The mission of Trinity School is to educate students in transitional kindergarten to grade twelve within the framework of Christian faith and conviction—teaching the classical tools of learning; providing a rich yet unhurried education; and communicating truth, goodness, and beauty.
EDITOR
Nathan Clendenin | nclendenin@tsdch.org
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Katie Stokes
Olivia Goodwin ’24
CONTRIBUTORS
Nathan Clendenin
Dana Crain
Chip Denton
Olivia Goodwin ’24
Karman Kent
David Nolen ’25
Janet Ray
Sophie Smith
Ruby Wadman ’24
McKenna Williams ’25
Priscilla Wood
COVER ART
Middle School Resource Art Student Collaboration
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Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students. Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or sex in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, offers of flexible tuition, or execution of athletic or any other school-administered program.
Trinity School is teeming with truth, goodness, and beauty, in the form of discrete acts of learning and growth. We’ve gathered a number of these separate gems in this issue of The Column: Robotics teams spending hours in the maker space designing their robots for the meet that might send them to the World Competition, first graders taking a field trip deep into the Johnston Mill Nature Preserve to see the tree dubbed “Big Rooty,” and Lower and Middle School artists creating impressive works in various media. You’ll read about Upper School students traveling to South Africa during Winterim to serve Musawenkosi Christian Academy students at a camp, the remarkable and unforgettable journey of our swim team winning the State Championship, and faculty like Katie Crews and Margaret Thielman and staff like Alex Linares, who do excellent work every day to shape students in powerful ways. And in this issue you can learn about the collaboration between the engineering lab and the Upper School’s dramatic production of Seussical, an alumna finding a path from her Trinity Capstone to a career, and the quiet but transforming generosity of the Trinity community in support of Trinity’s mission through the Trinity Fund.
When we step back a bit and look at all this—and more—together, there is a pattern, an image, a story that comes into shape and focus. It’s the story of a Gospel community of learners who are each being shaped by God’s story, invited into the Kingdom to live their particular stories as part of a greater whole. Our goodness and excellence are not our own, but make sense as part of the whole.
This is what a mosaic does. If we focus on one tile, one piece of glass or ceramic, there is beauty and grace, to be sure. But all these tiles are arranged to work together to form a larger image. One has to step back a bit and gaze at the whole. Mosaic as an art form has a long history, from the Mesopotamians to the Romans to the early Christians and the Byzantine era. Islamic mosaics create intricate and beautiful patterns out of discrete tiles. This art form has lived on into the modern
Visit p. 30 to read more about this mosaic of Brent Clark
View the Trinity Mascot completed by Middle School students on the cover
era also, from Gaudí’s work in a park in Barcelona to the New York subways to the mosaic-inspired Resurrection of Alma Thomas. In this way, Mosaic is a fitting title for an issue of the Trinity Column, which seeks to showcase a classical Christian education with rich yet unhurried learning.
The mosaic which is Trinity School is made up of all manner of individual mosaics—a hyperlinked reality that goes “further up, further in,” like Lewis’s Narnia. Two of these mosaics are featured in this issue. One is the exquisitely beautiful and moving portrait of the late Brent Clark, which Missy Brinegar, one of our art teachers, painted in the style of Chuck Close, whose large portraits are created in a mosaic style. Everyone should visit the Brent Clark Arts and Engineering Building to view Missy’s labor of love and examine the hundreds of tiles that make up the portrait of the Director of Finance and Facilities for whom this building is named.
The second mosaic is pictured on the cover of this issue. Mrs. Brinegar taught her Middle School students the Chuck Close style of painting, and it’s a wonder to see what they created: their own mosaic of Trinity’s mascot, with echoes of Aslan and the Lion of Judah—truly a mosaic that is Mosaic and Messianic.
This is the tenth edition of The Column. I am deeply grateful to Nathan Clendenin, our Director of Marketing and Communications, who leads this publication and makes it what it is. I have heard from so many of our parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and others how much they appreciate this way of sharing the Trinity mosaic with the larger community.
Non Nobis.
Chip Denton, Head of School
Above: Dr. Denton speaks at the Head of School dinner on February 22, 2024, at the UNC Friday Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
Robotics Team Competes in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Competition
By David Nolen ’25
Trinity Robotics experienced a lot of firsts this year. Mr. Jon Hicks, Trinity’s new Robotics and Engineering Design teacher, stepped into his role as the coach in this, his sixth season coaching FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics. Our veteran team #2827 was ranked no. 236 out of more than 6,000 teams across the world. Our rookie team #3587 surprised everyone as they advanced from States to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge World Competition in Houston, TX, in April. I talked to members of both teams about what helped them to do well this year. We agreed that having fantastic mentors was a major factor, as well as access to amazing resources in the Robotics Lab for building parts to make and code the robot. We are especially grateful to Mr. Hicks for nailing his first year as our coach! He encouraged both teams to adopt a new agile project management system, which helped us to be more productive in the fall as we prepared for the bigger competitions.
Persevering through Challenges
Mr. Hicks taught us, “Robotics is about providing real access to real engineering problems and processes.” Practically, that means that no matter how much work or how many hours we might put into something, there is always a risk of failure in the engineering process. However, Mr. Hicks has created a culture in the maker space that makes it okay to fail, because “failure is a learning point for iteration, and you only really fail if you quit trying.”
Despite their different levels of success, both teams faced similar challenges throughout the season. We both had small, one-person coding teams: Anna Fitzgerald ’26 and I. This made it especially difficult to debug code, but it allowed for a lot of collaboration between our two teams.
Another challenge was creating a consistent automatic paper airplane launcher, which was an aspect of this year’s robotics challenge. Both teams shared ideas about an ideal design and held a school-wide paper airplane contest to find the perfect plane design. These challenges and the resulting learning process brought growth for both teams.
Trinity Robotics is especially proud of our rookie team for representing Trinity at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Robotics Championship. At Worlds, students on Team 3587 enjoyed competing and meeting other robotics teams from around the globe and watching their robots. This experience will be especially useful next fall when both teams brainstorm ideas for a new robot. Next year’s robotics season continues to look especially exciting because of all that we have learned this season. Trinity’s robotics students are always eager to meet back in the lab to prepare and improve for the next season of robotics. We can’t wait to see what Trinity Robotics will make next!
