Trinity Episcopal School

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45. TESPN

What began in fits and starts a few years ago, and was then spurred on by the need to stream live games for remote spectators during the pandemic, has now blossomed into a fully functional student-run sports media operation. There are now more than a dozen students filling roles such as executive producer, assistant producers, photographers, broadcasters, podcast hosts and video editors. In addition to producing content for social media, the group streams about 20 contests per season.

Check out their streams at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5GvH6rPm4CmNOpB-SXXoA

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

In honor of Pi Day (3.14), the math department and the Mathletes student club kicked off a fun week of Pi (or pie) related activities on Tuesday, March 14. Teams of students competed to construct the most original and sturdy 3D version of the world’s most famous irrational number. Other activities this week include: memorizing pi to the most digits, pie baking and a pie-eating relay.

The Black Alliance Initiative (BAI) student executive board, with the support of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) faculty advisory group, organized a field trip to Washington, DC, on March 2 to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Other stops on the trip included the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

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44. Team 539

When Trinity joined the FIRST Robotics League in 2001, they were given the number 539, signifying that they were the 539th team to compete. “I believe there are now almost 9000 FIRST teams around the globe (team 8899 being the latest to get their number),” says Laurie Pierce, robotics mentor and technology facilitator. “Low team numbers usually represent a team that has been around awhile (and therefore might have more knowledge or experience when it comes to building and competition).” Each year, Team 539 proudly etches, stencils or adheres those three digits on each year’s robot construction.

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

Over a long weekend in mid-February, 13 students made the trek from Richmond to Durango, Colorado for the annual Back-Country Ski Trip sponsored by the Trinity Outdoor Program. “We skied and snowboarded at Purgatory Mountain, Telluride and Silverton,” said Michael Stratton, program coordinator. “The trip was amazing, and the group of kids that went was so much fun!”

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43. T.I.T.A.N.S. Values

Trustworthy, Intentional, Tough, Altruistic, Neighborly and Sincere. These six characteristics define what it means to be a Titan. Every Friday in Morning Meeting these six values are highlighted and celebrated by reading acts of people putting these values into action. Developed by a committee of teachers and staff, the list was created to more explicitly enforce and celebrate our values and to create a positive way to affirm those characteristics and behaviors. Did you know that the first draft back in 2017 included “N” for “Noble”?

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

It was a pleasure to welcome the Towson University Tigers men’s lacrosse team to Aycock Stadium last week. On a road trip to Richmond, the team stopped in for a midday practice session on Trinity’s all-weather turf playing surface and met some of Trinity’s boys lacrosse coaches.

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42. Student Freedom

When students responded to the “Things I Love about Trinity” survey, one word popped up more often than all the rest: freedom. Students at Trinity are given trust and self-determination to learn how to manage their time wisely. “When I meet with freshmen every year, that is the number one thing they comment on,” says Head of School Rob Short. “They can’t believe that there is such a wonderful degree of trust and freedom that they’ve never experienced in their school lives. That good will goes a long way toward community building too. When you extend trust, trust is given in return.”

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

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41. Spirit and Sportsmanship

When an opposing team travels to Trinity, they know they will have to deal with an “extra player” on the home court or field — the Titan student section. For decades, it has been a privilege for student leaders to plan and organize theme days and lead the cheers. As Director of Athletics Anna Prillaman reminds new students at the beginning of each year, Titans do it with integrity and sportsmanship: “We cheer for us. We don’t cheer against them.”

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

Tyler Johnson ’14, professional baseball player in the Chicago White Sox organization, visited a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) student club meeting over videoconference in Mid-February, speaking to students and faculty gathered in the Speight Alumni Room about his athletic career and the lessons of faith and gratitude that have helped him persevere. “Keep each day simple. Look at each day as a series of wins and losses, and I guarantee at the end of the week, you’ll have more wins than losses,” Johnson said. “Don’t compare yourself to others. Some people don’t have a nice gym, school or family. Be grateful for what you have and count those as wins.” Johnson also reflected on how participating in three varsity sports at Trinity helped his athletic ability at the next level.

