“Today is the feast of the Epiphany, a reminder of the ultimate gift God gave us in the form of his Son. So, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ripley Family, to thank Trinity church and school for the many gifts they have given our family.

My parents moved here in the 1960’s and received the gift of open arms by a vibrant church community and given the opportunity for worship, friendship, fellowship, and leadership. My mother Dell became the Director of the Women of Trinity Church and my father, Neil, served on the Vestry of the church and the board of the school. It was the vision of the Vestry at that time to form what we now know as Trinity Episcopal School.

As I stand here today, I know that my parents would be so proud of what this school has become. Trinity has played such an important role in our family’s life in the form of christenings, confirmations, weddings, funerals, and graduations. On behalf of all of us here, I would like to thank the entire Trinity Community, including all past and present faculty and staff for the gift of both a Christian and academic education and all that it encompasses. You are preparing generations to be productive and thriving members of society, all with the core value system exemplified by our motto, Gentle, Generous, Truthful, Kind and Brave. I want to express my gratitude to Andy Thayer, Gary Taylor, the Vestry and school board for allowing me to share my thoughts today. Thank you.”