Our Middle School Resource Robotics Team, also led by Mr. Hicks, competed in a FIRST Lego League competition and won 1st place in the Innovation Project and 2nd place in Robot Performance.
DAVID NOLEN '25 is a junior in his 12th year at Trinity. He enjoys painting, running in cross-country and track, coding for the Robotics team, and leading the Trinity Fishing Club. Outside of school, David likes fixing bicycles, 3D printing, and running a lawn and yard business in his neighborhood.
Investing in the Future
RThe Role of Endowments
“Endowments shift the focus of priorities for schools towards the future. They have an impact today, but an even greater impact long term.”
odgers Harshbarger thinks about endowments every day in his role as a Managing Director of Private Investments at UNC Management Company, Inc. The independent group’s unique business model, one of the only statewide models in the country, is used to manage the endowment portfolios of many of North Carolina’s public universities. “If you look at the success of the North Carolina state university system,” Harshbarger says, “they have grown in impact because of a legacy of generous giving.”
Harshbarger, who is also a Trinity parent, believes endowments are the most sustainable way for educational
institutions to grow their impact over generations. “Endowments help shift the focus of priorities for schools towards the future. They have an impact today, but an even greater impact over the long term,” he said.
Recent research conducted by Independent School Management (ISM) supports Harshbarger’s convictions. Applying recent research from higher education endowments, ISM found that endowments help independent schools fund financial assistance programs and create stability during fluctuations in the economy. “Endowments reduce the school’s financial burden and generate consistent income over the long term,” ISM found.
Your gift to an endowed fund grows the principal amount. 1
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invest
The principal is protected and invested and grows.
endowment impact
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provide
Since inception, Trinity's endowments have provided almost $1M in flexible tuition assistance.
Interested in exploring how a gift of any amount to an endowment would have a significant impact on need-based aid for families?
Go to our website at https://trinitygives.org/.
As Trinity celebrates its 30th year in 2025, the school has a unique opportunity to expand its endowment, which currently has a value of $1.7 million and generates more than $70, 000 each year to support financial aid. Since their inception, Trinity's endowments have provided almost $1 million in flexible tuition assistance to families.
Consistent generosity to the school you love makes the biggest impact on the long-term success of the school, Harshbarger says. “Just because you aren’t in a position to donate $5 million doesn’t mean you can’t play an important role,” he noted. “It isn’t about any one person. It’s about creating a community and a culture of generosity.”
Trinity School is a special place for the Harshbarger family. “There aren’t many places like it,” Rodgers observed. “It wasn’t here 30 years ago, and there’s no guarantee that it will be here 30 years from now.” But a strong endowment will make Trinity's future more certain. Focusing on growing our endowments over the next three years will make a significant impact on securing the special promise of a Trinity education for current and future generations of students who will benefit from financial assistance and flexible tuition.
A Season of Virtue:
Trinity Swim Team’s State Championship Tale
BY SOPHIE SMITH
We often talk in Athletics about Trinity’s Athletic Compass and what it looks like in a team. It was gloriously on display and at the heart of one team this year—the Varsity Swim team. They truly demonstrated these cardinal virtues of courage, self-control, wisdom, and justice. It was because things were done right and these virtues were fought for, coupled with the athletes’ desire for excellence, that the team won an NCISAA State Championship title. Behind the shiny banner there is a Gospel story, one of beauty and goodness, one that will shine down the ages, one that I hope won’t be forgotten.
Trinity’s seventh through twelfth grades compete in varsity swimming, and our athletes range from summer-league swimmers to year-rounders. That’s a joy in and of itself, as our experienced swimmers mentor, support, and encourage their younger teammates.
two not-too-distant years (another story). Our swimmers never gave up. They worked hard as a team, they cared for each other, they cheered each and every swimmer on, and they never lost sight of their goals. The laughter was plentiful and the fun palpable. Still, their competition was serious, the best kind.
The girls, who came in third, were an integral part of the team’s success. It’s a great accomplishment for both the boys and girls to place in the top 5— clearly evidence of a championship culture, one that was molded by trust, enthusiasm, and striving for the best they could be.
Despite the team’s previous near-misses, outdoor practices in November, and pool switches in January, their perseverance and unity led them to victory. There were sacrifices: Year-round swimmers gave up treasured signature events to switch to others so they could win more points for the team. Others battled long, arduous swims for strategic gain (thank you, Daniel Stepp!). Every single swimmer who competed in the state meet scored points for the team.
Thank you to our team captains, Asa, Daniel, Jack, and Scott, for taking on responsibility for the team’s cohesion, culture, and competition. The accolade of the state championship had been a long time in coming. Success was even sweeter this year because of the tantalizing agony of the title being snatched from the jaws of victory in
Add into the mix first of all the extraordinary service of the parents, who showed up at every meet to time, provide sustenance, take photos, back-up time, and cheer on the swimmers! (For one family it was the culmination of 14 years of supporting the program.) It was undoubtedly a unique collaboration, a truly supportive partnership. And our coaches, remarkably committed in their own right, each brought their own gifts and dedication to the team, coaching all of our swimmers, not just those with more experience and talent.
Witnessing the team’s journey was a privilege. Their display of discipline, hard work, and good sportsmanship earned them respect. At the state meet, many coaches and athletic directors remarked that this team was so respectful and fun to compete against. It is my hope that the team takes rightful pride in their accomplishments and the legacy they’ve established, and that the Trinity community will share in this pride, acknowledging the team’s achievements in the truest sense. Non Nobis.
SOPHIE SMITH serves as Athletic Director, overseeing three seasons of interscholastic athletics (with over 30 teams and 30 coaches). She is a Certified Athletic Administrator and is currently coordinating a Quality Program Assessment of Trinity's athletic programs as she pursues her Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) designation. Working with the Student-Athlete Leadership Team, Athletic Department interns, and coaching staff are some of the highlights for her.
Medieval Times
Sixth grade is a pivotal year in a Trinity student’s life. For some, it’s an entry point into the school, an introduction to Trinity’s unique alloy of Christian, classical education. One of the hallmarks of this grade is the study of the Middle Ages, perhaps a fitting era for those preparing to pass on to Middle School in the fall.