It was wonderful to welcome Torey Burston ’12 and Angelique Scott ’13 to the PAC theater stage earlier this month for a student-alumni conversation in honor of Black History Month. Led by students in the Black Alliance Initiative (BAI), the group discussed diversity, inclusion and the importance of continued conversation and growth.

Read more in the News Room: https://www.trinityes.org/news-detail?pk=1523261&fromId=250231

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40. The Shield (Yearbook)

Besides a diploma, the one thing every Trinity graduate has taken with them is a copy of The Shield, Trinity’s student-produced yearbook. Clocking in at over 150 pages each year, with spreads dedicated to every sport played, The Shield aims to document the moments that make up a year at Trinity. “I have the privilege of working with other students to determine how to capture the academic year as a snapshot of that moment in Trinity’s history,” says Layal El-Ayoubi ’23, senior staffer. “In essence, we want students to be able to look back at The Shield and instantly experience a feeling of home; a sense of having been a part of a strong community of unwavering support.” Over the years, staffers have made creative use of school colors and incorporated lots of student graphic design. Beloved perennial features are the dit-dots, baby photos, and senior superlatives, and of course, a dedication to a deserving faculty or staff member each year.

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

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39. The Shield (logo)

Present since the school’s founding in 1972, the shield’s simplicity creates a sense of prestige and strength. The three crosses placed atop the T (for “Trinity”) symbolize the Holy Trinity, honoring the school’s heritage and Episcopal identity. In recent years, as the Titan’s athletic prowess has burgeoned, students have begun to compare the white T on green background to the lines of an athletic field. Today, the shield is a common symbol of strength and unity and is proudly emblazoned on everything from plaques to uniforms to bumper stickers.

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

Dunn Courtyard was packed today, as unseasonably warm weather allowed for a midwinter installment of Pach’s Place, Trinity’s traditional lunchtime concert series.

The World Language Department is hosting the 13th annual International Film Festival on Saturday, February 25, from noon to 4 p.m. This event is open to the entire Trinity community and is free of charge. In addition to eight international films, there will be a showcase of student films created in Trinity's filmmaking class.

For a complete schedule visit https://qrco.de/bdk1Hb

Thanks to Ned Trice, science teacher, for capturing this spectacular “lucky charm” over the Science Discovery Center this morning. “It’s about to be a great day in the science building!” said Trice.

After a three-year hiatus, the IB Visual Arts trip to New York City was renewed last month by an enthusiastic group of about 40 IB course candidates. Over four days, the group visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa). Staying in upper Midtown between Times Square and Central Park also gave students the opportunity to experience the city’s incredible food, go ice skating and take in a Broadway show.

Read more in the News Room:
https://www.trinityes.org/news-detail?pk=1521277&fromId=250231

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38. Senior Chapel & Baccalaureate

Traditionally bookending the month of May, these two traditions celebrate and honor each senior class. The first features a slideshow with a baby picture of each graduate and a series of “Mission Moments,” or warm wishes from fellow seniors. The second is a more formal occasion with the prayers, hymns and liturgical style of a church service.

Read excerpts from the 2022 Senior Chapel event at https://www.trinityes.org/news-detail?pk=1480618&fromId=250231

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!

Campus playing fields came alive again this afternoon, as athletes and coaches convened for the first day of spring athletic tryouts and practices.

For more details about spring athletics, visit the Spring Athletics Preparation Chart (grid): https://qrco.de/bdjTO7

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37. The Richmond Forum

When it comes to Trinity’s 15-year connection to the Richmond Forum, our students are doubly fortunate. Not only have Trinity students been the organizations exclusive participants in the Forum’s page program, but thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Baxter W. Perkinson, eight lucky students and two teachers are able to attend each program as patrons, enjoying dinner and special events with the speakers. In both programs, Trinity students have had the chance to rub elbows with world leaders and participate in some of the most important intellectual conversations of our day.

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!.

Congratulations to Ella Holloway, Sam Nedeff and Ellie Hoke, this year’s Trinity honorees in the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, described as “the nation's longest-running, most prestigious educational initiative supporting student achievement in the visual and literary arts.”

