"Trojan Voice" Magazine, Fall 2023

FALL/WINTER 2023

Where Innovation Meets Authenticity!

At TVS we balance vigorous studies of OzoBots, digital programming, and artificial intelligence with exploration of the natural world through Trojan athletics, our TOE program, and more! We are steadfastly future-focused. Learn more! p4

THE TVS MISSION

MANAGING EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Trinity Valley School has four

COPY EDITOR

main objectives for its students:

ASHLEY ROBINSON

KATHRYN DAVIS ‘89

DESIGN

fine scholarship with its fulfillment

SARAH RADICELLO | RADICELLO CREATIVE

at college; the development

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

of wide constructive interests; intelligent citizenship; and

DAN BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHS MICHAEL CARLSON ‘03 SZALAN ELLIS DAVID FRERKER SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

spiritual and moral development

KIRSTEN GALLON PHOTOGRAPHY

which promotes lasting values.

LAURA MONTGOMERY

SANDY MCNUTT ASHLEY RIEMITIS ‘16 ASHLEY ROBINSON DR. MICHAEL ROEMER STEVI SCHUKNECHT LAURA ST. JOHN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TARA BIBB MICHAEL CARLSON ‘03 GERRY CUMPIANO KATHRYN DAVIS ‘89 SZALAN ELLIS EILEEN FORD LISA GRIDER DR. TREVON R. JONES KYLE KAHUDA JULIE KNUDSEN BLAIR R. LOWRY SANDY MCNUTT DEREK REINHOLD DR. MICHAEL ROEMER STEVI SCHUKNECHT CARRIE SKAINS LAURA ST. JOHN

Fall 2023 VOL. XXXII Number 1 Trinity Valley School | 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 | 817.321.0100 | tvs.org Trinity Valley School’s Trojan Voice is published twice a year. Please contact Ashley Robinson, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, with any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding this publication at robinsona@tvs.org.

Trinity Valley School is an independent, co-ed, college-preparatory, day school for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. © Copyright 2023 by Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX 76132-4110

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ACADEMICS BRIGHTLY SHINING | PAGE8 COMMUNITY IMPACT TACKING GLOBAL ISSUES | PAGE18 WHAT IS AUTHENTIC EDUCATION? | PAGE22 FINDING THEIR VOICES | PAGE33

ALUMNI GROW YOUR TROJAN CONNECTIONS | PAGE52

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A LEGACY PASSED DOWN | PAGE54

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CLASS NOTES | PAGE56 CLASS OF 1983’S 4OTH REUNION | PAGE70

THE ARTS LOWER SCHOOL’S ART STUDIO | PAGE14

ATHLETICS TROJANS IN SAN DIEGO | PAGE28

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EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION FUTURE-FOCUSED | PAGE11

GLOBAL EDUCATION WHERE INNOVATION MEETS AUTHENTICITY | PAGE36

INSIDE THE ARCHES HEAD OF SCHOOL: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS AUTHENTICITY | PAGE4 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE | PAGE5 THE HEART OF TVS AUXILIARY PROGRAMS | PAGE21 A YEAR OF SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH | PAGE24 CELEBRATING TRADITIONS IN PARENTS’ CLUB | PAGE40 ANNUAL FUND: INVEST IN EXCELLENCE | PAGE43 ANNUAL FUND DOLLARS AT WORK | PAGE44 2022-2023 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT | PAGE45 FUELING THE FUTURE | PAGE46 2023-2024 FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES | PAGE49

ON THE COVER: Sebbie Nagel ’33 and Evelyn Winter ’33 learned to use Blockly coding on the iPad in the STEAM Lab! Students had to come up with their own program for coding OzoBots, including making them light up, say something, and make different movements. Sebbie and Evelyn worked to run their programs in tandem!

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL tvs.org

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E TVS H E A D O F S C H O O L

WHERE INNOVATION MEETS AUTHENCITY Dear Trojans, I invite you to step into the latest issue of Trojan Voice, where we embark on a journey through the corridors of possibility. In this issue we explore the multifaceted opportunities of Trinity Valley School’s learning environment, guided by our forward-thinking students, faculty, staff, and administration.

BLAIR R. LOWRY Head of School

Within these pages we celebrate the authentic educational experience and the boundless potential of our students, from the youngest learners to our seniors. At TVS we are steadfast in our commitment to nurturing a future-focused mindset that spans our rich learning landscape.

Our stories unfold against the backdrop of a vigorous curriculum, global awareness, and essential life skills that prepare our students for the dynamic world that awaits them.

Within these pages we celebrate the authentic educational experience and the boundless potential of our students, from the youngest learners

Across campus this fall we to our seniors. At TVS we are steadfast are having deep discussions about Artificial Intelligence in our commitment to nurturing a and its impact on education future-focused mindset that spans our and the wider world. While we examine this exciting rich learning landscape. and sometimes daunting technology, we are also fully engaged with our natural world. Our TOE experiences provide moments of wonder from the kindergarten fossil hunt to the eighth-grade voyage to our nation’s capital and outdoor adventures in Maryland. Closer to home, it is harvest season for our garden. Children are pulling up squash, peppers, and even a few melons!

Inside our classrooms, on the playing fields, and on every Trojan adventure, we are looking to the future. Excitement abounds!

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE EILEEN FORD, DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION In this issue, you will learn about just a few of the many ways that TVS faculty are preparing our students with the skills that will differentiate them and empower them to lead in an ever-changing world. As Artificial Intelligence capabilities grow, our faculty’s expertise in helping students discover and explore their passions and the intrinsic joy of learning becomes more critical than ever.

Often when we think of innovation at Trinity Valley School, we think of the incredible opportunities that our STEAM and Computer Science faculty provide for our students. Their work ensures our students will be prepared with the technical skills and computational thinking they’ll need for the future. However, because of the ever-evolving technology landscape, all of our faculty and staff are involved in reflection on how we can innovate our processes and our approaches, and only some innovation requires technology!

Through authentic learning experiences, our students develop curiosity, a spirit of collaboration, problem solving skills, and their own voice that no technology can ever replace. With these skills and ethics, developed in partnership with our families, our students will be empowered to leverage technology to make a positive impact in our world.

Innovation is an intentional commitment to reflect and thoughtfully iterate consistently based on a futurefocused vision. Even as technology evolves, some of the most important skills to be able to leverage it successfully are distinctly non-technical: curiosity, critical thinking,

analysis, collaboration, and communication. Our faculty are building these skills with our students daily, with and without the use of technology.

Faculty are also exploring and implementing tools that provide students with learning opportunities customized to each student’s individual areas for growth. This innovation allows faculty to gain insight into students’ academic needs more quickly, so that time can be invested back into relationship-building, more personalized instruction, and deeper learning.

The faculty are not the only ones innovating at TVS! The Security Team has implemented more effective, consistent communication systems across campus, as well as a new tool that allows us to more quickly account for students in a drill or emergency. Our Advancement team has focused on automating data flows between systems.

These improvements have given them back twenty-eight days worth of time to invest back into personal and meaningful engagement with TVS parents, alumni, and donors. Similarly, the Admissions and Enrollment team has implemented a new system that automates tasks that were previously completed manually to allow for more time to spend with our prospective families.

As we look to the future and commit to continued innovation, we continue to honor the School’s mission which espouses not only fine scholarship but also intelligent citizenship. Both of these tenets are vital in all of our pursuits, and especially so as we model for our students how best to incorporate technological innovations into their own lives and into the world at large.

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Mrs. Bode works with Ashton Finkelstein ’30 in Global Studies

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ˮ

In STEAM class, I want students to embrace their ‘mistakes’ and not see them as something negative.

Each week, we highlight an invention that happened completely by ‘mistake.’ Students start to look for

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ways to turn their own ‘mistakes’ into something creative,meaningful, and beautiful.

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– PAM KAHUDA

Innovation, to me, is about fostering a culture where students are empowered to unleash their

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problem-solving abilities using fresh approaches and unconventional thinking.

– ROBIN BURROUGHS

INNOVATION TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

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TVS L O W E R S C H O O L

BRIGHTLY SHINING SANDY MCNUTT, HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

In the Lower School at Trinity Valley School, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to instilling exceptional character in our children. From the very beginning of their journey with us, we lay the foundation for these attributes to blossom. Our ultimate aspiration is that these values will stay with them throughout their time at TVS and radiate into our broader community and beyond. We believe that character refines individuals into exceptional human beings, and we seek those precious moments when our students authentically embody and set examples of sincere goodness.

In this edition of Trojan Voice, we are proud to showcase a few of the remarkable qualities that define certain aspects of great character within our students. These qualities encompass appreciation, compassion, friendship,

creative thinking, and leadership. Those genuine, unscripted moments when our students shine brightly truly delight us. Each is a small moment, unassumingly carried out in everyday life by our children.

The actions on the following pages may seem small in scope yet are huge in rewards, each one magnified by the dozens and dozens of other acts of character our TVS students exhibit daily. Adults did not orchestrate these; all were spontaneous acts of great character from within our children. We believe that our students will take concepts taught, wisdom imparted, and values shared and infuse them in their actions so that they are carried out in real-life situations in an automatic and genuine way. These moments and dozens more examples seen daily at TVS solidify our belief that our children can change the world for good.

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Appreciation

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When we talk about appreciation, one attribute we stress is always to leave a place better than you found it. A powerful testament to their belief in this thought is Ryane and Taylor's actions. They saw a need and took charge. The girls took it upon themselves to clean up all the litter left behind after a soccer game. Their thoughts were, "We didn't want to leave it for someone else to clean."

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TVS FOURTH GRADERS RYANE AND TAYLOR SHOW APPRECIATION:

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THE FIFTH-GRADE "CURB GREETERS" MODEL COMPASSION: When our Middle School helpers greet our families in the morning, we charge them with noticing the needs of those children arriving early in the mornings. We ask them to anticipate needs and jump in and help. One curb greeter saw a Pre-K child in need and extended a helping hand, saying, "I needed help once, too."

COMPassion

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CHRISTOPHER AND NOAH, LOWER SCHOOL HEROES, DEMONSTRATE FRIENDSHIP:

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FRIENDship And Inclusivity

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Two Lower School boys approached a student sitting alone at a Friday night football game, introducing themselves as Christopher and Noah and inviting the student to join their game. "He looked like he wanted to play, too." This is a story of two boys genuinely living out what they have been taught: noticing others and stepping in to help.

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TVS L O W E R S C H O O L

Ashley Foster, Salvador Garcia, Devyn Johnson, Larissa Sosa, Ryane DeCet, and Odette Moncrief

FOURTH-GRADE TOE ADVENTURERS PRACTICE CREATIVITY: We teach our

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students that creativity is thinking or acting in ways different from what others have done in the past. We encourage them to use their minds to develop unique ideas, step outside their comfort zone, and look at different possibilities. How exciting, on a recent TOE outing, to see fourth graders put this value into action. Through collaboration, problem-solving, and generating ideas, they crafted ideas, wrote lyrics, created rhythm, devised musical instruments, and performed their song before their peers. They took the aspects of creativity and created a true masterpiece.

creativity

BUDDIES LEADING BUDDIES REPRESENT LEADERSHIP: There are many benefits to our Buddy System at TVS,

a few of which are watching our older students sharing our mission, building relationships, encouraging academics, and being a listener for our younger Trojans. However, one of the most significant outcomes of our Buddy System is to observe our Middle School students as they lead by example.

Following them as they grow in leadership is remarkable to watch. A conversation was overheard between an eighth and a second grader that showed real leadership. "Tell me about yourself. The more we know about each other, the more we can understand each other." Nuggets of wisdom shared between buddies - awesome.

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TVS T O E

FUTURE-FOCUSED IN EXPERIENTAL EDUCATION SZALAN ELLIS, DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

SZALAN ELLIS Seven years ago, I sat in my room packing my bag to prepare for my first TOE trip. I was excited, nervous, and full of anticipation as to how the trip would go. Though I had many years of experience in the field of education as a classroom teacher, tutor, and facilitator, I was new to the TVS community, and I didn’t really know what to expect. Upon arrival, I was greeted by excitement and smiles from not only the children, but all the faculty on the trip. The fact that this was a school event blew my mind. It was so drastically different from anything I had ever experienced previously. The next few days were spent talking to kids and helping them achieve their potential by overcoming their fear of rappelling from a 30-foot cliff. And as impressed as I was with the perseverance of the children, I was even more moved by the encouragement and support that came from their teachers. What an incredible way to build relationships with students. I knew right away that this was a program I wanted to be a part of. To play a role in fostering these relationships is such a gift. After serving as the Assistant Director of Experiential Education for the past couple years, I am proud to step in as Director and ensure that the program continues to grow.

ELLEN JACOBS ’14 Seventeen years ago, I embarked on my first TOE trip during my fifth-grade year, which also marked my first year at TVS. A few weeks into the school year, I packed my overnight bag and set off to Sky Ranch with 60 classmates, including 19 newcomers. Over the course of three days, we enjoyed activities like swimming, hiking, and team-building exercises. We even had our inaugural class-wide flag football tournament. I recall feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement at the outset, but by the trip's end, I had had an absolute blast.

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TVS T O E

Returning to school the following Monday was a much more comfortable experience due to the connections I had forged with my new classmates the previous week. Over the next couple of years, the Class of 2014 explored various destinations, including Camp Eagle, Enchanted Rock, Big Bend (where we encountered a historic blizzard that left our jeans frozen), Washington D.C., and the Texas coast. While I might not have considered returning to a summer camp, I eagerly anticipated being old enough for TOE Select trips. I had the privilege of visiting New Mexico with TOE twice, as well as traveling to Costa Rica and Austria through optional summer programs.