To get into the medieval mood, students write siege letters. Transporting themselves into the place of one trapped in a castle under siege, they take on the vernacular and vocabulary to ask for help. Bruce Merneras of Durham Castle writes, “King Malcolm of Scotland and his army started attacking one week ago, and as a result many people have been suffering substantially. This is a dire situation. Rushing through the forest, they came without a warning.”
Though the period was dark, there is no shortage of topics to entice the learners’ hungry minds. From trebuchets, crossbows, and armor, to horse breeds, pets, and medieval dress, the students delve deep into a chosen topic. After swimming around in that topic for weeks, each student prepares a presentation, complete with historically appropriate attire. They practice their public speaking and hone their material, in anticipation of the big day to come.
Students memorize Latin verses and chants and learn songs on instruments similar to those of the time. Though
relatively little is known about dance customs in the Middle Ages, the students nevertheless engage their bodies to the fullest, learning a dance routine with partners.
In the age of gallant knights and their suits of armor, children approaching 12 years old were considered ready to leave home as apprentices, to learn to fight with weapons, or to enter into service in the church. We assume most parents are grateful that modern traditions keep children in the home until age 18. However, it was somewhat fitting for the students to have the chance this year to try on armor and ask questions of an extremely talented amateur armorist, Dr. Eric Jeungst. While trying on chain mail, helmets, and chest plates, the students satisfied their curiosity with questions about how armor is made, how to put it on, the maintenance of it, and the cost. Concerned about practicalities in battle, one student asked, “When a knight is injured in battle, how long would it take to get the knight to safety, considering the extra weight of the armor and then taking off the armor to dress the wound?”
On Medieval Day, everything comes together for a final culmination of learning, where parents and siblings arrive to hear the presentations and witness the Latin mass and performances. The day is capped off with a banquet fit for kings and queens as students celebrate all they’ve learned.
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.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
By Nathan Clendenin
Trinity School's annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day is always a fun time for students and guests. This year's program featured a captivating performance of “A Song for the Nations,” created by our music teacher, Mr. Luke Ferguson. Inspired by a world music drumming workshop, Mr. Ferguson integrated Ghanaian drumming and John Krumm’s “Dance for the Nations” melody with Christian lyrics from Revelation 7:9-10. The performance was a powerful experience, highlighting the unity of praising Jesus in multiple languages, including Hebrew, Latin, and Ukrainian. A standout moment occurred when the outer circle of singers began rotating in a different direction from the inner circles, adding a dynamic visual element to the song.
Other highlights included the moment when the children, lined up on stage, were encouraged to find and wave to their grandparents or special friends out in the crowd. The fourth grade recitation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech was moving, as was I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth, shared by our fifth graders.
As the littlest performers made their exit midway through the program, The Cat in the Hat (from the previous week’s production of Seussical) made a special appearance, equipped with Trinity Trivia and prizes.
Photos by Davis Nichols ’26
A Lasting Legacy Starts With Stewardship
Self-Portraits The Image of God Demonstrated
Through Artwork
Words and Design by Olivia Goodwin ‘24
T hey say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If that is true, then each of us brings our own judgments as we evaluate a piece of art. But what if we were viewing a portrait of ourselves? What if we had to create the portrait? Would our self-perception and how it translates to the canvas change with our mindset as the work progressed? These are just some of the questions that our Lower and Middle School art students wrestled with this year. The creation of a self-portrait is a challenging task at any age, but particularly while still developing a sense of self. The assignment is not just an artistic one, it is also an emotionally demanding undertaking, as you must contemplate how you present yourself to the world around you. Not only that, you must sit with this image for hours, capturing the most minute details and judging whether it feels “like you.” This attention to detail draws focus to the millions of nuances that make us who we are, and to how God created each one of us to be completely unique.
While emotionally challenging, the process of developing a self-portrait provides a heightened understanding of self. It is an exercise of both perception and reflection: who are you in the eyes of others, of yourself, and of God?
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Throughout this year, the Lower Schoolers spent time creating varying interpretations of self-portraits. Lower School art teachers Ashley Weinard and Rebecca Nolen, provided the third grade with an empty slab of clay, accompanying them through the process of molding each facial feature. Forming the face piece by piece enhanced students’ awareness of facial proportions and how each feature works in harmony. In the early stages of their artistic journey, using clay allowed third graders to mold and shape their work with ease. This attention to detail creates a deep understanding of the intricacies of the face, building a strong foundation for their future as artists. As students progress through their time in the Lower School, they continue to take these lessons further; the fifth grade honed in on the importance of their character and its role in the artistic process. Each student envisioned and created a nonliteral self-portrait, reflecting upon what characteristics, interests, and values make them unique. The challenge was then to determine how to best translate
these intangible traits into a physical work of art. While some students adhered to aspects of a typical self-portrait, others took a more abstract approach. Through this project they were able to express not only their physical being but also who they are beneath the surface, aiding them in merging the physical with the spiritual, and recreating it in artistic form.
To deepen their appreciation for living in the likeness of God, the Middle School students were guided through
additional projects LOWER SCHOOL
Our students did not focus solely on selfportraits this year; they built their skills through countless unique projects. They experimented with different mediums and techniques to create these things:
Sock Puppet Theater (TK)
Watercolor Butterflies (K)
Paper Maché Flowers (1st)
Clay Teapots (2nd)
Sea Creature Painting (3rd)
Egyptian Wall Painting (4th)
Weaving & Greek Pottery (5th)
Gothic Cathedral Design (6th)
an art curriculum rooted in the beauty of creation. With pencil as their medium, the eighth grade class studied the intricate details of their faces using the grid method and transformed what they saw into a self-portrait. Katie Graessel, our Middle School art teacher, found great joy in watching her students portray their appearance in a positive light, and she comments that the room was often filled with laughter as students engaged passionately in the project.
So often the transition into adolescence is paired with self-criticism, but this assignment taught students that their differences make them uniquely beautiful.
