Kindergartner Hattie writes words in “magic sand,” using her sense of touch to strengthen memory and deepen learning.
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Mission Statement
Serving children age three through Sixth Grade, Trinity School creates a community of learners in a diverse and distinctly elementary-only environment, in which each child develops the knowledge, skills, and character to achieve his or her unique potential as a responsible, productive, and compassionate member of the School and greater community.
Non-Discriminatory Statement
Trinity School does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, religion or creed, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or family composition in the administration of our admission and educational policies, in the extension of financial assistance, or other schooladministered programs.
Program and Pedagogy Pillars
Celebrating the present and preparing our students for the future within a nurturing and caring educational environment, we:
• Cherish Childhood
Provide joyful experiences that include play- and passion-based learning
Ensure developmentally appropriate experiences
Design experiences around what is important in the life of a child
• Deepen Students’ Educational Experience
Develop creative and critical thinking and questioning skills
Value both process and product of learning
Connect learning vertically, horizontally, cross-curricularly, and globally
• Empower Students in Their Learning
Foster a growth mindset
Cultivate voice, choice, and self-reflection
Promote leadership
So that our students:
• Build Academic Foundation
Establish proficiency in essential knowledge and skills
Embrace diverse experiences of a well-rounded education
• Develop Character Foundation
Exhibit ethical skills, habits, and attitudes of empathy, integrity, and respect
Demonstrate performance skills, habits, and attitudes of accountability, persistence, and resilience
• Exhibit Continued Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence
Imagine, discover, and experiment independently and collaboratively
Adapt to new situations and a changing world
Leadership Team
Joe Marshall, Head of School
Ken Bomar, Director of Finance
Sarah Morgan Bonham, Director of Outplacement and Re-Enrollment
Brad Brown, Upper Elementary Division Head
Lauren Darden, Director of Admissions
Margaret Douglas, Director of Advancement
Sheree Du Preez, Early Elementary Division Head
Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
Jill Gough, Director of Teaching and Learning
Reginald Haley, Director of Operations
Marsha Harris, Director of Curriculum
Jeff Morrison, Director of Education Technology
Ginny Perkinson, Assistant to the Head of School
Kayleen Whitmer, Director of Extended Programs
2025–2026 Board of Trustees
Winnie Smith, Chair
Libby Barge
McKnight Brown ’92
Kate Nellis Burns ’95
Catherine Humann Callaway ’97
Janica Campbell
Kristin Carothers
Jackie Coleman
Erica Cummings
Isha Damani
Cindy Couch Ferguson ’78
Casey Flanagan
Zenobia Godschalk
Nathan Hartman
Scott Hawkins
Russ Herakovich
Chris Kirtley
Carrie Lanier
Melissa Moseley
Joel Murphy
Street Nalley
Jack Norton
Charlie Ogburn
Kim Pearce
Shazeen Porbandarwala
Stephanie Stephens
Kisha Williams
Joe poses with our Sixth Graders— Warner, Claiborne, Christian, Kate, Ellie, Bates, and Madison—who began their Trinity journeys as Early Learners.
Claiborne Kate
Bates
Ellie
Warner
Christian Madison
Dear Trinity Community,
For the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of evaluating and accrediting independent schools across the country, including in the Southeast, where the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) serves as the accrediting body. Accreditation typically requires schools to demonstrate compliance in two key categories: adherence to independentschool best practices in areas such as governance, curriculum, and financial management; and a commitment to continuous improvement. To capture this pursuit of growth, schools usually write an accreditation Self-Study Report aligned with their most recent Strategic Plan.
Independent schools are expected to embody a forward-looking spirit, always striving to be better tomorrow than today. The NAIS Trustee Handbook reminds school boards that their work should be futurefocused, with the overarching goal of creating “their children’s school.”
Certainly, a commitment to ongoing progress is very important, yet equally vital is the continuity and stability within a school.
Before joining Trinity, I served at three schools with deep histories. Two were founded in 1922 and the other in 1865. At Friends Academy, I cherished weekly Quaker meetings held in a Meeting House built in the 1850s. The school’s founding values—simplicity, moderation, and humility— shaped the school community as profoundly in the late 20th century as they did more than a century earlier.
This balance between innovation and tradition is vital. While schools must pursue a better future, they should also respect the sturdy foundations upon which that future rests. Trinity emphasizes being both forward-thinking and grounded in its history. Next year, we will celebrate our 75th anniversary. Though Trinity has grown and evolved, our founding vision—to cherish the wonder and innocence of childhood as we prepare students for the future—remains
at the heart of our purpose. Today, we are recognized as a leading elementary school precisely because of both our enduring traditions and the progress built upon them.
“Growth from continuity” is therefore a fitting theme for this issue of Flourish. A preview of the 44th Spotlight on Art highlights the importance of this signature tradition, not only for Trinity but also for the greater Atlanta community, as the Artists Market has grown from a humble art auction in 1982 to one of the Southeast’s premier art shows. This year, we welcome eight new employees as we also celebrate colleagues who are stepping into new roles, including three long-time employees who are advancing into or within the Leadership Team. Among them are Brad Brown, our new Upper Elementary Division Head, and Lauren Darden, our new Director of Admissions, both examples of how Trinity team members embrace different responsibilities and challenges as part of their own growth.
In these pages, you’ll learn about emerging research on the power of multisensory methods in reading and also see how long-standing grade-level traditions continue to spark engagement and excitement in our students, as they have for generations. You’ll catch up with members of our Class of 2019 as they begin their first year of college and hear from our newly graduated Sixth Graders about how Trinity prepared them for middle school.
As we look ahead, let us remember that growth is only possible because of the strong foundation on which it rests, particularly the one we share here at Trinity.
Sincerely,
Joseph P. Marshall Head of School
Contributors
Margaret Douglas Director of Advancement
At Trinity since 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish University of Georgia
Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
A: The house I grew up in was in two different states, situated on the Georgia-Tennessee line.
Nicole Fash Director of Marketing and Communications
At Trinity since 2016
Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies
University of Sussex, Falmer, England
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Spanish
Shorter College
@trinityschool
/trinityatl
@trinityatl
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
A: I would love to try hand lettering.
Mary Jacob Harris
Upper Elementary Learning Specialist
At Trinity since 2007
Master of Education in Language, Literacy, and Reading: Early Literacy
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Management Washington and Lee University
Q: What’s an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?
A: I am dyslexic.
Joe Marshall Head of School
At Trinity since 2013
Master of Science in English Education Hofstra University
Bachelor of Arts in History
Franklin and Marshall College
@joepmarshall1958
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Find a profession that makes you smile.
Anne Torrey McCuean ’08
Advancement Associate and Alumni Relations
At Trinity since 2022
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Furman University
@trinityschoolalums /trinityalums
Q: What’s a recent TV show you enjoyed and would recommend?
A: Designated Survivor on Netflix.
Michelle Perry
Early Elementary Learning Specialist
At Trinity since 2007
Certified Level Practitioner
Orton-Gillingham Academy
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Specialist Endorsement
University of Virginia
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Elementary Education University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College)
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies University of Lynchburg
Q: What’s one thing you always keep in your classroom?
A: A painting of the Cat in the Hat that my sister painted for my first classroom.
Katie Rosengren
Associate Director of Advancement
At Trinity since 2003
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Washington and Lee University
Q: What’s the most unusual or interesting place you’ve ever visited?
A: Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.
Stephanie Selman
Communications Manager
At Trinity since 2019
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
Kennesaw State University
@trinityschool
/trinityatl
@trinityatl
Q: What’s an activity you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
A: Write a children’s book.
Leisy Stevenson Director of Spotlight on Art and Special Events
At Trinity since 2018
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Rhodes College
@spotlightonart
/TrinitySpotlightOnArt
@spotlightonart
Q: What’s one thing you always carry with you or keep in your workspace/ classroom?
A: I don’t go anywhere without my Stanley full of water.
Start at Trinity,
thrive for
At Trinity, we cherish childhood as we prepare students for the future. There’s no better way to see what makes our school so special than by joining us for an Open House.
Meet our academic leaders, hear directly from our Sixth-Grade students, and walk our halls to see joyful learning in action. Whether you’re exploring Early Elementary (age 3–First Grade) or Upper Elementary (Second–Sixth Grade) for your child, these events are designed to give you a true feel for the Trinity Experience.
Remaining Early Elementary Open Houses
November 12 | December 9 | January 15
Upper Elementary Open House
December 3
All events begin at 9 AM. Space is limited, and registration is required. Visit trinityatl.org/admissions to learn more.
News
Casey Flanagan, Kim Pearce, Russ Herakovich, and Kisha Williams are Trinity’s newest Board members.
Trinity welcomes four new Board members
By Margaret Douglas, Director of Advancement
Trinity School’s Board of Trustees welcomes four new members this year. We thank each of them for their commitment to Trinity’s mission and vision for the future.
Casey Flanagan
Casey Flanagan and his wife, Kelsey, have two daughters at Trinity, First Grader Florence and Early Learner Frances, and a baby, Hugh, at home. As Trinity parents, the Flanagans have experienced firsthand the impact of the School on their children’s growth and development.
Casey says, “I am excited to join Trinity’s Board of Trustees because of the strength, warmth, and intentionality of its community. I am eager to support the Board’s work in sustaining this legacy and ensuring that future families can benefit from the same transformative experience my family has had here.”
Since their oldest daughter entered the School, the Flanagans have been active parent volunteers, both with Spotlight on Art and The Trinity Fund, and are currently serving as the Parent Fund Chairs.
Casey believes Trinity’s greatest strength is its community’s shared commitment to cherishing childhood while developing confident and curious learners. He knows this collective vision is what makes Trinity such a special place.
“The School’s elementary-only focus creates a unique environment where students flourish during their most formative years,” says Casey. “Trinity’s success is rooted in educators and families who deeply believe in this mission.”
A director and portfolio manager at ZWJ Investment Counsel, Casey joined ZWJ in 2020 after working as a portfolio manager at Westwood Holdings Group in Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Marist School in Atlanta, he received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University with a minor in Art History. Casey is actively involved in the Atlanta community, serving on the Shepherd Impact Council and Skyland Trail Advisory Board.
Russ Herakovich
Russ Herakovich and his wife, Laura, are the proud parents of three Trinity alums: Jack ’16, Tucker ’18, and Theo ’21.
“I love Trinity School and spending time on campus,” says Russ. “The School has done so much for our family, and it thrills me to be able to serve Trinity in this role.”
Before their boys enrolled, a colleague told Russ and Laura that something magical happens every day at Trinity. Reminiscing, Russ says that captures their family’s experience. When Russ and Laura were parents at the school, they were actively involved in various classroom events and fundraising efforts.
Russ firmly believes that the dedicated faculty and staff are Trinity’s greatest strength and greatest gift to its students. He looks back on the seemingly small but significant moments that made the School special for his family, from being warmly greeted each morning by the security officer, whose welcome helped set the tone for his sons’ school days, to being met with the friendliness of the dining hall staff during his frequent lunch visits. The Herakoviches made strong connections with the amazing Trinity Teachers, and many have remained close friends.
Russ has been around educators his entire life and holds the profession in high regard; both of his parents were in education, and Laura was a teacher. Russ is a senior client partner with Korn Ferry’s Healthcare Executive Recruiting team. He has more than 30 years of experience investing in and consulting with healthcare companies. Russ received his undergraduate degree in Finance from Virginia Tech and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. In their spare time, members of the Herakovich family enjoy sports and travel.
Kim Pearce
Kim Pearce and her husband, Steve, are the proud parents of a recent Trinity graduate. Their son, Grayson, completed his nine elementary years at Trinity and graduated from the Sixth Grade Leadership Class in May.
As a parent, Kim was heavily involved with both the Trinity School Parents’ Association (TSPA) and Spotlight on Art, while also volunteering in various capacities in the classroom. Kim served as TSPA President and Vice President, Grade Level Representative, Community Service Co-Chair, Grade-Level Community Service Coordinator, and Room Parent. She also served as a Spotlight on Art Artists Market Chair and Area Chair. Kim says, “It is an incredible honor to join the Board of Trustees and continue my involvement with Trinity. I look forward to partnering with and supporting the Leadership Team, as well as fellow Trustees, to ensure the School continues to be the top choice, both in the near and long term, for families seeking an elementary education.”
The Pearce family believes Trinity’s greatest asset, and its true superpower, is its unique and sole focus on elementary education. After Grayson enrolled, they quickly discovered many other qualities that make the School a stand-out in the Atlanta area. They believe that the extraordinary faculty and staff, the incredible facility, the diverse and extremely involved community, and the overall focus on both character and academic development are what set Trinity apart.
