On March 24, nearly 200 supporters gathered for the first annual “Breakfast with the TITANS.” This free, one-hour fundraising breakfast showcased the school’s mission while inviting the community to help grow Trinity’s financial support. Twenty volunteers served as table hosts by personally inviting guests who came from all circles of the Trinity community: founding families, alumni, current and past parents, trustees and faculty and staff. The Breakfast brought together Trinity’s philanthropic community to help celebrate the 50th anniversary and to steward and build our passionate and sustaining supporters.
Guests were welcomed into the Estes Athletic Center early in the morning with hot coffee and soft music by cellist Sylvie Dow ’25 and violinist Elizabeth Ray ’25. Anna Prillaman, athletic director, kicked off the program by praising the way that Trinity respects each student’s inner desire to learn and grow. “Although we help guide decision-making, of course, we don't create a mold for these kids we think is best and make them fit into it,” she said. “Instead, we make them feel comfortable and confident in the mold that they strive to create for themselves. This is what Discover Your Path means.”
After opening music performed by the Tritones, Trinity’s acapella group, and a prayer from Brian Griffin, Trinity chaplain, guests enjoyed a continental breakfast and the opportunity to chat with current students who sat at each table.
“We are excited for the future and what comes next. What students gain here at Trinity is more needed and relevant than ever,” Head of School Rob Short said. “We want our students to discover where their talents and joy meet the world's deep needs. They practice creativity, communication and working with other people… These are skills that will not be replaced by automation or technology.”
Rob Methven, Trinity parent of five past students (’18, ’16, ’14, ’12, ’10) and former trustee reflected on how Trinity's mission played out for each of his five children. “Five separate experiences, five different colleges, five different careers,” he said, noting that their paths after Trinity have not always been smooth. “You might say this is a fault of Trinity — no. This is not a bug in Trinity's mission or process. This is a feature of it. Anne and I firmly believe that the experience that the five kids got here has enabled them to become independent and confident enough to deal with change.”
Torey Burston ’12, Trinity campus coordination specialist, shared a testimonial of his own years as a student, alum and administrator. “Pouring your all into everything that is given to you — because you are bound to receive great things in return — is what I learned at Trinity,” Burston said. “My coach Mike Rhoades at VCU once said to me, ‘It's great that you've done great things in your career, but can you give it back? Can you pay it forward to someone else?’ That is exactly what it feels like being back here at Trinity full time.”
A video montage included a series of reflections from a diverse group of alumni who answered the question “How has being part of the Trinity community impacted or enriched your life?” Guests enjoyed additional music performances by guitarist Blake Whitaker ’23 and Trinity’s Jazz Ensemble.
At the conclusion of the program, Kelly O’Keefe, parent of three alums (’06, ’03, ’01) and former trustee, invited guests to support the mission of the school through one-time gifts and multi-year pledges in support of the Annual Fund. Over $200,000 was raised in gifts and pledges.
Breakfast sponsors who helped underwrite the cost of the event included David and Lauren Flood, Trinity parents (’17,’19, ’23); Benjamin and Erin Bacon, Trinity parents (’18, ’23); GoneGirl, a virtual consignment service; Sarah and Stanley Elliott, Trinity parents (’24, ’26); SwimMetro Management; and Kurt and Lisa Schuster, Trinity parents (‘20, ’23, ’26).
For more information about “Breakfast with the TITANS,” please contact Alyssa McBride, Director of Development, at alyssamcbride@trinityes.org or 804.327.3154.
The 2023 Table Hosts
- Tom & Kae Aycock — Former Head of School, Trinity Parents (’94, ’99)
- Lisa Acquaye — Trustee, Trinity Parent (’18, ’24)
- Maria Bartz — English Teacher / Student Services Coordinator
- Otis Brown — Advisory Board Member, Trinity Parent (’81, ’87)
- Cynthia Coleman — Trustee, Trinity Parent (’20, ’23)
- Chris & Rebekah DeRoco — Trinity Parents (’17, ’24), TPA Officer
- Chris Ellis ’81 — Trustee
- Swannee Ericson ’75 — Advisory Board Member, Trinity Parent (’05, ’09)
- Kyle Hendrick ’05 — Trustee
- Chase Hill ’98 — Trustee
- Joe & Diane Monaco ’81 — Director of Business Operations & Math Teacher, Trinity Parents (’21)
- Sam Mickens — Admissions / Head Football Coach
- John Mills ’90 — Trustee, Trinity Parent (’23, ’26)
- Clay Reynolds — Trustee, Trinity Parent (’25)
- Betsy Reid — English Department Head / Parent Pathways
- Rob Short — Head of School
- Randy Sullivan ’83 — Trustee, Trinity Parent (’20)
- Trinity Parents Association — (Lisa Schuster & Sarah Elliott)
- Tia Walker — Trustee, Trinity Parent (’23, ’24)
- Meghan White — Trinity Parent (’26)