With each detail came a deeper understanding of how much effort God put into our creation. Mrs. Graessel says, “This project was a joy because they see who God created them to be, taking note of the tiniest little indentations or forms of the face. They see all of the things that God created in them, providing a sense of awe at the uniqueness of every individual.” The eighth graders used the grid method, guiding proportion and dissecting the piece into smaller fragments, to ease this challenging task. The meticulous nature of this project further emphasized how
awe-inspiring God’s act of creation was: his process was not aided by grid or guideline. Upon completion, students gained a deeper awareness of not only their physical beauty, but also the beauty and complexities of their Creator. So often the miracle of creation is overlooked, but this taught students to recognize how much care and detail went into each element of God’s works.
While a self-portrait may seem like an entirely internal reflection, it can also be a form of praise for God. Through introspection, we are able to address the detail that has gone into our creation. As this school year wraps up, we ask you to appreciate those around you, and their distinctive qualities, features, and character that make them unique. As you go through your day, take note of how you can see God’s influence in the world. Everything surrounding us is a representation of his beauty, power, and love.
Artwork credits in this article:
1. Isaiah Nicol ’28 2. Natalie Son ’31
3. SJ Clendenin ’28 4. Layla Lowery ’31
5. Alayna Todd ’31 6. Santiago Pineda Correal ’31 7. Madison Glenn ’31 8. Evelyn Voldness ’33
additional projects MIDDLE SCHOOL
This year’s Middle School students grew as artists through a variety of projects. Some of these include lino printing, still life works, watercolor and acrylic painting, Olympic symbol design, and beginning to build and grow their portfolio. Featuring many different mediums, Trinity's art curriculum guides students to become well-rounded, experienced artists.
OLIVIA GOODWIN (’24) is a senior in her sixth year at Trinity. She plans to study interior architecture next year at the University of Oregon. Olivia enjoys ceramics, working with children, and serving as editor of the yearbook. In her free time she enjoys baking, exploring the Eno River, contemporary dance, and having fun with friends.
and BEAUTY | Trinity
School
Oh, the Things You Can Create!
By McKenna Williams ’25
Students in Technical Theatre stand atop the six-foot-tall stage platform created by Jon Hicks, Robotics and Engineering Design teacher.
As I took my final bow and looked out over the crowd, I reflected on all that was necessary to bring Trinity’s 2024 production of Seussical to life. This spring, I had the pleasure of taking Technical Theatre and Musical Theatre in the same semester. Being part of these classes opened my eyes to the intricacies of theatre production, both behind the scenes and onstage. Until this production, these components of a show were prepared separately and brought together one week before opening. But this year, 27 Musical Theatre students and nine Technical Theatre students worked in tandem to manage different aspects of the production process, and the Brent Clark Building buzzed with their energy.
For hours into the evening, as the doors of the Brent Clark Arts and Engineering Building opened, students moved sets, practiced lines, and collaborated on props, driven on by the pulse of Metallica as their soundtrack. Crouched on the floor, Roman Underwood ’26 poured his energy and thought into the next construction project, building and unbuilding the periaktoi until perfectly even. Sitting across the room, Kaitlyn White ’24 and Sara McClure ’26 tranquilly painted sets, tackling every roadblock with the confidence and skill of an artist who knows their work is beautiful. And seated on the couch, Lyndsay Stone ’25 scrolled and sketched, passionately and deftly designing the Bird Girls makeup. As Lyndsey searched for inspiration and redrew ideas, she tested her designs on classmates, then glowed with joy and pride, admiring her masterpiece, the product of hard work.
Although an unprecedented number of students took leadership roles in this year’s production, Caroline Page ’24 took the biggest responsibility by designing and crafting props while also preparing for her leading role as The Cat in the Hat. Caroline has performed in Trinity theatre productions since seventh grade and embraced this challenge for her Senior Capstone project. Sitting in a makeshift office under the stairs on the first floor of the Brent Clark Building, Caroline designed sets, designed props, and solved problems as only a great artist can. When asked about this year’s production, she replied,
“Collaborating with Mr. Hicks and the maker space was magical.
I would send him a sketch, and in minutes it would be cut out on the laser cutter, ready to go. It was so cool to watch my ideas come to life in front of me! We were able to accomplish things I could never have imagined possible without his help.”
Each week, the cast popped into tech classes to collaborate on projects, smiling and chatting as they altered dresses and sewed feathers. “I love how people just join our class like doing all the work is fun,” Lyndsay said, admiring the work of the four Musical Theatre students who showed up to help. Trinity’s Upper School theatre students made this show exciting, especially for the youngest in our community. As the audience applauded and the final show ended, Seussical’s cast and crew were rewarded for their teamwork, leadership, and creativity.
MCKENNA WILLIAMS ’25 is a junior in her fifth year at Trinity. She enjoys swimming, running in cross-country, throwing in track, singing in Vocal Ensemble, and helping with theatre. In her free time she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, anything else outside, or any sort of project she can think of.
capstone to career
Elena Kovalik
class of 2014
by karmen kent
Ten years ago, on a beautiful day in Chapel Hill, as part of my role at the Morehead Cain foundation, I met a senior from Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill. A magic combination of bright and driven, she had a spark about her that was deeply compelling. She exuded an inquisitiveness about the world around her and her place within it (truly the best way to show up as a college freshman). I witnessed the impact Trinity’s classical, Christian education had had on one of its graduates. This interaction ignited my curiosity about the things happening at this school on Pickett Road, which eventually steered my career path here.
Elena Kovalik, a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC–Chapel Hill and later an Engineering Fellow at Vanderbilt University, learned from passionate female faculty in Trinity’s Upper School—Dr. Becky Sundseth and Dr. Jenny Witman, whose PhD journeys and innovative techniques inspired her to pursue physics and chemistry. “It was that passion that got me excited about research,” Elena recalled. Now pursuing her own doctoral studies, Elena designs lab courses, mentors undergrads, and trains graduate students to use the tools she employs in her research.
“Seeing the way female mentors have gone out of their way for me, I know I owe it to the next person to pull them up along with me,” she said. “It’s something that I deeply believe in, and that all started with my Capstone.”
