’s culture left a lasting impression on me, and I am definitely planning to return in the near future. –ISABELLA MORA-GONZALEZ ‘24, CHINA, MARCH 2024

“ Interacting with this unique culture made me appreciate what I have in my life and the opportunities I am given. I learned to value what I have since there are more unfortunate people.” –VICTORIO LORANDI ‘26, NAMIBIA, MARCH 2024

“ My favorite experience was cooking in Crete. It was fascinating to see how olive oil is produced in the traditional way. This trip has helped us become more aware of the culture.” –NOELANI SADLER ‘24, GREECE, MARCH 2024 17

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

A BROA DER UNDER S TA NDING OF T HE W OR L D T HROUGH L A NGUAGE BY ISABELL A MOR A-GONZALEZ ‘24

As you grow, you will find yourself navigating through life and encountering a diverse variety of languages and cultures. While English and Spanish may dominate our current surroundings, there are endless possibilities of culturally rich and diverse languages spoken across the globe. Each

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

language offers unique insights into different human expressions and experiences. We are grateful for the

opportunities provided by Palmer Trinity. All of us can fully explore the richness of cultural diversity and delve into different language options.

For the Lunar New Year Convocation, senior Isabella Mora-Gonzalez shared a speech to encourage middle school students to learn other languages. Isabella was a Silver Knight nominee in the category of World Languages.

variety of language options on my course selection sheet at PTS pleasantly surprised me. I opted for Chinese, intrigued by East Asian languages and by the ever-growing popularity of the language. As I learned Chinese and connected with others through this language, I began to realize more deeply the importance of bridging the gap between cultures beyond what we already know. Learning languages isn’t just about communication; it opens doors to diverse human experiences, enhancing problemsolving, and creativity. Multilingualism fosters global opportunities in business, diplomacy, and personal connections, all while nurturing cultural empathy. Language and culture intertwine, giving insight into customs, traditions, and worldviews, promoting tolerance, enriching personal experiences, and relationships.

Reflecting on my middle school years in the public school system, other students and I were never exposed to another language that wasn’t Spanish or English. Upon enrolling at Palmer Trinity, I noticed the limited embrace of cultures beyond Latino or Hispanic heritage in other schools. Seeing the

Learning languages is a journey of personal growth and enrichment. At the beginning, it can be very challenging to learn something new— which is how I felt when I started learning Chinese. However, it can also be very rewarding after you continually grow in learning the language. As you progress, you’ll discover the joy of communicating in a new language, understanding literature and media from different cultures, and forming meaningful

connections with people from around the world. In my Chinese learning journey, I’ve bonded with friends worldwide who share my interests.

EVERY CONVERSATION YOU HAVE BRINGS YOU, AND ALL OF US, ONE STEP CLOSER TO A MORE INTERCONNECTED AND ENRICHED SOCIETY.”

My Chinese teacher, Mrs. Yiran Liu, taught me a lot, and my global friends introduced me to trending Chinese pop culture. I feel like I see the world in a whole new light compared to when I started. With this, I encourage you all to pursue learning a different language in the years to come. Start with a language that interests you, whether spoken by your neighbors, a language you’ve encountered while traveling, or something you’ve always been curious about. Every word you learn brings you closer to a broader understanding of the world and opens doors to exciting opportunities in the future. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Every word you learn, and every conversation you have, brings you and all of us one step closer to a more interconnected and enriched society.

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

CONNECTION THROUGH

at e r C t n e t n o C BY AYO WILLIAMS ‘25, REPORTER FOR THE R APTOR YEARBOOK AND PT T V

Over the summer, as junior year approached, I decided to check my class schedule. I noticed that I had been enrolled in two electives taught by the same teacher—both Broadcast and Yearbook—yet I had not requested either of these during course selection. I knew one thing: I needed to find a way out of these classes. Why? Because I did not want to be on camera, behind a camera, writing scripts, or writing articles.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Once the school year began, I told my advisor that I needed to switch out of the classes, but a voice in my head told me to stick with it and give it a chance. So I did.

The semester started and I tried to put my best foot forward, but I still struggled to connect with media or journalism… until it was my turn to take photos. My connection with the camera was immediate. My pictures weren’t very good and I had a lot to learn, but I loved every second of it. I spent the remainder of the semester learning the ins and outs of photo composition, camera settings, and the variety of gear I could use to improve my photography.

ation

In December, my family, who had quickly recognized my newfound passion, decided to take a chance on me: They bought me a Canon DSLR camera, a tripod, and several lenses.I utilized my break to extensively study photography and began capturing images of various subjects, including plants, birds, and sports. I actively sought opportunities to pursue my passion. I started a personal photography social media account, I began curating a photography portfolio, and I signed up for a new Advanced Broadcast independent study course outside of my other classes. I was also invited to join the PTS chapter of Quill and Scroll International Honor Society. All of these more intensive opportunities allowed me to enjoy the parts of media that once deterred me; writing articles and producing videos became something that I enjoyed.

I came to realize this: Capturing moments through a lens was my way of freezing time, and something about that felt powerful. Through photography, I was able to connect with the world around me, connect with my community, and connect with a part of myself I didn’t know existed before this year.

STUDENT MEDIA STATS 1

“Best of SNO” recognition

Zoom lenses available for student journalists

DSLR cameras available for student media use

Elective offerings in student media program

17 Members of Quill and Scroll Honor Society

Scan to watch episodes of Falcon Flash! Visit The Perch to read articles by our student journalists Follow on Instagram @falconstudentmedia

I gave our Falcon Student Media program a chance and it opened a new door in my life. The program is a fairly new addition to Palmer Trinity. The program includes the Broadcast and Yearbook production courses, along with the introductory Journalism and Media in the Middle semester electives. Advanced students also have the opportunity to be invited to join Quill and Scroll. Within these courses, we get a chance to explore the world of journalism and media creation by sharing the stories of the year. Primarily studentled, the courses create hands-on opportunities for students as we produce content for a variety of media platforms: PTTV’s morning show, Falcon Flash; the student news website, The Perch; the yearbook, The Raptor; and the Instagram account. Being a part of the Falcon Student Media team allows for us to try new things, whether it is anchoring, editing video, designing a yearbook spread, interviewing subjects, or even hosting a podcast. As student journalists, we are constantly pushing past our comfort zones. As we tear down these barriers, we are able to create connections with those around us, which is undoubtedly a pillar of the media program. By learning how to become effective journalists, we build connections with each other in the classroom. Through our interviews and our photography, we foster connections within our community. And by publishing and broadcasting our work, we inspire our audience to find meaningful connections with the unique and vibrant individuals all around us. 21

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

TA K ING F L IGH T:

R E T IR ING FAC ULT Y MEMBER S BY BL ANCA MOR ALES

DR . BR I A N ME A L E Y Walking onto campus as a candidate for a teaching position is intimidating, especially for a rookie teacher. Naturally, newcomer Brian Mealey was a bit nervous. Yet despite having no formal teaching experience, he managed to wow the toughest critics of all–a classroom of teenagers.

This eventually led to earning the museum a special endowment gift and the founding of the Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center. Later, he collaborated with biologists at Everglades National Park where he collected blood samples from bald eagles for mercury and DNA analysis, thus beginning a career in raptor research. Over time, his research expanded to different birds and reptiles. “Always pay attention to opportunities because many are easy to miss,” he advised, as he reflected over his career.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

For all his knowledge and experience, Brian is best known for having one of the kindest hearts on campus.

When asked to teach a class as part of the interview process, he resorted to what he knew best. He conducted hands-on field techniques with AP Biology students to radio-track simulated terrapins on campus. Here, Brian was in his natural element. Brian took from his own experience on the field: at his first job out of college, he introduced the then-named Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, to a hands-on reptile program. Thanks to Brian, locals became aware the museum had animals.

“His huge heart did not only extend to his students, but all things living on campus. He cared for everything from orchids to snakes, and often put the needs of others above his own,” said fellow science teacher, Evan Apanovitch. In the science department, his classroom was popular among students and visitors. A wide range of animals, such as bearded dragons, turtles and snakes found a home there. The students’ interactions with the animals enhanced their educational experience. “His avian lab and snake tagging program are fondly remembered by alumni,” said Dr. Leo Llinas,

science department chair. In his class, students learned “empathy, compassion, and responsibility.” In collaboration with the Science Department, he developed a mark and recapture project of North American racers, eastern rat snakes, and red corn snakes on campus. Also, he helped develop a monitoring station at PTS for migrating birds flying south for the winter. Through Brian’s guidance, the school has rescued black vultures, peacocks, and other birds injured from window collisions. After 13 years of leaving his mark at PTS, he’s now spreading his wings into retirement. Brian will continue to conduct ecological field research of Florida’s imperiled wildlife. While his interest lies in working with raptors (birds of prey) and reptiles, he may leave his comfort zone to offer assistance in monitoring the highly endangered northern right whale. “These past thirteen years have been truly enriching. PTS has become more than just a workplace; it has been a second home filled with laughter, learning, and countless memories,” said Brian. “While I may be departing, the memories and lessons learned here will stay with me forever. Palmer will always be part of my soul.”

C A R L O S G A RCÉ S Spanish teacher Carlos Garcés’ favorite memory at PTS was when his biggest secret was unexpectedly revealed. Anticipating discretion, he wanted to glide past a significant milestone birthday unnoticed by the school community. However, his colleagues had different intentions. Despite his best efforts to keep the celebration under wraps, his classroom became a colorful spectacle as students and colleagues trickled in, each bearing a balloon marked with a conspicuous 5-0. The room was soon filled with 50 balloons! The cat was out of the bag, yet amidst the surprise, his heart swelled with gratitude. The elaborate gesture, orchestrated by the World Language Department, affirmed his deep-rooted belief since day one: this institution was more than just a school; it was a tight knit family. From the very beginning, Carlos’ love for the school was met with mutual affection. After having worked as a teacher and professor in his native Colombia and a stint in Scotland (where he had acquired a “blend of Spanish-Scottish accent”), he arrived in the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree. Just as he was to embark on a Doctorate Degree, PTS came knocking

with a job offer. Miami was not part of his plans, but upon meeting the faculty and staff, and seeing the campus, he was sold. That was in 2001. He would spend the next 23 years at PTS, where he had found a new home. “Carlos is not just my co-worker, he is part of my family,” said Anya Bade, who has worked with him for 12 years. “Carlos is fun-loving and caring. He is positive and empathetic towards everyone.” In the hallways, Carlos can be seen greeting everyone who comes his way, shaking hands or sharing a cheerful, “¡Hola!” “His students always talk about him fondly,” said math teacher Maria Vanegas, who has worked with Carlos for the past 23 years. “There is no one like him! He’s funny, he’s caring, he loves the kids and has been committed to the excellence of his students since I’ve known him.” “He makes his classroom experience memorable by combining his extensive language knowledge and his dynamic teaching style,” said World Languages Department Chair, Julio Carassou. “Carlos sets high standards, pushing students to excel and preparing them well for AP and IB exams. He provides personalized feedback to help students

improve their skills and integrates Spanish culture, history, and current events into his lessons for a wellrounded understanding.” Speaking of Carlos and reminiscing about shared experiences elicits chuckles among his colleagues, who warmly recall humorous anecdotes. “He can always get a laugh out of you,” remarked Julio. “I appreciate Carlos’ sense of humor because he makes life more enjoyable. He is loved by everyone here,” added Laura Massa, a teacher from the History Department. As many attested, learning Spanish in Señor Garcés’ class is a joy, and many students and colleagues learned to value their Hispanic heritage thanks to his enthusiasm for language and culture. Whether he’s dancing with abandon, singing about being a “lift weighter,” or offering words of encouragement, Carlos’ vibrant spirit will be a lasting memory cherished by both students and colleagues.

T IM L E S T ER For 13 years, Tim Lester shared his musical gifts with the school, teaching piano and chorus. During his tenure, Tim not only served as an educator, but also lent his vocal talents to countless chapel services.

Guiding the sixth-grade chorus was no easy task for Tim. As Head of Middle School Pete Tolmach described it, “it was like herding cats.” Despite the challenges of working with students from diverse backgrounds and musical abilities, Tim’s ability to shape each sixth-grade choir was commendable. Thanks to his dedication, the group

consistently delivered outstanding performances at school events. In his most recent role as chapel event coordinator, Tim continued to serve the school community. As Tim prepares to retire, we acknowledge the impact he has had on the school. We extend our best wishes to him in his retirement. 23

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

PA L MER T R INI T Y PA R EN T A S S OC I AT ION:

BUIL DING C OMMUNI T Y ON A ND OFF T HE P T S C A MP U S BY ELIZABETH BELL ANDE AND DENISE GALL ARDO

Within our campus and far beyond its walls, Palmer Trinity isn’t merely an educational institution; it’s a great big community. Students, faculty, staff, and parents find a true sense of belonging and support that goes beyond the ordinary. In moments of triumph and times of challenge, achievements are celebrated, and comfort is readily extended, nurturing enduring friendships that span lifetimes.