Kim is an active community volunteer, following almost three decades of experience in corporate America, ranging in roles from sales and marketing to executive leadership. Additionally, from 2000-2002, Kim was a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps, stationed in Ghana, helping develop eco-tourism opportunities within the country and focusing on community education to help address the highly devastating AIDS epidemic. After dedicating two years to service in the Peace Corps, Kim returned to the United States and began her career at Citigroup, where she worked from 2003 to 2019. Kim spent many years as an active volunteer at both Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as a financial tutor at local schools during her time with Citi. Kim graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and enjoys skiing, traveling, reading, hiking, and do-it-yourself home projects.
Kisha Williams
Kisha Williams and her husband, Damon, have a daughter, Warner, in Trinity’s Sixth Grade Leadership Class who began her Trinity career in the Early Learners. What excites Kisha the most about serving on Trinity’s Board of Trustees is the opportunity to contribute to a community that so deeply aligns with her own values, particularly around belonging, empathy, and the holistic development of children.
She says, “As a Trustee, I look forward to championing Trinity’s mission, supporting its vision for the future, and helping ensure every child continues to feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.”
An active parent volunteer, Kisha has been grateful for the opportunity to give back to a school that has given so much to her family. She has served as TSPA President and Vice President, Room Parent, Community Life and Engagement Chair, and Spotlight on Art Area Chair.
Kisha is especially inspired by how Trinity seamlessly integrates character development with academic excellence, fostering not only intellectual growth but also emotional intelligence, confidence, and leadership in its students. The School’s emphasis on joyful learning, voice and choice, and helping children grow into compassionate, responsible individuals resonates deeply with her belief in the power of early education to shape confident, wellrounded learners.
“One of Trinity’s greatest strengths is its intentional focus on early childhood and elementary education,” says Kisha. “By concentrating solely on the foundational years, Trinity creates a learning environment specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of young children—one that values play, discovery, and joyful learning as essential components of growth.”
With more than 20 years of experience in consumerpackaged goods marketing, Kisha is a seasoned leader who has built and grown billion-dollar marketing portfolios for leading companies like Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, and Procter & Gamble. In addition to her volunteerism at Trinity, Kisha has demonstrated her commitment to arts, culture, and meaningful community connections by leading groundbreaking fundraising efforts for Jack and Jill of America as well as The Links, Incorporated. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Meet Winnie Smith, Trinity’s new Board Chair
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
Winnie Smith and her husband, Brendan, are the proud parents of two Trinity alums, Barrett Smith ’24 and Winston Smith ’25. Winnie joined Trinity’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving in numerous volunteer roles, including President and Vice President of the Trinity School Parents’ Association, Parent Fund Chair, Grade Level Representative, Room Parent, Uniform Committee Chair, Trinity Fund Grade Captain and Class Caller, and GradeLevel Community Service Coordinator.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Winnie attended Blair Academy in New Jersey before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bucknell University. Winnie serves as senior vice president of investor relations at Inspire Brands in Atlanta. She was previously senior vice president of investor relations and corporate sustainability at Global Payments for eight years and director of investor relations at Delta Air Lines. Prior to these positions, Winnie was a senior equity research analyst at UBS Securities in New York. She has also held various other positions in equity research, institutional equity sales, and investment banking at Barclays Capital and Lehman Brothers. Winnie is a CFA charter holder and a member of the National Investor Relations Institute. She currently serves on the Pace Arts Alliance Board and previously served on the Global Payments Women’s Network Advisory Board.
Q: What makes Trinity unique among independent schools?
Q: What excites you most about stepping into the role of Board Chair?
A: Trinity is a place where young children are cherished and feel welcomed, loved, and accepted. When combined with the rich educational experiences provided by our amazing teachers, administrators, and staff in an elementaryonly environment, our children are provided with all the necessary support they need to build a strong foundation for the future.
A: Our Board members are all exceptional leaders who are committed to shaping and evolving the strong policies and strategies of our school for the long term so that Trinity remains the leader in elementary education. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with our Trustees as well as the administrators who are all committed to ensuring Trinity’s future is brighter than ever.
Q: What are your priorities for the Board this year?
A: Trinity is in an enviable position of strength. My priority for the Board is to remain focused on Trinity maintaining its leadership position in elementary education. Our efforts will be guided by our mission and the five goals of our strategic plan, which are to Uphold our Commitment to Honor Childhood, Further our Deep Learning Experiences, Advance our Exceptional Work Culture, Promote our Position as the Leader in Elementary Education, and Sustain our Financial Strength.
Q: How does Trinity’s mission guide decisions at the Board level?
A: At our first board meeting this year, I opened by reading Trinity’s mission because it is truly our north star. As a board, we must remain focused on making decisions that support Trinity being a community of learners, distinctly elementary-only, where diverse perspectives are embraced. We are committed to ensuring Trinity continues its track record of success in developing the whole child in preparation for a successful future.
Q: What role do you believe the Board plays in supporting Trinity’s leadership, faculty, and families?
A: The Board serves as an advocate for all members of the Trinity community and is committed to ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to allow our teachers to be successful and our students to flourish. We are pleased to have a generous professional development budget that allows our faculty and staff to continue to learn, our curriculum to evolve, and our approach to teaching to appropriately incorporate leading ideas and practices in elementary education. For our students, we are focused on ensuring they achieve their unique potential and are prepared for the future within a nurturing and caring educational environment. I am delighted that we are in the position to continue to improve our facilities and campus so that we can provide a learning environment that exceeds the standard of excellence in elementary education. To that end, I am thrilled that we were able to renovate the Early Elementary classrooms this summer, which was executed with great intentionality, providing ideal spaces for our students to learn and grow. Lastly, what attracts so many to Trinity is our great community, which our Board is committed to supporting so that it remains a key differentiator for our school. The contributions of families and broad parent involvement make Trinity the truly special elementary school that it is today and support its strong future.
Q: As the parent of two alums, what first drew your family to Trinity?
A: Trinity is well recognized for its outstanding academic program that we were confident would provide our children with a rich educational experience during their formative years. However, what set Trinity apart from other schools was the sense of community that we immediately felt during our first visit to campus with our rising Early Learner. It was clear that Trinity was a place where our children would feel welcomed, where their differences would be embraced, and where they would be confident in bringing their true and authentic selves to school every day.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Trinity parent?
A: I have so many fond memories from our family’s time at Trinity. I will never forget how proud my children were to catch the gingerbread man in Pre-K, tell the stories of great figures from history during the Third Grade Living Museum, or sing patriotic songs to celebrate our community’s veterans and survive another day on the Westward Expansion wagon train in Fourth Grade. Attending the Halloween Parade, Nutcracker performances, and Fifth and Sixth grade choir performance at Carnegie Hall were other highlights I will always cherish.
Q: As we approach Trinity’s 75th anniversary, what do you think is most important to celebrate or reflect upon?
A: It is amazing to reflect on Trinity’s start as a single class of 20 four-year-olds in the basement of Trinity Presbyterian Church in 1951. Trinity has a rich history and many special traditions, which are foundational to where the school is today and its position as one of the nation’s leading academic institutions in elementary education. I believe it is important to remember that from the very beginning, the Trinity Experience has centered on cherishing childhood while preparing young learners for the future. Additionally, Trinity has always been a community that makes sure all of its members feel included and a sense of belonging.
Celebrating seven years as a Top Workplace
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
The sense of community at Trinity School extends far beyond classroom walls and special events. It’s found in the way colleagues support one another, in the joy of shared purpose, and in the dedication that fuels both teaching and learning. This culture of connection and care has once again earned Trinity School recognition as one of Atlanta’s Top Workplaces, an honor that the School has received for seven consecutive years.
Selected by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in the “Top Midsize Workplace” category (150–499 employees), Trinity is among just 175 organizations chosen from thousands across the metro area. The recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from employees themselves, based on an anonymous survey administered by employee engagement partner Energage.
Head of School Joe Marshall says, “We don’t take this honor for granted. We know that creating a workplace where people feel respected, connected, and supported takes ongoing effort, and it’s something we strive for every day. The care we put into our culture is directly reflected in the care our employees give to our students, families, and one another, and it is this culture that truly sets us apart from other schools and organizations.”
Energage CEO Eric Rubino notes the significance of the recognition, “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Joe understands that the Top Workplace honor centers around the individuals who make up Team Trinity.
“I am grateful for each member of our faculty and staff,” he says. “Our employees’ dedication and spirit make this a remarkable place to work and learn. I am deeply grateful for them and everything they do to help our students and community flourish.”
Gretchen Blake
Third Grade Associate Teacher | At Trinity since 2016
“In 2016, a friend introduced me to Trinity School while her younger child was still a student and encouraged me to try substitute teaching as I transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom. From the very beginning, I felt a strong connection to both the role and the school community. It quickly became clear that this was where I belonged, and I was inspired to pursue a full-time position in education. In August, I was thrilled to begin my tenth year teaching Third Grade. The warmth of the community and the meaningful relationships I have built with coworkers, families, and students make coming to work every day deeply rewarding. Trinity is special because it is built on genuine warmth, strong relationships, and mutual support among students, families, faculty, and staff. Everyone is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where each person is valued and encouraged to grow. This sense of belonging creates a true partnership that enriches the entire school experience.”
Laura McRae
Pre-K Lead Teacher and Trinity Parent | At Trinity since 2010
“I came to Trinity because I wanted to grow as an educator, and I was drawn to a school that values continuous professional development. From the beginning, I have loved being at a child-focused, elementaryonly school where everything is thoughtfully designed with young learners in mind. What makes Trinity especially meaningful to me is the supportive, collaborative team I get to work with each day and the strong sense of community that makes it feel like home. Sixteen years later, I am still here because it is a place where I feel comfortable and supported, and where there is a shared commitment to excellence that brings out the best in both educators and students.”
Kerry Coote
Math Specialist and Alumni Parent | At Trinity since 2012
“I began my career at Trinity School as a long-term substitute teacher, and this place embodies a spirit of joy and wonder that is palpable the moment you first walk through its doors. It’s a place where happiness and curiosity are woven into the fabric of daily life. Students arrive each day eager to learn, play, and connect, and the adults mirror that energy as they approach each day with enthusiasm and purpose. I feel deeply fulfilled by my role, which has allowed me the privilege of engaging with every part of the school community: students and families, colleagues, administrators, and prospective families. That breadth of connection has allowed me to witness the heart of Trinity from multiple perspectives and deepened my sense of gratitude for this community. It is a place that uplifts its faculty, values them as thought leaders, and empowers us to grow alongside the children we serve. For me, Trinity is more than a place of work; it truly feels like home. I have had the joy of watching my two daughters, now both proud alumni, grow up within these walls. Their character and confidence are a testament to the nurturing environment that Trinity provides. I am endlessly grateful for all that this school has given our family and for the lasting, immeasurable ways it continues to shape both my family and me.”
Jasmine Mitchell Early Learners Senior Associate Teacher | At Trinity since 2023
“In 2023, I was eagerly searching for a place that shared my values and where I truly felt I belonged. Immediately following my interview, I knew I had found that place at Trinity School. I admire the way that everyone at the School cherishes childhood, from our youngest kids to our oldest, honoring every stage of growth. That unique approach encourages me to keep improving myself in new and innovative ways that I can bring into the classroom. Alongside my strong belief in Trinity’s mission, the warm and welcoming community is what keeps me here. It is truly unmatched, and I am grateful to be part of a place where I am happy to come to work each day.”
Jennie Rountree
First-Fourth Grade Science Teacher | At Trinity since 2018
“Trinity is an incredible place to teach because of its strong sense of community and heartfelt commitment to each individual’s journey of discovery. I love how we seamlessly weave indoor and outdoor learning together, nurturing genuine curiosity and strengthening critical thinking. Trinity’s trails, working garden, and inviting outdoor spaces transform nature exploration into an everyday adventure. It is truly inspiring to witness our students growing into thoughtful stewards of the environment, cultivating genuine love and respect for the world around them. Teaching science at Trinity is not just a job; it is a passion that brings me daily joy, and I am forever grateful.”
Matt Scott Fourth Grade Lead Teacher | At Trinity since 2014
“In 2013, a friend who taught at Trinity encouraged me to apply as a substitute, even though I wasn’t working in education at the time. From the moment I stepped into the building, I felt welcomed and knew this was a special place. The following year, I was fortunate to join the Fourth Grade as an Associate Teacher, and I loved every minute with my students, especially experiencing Trinity traditions like Wagon Train. What keeps me here is the abundance of joy and enthusiasm throughout the School and being part of a community that cherishes childhood while emphasizing academic and character development. Every August brings new excitement as we anticipate the growth and learning the year will hold, and I enjoy helping students cultivate their curiosity, discover their interests, and develop a love of learning. Also, the people here at Trinity are unmatched. From the faculty and staff to the students and parents, every person here is kind, enthusiastic, and cheerful. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues throughout my 12 years here, and they make a huge difference in daily life as a teacher.”
