Julianne Schaaf ’81: from Trinity student to Trinity Teacher By Anne Torrey McCuean ’08, Advancement Associate and Alumni Relations
Julianne’s school photo from her First-Grade year at Trinity.
Julianne is pictured with Joe Sapone ‘17 in the fall of 2012, her first year teaching at Trinity.
I recently had the chance to connect with current First Grade Lead Teacher and Trinity alum Julianne Sanders Schaaf ’81, fondly known to her students as “Ms. Julianne.” She began her Trinity journey as a Pre-K student and stayed through Sixth Grade. Her brothers, David Sanders ’74 and Holt Sanders ’73, are also Trinity alums. Julianne then attended The Westminster Schools for grades 7–12 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology from Wesleyan University. She went on to graduate with a Master of Science in Environmental Education from Antioch University.
Q: Why did your family choose Trinity for your elementary education? A: My mom remembers how happy everyone seemed to be every time she walked in the door. She was amazed at how much learning was happening while we were having so much fun. My parents saw that my brothers and I all loved going to school each day, which is the reason we stayed at Trinity.
Now in her thirteenth year as a Trinity Teacher, Julianne appreciates how her alma mater continues to champion student empowerment and foster a strong love of learning. Her dedication to Trinity is a testament to the deep community values instilled in students from the beginning.
A: One of my most cherished memories is learning to play the recorder with Mrs. Sharon Vrieland. She was an inspiration and the force behind the development of the strong performing arts program that Trinity still has today. She began producing Sixth Grade operas in 1977, and the
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Trinity student?
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