Trinity’s First Teachers: Where Are They Now?

By NATHAN CLENDENIN

Trinity School has been an educational home to many students over the years, and its teachers have played a crucial role in shaping those studentsʼ lives. As we think about the coming generations of Trinity students, itʼs impossible not to think back on the dedicated teachers who helped make Trinity what it is today. Three of Trinity’s early teachers—Robin Price, Karen Bohn, and Diane Bidgood—graciously took the time to share their memories with us.

Robin Price, who taught fifth grade from 2002–2012, has plenty of fond memories to choose from. From Greco-Roman Day to Knitting Club, Robin loved engaging with her students outside of the traditional classroom setting. But what stands out most in her mind is reading to her students during lunchtime. “They may remember the books I read,” she says, “but I remember their faces as they listened...the eyes full of wonder, the laughter, and even the occasional tears.” Robin now serves as a missionary with Mission to the World (MTW), leading the women's ministry in a young Presbyterian church in Oxford, England.

“They may remember the books I read,” she says, “but I remember their faces as they listened...the eyes full of wonder, the laughter, and even the occasional tears.”

Karen Bohn, who taught second grade from 1999–2018, started a tradition that continues to this day at Trinity School: hatching baby chicks. But itʼs not just the chicks that Karen remembers fondly. She also loved teaching a science unit on the life cycles of the frog, butterfly, and chicken. After leaving Trinity, Karen spent three years in Budapest, Hungary, where she taught fourth grade at Greater Grace International School. She and her husband, Joseph, are now living in Pennsylvania.

Diane Bidgood, who began as a first grade assistant in 1998 and later became a first grade teacher, has two special days that stand out in her mind. One was the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Day, when students showcased their inventions, paintings, and sculptures in the style of the famous artist. The other was Fairy Tale Day, when students dressed up and engaged in sword fighting, jousting, and rescuing princesses. Since leaving Trinity, Diane has enjoyed spend ing more time with her nine grandchildren and tutoring students in reading after school at Trinity and in her home in Hillsborough.

These teachers may have moved on from Trinity School, but their impact remains. As alumni read this article and recall their time at the school, they will undoubtedly remember these teachers and the memories they created together. And as Robin, Karen, and Diane continue to serve in their respective missions, they bring with them the love and dedication they poured into their time at Trinity School.

Do you have a favorite Trinity teacher you’d like to hear about in a future issue of The Column? We’d love to find out where they are now. Let us know who you’d like to see featured by emailing communications@tsdch.org.

NATHAN CLENDENIN serves in the Advancement Office as Trinity’s Assistant Director of Advancement for Marketing and Communications. A husband, father of four children, and Trinity parent, he loves a great podcast and can be found listening while training for the annual Blue Ridge Relay.

By ELLIE THOMAS ’23