Stephanie Selman
Communications Manager | At Trinity since 2019
“At Trinity School, I have been fortunate to find not only a workplace but also a warm and collaborative community I love being a part of. As the Communications Manager, I spend a lot of time visiting classrooms, capturing photos, and witnessing firsthand the curiosity, creativity, and connection that define a Trinity education. It is a joy to document the work of our teachers, the excitement of our students, and to help tell the story of a school that truly cherishes childhood. The people I work with are thoughtful, talented, and deeply committed not only to their roles but also to one another. Over the years, my colleagues have become true friends, supporting each other through life both inside and outside of school. I am proud to be part of a school that believes in the potential of every child and every adult in its community.”
Jennifer Tran Kindergarten Learning Specialist | At Trinity since 2005
“I was truly ‘wowed’ when I first visited Trinity School. Everyone I met was welcoming and kind, and the students were happy and greeted me warmly as I walked the halls. I was impressed by the professionalism, the thoughtfully planned visit, and the beautiful, wooded campus with inviting spaces for learning. What keeps me here are the people and the work. I am fortunate to collaborate with talented colleagues across the school and to be part of a community that is supportive, enthusiastic, and dedicated to every child. I also love the meaningful work I do each day, helping children develop the foundational skills they need to read, write, and grow with confidence. Trinity has given me incredible opportunities to learn and grow professionally, keeping me inspired and evolving as a teacher. Most of all, I stay because I get to watch the children I have taught grow up and share in their parents’ hopes and dreams for who they will become, the talents they will develop, and how they will impact our world one day.”
Honoring commitment: Endowed funds support outstanding employees
By Katie Rosengren, Associate Director of Advancement
Trinity’s faculty and staff are the School’s most valuable assets. While the programs and the campus are extremely impressive, it is the people that make Trinity School so special. Attracting, retaining, and developing these passionate and dedicated employees is vital to the School’s success, and supporting them continues to be a top priority. Due to the generosity of those who have supported the endowment over the years, Trinity is proud to carry on the tradition of recognizing outstanding employees with grants and awards provided by named endowed funds.
Trinity has six named endowed funds that provide awards to honor and celebrate those who demonstrate exceptional service to the School. During Pre-Planning in August, the Academic Leadership Team recognized recipients from three of those endowed funds—the Rollins Quest for Excellence Grant, The Hartman Family Fund for Faculty Excellence, and The Stephen G. Kennedy Fund for Faculty Excellence—each of which include a financial award.
This year, nine employees were honored with Rollins grants, which recognize peer-nominated faculty or staff members who embody a commitment to professional excellence, life-long learning, educating the whole child, and service to Trinity School. The deserving recipients included Early Elementary Division Spanish Teacher Lucretia Cahill, Third Grade Lead Teacher Kyra Campbell, First Grade Lead Teacher Melissa Cooney, Third Grade Lead Teacher Devora
Gutman, Pre-K Lead Teacher Sarah Kerr, Learning Team Specialist Laurel Martin, Kindergarten Lead Teacher Shaun McCarthy, Second Grade Associate Teacher Courtney Nguyen, and School Nurse Kelsey Ricci.
Established by alumni parent and Trustee Nathan Hartman, The Hartman Family Fund for Faculty Excellence provides grants for teachers who go above and beyond to provide outstanding service to Trinity School. This year, two esteemed teachers were recognized with awards from The Hartman Family Fund. Fifth Grade Lead Teacher Kathy Bruyn was selected as a recipient for her leadership skills, invaluable organization, and intentional lesson design. Bringing genuine care, enthusiasm, and respect for her work, Early Learners Senior Associate Teacher Jasmine Mitchell received this award for actively living out the mission and vision of Trinity School each day.
The Stephen G. Kennedy Fund for Faculty Excellence was established to honor previous Head of School Stephen Kennedy’s 11 years of service to Trinity and celebrates a faculty member using innovative best practices to foster Information Age skills. This year, Fifth Grade Science Teacher Becky Maas was recognized with this award for her positive leadership and her desire to enrich the learning experience for her students.
Congratulations to this year’s faculty stipend award recipients. We look forward to presenting awards from the endowed funds that provide reimbursement for travel and professional development opportunities in December.
Front Row: Shaun McCarthy, Courtney Nguyen, Devora Gutman, Becky Maas, Kyra Campbell
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
We’re excited to welcome eight new members to Team Trinity, whose dedication and 113 years of combined experience are already strengthening our students’ learning and enriching our community.
A native Spanish speaker, Lily Catano has taken on the role of Upper Elementary Spanish Teacher to students in grades 2–5. Lily came to Trinity from The Mount Vernon School, where she taught Spanish to preschool, Kindergarten, and First-Grade students for the past eight years and designed and delivered online Spanish courses for students in Spanish 1–3. In addition to her classroom experience, since 2019 Lily has served as the Parent Engagement Coordinator for Los Niños Primero in Atlanta, where she coordinates initiatives to promote family involvement in education, manages the Early Literacy Program, oversees the Summer Educational Program for
Hispanic children, and acts as a liaison between families, educators, and the community to promote academic success. Lily earned her bachelor’s degree in Administrative Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Medellín in Colombia.
We asked Lily, why did you want to work at Trinity? Her response: “I wanted to work at Trinity because I admire the School’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and creating a supportive, inclusive community. I’m passionate about nurturing not only students’ language skills but also their empathy, cultural awareness, and confidence, values that I see reflected in Trinity’s mission. My background in language education, creativity, and student engagement aligns well with the School’s approach, and I’m excited to contribute to such a vibrant and caring learning environment.”
Front Row: Rachael White, Allison Clarke, Melissa Johnson, Mary Mac Stukes
Back Row: Anne Schantz, Grayle Kendall, Christopher Sipes, Lily Catano
Allison Clarke has joined Team Trinity as an Early Learners Lead Teacher and works alongside Lead Teacher
Sarah Campbell, Senior Associate Teacher Jasmine Mitchell, and Associate Teacher Patricia Keaten. Allison most recently served as the Director of Preschool at Kingswood Church for two years and a Pre-K Lead Teacher at The Preschool at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church for eight years. She began her teaching career at The Westminster Schools, where she spent 16 years as a Pre-First Lead Teacher and two years as an Associate Teacher. She also served as Director of Westminster’s Arts and Science Camp for nearly two decades. Allison holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.
We asked Allison, what is your teaching philosophy? Her response: “As an early childhood educator, it is necessary to create a place where children feel comfortable and loved, where their voices are heard and they are thirsty to learn, where curiosity is encouraged, where process means more than product, where plans are made but can lead elsewhere, where questions are asked and answers are discovered, where joy and laughter happen often.”
Melissa Johnson has joined the Kindergarten team as a Lead Teacher and works alongside Lead Teacher Abbey Moore and Associate Teacher Samara Lumpkin. She has 25 years of experience in education, with a strong background in teaching, curriculum development, and program leadership. Since 2003, Melissa has held a variety of roles at Northside Methodist Preschool, including Pre-K Teacher in a dual language immersion classroom, Specials Teacher with a focus on science and STEAM, School Chapel Leader, and Curriculum Coach supporting a staff of 50 teachers. She has also taught in two- and three-year-old classrooms and led creative movement classes for more than 250 students. Earlier in her career, Melissa directed programming at Camp Shine On for three years and Camp Whistle Stop for five years. She also spent seven years as a Curriculum Writer and Trainer for Primrose Schools, developing educational programs for children ages 12 months through Kindergarten and presenting at regional conferences. Melissa began her teaching career as a Third Grade Early Intervention Program teacher in Cobb County Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University.
We asked Melissa, why did you want to work at Trinity? Her response: “I wanted to work at Trinity because the mission of the School aligns with my personal teaching philosophy. When I first walked through the building, I saw children laughing, teachers smiling, and could feel joy, and that’s the best environment for learning to take place. I want
to be around adults and children who inspire me to grow more. I want to work at a place where I can use my gifts and talents to positively impact the lives of children.”
Grayle Kendall has taken on the role of Extended Programs Curriculum Associate. He has wide-ranging experience working with children in classroom, after-school, outdoor education, and camp settings. Most recently, Grayle interned and later substituted in a Third-Grade classroom at Principia School in St. Louis, teaching math and character lessons and supporting enrichment activities. In Georgia, he worked as an after-school staff member at St. Benedict’s Episcopal School, where he supervised programming for students ages three through nine. Over seven summers, Grayle served as Head Counselor at Camps Leelanau and Kohahna in Michigan, leading a team of counselors and overseeing overnight summer camp operations. He also spent a fall semester as an outdoor educator at the Leelanau Outdoor Center in Maple City. Grayle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Principia College.
We asked Grayle, what are you most looking forward to during your first year? His response: “I am looking forward to seeing the excitement on students’ faces as they start the new school year.”
Mary Mac Stukes is Trinity’s new Assistant Director of Admissions. She came to us from The Lovett School, where she most recently served as Assistant Director of Admission. During her decade-long career at Lovett, Mary Mac guided hundreds of prospective families through the admission process, led major events like open houses and interview days, and coordinated more than 100 parent volunteers. She also worked closely with faculty, feeder schools, and the communications team to support enrollment efforts and strengthen community connections. Prior to joining Lovett as a staff member, Mary Mac volunteered for five years with their admission office, deepening her understanding of school communities and the admission experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from The University of Alabama.
We asked Mary Mac, why did you want to work at Trinity? Her response: “I’m deeply drawn to Trinity School’s mission of creating a nurturing, elementary-only community.”
Anne Schantz has stepped into the role of Upper Elementary Music Teacher and also teaches music to our First-Grade students. Anne has more than 30 years of experience as a piano accompanist and performance coach for soloists, ensembles, and musical productions. For the past 17 years, she has worked in higher education, teaching applied voice, vocal pedagogy, vocal diction, and aural skills. Anne most recently served on the voice faculty at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, where she taught voice
classes and contributed to opera selection and casting, in addition to providing musical direction for productions. Throughout her career, she has directed music for stage productions, led children’s and youth choirs, and taught voice and music theory at the university level, including teaching positions at South Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, and University of Oklahoma. As a professional soprano, Anne has performed with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Coro Vocati, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, among others. Her operatic roles include Olympia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Despina in Così fan tutte, and Yum-Yum in The Mikado. She has also appeared with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Georgia Wind Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, and recently performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. Anne holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas, a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance in Piano and Voice from Southern Nazarene University.
We asked Anne, why did you want to work at Trinity? Her response: “The second I stepped onto Trinity’s beautiful campus and met some of the educators and leaders, I knew it was a very special place dedicated to finding and nurturing the best in every student as well as every teacher. Everyone here talks about themselves as part of a team, and I can’t wait to start growing as a member of this amazing group of passionate educators.”
Christopher Sipes has joined the Fourth-Grade team as an Associate Teacher and works alongside Lead Teacher
Heather Parker. Christopher most recently served as a Third Grade STEAM Teacher at both Springdale Park Elementary and Virginia-Highland Elementary in the Atlanta Public School system, where he developed inquiry-based math and science units aligned with STEM certification standards and coached regional and state-winning Science Olympiad teams. He is also a former part-time faculty member in the geography department at Georgia Gwinnett College, where
he taught undergraduate students and fostered connections between geography and current events. Christopher holds a Master of Science in Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping from University College London and dual bachelor’s degrees in Geographic Information Science and Geography from Kennesaw State University. He is currently completing his Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education at Augusta University.
We asked Christopher, why did you want to work in education? His response: “I love constantly learning and understanding our world more and wanted to share that love with others.”
Rachael White has assumed the role of Fifth Grade Associate Teacher and works alongside Lead Teachers Melissa Goodell and Sammy Rigaud. Rachael most recently served as the Microschool Director and Elementary Grades Teacher at Brooks United Methodist Church in Brooks, Georgia, where she oversaw a hybrid homeschool program while teaching a mixed-grade elementary class. Prior to that, Rachael taught Eighth and Ninth Grade English and Sixth Grade geography at The Bedford School in Fairburn, Georgia, and middle school literature and Language Arts at Saint Francis Schools in Roswell, where she also served as Head Middle School Softball Coach and led extracurricular activities. Additionally, while working at Saint Francis, she served as a freelance editor for an Emory University professor for five years. Rachael holds a Master of Theological Studies from Emory University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lee University.
We asked Rachael, what are you most looking forward to during your first year? Her response: “I’m looking forward to learning the Trinity Way, getting to know and learn from my colleagues, and beginning to engage in the life and culture of the School. I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to the table to support both the students and lead teachers.”
Familiar faces embrace new roles
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
Learn more about the seven Trinity team members who have taken on new roles or grades this school year.
Kayla Artis has moved into a Second Grade Lead Teacher role and works alongside Associate Teacher Rosalyn McLean. Kayla previously served as a Second Grade Associate Teacher at Trinity for two years and stepped in as a long-term substitute Lead Teacher. Before coming to Trinity, she taught First Grade at Pace Academy. She began her career in education as a preschool teacher at International Preschools in Atlanta and later advanced from general education paraprofessional to First Grade Lead Teacher at Chestnut Elementary School in Dunwoody, where she was also involved in the after-school program.