Since moving back to Texas and reconnecting with some of my TVS friends years after graduating, it has been awesome to reminisce about our TOE adventures and discuss how TOE has evolved while retaining its core essence. Despite the changes over the years, one thing remains constant – the smiles and belly laughs that my classmates and I share when we reflect on our time spent on TOE trips with Trinity Valley.

grade. The screened-in shelters at this park provide a natural bridge between their night on campus in third grade and tent camping in fifth grade.

• Second grade moved its trip from the end of the school year to the beginning to give teachers an earlier opportunity to build foundational relationships with their students.

• In the last few years, we have been spending more time with the Lower School in and out of their classrooms. Working alongside teachers, we integrate learning objectives in fun, hands-on ways. There is

TOE has been an iconic part of TVS history, but just as the School continues to change, so does TOE. The trips that some of our alumni remember now look a little (or a lot!) different. We are constantly adjusting and reworking the trips

Please note, the above introductions were written independently, yet there exists a clear cohesion among the impressions the TOE program left on both of us.

Ellen and I entered the TOE world at very different ages and times in the program’s history. She was a student, and I was hired to help facilitate climbing; yet, what we gained from the experience was remarkably similar. TOE has been an iconic part of TVS history, but just as the School continues to change, so does TOE. The trips that some of our alumni remember now look a little (or a lot!) different. We are constantly adjusting and reworking the trips to make sure we are offering our students a completely immersive and valuable experience. Here are some of the changes to anticipate in each division: Changes in Lower School • T his year, fourth grade has taken on the Mineral Wells trip that was previously reserved for fifth

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to make sure we are offering our students a completely immersive and valuable experience. so much curiosity and passion at this age, and we love that we are able to be a part of this important time in these young Trojans' lives.

• We are in the process of launching a leadership program in the Lower School where we will help fourth graders learn how to be leaders. We will meet regularly to help build the skills needed to be effective leaders.

Changes in Middle School •T his year, fifth grade went to El Tesoro for the first

TVS T O E

Left to right: Our 4th graders experienced their first overnight TOE trip where they kayaked, adventure raced, and did a science/art rotation. The temperature may have been 99 degrees for 5th grade TOE, but students still had a fantastic three days of camping and activities. We had our first-ever Camp Trojan with 9th grade as school was starting! Students spent two days getting to know their fellow classmates and teachers through teambuilding activities, ropes courses, games, and kayaking. Follow us on Instagram @tvstoe

time and spent three days camping in tents. Not only was it their first time at this location, but it was also the first time we have had fifth graders stay in a tent on a TOE trip.

relaxed setting. Our goal for this trip is to build a community for the students and teachers and help them learn about the culture and expectations of the Upper School.

• I n all Middle School grade levels, TOE is working to make our presence more known in the classroom.

One way we are doing this is by actively involving ourselves in the Skills For Tomorrow class, book club, and Selectives. We are working alongside teachers more deliberately to help build skills that will serve the students both in and outdoors.

• Tenth grade is finally getting a TOE trip! We know that the junior year comes with a large workload, so this trip has been designed to be a self-care retreat.

Students will travel to El Tesoro in Granbury, Texas where they will spend three days learning coping skills to help alleviate the stresses that might come along with a busy year.

Changes in Upper School

• W hile this is not a new relationship, TOE continues to work very closely with Dr. Philip Taylor’s classes to bring ideas to life. Some examples include creating and printing animal tracks that are used with the Lower School to help identify native animal tracks, a platform for balance blocks which is used in a teambuilding exercise, 3D printing of trails and their elevation changes, puzzles for group activities, and so much more.

For the first time ever, we are excited to introduce a TOE trip in every grade. Although the new trips in the Upper School might not seem like a “traditional” TOE trip, a great deal of thought has been put into determining what our students need at each grade level and how we can help them utilize this time in a way that is beneficial to them.

• T he ninth-grade trip was moved to the two days leading up to the first day of school. The intention behind this trip is to help the freshmen feel more at ease about going to a new division of the School where the daily routine looks a bit different. At this grade, we have a large number of new students entering TVS, and this helps to create an environment where they can get to know classmates and faculty in a more

There is a beauty that comes with being in nature.

To step away from the stresses of life and just listen to silence can be incredibly powerful. As our students work hard to prepare for the many adventures that their futures hold, we hope they will always remember to look back and apply the skills they learned, the memories they made, and the experiences they had on their TOE trips.

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TVS F I N E A R T S

LOWER SCHOOL’S ART STUDIO LAURA ST. JOHN, LOWER SCHOOL ART TEACHER Lower School students explore the Elements of Art through a variety of mediums, including paint, pastel, collage, chalk, textiles, clay, and more. They study influential artists, different cultures, children’s literature, and design careers along the way. The Lower School Art Studio gives students a space to push the boundaries and express themselves creatively!

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3 1 H enna Hands Blake Sangalli, 4th grade 2 Henna Hands Taylor DeCet, 4th grade 3 R ollercoaster Madeline Pekarev, 4th grade

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4 O p Art Hand Brady Knudsen, 3rd grade 5 Op Art Hand Yulia Zhang, 3rd grade 6 S elf Portrait Noah Olson, 3rd grade 7 O p Art Hand Patrick Murrey, 3rd grade

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8 P laid Puppy Hank Rosenthal, 2nd grade 9 A rt Tools Vivienne Ungar, 2nd grade 10 P laid Bunny Kaavya Satish, 2nd grade 11 J ellyfish Morgan Doswell, 2nd grade

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12 Space Dylan Mortimer, 1st grade 13 Line Lion Amelia Muckleroy, 1st grade 14 Bug on a Rug Millie Radcliffe, 1st grade 15 I f the Dinos Came Back Marion Bebee, 1st grade

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TVS M I D D L E S C H O O L

COMMUNITY IMPACT TACKLING GLOBAL ISSUES JULIE KNUDSEN, HEAD OF MIDDLE SHOOL

Last school year, eighth-grade American Studies teachers Dr. Ed Wood and Mr. Ryan Ellis spearheaded a new student project that incorporated traditional curricular concepts with hands-on experience. With a focus on service, the Capstone Project included research, writing, and reflection in an innovative approach to developing intelligent citizenship in our students.

To kick off the project, eighth-grade students were charged with identifying some of the most pressing issues our world is facing today. The focus then shifted to how these challenges are manifesting in our own Fort Worth community. After considering various issues, including

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homelessness, food insecurity, sustainable fashion, and gender inequality, students chose which topic they were most interested in exploring further.

In Community Impact time, eighth graders then met in groups of two or three with others who were committed to further exploration of the same issue. From there, students engaged in research to better understand the history of the matter as well as its impact in Fort Worth.

With a vested interest in the challenges related to their selected topic, students were then charged with becoming active in responding to this need in Fort Worth. Our eighth graders volunteered their time and

TVS M I D D L E S C H O O L

demonstrated great efforts at local organizations and nonprofits, including the Presbyterian Night Shelter, Fort Worth City Council, and Tarrant Area Food Bank. We even had some students engage with our own Technology Department here on campus.

Under the guidance of Dr. Wood and Mr. Ellis, students then wrote individual research papers to share their findings as well as their understanding of the topic and its impact on our local community, state, and nation.

Each student’s writing explored a different aspect of the group topic.

As a group, students offered both visual and oral presentations of their project in a Capstone Fair, which was open to all in our TVS community. Presentations

included key ideas from their research as well as personal experiences from their volunteer work.

To conclude the project, students reflected on what they learned, what made them proud, where they struggled, and what they would do differently next time.

Our hope is that through the Capstone Project, eighthgrade students not only honed important skills related to their coursework in American Studies, but also developed a broader understanding of our world and the profound impact they can make through awareness and action.

We hope you can join us for this year’s Capstone Fair on Thursday, April 25!

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TVS M I D D L E S C H O O L

On the heels of such a successful first

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Project, Middle School faculty have engaged in a program evaluation of community service.

Through the evaluation, we are considering how best to align the

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School, including those in Skills for Tomorrow, sixth-grade Global Studies, and connections with our buddies across campus. With the goal of the Capstone Project being a true culmination of service learning in the Middle School, we are excited to scaffold and build on these powerful experiences to

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Trinity Valley School Auxiliary Programs Vision Statement

THE HEART OF TVS AUXILIARY PROGRAMS DEREK REINHOLD, DIRECTOR OF AUXILIARY PROGRAMS

In keeping with the mission and philosophy of Trinity Valley School, our Auxiliary Programs exist to develop our students’ wide constructive interests by expanding and enriching their academic, creative, and athletic horizons. TVS Auxiliary Programs aim to develop upstanding and empathetic leaders by building authentic partnerships with the Fort Worth community, creating meaningful opportunities for TVS faculty and students to learn and serve, and co-constructing solutions to needs in the community.

“Why do we offer auxiliary programming at Trinity Valley School?” Here at TVS Auxiliary Programs, our team constantly returns to our “Why” to help us focus on the heart of our department’s work. Simply put, we offer auxiliary programs (XPLORE: Summer at TVS camps, Enrichment after-school programs, TVS Dance classes, extended-day childcare, community engagement initiatives, and – newly – “special programs”) because we believe that the development of the whole child extends beyond the traditional school day.

Often, these programs are offered in conjunction with other departments and divisions of Trinity Valley School, and they follow irregular scheduling patterns, compared to our formal Enrichment programming. Examples this fall include two week-long exploratory pickleball clinics for TVS Middle School students and their parents. It is important to us that we provide students an opportunity to try this popular sport without committing to a full-semester program for now, but our hope is that these clinics will blossom into full Enrichment programs soon!

For our team to authentically live out our “why” and to provide as many high-quality opportunities as possible, we have deeply contemplated our processes in the past year. A recent public-facing innovation has been the more effective use of the School’s existing technological platforms to streamline information flow and make our programs more accessible to families at TVS and beyond. We now utilize our CampBrain-powered registration platform year-round to manage participant information across seasons, releasing families from the need to re-enter basic information for every new set of programs and enabling us to maintain historical registration records. We have repurposed our suite of websites to help families access information around the clock, and our seasonal online catalogs have been reformatted to provide program information organized by both grade level and day of the week. We want families to feel like they can easily engage in the awesome experiences offered by our instructors and childcare providers, so their children benefit from these growth opportunities.

Such innovations allow our team to focus on the heart of our department’s work – developing the whole child outside of the school day – while offering more experiences than ever before at a high level of quality.

This fall, we launched a brand-new category of opportunities – “special programs” – to expand our after-school work and to serve as an innovation hub for future programming.

Moving forward, we will continue to live out our “why” by viewing our work from both local and national perspectives.

We are proud to say that TVS is now an official member of the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative (SPARC), our department’s administrators regularly meet with an informal DFW auxiliary directors’ network, and our team now utilizes the resources of the National Business Officers Association (NBOA). These organizations provide direct benefits to TVS Auxiliary Programs through regular conferences and webinars, exposure to the latest research, and sharing of best practices among schools around the nation.

If you haven’t already, we invite you to join us for a program or two and see how we employ sustainable innovation to continually improve and expand the experiences we offer to our children to help them grow and develop their skills beyond the school day!

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TVS U P P E R S C H O O L

WHAT IS AUTHENTIC EDUCATION? KYLE KAHUDA, HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Those who have heard me talk about my vision for the Upper School know that authentic education is a priority goal of mine. While “authentic” can mean different things to different people, in my definition of authentic education the design, content, and target skills of the educational experience are relevant to and consistent with those valued and prioritized in the world/culture for which we are trying to prepare our students.

If that is the goal, what does authentic education look like?

• Each experience, lesson, activity, or assessment is designed with that goal in mind.

2. “Mock,” simulated, or practice experiences that are designed to closely mimic the work done daily by professionals in a broad variety of fields, which can include but are not limited to: debates; symposia; “tabletop” exercises and simulations; analysis and reenactment Authentic Education: The design, of court cases; design of content, and target skills of the business plans; presentations and projects; and problems, educational experience are relevant prompts, or questions that require students to to and consistent with those analyze and interpret realvalued and prioritized in the world/ world examples or original documents in order to reach culture for which we are trying a solution or create work that exhibits an understanding of to prepare our students. contextual frameworks.

• Traditional methods and strategies (typically understood as featuring an active teacher and passive students) are not abandoned, but instead students are provided the necessary context to allow them to see the relevance of the content, activity, or skill in the world of today and that of tomorrow.

• Authentic education features heavy use of experiential opportunities that bear very obvious and direct connection to development of the knowledge and skills useful today and into the future. Experiential education can take many forms, but in all cases puts the student at the center of the activity as the active participant instead of a passive one.

Experiential opportunities can be: A hands-on or student-centered simulation of a task or activity done by professionals and practitioners of that academic discipline or related professional field, such as:

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1. Laboratory and field experiments and simulations that require students to collect, analyze, and interpret real scientific data.

3. Experiences that put students into an academic, creative, or professional situation where they are doing authentic and/ or original work that will be experienced, critiqued, or utilized by people outside of the classroom environment, including: • Entrepreneurial/design-thinking projects that result in a tangible product or solution to a real-world problem.

• Participation in performing arts productions, either as a performer or technical crew member.

• Creation of original works in the visual arts for critique and/or display.

• Original academic research.

• Computer coding and/or design/fabrication projects that utilize existing knowledge and tools to create novel solutions to real-world problems.

TVS U P P E R S C H O O L

• Internships, externships, or apprenticeships that give students the opportunity to observe, participate in, and contribute to real, authentic, adult work.

4. Experiences that put students into novel situations that can facilitate the building of skills, attitudes, and competencies that can better equip them to exist productively, responsibly, and with personal fulfillment in the broader world, such as: • Dedicated experiential programs like Trojan Outdoor Experience.

• Global Education opportunities like travel, hosting, and virtual exchanges.