AT PALMER TRINITY, COMMUNITY ISN’T JUST A CONCEPT; IT’S THE PALMERTRINITY.ORG

HEARTBEAT THAT PULSES

THROUGH EVERY ASPECT OF OUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.”

Central to this ethos is The Palmer Trinity Parent Association (PTPA), a cornerstone of our community. With a mission to cultivate connections and foster family engagement, the PTPA embodies the partnership between parents and the school. Volunteers, including parents, grandparents, alumni, and trustees, play pivotal roles in enriching our community through volunteer work. Recognizing the importance of this partnership, remarkable achievements are made through the collaboration of the school and parents, ultimately benefiting our children. Comprising over 16 diverse committees, the PTPA offers many avenues for community involvement, including Book Club, Community Service, Dads Club, Uniform Recycle Program, Holiday Party, Social Committee, Team Parents, and Parent Education, just to

name a few. All parents and guardians are automatically members, ensuring inclusivity and active participation. With a vibrant calendar boasting events and programs, the PTPA provides plenty of opportunities for parents to engage, contribute, and strengthen our school community. At Palmer Trinity, we champion initiatives that cultivate connections and enrich experiences. Our parent mentors extend welcome new families, while Grade Coordinators foster camaraderie through grade-specific gatherings and information sharing. Among our cherished traditions, the International Festival shines brightly, uniting students, parents, and friends in celebration of global diversity and friendship. Another beloved and new tradition, Lessons and Carols with Christmas Tree Lighting (see page 41), captivates families with its festive spirit and magical ambiance. From the Christmas chapel service to the enchanting tree lighting ceremony, this event exemplifies the warmth and joy of our community, drawing families together in shared celebration. These cherished events are made possible by the boundless dedication and volunteerism of our parent community. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of parents and alumni parents whose generosity and commitment breathe life into the PTPA, nurturing a community characterized by love, inclusivity, and connection at Palmer Trinity School.

T HE CR E AT I V E T R I A D :

IN T EGR AT ING HE A D, H A ND & HE A R T IN V IS UA L A R T S BY THE ART DEPARTMENT

connect with the school community in diverse and imaginative ways: • This year, the 3D Art class worked in collaboration with the drama program’s production of “Into the Woods”, creating several manipulatable cow puppets to perform as Milky White on stage (page 11). • Students in Studio Art continued to spread art throughout campus with their large-scale recreations of famous paintings, as seen in the MDR. The most recent piece created was Tamara in a Green Bugatti by Tamara de Lempicka for Ms. McCabe’s college counseling office. Within the Visual Arts Department, an ethos of nurturing and cultivation abounds, dedicated to unlocking the boundless potential within each student. Our classrooms stand as vibrant forums, where the freedom to explore ideas, experiment with new materials, and express oneself through the medium of art can be found. Recently, we’ve adopted a guiding theme: “Make Art with your Head, Hand & Heart.” This mantra invites students to merge conceptual depth, technical proficiency, and emotional resonance within each piece they make. Students are encouraged to develop their skills within a given medium, but also to infuse meaningful content and sentiments within their work. These efforts allow students to create unique and engaging pieces and to

• Additionally, the Digital Art class created Keith Haring-style posters displaying the school’s motto of “Lead with Love” to hang around campus. • And the IB seniors hosted their capstone event, a Senior Exhibition, in the PDR to great success. Whether it’s through drawing, painting, sculpture, or digital art, our goal remains the same: to empower students to realize their creative potential and become adept visual communicators. In the Visual Arts Department, the canvas is infinite, and the creative potential of each student is just a brushstroke away.

BIRDS’S EYE VIEW

T HE P OW ER OF A PPR ECI AT ION:

FO S TERING A CULT URE OF GR ATIT UDE IN THE WORK PL ACE BY EMILY WILKEN, ACADEMIC DEAN

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Our tradition of Gratitude Week at Palmer Trinity School began in November 2021. Each year the faculty and staff take a week to pause and reflect upon our blessings. Colleagues at Palmer Trinity School have a deep appreciation for one another, and Gratitude Week encourages members of the faculty and staff to take time to express mutual appreciation. The field of education demands a lot, and yet, colleagues describe PTS as a warm, supportive place to work.

Gratitude Week provides faculty and staff members the opportunity to recognize one another’s professionalism and contributions to our exceptional community. The week begins with three days of note writing. We dedicate Monday to “Celebrating Those Beside You” such as a fellow member of our department or someone with whom we share an office. On Tuesday we celebrate those “Behind the Scenes” including members of Coastal Building Maintenance,

Sentinel Security, and SAGE Dining. Wednesday, we recognize “Those Beyond”, such as a leader on campus. We have found that the act of note writing builds camaraderie and reminds us that PTS is such a wonderful place to serve. Each year, Mr. Roberts provides treats for us throughout the week. As well, he hosts a Gratitude Gathering, a time for delightful food and good fellowship. At this gathering a few colleagues volunteer to share Stories of Gratitude about how being a part of this community has positively impacted their lives. Our communication team compiles a lovely video using photo submissions from faculty and staff members. Some photos feature faculty and staff members enjoying moments together on and off campus. While other photos capture our beautiful, supportive family and friends for whom we are grateful. The Gratitude Gathering is a wonderful event that brings everyone together and showcases our collegiality; the event truly distinguishes our community.

The week concludes with community wide activities on Friday. Each student, faculty, and staff member are asked to write one thing at PTS for which he/she is grateful. People have the opportunity to pass by the wall throughout the day to read community members’ expressions of gratitude. The day ends with a Gathering Around the Bell, a tradition Mr. Roberts initiated in 2014 with The Gratitude Wall serving as a lovely backdrop for the event. Everyone gathers at the victory bell before the final dismissal on the Friday before Thanksgiving Break to celebrate our community and Mr. Roberts wishes everyone a lovely Thanksgiving break. The Victory Bell tolls to welcome the beginning of the break.

Gratitude Week is one of my favorite events of the school year.

In the words of our Head of School, Mr. Patrick Roberts, “Leadership begins with gratitude.” Mr. Roberts endorses and helps to lead each Gratitude Week. According to Mr. Roberts, “Dedicating a week to gratitude demonstrates how truly important it is.” Mr. Roberts has encouraged other schools to implement PTS’s unique Gratitude Week by presenting at the Florida Council of Independent Schools in November 2022.

From writing letters of gratitude for your colleagues to the sweet treats from the PTPA to the gathering around the bell at the end of the week, it is a time to reflect on how much we value and appreciate our community. The people are what make Palmer Trinity School what it is, so it is wonderful to be able to take the time to acknowledge their hard work and positive contributions.”

BROOKE LEMAIRE ‘09 AND ENGLISH TEACHER

Gratitude is a key element of our “Lead with Love” approach at PTS. We believe Gratitude Week not only helps us to celebrate one another but it also models the spirit of gratitude for students and parents. It is a privilege to work alongside such incredible people and to celebrate one another through this Palmer Trinity School tradition. 27

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

IN THE CLASSROO

PERSPECTIVES

KINGMAKERS

OM:

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF TEACHING BY EDUARDO BARRETO, UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH

I REMEMBER SITTING IN AN “INTRO TO EDUCATION” CLASS AS A COLLEGE SOPHOMORE, WHEN OUR TEACHER—A RETIRED PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER TURNED ADJUNCT PROFESSOR—ASKED US TO TALK ABOUT “THE TEACHER THAT CHANGED OUR LIVES.”

This task was simple for the other 15 female students, who had seemingly been waiting their entire lives to be asked that question. The task, however, put me at a disadvantage, not because I was the only male student in the class (albeit, probably so), but because I was the only one without a heart-warming “teacher changed my life” story. When my turn came, at the end of a barrage of truly moving and beautiful recollections, I simply said, “Well, most of my teachers sucked, so I figured I could do a better job.” In retrospect, I regret my answer. It was unintentionally flippant and arrogant, and the statement just wasn’t entirely true-–something I was unaware of at the time. Mark Twain hilariously quips that when he was 14, his father was so ignorant that he couldn’t stand to have the man around; however, when Twain turned 21, he was astonished at how much his father had learned. The irony, of course, is that the one who learns is Twain, not his father. And now that time has taught me more than I thought I knew at 18, I have the privilege of acknowledging the impact high school teachers had on my development. My drama teacher, whose single attempt at cross-curricular teaching led him to offering extra credit to those students who wrote vocabulary terms in index cards and practiced them in class, is probably the reason I bolstered my vocabulary. The cap advisor who let me study in her room during lunch, with the SAT book she had lent me, is the reason I learned of the SAT and probably the reason why I ended up being accepted into college. And the AP teacher I observed for an assignment in that “Intro to Education” class made me see the possibility of teaching AP English in the future—and interestingly, she and I ended up teaching side by side a few years later.

PERSPECTIVES

These anecdotes come together in my mind in order to underscore a larger theme, that is the transformative power of teaching, and the unique impact teachers can have on students. By the end of that “Intro to Education” class, we had to craft a statement of philosophy - a fancy string of words that adorned our personal ideology of teaching. Here’s what I wrote: As an educator, I think of myself as the perpetual kingmaker - never the king. This is a duty I accept, knowing that duty goes with honor. The kingmaker makes the ascension possible but doesn’t ascend; the educator influences the outcome but celebrates quietly from the shadows; the educator kneels so that others may stand on my shoulders. This knowledge inspires me; it also gives me confidence because it gives me purpose. The educator is Atlas - holding the world on his shoulders, even if at times he feels like Sisyphus, infinitely pushing a rock up a hill. The educator is Daedalus, crafting fireproof wings of wisdom while our Icarus flies into the sunset of tomorrow. Hopefully not to crash and burn. This is my truth and my hope, that the educator is the Prometheus of the modern world - we deal in fire and knowledge, and the spark we strike ignites the soul with passion; the teacher fans the flame of talent and sets ablaze the hope for a brighter future. That’s what I believe as an educator.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

I know…very verbose. It’s probably all those vocab terms on index cards. But beyond the language, I see a lot of truth in what I wrote—a truth that is still true to me today. A truth that highlights a central point of my philosophy: an educator must be a perpetual learner. Or to say it another way, “to teach is to learn twice over.” Or to say it yet another way, I learn that I may teach and I teach that I may learn. I like how my mentee phrased it, in the first few weeks of her first year teaching, “I don’t know that I’ll be a good teacher, but I’m a hell of a learner.” Truly, the best teacher is the best learner.

Take my own story as an example: at the age of 16, I arrived in the United States with three bags, two sleepless nights, and one word of English. A week later, I was misplaced in a regular High School English class, instead of an English Language Learning class (ESL), where the teacher had us open a copy of Huckleberry Finn and said, in no uncertain terms, to read chapter one. I can now appreciate Huck Finn as being filled with the delightful whimsy of regional dialect, but after reading the first page on that first day, I reasoned that if that’s what English looked and sounded like, I would never learn it (I think

scholars would agree that Huck Finn just ain’t proper English). Today, almost two decades later, I teach AP English Language and Composition, and I am a College Professor of English Composition. I draw this parallel not to emphasize talent or determination or the immigrant’s grit; instead, my story should point in one direction: passion for learning. Today, most of my life is enveloped by this passion for learning—the teaching and the practice of it—to such an extent that learning anything and everything has become one of the defining aspects of my professional and personal identity. I am now, as I was then, mesmerized by the power that learning has to call meaning out of chaos and create sense out of nothing. I learn, therefore I teach. And also, I teach, therefore I learn.

As I put it all together now, I still hang on to that analogy of Atlas and Sisyphus. To feel the weight of a classroom, of the students’ collective education, of their future development and influence is an incredible feeling - a feeling filled with purpose. Those are the days I feel like Atlas - like I carry the future of the world on my shoulders. But teachers also have those days when they push an uncertain rock of belief up a mountain of “does this really make a difference?” Those are my Sisyphus days. But even in those days, we still push the rock. We push the rock because we believe it matters, and that belief gives us courage. So, what does it mean to be an educator these days? My answer is a little less idealistic, and much less flowery (once I learned not to hide behind my words), but largely the answer is still the same. The educator is the kingmaker. The educator is the perpetual learner. The educator is probably the best student in the classroom. And those teachers, the ones who are always willing to learn, are the best equipped to teach.

An educator must be a perpetual learner.”

T HE P O W ER OF

C ONNEC T ION BY REV. DR. MARY ELLEN CASSINI

Imagine my surprise at one of my very first Parent Meetings here to encounter David Schwedel, parent of Simone ‘23 and Wyatt ‘29 and Levi ‘29. David was a member of the first class of literature students I ever taught! He and I had a wonderful reunion, and I was so happy to meet his beloved wife, Maria who has also become a dear friend. Such a surprise and unexpected moment of joy through a profound connection. There are so many other synchronistic moments that I have had at this sacred place.