This work has been all the more important as Elena has long wrestled with questions about the underrepresentation of females in STEM fields. When she was in the Upper School, the robotics summer camp attracted students who were interested but intimidated. What made them continue in robotics during the school year was the peer mentorship culture Elena created for freshmen and sophomores through her senior Capstone project’s robotics apprenticeship program. When Elena noticed that the default of keeping the engineering notebook was falling on female students with “neater handwriting,” she instituted a shared responsibility for tasks often seen as secondary to the building and programming of the robot, making the robotics lab a collaborative environment for all.
At UNC, this pattern continued as she served in leadership roles on campus to increase departmental equity for women in academics who are balancing family and professional goals. “The scientific community can easily be competitive and exclusionary,” Elena reflected, but she deeply desires to foster collective spaces where everyone feels valued.
Elena in the VINSE cleanroom, where she worked on nanoscale devices. In this ultraclean environment, 1000x cleaner than ambient air, special suits and masks were essential to minimize contaminants.
A clear theme in Elena’s story is grit. It’s what I saw in her as a 17-year-old and continue to see in her path ahead. The ripple effect of incredible Trinity teachers has helped make Elena a trailblazer in her scientific communities. “Seeing the way female mentors have gone out of their way for me, I know I owe it to the next person to pull them up along with me,” she said. “It’s something that I deeply believe in, and that all started with my Capstone.” I have no doubt that Elena is capable of great things, because her character convicts her to advocate for justice, to intentionally create inclusive environments, and to invest in those who will come after her—distinctive marks of a Trinity graduate.
KARMAN KENT , Trinity’s Director of College Counseling, has previously served as our Director of Enrollment Management and on a number of committees and task forces at Trinity. A former college athlete, Karman has a background in higher education administration and has served in a variety of roles at The Emily Krzyzewski Center and the Morehead-Cain Foundation at UNC–Chapel Hill. Karman and her husband are the parents of Trinity students Maeve (grade 3) and Lynley (TK).
Transforming Relationships in South Africa
By Ruby Wadman ’24
“This is about the kids. You are serving the children.”
These words rang in our ears as we prepared for the Upper School Winterim mission trip to KwaMhlanga, South Africa. Although it was true that this trip was about the kids, I hadn’t realized that it was also about us. The South African children served us without knowing it, unaware of the impact that they had on our lives.
In early January 2024, ten Trinity Upper School students joined a group of parents and alumni to serve as camp counselors for Trinity’s partner school, Musawenkosi Christian Academy (MCA), in South Africa. Each of us cared for six campers, ensuring that they had a great experience. We spent our days enjoying chapel, making arts and crafts, completing team-building exercises, and playing outdoor games. As Upper School students from Trinity, these things seemed mundane and ordinary to us–typical summer activities. But for the kids of Musawenkosi, these activities were once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the children were unable to hold back their excitement.
Each day, the children squealed with joy as activities were revealed, and their enthusiasm was palpable. We could feel the excitement pulsing through our veins each time they sang a Bible song, and it begged us to sing along! And when we announced a swimming trip—a first for
many of them—their eyes gleamed with disbelief. Somehow, their reactions felt different and unique, like nothing I’d experienced. Prior to our trip, we’d served as summer counselors in America and experienced these same activities. But the American children were less excited—they had done these things before. They took for granted the simple things in which these African children delighted with endless energy. Seeing this energy was powerful and motivating. It invited me into their world, and I was happy to join them!
Surprises
There were many surprises that this week in Africa would offer. I was surprised when all of the campers, even ones from other cabins, started calling us “Teacher.” It seemed odd at first, but as the days passed, I saw how much the kids respected us, and the weight of this word grew on my heart. It changed my understanding of why I was on this trip. I had thought I was in Africa as a “babysitter.” But the children came to see me as their big sister. They looked up to me and came to me with respect and compliance. As I understood how they saw me, I started feeling that same respect for myself. We were learning from each other. Even though we all came from different backgrounds, in just one week we formed strong relationships to last a lifetime. The open hearts of these children opened my heart in return.
Challenges
Along with the fun came challenges. As the first day of camp began, I found myself feeling stressed and alone as I managed eight campers with no co-counselor. A South African, Zanele, came to my rescue, but my stress affected our relationship and we did not get off on the right foot. Fortunately, I was learning, God was working, and as the week continued, our difficulties actually brought us closer. What I experienced with Zanele changed me, and I grew from that experience. Later in the week, I got very sick and had to leave the activities to rest. Soon after leaving the kids, I heard a knock on my door and found eight little worried faces there to wish me well. Their expressions showed me how much they cared. These intimate and vulnerable moments showed me the care and love in their hearts.
While the trip was about the kids, I learned more about myself than I anticipated. I learned that I love spending time with people and getting to know them personally. I learned the value of being surrounded by those who abound with joy and radiate care and kindness. These new friends changed my life forever. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had everything I needed. Being around kids and counselors who showed so much passion and gratitude made me realize that I have taken things for granted. Now, instead of thinking about things as just another activity, I take my time and enjoy the process. There is so much in life to enjoy and for which to be thankful. I returned home full of the same love, excitement, passion, and joy that I saw in the Musawenkosi kids and counselors. I came back changed!
Above: The Trinity team of students and parents pauses for a group photo on the campus of Musawenkosi Christian Academy.
RUBY WADMAN ’24 began her time at Trinity nine years ago in fourth grade. Next year she is headed to NC State to study chemistry. This year she has been leading the ARC Community Service club and the MCA fundraising team. When not studying, you can find Ruby reading a book, making food, playing soccer, or spending time outside.
and UNHURRIED | Trinity School
Trailblazer JoJo McAdams’ Appalachian Journey
By
On June 5, 2023, JoJo McAdams (’26) and her mother Lesley set out to hike the 2,190 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. What happened along the way is a story to be told and a lifetime of memories made. The duo did what’s referred to by thru-hikers as a northbound flip-flop, starting near the middle of the A.T. in Harpers Ferry, WV, and hiking north to Katahdin, ME. They then took transport back to Harpers Ferry and continued the hike south to Springer, GA, to finish on November 16, 2023.
