Palmer Trinity School

This spring, I had the privilege of traveling with the Palmer Trinity School Delegation, which included six upper school students, to Santiago, Chile, for a Round Square International Conference hosted by the Craighouse School. What unfolded throughout our time there was nothing short of extraordinary—a journey that opened our eyes, stretched our minds, and left lasting impressions on all of us. Chile is a country of remarkable contrasts. Snow-capped Andes rise above vibrant urban centers; lush valleys lie beside arid deserts. And perhaps most striking of all is the closeness of extreme wealth and deep poverty—sometimes just blocks apart. Experiencing this reality firsthand was eye-opening for our students and for me. It challenged our assumptions and sparked meaningful conversations about equity, justice, and the responsibility we all share as global citizens. Round Square is built on a powerful educational framework known as the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These themes guided each day of the conference, and our Chilean hosts did a masterful job of weaving these principles into every moment of our experience. Our students embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and heart. Whether it was rafting through icy rivers, hiking steep mountain trails, listening to thought-provoking speakers, or rolling up their sleeves to help build a playground and a fence for an under-served community, they showed resilience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to connection and service. What I found most inspiring was how naturally our students embodied the spirit of the 12 Round Square Discoveries— inquisitiveness, courage, compassion, teamwork, and tenacity among them. In moments big and small, they leaned into challenges, asked deep questions, and engaged with students from around the world with grace and curiosity. I watched them grow—not just as individuals, but as members of a global community. This edition of The Aerie magazine beautifully reflects those same IDEALS at work right here at Palmer Trinity. From our academics and athletics to the arts and community service, this publication celebrates the many ways our school lives out its mission each day. You'll also find moving reflections in the alumni section—don't miss the articles by Evan Zeder '91 and Caiti (Pomerance) Waks '07, who share how meaningful and lasting their PTS experience was. Their words remind us that the impact of a Palmer Trinity education endures long after graduation. The Round Square conference in Chile was a profound reminder of the impact of experiential learning and the transformative power of embracing the IDEALS. Our students returned not only more aware of the world, but more confident in their ability to lead, serve, and make meaningful change. D I S C O V E R I N G I D E A L S I N C H I L E : A JOURNE Y OF GROW TH AND CONNECTION A S EDUC ATORS, W E OF TEN TA L K A BOU T PREPA RING S T UDENT S FOR A N INTERC ONNEC TED WORL D. ROUND SQUA RE DOE SN' T JUS T TA L K A BOU T IT—IT L I V E S IT. A ND I A M SO PROUD TH AT PA L MER TRINIT Y IS PA R T OF THIS MOV EMENT. SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA BY S U Z A NNE G O T T L IEB C A L L E J A , A S S O C I AT E HE A D OF S C HO OL F OR C OMMUNIC AT ION S A ND S T R AT E GIC PA R T NER S HIP S 4 PALMERTRINITY.ORG

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