CONSCIOUSNESS AND CONNECTIONS A few weeks ago, I was reading an article on Consciousness. Certainly a mystery to even scientists who study it. Scientists are searching for our consciousness connections. One writer and journalist reporting on the scientific discoveries, Susan Lahey states: “They’ve unlocked consciousness and it connects to the entire universe. That means your consciousness can connect or entangle with quantum particles outside your brain-anywhere in the universe-theoretically.” (Popular Mechanics October 18, 2023) Additionally, Timothy Palmer, Royal Society Research Professor at Oxford in his article “Human Creativity and Consciousness: Unintended Consequences of the Brain’s Extraordinary Energy Efficiency?” reveals: “Consciousness outside of ourselves;” we are all interconnected through our shared awareness.

AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE TO PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL, Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini who has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Trinity Chapel, transforming it into a sanctuary where all are embraced and welcomed, will embark on a new chapter alongside her husband, Charley, in Deerfield Beach. Additionally, Mary Ellen will continue to give of her time and serve the community at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach.

CONNECTING WITH OUR ANCESTRY What a mystery and magical moment for all of us to recognize the power of our consciousness and how it connects us to the universe, and I would also add the Divine. Our connections are also with our ancestors. We are connected to them in our DNA but also in our mores and traditions. My parents instilled in me an appreciation of the power of friendship. Our relationships create richness in our lives. My Dad’s ancestors were Quakers, Friends, who were Abolitionists and Pacifists. They provided me with a passion for people to be treated fairly and with compassion. My Mother’s people were Anglicans; she shared her love of traditions, words and stories. One of her favorite authors was Alfred, Lord Tennyson who wrote in his poem Ulysses: “I am a part of all that I have met.” Palmer Trinity is an important part of me. Each person I have encountered, each student I have taught and each colleague I have collaborated with about learning has influenced me on my journey. As I move to a different experience with my husband, I rejoice in the knowledge of my deep connection with this beloved community.

THANK YOU, REV. DR. CASSINI FOR YOUR BOUNTIFUL GIFTS. 31

PERSPECTIVES

? d a e WhyR

AND WHAT SHOULD I READ? BY ASHLEY CHAPMAN, HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

I vividly remember, as a 6th grader, having to take a class scheduled only as “Library” and taught by Mr. Jackson. At that age, I suppose that not everyone found the library as a refuge from the hurlyburly of academic study and being the little fish in a big pond. Nonetheless, Mr. Jackson did his utmost to instill a love of books, learning, and literature in his somewhat recalcitrant charges. I vividly remember having to copy down (from the blackboard) the following lines of a simple poem that carries the secret of the power of the written word. Books are keys to wisdom’s treasure; Books are gates to lands of pleasure; Books are paths that upward lead; Books are friends. Come, let us read. ~ Emilie Poulsson

CHOOSING BOOKS OVER SOCIAL MEDIA

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Books (and by extension — literature) do not provide only dry academic learning but reveal the joy and thrill of gaining knowledge - new vistas and experiences that teach us about the joy and challenge of growing up and that would speak to us of the need to be a functioning, thoughtful, and caring human being. But how the world has changed since those simple, carefree student days when life was slower and less demanding when we could take time to sit and read. Events and technology have wrought a worrying change in our students and the way they no longer interact with others. There was no internet, no cell phones, no constant streaming of information in a visual or pre-digested format that suggested that the skill of reading and time spent on that pursuit would be seen as a waste of time, a pointless activity, and now separates us from all that grows us as human beings.

Recently I happened to watch Firing Line on PBS. Margaret Hoover was interviewing Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, about his new book which explores how social media and the ubiquitous use of cell phones has led to a mental health crisis for our youth. According to

Haidt, today’s youth have social media accounts making it possible to spend every waking moment online. Sadly, technology does not necessarily teach anything. The use of technology is essentially passive - children and students no longer “play” or physically interact with one another. Young people today have gone or will go through puberty on social media with a smartphone that calls them away from people and from their friends. Human beings should not grow up this way. Haidt speaks of children who do not enjoy peer interactions. “They have 500 friends. Isn’t it great to have 500 friends? It turns out it’s not. It turns out that what adolescents need is one or two or three, a small group of very close friends, and a small gang - and that is developmentally healthy. When kids ditched their friends in the real world and had 500 friends online they didn’t get happier and better connected. They starve for social connection and feel uncomfortable when called upon to live in the world and interact with people. How does anyone survive the challenge of social media that stunts human growth and allows total strangers (ostensibly “friends” on media platforms) to influence thinking and the ways we perceive ourselves? In Frankenstein, (a novel seriously worth reading) Mary Shelley argues our human need for friendship beyond ourselves, an argument that human beings need to take seriously. It is the plea that we all have someone, some group of friends with whom we connect, with whom we talk and laugh, with whom we learn and grow as people. Early in the novel, Captain Walton expresses in a letter to his sister the single most chafing issue he deals with – that of a friend. “You may deem me romantic, my dear sister, but I bitterly feel the want of a friend. I have no one near me, gentle yet courageous, possessed of a cultivated as well as of a capacious mind, whose tastes are like my own, to approve or amend my plans.” (Letter 2)

This longing for connection, and the suffering that ensues from the lack thereof, dwells in all of the main characters but especially Frankenstein’s creation himself.

“Believe me, Frankenstein: I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me… Shall I not then hate them who abhor me?” (Chapter 10)

How lucid and passionate are the words of Mary Shelley penned in 1818. And yet how true, how moving those words remain even today.

THE VALUE OF LITER ATURE Given what we can learn from literature and the insights of authors, we need to read, to recognize the opportunity to learn, to understand, or to be entertained. The simple action of sitting down to read has untold benefits for us not often valued in our world. Finding time to be still and creating a place where we will not be disturbed fosters a sense of recreation (think vacation). Reading stimulates the mind and the imagination, offers insights into concerns, transports us to other places where we can perceive truth and deal with the complexities of life in a creative fashion. Reading propels us out of our limited world into other times and places. The great value of literature allows us to comprehend experiences from different perspectives, learning, not from information, but from experience and participation. “Literature teaches us how to live,” says Anzer Ahmed. This means we can see the world as others do, learn from their experiences, and even understand ourselves a little better.

Unfortunately, the value of literature and reading has been undermined on a variety of levels. What we call literature is too often seen as enshrining the values of the establishment. I would argue that critical reading and thinking about literature allows us to question what we read. Any reading is good reading. Find a novel, story, poem, or play that sounds interesting and take the time to surround yourself with calm and quiet, and then immerse yourself in a learning experience that will open the world to you in ways you would never imagine. Along with the challenge of being online and being largely passive in daily life, individuals have lost a competitive edge. We judge ourselves too harshly believing that it is pointless to try anything because we will not be perfect. By not being actively involved in life or dealing with others in the flesh and the present, we become fearful. Uncertainty and fear stunt growth and learning. Nothing is as fearsome as something we do not know or have not tried. Fear uncontrolled will paralyze and destroy. Literary critic and professor, Harold Bloom, has described reading as “the most healing of pleasures.” I cannot but agree with him when he continues to state that “We read for varied reasons, most of them familiar … that we need to know ourselves better; that we require knowledge, not just of self and others, but of the way things are.” The beauty of life and the excitement of living is that it requires courage. It means being unafraid of what others might think or say. Hesitation or drawing back from life leaves us empty and unfulfilled. Consider the short poem by Guillaume Apollinaire:

RECOMMENDED READS: “‘HOPE’ IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS” BY EMILY DICKINSON “THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS” BY WENDELL BERRY “LINES COMPOSED A FEW MILES ABOVE TINTERN ABBEY” BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH “THE ROAD NOT TAKEN” BY ROBERT FROST “THE EDGE” BY GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE 33

PERSPECTIVES

THE EDGE “Come to the edge,” he said. “We can’t, we’re afraid!” they responded. “Come to the edge,” he said. “We can’t, We will fall!” they responded. “Come to the edge,” he said. And so they came. And he pushed them. And they flew.

We need to embrace life and its challenges – fear is crippling and shying away from challenges stunts growth and development. Consider taking a chance on something which imbues you with hesitation and unease and by doing so you may be set free to soar to heights unimagined. As in all things in life, we are faced with a choice. Life is full of choices and only the individual can choose their own lives. Let’s not be afraid of choice. If we are frightened of committing ourselves to an action we stagnate, we wither – and stasis makes the next choice more difficult. Because fools rush in where angels fear to tread, making a choice takes some time and some thought but a choice must be made, and we must move on without regret of selfrecrimination. Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” puts the challenge succinctly.

POETRY TO CONSIDER

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Throughout life we will be faced with choices and making a choice implies that we will not experience all life may have to offer. We need to choose and live, and then appreciate that having made a choice we do not live a life tinged with regret of what might have been. Today’s problem of people feeling lonely and isolated is not necessarily a new one. Throughout time and all human experience, individuals have felt lost or powerless. While not intending to make light of the challenges individuals might face in this realm, a possible starting point is in poetry – finding and reading poems that can bring comfort or a realization that we are not alone in this world.

William Wordsworth regularly turned to a contemplation of nature to settle his soul and find tranquility in the midst of concern. His poem “Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey” in which Wordsworth describes the power and effect of nature on man’s soul. Nature has often been a spring of hope and inspiration. Wendell Berry’s poetry serves as a reminder of the importance of community, the sustaining power of nature, and the simple beauty of our world. In “The Peace of Wild Things,” he encourages readers to slow down, consider their impact on the world,

and find contentment in the basics of life. The message is that nature can provide an escape from the chaos and despair of humanity. There, the “wild things” do not trouble themselves with the same anxiety that humankind does. One can find escape and relief there. In answering the question Why read poetry? Harold Bloom says “Only rarely can poetry aid us in communicating with others: that is beautiful idealism … Solitude is the more frequent mark of our condition; how shall we people that solitude? Poems can help us speak to ourselves more clearly and more fully, and to overhear that speaking. … We speak to an otherness in ourselves, or to what may be best and oldest in ourselves. We read to find ourselves, more fully and more strange than otherwise we could hope.” (How to Read and Why by Harold Bloom) In “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers” by Emily Dickinson, the poet suggests that Hope is an emotion or a feeling that exists in our hearts or minds as a tune that plays endlessly, that cheers when we feel hopeless, which permits us to overcome challenges, and provides comfort and consolation without requiring anything of us. We must choose to hope whenever we are faced with a choice because it is hope in ourselves and in the future that will ensure that we move into our world and our lives confident and sure of the future. The words of this song from “Carousel” offer just that hope and reassurance. YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE BY ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN When you walk through a storm Keep your chin up high And don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm Is a golden sky And the sweet, silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind, Walk on through the rain, Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, And you’ll never walk alone! You’ll never walk alone. © 1945, Copyright Renewed, Williamson Music Company (ASCAP) c/o Concord Music Publishing.

Let’s enjoy life, expand our horizons, and broaden our minds through the uplifting power of literature in all its forms and variations.

C R A F T ING C ONF IDENC E :

M A S T ER ING PUBL IC SPE A K ING WRIT TEN BY PETE TOLMACH, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Speaking in front of a large crowd provides more benefits than otherwise.” After many years of discussion, the Upper School Division Head, Ashley Chapman, and I decided at the end of the 2022 - 2023 school year to establish a speaker series for the 8th and 12th grades. The idea was to have every single 8th-grade student and every senior speak at the middle school and upper school chapels. The eighth grade would speak during middle school chapel and the seniors would speak to the upper school. Ultimately, the decision for the topic of the speech was left to the students presenting but there was a tremendous amount of guidance for those who needed some help. Public speaking is an art form that takes a great amount of practice. For our students who start Palmer Trinity School in the 6th grade, that process begins through participation in the Discovery Wheel. The Wheel, as it is

commonly known, provides students with opportunities in many areas for some time of about five weeks that students rotate through. By the end of the year, each 6th-grade student will have had experience with public speaking. Then in 7th grade, as a step beyond the discovery wheel, students participated in the Genius Project which culminates with a presentation that they have researched. The goal behind this project is that students research an area that they find interesting and want to learn more about. At the end of the process, the students present their findings. It is widely encouraged that they make the presentation interesting to the audience and they cannot read off of paper. Much of the skills they need for this presentation are introduced in the 6th Grade Wheel.

Finally, as the students enter 8th grade, they are asked to sign up for a time to make their 8th-grade Spotlight Speech. In each of these cases, the audience has grown - from one class in 6th grade to two classes in 7th grade to finally the entire middle school in 8th grade.