• Participation in team athletics, dance, musical and dramatic ensembles, and other collaborative enterprises that build both individual skill and capacity to work well and productively with others.

•E ncounters and programming that lead to development of intelligent citizenship and a personal framework for understanding, appreciating, and valuing the diversity of background, identity, belief, and thought that exists in all organizations and communities.

• Programming, space to explore, and support for all aspects of student health and well-being.

• Study and practice towards proficiency and fluency in a non-native or heritage language.

WHAT ABOUT AI? IS ANY OF THIS INNOVATIVE? Excellent education in the 21st century is found in the effective blending of what works best in current practice with what is innovative and designed to meet the needs of students today. Perhaps little discussed in the examples of authentic and experiential education above is innovative or novel, in a standalone sense, but the ways in which each is implemented can be. The space for true innovation in authentic education is in the answers to the following questions: • How are traditional educational approaches and strategies rationalized and contextualized for students in order to remain relevant and engaging in a changing world?

• W hat structures such as staffing, schedules, policies, and courses are created and/or optimized to help traditional and experiential strategies mix together gracefully, effectively, and cohesively?

• How are partnerships with the broader community utilized, support gained, and programs implemented in ways that simultaneously support the mission and values of the school and exist within established logistical, temporal, and financial constraints?

How can cutting-edge, innovative tools in technology such as Artificial Intelligence be used in ways that truly support authentic education?

Both at this moment and into the future, beneficial use of generative AI tools like large language models (Chat GPT, etc.) will center on tools and strategies that can help us reduce or eliminate time and energy spent on mundane tasks that do not advance our learning goals for students.

Essential considerations for educators include: • L esson/Assessment Design: If an activity or assessment can be effectively completed by an Artificial Intelligence or large language model tool, has that activity/assessment been designed in a manner that truly advances our educational goals for our students?

• Desired Outcome: AI tools are sufficient in some cases for generating a product that meets a certain set of desired attributes and conditions. That said, these tools cannot: ° Produce a truly novel and authentic solution or product, as every output is by nature a derivative mashup of preexisting thought and writing. ° Provide a student with the benefits of having a true experiential education, as experiential opportunities are perhaps more valuable for the practice with process they provide than they are for the product at the end.

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TVS E Q U I T Y , I N C L U S I O N , A N D C O M M U N I T Y

A YEAR OF SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH DR. TREVON R. JONES, DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY

EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY STATEMENT: In pursuit of educational excellence, we believe fine scholarship and intelligent citizenship are best achieved in a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community where every person experiences a strong sense of belonging. We commit to teaching and learning in a way that develops students to be upstanding and empathetic leaders to shape a more hopeful world.

The commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Community (EIC) at Trinity Valley School is deeply rooted in the School’s history and mission. Our EIC work during the 20222023 school year was a testament to the dedication and collective effort of the entire Trojan community and exemplifies the shared responsibility in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Based on deep reflection and discussion around the state of the campus, the EIC goals for 20222023 focused on three areas of need: 1. Communication and Connection: Intentional and ongoing communication about our EIC work 2. A lignment of Policies and Practices: Evaluate policies and practices to ensure they are reflective of our commitment to EIC 3. Intentional Programming: Prioritize programming to help every person feel seen, heard, and valued This past year, in the area of Communication and Connection, efforts were made to regularly and transparently share EIC initiatives with families and the wider community.

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Additionally, admissions practices were enhanced to convey the School’s dedication to equity, inclusion, and community.

What lies ahead is just as exciting as what has been accomplished. Some of the work to come is designed to: • Increase diversity in the admissions pipeline by consistently communicating our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community • Create and sustain institutional partnerships with diverse organizations to benefit the people and programs at TVS • Continue to embed/intertwine EIC into programming as opposed to “standalone” engagements The Alignment of Policies and Practices team aimed in 2022-2023 to evaluate existing policies and practices to ensure they reflect the School’s commitment to EIC. School leaders worked to develop systems to ensure all employees have access to an inclusive environment, to embed an EIC lens at each step of the hiring process, and to update and revise written policy and data practices to reflect best practices in inclusive schools.

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TVS E Q U I T Y , I N C L U S I O N , A N D C O M M U N I T Y

Some of the work to come includes: • Increasing faculty and staff diversity through thoughtful and consistent hiring practices, partnership with community organizations, and active recruitment • Creating regular opportunities in the School calendar for short professional learning and cross-divisional connection • Standardizing a collaborative procedure for policy/practice additions, deletions, and revisions • Building systems to collect quantitative and qualitative data to consistently gauge the perspectives of community members and progress of EIC efforts • Increasing availability of preferred-language emergency notifications and email translation The Intentional Programming team prioritized creating an environment where every person feels seen, heard, and valued. Actions in this area included planning moments to foster connection and empathy across the community, teaching students skills to engage across differences, and providing opportunities for educators to learn more about equity and inclusion.

Some of the work to come: • In all areas, articulating a vertically aligned approach to EIC-related learning in formal and informal curriculum • Continuing to create opportunities for students to experience community across grade levels • Engaging student leadership more deeply in EIC work through Upper School clubs and Middle School committees • Strengthening and expanding affinity-group programming in the Upper School • Engaging parents, alumni, and trustees by developing EIC entry points that are valuable to the School and meaningful for participants • E nsuring the community is welcoming and accessible to new students, families, and faculty at all potential entry points • Developing transferable tools for faculty and staff to look at programming and policy through an EIC lens While substantial progress has been made, significant work ahead remains in all areas of the School. As TVS looks toward the future, we are excited about the opportunities to deepen the work and continue growing together.

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TVS E Q U I T Y , I N C L U S I O N , A N D C O M M U N I T Y

2022-2023 BY THE NUMBERS Number of times the entire student community gathered together this school year

Number of FWISD elementary students served

by TVS students on MLK Day of Service

EIC professional development opportunities offered on campus

Percent of faculty and staff that found their Spring EIC Professional Development Sessions valuable

Percent of employees that identify as people of color

Percent of students that identify as people of color

6 1339

23 93%

20% 21% TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

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TROJANS IN SAN DIEGO

Photo Credit: David Frerker

MICHAEL CARLSON ‘03, DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDIA

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Planning for the trip began during the 2022-2023 school year when Head Football Coach Matt Morrison approached the TVS Leadership Team about playing in the Honor Bowl. Morrison, a San Diego native, knew the significance of the Honor Bowl, having participated in a similar event when he was a coach at Punahou High School (Hawaii) in 2013. “It has always been important to me to provide our team with opportunities to bond and have experiences that bring them closer together away from the football field,” said Morrison. “Our mission as a program is to help all of the players build and develop positive qualities of character. The opportunity to travel out of state and participate in an event like the Honor Bowl was something that aligned very well with both of those objectives.”

Photo Credit: David Frerker

Trinity Valley School’s founder, Mr. Stephen Seleny, envisioned an environment for his students where learning and thinking could occur on a global stage.

The Trojan Athletics program, one of the main pillars of Trinity Valley School, within the last few years began traveling outside of the state of Texas and beyond the friendly confines of the Southwest Preparatory Conference. In late August/early September 2023, the Trojan football and girls’ volleyball teams had the chance to showcase their athletes in San Diego, California.

Photo Credit: David Frerker

TVS A T H L E T I C S

The trip started to come together when the girls’ volleyball program committed to its attendance in San Diego, as well. The girls scheduled individual games with La Jolla Country Day, Francis-Parker School, and the Bishops School, all similarly sized to Trinity Valley, and all with the same mission and belief in the student athlete as our own School's. Head Coach Crystal Dover remarked, “When the opportunity was presented for us to play and collaborate with volleyball teams from California while also touring colleges and the San Diego area, it was an easy YES! California is known for its competitive volleyball programs, and it was a great experience playing such high-level teams while bonding in an environment outside of our norm.”

While in San Diego, the two Trojan Athletics programs took the opportunity to visit University of California San Diego, San Diego University, and San Diego State University to learn more about the programs offered at each school.

Opposite page: Senior Tucker Howell leads the team onto the field This page top: Game MVP Ben Ngishu breaks into the open field for one of his three touchdowns Bottom: Third-year Head Coach Matt Morrison celebrates receiving the Honor Bowl trophy

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During the trip, the football team had the chance to visit the USS Midway Museum and Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base where the boys heard powerful stories from veterans and parents of fallen soldiers. As Coach Morrison commented, “We were able to expose them to three college campuses as well as offer the team-building opportunities that resulted from our experiences at the USS Midway Museum and at Camp Pendleton. Additionally, we heard from a guest speaker who came and spoke to our team at the hotel, and we enjoyed our post-game dinner at the beach. Those are the things that made the trip truly special.”

Volleyball competed hard in each game, but fell to all three teams, though the experience together was memorable.

According to Coach Dover, “The teams we played were similar to us but also very different. We had different styles of play as well as differing levels of experience, but every match was competitive and a great opportunity for growth for each team involved.”

Football defeated University City from San Diego 64-47. The game became the highest scoring game in the history of the event, which began in 2010, while also being a TVS record for Top: The girls volleyball team competing at La Jolla Country Day Bottom: TVS volleyball at the beach

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points scored in a game. Ben Ngishu was named game MVP and Carter Lea won the Character Award. “It was an incredible game from start to finish, and I’m extremely proud of the boys for the toughness and competitiveness they displayed the entire 48 minutes,” exclaimed Coach Morrison.

On Saturday night after the football game, the TVS students, coaches, and traveling families got a chance to visit Mission Beach and Belmont Park to eat. It was a well-deserved break at the end of the trip as the group had been going at a breakneck pace since it touched down in San Diego Wednesday evening.

Early Sunday morning, tired, groggy, and content, the teams boarded a flight back to Fort Worth. The following week, the students and coaches returned to school with new memories made, thankful for the experience they just had.

“The result of the game was wonderful, but as I reflect back on the trip, I know that the off-field experiences that we had as a group are what stand out the most, and I know that all of the players feel the same way as well,” said Morrison.

“What makes me even prouder, though, is the way in which they conducted themselves and represented Trinity Valley Top: The girls volleyball team competing at La Jolla Country Day Middle: Hannah Timson, Caroline Huseman, and Meghan Clark at the University of San Diego Bottom: Students visit the University of San Diego

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TVS A T H L E T I C S

School for the entire experience. To receive so much positive feedback from everyone associated with the Honor Bowl about how pleased they were to have us there and to witness the class with which our players conducted themselves was one of the most gratifying moments I’ve had as a coach. I am so thankful to the administration and Leadership Team at TVS for allowing our team the opportunity to make so many life-lasting memories.”

Clockwise from top: TVS volleyball coaches and Athletic Trainer Carrie Morrison on Mission Beach | The girls volleyball team poses with the varsity team from The Bishops School | Football players experiencing the memorials at Camp Pendleton

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TVS U P P E R S C H O O L

FINDING THEIR VOICES STEVI SCHUKNECHT, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING When I support a student in editing a college application essay and we have arrived at a final draft, I often ask, “Will you be proud to submit this with your application? Does it reflect you?” If the student cannot answer yes to both these questions, we go back to the drawing board. Authenticity in the college application process is paramount, and it is the only way to approach the process successfully. My goal in working with each student is that the individual shines from every document in the application. Across the senior class, the applications are as different as the students themselves.

application process, a student does not always need more adults saying what to do or giving advice. Most often, that student needs to spend more time learning to articulate aspects of their own identity and values and learning to express what they want in their college experience. That can be difficult, especially for students who trust and respect the adults around them and want to make them proud. Often, students can easily get lost somewhere between representing their authentic selves and attending to the people they hope to please.

The need for students to represent themselves authentically has never been The question, “What does more poignant. The US the college want?” is often the ... the students who are Supreme Court decision in wrong one to ask. Instead, attractive to colleges are ones June removed race from the the student should ask, “Does factors colleges can consider in this reflect me?” What the that can articulate their own admissions. In this admissions college wants varies from school to school and is usually priorities and interests, reflect cycle, we are seeing that students are now called upon to some combination of a strong academic record, community on their strengths and growth, represent their own perspectives and qualities learned through involvement, a solid essay, and characterize their own personal experience, often as and well-articulated interests. unique perspectives based on they relate to their race, culture, However, very often, the or other factors. Students who students who are attractive their life experiences. could summarize some part to colleges are ones that can of their identity by checking a articulate their own priorities box in the past, now must articulate a more complex and interests, reflect on their strengths and growth, and depiction of their experiences. For seniors, summarizing characterize their own unique perspectives based on their experiences and resulting perspectives and then their life experiences. Students who know themselves translating those into their potential contribution to a well–their authentic selves–are often the most successful campus is a demanding and self-reflective exercise – one in the application process. Why? It is because they can that would be challenging for most adults – and there easily explain what they are looking for in their college is no right answer. The only one that will work is the experience. They can help the reader of their application one that is authentic and related to concrete aspects imagine them on the campus by articulating how they in a student’s life. Over the past few years, I have had would fit at the institution, or they can easily relate students who could articulate well their authentic their own values (which, if they have done adequate identities. Below are a few of them, summarized perhaps college research, are reflected in the institutions where too briefly: they have chosen to apply). In a successful college

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• a hopeful chemical engineer who flipped athletic shoes and studied the innovative chemical compounds making up the material in their soles to improve athletic performance • a lover of politics and philosophy who filled journal after journal with interesting quotes from philosophers, thoughts about the world, and his own future political speeches • an environmental enthusiast who used only green beauty products and bought only vintage clothing • a competitive equestrian rider and voracious reader of classic books who dreamed of being a large-animal veterinarian and pursued double degrees in biology and English • a determined, personable student with a learning difference applying to a dance science program with plans to become a physical therapist • an accomplished academic who could not decide between theatre and computer science so studied both What do these students have in common? Not much.