JoJo first got the idea for an A.T. trek from her Girl Scout Trailblazers group. A Girl Scout since fifth grade, JoJo was excited to hear from a couple who spoke to her group during Covid about their Appalachian hike—she wanted to do this, too! The only issue would be taking time away from Trinity. When JoJo approached Mark Waller, the Director of Upper School at the time, about the idea, he was enthusiastic and even championed the idea to her teachers.
Thru-hiking the A.T. is no stroll in the park. Hikers log on average about 20 miles per day through less-thanideal conditions that include mud, creek crossing, and rock scrambling. Wet feet are the norm. But on top of all that, JoJo spent her “zero days” (aka rest days) and nights watching chemistry lecture videos, reading classic literature from her Humanities classes, and trying to speak Spanish when she could. As if that weren’t enough of a challenge, JoJo also collected research data on air quality all along the trail. Her measuring devices were created by Dr. Jonathan Thornburg, a researcher at RTI International. JoJo’s research led her to conclude that despite the Appalachian Trail’s close proximity to significant sources of pollution, the majority of the trail has less pollution than nearby towns.
JoJo's mother was proud to walk with her and says, “This was her idea from the beginning. She loves a good challenge.” JoJo, her mother, and her brother Bobby are making plans for another adventure this summer: hiking the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland.
Field trips and hands-on learning have been long-standing hallmarks of a Lower School education at Trinity School. Not only are field trips fun, but when students participate in dynamic, experiential learning within a social environment, their understanding and appreciation for a concept is heightened.
For several years, Trinity’s first grade students have extended their learning by taking field trips to Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, which is owned and managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC). After spending several weeks learning about the parts of a tree, the functions of each tree part, and how to identify trees by observing the types of bark and the shapes of the trees’ leaves, first graders hike the Robin’s Trail to the Old Field Creek bridge in search of “Big Rooty.” Big Rooty is the name that former first grade teacher Megan Wright gave to a large sycamore tree with an exposed root system. Once at the nature preserve, students are able to augment what they learned in the classroom by identifying different types of trees and their parts (for example, bark, leaves, or heartwood). Teachers also encourage the
students to think critically about their surroundings by asking “wondering” questions: I wonder who might live in that hole in the tree, or I wonder why that tree might have fallen over?
This fall, Trinity’s first graders were encouraged to think about how their learning could benefit others in our community by partnering actively with the TLC. Trinity teachers collaborated with TLC staff to devise a service project for the first graders that would simultaneously extend their learning and benefit the local community. They decided collectively that our students would create maps of landmarks that other children could use as a guide when they hike the trails at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve. Members of the TLC staff met our students at the nature preserve, guided them along the Robin’s Trail, and then posted a student-created map on their website for other children to reference.
PRISCILLA WOOD began teaching in Trinity's Lower School in 2009. Prior to that, she worked at UNC–Chapel Hill providing training and technical assistance to college campuses with reading tutoring programs. Priscilla also spent six years teaching French at a high school in Winston-Salem. When not teaching, Priscilla is usually playing tennis, pickleball, or the occasional round of golf.
Weaving Brent Clark's Legacy with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
By Janet Ray
Top: Missy Brinegar poses with Cindy Clark and her son Ben, his wife Renna, and Ella, her grandchild. Center Right: The portrait of Brent Clark hangs in the first floor of the Brent Clark Arts and Engineering Building. Center Left: Missy Brinegar introduces the piece she painted in Brent Clark’s memory. Bottom: On February 2, 2024, a small group from the Trinity community, including members of the Clark family, gathered for the unveiling of Brent Clark’s portrait.
Whenever Brent Clark stepped into the unfinished space that we now call the Brent Clark Arts and Engineering Building, his joy was truly unparalleled. It was as though he had stepped into a wonderland of learning—a realm where the possibilities of creativity knew no bounds.
As Director of Finance and Facilities, Brent was involved in every facet of the project, from the first discussions about the space to the many architect meetings and daily walk-throughs during construction. He envisioned a place where truth, goodness, and beauty would converge in remarkable ways, enriching the lives of our Trinity students, faculty, and community. Brent’s untimely death just months before the building was dedicated rocked the Trinity community. The Boards's decision to name the building in his memory infused into the structure Brent’s hope that it would be a place where beauty came to life.
The Arts and Engineering Building was designed to be a space where creativity and excellence would flourish across disciplines—theatre, robotics, visual arts, physics, computer science, and music. Trinity art teacher Missy Brinegar expressed a feeling of gratitude that many of us share: “When considering a beautiful symphony, there is a conductor orchestrating all the parts—[likewise] the construction of this building, which had hundreds of trades acting in tandem for the result we now stand in. Thank you, Brent Clark, for orchestrating this structure!”
On February 2, 2024, we gathered to honor Brent’s life and legacy with the unveiling of his portrait, appropriately named Devotion. This mosaic piece in the style of Chuck Close is composed of 864 one-inch tiles that together form a portrait of our dear friend. Painted by the talented hands of our own Missy Brinegar, it serves as a testament to Brent’s essence, as captured by the words hidden within the artwork: Non Nobis, Truth, Goodness, Beauty, Love, Peace, Devotion, Trinity, and Encourager.
Brent was known by many descriptions—he was an accountant with a pastor’s heart, an amazing boss, a colleague who treated others with kindness, a man with a big heart. I had the privilege of being mentored by Brent, and his guidance had a profound impact on the way I now lead my department. Brent was kind and smart. His face would soften in the sweetest way when he talked about all the ways his wife, Cindy, was wonderful. He loved to tell you about his incredible kids, Emma ’07 MS and
When considering a beautiful symphony, there is a conductor orchestrating all the parts— [likewise] the construction of this building, which had hundreds of trades acting in tandem for the result we now stand in. Thank you, Brent Clark, for orchestrating this structure!
Ben ’09 MS. As Trinity’s Financial Services Administrator Jim Moore recounts, “Brent was outstanding. Sometimes he was standing alone, but he stood strong. His care and love for Trinity was beyond measure. Brent was a great boss, a great person, and a great friend.”
To steal a phrase from Brent, “my coaching to you” is to stop by the Brent Clark Arts and Engineering Building and pause for a few minutes to remember the man who gave so much to the Trinity community and whose legacy continues to inspire us.