It is firmly believed that as students get older, speaking in front of a large crowd provides more benefits than otherwise. “It is important for students to have the opportunity to stand in front of their peers, to use their voice to share ideas and be heard, and to understand the potential they have as a leader,” says Andrea Fresco, Director of Student Affairs. Through the leadership of Andrea Fresco and Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini, the students practice speaking in the chapel with them. To Mrs. Fresco and Chaplain Cassini’s credit, they help ease the initial anxieties. Yes, students will get nervous and some may not sound as polished as others, but from what has been witnessed this year, the students feel much better once it’s done. They may say, “I am glad that’s over,” but they also have a sense of accomplishment and start to build confidence. They can now look at themselves and say, “Yes, I did that.” Top photos, left to right: Cameron Kelsey, Mikail Edoo, Mila Durso, Ari Lee-Schonfeld and Miles Tolmach. 35

EVENTS

HOMECOMING WEEK 2023

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

What an exciting week for our Falcons as they dressed up for fun themes, took part in a variety of relay games, competitions, and a lively pep rally prior to the homecoming game. The Varsity Football team concluded Homecoming Week with a 33-0 victory over Palm Glades Prep. Thank you to our entire PTS Community for cheering on our Falcons toward their win!

EVENTS

L E A DER SHIP CIRCL E R ECEP T ION On March 7, 2024, we hosted our Annual Leadership Circle Reception at Patrick and Laura Roberts’ home. 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 $2500. We extend our sincerest thanks to all of our donors, as your support has made a profound difference in our community. Special thanks to our Head of School, Patrick Roberts, and his wife Laura for opening their home for this wonderful event.

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja, Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Tina Lane, Elizabeth (Lane) Bacardi ‘93

Jan and Bill Morrison, Bronwen Rutter

Nick and Catie Davies with Patrick Roberts

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Lynne Keller, Megan Sullivan, Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96 and Lorraine Ospina-Herrera

Lili & Rodrigo Sideris, Carlos Penzini

Patrick and Laura Roberts, Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Bishop Eaton

Danielle Garcia, Amir Arab, Silvia Santilli, Marcelo and Jessica Malvicino, Lucas Girotti

Zurine Fernandez, Jerry and Susan Zsigo, Gustavo and Beatriz Fano

Benny and Ely Dominguez, Russ and Jenny Wilson Hudson and Laura Smith, Jim and Lisa Fratangelo

T HE V IL L A GE OF PA L ME T T O B AY

CEL EBR AT E S V E T ER A NS DAY W I T H PA L MER T R INI T Y S CHOOL We extend our gratitude to all veterans for participating in our Veterans Day convocation and breakfast at Palmer Trinity for the ninth consecutive year. It was an honor to welcome Mayor Karyn Cunningham and members of the Palmetto Bay Council among our esteemed guests. Special thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Scott Lofman (United States Air Force) for delivering an inspiring keynote address.

EVENTS

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 TH , the Palmer Trinity Parents Association held its 4th Annual Bows and Bow Ties Holiday Party at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. It was an evening where parents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty, and staff united to enjoy the holiday spirit. Our heartfelt appreciation extends to the efforts of the Steering Committee members who planned this event: Denise Gallardo, Laura Marandino, Helida Dodd, Jessica Malvicino, Merce Anez, Marivi Hudson and others whose dedication made this night unforgettable. Mark your calendars for next year’s festivities, scheduled for Friday, December 13th, once again at the Biltmore Hotel. We eagerly anticipate another joyous celebration together.

Patrick Roberts, Jesus Socorro, Jared Kaplan and Marcel Navarro

Elizabeth Battaglia, Katarzyna Maguire, Martin Hernandez and Sigrun Kristinsdottir

Charley and Mary Ellen Cassini, Ashley Chapman

Anne Beaumont (Nichols) Neithardt ‘95, David Neithardt, Richard Battaglia and Paul Kiortsis

PTS Alumni

Helida and Stephen Dodd, Peter and Melissa Tolmach, Carol and Derek Smith

Serkan Kabak, Marina Lithgow, Guest and Donna Ebanks

Faculty, Staff, Alumni & Parents at the Biltmore Hotel

Nicole Alfonso ‘11, Emily Keunen ‘11, Rebecca Merritt ‘11 and Alexis Capellades ‘11

Hudson and Laura Smith, Benny and Ely Dominguez

Gheorghe and Lynley (Walker) Ciorobea ‘96, Travis and Megan Sullivan

David Ragan, Traci Holstein, Laura Morin, Bobby ‘05 and Samantha (Evans) Moore ‘06

In its third year running, Lessons and Carols once again cast its spell, drawing students and their families together in the magic of holiday cheer. Amidst the backdrop of cheery holiday tunes, plentiful treats from food trucks and the PTPA, as well as lawn games, the atmosphere buzzed with festive zeal. Meanwhile, the Private Dining Room hosted the Student Art Showcase, featuring our own version of Art Basel. The highlight of the event was the Tree Lighting, as attendees gathered with candles in hand, eagerly counting down to the moment the tree would come alive with twinkling lights. Then excitement ensued when Santa, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf made a grand entrance aboard a whimsically adorned golf cart, igniting joy and anticipation in all who attended. 41

EVENTS

Patrick Roberts, Jesus Socorro and Marcel Navarro

Luis Boullon, John Fumagalli, Dominic Reiley and Jonathan Menendez

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Cristy Carbajales, Juliana Branden Adler, Mimi Fernandez and Ana Grande

Jolie Duenas, Elizabeth Bacardi ‘93, Evans Crews ‘91 and Lynne Keller

Ashley Chapman, Jesus Socorro, Matt Sullivan, Camilo Montana, Silvia Montana, Laura Roberts and Patrick Roberts

Frank Gonzalez, Marcel Navarro, Hugo Mantilla and Jesus Socorro

What a remarkable day it was for everyone who joined Palmer Trinity in supporting the Sandy Golf Tournament on Monday, January 29th. Anthony Rubino, Evan Zeder ‘01, Gary Trief and Nathan Zeder ‘98

Jennie Block, Genevieve Apaza, Patrick Roberts, Christopher Block ‘96* and Ashley Chapman

Over the past two decades, this event has been instrumental in bolstering the Sandy Block Financial Aid Fund at PTS, providing deserving students with the means to attend Palmer Trinity through need-based financial assistance. Once again, this year’s tournament was a sell-out success, with men and women taking to the links for a day filled with camaraderie, great food, and friendly competition. With approximately $100,000 raised, including proceeds from orchid sales, raffle tickets, and various golf course games, the event proved to be immensely successful. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chris, Genevieve, and Jennie Block, for their continued support and dedication to the tournament named in Sandy’s honor. Through this golf tournament, the Block family not only commemorates Sandy’s memory but also unites the community in support of an important cause. We also extend our gratitude to our presenting sponsor, Northern Trust, our Fairway Sponsor, Brickell City Center, and all of our generous sponsors, players, alumni, and volunteers whose contributions were integral to making the day such a resounding success.

Raffy Lazo and Andrew Bennett ‘95

EVENTS

2 3 RD A N N UA L

In its 23rd year of the International Festival, Palmer Trinity hosted a joyful gathering of parents, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to honor its dynamic and multicultural community. This community event was

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

made possible by a large army of volunteer parents, students, faculty, and staff. More 3,000 guests arrived to see the campus transformed into a colorful festival. With 45 country booths, participants indulged in culinary delights from various corners of the world and enjoyed captivating performances of dance, theater, and music. At the bazaar, attendees were greeted with an array of crafts from local businesses, and student clubs proudly displayed their creations while raising funds for their respective projects.

The event was yet again a huge success, ensuring support for Palmer Trinity’s Global Learning Initiatives. Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters, especially our presenting sponsor, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

EVENTS

CL A S S OF 2 0 24:

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

a r E n a f o d En

GRADUATION AT PALMER TRINITY UNFOLDED AS A STIRRING SYMPHONY OF TRADITION AND TALENT. The solemn tones of the bagpipes echoed across the courtyard, their powerful notes carrying a ceremonial sense of pride that resonated with all in attendance as they ushered the seniors into the Gymnasium. The audience was treated to a delightful musical interlude, courtesy of our talented theatre students, Isabel Papp and Hana Hernandez. The speeches that followed were nothing short of inspiring, each one weaving a narrative of gratitude, achievement, and all the possibilities ahead. From the encouraging words of the Head of School to the insightful discourse of the US Division Head, every address resonated deeply with the graduates and guests. Yet, it was the earnest speeches of the student speaker and the Salutatorian, along with the poignant reflection of the Valedictorian, that were truly meaningful, encapsulating the spirit of the graduating class. Congratulations, class of 2024!

EVENTS

R EUBEN WA S SER M A N VA L EDIC T OR I A N

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

How can we survive in a world that is not as nurturing as Palmer Trinity has been for all these years? We must aspire to be our teachers, not professionally, but personally. We must dedicate ourselves to every pursuit and choose to only pursue our passions. We must train ourselves to be as empathetic as possible, both towards ourselves and towards others. I have faith that these are goals we can all achieve. We can all lead with love, as Mr. Roberts reminds us. We can all lead like our teachers.”

C ONNOR L E AT HE S A L U TAT OR I A N As I stand before you today, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. Pride for all that we have accomplished together, and gratitude for the journey we have shared. We are gathered here today to celebrate the end of an era. An era of fond memories, close friends, and most importantly, personal growth.”

PR I YA NK A A L IBH A I S ENIOR S P EEC H Life isn’t perfect after high school and there will be ups and downs. You will go through failure, indifference, and confusion; it’s a guarantee, however, it is within the depths of these experiences that resilience finds its foothold and growth emerges. Failure becomes a productive ground for learning, indifference a catalyst for self-discovery, and confusion a compass guiding towards clarity. As the curtain falls on this chapter, it reveals not a tale of defeat, but evidence of elasticity and victory of the human spirit.”

ALUMNI NEWS

WELCOME THE CLASS OF

2024 PALMERTRINITY.ORG

TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

CLASS NOTES PTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mission Statement

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

Everyone has a story after they leave Palmer Trinity School – share yours by contacting our Alumni Relations Coordinator. 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. As always, we encourage you to keep in touch with your Class Agent by sending in your Class Notes for the 2024-2025 issue of the Aerie. Isabella Martino ‘18 Alumni Relations Coordinator imartino@palmertrinity.org (305) 969-4285

Suzanne Calleja Editor-in-Chief scalleja@palmertrinity.org

ALUMNI NEWS

1990S CHRISTINE ‘CHRISTY’ KINCHELOE ‘90 won the District Teacher of the Year award at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind for the second time. She will be competing against 80 District Teachers of the Year for the title of State Teacher of the Year. Her daughter is graduating from Lander University with a BSN in nursing, while her son will be starting Clemson University’s engineering program this fall.

DAWN HOY T KIDD ‘80

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

1980S

DAWN HOYT KIDD ‘80 retired two years ago after teaching mathematics for over 30 years at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, TX. She is currently an adjunct instructor for Lamar University in the Deaf Studies/Deaf Education department and is involved in various projects for the DeafTEC Resource Center at the Rochester Institute of Technology/ National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Additionally, she works part-time as an interpreter in American Sign Language. Dawn, married for 36 years, has two children and two grandchildren. She also engages in occasional service projects with the Sierra Club in various national parks.

BETTY MATZ GELSKY ‘85 and Brad Gelsky joyfully announced the arrival of their first grandchild on January 15, 2024, in Aventura, FL. The baby boy, born to the oldest of their 9 children, brought immense happiness to the family. Two years ago, the couple relocated to Dallas, Texas, where Betty continues her psychotherapy practice, now licensed in the state. Despite the distance, they make frequent trips to South Florida to spend time with their children, family, and friends. Recently, they embarked on an unforgettable journey to Iceland with their loved ones, creating memories together.

CHRISTINE KINCHELOE ‘90

BETT Y MATZ GELSKY ‘85

NICK SANCHOO ‘92

NICK SANCHOO ‘92 has more than 25 year’s experience in engineering and finance. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Engineering and Business Management, he began his career on Wall Street developing and testing equity, derivatives, and currency trading systems. He co-founded NE Systems LLC (est. 2010) which provides financial support to aerospace distribution companies and manufacturers. He has built strong relationships with airline operators and their Quality Assurance teams to deliver aerospace components with the best costs, quality (zero defect), and traceability. Recently NE Systems completed aircraft transactions with NASA’s Earth Sciences Division and partnered on the Artemis I program with future opportunities on Artemis III (mankind’s return to the moon). Currently as the co-founder of NE Space Tech, he hopes to inspire the next generation of students to excel in aerospace and space technologies. Nick is in his 17th year of marriage to his beautiful wife, Elora.