The only unifying factor is that they all aspired to higher education and thrived on their (different) campuses. In no

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TVS U P P E R S C H O O L

particular order, those campuses were, St. John’s College (MD), Colorado State University, the University of Chicago, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Rhodes College.

Now these people are all in different places, graduated from college, and all living successful adult lives. What they did have in common was that they all knew who they were. They could articulate what they wanted out of their college experience, and all of them found success–as they defined it. I don’t believe this is because of their relative competitive edge in the applicant pool.

In fact, many of these students were not top students in their class. However, each of them was fully self-aware and could articulate what made them different from their classmates. Each thrived in the college admissions process, and later in college, because each had taken the time (and been given the space) to learn to articulate their own hopes, dreams, and identities. To do this, students might ask themselves the questions: How do I want to learn (or how do I learn best)? What is the context in which I want to live? What do I hope to contribute to and glean from my college community? What perspective can I bring? What do I still need to learn? The answers to these questions help shape the college admissions process, but too often the answers for these questions are supplied by the people around the student, not the individual student.

what one understands and what remains to be learned.

Hamilton College agreed and has carried this school motto – Know Thyself – for over 200 years.

How do we do this? We ask the students questions and listen. We refrain from giving them answers, but instead give them tools to explore their options and arrive at answers themselves. We affirm that their own answers have merit. For a student who is about to venture off into the world, what better gift can we give than the confidence to thrive in their own skin and trust their inner compass? The college admissions process is a training ground for making major decisions through selfreflection, thorough research, and established personal priorities. The confidence a student can gain from this exercise is profound. At TVS, we can help them cut out the noise and engage their authentic selves. It’s only then that a student can confidently answer the question, “Does this reflect you?” when looking at that finished essay. That confidence is the type this young person will need in the next chapter of life. And in our office, we relish the swagger they gain as they all discover a bit more of themselves every day.

In the current admissions landscape, some students have to fight for their authentic voice. It is not uncommon for adults in a student’s life to determine college lists and what constitutes value in a particular choice (school, major, or other); these adults can decide how much effort a student puts into various aspects of the college application including essays and standardized testing.

In some instances, the adult actually does the work for the student. Sadly, in some cases, a student gives up on finding or asserting their voice because they feel they won’t be heard, internalizing the notion that decisions about their future should be left to the experts and that they do not have the maturity or self-awareness to determine their own best path.

Collectively, our community can send students a different message–one that affirms that their identity, and their understanding of it, matters. As a community, we can encourage students to know who they are and to articulate what is important to them. As Socrates believed, the first step to true wisdom is to “know thyself.” Only then, he believed, could one appreciate

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TVS G L O B A L E D U C A T I O N

WHEN INNOVATION MEETS AUTHENTICITY IN GLOBAL EDUCATION DR. MICHAEL ROEMER, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL EDUCATION

As Director of Global Education, my job is to connect all 1,030+ students and their teachers with people from other cultures. We do that through virtual exchanges and with in-person exchanges that bring global guests to our campus and take our students and staff abroad. Out of 96 schools, TVS is the only member of our accrediting body, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), with a Pre-K-12 Global Education Program that includes all its students annually. That was innovative when we initiated the program 12 years ago, and it remains far ahead of its peer schools today.

More than the numbers of exchanges we do and the uniqueness of our Pre-K-12 Program, I treasure the authentic ways in which we have been able to connect the TVS family with people around the world. I believe that my purpose — at TVS and in life — is to connect people. Each year, I strive to connect our teachers with resources and people that will support their teaching.

One example is our International Assistant Teachers (IATs) program. By partnering closely with universities in Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and elsewhere, we invite teachers-in-training to share their pedagogies and life experiences abroad with our students and faculty. Especially for the IATs who stay for six weeks, TVS students, their mentor-teachers, and the TVS families that home-host them often become close and form bonds that last beyond the IAT’s placement with us. I wrote about the legacy of these connections in last spring’s edition of Trojan Voice, and this summer a TVS This page: Dr. Ed Wood & Linda Wood at Lisa Peterson's wedding (Lisa is a Danish Assistant Teacher who taught with Ed & Ryan in 8th Humanities in 2020) | Opposite page top: Ed & Linda with Lisa | Second: Ed & Linda with Lisa Smith (Danish Assistant Teacher was hosted by Ed & Linda in 2022) Third: Ed & Linda with Signe Haugaard Betzer (Danish Assistant Teacher who taught with Ed & Ryan in 8th Humanities in 2019) Bottom: Amelia Daley ’26) with Virtual Host (2020) vacationing together in 2023—Amelia hosted Sophie in Oct 2023.

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TVS G L O B A L E D U C A T I O N

family and two TVS teachers spent time with former IATs in their home countries—wonderful examples of true friendship and lifelong global learning.

It also brings me joy to see our virtual exchanges foster authentic and lasting connections. Last year, for example, I was able to connect a former Danish IAT, Signe, with Tina Clayton’s fifthgrade classes for a year-long online exchange. Using Padlet, a platform that allows for text, pictures, and video exchanges, the students learned about each other’s daily life and cultures.

Specifically, the Danish students researched and wrote about Thanksgiving in the U.S. and the TVS students researched and wrote about Fastelavn, a major Danish holiday. All of that was asynchronous. However, in May we were able to arrange a live Zoom with all the students. As you can imagine, that morning was a highlight for many—at TVS and in Denmark.

Even better, Signe and our sixth-grade team have agreed to continue the online exchange with the same group of TVS and Danish students (plus new additions to our schools) this year. The continuation of this exchange of ways of life and ideas is exciting and paves the way for deeper, more authentic relationships between students at both schools. What began as an innovative in-person program, with Signe working as an IAT in our eighth-grade Humanities classes, expanded beyond our expectations into a multi-year online exchange that includes even more students.

Another online program unique to TVS was our Virtual Hosting program during the pandemic. Although I wondered whether the relationships between TVS families and families in Denmark, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan would develop beyond a few random meetings online, for some families, genuine friendships blossomed. Last year and this year, Virtual Hosts have become in-person hosts (TVS students hosted and have been hosted abroad by their Virtual Hosts), and one set of families even spent part of their vacations together in Mexico last summer!

In Global Education, when innovation meets authenticity, beautiful global friendships can form. Sometimes they are planned. Other times, they are serendipitous. At Trinity Valley, it is always exciting to see how the different connections we initiate with people across the globe lead to lessons and shared values that we learn from each other and diverse, lasting friendships.

For more examples, visit our Global Education web pages: bit.ly/TVSGlobalEd

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Marielle Kurkjian ’35 and Macey Garibay ‘35 explore the solar system on their iPads

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ˮ

Authentic Trojans begin to look for ways to serve this community outside of their normal roles and duties.

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A willingness to help wherever, whenever, whomever makes an Authentic Trojan!

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– BRIAN JOHNSTON

As a student and teacher of history, I have to think about the world my students will inherit in twentyfive years. What are the timeless values they must

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embrace to fulfill civil obligations, be it as future parents or professionals?

– LUIS TERRAZAS

PHILANTHROPY TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

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TVS P A R E N T S ' C L U B

CELEBRATING TRADITIONS WHILE EMBRACING WHAT'S TO COME TARA BIBB, PRESIDENT, TVS PARENTS’ CLUB The Parents’ Club kicked off the new school year with a full schedule of events and programs to support our TVS students, faculty, and staff while offering opportunities to involve and engage our TVS families.

Our 46-person Board plans activities that cater to our students, such as Lower School Fall Festival and Middle School Social. We also organize events for parents such as our Speaker Series and Auction. The Parents’ Club is always ready to support our teachers and staff. We do this through Teacher Appreciation Luncheons, holiday gift cards to all TVS employees, Grants For Greatness, and room parent positions. Some of our committees, such as TVS Cares, offer support to the entire TVS community, particularly when there is a member in need.

Celebrating Traditions While Embracing What’s to Come The Parents’ Club welcomed our families back to campus in August with the Back to School Fair. Chairs Casey Creager and Melissa Muyskens provided a festive atmosphere that overflowed with Trojan pride. The event included cheerleaders, the drumline, the spirit trailer, DJ, ice cream, and food trucks. “Despite the heat, the TVS community showed u,p breaking previous attendance records,” says Chair Casey Creager. “This is the best event to plan because the kids are so excited to meet their teachers and reunite with friends.” Middle School families also got a chance to see the highly anticipated refreshed classrooms and hallways.

This page top: Founder's Day Middle: Fall Festival Bottom: Back to School Fair

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TVS P A R E N T S ' C L U B

While we waited for the weather to feel like fall, we were busy with several autumn TVS traditions. In September, Parents’ Club Dining Hall Volunteer Chairs Mandy Kirwan and Chrissa Kumar pitched in to help Chef Erin, her staff, and a group of parent volunteers make 1,300 burger meals to feed our entire TVS family of students and staff for the Founders Day Picnic.

At the annual Lower School Fall Festival, Chairs Carlee Heiszek and Laura McMullen-Cormier welcomed our younger students and their families to “Fall into the Jungle.” Games, animal encounters, art stations, obstacle courses, neon putt-putt, and a chili cook-off were just some of the activities on this unforgettable evening. A special area was thoughtfully arranged with age-appropriate activities for our tiniest Trojans. Carlee and Laura incorporated the jungle theme and Creature Teacher as “a way to teach children about living animals and their environment, while highlighting conservation.”

Showing appreciation and gratitude to our teachers and staff is a top priority of the Parents’ Club. On parent-teacher conference day in October, Teacher Appreciation Chairs LaToyer Houston, Hollin McWilliams, and Claire de Vilder hosted a catered lunch and dessert thanks to the Parents’ Club and our generous volunteers. If you’d like to contribute a sweet treat, keep an eye out for our next Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in February.

Speaker Series Supports Parents in an Evolving World Through the TVS Speaker Series, the Parents' Club continues to pursue topics and discussions relevant to our roles as parents, educators, and members of a vibrant school community. This year’s topics feature a discussion on artificial intelligence in education, breaking free of “overparenting,” and the importance of self-care for parents.

Chair Whit Wolman explains, “Each topic and speaker was thoughtfully chosen based on the current issues that parents and students encounter throughout the School, regardless of age. We hope that one or more of the speakers appeal to all members of our community.”

Chairs Anne Wright and Whit Wolman also coordinate a small group coffee the day after each speaker as an

opportunity for parents to debrief and discuss. Speakers Series events do not require an RSVP and are open to all parents.

Speaker Series Line-Up Wednesday, November 15 - 6:30 p.m. | Black Box Theater “What Does A.I. Mean for Our Kids” Luyen Chou, Chief Learning Officer, U2 Inc. Wednesday, January 10 - 6:30 p.m. | Black Box Theater “How to Raise an Adult: Break Free from the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success” Julie Lythcott Haims, Author and former Dean of Freshman and Undergraduate Advising, Stanford University Friday, February 2 - 6:00 p.m. | Stephen Seleny Theater “Me First: The Science of Real Parent Self Care in the 21st Century” Dr. Kelly Jameson, Ph. D., LPC-S, Therapist and Speaker Grants and Goals for Tomorrow’s Success Grants for Greatness will award approximately $30,000 in grants to TVS teachers and staff members thanks to last year’s Gallery Night success. After funding the TVS Edible Garden expansion, the purchase of two Water Monster stations, and more last year, Grants for Greatness Chairs Katherine Wolman and Sarah Klein look forward to the creative requests they will receive to benefit students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Grants For Greatness Chair Katherine Wolman adds, "Our initiative is to enrich the overall TVS experience for our students through providing funding for additional projects for our faculty and staff.”

The Parents’ Club strives to meet the evolving needs of the School in the most efficient manner. We’ve made a few changes this year including the consolidation of some chair positions and creation of others. The Parents’ Club officers are working with TVS administration to rethink class fees given the changing needs of each grade level. In addition, given the success of our Speaker Series, we are exploring the creation of a Book Club.

Upcoming Dates: November 15 - Speaker Series, Luyen Chou: “What Does Artificial Intelligence Mean For Our Kids” January 9 - Open All-Parent Meeting, 6:30pm

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TVS P A R E N T S ' C L U B

January 10 - Speaker Series, Julie Lythcott Haims: “How to Raise an Adult: Break Free from the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success” February 2 - Middle School Social + Speaker Series, Dr. Kelly Jameson: “Me First: The Science of Parent Self Care in the 21st Century” April 6 - Back to High School themed TVS Auction (Parents’ Club fundraiser) May 10 - Lower School Field Day In addition to these events, 73 dedicated room parents, class parents, and treasurers assist teachers throughout the year by organizing class activities, celebrating teacher birthdays, sharing communication, and recruiting volunteers for Parents’ Club events. This group is led

by Room Parent Coordinators Erin Aldrich (Upper School), Telesa Jones (Middle School), and Rachel DeMoss (Lower School).

Please see the sidebar on this page for a full listing of the members of the 2023-2024 Parents’ Club Board.

Opportunities to Fit All Schedules The Parents’ Club works to create opportunities for everyone to get involved and stay informed. We hosted an all-parent meeting in September and will offer another open meeting on the evening of January 9. The all-parent meetings provide an opportunity for our entire parent community to hear updates from Head of School Blair Lowry and Assistant Head of School Jeff Snyder. Parents also hear an update from each Parents’ Club committee chair on upcoming opportunities to get involved.