Kayla holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Georgia State University.
Sarah Morgan Bonham, who has guided Trinity families through the outplacement process since 2011, has expanded her role to include supporting and facilitating re-enrollment for current families. She now serves as Director of Outplacement and Re-Enrollment and is a member of the School’s administrative Leadership Team. With a background as a licensed social worker, Sarah Morgan initially joined Trinity as Advisory Counselor, a role that combined both social-emotional and outplacement guidance. She fully transitioned into the Office of
Front Row: Kate Burton, Lauren Darden, Katherine Goldberg
Back Row: Brad Brown, Sarah Morgan Bonham, Kayla Artis, Jose Martinez
Admissions and Enrollment Management in 2018 and received one of the School’s highly regarded Rollins Quest for Excellence grants in 2021. Sarah Morgan holds a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History from Vanderbilt University. She also completed post-graduate work at Christie’s in Paris as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.
Brad Brown, who has been Trinity’s Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management since 2016, has assumed the role of Upper Elementary Division Head. Prior to joining Team Trinity, Brad worked at The Walker School in Marietta, Georgia, where he’s also an alumnus, for 16 years. There he served as the Director of Admissions, a Spanish teacher, the girls varsity soccer coach, and the Director of Multicultural Affairs. Brad earned a Certificate in School Leadership and Management (CSML) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Business School, a Master of Arts in Teaching a Second Language from Bennington College in Vermont, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Culture and Civilization from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He is currently working toward his Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. Brad serves on the board of trustees for Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center and has been a faculty advisor with the Admission Directors Institute (ADI) for the last nine years. Please visit page 26 to read a Q&A with Brad about his vision as he steps into this new role.
Kate Burton has moved back upstairs to the Upper Elementary Division as a Fifth Grade Lead Teacher and works alongside Associate Teacher Sarah Grace Barr ‘13. For the last three years, Kate was a Kindergarten Lead Teacher. She previously served as the First–Fourth Grade Science Teacher in 2021 after completing her role as Trinity’s Steam Integration Specialist, a three-year position that was funded through a grant focused on strategic innovation. Kate joined the Trinity team in August 2007 as a Fourth Grade Lead Teacher and later served as the Fourth and Sixth Grade Science Teacher as well as a Sixth Grade Lead Teacher. During her 30-year teaching career, she has held various other teaching positions in grades 4–7, including six years as a Fifth Grade teacher, at independent schools in Florida. She holds a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership as well as an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kennesaw State University, a master’s degree in Elementary Math and Science from the University of South Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Stetson University.
Lauren Darden, who most recently served as Trinity’s Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, has stepped into the role of Director of Admissions. Lauren, a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, has been a valued member of the Trinity community for nine years, first as a Third Grade Lead Teacher and Grade-Level Team Leader and then as an essential part of the admissions team for the past five years. In 2020, Lauren was awarded one of Trinity’s esteemed Rollins Quest for Excellence grants in recognition of her incredible performance and loyalty of service. Prior to Trinity, Lauren taught Third Grade at High Point Elementary in Atlanta, where she was a grade-level team lead, a two-time Teacher of the Year finalist, and a Fulton County Central Learning Community You Rock award recipient. Please visit page 30 to read a Q&A with Lauren about her vision as she takes on this leadership role.
Katherine Goldberg, who most recently served as a Second Grade Lead Teacher for six years, has moved into a Second Grade Associate Teacher role and works alongside Lead Teacher Emily Kennedy. Katherine joined Team Trinity in 2016 as a Substitute and Long-Term Substitute Teacher before taking on a Second Grade Associate Teacher role for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alabama.
Jose Martinez assumed the role of Facilities Manager in March, building on the experience and leadership he has developed at Trinity School. He first joined the School as a Maintenance Technician from 2016 to 2019 and returned in 2022 as Facilities Lead. Between those positions, he served as the Maintenance Lead Technician for the Middle School building at Whitefield Academy. Jose’s hands-on approach and strong work ethic were shaped early in his career through prep, back-up, and line cook roles at Cracker Barrel, experiences that taught him the value of attention to detail and teamwork in fast-paced environments. In addition to his facilities work, Jose spent three years coaching soccer at Whitefield, including two years with the middle school boys team and one year with the varsity boys team.
In the spring of 2024, he earned a Facility Management Professional (FMP) certification from the International Facility Management Association. Jose’s dedication and expertise have been essential to the growth and success of our facilities team.
Brad Brown can often be found in Upper Elementary classrooms reading to students.
From admissions to Upper Elementary: Brad Brown shares his journey
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
After nearly a decade as Trinity’s Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Brad Brown has transitioned into a new role as Upper Elementary Division Head. Brad has guided hundreds of families through the admissions process with care and intention since 2016. With a background that spans teaching, coaching, and administration, including 16 years at The Walker School prior to Trinity, Brad is excited to return to day-to-day interactions with students and teachers. We spoke with him about what drew him to this new position and what he’s looking forward to this school year.
Q: What inspired you to step into the Upper Elementary Division Head role?
A: I started my career in education in 2000 at McEachern High School as a Spanish teacher. At the time, I didn’t understand the impact that decision would have on my life. I had inadvertently stumbled into my calling, which is working with young people to unlock their potential. Since that moment, I have had the opportunity to do exactly that. First, at Walker, in my roles as teacher, coach, and administrator, and most recently here at Trinity, even without teaching a class. During my time as Director of Admissions, my team and I helped set the stage for our teachers to do their best work by attracting and enrolling students we believed would thrive in this community. When the opportunity presented itself to work even closer with the teachers by supporting them directly as Division Head, I couldn’t pass it up. I have seen firsthand the transformational work that our teachers do every day. In my new role, I am fortunate to not only support these amazing educators but also work directly with our students as a teacher and their principal, continuing my life’s work of helping young people realize their potential.
Q: You’ve built strong relationships with Trinity families through admissions. How do you hope to deepen those connections now that you’re
working with students and faculty day to day?
A: One of Trinity’s strengths is that we are a closeknit community whose members are aligned behind the mission. I have enjoyed helping to cultivate those relationships between the School and our families on
the admissions side. As UED Head, I look forward to continuing to nurture those relationships by being present, understanding each child’s unique story, and working with our teachers to meet their needs. Similarly, I have enjoyed getting to know our faculty and celebrating the good work that they do. My goal is to work with them to identify ways in which they can continue to grow as educators. Most importantly, I want them to know how much they are appreciated and valued. Though our teachers share my devotion for working with young people, the reality remains that teaching is not easy, especially if you are emotionally invested. My goal is to work with the rest of Trinity’s Leadership Team to make sure that our teachers have the support they need to bring their best and be their best for themselves and for our students and families every day.
Q: Your background includes classroom teaching, coaching, and administration. How do those experiences inform your leadership in this new role?
A: While the roles of teacher, coach, and administrator may differ in some ways, they all center on service. Each role involves patience and working closely with people, taking the time to listen, observe, and understand their needs in order to support them and achieve individual and collective goals. I have learned through my previous roles that an authentic community takes time to build. That doesn’t mean we cannot make significant progress together from the start—we have already made some positive changes in the UED—but lasting growth depends on a strong foundation of trust. I have also learned to preserve space for a whole lot of laughter and fun. Kids are a genuine joy to work with, and when things get hectic, I am reminded to pause and just enjoy being a part of their childhood.
Q: What are some of the unique opportunities and challenges you see in the Upper Elementary years?
A: Our students face more and more challenges at an earlier age than in the past due to exposure to various types of social media and technology, which are changing at an incredible pace. This concerns me both as an educator and a parent. However, this is also a great opportunity to partner with our parents to ensure they
Brad Brown’s Favorites
Book: A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins
Food: Sushi
Flik meal: Salmon
Musician: Bob Marley and the Wailers
Movie: Tombstone
TV show: Alone
Elementary teacher: Mr. McDonald at College Park Elementary in Irvine, California. He taught P.E. and science and was the first male teacher I ever had. Mr. McDonald was funny but held us to a high standard.
Subjects: Social Studies and P.E.
Children’s book: Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry
Childhood game: Stratego
School lunch: Chimichangas at Woodbridge High School in Irvine, Southern California
are exposed to healthy content and are provided with the skills and mindsets to leverage technology instead of being ruled by it. Our Academic Leadership Team is committed to staying well-informed and sharing that knowledge with our parents so that our students are surrounded by a community that is equipped to help them navigate these years with confidence.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned from your time in admissions that will shape how you lead the Upper Elementary team?
A: While working in admissions, I learned quickly that collaboration is the key to success. We worked hard to create goals that aligned with Trinity’s mission and long-term strategic plan and invited other departments and divisions to join us, ensuring our decisions were never made in isolation. Similarly, one of the strengths of having the Early Elementary and Upper Elementary Divisions under one roof is that we can work together to establish consistency across the School while meeting the specific needs of each grade level. I truly believe that the intentionality that is characteristic of our community is the result of our culture of collaboration.
Q: You’ve been described as a warm and steady presence. How do you bring that approach to supporting teachers as well as students during this important stage of their growth?
A: Well, I am honored to be described this way. In reality, I am like a duck that appears calm on the surface, with legs kicking wildly just below the surface to remain steady. In all seriousness, one of the things that I have learned from my mentors is that this is a marathon and not a race. I believe this is true in life and work and that if we diligently come together, give each other grace, and stay focused on the bigger picture, we can overcome some of the challenges we face on a daily basis.
Most importantly, I want to engage with others in a way that honors and affirms their inherent dignity and worth. This was instilled in me by my parents and reinforced by the many teachers who poured into me throughout my life. I am simply living out their example.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in your first year as Division Head?
A: I absolutely love interacting with our students. It is hard to have a bad day with kids laughing and learning just outside my office, in the halls, on the playground, and in the classrooms.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Trinity?
A: People often say that they sense the joy on campus when they come to visit, and they are right. I love experiencing that joy in this place every day, and I believe it is because of the people who make up this community.
Q: What is your superpower?
A: Being able to whistle just about any song in tune.
Lauren Darden speaks with Sixth Graders about leadership opportunities in the admissions office.
A conversation with Lauren Darden on her new role as Director of Admissions
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
Lauren Darden joined Team Trinity in 2016, first as a Third Grade Lead Teacher and Grade-Level Team Leader and more recently as an integral part of the admissions team as Assistant Director. This summer, she stepped into the role of Director of Admissions, bringing both deep professional experience and a personal connection, as one of her daughters is currently a Trinity Pre-K student. We caught up with Lauren to hear how her different roles in education and her perspective as a Trinity parent shape her approach to admissions.
Q: You’ve been part of Trinity for nearly a decade, first as a Third-Grade Lead Teacher and then in admissions. How do these two perspectives complement each other in your new role as Director of Admissions?
A: I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to serve as a classroom teacher prior to moving into my admissions role. That experience guides my storytelling of what teaching and learning truly look and feel like at Trinity School. It also gives me a strong understanding of what habits,
attitudes, and skills a child needs to be successful at Trinity, which is very beneficial throughout the admissions process.
Q: What do you enjoy most about connecting with prospective families during the admissions process?
A: I enjoy getting to know the families and what has brought them to Trinity. When parents bring their child into this process, it’s very personal. I love connecting with them on a deeper level while sharing the special ways that Trinity can become a part of their family’s story.
Q: You’ve played a key role in shaping the admissions experience for several years now. What are you most proud of?
A: I am proud of how we have expanded the ways we welcome new students and their families. Most recently, we introduced a New Student Party in May to complement our well-established line-up of new student events throughout the summer. It is such a joy to culminate the
admissions season by celebrating the beginning of each family’s Trinity journey. As students close out a chapter at another school, it is special for them to meet new friends and receive their Trinity gift bags as their parents begin to picture their children flourishing at their new school home.
Q: Trinity families often say our school feels different from the moment they step on campus. What do you think creates that feeling? And how do you try to capture it in admissions?
A: There is a warmth at Trinity that is unique to our school. From the moment families walk on campus, they are greeted with a smile and the notion that their child is known and loved. Students feel this warmth as adults greet them by name walking in each morning. They feel it when a teacher kneels down beside them to give them the tools they need to be successful. They feel it when their teacher tells them to “kiss their brain” because they unlocked a new way to solve a problem and shared it with the class.
We try to capture this energy in the admissions process in a number of ways. Above all, our admissions process is child-centered. Our goal is to get to know who each child is as a learner and an individual. To do this, we spend ample time with the child to observe how they engage with the material, how they think and solve problems, how they respond to setbacks, and how they learn in both structured and unstructured settings. Additionally, we create opportunities for prospective parents to engage with different members of our community—from students and parents to teachers and members of our Leadership Team—so they can feel the same warmth and enthusiasm for Trinity with each interaction. Finally, it’s important for prospective parents to walk through our halls and into our classrooms to see the engagement, intentionality, and love of learning that takes place in each space.