BRETT FRENCH ‘97 & RYAN MARX ‘96

STACIE LARCO COOPER ‘96’S daughter, Tatum Cooper, will be starting 6th grade at Palmer Trinity School this Fall along with her other children, Tino Cooper ‘27 and Regan Cooper ‘25. BRETT FRENCH ‘97 and RYAN MARX ’96 lobster fish together every year. They first started lobstering together during their time at Palmer where they played Varsity Football together. RICHARD GRILLO ‘97 and LARA (O’DONNELL) GRILLO ‘98’S second son, Robert, will be starting 6th grade at Palmer Trinity this Fall. He will be joining his brother, Richie, who will be going into 8th grade.

STACIE L ARCO COOPER ‘96

JASON JOHNSON ‘99

KAMAL MOO ‘98 is the Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Black 17 Media, a record label distributed by Sony Music/ The Orchard, which specializes in urban and phonk genres. Black 17 had a collective 10 billion streams across all platforms in 2023 and Kamal is very excited to be working with them.

JASON JOHNSON ‘99 is a freelance artist specializing in pencil/charcoal drawing and acrylic painting. In January, he met the Mayor and Commissioner and gave them portraits. He also presented his work at an art show in Miami Beach and was a popular speaker at his son’s school on career day. BRITTNEY HOFFMAN MCCABE ‘99 will be a “Falcon Parent” this year. She is incredibly excited for her son Jackson to join the sixth grade and experience the PTS family for himself.

ALUMNI NEWS

CHRISTINA LUDOVICI ‘10 is the Director of Development at Kristi House, a nonprofit serving Miami-Dade County’s kids.

2000S ALEXIS (UNDORFER) SOLERNOU ‘04 and her husband Rafael welcomed their second son, Rafael “Rafi,” in September 2022. He joins his big brother Liam. Alexis recently became a Special Agent with the US Department of Transportation, where she is a Safety Investigator.

ALBERTO BEECK ‘07 recently married the love of his life, Camila Medina, in Medellin, Colombia in March 2024. LAURA CHUMBLEY ‘09 married her forever, Luke Kunzie, on July 15th in Denver Colorado where they met and now live with their Golden Retriever Holly.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

LISA (MIGLIACCIO) HAYNES ‘04 and ALEX HAYNES ‘04 are living in Richmond, Virginia. They celebrate 13 years of marriage and 20 years together in spring. Lisa works at the Martin Agency and Alex works at the VCU Massey Cancer Center. Their girls, Emmy (9) and Blaire (6) are enjoying elementary school and spending lots of time with their grandparents, one of which is retired PTS teacher Marty Migliaccio.

DANIELA VARGAS ‘10 is working in Asset Management at Hancock Whitney in New Orleans.

LISA (MIGLIACCIO) HAYNES ‘04 & ALEX HAYNES ‘04

ALEXIS (UNDORFER) SOLERNOU ‘04

2010S CINDY CHANG ‘10 recently got married to Mike Ma on September 17, 2023, in San Diego, CA, with several PTS friends in attendance. Cindy also recently completed her doctoral studies and is now a licensed psychologist in California where she conducts research, provides clinical services, teaches, and consults.

CINDY CHANG ‘10

ALBERTO BEECK ‘07 L AUR A CHUMBLEY ‘09

KATARINA NORDQVIST ‘10 is thrilled to announce the launch of her company, rooh, a platform created and dedicated to fostering personal well-being and connection. Katarina’s life journey has always been about seeking meaning, purpose, and joy. She is passionate about assisting others in their own paths of personal growth and self-discovery – a passion that began during her time as a peer counselor at PTS. Throughout Katarina’s experiences, she noticed a gap in the resources available to individuals seeking personal development or something deeper than the surface. While there are countless experts, experiences, podcasts, and books out there, accessing them often requires insider knowledge or extensive research. At rooh, she has created a centralized hub where these invaluable resources are readily available, making it easier to embark on a journey of self-discovery. She showcases experiences and resources that help one connect with self, others, and something greater. She hopes you find what resonates with you and leave the rest. “rooh means ‘soul’ and [she & her team] created this for yours.”

K ATARINA NORDQVIST ‘10

PAULINA COLLINS ‘11 attended Bentley University where she majored in Marketing and minored in Mathematics and Sociology. After graduation, she moved to Panama City, Panama where she has lived ever since. Paulina always wanted to work in fashion and since graduating Bentley, has worked as the Latin American Regional Men’s buyer for Polo Ralph Lauren. Paulina got married during the pandemic, December 2020, and just welcomed her first baby girl Alessa on March 3, 2024.

ANDRES POLICASTRO ‘10 & CARSON (ZACHAR) POLICASTRO ‘11

CARSON (ZACHAR) POLICASTRO ‘11 and her husband ANDRES POLICASTRO ‘10 joyfully welcomed their first baby girl, Sofia Policastro, into the world on November 24, 2023. They eagerly await the day when she’ll become a future Falcon!

KATIE DIFEDE ‘11 and her husband Gonzalo Mengotti welcomed their first baby girl, Nina René Mengotti on March 20, 2024. Nina is eagerly awaiting her admission as a future Falcon class of 2042!

K ATIE DIFEDE ‘11

PAULINA COLLINS ‘11

ALUMNI NEWS CAMERON MCDONOUGH ‘11

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

CAMERON MCDONOUGH ‘11 married Isabelle Anagnostou on January 20, 2024.

REBECCA MERRITT ‘11 has recently made a notable transition from her four-year role as COO at the Miami-based fashion brand Pitusa to managing Norse Hill Estate, a family-operated business. Additionally, she has co-founded Moda Advisory, a fashion consultancy focused on guiding emerging fashion brands towards innovation and sustainability. Last summer, Rebecca had the honor of hosting two Palmer students/alumni, fostering connections within the PTS network.

ANDREA ORTIZ ‘12 moved to Costa Rica for a new post with the United Nations Migration Agency, IOM. In 2023, Costa Rica received over 500,000 ANDREA ORTIZ ‘12 highly vulnerable migrants in transit on KARLEY CHYNCES their journey North to the ‘13 is a trailblazer in United States. Migrants commercial real estate. arrive at the Southern Not only recognized as ‘30 border of Costa Rica after Under 30’ by the National just having crossed the Association of Realtors treacherous Darien jungle in 2023, but she has also in need of food, health solidified her status as assistance, and shelter. a ‘Platinum Broker’ and ‘Power Broker’, from two STEFAN DRAKULICH of the most prestigious ‘12 successfully defended commercial programs in his PhD in Neuroscience the country. Beginning at McGill University. His during the pandemic, research focused on Karley has navigated the neuroimaging of healthy intricate landscape of brain development in commercial real estate children and adolescents, with finesse and expertise, and human intelligence. representing numerous Stefan is pursuing billion-dollar companies opportunities at the for their relocation and intersection of human and expansion needs. Beyond artificial intelligence, and the confines of her evolving capabilities of work, Karley dedicates large language models. her time and energy to He is based in Miami, FL leadership roles in various and Montreal, Canada. philanthropic and business organizations. Adding to her journey, Karley has been handpicked by County Commission Appointments to influential committees, driving transformative initiatives within MiamiDade County. With each accomplishment, Karley continues to redefine excellence in commercial real estate while leaving an enduring impact on the community. STEFAN DR AKULICH ‘12

K ARLEY CHYNCES ‘13

DREW DORSY ‘13 is the Vice President of Bindor, a Miami-based real estate investment and development company specializing in retail, multifamily, and luxury residential. Recently, he has decided to develop and reopen the Old Cutler Inn, a restaurant and bar located at 16800 Old Cutler Rd. CLAUDIA VIYELLA ‘13 and her husband, Stefano Balli, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mia Isabel, on November 13, 2023.

CL AUDIA VIYELL A ‘13

SAR AH MEDINA ‘14

SARAH MEDINA ‘14 was featured in the Super Bowl LVIII with Messi, Ted Lasso and Dan Marino. KELLY MALLOY ‘15 and DANIEL DEWITT ‘15 are overjoyed to share the news of their engagement. They started dating during their junior year at PTS and have been inseparable ever since, even attending law school together at the University of Miami after college. Kelly now practices intellectual property and franchise law at Malloy & Malloy, P.L. as a registered patent attorney, and Daniel is a corporate and real estate law attorney at The Campbell Law Group, P.A. They are looking forward to their wedding next spring and thank PTS for bringing them together.

MARIO BENEDETTI ‘15 got married in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to Isabella Ojeda in December 2023. The ceremony was attended by many of his Palmer Trinity friends, including Nicolas Portuondo ‘15, Jonathan Sourber ‘15, Alessandro Diaz ‘15, Jackson Fox ‘15, Giancarlo Coccarello ‘15, Sebastian Andrew ‘15, Riley Whitman ‘15, and Francisco Martinez ‘15. KRISTEN FERNANDEZ ’15 married Armando Fernandez on September 22, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony at Casa de Campo. SABRINA YANES ’15 married Allan Espinoza at The Club of Knights in Coral Gables, FL on November 4, 2023 surrounded by friends and family. Following the wedding celebrations, they traveled to Thailand and its adjacent islands on their honeymoon.

KRISTEN FERNANDEZ ’15

CARINA SEGREDO ’15 has assumed the position of Product Owner of Art Programs within Royal Caribbean International’s Product Development department. An artist herself, Carina was commissioned by Royal Caribbean Group CEO, Jason Liberty, to create a piece for their human resources campaign titled “Propelled by People.” Her artwork was showcased at the company’s leadership conference and is now prominently displayed at their headquarters in Miami. Carina is enthusiastic about leveraging her dual passions for art and hospitality to direct the development of Royal Caribbean’s Artists Discovery Program, Island Art Program, and Ship Art Program.

SABRINA YANES ’15

SARAH CORBISHLEY ’16 (she/her), was recently elected President of George Washington’s Out for Business Club which seeks to advance the interests of LGBTQ+ graduate students in business. After graduating from Palmer Trinity in 2016, she studied international studies and public health at American University and is currently pursuing her MBA at the George Washington University School of Business. Before joining GWSB, she spent three years as a management consultant in the federal healthcare space.

CARINA SEGREDO ’15

KELLY MALLOY ‘15 & DANIEL DEWITT ‘15

MARIO BENEDETTI ‘15

ALUMNI NEWS

ZACH PECKINS ‘16 SALMA ATASSI ‘17

ZACH PECKINS ‘16 graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in history. He currently works in sales and consulting at Kaseya, a cyber security company headquartered in Miami.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

EMILIANO MARTINEZDON ‘16 is currently a Sales Associate at Apollo Global Management in New York City. Most Recently, Emiliano celebrated his brother’s, RODOLFO MARTINEZ-DON ‘13, marriage to SYDNEY MERRITT ‘14. This November, Emiliano will be running the NYC Marathon.

AMANDA CL AVIJO ‘17

JULIAN GALLARDO ‘17 lives in Nashville, TN where he works as a Business Development Representative at Oracle NetSuite. AMANDA CLAVIJO ‘17 is completing her first year of medical school in Knoxville, Tennessee with her focus on the field of fertility. She says that while it has been an uphill climb, she loves what she is learning.

SALMA ATASSI ‘17 is currently in her 4th year of dental school at Nova Southeastern University and is set to graduate in May 2025. She is in the process of deciding whether to specialize in prosthodontics or periodontics or explore private practice in Miami. GABRIELLE PUIG ‘17 graduated from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor’s degree in communications & marketing. She now lives in Miami, working as a Global Social Media Manager for the French luxury skincare brand, Yon-Ka Paris.

TIAGO RACHELSON ‘17 graduated from Morehouse College with a bachelor’s in Sociology in 2021. Today, he lives in New York City, works in Citi’s Community Investing and Development organization, and continues to show avid support for his favorite team, the Boston Celtics.

TIAGO R ACHELSON ‘17

MARIO RODRIGUEZ ‘17 recently opened Supermarket Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Miami’s Upper East Side neighborhood.

GABRIELLE PUIG ‘17

WILLOW D’ALEMBERTEPOWELL ’18 has spent the past two years following her graduation working in the heart of Coral Gables at Behar Font & Partners. She recently got promoted to Director of marketing and business development where she hopes to elevate the exposure of the firm and maintain strong client relationships.

ELIZABETH (LIZZY) ARRITOLA ‘18 graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Lizzy is now a second-year student at the University of Miami School of Law. ELIZABETH VALLEJO ‘18 graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2020 and has been in Business Development working with Data and Machine Learning startups in San Francisco.

MA X ACEBAL ‘19

ALBERTO FR ACNESCHI’ 19

MAX ACEBAL ‘19 graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in May 2023. He now lives in Mountain View California where he works in Apps Security as a Software Engineer for Google.

NORY ARONFELD ‘19 released his latest single, “TURN TO,” in April. It was recorded at the renowned NYC music studio, The Bunker, with his live band comprising nine talented musicians.