2023-2024 TVS PARENTS’ CLUB BOARD OFFICERS President: Tara Bibb President-Elect: Susie Ursprung Treasurer: Madison Muckleroy Secretary: Cara Jones CHAIRS Back-to-School Fair: Casey Creager & Melissa Muyskens Comm/Promo Coordinator: Jennifer Kostohryz & Brooke Goggans Data Archives: Heather Breiter & Tamara Willmann Dining Hall Volunteer Coordinators: Charissa Kumar & Mandy Kirwan Faculty/Staff Appreciation: LaToyer Houston, Hollin McWilliams & Claire de Vilder Field Day: Markus Kypreos & Drew Brigati Grants for Greatness: Sarah Klein & Katherine Wolman Link Coordinators Lower School: Mandy Purselley & Sarah Doswell Middle School: Jamie Mainord & Jen Groves Upper School: Jennifer McAlister & Anjum George

Ways to Stay Informed

Lower School Fall Fest: Carlee Heiszek & Laura McMullen-Cormier

● Check the weekly TVS Trojan Columns email for divisionspecific information on upcoming activities in your child(ren)’s grade or division

Middle School Social Event: Katrina Washington, Maddy Simmons

● Join the TVS Parents Facebook page for all the latest news ● Follow TVS on Instagram ● Visit the Parents’ Club volunteer website (found through www.tvs.org or the TVS App) ● Mark your calendar for the All-Parent Meeting on Tuesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. ● For information, email parentsclub@tvs.org

Auction: Noel Nolet & Lynsie DeCet Room Parent Coordinators Lower School: Rachel DeMoss Middle School: Telesa Jones Upper School: Erin Aldrich School Supplies/Directory: Paige Charbonnet & Melanie Kurjikan TVS Cares: Sonya Tanna, Sharmila Sapkota, & Haley Manulik TVS Speaker Series: Anne Wright & Whit Wolman Uniform Resale: Lauren Cunningham & Tracy McLawhorn Volunteer Website: Jennifer Demel & Rachel Werner

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TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

TVS A N N U A L F U N D

TVS ANNUAL FUND VOLUNTEERS ENCOURAGE THE COMMUNITY TO

Invest in

LISA GRIDER, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Following record-breaking fundraising in 2022-23, Trinity Valley School launched its “Investing in Excellence” annual giving effort in October with a goal of raising $1.1 million by June 30, 2024.

Top: Parent Annual Fund Volunteer Chairs: Mary Ho, Adrienne Lombardi, Mandy Kirwan Bottom: Faculty / Staff Annual Fund Volunteer Chairs: Dr. Michael Roemer, Gail Hutchinson, Jeremiah Russell

For more than 60 years, TVS community members’ investments have sustained the School and celebrated the dividends of educational excellence for students and faculty.

Gifts made to the TVS Annual Fund have immediate impact, providing vital resources that strengthen the School’s next operating budget. (See page 44 to learn more about the impact of Annual Fund gifts made in 2022-23.)

“Gifts to the Annual Fund allow TVS to be a ‘YES’ school,” Director of Annual Giving Gerry Cumpiano notes. “By providing resources beyond tuition revenue, Annual Fund support allows TVS to provide our students and faculty with all the materials, equipment, professional development, and programming needed to attain educational excellence.”

A cadre of enthusiastic volunteer leaders representing alumni, current parents, faculty, and staff members are guiding the 2023-24 TVS Annual Fund. A primary focus of these dedicated volunteers is increasing the percentage of Annual Fund participation from their respective groups.

“While we are incredibly proud of the total dollar amount that our community gives to the Annual Fund, broad participation in this effort is an important indicator of the strength of our community,” Cumpiano says. “For example, last year every member – 100 percent – of the faculty and staff at TVS made a gift to the Annual Fund.

That level of broad support makes us the envy of many other schools! And participation means that every gift – no matter the size of that gift – makes a huge difference.”

Over the next several months, all members of the TVS community will be contacted, often by volunteers, to participate in the 2023-24 Annual Fund. When the call comes, remember – it’s not a donation; it’s an investment in excellence!

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL FUND VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE Macy Clayton ’15, Maya Jhangiani ’16, Charley McCluer ’72, Kathleen Motheral Moler ’98, Preston Pate ’98, John Shipp ’17, Catherine Viola Tielkemeier ’13, Grant Underwood ’14, chair, John Wilson ’74 TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

43

Brand new spectator seating in the North and South Gyms

Global Education connected students to the world through 11 in-person exchanges and eight virtual exchanges with students and faculty ranging from China to Bolivia to Sweden

New smart boards in all Middle School classrooms and iPads for Lower School teachers

Updated app, additional full-time position, and camera upgrades to enhance campus security

Professional development for curriculum alignment and expanded knowledge base for enhancing learning opportunities

Newly renovated stage in the Stephen Seleny Theater

Two teacher aides for additional classroom support in the Lower School

Recruiting and retaining 178 incredible, full-time faculty and staff members

YOUR 2022-2023 ANNUAL FUND DOLLARS AT WORK

Refreshed Middle School classrooms and hallways

Two staff additions to counseling and academic support departments

Keeping our 75-acre campus safe and beautiful

Adding 10th-grade TOE trip so every grade, PK-12, has a TOE experience

TVS A N N U A L F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T

2022-2023 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 7/1/2022 - 6/30/2023 | Contributions and unconditional payments are recognized as they are received. | Figures are unaudited.

THREE-YEAR COMPARISON:

Endowment Investments at Year End Plant Assets - Net Book Value Student Aid Enrollment Number of Students

Year-Ended June 30, 2021

Year-Ended June 30, 2022

Year-Ended June 30, 2023

50,311,266

46,982,375

49,374,473

44,265,302

43,539,736

42,326,252

4,245,895

3,844,857

3,781,877

1,017

1,003

1,003

2022-2023 OPERATING PERFORMANCE: TUITION AND ENDOWMENT Tuition and Fees................................................................................. 24,759,713 Endowment Support Contributions....................................................... 1,850,000 PHILANTHROPIC GIFTS Annual Fund (2021-2022)................................................................... 957,887 Investment and Other Revenue............................................................. 659,153 TOTAL REVENUE........................................................................... 28,226,753

Salaries and Benefits.......................................................................... 17,023,453 Financial Aid..................................................................................... 3,781,877* Instructional ..................................................................................... 1,944,161 Auxiliary Programs............................................................................. 20,515 Administrative................................................................................... 2,299,155 Facilities........................................................................................... 1,529,938 Capital Expenditures.......................................................................... 1,022,210 Designated Reserves.......................................................................... 605,441 TOTAL EXPENSES.......................................................................... 28,226,753 * Need-based financial aid & tuition remission

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

45

TVS A D V A N C E M E N T

FUELING THE FUTURE:

ENDOWMENT GIVING PREPARES TVS FOR GENERATIONS LISA GRIDER, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES A parenting truism, “the days are long, but the years fly by,” also rings true in the life of Trinity Valley School.

Semesters begin and end in the blink of an eye. Days are jam packed with teaching and learning and seasons filled with athletic events and arts performances. Quite naturally, members of the TVS community who wish to support the School financially often ask how they can assist the School in meeting immediate needs.

Thanks to conscientious fiscal management, stable enrollment, growing support of the TVS Annual Fund, and loyal patronage enjoyed by the Parents’ Club, the Trojan Booster Club, and the Arts Booster Club, the vast majority of TVS’ immediate needs are met through the School’s annual operating budget.

Just as in our personal or family’s finances, the School, figuratively, keeps one eye on the “checkbook” (the annual operating budget) while also securing resources for the future (think a 401(k)) to ensure Trinity Valley’s presence in the lives of generations of students yet to come. The repository of these long-term resources is the TVS Endowment, made up of funds donated and designated for long-term investment. Managed by an Endowment subcommittee of the TVS Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee, these invested funds generate income annually, a portion of which is allocated for expenditure by the School. Started in 1982, thanks to a generous gift from the Amon G. Carter Foundation, the TVS Endowment totaled $49,374,471.85 as of June 30, 2023.

Members of the TVS community who make gifts to the endowment are motivated to do so by the certainty that their gift, and the investment income that gift will generate over time, will fuel TVS’ ability to embrace the as-yet-unknown opportunities in the future. “We support the TVS Endowment because we know that strong, great schools need resources for the long term,” says TVS alumnus and current parent Markus Kypreos ’96. “Ideally, investment income from the Endowment gives the School the additional fuel it will need to innovate and respond to inevitable changes. Our gifts to the Annual Fund have an immediate impact on the School and its students. We also want our gifts to positively impact the future of TVS long after we’re gone. To do that, we give to the Endowment.”

Left: Paul and Judy Andrews Opposite: Frank and Kathy Kyle

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TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

TVS A D V A N C E M E N T

Unlike donations to the Annual Fund, gifts to the TVS Endowment can be designated by their donors to one of many specific purposes approved by the School.

Examples of restricted endowed gifts include those for financial aid, teaching positions, programmatic support, and faculty and student awards. Endowment donations of any amount are accepted and directed to the General Endowment; donors wishing to establish a designated endowment fund at TVS must make an initial gift or pledge of at least $50,000. Donors of designated endowment funds, in consultation with TVS Advancement staff, may name the gift fund. The most common type of named endowed gift at TVS is one that creates financial aid awards for highly qualified students who otherwise would not be able to afford full tuition at TVS. Here is a complete list of Trinity Valley School’s designated named funds:

General Endowment

Genovese / Dozier Financial Aid Award

Ella C. McFadden Endowed Financial Aid Award

Fleming Foundation Fund

Farmer Family Financial Aid Award

McNutt Financial Aid Award

Financial Aid Awards

Dennis Fleming Financial Aid Award

Alice Currey Armer Fund

Paul E. Andrews Financial Aid Award Judy Bohnsack Memorial Financial Aid Award Brownlie Family Financial Aid Award Douglas Britt Carvey '70 Memorial Financial Aid Award Fielding Clayton '80 Memorial Financial Aid Award P. Joseph Driggers Memorial Financial Aid Award Ellery and Emily Ekleberry, Ryan, Natalie, and Sarah McGartland Financial Aid Award

Thomas W. Freese '76 Memorial Financial Aid Award Byron Gauntt '89 Memorial Financial Aid Award Carol and Ronald Goldman Family Financial Aid Award Ivan Kovac Memorial Financial Aid Award Gerry Kramer Alumni Association Financial Aid Award Kathy and Frank Kyle Financial Aid Award* Mary Potishman Lard Scholarship Fund

Albert and Mary Lou Menchaca Financial Aid Award Jay and Scott Miller Financial Aid Award Millett Family Financial Aid Award* Mindell Family Financial Aid Award W. A. and Elizabeth Moncrief Financial Aid Award Jim and Suzie Murray Financial Aid Award Navin Narayan '95 Memorial Financial Aid Award The New York Community Trust / DeWitt Wallace Fine Arts Award

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

47

TVS A D V A N C E M E N T

TVS Parents' Club Financial Aid Award

Student Recognition Awards

Fred and Mabel R. Parks Financial Aid Award

Jan Butner Memorial Award

Rutledge Family Endowed Financial Aid Award Fred Sanders Financial Aid Award Schumacher / Kyle Financial Aid Award Schwarz Family Financial Aid Award Stephen Seleny Financial Aid Award Dr. William Shelton Financial Aid Award Solberg Family Financial Aid Award STAR (Success Through Academic Readiness) Financial Aid Award Charles L. and Ann Pendleton Stephens Financial Aid Award Margaret Collins Sullivan Financial Aid Award Pratibha and Rajendra Tanna Family Financial Aid Award Andrew Tran Memorial Award Crystelle Waggoner Financial Aid Award

Paul E. Andrews Award Navin Narayan Community Service Award Mary Jo Sloane Humanitarian Award Christie Thornton Memorial Award Faculty / Staff Recognition Awards Gary Krahn Educator Award for Leadership and Creativity Parents’ Club Kay Newton Distinguished Teacher Award Schumacher / Kyle Endowed Distinguished Coaching Award TVS Distinguished Service Award Faculty Support

Kutzler Endowed Fund for Excellence in Teaching Sid Richardson Foundation Endowed Fund for Faculty Support Rosenthal Family Endowed Fund for Innovation in Teaching and Learning Ruth Carter Stevenson Endowment Anne Burnett Tandy Endowment for Faculty Tindall Family Endowed Fund for Faculty Support and Recognition TVS Alumni Endowment Fund for Faculty Development Vashist Family Faculty Development Fund Program Support Louise Canafax Endowment for Music Education

Paul E. and Judy Andrews Fund

The Lowe Foundation Endowment for the Performing Arts

Class of 1986 Endowed Fund for Faculty Development

McCallum Family Foundation Endowed TOE Fund

Dunkelberg Family Endowment for Faculty Excellence

Rutledge Family Fund

E.E. Ford Endowment Fund Bonilee and Gavin Garrett Endowed Fund for Physics Faculty Paula and Gary Krahn Endowed Fund for Advancement and Creativity

Stephen Seleny Travel Endowment TVS Dance Enrichment Endowed Fund * named endowed gifts made in the 2022-23 fiscal year

To learn more about how you can help fuel the future through a gift to the TVS Endowment, please contact Director of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Lisa Grider at griderl@tvs.org.

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2023-2024 FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES

35

10

5

James Scott

Gerry Cumpiano (‘12-‘16)

Daniel Audi

Valerie Underwood

Dee Garner

Robin Burroughs

Austin Johnson

Kenny Cain

Laura Montgomery (‘11-‘15)

Elizabeth Carlock

Carrie Morrison

Alison Gee

Cage Bass

Ashley Owen

Regan Gilstrap ‘01

15

Karen Peninger

Anna Ross

Danielle Sellers

Caryn Snyder

Scott Stirling

Nicole Tomme

Chester Wilson

Ruby Wang

Alyson Zabriskie

Zina Wormley

YEARS (1989)

30

YEARS (1994)

YEARS (2009) Monica Gonzalez Andre Hector Tammy Schoenfeld

YEARS (2014)

YEARS (2019)

Lauren Zito

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

49

Wyatt Strong ’28 (son of Emily and J.B. Strong ’98) learns about compasses and GPS tracking

50

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

ˮ

Being authentically a Trojan for me is embracing qualities set forth by Mr. Seleny. You reach the stars using resiliency, flexibility, and resourcefulness. Being abreast of the times and enthusiastically accepting change, Pista gave us the autonomy to explore and

ˮ

the courage to push innovative boundaries while maintaining a foundation of excellence.