Q: What do you hope prospective families take away from their very first visit to Trinity?
A: When families come to Trinity, they likely hear the phrase “cherishing childhood while preparing for the future.” And as they tour the school for the first time, they can see that our students have the opportunity to engage in many meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that foster engagement and a love of learning. There is a great deal of thought and intentionality behind every step of the Trinity journey that helps our students grow cognitively, socially, collaboratively, and emotionally. Our teachers do a phenomenal job preparing lessons and actively reflecting on their impact and the growth opportunities for our students.
Q: You’ve worked in both public and independent schools. What makes Trinity stand out to you?
A: Trinity stands out for so many reasons, beginning with the joy you instantly feel here. This stems from the dedication of our faculty and staff. Our teachers genuinely love what they do, are experts in their fields, and pour into the students they serve. That commitment shows in our faculty and staff retention, the professional development opportunities teachers choose to pursue, and most importantly, the joy that is felt in classrooms amongst students. Additionally, as the only independent school in Atlanta dedicated to the education of children ages 3–12, Trinity focuses all programs, facilities, and faculty expertise on supporting our students’ growth during their crucial formative years. Families at Trinity can really cherish this special stage of childhood while discovering the educational environment that brings out the best in their child. This gift of time helps them make more informed decisions that set their child up for success in middle school and beyond.
Trinity’s admissions team: Mary Mac Stukes, Lauren Darden, and Sarah Morgan Bonham.
Lauren Darden’s Favorites
Book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Food: Mexican
Flik meal: Quesadillas
Musician: Paul Simon
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
TV show: Yellowstone
Elementary teacher: Ms. Cannon, my Fourth Grade math teacher. Despite math being challenging for me, she gave me confidence and was my biggest cheerleader when I mastered a new skill.
Subject: Reading
Children’s book: Holes by Louis Sachar
Childhood game: Guess Who
School lunch: I always brought my lunch to school: a ham and cheese sandwich.
Q: What has it been like to see Trinity through your own child’s eyes over the last couple of years?
A: Becoming a parent at Trinity School has exceeded all my expectations and has only bolstered my belief in what I share with prospective parents each day. I look at our program and pedagogy pillars, and I see how they are woven throughout every school day. My daughter has a love of learning that is fostered each day, and she brings that excitement and curiosity into everything she does both here and outside Trinity’s gates. I see how building empathy and developing a care and concern for others is something that she takes to heart through the questions she asks and the way she responds to different situations. I am so grateful that her teachers pour into her character foundation and partner with us as parents to raise a kind, hardworking, and thoughtful person to go out into the world. When I started working at Trinity in 2016, I never could have dreamed of the different ways that this school would give back to me during my time here. It’s been such a gift, and it feels like it’s just the beginning.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Trinity?
A: The faculty and staff bring their best selves to Trinity, and it is such a blessing to be surrounded by people who are so enthusiastic about the work that they do. This dedication is contagious, and I am always so encouraged by the energy and effort that our team puts forth for Trinity’s students and families.
Q: What is your secret talent?
A: Knowing what movie is on the television simply by hearing a small snippet. My husband likes to test this secret talent regularly.
Faculty and Staff Milestones
Join us as we celebrate the personal milestones of Trinity School’s employees in this recurring feature.
Director of Spotlight on Art and Special Events Leisy Stevenson, who has been at Trinity since 2018, and her husband, Dan Stevenson, welcomed Eleanor “Nell” Ford Stevenson on December 22, 2024. She joined proud big brother Henry.
First Grade Senior Associate Teacher
Bella Giorno-Komati, who has been at Trinity since 2020, and her husband, Rahul Komati, welcomed their first child, Rocco Jayan Komati, on June 7.
School Nurse Christeen Banoczi, who has been at Trinity since 2024, and her husband, Alex Banoczi, welcomed their first child, Magnolia Anne Banoczi, on March 3.
Second Grade Lead Teacher
Emily Pritchard, who has been at Trinity since 2020, married Bentley Kennedy on July 26. The wedding was held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
Fifth Grade Lead Teacher Sammy Rigaud, who started at Trinity in 2024, and his wife, Mackenzie Rigaud, welcomed their first child, Gabriella Symone Rigaud, on May 23.
Highlights
Trinity Tidbits
By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications
Michelle Perry achieves Orton-Gillingham Certified Level
Since joining Trinity in 2007, Learning Specialist Michelle Perry has continued to strengthen her expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs. In June, Michelle achieved the Certified Level through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, a credential that recognizes advanced mastery of the Orton-Gillingham method to literacy instruction. To earn this certification, Michelle completed more than 100 hours of advanced coursework and a supervised practicum consisting of more than 200 hours with two students, one
at a lower level of language instruction and one at a higher level. The practicum included 11 full lessons observed by a certified Fellow, who confirmed Michelle’s deep mastery of Orton-Gillingham principles and her skill in applying them effectively with a range of student needs.
Michelle says, “I pursued the Certified Level through the Orton-Gillingham Academy to deepen my expertise and expand my ability to support students with a wide range of learning needs. It allows me to refine my instructional skills, apply more advanced strategies, and work effectively with students who present more complex literacy challenges. This level of certification strengthens my ability to interpret formal cognitive and academic assessments, collaborate with other professionals, and design highly individualized, data-driven instruction. Ultimately, earning the Certified Level reflects my commitment to professional growth, my dedication to evidence-based practice, and my desire to provide the highest quality literacy intervention for every student I serve while also allowing me to be an independent Orton-Gillingham practitioner.”
Michelle holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Specialist certification from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College).
Creating calm, inspiring spaces for young learners
This summer, Trinity’s Early Elementary classrooms underwent a thoughtful redesign, which transformed spaces to better reflect both the developmental needs of children and our program’s commitment to collaborative, small-group learning. The updates were guided by research in early childhood education on the impact of the learning environment on student regulation, focus, and emotional well-being as well as insights gleaned from a visit by our academic leaders, Grade-Level Team Leaders, and School Counselor Thomas Cheese to a school known for its mindfulness-based design.
Softer tones of blue, gray, and green that create a calming atmosphere have replaced the Early Elementary Division’s bright, energizing colors that can sometimes overwhelm young learners. Now, natural wood finishes and new flooring provide a neutral backdrop that allows student work to shine as the centerpiece of the classroom. Our new flexible lighting system gives teachers the ability to dim lights for a soothing start to the day or brighten spaces to encourage engagement.
The design also supports Trinity’s program by creating more flexible spaces for small-group learning, quiet nooks for individualized instruction, and classrooms that encourage independence through easy accessibility to materials.
“Children thrive when their learning environment nurtures both their social-emotional development and their academic needs,” says Early Elementary Division Head Sheree Du Preez. “Our goal was to design spaces that not only support collaboration and curiosity but also naturally help students regulate their bodies and emotions. The balance of calm and engagement we see in classrooms today reflects that vision beautifully, and teachers and students alike have already noticed a significant difference.”
Young writers inspired by author X. Fang
On May 6 and 7, Trinity students had the exciting opportunity to meet award-winning illustrator and author X. Fang. She shared insights into her creative process, offered inspiration to budding writers, and signed books. It was a memorable experience for students in Pre-K - Second Grade, inspiring their imaginations and a love of storytelling.
Robyn Denson joins NBOA’s Controllers Council
At Trinity since 2021, Controller Robyn Denson was recently selected to serve on the Controllers Council of the National Business Officers Association (NBOA), which is the only national nonprofit membership association focused on supporting independent school business operations. The Council develops best practices, shares resources, and provides guidance to NBOA staff to help schools navigate the complex financial and operational challenges of today’s educational landscape. Robyn has deep expertise in financial management, accounting, and compliance, making her well-suited to advise on programs and services that support controllers across independent schools. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Robyn holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Kennesaw State University.
From teen entrepreneur to CEO, Greg Benoit inspires Sixth Graders
On April 14, Trinity parent Greg Benoit, CEO of QGenda, visited the Sixth Grade Leadership Class of 2025 to share his journey from a teenage entrepreneur to the head of a company valued at $2 billion. He discussed the leadership skills that have guided his success and highlighted QGenda’s core values, including commitment to employees and customers, community engagement, collaboration, and responsiveness. The students were inspired by his story and impressed by how a small business he started as a teen grew into a major healthcare software company serving more than 700,000 providers nationwide.
Fifth Graders explore and grow at Camp Twin Lakes
Last year’s Fifth Graders embarked on their annual Outdoor Education trip to Camp Twin Lakes on April 16 and 17. Students enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities, including team-building games, fishing, archery, canoeing, and rock climbing. The experience gave them the chance to challenge themselves, collaborate with classmates, and create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. These outdoor adventures foster growth, confidence, and lasting friendships and are a highlight of the Trinity Experience.
Trinity’s fourth Trail Day connects families and nature
Trinity hosted its fourth Trail Day on April 12, drawing nearly 300 students, families, and employees to explore the three miles of trails in Discovery Woods. Over a two-hour period, participants navigated hills, winding paths, and stream crossings, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Trinity’s 43-acre campus. After the trek, everyone gathered to enjoy doughnuts and coffee and received Trinity Trails stickers as a keepsake from the event. It was a wonderful morning of outdoor adventure and community connection.
Sixth Graders build skills and memories at Camp Twin Lakes
Trinity’s Sixth Grade Leadership Class of 2025 headed to Camp Twin Lakes for a two-day Outdoor Education adventure on April 3 and 4. Students took part in a variety of activities including sack races, horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, team-building challenges, archery, and more. From paddle boating to problem-solving games, the trip offered countless opportunities for growth, connection, and fun. It was an unforgettable experience that strengthened friendships and created lasting memories for last year’s graduating class.
Sixth Grade supports Canine Assistants through service learning
Continuing Trinity’s commitment to giving back, last school year’s Sixth Grade Leadership Class selected Canine Assistants as their service-learning project and the 2025 nonprofit beneficiary of Spotlight on Art. Canine Assistants, based in Milton, is dedicated to educating service dogs and the people who need them, helping to improve quality of life and promote independence. In addition to Trinity’s donation through Spotlight on Art, Sixth Graders visited the organization on March 26 to learn more about its work, meet service dogs-in-training, and help clean and maintain the outdoor play area. We are proud of our Sixth Graders for their thoughtful leadership and hands-on service in support of this important cause.
Trinity hosts Day of Service with Kate’s Club
On March 22, Trinity School hosted approximately 100 participants from Kate’s Club for a fun-filled, 12th annual Day of Service. The event featured indoor and outdoor activities including a bouncy slide, video game truck, photo booth, music, crafts, cakewalk, lunch, and an Easter egg hunt. Thank you to everyone who contributed through donations, preparations, or volunteering on the day of the event. From the colorful welcome balloon garland to the cakewalk prizes and handson help with crafts and lunch, your support helped make the day memorable for all involved. Kate’s Club is a nonprofit organization that provides free therapeutic and social support to children and families grieving the loss of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.
Sixth Grade Leadership Class welcomes Jan Du Preez
Jan Du Preez, a retired major from the South African Armed Forces, visited Trinity’s Sixth Grade Leadership Class of 2025 on March 17 to share his expertise in leadership, strategy, and decisionmaking. With 16 years of service as a Conventional Mechanized Infantry Officer specializing in reconnaissance and Forward Air Control, Jan now serves as the Director of Operations for Risk Management of Atlanta and leads his own consulting company, Perplexity, which focuses on safety and security services and fractional threat management.
During his time with last year’s Sixth Graders in Trinity’s Discovery Woods, Jan Du Preez added an unexpected twist by hiding in a ghillie suit, challenging the students to find him before his talk began. After this fun start, Jan introduced himself and shared insights on leadership. He guided the class through the OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) cycle for navigating high-stress situations and explained how dead reckoning can be applied as a leadership tool.
Sixth Graders represent Trinity at Statewide Honor Chorus
On March 8, four of Trinity’s Sixth Graders from the Class of 2025—pictured from left: Quincy, Edythe, Mac, and Anne Scott—participated in the Georgia Sixth Grade Statewide Honor Chorus in Athens. Organized by the Georgia Music Educators Association, the event brought together nearly 500 students from across the state for a day of rehearsals and a final performance.
Each Sixth-Grade music teacher in Georgia can register up to four students. At Trinity, candidates auditioned with the Upper Elementary music teacher before committing to bi-weekly rehearsals over eight weeks to prepare for the performance. The music was challenging, including a piece in Japanese, allowing students to expand their musical range and skills.
Led by esteemed conductors Dr. Craig Hurley, Artistic Director of Spivey Hall Children’s Choir, and Alex Gartner, Artistic and Executive Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, the event provided students with an opportunity to collaborate with peers and reflected their hard work and love for music.