JANET RAY, Trinity’s Director of Arts, knew from her first year at Charles E. Jordan High School that teaching was her calling. After a transformative student-teaching experience at her alma mater and earning her degree from UNC–Chapel Hill, she launched her career at Carrington Junior High. Janet took a 12-year break to focus on family and then returned to the classroom in 1999 at Trinity School.
Faith, Knowledge, and Community: on Trinity’s Educators
By Dana Crain
Get to Know Mrs. Katie Crews, Our Middle School Science and Bible Teacher
Katie Crews is a hometown girl. She was born and raised in Kitty Hawk, NC, where her love for sandy shores and beach life first began.
What keeps Katie’s enthusiasm bubbling at Trinity? It’s the warm embrace of community that Trinity offers. From partnering with families to getting to know each student personally, Katie finds joy in every aspect of school life. The wonderful work-life balance allows her to come back every morning ready for a new day.
But what truly sets Katie’s heart on fire is the opportunity to share openly with her students. Whether in science or Bible class, she delights in revealing the wonders of God’s Word and his creation. At Trinity, Christian faith isn’t just a slogan—it’s a living, breathing reality that infuses every lesson and interaction.
Katie originally planned to pursue a degree in English education and had a flair for journalism in school. But the Lord had other plans, leading her to discover her true calling while tutoring in a sixth grade science class 14 years ago. Since then, she’s been dedicated to inspiring young minds in the wonders of science and the truths of faith.
Katie Crews isn’t just a teacher—she’s a beacon of light and wisdom at Trinity.
Meet Mr. Alex Linares:
Our Instructional Tech Guru
Originally from Queens, New York, Alex Linares spent his formative years navigating the vibrant streets of Staten Island (his favorite!) and West New York, NJ. He shares, “I enjoyed Staten Island the most; it was a fun place to grow up. It felt like you were in a quiet city while avoiding all the noise of Manhattan.” Now he’s found his home at Trinity, where he’s passionate about leveraging technology to enhance education.
What lights up Alex’s day? Being part of the IT team at Trinity, where collaboration and support are always on the agenda. He’s grateful for the opportunity to contribute his skills alongside an amazing team.
But what excites Alex about Trinity’s mission is the chance to connect technology with the Christian faith, especially through Digital Citizenship lessons. For him, it’s all about showcasing the blessings of responsible tech use.
Medieval Day earns the title of Alex’s favorite Trinity tradition. He enjoys working with the sixth graders, assisting them in creating engaging projects and witnessing their
excitement as they explore new tech resources for this unique event.
Did you know? Alex and his wife will celebrate 20 years of marriage on December 18, 2024. As high school sweethearts who met during their senior year, their first date was at Wendy’s—a true testament to love’s humble beginnings.
Here are a couple more intriguing aspects of Alex’s background: His path to faith began when his girlfriend, now wife, invited him to church at age 17. Two years later, he embraced Christianity and served as a youth pastor for seven years until 2010, when they moved to Florida. Those years hold a special place in Alex’s heart despite leaving the ministry. Notably, one of the youths he mentored eventually asked him to officiate their wedding, and he did so with a sense of honor and dedication.
From tech wizardry to love stories, Alex brings a unique blend of expertise, heart, and zeal to Trinity.
Get to Know Mrs. Margaret Thielman: Our Bible and Theology Maven
Margaret Thielman, hailing from the charming town of Dry Fork, VA, brings a touch of Southern charm and wisdom to Trinity’s Bible and Theology department. Growing up as an only child, she often felt bored with the isolation of living in the sticks, she explained.
For Margaret, the heart of Trinity lies in its faculty and staff. Every day, she feels blessed to work alongside skilled professionals who share her passion for the Lord and the students they serve. But what truly ignites Margaret’s spirit? It’s guiding Upper School students through Scripture, unraveling its truths, and discovering the essence of God’s love and our identity as his children.
Regarding favorite traditions, Margaret’s eyes spark with nostalgia as she recalls the first Turkey Bowl of 2003. The seventh grade room parents, who were in charge of the Middle School Thanksgiving celebration, changed the original food-feast tradition to an intramural kickball competition for grades 6-8. Margaret was a sixth grade teacher, and her daughter, MaryMac, was in the
sixth grade, so it was especially sweet when the underdog sixth graders swept the tournament in a remakrable and unforgettable victory!
And if you’re up for an almost unbelievable, best-told, in-person story, be sure to ask Margaret about the time she had to lead her class into the woods while a car blazed on fire in front of the school. Here’s a glimpse to get you started: A young homeschooling mom visiting to assist in an orchestra performance at Trinity had her car’s seat heater short out, causing her vehicle to burst into flames upon arrival at Trinity. No one was hurt, but this tale will put you on the edge of your seat!
With Margaret Thielman at the helm, Trinity’s Bible and Theology department is a beacon of truth, goodness, and beauty.
Together, these three embody the spirit of Trinity—a place where faith, knowledge, and community come together in perfect harmony.
DANA CRAIN works in Trinity’s IT department, specializing in solving tricky tech issues for teammates and students alike. Outside of school, she’s a knitting aficionado and avid camper who cherishes family time outdoors. Dana is also a poultry enthusiast, spending quality time in her backyard coop with her dogs, Spike and Matthew.
Teacher's Pet
By Dana Crain
“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.” – Psalm 36:6
Let’s learn about and celebrate the furry companions of our Middle School teachers and staff! These adorable pets bring great joy, loyalty, adventure, fun, and sometimes panic into their lives.
Syvil Dunlap’s Tucker
Tucker, affectionately known as their “little prince,” is a 12-year-old Shih Tzu reigning over the household of Mark and Syvil Dunlap. Tucker is a spoiled pup, with boiled chicken as his top snack and treats. He’s an independent soul who knows precisely what he wants, and at home, he shares a special bond with Mr. Dunlap…but don't tell anyone.
Lori Stepp’s Cadence
Cadence is a lively 4-year-old lab mix rescued by the Stepp family. Adopted from the Saving Grace shelter at the tender age of 5 months, Cadence quickly became the heart and soul of the family. She’s a bundle of energy, enjoying walks, playing fetch, and even shredding her blankets for fun. Cadence’s playful spirit extends to barking and wagging her tail at TV dogs, convinced they’re real and ready for a play date!
