Palmer Trinity School

29 S U M M E R 2 0 1 7 V ISIONA ER I E worked in a lot of different areas in many schools and I have some sense of what the challenges are, but I also really love what I do. I hope that is evident. I hope people see that I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. I want to work hard because I believe in what we are doing." Since Patrick arrived at Palmer Trinity he has seen his share of successes. "We have already completed much of the work in our Strategic Plan, sooner than projected. We are already envisioning the next steps in our future Plan. We have put in place a pivotal number of teams, including the Academic Team, who reviews our curriculum and makes recommendations to me on a daily basis about how we can strengthen our academic programs," he reminds me. "Our School has been invited to be a Round Square School, and we have opened the South Campus gates on time and on budget, something that has been over a decade in the making." e trinity of virtue, humanity, and spirit at the core of a PTS education is a huge part of why he thinks our campus is so special. It is within this trinity that his intention lies: "I think Episcopal schools in general are unique in the sense that they try to address the spirit in whatever way, shape, or form," Patrick explains. "And with that in mind, we draw a wide range of people to that mission. So we have natural opportunities for diversity, inclusivity, service, and experiences for our students to develop strong moral character and leadership skills. Regardless of what one believes, those skills will transfer well in the future into being a good spouse, employee, colleague, friend, and contributor. is kind of teaching goes beyond the academic and physical aspect of wellness. When we start talking about spirit, and also start implementing practices to develop empathy and compassion and service, ultimately that is what leadership is," he concludes. Gratitude, teamwork, discipline, curiosity, change, and spirituality. It turns out that answering "What makes a visionary?" may simply be the same thing as answering, "What is important to you?" Patrick concludes by stating: "I use the term 'servant leadership' all the time because a true leader is a servant. We're really teaching our students to go out and be servants of others, to help others, to make life better for others, to make a difference in the world, and to become part of something larger than ourselves." "There is such an emphasis on the quantifiable, when it really should be the qualitative experience that needs to be focused on. What are we doing to push our students appropriately and to challenge them so that they develop the skills they need to work both individually and in teams, rather than fixating only on test scores? above At Patrick Roberts' installation with his family; opposite page Mr. Roberts in July 1976 at age 6 in Nashville, Tennessee; on a farm in 1986

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