ALBERTO FRACNESCHI ‘19 recently graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Business Management and a focus on Finance analytics. He now is doing a program in Sevilla, Spain, at the Spain Soccer Academy.

ELIZABETH VALLEJO ‘18

RÓMULO A. LANDER ’19 graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and minors in Business Technology and Entrepreneurship. He currently works as an analyst at Goldman Sachs, where he covers Asset and Wealth Management out of their Miami office. He maintains his passion for aviation & triathlons.

RÓMULO A. L ANDER ’19

NORY ARONFELD ‘19

ALUMNI NEWS

ISABELL A MARTINS ‘21

JULIAN MARTINO ‘20

DANIEL A GOMEZ ‘20

2020S JULIAN MARTINO ‘20 graduated from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University with a degree in Finance in May. Currently, he is employed as an analyst at JPMorgan in Wealth Management.

ISABELLA MARTINS ‘21 is completing an internship at Strategas, an independent macro research firm. CARLOS CALLEJA ‘21 is interning at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, this summer. Carlos will be finishing up his senior in 2024-2025 at Denison University in Ohio with a degree in Communications.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

ALESIA LOPEZ-PULIDO ‘20 graduated Summa Cum Laude from Babson College in May 2024.

DANIELA GOMEZ ‘20 recently graduated from the University of Florida in December. She has secured a position with Royal Caribbean and is working under Celebrity Cruise Line. Over the summer, she lived in Madrid before starting her new job.

CARLOS CALLEJA ‘21

FRANCESCA SALVATO ‘22 plays division 1 tennis for the College of Charleston. She earned her first CAA accolade as she was named Player of the Week after an undefeated singles performance in early April. Salvato posted a 3-0 singles record as Charleston pulled out narrow conference wins over Elon (4-3), Drexel (4-3), and UNCW (5-2).

Class Agents are needed for the following years: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1994, 1999 and 2016. If interested, please contact Isabella Martino ‘18 (Alumni Relations Coordinator) at (305) 969-4285 or via email at imartino@ palmertrinity.org.

CL A S S AGENT S 1976

ALFRED CHILDERS

1977

CRAIG ZIMMETT

1978

THOMAS MAGENHEIMER

1984

SUYAIN GEORGE

1985

KEVIN RUSSO

1986

JOELLE WAGSHUL STEINBERG EDNA (STURGE) FURST

1998

NATHAN ZEDER BRIAN GERSHEN

2001

ANDRES ALONSO DANIEL DU FEU

2002

STEPHANIE MONTOYA-REDLICH

LAYDA MORALES COSIO ROBERTO CASTRO-QUIJADA

CARLOS HUERTA WESLEY FARRELL TAMARA (RUTTER) WALSH ADRIA “PEACH” JENKINS

2003

MERCEDES ANEZ STARK

1989

2005

1990

RYAN JURNEY AMANDA ABRARPOUR

ANDRE CARBONELL RASHARD SCIPPIO

2006

PETER BAUMBERGER

JULIO LIGORRIA SAMANTHA (EVANS) MOORE

1991

2007

1992

2008

1993

2009

EVANS (DUNWODY) CREWS

OPHELIA GRILLO VALLS

CAROLINE CAMUS

1995

ANNE BEAUMONT (NICHOLS) NEITHARDT ANDREW BENNETT

1996

AMANDA CHRYCY LYNLEY (WALKER) CIOROBEA PAULA (HAITO) TRIBALDOS

1997

HOLLY (LEE) ZAWYER

2013

2000

2004

MICHELE (BAKER) BENESCH MASON HARRIS BENJAMIN “SCOTT” SHELFER

ANDRES VALVERDE KRISTOF REST

FERNANDO BONET ANDREW MILLER NICOLE FONT

1988

ELENA (ESSEN) BAUR GEORGE VERGARA

2012

JEAN-PIERRE “J.P.” GILBERT

BERNARDA REYES MALAVENDA

BROOKE LEMAIRE

2010

MARTINA FAILLACE ANDRES POLICASTRO LANDON MICHELSON

2011

SANA IMAM CARSON (ZACHAR) POLICASTRO KATHERINE DIFEDE REBECCA MERRITT

2014 2015 2017

GABRIELLA CEPEDA ALEXA RUIZ

2018

SABRINA BOND SHAN DENG ALAN MACAULAY LINDSEY SCHOLER ELIZABETH VALLEJO

2019

ROMULO ANDRES LANDER TORBAR ROBERT BISTRY CAROLINA SOCORRO THOMAS MCMICHAEL

2020

AMANDA CRUZ DANIELA GOMEZ FRANCO SLUMAN ADRIEN STEUNOU JULIAN MARTINO

2021

FIONA MCLAUGHLIN ARIELLA TAMARIZ

2022

GABRIELLA JAAR

2023

NICOLE RATMIROFF

2024

SOFIA BENNETT THOMAS HUDSON

ALUMNI NEWS

THE PALMER TRINIT Y ALUMNI BOARD FOR THE 2023–2024 SCHOOL YEAR

The Alumni Board meets six times a year to discuss the Alumni Association. The objectives of the Palmer Trinity Alumni Board are to advocate and support Palmer Trinity School and its mission, provide opportunities for Alumni involvement with the School and fundraising, and lead activities and events that build and maintain an active, informed, and engaged Alumni community.

back row, left to right Peter Baumberger ‘90, Andrew Bennett ‘95, Landon Michelson ‘10, Thomas Magenheimer ‘78, Jean-Pierre “J.P.” Gilbert ‘07, Ryan Jurney ‘04 (President), and Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

front row, left to right

Rebecca Merritt ‘11, Nicole Font ‘13, Isabella Martino ‘18, Evans Dunwody Crews ‘91 (Vice President), Sam Evans Moore ‘06, and Brooke LeMaire ‘09. not pictured Michele Baker Benesch ‘89, Andre Carbonell ‘05, Amanda Chrycy ‘96, Katherine Di Fede Mengotti ‘11, Bernarda Reyes Malavenda ‘08, Kevin Russo ‘85, Tamara Rutter Walsh ‘02, and Edna Sturge Furst ‘86.

A LUMNI FACULT Y & S TA FF ROBERT “BOBBY” MOORE ‘05, TAMAR A KING-FOSTER ‘94*, KRISTIN HAYDEN HEBERT ‘01, ISABELL A MARTINO ‘18, VALERIE BL ATTNER ‘10, BRITTNEY MCCABE ‘99, BROOKE LEMAIRE ‘09 AND EMILY KEUNEN ‘11. NOT PICTURED: TAYLOR HA AS ‘11.

WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I have taught middle and high school science at Palmer Trinity School for the last 10 years. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER?

ROBER T “ B OBBY ” MOOR E ‘ 05

We talk all day about community but without this community I wouldn’t have all the wonderful things in my life at the moment including my wife, children, and some of the most enduring friendships to this day. The autonomy and superb work-life balance is hard to find in most professions. WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? This school offered me so much and I had very influential teachers that shaped me as a student as well as a professional. I wanted to be that teacher for students. Someone they could confide in, someone they could learn from, someone that inspires them to be better each day. The four mile commute to campus in Miami certainly helps!

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? I find my role as an alumnus and faculty member to be an asset. I have the benefit of hindsight and the experience as a student to really empathize and understand what they’re going through and reflect on what I would’ve wanted if I were them. I feel very lucky social media was not what it is today when I was a student. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? I am blessed to work at Palmer Trinity in more ways that I can express. I am looking forward to another 10+ years.

ALUMNI NEWS

WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I teach IB (International Baccalaureate) Exercise Science, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, and 9th Grade Biology. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER?

K R IS T IN H AY DEN HEBER T ‘ 0 1

The sense of community and connections found at PTS are unmatched. The alumni network continues to strengthen with each passing year and the relationships that I have made among the faculty and staff are extremely supportive and meaningful. WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? I have worked as a physical therapist for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for the last 14 years and I was excited by the opportunity to teach material that I am passionate about, such as Anatomy and Exercise Science, to the wonderful students at PTS. This has been a great experience and career change for me thus far.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/ STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? I feel the students enjoy knowing that some of their teachers are also alumni and they like discussing how things have changed on campus over the years. They have also found my senior yearbook in the Library. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? I am loving this new chapter in my career and enjoying giving back to my PTS community in this new role.

WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I work as the Middle School Learning Specialist. Additionally, I teach seventh-grade English and lead a sixth-grade Discovery class, enabling me to connect with a wide range of middle school students.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER?

EMILY K EUNEN ‘ 11

PTS faculty goes above and beyond by providing extra support to ensure every student feels comfortable and can thrive. The unparalleled level of care and support extends to both students and colleagues. It is so comforting to know that I can always rely on a fantastic group of individuals.

VA L ER IE BL AT T NER ‘ 10 WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I am the Administrative Assistant to the Academic Team and to the Associate Head of Academics. I also covered the Yearbook class for part of the school year. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER? Joining PTS in ninth grade, I did not fully understand the depth of the community I was

soon to be a part of. Drawn in by its strong sense of unity, every member dedicates themselves fully, both in and out of school, 100% of the time. Aside from the strong sense of community, the school instilled in me a lasting commitment to global citizenship and international understanding. It is one thing to travel the world, but it is another thing to understand the world we are traveling in. Every class emphasized issues beyond the classroom. One of my favorite memories was in my freshman English class. The teacher had us set our internet homepage to an international news source, a lesson I still apply today. WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? Short answer, because I love PTS. This school created a foundation that allowed me to do anything I set my mind to while creating some of the best memories of an amazing high school experience. I wanted to join as a member of the staff in hopes of adding to current and future Falcons experiences as those had influenced me.

WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? I have always hoped to return to PTS. It is truly a wonderful place to work and I hope to be here for many years to come. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE?

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/ STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? Being involved with PTS on a daily basis has prompted me to want to be more involved on the alumni side. Regrettably, I was not an active alum, but I met two of my best friends in highschool. Being on campus encourages me to seek out more alumni gatherings and reconnect with fellow alumni. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? Looking back at my time as a student, I took many of the opportunities and knowledge for granted. Under Mr. Roberts’ leadership, the school has grown tremendously. I’m excited to see its future with such a great leader. I’m honored to be part of the team contributing to its success.

FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? Here’s a secret, the famous chocolate chip cookies may not be served during lunchtime anymore, but they are usually served at faculty meetings.

Being an alumna has had a positive impact on my experience as a faculty member. Returning to PTS felt like coming home and it has allowed me to establish meaningful connections with students because I have walked in their shoes. 65

ALUMNI NEWS

BROOK E L EM A IR E ‘ 0 9 WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I teach eighth and ninth-grade English courses and serve as an eighth-grade advisor. Previously, I worked in the Upper School Office. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/ STAFF MEMBER? PTS goes beyond providing a stellar education. As a student, I was made to feel that I was seen, heard, and valued every day. That emphasis on the importance of the mental, emotional, and social development of students is still strong. As a teacher, I strive to make every student feel welcomed and appreciated. All of the faculty and staff did that for me as a student, and I consider it a great responsibility to carry on that legacy because I know firsthand the lasting impact it has.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK?

Who wouldn’t want to work in a place that values and appreciates them? I enjoy working with organizations that contributed to my education growing up. Prior to joining the PTS faculty, I promoted educational programs at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and volunteered at South Miami Little House, the Girl Scout camp I attended as a child. Palmer Trinity’s mission of nurturing learning and citizenship resonates deeply with me.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? One of the biggest challenges is calling my former teachers by their first names. The day I call Mr. Chapman by his first name will be the day pigs fly. On a more serious note, one of the advantages is conveying to students that I was once in their shoes, and I understand the opportunities and the hardships that come with being in school. I saved a lot of my old notes and assignments from my time as a student, and I’ll sometimes bring them in to show my current students. It’s really special to teach at the school you attended. It fills me with joy knowing that a new generation is able to attend PTS and get a fantastic education, make lifelong friends, and enrich their lives. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? My love for PTS has grown even stronger since I started working here. This school gave me a great education and nurtured me throughout my teen years. I am grateful every day that I can contribute to ensuring this new generation of students has a positive experience and receives a great education.

TA M A R A K ING F O S T ER ‘ 9 4 WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I teach Physical Education and Health for the seventh and eighth grade middle School. I also serve as the Head Track and Field and Cross Country Coach/ Director. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER? The aspect of a loving family is the most important value to me, in addition the willingness to keep striving for excellence.

BR I T T NE Y HOFFM A N MC C A BE ‘ 9 9 WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? The first reason was to come back and make a difference in a school that is growing and developing. The second reason is that I wanted my son to attend PTS so he can have meaningful experiences and academic rigor this school fosters. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? I have found a lot of advantages because I understand the PTS culture and the ways in which our close-net community functions. Being both alumna and faculty has broadened my perspective to teach and serve others. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? I take pride in being the school’s last state track and field winner in 1993. It’s rewarding to have returned as a coach and helped produce three more state champions in a short period of time.

WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I am the Associate Director of College Counseling. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER? I find the student/faculty dynamic incredibly meaningful. When I was a student, I was so inspired and engaged by my teachers. They were so knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, which made each day an opportunity to learn something new. But I also felt like my teachers were fantastic listeners, and were open to learning from us as well. That free exchange of ideas, and sense of mutual respect, will always stay with me as pillars of a PTS classroom. Now, as a staff member, not only do I get to witness our faculty continue this legacy, I get to cultivate interesting and meaningful relationships with my students in my role as a college counselor. WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? I’ll never forget the phone call I received from Coach AJ West inviting me to return to PTS to teach. It was both surreal and incredibly fun to return to campus as a teacher. Most of my students were taller than me and I had to constantly remind myself that the Senior Chickee was no longer a

place where I could hang out. I also had to force myself to refer to my previous teachers by their first names (Mr. Chapman, however, will always be Mr. Chapman to me). While I was only back a year before I left for graduate school, I always knew I wanted to return to campus to grow as an educator and professional in an environment that truly felt like home. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/ STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? I served on the Alumni Board for many years, connecting with alumni and brainstorming strategies for expanding our network. Now, I enjoy attending all of the alumni social events, meeting up with recent PTS alumni when they visit campus, and reading the monthly Alumni E-Newsletter. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? Next year, I get to add “Falcon Parent” to my list of connections to Palmer Trinity School. I am incredibly excited for Jackson to experience our PTS family for himself. 67

ALUMNI NEWS

WHAT DO YOU TEACH/DO AT PTS? I am the Alumni Relations Coordinator. I also serve as an Advisor to a group of Seniors. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL’S CULTURE OR VALUES DO YOU FIND MOST ENDURING OR MEANINGFUL, BOTH AS A STUDENT AND NOW AS A FACULTY/STAFF MEMBER? I find the emphasis on travel to be unique within our school’s culture. I was fortunate to be part of the first group that traveled to Scotland with Mr. Roberts and Mr. Reynolds. I also participated in an exchange program in Salamanca, Spain. Today, PTS offers many global trips, ranging from Iceland to China to South Africa, providing students with opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth.

IS A BEL L A M A R T INO ‘ 18

WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO PTS TO WORK? I am genuinely passionate about this school, and I enjoy interacting with people. This position allows me to do just that, connecting with alumni on a daily basis. It’s a privilege to work alongside them and contribute to our amazing PTS community.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS AN ALUM AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY/STAFF? DO YOU FIND ANY CHALLENGES OR ADVANTAGES IN THIS DUAL ROLE? As an alumna and the Alumni Relations Coordinator, I can empathize with both fellow alumni and current students, drawing from my own experiences within the school community. Additionally, my long standing connection to Palmer Trinity School, having been a student from sixth through senior year, enhances my dedication to its growth and success. FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AS BOTH AN ALUM AND A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE PTS COMMUNITY? It’s incredible to see the growth of the campus, even just over the past five years. Despite these changes, there is still the special essence that is PTS. Through conversations with alumni spanning various graduating years, I can confirm the shared dedication and affection we all hold for this community.

PA L ME R T R INI T Y A L U MNI A S S O C I AT I O N

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

As a former student of Palmer School, Trinity Episcopal, or Palmer Trinity School, you are automatically a member of the Palmer Trinity Alumni Association. Stay involved and connected through various opportunities:

Attend alumni events

Read our monthly Alumni E-Newsletter

Follow @PTAlums on social media

Keep your contact information updated

Don’t forget to visit our beautiful campus for a personal tour, where the spirit of kindness and strong community continues to thrive.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Senior COLLEGE DAY On January 8, 2024, Palmer Trinity School welcomed back over 20 alumni from the classes of 2019 to 2023. Each alumni guest speaker was placed in a senior advisory, creating an environment for organic conversations and meaningful connections between our alumni and present students. It was a valuable opportunity for seniors to gain insights into college life directly from those who have recently navigated it. Carolina Socorro ‘19 takes a selfie with fellow alumni who attended College Day.

DIS T I NGU ISH ED A LU M N I AWA R DS On February 8, 2024, the Palmer Trinity School community came together in Trinity Chapel for the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony. It was a wonderful occasion attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, former faculty, and alumni parents, all united to celebrate the achievements of the three distinguished awardees: Doug Rothfeldt ‘10 FOUNDERS AWARD

Elena De Villiers JAN MORRISON AWARD

Delaney Reynolds ‘17 HEAD OF SCHOOL AWARD

2023-2024 Omar Perez ‘24, president of the Investment Club, and Valentina Fonteles Camps ‘24, president of the Environmental Club, introduced Doug Rothfeldt ‘10 and Delaney Reynolds ‘17, respectively. Alumni parent Jan Morrison and alumni/current faculty member Brooke LeMaire ‘09 introduced Elena De Villiers.

ALUMNI NEWS

A L U MNI P R O F IL E

MEE T DR . SHIRIN R A ZDA N ‘ 11: FROM PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL TO

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

ROBOTIC S A ND UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY

FELICIA BURKE ‘11, TAYLOR HA AS ’11, SHIRIN R A ZDAN ‘11 AND KELLY FELDMAN

Dr. Shirin Razdan is an accomplished medical professional specializing in robotics and urologic oncology. Follow her journey from Palmer Trinity School to her current position as a Robotics and Urologic Oncology Fellow at Mount Sinai Health System below. After graduating as Valedictorian from Palmer Trinity School in 2011, Shirin pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish at the University of Miami, graduating summa cum laude in 2014. She then embarked on a rigorous journey through medical school, earning her Doctor of Medicine degree with a Pathway in Infectious Disease and Immunologic Medicine from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2018.

SEÑOR CARLOS GARCÉS AND SHIRIN R A ZDAN ‘11 DANCING AT HER RECEPTION IN MIAMI, FLORIDA

Following medical school, Shirin completed a Urology Residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital from 2018 to 2023, during which she also undertook a Junior Fellowship in Prosthetic Urology. Currently, she serves as a Robotics and Urologic Oncology Fellow at Mount Sinai Hospital.

ALUMNI NEWS

Shirin’s passion for surgery was ignited during her medical school clinical clerkship rotations, where she discovered her love for operating and the thrill of using her hands to make a difference. Despite initially aiming to become a cardiologist, she found her calling in urology finding satisfaction in the precision and complexity of robotic surgeries, particularly in cancer cases. She anticipates that her profession will continue to evolve over the next five to ten years, with advancements in technology further enhancing surgical techniques and patient outcomes. Reflecting on her time at Palmer Trinity School, Shirin acknowledges the impact it had on her personal and professional development. The supportive community and dedicated teachers fostered her confidence and nurtured her interests, ultimately instilling in her the confidence to pursue her ambitions in medicine.

Shirin credits many teachers who played pivotal roles in encouraging her throughout her time at Palmer Trinity. Notably, mentors such as Señor Carlos Garcés and Ms. Elena De Villiers encouraged her to challenge herself academically and embrace new opportunities. Señor Garcés, Shirin’s high school Spanish teacher and advisor, was the reason she majored in Spanish at the University of Miami. While four years of Spanish at Palmer Trinity was not in Shirin’s plans, Señor Garcés saw the potential she had and encouraged her to pursue the language, which Shirin now loves and continues to speak fluently. Ms. DV, as she is lovingly known by many PTS students, has served as a friend, math teacher, and life mentor to Shirin for over 10 years, teaching her the importance of being a hard-working and proud woman in STEM.

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Palmer Trinity School had a knack for encouraging talent even when it was hidden. For example, in spite of having no prior acting experience, Shirin was given the lead role in a school play by Mr. Richard Rosen, the theater teacher. Despite her initial hesitation, Mr. Rosen’s encouragement and belief in her

SHIRIN R A ZDAN ‘11 AND FELICIA BURKE ‘11

DANIELLE BURKE ‘14, FELICIA BURKE ‘11, SHIRIN R A ZDAN ‘11, SHUBHAM KUMAR AND TAYLOR HA AS ‘11

When asked for advice for current students aspiring to succeed professionally, Shirin emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity. She says “If you want to succeed in life, do not try to be someone you are not. Be honest with yourself, your passions and dreams, and be honest in your relationships with others, whether professional or personal.”

abilities empowered Shirin to accept the role and helped her gain confidence in being on stage. To this day Shirin credits Mr. Rosen for teaching her oratory and performance skills that she utilizes while giving lectures or presentations at medical conferences.

Starting at Palmer Trinity in 9th grade was daunting for Shirin, as it would be for any 14-year-old. Despite not being very social or outgoing initially, she found immediate acceptance among her peers. She recalls that no one made her feel bad about her academic dedication or her introverted nature. Among her fondest memories of Palmer Trinity are the moments she shared with friends, whether laughing over homework while sitting in the courtyard or participating in extracurricular activities. Despite the typical stresses of high school life, Shirin says that she and her friends “could always find time to laugh and goof off at the most mundane things.” This nurturing environment at PTS played a crucial role in fostering her self-confidence. Outside of her professional pursuits, Shirin enjoys spending time with her husband, Shubham, and exploring diverse cuisines through dining and cooking. Her wedding in New Delhi, India, marked a celebration blending traditions from her and her husband’s backgrounds. Her closest friends from Palmer Trinity were by her side and involved in the wedding itself. They also celebrated in Miami, Florida, where Señor Garcés was in attendance. Everyone had a great time dancing the night away! From her formative years at Palmer Trinity School to her current role, Shirin continues to inspire others through her dedication and authenticity. She plans to finish her fellowship this summer and move back to Miami to join her father’s practice. Shirin looks forward to returning to Palmer Trinity as an alumni and student mentor.

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI SOCIALS CHIC AGO JULY 2 0, 2 0 2 3

The Palmer Trinity Alumni Association hosted an Alumni Reunion at Punch Bowl Social in Fulton Market, Chicago.

Nico Fernandez ‘19, Gabriela Fernandez ‘22, Paula Gutierrez ‘17, Patricia Martinez ‘16 and Andrea Gutierrez ‘23

AUGU S T 8 , 2 0 2 3

Leopoldo Llinas, Stephanie Montoya-Redlich ‘15, Nicole Archer ‘15, Austin Tolchin ‘14, Ariel Moger ‘08 and Juan Gomez.

Faculty and staff Susy Chu, Leopoldo Llinas, and Juan Gomez traveled to Washington D.C. and met with local alumni.

MI A MI

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

AUGU S T 3 0, 2 0 2 3

Javier Uribe ‘10, Landon Michelson ‘10, Patrick Kalbac ‘10 and J.P Gilbert ‘07

Amanda Chrycy ‘96, Tamara (Rutter) Walsh ‘02, Brooke LeMaire ‘09 and Taylor Haas ‘11

Hadley Nichols Foreman ‘93, Evans Dunwody Crews ‘91, Anne Beaumont Nichols Neithardt ‘95, Lynley Walker Ciorobea ‘96 and Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98

Ryan Jurney ‘04, Roberto Castro-Quijada ‘00 and Andrew Bennett ‘95

The Palmer Trinity Alumni Board hosted a “Back to School” Social at Strada in the Grove, owned by Javier Uribe ‘10.

Katie DiFede Mengotti ‘11, Dipika Daryanani ‘11 and Amanda Chrycy ‘96

Victoria Sardinas ‘18, Isabella Martino ‘18, Nicole Ratmiroff ‘23 and Nicolas Ludwig ’18

Jose Tamariz ‘20 and Diego Negron ‘21

BO S TON

PTS Alumni in Boston, MA

J A NUA RY 2 2 , 2 0 2 4

Palmer Trinity School hosted an Alumni Reunion in the iconic Fenway area of Boston, MA. It has been over nine years since our last official gathering in Boston.

Rafa Olloqui ‘21, Luis Colmenter Brewer ‘21 and Martin Fortou ‘20 Alexa Carrillo ‘21, Isabella Thomas ‘21, Martin Fortou ‘20, Nicole Ratmiroff ‘23, Hannah Baron ‘22 and Megan Maguire ‘22

N YC

J A NUA RY 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 PTS Alumni in New York City, NY

Carmen Gonzalez DelValle ‘20, Andres Alvarez Paul ‘19, Sabrina Alonso ‘20 and Carmen Ximena Perez ‘20

Richard Befeler ‘10, Sebastian Espinosa ‘15, Waleed Mneimneh ‘15, Elena De Villiers, Shirin Razdan ‘11 and Andres Campano ‘11

Palmer Trinity School hosted a Reunion in New York City at the Athletic Club in Manhattan. New York is the biggest hub of PTS alumni outside of Miami. Head of School Patrick Roberts and Associate Head of External Relations Danny Reynolds attended, adding a special touch to the already memorable occasion.