Katie Crews’s Barnes
Meet Barnes, the Carolina Cuddle Hound, adopted by Mrs. Katie Crews and her husband from the APS of Durham in 2014 at eight months old. This lovable pup adores fluffy pillows, head scratches, and marathon naps. Barnes’s insatiable appetite has led him through some dangerous adventures, including devouring raw chicken breasts, slurping RV antifreeze, and even wolfing down a pan of brownies. Despite his escapades, he is a friendly fellow who greets everyone warmly, growing and transitioning from an active pup to a couch-surfing aficionado.
Elizabeth Jacobs’s Keats
Meet Keats, affectionately known as Kitty Keats, a chubby, 18-pound gray-striped cat named after British poet John Keats. His hobbies include people-watching from high perches, playing his favorite game of crying at doors until they open, and of course eating. Keats enjoys luxurious naps in envy-inducing, contortionist-worthy positions. Despite his taste for sloth and gluttony, he generously shares his fur and furniture with people.
Keats finds peace and security basking in rays of light, embodying the spiritual practice of finding God’s light in the darkness.
Ashley Cade’s Haven Grace
Mrs. Cade’s sweet four-year-old chocolate Labrador, named after Grand Haven, MI, arrived as a puppy from Iowa. Haven adores spending time with her people, running, frolicking in the ocean, chasing seagulls, playing with her toys, eating, and snuggling at home. She is always ready for a car ride and claims her spot by the passenger window, earning the name “right-pawed” dog. She’s a true companion, bringing joy and love to every moment.
Megan Daniel’s Max
The newest addition to Ms. Daniel’s family, an 11-week-old Australian Cattle Dog, is a furbaby bundle of energy! Max is an absolute sweetheart, with an insatiable appetite and a fondness for digging through his toy basket. Every toy is his favorite, making playtime a delightful adventure for this charming pup.
Spencer Dicks’s Bella
This wise 14-year-old rescue pup is a proud member (and first child) of the Dicks family. Bella’s a lovable lab mix with a zest for life, enjoying hikes, soaking up the sun, and indulging in leftover salmon whenever possible. Her heart is as big as her appetite for adventure, making her a cherished family member.
DANA CRAIN works in the IT department at Trinity, specializing in solving tricky tech issues for teammates and students alike. Outside of school, she’s a knitting aficionado and avid camper who cherishes family time outdoors. Dana is also a poultry enthusiast, spending quality time in her backyard coop with her dogs, Spike and Matthew.
Prayer for the Graduates
Shared at Trinity's 15th Commencement
By Ellen VanTongeren Upper School Dean of Christian Life
O God beyond all praising, who rejoices over us with singing as we celebrate today,
Thank you for the incredible gift that these graduates have been to their families, their friends, and Trinity School.
We ask you to continue to reveal your glory to them and let them hear your voice speak truth, goodness, and beauty into each day of their lives.
Let them marvel at you and your love as they move into new relationships, places, and experiences.
Let their pain draw them closer to you and their healing overflow into the lives of others.
Let their accomplishments point people to you, and their joy be rooted in you.
Take their learning, their talents, their passions and turn them loose in a world that needs you and your goodness to flow through them.
Remind them always that they are known, loved, and called by you, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Trinity School
Prayer for Trinity School
God, you are the mighty warrior who saves, the refuge and strength of Trinity School.We thank you for the opportunity to be part of this community where we’ve seen warm, friendly faces welcoming us every day.
Thank you for giving us the chance to learn and grow in this school, not only as students but as people and as Christians.
Thank you for creating bonds, friendships, and connections that will last long after our time here.
Lord, we’re thankful for teachers who have been there for us and given us their constant supportand for parents who journeyed with us as we discovered who we are, giving us their love and support along the way.
We’re thankful for those in this school whose work may not be given the appreciation it deserves—the friendly faculty and the people that work hard to ensure that this school is kept clean and presentable every day.
Lord, help the teachers and staff of this school to continue to inspire our students each day. Help the students discover who they are and live out your plans for them.
We pray, too, for the world that we are moving into.
Give relief, Lord, to the millions who are suffering from the crippling drought in Zambia and are facing starvation and hunger.
End the suffering and dying from the feuds between Israel and Gaza, Russia and Ukraine. Bring peace to places like Mexico, Haiti, and Ecuador and throughout the world. In this generation, may your people live out your love and mercy so that your Kingdom comes and your will will be done.
All this we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Carlos Gonzales Guevara ’24
Trinity School Commencement May 31, 2024
Amelia App
Gabrielle Bagley
The Class of 2024
Jason Bonilla Ramirez
Casson Brown
Ryland Burgin
Kyler Buxton
Will Epps
Nathaniel Gatling
Asa Gerend
Carlos Gonzales Guevara
Olivia Goodwin
Candace Harrison
Andrew Hartemink
Nichol Humphery
Sasha James
Paul Kang
Zoe Kirk
Ashlyn Lange
Scott Lloyd
Zoe Lloyd
Matthew Louesy
Alex Maties
Adeline McKethan
Liam Moon
Ryan Oakley
Caroline Page
Khiley Palmer
Peyton Palmer
Zachary Powery
Grace Rao
James Salemson
Anna Schutte
Charlie Sloop
Kyren Smith
George Spence
Daniel Stepp
Isabelle Thurman
Greyson Togni
Giada Tricoci
Ezra Tuchman
Abigail Vaughn
Ruby Wadman
Grace Waugh
Kaitlyn White
Parker Zoubek
We wish you continued success at the following colleges and universities:
Alamance Community College
Baylor University
Belmont University
Bridgewater College
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Davidson College
Duke University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Guilford College
Harding University
Indiana University Bloomington
Lafayette College
Louisiana State University
Macalester College
The New School
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Pennsylvania State University
Syracuse University
University of Iowa
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of Oregon
University of South Carolina
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
William & Mary
Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
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Durham, NC 27705
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A Heavenly Display
The solar eclipse of 2024, a rare celestial event, merged day with night. It stood as a breathtaking reminder to everyone, young and old, of the glory inherent in God’s creation. As the psalmist David penned in Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