Read more in the News Room:
https://www.trinityes.org/news-detail?pk=1521201&fromId=250231

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36. Performance Groups

There are few announcements at Morning Meeting that get a more enthusiastic response than “Jazz Band, 6:30 tonight!” The enthusiasm that band director Brian Rollins has built around groups like the Jazz Band and the Pep Band has rubbed off to guitar groups taught by Chris Markunas ’01 as well as strings ensembles and choral groups taught by Kimberly Ryan. Student run groups like the acapella Tri-Tones and any number or Pach’s Place rock bands complete the circle. Whether you play the mouth harp or the ukelele, there is a musical performance group for you at Trinity.

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To prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2022-23, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity and compiled them in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail. ⁠To continue the celebration, we are sharing all 50 on social media!.

In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, students volunteered to create 70 Valentine’s goody bags for the faculty and staff of UMFS, a nonprofit that provides foster care and schooling for students with disabilities in Virginia. UMFS is the official community partner of Trinity’s 10th grade class. UMFS is one of five grade-level nonprofit Community Partners, chosen by Trinity students for targeted service and support. Learn more about the community partnerships here:

https://www.trinityes.org/school-life/community-engagement/community-partnerships

It was all fun and games at Morning Meeting last week, as faculty members challenged students to a week-long battle of wits and endurance for 2023’s Winter Spirit Week. Sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), the games include Head’s Up, the Newlywed Game, Pictionary and Family Feud — and culminated in a spirited Pep Rally on Friday afternoon. After back-and-forth matches of frisbee golf, track stand (mountain biking), slack line and dodgeball, the faculty eked out a win in the end. Special thanks to all the participants and to Brian Griffen and the SGA for their creative leadership.

Click the link in bio to see more photos on the Photo Gallery.

Dozens of students came together in the Goodman Room today to solve a vexing math problem — how to tell the difference between your calculator and everyone else's. Sponsored by the Mathletes Club, the goal of Calculator Bedazzle Day was to have every calculator in the school identifiable by adding a personal touch with stickers, name labels and permanent markers. Looks like they found the right answer!

Trinity students and faculty welcomed Dr. Kevin Hallock, president of the University of Richmond, to meet student leaders and speak at an all-school assembly on Friday, January 20. Hallock encouraged students to “work hard, find balance and be safe” in their pursuit of a college degree.

“I firmly believe you learn as much in college as outside of the classroom,” he said. “Today's colleges bring together people from different places, with different backgrounds and different beliefs. Whatever you do after you graduate will involve people. Being part of a university community should help you work with and understand people who might be different from you.”

Read more from Dr. Hallock’s speech in the News Room:

https://www.trinityes.org/news-detail?pk=1520167&fromId=250231

It has been a joy to renew our partnership with Obama Elementary School in Richmond’s Northside. Trinity 8th graders and 5th graders from Obama have collaborated on a series of science-themed outdoor activities in Forest Hill Park and here at Trinity. During their visit to campus last month, the 5th graders enjoyed a science demo from Mr. Trice, water testing in the nearby creek and activities in the gym led by Trinity students.

35. Pach's Place

On the surface, it might appear to be simply an open mic opportunity for student musicians, but Trinity’s weekly lunchtime concert series is often cited by students, teachers and alumni as emblematic of the way that the Trinity community comes together to support one another. Named for Pach Torres ’93, who was killed in a random act of violence as a Trinity senior, the spot was born out of tragedy and has become a beacon of light for a generation of Titans. The circular space off of Dunn Courtyard was rededicated in 2001 with a unique ceramic tile design created by Conor O’Keefe ’01 with the inscription, and Torres’ motto, “Love is Stronger than Fear.”

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In preparation for our feature story in the Spring 2022 issue of the Titan Trail, “50 Things We Love About Trinity”, we asked students and faculty to share all of the amazing things they love about Trinity to celebrate our 50th anniversary coming up this year. ⁠
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To continue the celebration, we will bring the party to social media! Between now and January, we will be sharing all 50 via our social channels.⁠