Shirin Razdan ‘11, Andres Campano ‘11 and Richard Befeler ‘10

Alejandro Martinez-Oletta ‘14, Nicholas Paz ‘14, Waleed Mneimneh ‘15 and Emiliano Martinez-Don ‘16

Sabrina Rodriguez ‘14, Elena De Villiers, Susie Benitez ‘14, Brittany McDonough ‘14, Renee Dobrinsky ‘14 and Anabel Danon ‘14

Kristyn Abood Vicente ‘16, Charles Bailey ‘17, Daniel Omachonu ‘12 and Andres Alvarez Paul ‘19

ALUMNI NEWS

A LSUP OMT TNE ID O N C A M P U S Daniella Garcia-Novas ‘21, Nicole Ballesteros ‘21 and Farah Saliba ‘21

Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini and Georgia Malueg ‘21

Santiago Messmacher ‘19 and Diego Messmacher ‘20

Jacob Gassenheimer ‘19, Santiago Messmacher ‘19, Luis Carvajal ‘19, Pedro Torres ‘19, Brandon Yanes ‘19, Dylan Dylewski ‘19 and Diego Messmacher ‘20

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Alejandra Mora Ortega ‘23, Cecilia Jiménez ‘23, Sinaya Sadler ‘22, Luna Karshis ‘22, Izzy Giraldo ‘23 and Camila Gomes ‘23

Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini and Jose Corbo ‘21

John Malloy ‘19

Gabriella Cepeda ‘17 and Isabella Martino ‘18

Isabella Martino ‘18 and Julia Irvin ‘18

Robert Moore ‘05, Ashley Chapman, Ryan Kleber ‘23 and Derek Smith

Stacie (Larco) Cooper ‘96, Andrew Bennett ‘95 and Albert Chip Walter ‘95

Philip McMichael ‘16

Thomas Hudson Verde ‘24 and Christopher Hudson Verde ‘18

Jake Font ‘24 and Nicole Font ‘13

Sebastian Lanz ‘24 and Alessandra Lanz ‘22

Patrick Roberts, Anthony Navarro ‘24, Marcel Navarro, Susy Navarro, Aly Navarro and Alexander Navarro ‘18

Natalie Bellande ‘22, Sebastian Bellande ‘26 and Gabriel Bellande ‘24

Eric Perri and Aden Davenport ‘23

Brayden Benesch ‘24 and Michele Baker Benesch ‘89

Gianluca Salvato ‘24 and Francesca Salvato ‘22

Matthew Marin ‘14

Lucas Bayas ‘22 and Sarah Bayas ‘24

Carlos Penzini ‘22, Giancarlo Vidal ‘23 and Simone Schwedel ‘23

Ludwig “Lou” Kipp ‘24, Gabriel Herrera ‘23, Aden Davenport ‘23, Jahmir Everett ‘23, Andres Williams ‘24, Daniel Benitez ‘23, Jake Pearcy ‘24 and Ethan Vanzant ‘24

Alexandre Lang-Willar ‘08 and Elektra Lang-Willar ‘24

Alexa Carrillo ‘21 and Anthony DeRosa ‘21

Alexandra Bennett ‘27, Andrew Bennett ‘95 and Sophia Bennett ‘24

ALUMNI NEWS

The Athletic Hall of Fame honors the achievements of individuals who have been associated with Palmer Trinity School by properly recognizing those who have made a major contribution to the success of the overall Athletic Program. The Ceremony honoring COACH TAMARA KING-FOSTER and BLAKE MILLER ‘16 took place on September 2, 2023, at Palmer Trinity School.

Blake Miller ‘16 Coach Tamara King-Foster

Ryan Jurney ‘04, Thomas Magenheimer ‘78, Coach Tamara King-Foster, Blake Miller ‘16, Andy Hessen ‘76 and Hart Baur ‘82

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

HOCO GAME 2023

ON OCTOBER 6, 2023, THE PALMER TRINITY VARSITY BOYS FOOTBALL TEAM WON THE HOMECOMING GAME AGAINST PALM GLADES PREP ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL BY A SCORE OF 33-0. ALUMNI AND THEIR FAMILIES GATHERED ON THE FIELD AT HALFTIME TO TAKE A GROUP PHOTO.

t s fa k a e r B y il m a F y c a g e L Quality education is one of the most important gifts a parent can give their child. Many of our legacy alumni know that their children will thrive at Palmer Trinity, because they had a wonderful experience themselves! At our Legacy Breakfast, many alumni shared memories of what made Palmer Trinity special to them. Danny Diaz Leyva ‘98

Elena Essen Baur ‘88

Patrick Roberts addresses the breakfast attendees

Alumni who are now Palmer Trinity School parents

Sean Murphy ‘89

Loreana Von Plocki ‘05

Roberto Castro Quijada ’00

Legacy students at Palmer Trinity School

Hart Baur ‘82

Michele Baker Benesch ‘89

Nathan Zeder ‘98

Andrew Bennett ‘95

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI G UE S T S P E A K ER S C OL L EGI AT E MEN T OR S IN T ER N S HIP HO S T S

MENTORSHIP

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

A D A M B A R R E D O ‘ 1 5 visited Palmer Trinity to share his journey of humanitarian work in Odessa, Ukraine.

Connecting current students and recent graduates with successful alumni professionals to provide opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for a career.

D O U G R O T HF E L D T ‘ 1 0 and C A R M E N X IME N A P E R E Z ‘ 2 0 spoke with the Palmer Trinity Investment Club. Doug founded the Investment Club during his time at Palmer Trinity. He attended SMU and currently works at Goldman Sachs. Carmen, a member of the club during her time at PTS, is a senior at NYU Stern and an incoming analyst at Goldman Sachs.

E L I Z A B E T H VA L L E J O ‘ 1 8 was a guest speaker, reflecting on her journey since graduating high school. “Returning to Palmer Trinity as a mentor and speaker at the Girl Powered Event was a great experience,” she shared. During her time at Palmer Trinity, Elizabeth served as Student Alumni Association President, contributed to the String Ensemble, managed the Varsity Basketball team, engaged in the Student Diversity Leadership Council, and participated in the Agents of Change Entrepreneurship program. Elizabeth acknowledged the challenges she faced in Math and Science but emphasized her proficiency in English and writing. Despite this, her passion for Technology and STEM remained unwavering. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to demonstrate to students that STEM careers don’t exclusively demand technical expertise; instead, a willingness to learn and communicate effectively is paramount. Elizabeth highlighted the importance of maximizing available resources such as classes, clubs, and programs, and encouraged students to use their LinkedIn profiles to showcase their accomplishments and experiences. She is now a Business Development Lead at a start-up. Associate alumna and current Palmer Trinity parent K E L LY P E A R L S O N F R A IND ‘ 0 1 , spoke about her experience as an industrial engineer.

M AT T HE W V E G A - S A N Z ‘ 1 4 and J O S E P H C H A O ‘ 1 4 presented on Lula and Buggy Miami, respectively, to the Palmer Trinity Investment Club and the Entrepreneurship Class.

M AT T HE W WA L D M A N ‘ 2 0 , President of Special Olympics at the University of Miami, visited Palmer Trinity to share his experiences of working in the community and being a leader of a service organization with ninth-grade students.

MI C H A E L VEGA-SANZ ‘14, co-founder of LULA, shared his inspiring journey of starting his own business with the Entrepreneurship Class.

C U R T I S L A R Y ‘ 1 7, founder of Hextronics, shared his insights and advice with students in AP Calculus BC & Multivariable, Honors Physical Science, and AP Computer Science. After attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, Curt went on to found a company that is inventing and building automatic drone systems. In addition, Curt has hired PTS students as interns to help his company build drones that are used worldwide.

Attorney MI C H A E L H A G G A R D ‘ 8 8 addressed members of the Palmer Trinity Law Club. The Haggard Law Firm consistently supports aspiring law students at Palmer Trinity by offering internships during the summer.

Palmer Trinity alumni, A D R I A N A ( A LVA R E Z ) F I G U E R O A ‘ 1 1 and S E B A S T I A N NI C H O L L S ‘ 1 2 , joined forces to educate Adriana’s kindergarten class on ocean conservation.

R I C H A R D B E F E L E R ‘ 1 0 , an Analytical Engineering Lead at Disney Streaming Services, engaged with our AP Computer Science students, offering a glimpse into the tech industry and providing valuable career advice.

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNIGAMES

01.16.24

Alumni soccer players gather for a photo after a spirited and friendly match.

Drew Kaplan ‘23, Gabriel Herrera ‘23 and Daniel Arias ‘23

Esteban Espinoza ‘22 and Lucas Bayas ‘22

Valentina Lopez ‘17, Lauren Fernandez ‘18, Hope Morales, ‘17, Salma Atassi ‘17, Evans (Dunwody) Crews ‘91 and Henry Fernandez ‘17

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

Alex Salgado ‘14, Nicolas Paz ‘14, Daniel du Feu ‘14, Miguel Gonzalez ‘15, Joseph Chao ‘14 and Alejandro Rodriguez ‘14

Joseph Chao ‘14, Keenan Rodriguez ‘15, Miguel Gonzalez ‘15 and Alex Salgado ‘14

Alumni basketball players, joined by Palmer Trinity coaches and faculty, engage in lively pick-up games.

Tam a

a ls )W er h ‘ 02

R EMEMBER ING PA S T A L UMNI

On January 11, 2024, Palmer Trinity held an Alumni Memorial Service to remember and pray for those who have passed away. Thank you to all our guest speakers.

an Ry

Isa

er t

‘01 El

iza b

e th

rd (Lane) Baca

3 i ‘9

K r i s ti n

b He

‘18

(H a yd e

r ti n o

y‘

ALUMNI NEWS

Save-the-Date 2024—2025

AUGUST 2024

JANUARY 2025

August 22, 2024 Back to School Alumni Social* at 6:00 PM Coral Reef Yacht Club

January 7, 2025 College Day* at 10:30 AM PTS Keller Lecture Hall

SEPTEMBER 2024 September 13, 2024 Battle of the Oar Football Game at 4:00 PM PTS Montaña Field September 25, 2024 California Alumni Social* at 6:00 PM Hotel Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA

OCTOBER 2024 October 18, 2024 Homecoming Football Game at 4:00 PM PTS Montaña Field

NOVEMBER 2024 November 7, 2024 Alumni Memorial Service* at 10:30 AM PTS Trinity Chapel November 21, 2024 Give Miami Day

DECEMBER 2024 December 5, 2024 Lessons & Carols, Art Show and Tree Lighting at 4:30 PM PTS Trinity Chapel

January 27, 2025 Sandy Golf Tournament at 10:00 AM Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club

MARCH 2025 March 15, 2025 International Festival from 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM PTS March 20, 2025 March Madness Alumni Giving* Challenge Begins

APRIL 2025 April 7, 2025 March Madness Alumni Giving* Challenge Ends

MAY 2025 May 3, 2025 Alumni Reunion Party* at 7:00 PM Location TBA May 20, 2025 24 Hour Giving Challenge

PALMERTRINITY.ORG

December 13, 2024 Bows and Bow Ties Holiday Party at 7:00 PM Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables

December 21, 2024 Alumni Games & BBQ* at 10:00 AM PTS Montaña Field, Indoor Basketball Courts & Outdoor Basketball Courts

*Alumni Events

SUMMER 2024 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PRESIDENT OF PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Suzanne Gottlieb Calleja

Elizabeth Bellande

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Blanca Morales, Marketing & Communications Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY Tina Bustamante, Suzanne Calleja, Jill Kahn, Blanca Morales, Claudia Storper

PROOFREADERS Taylor Haas ‘11, Kaylee Padron, Emily Wilken

DESIGN Brand Poets

Ryan A. Jurney ‘04

PA L MER T RINI T Y S CHOOL A NNOUNCE S SI X

Patrick Roberts (Trustee Ex-Officio) Michael Baiamonte (Trustee Emeritus) Jack Brumbaugh (Trustee Emeritus) William Morrison (Trustee Emeritus)

ON THE COVER PTS Cross Country State Champion Henry Stark Photo by Mikey Berlfein

Judy Andrews

Walter Gonzalez

David Neithardt

Carlos Penzini

Hudson Smith

Travis Sullivan

AERIE PA R E N T S , A L U MNI A ND F R IE ND S O F

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

7900 SW 176 TH STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA 3315 7

SUMMER 202 4

www.palmertrinity.org

HENRY STARK PTS CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPION

GLOBAL CITIZENS IN THE MAKING:

SUMMER 202 4

THE ACADEMIC & CULTURAL ADVANTAGES OF STUDENT TRAVEL

ALUMNI PROFILES DR. SHIRIN RAZDAN ‘11