ˮ

– ROBIN PRESTON

I recently watched a video of Mr. Seleny and he was talking about being a student for life. Authentically

ˮ

Trojan is valuing the importance of constantly learning and seeking knowledge.

– ALISON GEE

ALUMNI

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

51

TVS A L U M N I

GROW YOUR TROJAN CONNECTIONS KATHRYN DAVIS ’89, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS From Pre-K to graduation and throughout the entire alumni experience, from the labs to the fields to the stage to outdoor adventures to connecting with others abroad, Trinity Valley School is family. We all have heard it countless times, and it manifests in as many ways as there are people associated with the School.

Family, like all other aspects of our lives, evolves and changes over time. Today’s TVS family still offers alumni loyal support and incredible opportunities for life-long learning and connections but with some thoroughly modern 21st-century twists.

Now in its 35th year, the TVS Alumni Association boasts nearly 3,400 members, and with the addition of the 95 graduates of the Class of 2024, our total will teeter on the brink of 3,500. That is quite a substantial network!

College alumni groups are larger, certainly, but most of us would be hard-pressed to lasso up 3,500 people with whom we share foundational and educational DNA. Every alum – from Hemphill to McCart to Dutch Branch – possesses the same claim to this tremendous network, and recent innovations have made it easier than ever to make the most of it.

Career-related opportunities, both for those who are seeking new positions and those seeking to hire, are one of many perks of accessing this rich collection of fellow TVS graduates. Two technological powerhouses, one almost universally familiar and another that is proprietary to TVS, are now available to assist Trojan alums in career networking.

LinkedIn, the career-oriented social network that launched in 2003 and boasts hundreds of millions of members, allows TVS alumni to showcase their

52

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

resumes, career goals, and skills. Alums turning to LinkedIn can utilize the professional networks of classmates and other Trojans by searching Trinity Valley School on the platform. All TVS alumni are encouraged to take a moment to update the education portion of their own LinkedIn profile so that other Trojans may easily find them.

The second tech tool TVS alums can harness is uniquely created for our community. Launched in January 2022, TrojansConnect is Trinity Valley’s proprietary alumni platform that users can search by career field, employer, and even by geographic location. One example of TrojansConnect’s value is its ability to provide built-in vetting for intern and job candidates and employers.

While having the shared TVS experience may not guarantee a perfect fit in the workplace, it is a great place to start the conversation and is a factor that no other search platform can provide. TrojansConnect’s most recent innovation is the addition of the Alumni Business Directory, a feature that quickly connects you with other alums who provide professional services you may need along with various helpful search functions.

Alumni Association Board member Macy Clayton ’15 shared that she used TrojansConnect to find a specific type of legal advice. Karen White-Dacy ’84 has twice used the platform to find just the right medical professionals. “In May 2022, my daughter Claire Dacy ’21 returned from a year of college dancing and had to make a choice between changing majors or finding a doctor who could correctly diagnose her foot pain and provide help. I began with TrojansConnect and reached out to Dr. Bryan (Woei) Ming ’01 who

TVS A L U M N I

Scan the QR code to register for TrojansConnect

promptly responded to my request for help,” Karen recalls. “Although his specialty is orthopedic trauma, Bryan recommended a fellow surgeon in his practice who was a dance dad; Bryan told me that if one of his own kids needed a foot surgeon, he would trust this man. The foot surgeon Bryan recommended diagnosed Claire's source of pain and within a few weeks, she underwent surgery. Claire’s surgery has allowed her to continue pursuing her dream of achieving a BFA in dance. We are so grateful to both men for taking the time to help her!”

Karen was so pleased with TrojansConnect that she and her daughter turned to the platform again when Claire needed her wisdom teeth removed. “Our family dentist, whom we love, was unable to schedule her for many weeks out. I reached out to oral surgeon Dr. David Kostohryz ’97, and he saw her in two days!!

TrojansConnect has been quite a Godsend for us on several occasions.”

TrojansConnect is not limited to business exchanges: you can customize your profile with your interests (photography, travel, etc.) and whether or not you seek other engagement such as mentoring younger alumni, hosting students or alumni when they visit your city, and receiving messages from students. Emma Stack ’18 shared that she used TrojansConnect to get together with a fellow alum who is studying abroad in London. “I love that we have access to this community all over the world,” Emma said.

TrojansConnect is a secure platform that requires each person’s alumni status be confirmed by the Director of Alumni Relations prior to gaining access. All

communications – including alum-to-alum – are private, and messages sent through TrojansConnect do not display personal email addresses.

Want to catch up with a long-last classmate? Looking to access a fellow Trojan who can give you dining suggestions in a place you are visiting, or find a new banker when you relocate to your dream city? All of this – and more – is possible through TrojansConnect. Take advantage of all that TrojansConnect offers by registering (see QR code on this page). If you are an alum who has already registered, please take a moment to review your profile on the platform to make sure all your information is up to date. Keeping your profile current has the extra perk of ensuring that you’ll never miss one of the great TVS alumni events around the country!

The TVS Alumni Association is committed to innovation as it seeks to create lasting value for alumni engagement.

From attending an alumni gathering in Fort Worth or across the country to attending a program designed just for your generation of Trojans, to volunteering at one of the campus concession stands or Zooming about your profession with a class, there is something for everyone.

Mobilizing these resources is just a few clicks away – adding TVS to your LinkedIn profile and registering for TrojansConnect.

If you need assistance making those connections, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Kathryn Davis ’89 (davisks@tvs.org or 817-321-0118).

Per aspera ad astra!

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TVS A L U M N I

A LEGACY PASSED DOWN KATHRYN DAVIS ’89, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS When Emily Creighton Davis ’06 purchased the dental practice of Dr. Tim Knight upon his retirement, the TVS link was obvious: Dr. Knight’s four children are TVS grads.

What Emily did not anticipate, however, were the many ways the TVS legacy would shine through every day. From her work ethic to the motivation provided by Mr. Fleming to the patients in the dental chair, she represents Trinity Valley so well.

What is your TVS story?

I started at TVS in the fifth grade in 1998, the first year the Dutch Branch campus was open. I was in Tina Clayton’s first class at TVS! I loved all the TOE trips! I played sports every season all the years I was at TVS. I was on varsity from freshman to senior year, awarded as an All-American Cheerleader four years, and was captain my senior year! I also played basketball, softball, and golf. I was the People Editor for the yearbook my junior and senior year.

Trinity Valley provided me with an excellent educational foundation. I know how to work hard, study hard and push myself to achieve my goals. A lot of my drive and success can be traced back to the fundamental principles I learned at TVS! Where did you go to college and dental school?

Undergrad: BS in Dental Hygiene from The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Dentistry, where I graduated with honors.

DDS from UT Health School of Dentistry in Houston, where I was recognized with the Excellence in Endodontics Award.

Dedicated to being the best doctor possible, I attended an advanced education in General Dentistry residency at University of The Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

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TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

Please share how you practice is a true TVS legacy!

I purchased my practice on January 3, 2023, from Dr. Tim Knight. He and I met many years ago, because I was a few years behind his children at Tanglewood and then at TVS. Among other notable TVS faculty, parents and alums who have been part of the practice, Mr. Seleny was a patient for many years. I am fortunate to be able to continue this tradition at Davis Smile Design by treating his son Alex Seleny ’92 and his family! I have met alums who graduated more recently, like Lauren Yonke ’21, and have reconnected with those who were in school with me! It was so much fun when Mr. Sean Kenny showed up for his hygiene appointment this summer. What should have been a routine exam turned into a 20-minute laughing session! Mr. Kenny loved the visit too: “I can’t imagine a better replacement for Tim Knight than my former student Emily Creighton Davis.

She loves what she does and it shows in the enthusiasm with which she approaches her craft. She is a highly skilled dentist who is an excellent communicator. Her easy-going manner and great sense of humor make an appointment to Davis Smile Design feel like a visit with a good friend.”

What do you like best about your profession in general and your practice in particular?

What I truly love about dentistry as a profession is that I transform lives. I get patients out of pain. I give patients confidence by restoring their smile. I can diagnose systemic conditions that manifest in the oral cavity. I am here to encourage people and give people hope! As a general dentist, I am able to practice within every specialty of dentistry.

I do everything from administer Botox for aesthetics and TMJ problems to full-mouth extractions under conscious sedation to placing implants. Of course, I do routine fillings and crowns as well!

At Davis Smile Design, we strive to create an environment so that patients do not feel like they are at the dental office. I

TVS A L U M N I

am an excellent dentist, confident and very professional. I strive to maintain a culture of positivity, passion and precision while also maintaining a relaxed and fun environment. I enjoy playing music during appointments and finding ways to make my patients smile.

Though not the standard in dentistry, I believe it is invaluable to patient comfort and is the office culture we strive for.

What advice do you give other alums considering a career in dentistry?

I would say that dentistry can be the most fulfilling career out there. If you like the sciences and truly want to make a difference in people's lives, dentistry is a great profession! I would love to help anyone out that wants to get into dental school, TVS alumni especially!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

I was particularly close to Dennis Fleming, the Upper School head when I was a student. He strongly believed in my potential.

When I met with him about college, I expressed confusion about how to navigate my future. He said, "Emily Jane Creighton, just continue to be yourself, and you will do great things." He saw something in me that even I didn't see at the time. I have an outgoing, positive and amiable personality and I have always stayed true to that in great part because of the impact Mr. Fleming had on my life.

Opposite Page: Emily Creighton Davis '06 This page top right: Dr. Davis and Dr. Knight Below: Dr. Davis with Sean Kenny | Dr. Davis with Lauren Yonke '21

When I opened my dental practice years ago, I committed myself to treating patients with kindness and respect, to take the time to explain treatment plans and to provide them with quality care. After 40 years of working side by side with my patients they became family to me, so when considering retiring, I was determined to find someone who would treat them with the same commitment.

I was delighted when Emily expressed interest. Yes, I knew she was smart and well trained from her dental credentials. More importantly, having known Emily while she was at TVS with my children, I saw her dedication to learning and providing positive interaction with others. I also knew her parents and sister (Carly ’03) from the many sporting and school events over the years in the TVS community, and I witnessed firsthand the importance of family to them and how they treated others. Every day I’m proud of seeing the decisions my children make daily and know a part of that is from their time at TVS. But I never expected TVS to play a part of making one of the most important decisions in my professional life and gave me the confidence I made the perfect decision in Emily.

-Dr. Tim Knight

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

55

TVS A L U M N I

ALUMNI CLASS REPS

56

1967

Class Rep Needed

1998

Mary Hazelwood Barkley............... mbarkley@canteyhanger.com

1968

Barney Holland............................... bholland@holland1928.com

1999

1969

Class Rep Needed

Beth Harwood.................................. bethsharwood@hotmail.com Amar Tanna............................................. ATanna@barbnet.com

1970

Chris Stadler................................................. jcstad2@gmail.com

2000

Class Rep Needed

1971

David Miley............................................. David@TheMileys.net

2001

Jennifer Bley Sweeny................. jennifer@blumenfeldsweeny.com

1972

Class Rep Needed

2002

Class Rep Needed

1973

Deborah Horan............................................. dlhoran@mac.com

2003

Class Rep Needed

1974

John Neyland........................................ john.neyland@yahoo.com

2004

1975

Francie Richardson Allen..................... frallen@aledotravel.com

Erin McDonald.............................. erin.mcdonald86@gmail.com Maggie Pine Bellinger........................... mpbellinger@gmail.com

1976

Martha Harper.................................. martharents@sbcglobal.net

2005

Maddie Dickerson...................... maddie.m.dickerson@gmail.com

1977

Class Rep Needed

2006

Margaret Baird Lynn ............................. margblynn@gmail.com

1978

Carol Stucker Carr..................... Carol.Carr@northhighland.com

2007

Kelley Clark Morris........................... kelley.c.morris@gmail.com

1979

Mike Atkinson................................................ mike@mmallc.net

2008

Morgan Wade........................... morganmadisonwade@gmail.com

1980

Christine Stucker Klote............................. christine@s-steel.com

2009

Ellen Clarke........................................ ellenmclarke@sbcglobal.net

1981

Walter Stucker .................................... walterstucker@yahoo.com

2010

Rohail Premjee............................... Rohail.Premjee@outlook.com

1982

Class Rep Needed

2011

Claire Allen Jones........................... mrs.clairemjones@gmail.com Chris Morris.........................................cjmorris2015@yahoo.com

1983

Sandra Standefer............................................ skshome@aol.com

2012

Adrienne Gamez.............................. adriennegamez4@gmail.com

1984

Class Rep Needed

2013

Austin Henyon................................. austinhenyon12@gmail.com

1985

Janet Kelly................................................ chafterall@gmail.com

2014

Madelon Allen..................................... madelonallen@gmail.com

1986

Michael Appleman............................... mgappleman@utexas.edu

2015

1987

Class Rep Needed

Bainbridge Allen...................................... bain.allen@icloud.com Katie Matson........................................ katiematson1@gmail.com

1988

Molly Guynn Jones........................... mollymoonjones@gmail.com

2016

1989

Kathryn Davis.................................. kathryndavis@sbcglobal.net

Cannon Brumley............................... csbrumley@crimson.ua.edu Kailey Dow.............................................. kaileydow@yahoo.com

1990

George Mills........................................ georgemills72@gmail.com

2017

John Shipp.......................................... johnshipp2021@gmail.com

1991

Wallace Bubar........................................... wwbubar@gmail.com

2018

1992

Melissa Minker Miller.................................. TXMink@aol.com

Allison Byrd......................................... allie.byrd123@gmail.com Emma Stack.......................................... emmaastack@gmail.com Luke Vasquez......................................... vasquezluke@gmail.com

1993

Angie Elkins Ezell.................................... allezell@hotmail.com Melissa Williams Hoskins.................... melissahoskins@me.com

2019

Sabra Belott.............................................. sabra0292@gmail.com

2020

Izzy Hoskins............................................... izzyhoskins@me.com

1994

Class Rep Needed

2021

Lauren Yonke......................................... laurenyonke@gmail.com

1995

Patrick Pate.................................................. cppatejr@gmail.com

2022

Class Rep Needed

1996

Brandi Barrett Wubbena........................ bbwubbena@gmail.com

2023

Class Rep Needed

1997

Nancy Park Minkler............................ nancyminkler@gmail.com

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

TVS A L U M N I

ALUMNI NOTES If your email and home addresses are not current with TVS, please update them ASAP by emailing Kathryn Davis at davisks@tvs.org or calling 817-321-0118. Thank you for staying current with the School!