Disney characters go on parade
One of the most magical events of the school year, the Extended Programs’ annual Disney parade for the Early Learners who attend Lunch Bunch was held on January 17. Trinity’s youngest students dressed up as their favorite Disney characters and paraded around campus while members of the school community cheered them on.
Trinity Traditions
Trinity School’s rich history began in 1951. While the campus has moved twice since its founding and the School’s programming is continually enhanced, Trinity also maintains numerous gradelevel, division-wide, and school-wide traditions that reinforce the School’s identity, curriculum, and values. This section is dedicated to highlighting some of the many special events that our students look forward to every year.
Kindergarten Trip Around the World
Throughout January and February, Kindergartners embarked on different journeys across the globe, all from the comfort of their classrooms. This beloved unit of study introduced them to the history, geography, and culture of Australia, England, Ghana, and Mexico. Through this immersive experience, students not only had a blast but also developed a better appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world around them. During the week of February 24, our Kindergartners eagerly shared all their newfound knowledge and fun experiences with their peers and parents.
101 Days of First Grade
In February, First Graders celebrated the 101st day of school. Dressing up as the 101 Dalmatians, students developed numeracy through special games and activities designed around the number 101.
Second Grade Valentine Necklaces
A beloved tradition since 2001, handmade Valentine’s Day necklaces were given to moms and other loved ones during February’s Second Grade Morning with Mom. The necklaces are handmade with love by Second Graders every step of the way, from molding the clay and stamping the design to selecting the color and glazing the hearts.
Pre-K Olympics
Pre-K students trained hard to participate in specially adapted sporting events during their very own Olympics, held in February. Students had fun while learning about different countries and teamwork as they earned medals during events such as “bobsledding,” tricycle and “horse” racing, hurdles, basketball, and soccer. Teachers and family members were there to cheer them on.
First Grade Zoo Exhibit
On February 28, First Graders wrapped up their month-long animal research project with the annual Zoo Exhibit. They began by walking the green carpet and introducing their animals on stage before spreading across campus to present their findings in a more personal setting with classmates and parents. To cap off the experience, students also published and shared their own nonfiction animal books.
Third Grade Living Museum
On March 14, history came alive as Third Graders transformed into historic figures for the annual Living Museum. After walking the red carpet and introducing their characters on stage, they spread out across campus to share their stories with students and visitors.
Celebration of Cultures
On March 21, Trinity School hosted its 12th annual Celebration of Cultures, a day dedicated to recognizing the rich cultural backgrounds within our community and appreciating our shared and individual identities. Students, families, and employees dressed to reflect their heritage and interests and participated in classroom activities that explored traditions from around the world. The day featured storytelling with Mama Koku, an international petting zoo, and a lively all-school assembly filled with music, dance, and video presentations.
Second Grade Explorations
On March 28, during Trinity Together Time, Second Grade debuted a new all-school assembly connected to their Exploration unit of study. Students took the audience on a journey across the globe and beyond, sharing what they’ve learned about the rainforest, Antarctica, the ocean depths, and outer space. Through songs, dances, and interesting facts, Second Graders brought each topic to life and showcased their curiosity and creativity. We’re excited to see this new assembly take root as an annual Second Grade tradition at Trinity.
Fourth Grade Westward Expansion
On April 4, Trinity’s Fourth Graders stepped back in time to the 1800s as they wrapped up their Westward Expansion unit. The event, held during their Morning with Mom, brought history to life with students and their moms or special friends dressed in western attire. The group gathered around a crackling campfire to enjoy a frontier-style breakfast before taking part in fun, pioneer-inspired games and challenges. Students shared their learning about life on the Oregon Trail, showcasing their model homestead projects and giving a glimpse into the past.
Fifth Grade Olympics
On May 2, Fifth Graders celebrated the much-anticipated annual Fifth Grade Olympics. The day was filled with thrilling competitions, including relay races, hurdles, and high jumps, giving students the chance to showcase their athletic skills. Beyond the events, students demonstrated excellent teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit, making it a memorable day of fun, camaraderie, and friendly competition for everyone involved.
Sixth Grade Performance
For the 47th year, Trinity School’s Sixth Grade Leadership Class presented their annual musical, this year bringing The Wizard of Oz to life. On May 8, the Trinity community followed Dorothy and her dog Toto as they journeyed through the Land of Oz, meeting memorable friends and facing challenges on their way to see the Wizard. Along the yellow brick road, they discovered that courage, brains, and heart might just be inside them all along. The full-scale production featured imaginative sets, vibrant costumes, and lively performances that captivated audiences from start to finish.
Kindergarten Chick Masters
Since 2008, Kindergartners have explored chicken life cycles, learning responsibility and compassion through egg care, hatching, and chick nurturing. This exploration is part of a broader study on the classification and life cycles of animals, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Over a two-week period in May, Kindergartners traveled with their chicks and visited students in other grades to share all they had learned during their time as Chick Masters.
Early Learners Nursery Rhyme Parade
On May 12, our youngest students brought nursery rhymes to life in the inaugural Early Learners Nursery Rhyme Parade, continuing a beloved tradition passed down from Pre-K. From Humpty Dumpty to Little Bo Peep, children showcased their creativity through colorful costumes and spirited performances. The parade concluded in the Community Room, where students confidently recited their favorite rhymes for an audience of parents, teachers, and peers.
Field Days
A Trinity tradition since 1986, Field Day is an end-of-the-year celebration for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade students. Held on May 14 and 16, the event included athletic competitions and Sportsmanship Awards for each grade. The events featured relay races, tug of war, and a variety of other fun activities. It was a lively and fun way for students to celebrate teamwork, athleticism, and the close of the school year. All traditions occurred during the second half of the 2024-25 school year.
12
1. Fifth Grade Olympics
2. 101 Days of First Grade
3. Fourth Grade Westward Expansion
4. Sixth Grade Performance
5. Kindergarten Chick Masters
6. Pre-K Olympics
7. Early Learners Nursery Rhyme Parade
8. Celebration of Cultures
9. First Grade Zoo Exhibit
10. Kindergarten Trip Around the World
11. Field Days
12. Second Grade Explorations
13. Second Grade Valentine Necklaces
14. Sixth Grade Performance
15. Third Grade Living Museum
16. Pre-K Olympics
15 14 11
Features
The power of multisensory methods in reading
By Learning Specialists Mary Jacob Harris and Michelle Perry
During early childhood, sensory experiences are foundational to cognitive growth. Infants begin to integrate information from all of their senses, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile, to interpret and respond to their environment. As this child grows, she continues to learn through a multisensory approach. If you have ever watched a child learn something new, like tying her shoe, you know she does not just hear how to do it. She watches, then tries with her own hands, talks herself through each step, and makes adjustments in repeated attempts. This is because human learning is inherently multisensory. We learn best when we can see it, hear it, and physically experience it. This same principle applies to developing foundational reading skills. Over a century of research shows that using multiple senses at the same time can dramatically improve learning outcomes for all students. At Trinity, children physically engage with learning. As Early Learners explore the letters of their names, you may see them building individual letters by shaping clay or wooden pieces. In Pre-K, students develop knowledge of the entire alphabet by tracing letters in sand or shaving
cream. Kindergartners strengthen the sound-symbol connection of letters using large arm movements to “skywrite” in the air, helping with correct formation and muscle memory, while verbalizing both the letter name and sound. First Graders enjoy building words with magnetic letters, while Second Graders strengthen spelling skills by perfecting their ability to tap a finger for each sound and ensure they properly represent that sound on paper. Third Graders begin to recognize morphemes, the units of language that carry meaning, by physically moving cards with prefixes, base/roots, and suffixes to create multisyllabic words. Fourth Graders develop new vocabulary and understanding of grammar through writing various components of a sentence—such as simple subject, simple predicate, and prepositional phrases—on sentence strips and physically moving these components to craft an expanded sentence. Fifth Graders practice content vocabulary through charades, while Sixth Graders determine which multisensory practice aids in their independent learning.
Kindergartners build words with letter magnets.
Second Graders Henry, Amber, and Bode add words on ice cream scoops with a final “/k/” sound onto the correct “ck” or “k” cone.
Whatever the grade or method, Trinity students engage in multisensory instruction using auditory, visual, and kinesthetic practices throughout their academic journey. By ensuring a kinesthetic/tactile approach is included across all grade levels and subjects, Trinity Teachers provide rich interconnected experiences to activate multiple pathways in the brain, which strengthens all student learning.
Humans are biologically wired to acquire spoken language, but reading is not an innate skill. From birth, the human brain is primed to pick up speech through immersion because our neural pathways for language develop naturally through listening and interacting. In contrast, reading is a relatively recent cultural invention, only a few thousand years old, and the brain had no dedicated “reading center” from birth. Instead, learning to read requires the brain to repurpose and connect existing systems for vision, language, and memory through explicit and systematic instruction and practice. While children effortlessly absorb spoken language, they must be deliberately taught to decode written symbols and link them to sounds and meaning. Therefore, multisensory instruction is vital for literacy development.
Kinesthetic/tactile learning is a best practice for all students. By combining movement, touch, sound, and sight, multisensory instruction aligns with how the brain learns best. These methods are not new to the field of education. Horace Mann wrote in 1844, “It is much easier to keep the eye and hand and mind at work together than it is to employ any one of them separately from the other.” The kinesthetic/tactile component of multisensory instruction is especially important to literacy because it helps turn reading and writing from an abstract mental process into a concrete, physical experience that the brain can store, retrieve, and apply more easily.
Here’s why it all works!
Multisensory methods that incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile components build stronger cognitive pathways by activating more regions of the brain. This strengthens the neural connections needed for decoding, spelling, and comprehension. Instead of relying on a single pathway, like just looking at a word, this method builds a richer network in the brain, making it easier to store and automatically retrieve information. Next, using multisensory methods increases student engagement and focus. Because elementary students are naturally active learners, hands-on activities, tracing letters, using magnetic tiles, and tapping out sounds keep their minds and bodies engaged. These simple movements break up periods of sitting and improve student focus. Hands-on activities invite curiosity and
participation, particularly for young learners who need joyful experiences and play to flourish.
Additionally, physically manipulating concepts of print helps turn the idea of written language from something abstract into something they can see, touch, and understand. Multisensory methods strengthen soundsymbol connection by engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile pathways at the same time. For example, when a child decodes, or reads, an unfamiliar word, he will see the word (visual), tap out the corresponding sounds on his fingers or down his arm (kinesthetic/tactile), while saying individual sounds aloud (auditory), before blending the sounds together to read the word as a whole. Likewise, when encoding, or spelling, he uses a similar multisensory method to say the word he is trying to spell aloud (auditory), break the word into individual sounds while tapping on his finger or arm (kinesthetic/tactile), then produce the corresponding letter to represent each sound or pattern (visual and kinesthetic/tactile) while repeating the sounds (auditory). By engaging multiple neural pathways at the same time, the sound-symbol connection is strengthened.
While these methods sound complex, strategies become second nature to children who practice these routines frequently. Through repeated multisensory practice, students build muscle memory that helps information stick. When a student physically forms a letter or word multiple times, they feel how it is made. Without the cognitive demand of thinking of words letter-by-letter or sentences word-by-word, mental energy is available for higher-level reading comprehension and writing composition.
Finally, multisensory methods support all types of learners, not just struggling readers and writers. Since some children prefer learning by listening, others by seeing, and others by moving and touching, a multisensory approach blends these styles to provide every student access to learning. By simultaneously engaging young bodies and young minds, the Trinity community cherishes childhood while preparing students for academic success.
Tips and Tricks
Early Learners and Pre-K
Focus: Play-based sound awareness, fine motor strength, and letter familiarity
• Sensory Letter Play: Use PlayDoh, pipe cleaners, or objects from nature to construct letters.
• I Spy with Sounds: Play “I spy,” focusing on the beginning sounds of objects. “I spy with my little eye something that starts with the sound /m/.”
• Story Time with Rhyming and Repeated Phrases: Choose books with predictable, repeated lines or rhyming books and encourage the child to say the repeated part or rhyme with you.
Kindergarten and First Grade
Focus: Letter-sound automaticity, decoding short and long vowels, and early spelling
• Sky Writing: Use the whole arm to “write” letters or words in the air
while saying each sound. Large movements build motor memory.
• Clap/Stomp and Count Syllables: Say a word and clap or stomp each syllable (vowel beat). This teaches that words are made up of smaller units of sound.
• Magnetic Letter Building: Build words with letter magnets. Say the whole word, then pronounce each sound as the letters are placed, and finally blend all the sounds to read the word.
Second
and Third Grade
Focus: Reading fluency, advanced phonics, and spelling patterns.
• Highlight and Hunt: Read a short passage. Reread the passage, hunting and highlighting for a target pattern or ending.
