This past July, Trinity Hall students and staff proudly represented the school at Rising Treetops at Oakhurst’s 20th Annual Summer Benefit, joining community members and supporters for an evening celebrating service, connection and the power of partnership. The annual event highlights the important work of Rising Treetops and recognizes the many individuals and organizations that help strengthen the local community through service and support. This year’s benefit welcomed more than 130 guests and raised more than $300,000 to support Rising Treetops’ programs and services, helping provide meaningful opportunities and resources for children, families and individuals with disabilities.
Senior Lauryn Smith addressed attendees during the evening, reflecting on the impact her experiences volunteering with Rising Treetops have had throughout her time at Trinity Hall. In sharing her story, Lauryn emphasized the importance of giving back to the local community and the value of serving alongside her classmates. Lauryn was joined at the event by fellow students Lucia Fairchild, Reese Biggie, Kate O’Brien, and Alexia Genkinger, as well as Trinity Hall’s Dean of Student Life, Dr. Cindy Sobieski, and Advancement Coordinator Caitlin Zavorskas. The Trinity Hall community was also represented by Class of 2023 alumna and longtime Rising Treetops volunteer Camila Monzon, who continues to support the organization through her ongoing commitment to service.
Trinity Hall has proudly partnered with Rising Treetops since the 2022–2023 school year, providing students with ongoing opportunities to serve at the organization’s Oakhurst location. Through Senior Service Day, the annual Day of Service and additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year, Trinity Hall students have contributed their time and talents to a wide range of projects that support Rising Treetops’ campers, families and facilities. These opportunities have included deep cleaning camper bunks, organizing activity spaces, pantries, sports equipment, and art rooms, as well as painting murals, hanging holiday lights, planting gardens and raking leaves. Students have also helped maintain the wheelchair-accessible outdoor theater and fire pit area, contributing to a welcoming and accessible environment where campers can participate, connect and enjoy time outdoors.
Beyond projects that support the Rising Treetops campus, Trinity Hall students have also had the opportunity to build personal connections with campers and families. Through participating in sports, creating art together and designing adaptive games, students experience firsthand the importance of inclusion, creativity, and community. These opportunities allow students not only to serve others, but also to learn from the individuals and families they meet along the way.
For Trinity Hall, the partnership with Rising Treetops represents an important extension of the school’s commitment to service and community. Reflecting on the lasting value of service, Dr. Cindy Sobieski, Trinity Hall’s Dean of Student Life, shared, “Community service is a lifelong gift to others, and this event reminded us how valuable our participation in service is within the community. Whether it is one hour, one day, or years, dedicating time to help others in need is our chance to positively change lives, including our own.”
The partnership between Trinity Hall and Rising Treetops continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to serve, connect, and grow. Trinity Hall is grateful for the organization’s continued collaboration and looks forward to many more opportunities for its students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and in the broader community.
photo by Brett Deutsch, www.deutschphoto.com