CLASS OF 1972

CLASS OF 1975

Roy Horan says, “I am going on a three-week Langtang Valley Trekking Expedition in Nepal in mid-October which is being hosted by my 36-year-old daughter, Hilary. We start our journey in Kathmandu and we'll culminate the trip by summiting Yala Peak, a 5,520-meter mountain in the middle of the Himalayas. I am so excited to be able to share that much time with my only child. I'll update the trip with photos in the next edition of the Class Notes.” Charley McCluer writes, “Mr. Seleny introduced me to the game of soccer when I was in the 9th grade. Who knew that all these many years later, soccer would still be a part of my life? As a matter of fact, there are 3 generations of McCluers currently playing this wonderful sport: I currently play on an Adult Open Coed team with my daughter Cami McCluer Gildner '01 and her husband, Gus; and 4 of my 5 grandchildren play with Fort Worth Youth soccer leagues: James (TVS grade 4), Myra (TVS grade 2) and Anders (TVS kindergarten) Gildner; and Carter Faye Dickerson, daughter of Maddie McCluer Dickerson '05. Our Saturdays get busy! I also play tennis and have joined the Pickleball craze too. I still practice dentistry on Hulen Street. Feel free to stop in and say hello.”

Francie Richardson Allen shares the following: “Mary Boggess Vann’s first granddaughter just graduated in August from Texas State University in San Marcos. Remember 2025 is approaching and we need to plan a great 50th gathering!”

CLASS OF 1973 After spending 11 months in San Antonio saving the Alamo from organizational and financial ruin, Deborah Horan’s husband, Billy Moore, returned home and announced that “he was done!” So both Deborah and Billy have entered semiretirement. Deborah still sees a few patients and has joined The George Washington University as Clinical Assistant Professor teaching medical students how to improve their communication skills. Billy still develops legislative and grassroots strategies for a few clients. None of this part-time work will prevent Deborah and Billy from traveling as much as they can for as long as they can. They are planning on a Scandinavian Christmas with daughters Meredith and Maggie. Also planned is a trip to the upcoming Paris summer Olympics with their daughters and Meredith’s partner, Austin. And of course, there may have to be another trip to Ireland beforehand! The photo Deborah sent is Christmas in Mexico!

CLASS OF 1978 Billy Robertson says, “I spent a lot of my summer picketing on behalf of the Writers Guild of America. Our strike has been settled and I am looking forward to NOT picketing. I have also gotten the opportunity to picket with a number of my former students (I taught a filmmaking class at Crossroads School in Santa Monica).”

CLASS OF 1983 Sympathies to Adair Cothran Duke on the loss of her mother, Virginia Cothran, in the spring.

Please see p. 70 for a recap of the Class of 1983’s 40th reunion.

CLASS OF 1984 Dina Rosen Burke writes, “I just started my 16th year of teaching elementary school in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Houston area). I enjoyed getting together with dear friends and fellow TVS alums from 1984 Monica Garcia Thow and Doug Clark this past summer in Fort Worth.”

CLASS OF 1985 Our sympathies to Elizabeth Perez Azerad on the passing of her father, Judge Pete Perez, in July. Stephanie Jackson writes, “My daughter Olivia started high school at Walter B. Saul School of Agricultural Sciences in Philadelphia this fall.

She chose it over the Science Leadership Academy and the Creative and Performing Arts School, because she gets to work with live farm animals. Her school uniform is cargo pants, thrift store T-shirt and work boots. I'm in the editing phase of my book, The Eccentric Genius Habitat Intervention; Interior Design for Highly Sensitive People. It takes you on a journey through your own nervous system, in the insouciant tone of my Pretty

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Lady alter ego, and lays out a manifesto for healing our world through living like a starving artist. You can find out more at practicalsanctuary.com.” Diane Farrar Smith has career and family news: “I continue to work for the State of Minnesota from my home in Minneapolis. Having no commute in the winter is a beautiful thing. Newest highlight - we welcomed our third granddaughter, Lucy Smith, on 9/10/23. Grandparenting is wonderful!”

CLASS OF 1986 Geff Anderson’s daughter Kailey Dow ’16 submitted an incredible update: “Geff was recently elected as the Chair Board of Trustees of the Texas Bar Foundation. It is a HUGE accomplishment and an amazing honor to be voted on by his peers. On the Bar Foundation’s website, this quote from Geff is featured: ‘The Texas Bar Foundation strengthens Texas every year by supporting victims of domestic, elderly, and child abuse, fighting human trafficking, and promoting pro bono projects. The hard work and generosity of the Foundation’s Fellows have provided more than 25 million dollars to further the Foundation’s mission. This year the Foundation will do more and do it better as it enhances justice and the lives of Texans.’ Alongside serving as the Chair of the Trustees, Geff continues to practice in Fort Worth where he and my mother still reside. He has practiced in Fort Worth since graduating from law school in 1993, and started his own practice in 1997, Anderson & Riddle, L.L.P., where he has employed (and currently employs) several TVS alumni. Geff is a champion of TVS - he was an actual champion too, playing center for the Trojan football championship teams in 1984 and 1985 and had three children graduate from TVS (Kailey Dow '16, Kamryn Dow '18, Tori Anderson '19). Geff is one of the most selfless individuals and lifts everyone up around him, including those that he doesn't know.” Condolences to Leah Cothran on the passing of her mother, Virginia Cothran, in March. Sallie McIlheran Wunner continues to grace the world with beautiful art! From across the pond, she says, “I am having a solo exhibition that started October 6 at the Kloster Seeon, which is a very special and lovely location for art exhibitions here in Bavaria. I am quite excited and honored to be able to show my work there. Should any Trojans happen to be traveling in southern Germany this fall, my show will last until December 17!” Sallie recently was commissioned to paint an official oil portrait for the former President of the University of Austria in Graz, the portrait was made in 2023 and presented there. She says, “This was a big highlight of my art career.” On a personal note, Sallie shares that she and husband Johannes are doing well. “We traveled to Sicily in June, which was really lovely. We often go hiking in the Alps, either in Austria or here in Bavaria.” Sallie was kind enough to share some beautiful photos!

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CLASS OF 1987 Our sympathies to Renee Perez on the passing of her father, Judge Pete Perez, in July.

CLASS OF 1988 Brant Martin shared a photo of some of the members of the 1987-88 Trojan 10-0 football team. Though not all the guys were able to join, check out the photo taken when Jeff Alexander, Tom Williams, Chris Miller, Brant Martin, and Kent Bradshaw spent some time together in September. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Greg White, who passed away on July 13. Greg was the brother of Karen White-Dacy ’84 and the uncle of Ian Dacy ’17 and Claire Dacy ’21. Additional TVS family members include cousins David Druley ’85, Dean Druley ’85 and Amy Druley Sanchez-Zambrano ’89.

CLASS OF 1989 Condolences to Charlotte Clay Buell, whose father, Lee Clay, passed away on July 31. Marian Mayo DeMott offers this update: “Ella and Willing are in their last year of college, each graduating in the spring. Ella recently earned her associate’s degree in chemistry as well. Willing enjoyed a summer abroad in Germany, and Ella plans to travel to Indonesia in December for her program. Turner graduated from high school in the spring and is a freshman now at TCU. We love having him so close! Every day we feel deep gratitude for his successful liver transplant surgery in 2022 and for his donor. Briggs is a junior in high school and keeps busy with tennis, academics, work, and church. I started a new job last fall as a Volunteer Program Coordinator at Cook Children’s.

We’re always looking for more volunteers if you are in the area! And Jason is busy with many demands both at work and home. We celebrated 26 years of marriage in October.”

Kelli Montgomery May was named this fall as one of the Austin American-Statesman’s “Extraordinary Women for 2023.”

Extraordinary indeed! She runs two non-profits: the MISS Foundation, where she is Executive Director, and the Austin Visual Arts Association, where she is director. She and husband Richard have a daughter, Alaina, who is a sophomore in high school. Congratulations to this superstar!

CLASS OF 1990 Mary Kramer Johnston updates us: “I am working in Rockwall ISD as the Chief Academic Officer of Elementary Schools and am responsible for 16 schools, Special Programs K-12 and Curriculum & Instruction. Our oldest son Alex is a First Officer for Envoy Airlines. Anna is a 5th-grade teacher in Richardson ISD. I’m sharing a family picture taken after Alex proposed to his fiancée, Hannah.” Sympathies to the family

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8. 1986 Geff Anderson 9. 1986 Geff Anderson and wife Kristin 10. 1986 Sallie McIlherran Wunner and husband Johannes 11. 1986 Sallie McIlherran Wunner teaches an art class in Tuscany 12. 1986 Sallie McIlherran Wunner with one of her paintings 13. 1986 Sallie McIlherran Wunner with one of her paintings 14. 1988 Football Guys

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of Barrett Benge Karr, whose father, Bill Benge, passed away in the spring. Parag Patel shares, “Gosh it's been a while! I've been in NJ since 1997. Married to Bina in 2000, welcomed daughter Bella in ’04 and son Devin in ’06. I'm an insurance broker specializing in medical malpractice liability and my wife is an occupational therapist. Bella is a sophomore at Quinnipiac Univ in CT in a Master's program for Physician Assistant. Devin is a junior in HS and recently joined our local EMT squad. Oh yeah, can't forget the dog...Snickers is a goldendoodle and turned 10 on 10/12/23. Enjoying my time here in Jersey but definitely miss DFW. GO COWBOYS!”

CLASS OF 1991 We send our sympathy to Courtney Clay Breeding on the death of her father, Lee Clay, on July 31.

CLASS OF 1994 Our deepest sympathies to the Class of 1994, along with Cindy Elizondo Keator ’98 and her extended family, on the loss of their classmate and sister, Adriana Elizondo Burkhalter, on September 30. Adriana, a 13-year member of the Class of 1994, also leaves behind a husband, four children, her parents, and countless friends, all of whom will remember her lovingly for the rest of their lives.

CLASS OF 1996 Brandi Barrett Wubbena writes, “My daughters, Lark (12) and Wren (7), are both at TVS. I am sharing an updated picture.”

CLASS OF 2000 Kelly Sunderland Palmere writes, “I’m a partner in our pediatric practice in Abilene, TX. Enjoying working part time now that I’m a mother.” Kelly welcomed son Joseph ( Jay) Alan Palmere in May! Adam Russell shares, “I celebrated my 20th year at First National Bank of Burleson where I'm currently Executive Vice President and CFO. In May 2023, I was elected to the Burleson City Council, Place 6 and took office in June 2023.” Taylor Strong gives this update: “Our daughter Lillian is now a 5th-grade Middle School student at TVS, where Alice is also finishing up Lower School in the 4th grade. They are having great years, and love spending time at the school with their teachers and friends. I am in my third year of teaching biology in the TVS Upper School, after moving over in 2021. It is great to have family and work in the same building. Desiree continues to work hard at her legal practice, and spends more than half of her days making sure the rest of us are where we need to be, and doing what we need to do.”

CLASS OF 2001 Ashley Hayes reports, “I've expanded my children's clothing brand, Asher Baby, to include a full line of children's clothing, and my adult brand, Asher Market, now carries clothing for men and women in addition to all the alpaca blankets, scarves and beanies I've always had. I opened my flagship brick and mortar location in Santa Barbara, California in 2019 and made it through the pandemic. I opened my second location in September of this year in Santa Ynez, CA. If you can't make it to the physical locations to say hi, please shop online at www. ashermarket.com.” Ashley Bessire Martinez shares, “I am a Customer Success Manager at Renaissance Learning, where I support school districts and individual school sites with their instruction. My husband René and I are looking forward to a mountain trip to the Pacific Northwest this fall.

In the meantime, our daughters (Zadie and Maya) are now 7 and 5 years old and are loving 1st grade dual language and Pre-K thus far!” Sydney Schell Munson writes, “Because of my husband's job opportunity, my family and I have relocated to Monterey, California. My son, Jack, and daughter, Amelia attend a small pre-k-8th private school in Carmel Valley (whose mascot is unfortunately...the Saint). I have started working there as well as their Educational Technology Facilitator. We are enjoying the weather, beach, mountains, new opportunities, and additional outdoor exploring!”

CLASS OF 2004 Anna Bruse reports, “I recently started a new position at the White House as Director for Strategic Trade at the National Security Council. I married Julio Garcia last year in majestic Assisi, Italy after a long two-year engagement during the pandemic. We live in DC with our beautiful Aussie Avila and travel whenever we can.” Jordan Carter shares, “I founded Search Investment Group (SIG), which has acquired 16 businesses from retiring founder-owners over the past 3 years.