• Echo and Choral Reading: Read a sentence aloud for your child to repeat (echo) or read together (choral) to boost fluency and expression.
• Homophone Reference: Create a collection of common homophones (mail, male) by having your child write the words and doodle next to each to represent the meaning.
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth
Focus: Reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and morphology.
• Color-Coded Word Parts: Highlight or underline prefixes, bases/roots, and suffixes with different colors to identify meaningful parts of multisyllabic words.
• Act it Out: Act out a scene or vocabulary word from a story or historical event to build comprehension and connect to content.
• Word Collector: Create a collection of new and interesting words your family encounters in reading and conversation.
Pre-K students sprinkle some magic into their fairytale unit, using wands and pixie dust to practice letter identification and formation with Lead Teacher Ashley Patton.
A model walks the runway during Spotlight’s Fashion Show at Neiman Marcus on October 1.
Spotlight on Art returns for its 44th season
By Leisy Stevenson, Director of Spotlight on Art and Special Events
We wrapped up an incredible Spotlight on Art this past spring, and a heartfelt thank you goes to the more than 100 parent volunteers whose hard work and dedication helped raise a recordbreaking $945,000 for Trinity School. We are extremely proud of the 2025 team and, with last year’s success still fresh in our minds, we were eager to carry that energy into the 44th Spotlight on Art season this fall.
The festivities kicked off with our annual Fashion Show at Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square on October 1. This year marked our 10th year partnering with Neiman Marcus, and the event has become a beloved tradition for our community. The excitement continued with the Home and Gift Pop-Up Shop during parentteacher conferences in late October, which featured jewelry, home décor, and other unique gift items.
We are looking forward to our annual Artists Market that will take place January 26–January 31, 2026. Welcoming thousands of attendees each year, the Artists Market introduces original work by the best emerging talent as well as new pieces by established artists. Inventory changes daily, so everyone is encouraged to stop by often.
We’re excited to once again offer VIP Early Access to the Market on Monday, January 26, from 4:30–6 PM. Be sure to sign up for our occasional newsletters on the Spotlight website and follow us on social media so you’ll know the moment these coveted tickets become available. Also, mark your calendars for our free evening events during the Market that are open to the public: Opening Night on Monday, January 26, from 6–9 PM and Cocktails and Canvases on Friday, January 30, from 6–8 PM. Please bring friends and help us spread the word.
Lastly, we will cap off the Spotlight on Art season with our annual Gala and Auction, which will be held at the Atlanta History Center on Saturday, February 21. Open to current Trinity parents, employees, and Trustees, the fun-filled evening will feature silent and live auctions, a seated dinner catered by Bold Catering and Design, and live music. This final celebration is a great way to bring the community together and raise a toast to another successful year. More details, including ticket information, will be sent to the Trinity community soon.
Artists Market
January 26–January 31, 2026
Featuring the work of close to 400 selected artists, spanning all price points and styles, the Artists Market includes an ever-changing inventory in 6,000 square feet of gallery space. The Market averages daily sales of 1,000 pieces of artwork, and curated sections include contemporary, realism, home, whimsical, and jewelry.
VIP Early Access –Tickets Required
Monday, January 26 | 4:30–6 PM
Opening Night Celebration Monday, January 26 | 6–9 PM
Cocktails and Canvases
Friday, January 30 | 6–8 PM
Held at Trinity School, the Market is open to the public with free parking and admission. Visit SpotlightOnArt.com to see daily market hours.
Gala and Auction Celebration
February 21, 2026
Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta
Current parents, faculty, staff, and Trustees are invited to this special evening that is the culminating Spotlight on Art event. Tickets must be purchased in advance and last year’s event sold out. Other members of the Trinity community can participate by bidding online for items. Visit SpotlightOnArt.com for details.
Your child will enjoy an unforgettable experience at Trinity School
Summer Camp!
We offer a variety of academic, specialty, and sports camps for children ages 4 to 13. From art to Legos, science to sports, choose your child’s summer adventure from our camps that will run Monday–Friday from June 1–26*, 2026, with a fifth session from July 27–31. Join us in Before-Camp Care, Activities in the Afternoon, and After-Camp Care to extend the fun to a full day, from 7:30 AM–4 PM!
Trinity School Summer Camp is open to the public, and registration will open at 7:30 PM on January 22, 2026 Many camps fill up on the first day of registration, so register early for the best selection.
www.trinityatl.org/summercamp
Contact Kayleen Whitmer, Director of Extended Programs, at kwhitmer@trinityatl.org for more information.
*Trinity School will be closed on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth; no camps will be offered on that day.
Splatastic
Legos and More
Alumni
A Q&A with
Tyler Henritze ’93 and Parker Henritze Morse ’99
By Anne Torrey McCuean ’08, Advancement Associate and Alumni Relations
It was such a pleasure catching up with siblings Tyler Henritze ’93 and Parker Henritze Morse ’99. After their years at Trinity, both attended The Westminster Schools. Tyler went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in investment banking before moving to Blackstone, where he spent 19 years on the real estate team, including leading U.S. acquisitions.
Parker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Princeton University, where she was a four-year volleyball letter winner and made program history as the first Princeton women’s volleyball player to earn both Ivy League Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors during her career. She began her career as a consultant at Bain & Company, focusing on assisting large corporations and private equity firms. She then spent 11 years at the newly formed Sycamore Partners, helping the private equity firm grow from seven employees to more than 35 and from $0B to $10B in assets.
In 2023, the siblings combined their expertise to create Town Lane, an entrepreneurial venture that draws on both of their deep experience in business, investment, and operations.
Q: What are some of your favorite Trinity memories? And were there any particular teachers or experiences that left a lasting impact?
Tyler: My favorite memories include Field Day, Wagon Train, our trip to Jekyll Island, and Ms. Songster [now Berry]. Ms. Mo also made a big impression on me. The biggest impact on my life is the series of lasting friendships I formed at Trinity, including Will Welch ’93 and Matthew Fox ’93 who I still see regularly in New York City.
Parker: Some of my favorite Trinity memories center around milestone activities that made learning tangible, highly interesting, and dynamic while bringing the Trinity community together. The Living Museum, the Sixth-Grade Opera (forever in a non-singing role as a Henritze), the Fifth-Grade Olympics, The Nutcracker, Wagon Train, Field Day, Mystery Person (I was Jane Goodall), and even being an untouchable while learning about the caste system in India are still vivid in my mind.
I also fondly remember the Pero’s Pizza truck and The Varsity as lunch options! My Third-Grade Teacher, Ms. White, and my Fourth-Grade Teacher, Ms. Mo, are individuals I still think about regularly. I hope my kids have a teacher as patient and wise as Ms. White and as dynamic and fun as Ms. Mo. I can still picture decorating Ms. Mo’s
“Go Dawgs” stool and dressing up when the Atlanta Braves made the MLB Playoffs. And shout out to Coach Brian for the adrenaline build-up before the big mile run.
I would be remiss if I didn’t include how the close, lifelong friends I made, including several from my Sixth-Grade base group, have had a lasting impact on my life.
Q: How did your time at Trinity prepare you for middle school, high school, and beyond?
Tyler: Trinity gave me a wonderful early educational experience that built my confidence and laid a solid foundation for Westminster and beyond.
Parker: Trinity provided me with an excellent educational foundation in the essential areas of math, literacy, and critical thinking, but more importantly, the teachers and the environment really sparked my love of learning and curiosity. Trinity’s sole focus on elementary school was valuable in creating leadership opportunities in a smaller “pond,” giving students the opportunity to step up in a safe and less intimidating environment and preparing them for bigger challenges.
Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your career?
Tyler: All of my best memories from the last 20+ years relate to the varied and talented people I have
had the privilege to work with and what we have accomplished together.
Parker: It’s being part of high-performing teams, executing difficult tasks, and helping businesses grow. Whether at the portfolio company level in private equity or at Town Lane, it is incredibly rewarding to see businesses evolve, especially when it involves partnering with incredible leaders or, in the case of Town Lane and my early days at Sycamore, building something from scratch that then becomes a thriving enterprise.
Q: How would you describe the experience of running a business with your sibling?
Tyler: Anytime your smarter sibling opts to work with you, I would recommend doing it. The fact that we complement each other is a bonus as well.
Parker: While our joint venture is not something we planned on, it’s been awesome and rewarding. Tyler is unbelievably accomplished and talented, and it’s really fun to watch my sibling excel period, even more so since I am part of building something with him. The biggest benefits are the trust and mutual respect we share, which allow for quick decision-making, very direct communication, and alignment on values. The main challenge initially was defining our lanes and ensuring we were both leveraging our highest and best use for the business.
In February 2024, Tyler and Parker traveled through North Carolina, raising support for their inaugural fund.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Tyler: Most of my time is spent with my five girls: my wife, Courtney; daughters Smith, 6, Harper, 4, and Lane, 3; and our dog, Penny. I also like doing just about anything on or near the water.
Parker: Most of my time outside of work is spent with my family, including my three young daughters, my husband, Zach, who I was fortunate to meet in college, as well as our extended families across New York City, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. We live in the West Village in Manhattan and love taking advantage of all that the city has to offer.
Q: What piece of advice would you share with current Trinity students?
Tyler: Be intellectually curious and don’t be afraid to think or act differently or stand out from the crowd. Also, stay in touch with your Trinity friends, it is a special group of people.
Parker: Ask questions and stay curious. Don’t be afraid to stick out a little from the crowd. Focus on learning how to think and worry less about what others might think.
In this photo from the mid-1990s, Parker Henritze Morse ’99, Hunter Henritze ’95, Morgan Henritze Hamilton ’91, Tyler Henritze ’93, and Reeves Henritze McCall ’01 sit in front of their parents and brother, Fred Henritze, Porter Henritze ’98, and Terry Smith Henritze ’67.
A recent photo of Tyler Henritze and his family.
A recent photo of Parker Henritze Morse and her family. Alumni
Trinity’s Class of 2019: What college did they choose?
Teddy Allen, University of Georgia
Eliza Ambler, Georgia Institute of Technology
Caroline Anderson, University of Notre Dame
Hutch Balocki, University of Georgia
Milan Barnes, Georgia Institute of Technology
Ben Barranco, Auburn University
Campbell Battin, Boston College
Anna Bonds, University of South Carolina
McCormick Breviu, Brown University
Miles Bronstein, University of Virginia
Thomson Brumfield, Texas Christian University
Peter Buckley, Auburn University
Haddon Buschmann, University of Notre Dame
Alexander Carr, Georgia Institute of Technology
Edu Chlopek, Colorado College
Brantley Cochran, Auburn University
Anna Cureton, Boston College
Hartt Daniel, Loyola Marymount University
Pierce Daniel, University of Georgia
Trevor Dempsey, Lafayette College
Henry Deriso, Auburn University
Esmé DeVries, Rollins College
Sara Dixon, Boston University
Mary Grace Eubanks, Villanova University
Stewart Favero, University of Georgia
Greta Ferro, Trinity College
Brooks Fowler, Sewanee: University of the South
Reed Gabriel, Wake Forest University
Austin Genova, University of Virginia
Mary Caroline Gilliland, Northwestern University
Amanda Glidden, Boston University
Caroline Godfrey, University of Tennessee
Victoria Graham, Oglethorpe University
Riley Haig, Virginia Tech
Andrew Hart, University of Virginia
Anderson Harvey, University of Mississippi
Lily Hernandez, University of Miami
Jonathan Hunt, Stanford University
Cody Ji, Harvard University
Taylor Johnson, Tulane University
Davis Jones, Sewanee: University of the South
Daniel Kauffman, Southern Methodist University
Marley-Austell Kennedy, George Washington University
Rebecca Love, Sewanee: University of the South
Russell Markwalter, University of Georgia
Ethan Mattingly, University of California at Berkeley
Hailey McGruder, Syracuse University
Walker Meacham, University of California at Los Angeles
Jack Mobley, College of Charleston
Brand Morgan, University of Virginia
Caroline Moseley, Furman University
Abby Muller, Auburn University
John Overend, Georgia Institute of Technology
Spencer Owen, Auburn University
Mary Kiley Paulowsky, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
William Polk, Santa Clara University
Olivia Resnick, University of Chicago
Reid Richardson, Denison University
Grace Roche, University of Georgia
Jack Schwartz, Davidson College
Calder Shurling, University of Georgia
Amelia Smith, Auburn University
Maddie Stancil, Texas Christian University
Mackenna Stewart, Alabama A&M University
Maggie Stollmack, Auburn University
Carson Streacker, Wake Forest University
Olivia Teague, Wake Forest University
William Wickliffe, Texas Christian University
Buckley Wiley, University of Georgia
Sadler Wilson, University of Georgia
Henry Winter, Savannah College of Art and Design
William Wright, Southern Methodist University
Hadley Young, University of Alabama
Class of 2025
I am leaving Trinity with...
George Bonham Marist School leadership skills, self-confidence, and a love of learning new things.
Bobby Bradford Marist School friendship, kindness, and honesty and good memories of the Savannah trip, Tellus Science Museum, and the Diamond Del Gem Mining.
Anne Scott Campbell
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School the memory of the campfire on the outdoor ed trip at Twin Lakes.
Morgan Coote
The Westminster Schools memories of hanging out with the younger kids and getting to set a good example for them and others.
Madeleine Crampton
Marist School friends that I will remember forever and inside jokes I will never forget.
MacKenzie Dickerson
The Westminster Schools a loving community, a wonderful time bonding with people at the Fifth Grade Olympics, and the amazing staff of 2025.
Ethan English
The Lovett School lots of fun memories, lots of friends, and a lot learned.
Charlotte Fitzgerald Marist School
a love of doing math and learning new things.
Elise Fitzgerald Marist School
fun memories like surviving the Oregon trail and being the commissioner of Sapporo in the Fifth Grade Olympics.
Landon Ghomghani
The Lovett School memories of field trips and the Fifth Grade Olympics and many leadership skills.
Aniya Guest
Marietta Middle School memories of every adventure I’ve had at Trinity and many more friends from Sixth Grade.
Adam Harrigan
The Westminster Schools lots of empathy and many wonderful friends.
Charlotte Kang
The Lovett School all of the memories, like the Fifth Grade Olympics, Buddies, The Nutcracker, and the Sixth Grade musical as well as all of the strong friendships I have made.
Edythe Lanier
The Westminster Schools confidence and a knowledge of not just math and science but also of people and my friends.
Thomas Lombardo
The Westminster Schools memories of all the bonds I made with my friends during the Fifth Grade Olympics and the Sixth Grade trip to Savannah and all the fun I had with my friends.
Margaret Mitchener
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School many kind, thoughtful friends and awesome memories of school trips, like going to Savannah and seeing the dolphins.
Grayson Pearce
Marist School a lot of friends and teachers that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Jack Reynolds
The Westminster Schools a love of music and math and lots of memories with my friends from the Fifth Grade Nutcracker and the Wizard Of Oz musical.
Mac Rosengren Pace Academy a combination of competitiveness and sportsmanship from the Fifth Grade Olympics.
Anna Charlotte Rumpf Marist School leadership skills and all the memories I had with my friends and teachers.
Kavan Shah
The Galloway School a passion for math and many funny memories with my friends.
Mira Sood
The Westminster Schools amazing memories with my friends and teachers during outdoor ed, especially when we all got to go zip lining at Camp Twin Lakes.
Whitney Street
The Lovett School lots of amazing friends and so many memories from throughout the years with all my teachers and friends.
Quincy Wall
The Westminster Schools great friends, a wonderful education, and bubbly memories.
Alumni Events
Alumni Night
Trinity’s annual Alumni Night for alums ages 21 and older took place on March 13 at our former campus at 3254 Northside Parkway. This year’s gathering was especially meaningful, welcoming alumni from the Classes of 1981–2011 who once walked those very halls. Guests reconnected with classmates and caught up with both current and former faculty while enjoying Pero’s Pizza, which was previously served every Friday at that campus and fondly remembered as a favorite tradition. The evening was filled with laughter, shared stories, and cherished memories of their days at Trinity.
Alumni Kickball Game
On March 23, alums from the Classes of 2020 to 2024 returned to campus for a friendly game of kickball, led by Trinity’s P.E. team. The group enjoyed catching up with former classmates and old friends, as well as reminiscing on fond Trinity memories. The event culminated with cold treats from Kona Ice after an afternoon of fun in the sun.
Members of the Class of 2000 smile for a photo on Trinity’s previous campus.
Grace Granade Riley ’03 and former Trinity faculty member Cissie White catch up.
Aiden Alibhoy ’24 rolls out a pitch to the other team as Ekeoma Makanjuola ’24 and Tripp Gay ’24 anticipate the kick return.
Members of the Class of 2024—Clara Hartman, Sofia Peralta, Rebecca Overend, Emma Coote, Margaret Bailey Blackwood, and Lydia Lina—cool off with some shaved ice from Kona Ice.
Class of 2019 Reunion
We welcomed members of the Class of 2019 and their parents back to campus on April 6 for an evening of reunion and celebration of their upcoming high school graduation. Alums as well as their parents were excited to reconnect with former classmates and longtime friends over dinner from Willy’s Mexicana Grill. Smiles and laughs were shared as members of the Class of 2019 participated in the Trinity tradition of receiving and reading letters they had written to their future selves as Sixth Graders.
Welcome to the Alumni Association Lunch
On May 9, we welcomed the newest members of the Trinity School Alumni Association! Our Sixth Graders were each presented with a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! that had been signed by their former teachers, wishing them good luck and well wishes in their next chapter. Following a celebratory pizza lunch and ice cream sundaes, the Sixth Grade Leadership Class of 2025 created care packages to be sent to Trinity alums who were also graduating in the spring and are going on to college, taking a gap year, or pursuing a business venture, as a reminder that the Trinity community is thinking about them.
Class of 2019 alums Reed Gabriel, Hartt Daniel, Hailey McGruder, Sara Dixon, Amanda Glidden, Taylor Johnson, Milan Barnes, Mackenna Stewart, Riley Haig, Mary Kiley Paulowsky, and John Overend gather for a group photo with their former teacher Brian Toth.
Members of the Class of 2019 pose for a group photo in the AWAC.
Anne Scott Campbell ’25 reads well wishes for her next chapter from Trinity Teachers.
Jack Reynolds ’25, Adam Harrigan ’25, George Bonham ’25, and Thomas Lombardo ’25 carefully assemble care packages for members of Trinity’s Class of 2019.
“We give back out of gratitude for the Trinity community that inspires our children’s confidence and love of learning. Supporting The Trinity Fund ensures that families can share in this experience for years to come.”
- Kelsey and Casey Flanagan, 2025-26 Parent Fund Chairs
100% Trustee participation
100% faculty and staff participation for 30 years
602 students are impacted by The Trinity Fund
95% parent participation last year
100% of your gift is tax deductible $1,430,153 raised last year possibilities You fund
The Trinity Fund is the foundation of philanthropic support for our students and everything they experience here. Gifts to this annual initiative address the School’s immediate needs, such as curricular enhancements, classroom upgrades, faculty salaries, technology, and need-based financial assistance.
Your support helps us elevate the Trinity Experience from great to exceptional.
Make your gift online today at trinityatl.org/give
Class Notes
By Anne Torrey McCuean ’08, Advancement Associate and Alumni Relations
In Memoriam
Joshua “Josh” Michael Patrick ’13 passed away on January 30. From his earliest days at Trinity, Josh loved math and science, and he carried that enthusiasm to Georgia Tech, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then pursued a career as a mechanical design engineer at Gulfstream Aerospace. Josh’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched everyone around him. He loved spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and sharing meaningful moments and gifts with those he loved.
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Clay Prickett ’96 and his wife, Ali Prickett, welcomed Betty Beasley Prickett on May 3, 2024. Betty joined her proud big brother, Griffin, a current Trinity First Grader, and her big sister, Gray, a current Trinity Pre-K student.
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Jill Reid ’01 married Andrew Thalhimer on June 28 in Atlanta. Immediately following the wedding, the couple moved from New York to Richmond, Virginia. The wedding party included Jill’s brother and Trinity alum Tommy Reid ’05 as well as his fiancée Carly Herbert ’07
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Emily Evans Schifter ’02 and her husband, Adam Schifter, welcomed their second child, Esther Diane “Edie” Schifter on April 10. Edie joined proud big brother Mac. Named after her grandmother and great-grandmother, Diane and Esther, Edie is the perfect addition to their family.
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Tindall Sewell Hein ’04 and her husband, Eric Hein, welcomed their son Carson Robert Hein on June 20. Carson joined proud, two-year-old big brother Marshall.
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Cory Evans Perry ’04 and her husband, Joshua Perry, welcomed James Brian Perry on July 10, 2024. James has been the sweetest addition to their family and brings such joy to their lives every day.
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Cole Bryant ’06 and his wife, Shannon Bryant, welcomed their first child Owen Armstrong Bryant on January 25.
Lauren Schaffer ’07 married Walter Mitchell on May 17 in Atlanta. The wedding party included Lauren’s twin brother and Trinity alum Sam Schaffer ’07. The wedding was also attended by Trinity alums Kate Cunningham Brown ’07 and Carly Herbert ’07 and Trinity First Grader Carter and Pre-K student Maisie. This fall, Lauren will begin her role as a physician at the Emory Eye Center, having recently completed her ophthalmology residency at Emory University.
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Liz Culton ’09, Lauren Moore ’12, Victoria Culton ’08, and Joshua Moore ’09 had a wonderful mini reunion while attending a mutual friend’s wedding in Lake Como in June.
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Photos by Clyde Click
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Claire Hudson Brown ’10 and her husband, William Brown, welcomed their first son, Waylon Stewart Brown, on April 19.
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Andrew Pinkston ’15 graduated from Northwestern University in the spring and is pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Management at the University of Georgia.
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Davis Hollis ’17 is currently an exchange student at Australian National University. He will return to the University College of Dublin (UCD) next year to complete his undergraduate degree in History and Politics.
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Members of the Class of 2019 who graduated from The Westminster Schools gathered together for a photo with Stripes in front of Westminster’s Askew Hall before the Senior Supper on August 21, 2024.
Row 1: Hailey McGruder, Anna Cureton, Maggie Stollmack, Amanda Glidden
Row 2: Jonathan Hunt Owen Norman Edu Chlopek Buckley Wiley, Trevor Dempsey, Caroline Anderson, Olivia Teague, Mary Caroline Gilliland, Sara Dixon
Row 3: Peter Buckley, Henry Deriso, Carson Streacker, Austin Genova Greta Ferro Campbell Battin Caroline Moseley, Lily Hernandez
Row 4: Brand Morgan, Ethan Mattingly, William Wright, Cody Ji, John Overend, Jack Schwartz
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Trevor Dempsey ’19 was among 22 seniors at The Westminster Schools who signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Trevor will be diving at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania in the Division 1 Patriot League. At the signing day celebration, he was interviewed by Trinity classmate Caroline Anderson ’19, who is a reporter with WCAT, Westminster’s student-run broadcast.
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Pictured left to right, alums Riley Haig, Stewart Favero, and Daniel Kauffman from the Class of 2019 have remained close friends since their days at Trinity, even as their paths diverged after elementary school. All three recently graduated from high school: Stewart, a graduate of Lucy Beckham High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Riley, a graduate from Woodward Academy; and Daniel, a graduate from The Lovett School. The trio of friends made a commitment to reunite after graduation and run a marathon together. On May 31, they completed the full 26.2 miles of the San Diego Marathon.
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Daniel Kauffman ’19 and William Wright ’19 co-founded Impact Threads, an Atlanta-based organization specializing in philanthropy-focused graphic T-shirts. With a commitment to creating meaningful designs and impactful change, the company partners with various nonprofits around Atlanta to help raise awareness and funds through their unique apparel.
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Russell Markwalter ’19 is one of 24 students in the University of Georgia’s Class of 2029 to be awarded a Foundation Fellowship, which is UGA’s top academic scholarship. In addition to covering the cost of attendance, the Fellowship provides programming and stipends for individual and group travel-study, internships, and research and conference grants.
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On May 17, Banks Bartelt ’20 and Mills Chambless ’21 helped lead the Marist School’s varsity boys lacrosse team to an 11–5 victory over Allatoona High School in the State Finals, earning the school its first boys lacrosse state title. Banks, the team’s offensive captain who plays attack, and Mills, the team goalie, were both starters on the championship team.
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Harry Overend ’23 (fifth from left), Asher Easton ’23 (sixth from left), Edward Askew-Norton ’22, (second from right), and Edward’s dad Jack Norton (third from right), completed the Boy Scouts of America Philmont trek on July 11. The group spent 12 days backpacking and camping through the New Mexico mountains with Westminster Super Troop 197. The photo was taken on July 8 at the 12,441-foot summit of Baldy Mountain, where the troop hiked after waking up at 2:30 AM to reach it in time for sunrise.
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Mary Ellen Dunton ’21 and James Ramer ’21 (front row) and Hunter Oskouei ’20, Owen Mattingly ’21, Jane Ellen Norman ’21, and Smith Easton ’21 (back row) took the coveted Marine Biology course at The Westminster Schools this summer. This month-long course, which translates to a full year of high school science credit, includes two weeks of intense in-class study, followed by another two weeks of field work in the Okefenokee Swamp and at the University of Georgia 4-H Center on Jekyll Island. The course culminated with a week at the Marine Biology Institute in Belize.
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Photo by Cecil Copeland
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