SIG was founded to carry on the founder-owner's legacy through transition of day-to-day management as the longterm steward. I received an MBA from Wharton Business School after working in private equity and M&A investment banking in New York. I live in Dallas and serve as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. www.searchinvestgroup.com”

CLASS OF 2005 Caitlin Carter Vazquez sends this update: “My husband Christian and I had a baby boy, Gabriel Alan, on March 28, 2023. He weighed 9lbs 5oz and was 20.5 inches long. He is the best blessing and addition to our family. His dog sister, Harlow, loves him dearly.”

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CLASS OF 2006 Dave Burkett has had a big 2023! “I graduated from Texas A&M College of Dentistry with a DDS in May and we have moved to Allen with our three kids - Calvin (7), James (5), and Daniel (2). I have joined Cox Family Dentistry there and will be practicing general dentistry. Excited for our new chapter of life!” Emily Creighton Davis is back in Fort Worth! She shares, “My husband Mike and I have a precious daughter named Stevie, who is 2, and a beautiful Irish Setter named Sally. In January 2023, I purchased the dental practice of Dr. Tim Knight, father of Kristen ’02, Kalin ’03, and Jordan and Jared ’04. It has been so fulfilling to be back in Fort Worth. I love getting to create new relationships with TVS families and reconnect with old TVS friends. I am fortunate to remain close to so many of my friends from the Class of 2006. I hang out often with those who live in Fort Worth and since we graduated, we have had an annual get together with those who live out of town! I am so glad to be back and serving the community in which I was raised.” Read story on p. 54 to learn more about how the TVS legacy is such a special part of Emily’s career. Barrett Robin has big news: “Our son, Hutch, got a baby sister last December. Delilah Grey Robin has captured our hearts with her beaming smile.

Hutch turns three this fall and is hamming it up daily at his preschool.” Alex Russey also added a family member: “My wife Lindsey and I welcomed our second daughter, Lina, in January. Eleanor loves being the big sister and is turning 3 this fall. We remain in Fort Worth and moved to Historic Fairmount last year.” Elizabeth Thayer writes, “I have accepted a position as a Secondary Intervention Specialist in Aledo ISD. After winning Intermediate Teacher of the Year in Aledo last year, I also have started my master’s in educational leadership in hopes to continue my career as an administrator after completion.”

CLASS OF 2007 Esra Gumuser writes, “I graduated from my Internal Medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and began my General Cardiology Fellowship over the summer at MGH.” Emily Allender Wilhoit shares, “My husband Cameron and I had our second child, Elizabeth Pace Wilhoit, on July 7, 2023 in Charleston, SC. Liza was (mostly) welcomed by big brother, Hudson (4yr).”

CLASS OF 2008 Ben Cleveland writes, “I married Caroline Hammond on November 5, 2022. We met on a Southwest flight from Austin to Midland and dated long distance until I moved to Austin in the Fall of 2020. We were married at the Retreat at Balcones

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Springs surrounded by dear friends and family, including many TVS alumni. We live in Austin where Caroline grew up. We enjoy hiking and playing tennis. Caroline works as a therapist for Deep Eddy Psychotherapy and I work as a geologist for Enverus.” Paul Rajan shares, “I completed my board certification in Internal Medicine and currently serve as Medical Director and physician at Texas Health Cleburne.

I am very happy to be living back in my hometown.” Bob Streck has had some big changes: “Moved back to DFW from Washington DC. Bought a new home in Plano, TX. Started a new job as a general internist/primary care physician with USMD at their Plano West clinic.” Bob and wife Brennan also welcomed daughter Caroline Aurora, “Rory,” in July 2022.

Andrew Willard shares that he was voted in as a partner at his law firm, Cobb Martinez Woodward, PLLC in Dallas, Texas. Andrew currently specializes in Commercial and Construction Litigation as well as Personal Injury Defense.

CLASS OF 2009 Garrett Cannell writes, “My wife Cara and I welcomed our second daughter, Anna Joy Cannell, on September 12, 2023. She joins sister Evangeline Grace, born in July 2022.

I’m about to start my third year working as an Internal Medicine physician for BSWH in Temple, TX.”

CLASS OF 2010 Meredith Cook McBurnett shares exciting news: “Riley Elizabeth McBurnett was born on June 3, 2023.

She is doing great!”

CLASS OF 2012 Sympathies to Connor McLaughlin on the loss of his father, Shaun, in the spring. Alex Shewmake reports, "I am currently on rotation at the Pentagon and briefing the J2 for Intelligence and (sometimes) the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. My sleep schedule gets weird sometimes, but I am learning a lot!”

CLASS OF 2013 Kati Story Van Cleave and husband Canyon have news: “We welcomed our second boy, James Gray Van Cleave, last October! We are both still working full time in the real estate business.”

CLASS OF 2014 Betsy Ellithorpe reports, “I’ve been working at a new job in the biotech space as a Lead Software Engineer at insitro. I also recently moved to San Francisco!” Annie Jacobs says,

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22. 2000 Adam Russell is sworn in to Burleson City Council 23. 2001 Ashley Hayes' shop Asher Market 24. 2001 Zadie and Maya Martinez 25. 2001 Munson family 26. 2004 Anna Bruse marries Julio Garcia 27. 2004 Anna Bruse and husband Julio in DC 28. 2004 Jordan Carter

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“I am living in Tokyo, Japan. My weekdays are spent working, weekends spent exploring, and vacation days spent flying back to the US for weddings.” Krishna Tiwari writes, “I started residency in psychiatry at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan, New York.”

CLASS OF 2015 Katie Matson says, “I am currently in my second year as an MBA candidate at TCU. This year I am proudly serving as the MBA Marketing Association President and working to host boot camps, lunch & learns, and site visits to connect my peers with industry professionals. Additionally, I have taken on a Graduate Research Assistant role with Dr. Zain Ali to understand the impact of experiential learning within the MBA program and enhance robotic automation and learning models. Outside of school, I am the head editor for The Lariat at the Junior League of Fort Worth and am loving my third active year.” Kara Skow Polasek has big news! “I married Tyler Polasek on September 9, 2023 at Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth and our reception was at The Hotel Drover in the stockyards. My maid of honor was Kateland Brewster who I met in 8th grade when she came to TVS. I also had Katie Matson, Cassie Schmidt and Grace Booth ’16 as bridesmaids!”

CLASS OF 2016 Kailey Dow reports, “I am still in DC and will be for the foreseeable future and I’m loving that life. I completed my CPA so am now licensed in DC and Virginia. I started serving as the advisory board chair for Theta at Alabama which has been such a great opportunity to mentor and still be involved in some ways with the sorority.” Kailey also shared a photo of the Class of 2016 when they got together over the winter break last year.

CLASS OF 2017 Olivia Schoening Fillmore and Hartson Fillmore share, “We welcomed our first daughter this July! Her name is Jacqueline Annette Fillmore, and she is lovely.” Congrats to Avery Perkins ’16 and John Weakley on their November 4 wedding!

CLASS OF 2018 Emma Dalley Bartram writes, “I started PA school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center!” Per sister Kailey ’16, “Kamryn Dow is at the top of her class at Baylor Law, grading onto Law Review and working for Locke Lord next summer in Dallas. Kamryn has accepted a federal clerkship, which she will start upon graduating from Baylor Law in 2025.” Brianna Hudson says, “I recently

competed in a professional volleyball tournament in Pula, Croatia called the Global Challenge 2023. I was one of two starting outside hitters and we ended up taking second place.

We played teams from all around the world - Cameroon, China, etc. In all, it was two weeks of traveling to Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy! My team was made up of women from the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Japan. I competed on Team BIP in the 23-and-under division in July 2023. It was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to play a sport that I love at a professional level, explore different countries, and build lifelong friendships with my teammates! I am extremely blessed to have been part of this experience.” Kevin James updates us: “I entered into Active Duty in the Air Force, and I am beginning a Master’s in Computer Science at Brigham Young University through a fellowship from the Air Force Institute of Technology.” Andrew Viola shares, “I am a 100 ton licensed captain working for the Shogun.”

CLASS OF 2019 Tori Anderson graduated from Texas Tech and moved to New York to join the CIA.

CLASS OF 2020 David Fauber writes, “I started an electrical engineering job with a company headquartered in Italy called SPEA. I test semiconductors in the Phoenix metroplex and travel for work.

Recently I went to Italy for two months of training.” Brinkley Pauling says, “After completing the first three years of the seven-year Honors Program in Medical Education I started in 2020, I graduated from Northwestern University in June 2023 with my BA. During undergrad, I majored in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Human Health and Disease and minored in Spanish. I received my white coat in August and am now three months into four years of medical school at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Go ‘Cats!”

CLASS OF 2021 Thanks to Gage Brazell for sharing a photo of fellow Class of 2021 TVS alumni who met up in Waco at the Baylor/Utah game on September 9. Pictured l-r are Colin McGowen, Bryson Hooker, Thomas Swienton, Gage Brazell, and Nicole Markel.

CLASS OF 2022 Duncan Holloway has news from Lubbock: “I work as a student athletic trainer for Texas Tech University. I am currently working with the TTU women’s soccer team, whose record in early October was 12-0-2, with six consecutive wins.

Wreck ’em!”

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CLASS OF 1983 40TH REUNION!

BY SANDRA STANDEFER ʼ83 The Class of 1983 held its 40th reunion in September. It was a great weekend of sharing memories and laughs. We had a wonderful turnout with nearly 50% of the class returning for this special weekend.

Friday, we had a lunchtime gathering at Angelo’s.

Friday evening the class attended the Homecoming football game followed by happy hour at Lone Star Oyster Bar. We started Saturday with a Tolling of the Bells for our three dear classmates: Sean Searcy, Joy Thomas, and Will Newton.

Rafael presented a beautiful tribute to these three. We also included some dear loved ones in the tolling: Marihelen Hickey (longtime art teacher and mother of David), Judith Dennehy (wife of Todd) and Lynn Scozzari, Anthony Scozzari’s beloved wife who passed away earlier this year. A balloon was released for each of these loved ones.

Following this memorial, Kathryn Davis took the class on a

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tour of the “new” campus. It’s quite a bit different than the McCart campus! Then it was lunch at Mama's Pizza which brought back many high school memories!

Saturday evening was our celebration at the beautiful home of Shannon (Thomas) and Trace Worrell. Classmates came from near and far - Mexico, California, Massachusetts, Washington DC and all over Texas. We had a delicious dinner while we watched a slide show of our class through the years.

We received letters from many faculty - the Kramers, Mr. O, Dr. Wood, Mrs. Elliott (who attended our dinner!), Mr. Auger, Mrs. Corder, Sra. O’Brien and many more. It was so nice to hear from all of these teachers who made an impact on our lives.

Such a great evening- we cannot wait until the next one!

Many thanks to the reunion planning committee who helped me with all of the details: Zohra Choudhry, Stephanie Hassler, Sydney English, Sharon Wisch Ray, Shannon Thomas Worrell, Mary Kathryn Bronson Kelly and Rafael McDonnell.

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1. Class of 1983 40th Reunion Photo Credit: Adam Sear 2. Class of 1983 Women: Katy Fahy Pasquarette, Shannon Thomas Worrell, Zohra Choudhry, Angela Moffet, Linda Ravech Mesnik, Ann Burdette Wiley, Adair Cothran Duke, Stephanie Hassler, Sharon Wisch Ray, Sydney English, Dana Cohen Paine, Mary Kathryn Bronson Kelly, Sandra Standefer Photo Credit: Adam Sear 3. Class of 1983 Men: Jim Knight, Dixon Osburn, David Matheson, Anthony Scozzari, Paul Grant, Rafael McDonnell, Michael Coffman, Lathe Dauphinot, David Hickey, Adam Sear 70

Keith Hajovsky Photo Credit: Adam Sear 4. Class of 1983 at Angelo's 5. Class of 1983 honored at Homecoming halftime TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

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6. Class of 1983 Tolling sign 7. Class of 1983 at TVS for Tolling of the Bells 8. Viewing TVS archives collection 9. Sharon Wisch Ray, Shannon Thomas Worrell, Ann Burdette Wiley, Mary Kathryn Bronson Kelly, Zohra Choudhry 10. David Matheson, Lathe Dauphinot, Keith Hajovsky 11. Mary Kathryn Bronson Kelly, Jim Knight, Angela Moffet 12. Sandra Standefer and David Hickey with Mary Mac Elliott 13. Katy Fahy Pasquarette, Dana Cohen Paine, Linda Ravech Mesnik, Adair Cothran Duke, Sydney English 14. Sydney English and Stephanie Hassler Jeffers 15. Sharon Wisch Ray, Katy Fahy Pasquarette, Sandra Standefer 16. Jim Knight and Dixon Osburn TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Fort Worth, TX Permit #844

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132-4110

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TO PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If this magazine is addressed to a TVS alumnus/a who no longer uses your home as a permanent address, please e-mail his or her address to hansend@tvs.org

Where Innovation Meets Authenticity!

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TVS has given me the opportunity to lead a differential equations course with 16 eager students.

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Having fluency with differential equations allows students to model change and solve complex problems. What a valuable tool for our future leaders!

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Innovation means re-evaluating our practice and honestly reflecting on whether our methods serve students’ needs—both today’s needs and those

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they will need as future citizens and leaders in the

Computer science and engineering classes at TVS are more about learning how to learn than

communities they represent.

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– LUIS TERRAZAS

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– MELISSA BURKHEAD

they are about learning specific technology or even skills. The tech and skills needed to innovate

Innovation requires finding one’s own unique voice

change, but students who

and then using it in a meaningful way. In the Lower

know how to learn will be

School Music Room, students have the opportunity

in demand forever.

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to do just that both literally and figuratively.

– PAULINE MEDLIN

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– DR. PHILIP TAYLOR