Growing up in the small town of Natchez is a blessing in disguise, and so is attending a private school. Whenever I am asked to think of my home, my first thought is that of Trinity; a welcoming environment that I came to know when I was just 5 years old. At such a young age, it is important to be surrounded by people who love you and want the best for your future, and even though I was only 5, I knew that those around me cared. Thinking back, I can remember my first open house like it was yesterday. I recall being just tall enough to open those big, red doors and the first thing I saw was a hand painted mural of a train with a letter of the alphabet on each railroad car. As my parents were greeted with friendly hellos, I was in awe of the kid friendly atmosphere in which my 5-year-old self felt was newfound territory. This “discovery” I made felt life changing, and I could not wait to visit my classroom. Kindergarten was just down the hall, but the walk to the room took a while due to the fact that I was distracted and moving slower than a turtle. As I shuffled my feet past the cubbies that would one day be mine, I caught sight of my teacher, Mrs. Stephens, who came to feel like family. With a grin from ear-to-ear, she showed me her classroom full of books, toys, and colorful posters on every wall. Other children were there, too, and our hearts raced with excitement from the idea of making new friends and at that point we had decided that open house was our favorite event. We played, laughed lots, and relished the thought of this being our new home for years to come.

Since 2002, I have been a student at Trinity Episcopal School, and have made countless memories through teachers and friends. The learning opportunities are endless because of hard working teachers, small classes and even a global studies program where students can travel the world and have hands-on experiences. It is because of this program that I was able to travel to Puerto Rico and Spain before I even graduated from high school. This summer, I will be going to Italy to experience yet another culture, different from my own. These are the trips that Trinity students look forward to throughout their school years and is also what contributes to our culturally diverse student body. We have always been taught to welcome others with open arms and are consistently able to have a variety of new experiences. Our teachers assist us in learning about other religions by studying them, understanding their way of life, and even tasting common cuisine. Being an Episcopal school, we also learn about Christianity and all that it has to offer. The entire school gathers together in the gym every Wednesday morning to worship and watch skits performed by the senior religion students. In addition to academics, Trinity also offers sports such as football, basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, track and cheerleading. There are also clubs that everyone can join such as Key Club and Casket Club. However, the long of the short is that whatever activity one chooses to be a part of, they will be accepted for who they are and celebrated for each talent they bring to the table.

Trinity Episcopal School prepares countless individuals for college, while also giving us the tools to succeed in life. Our loving environment is just what a student needs to be inspired and is where I developed such a great appreciation for higher learning. The teachers and students make an easy transition that can give anyone the chance for a new beginning. Now I am 18 years old, and during my 12 years at Trinity, I have acquired an abundance of knowledge and friendships that will last a lifetime. Even though I will be graduating soon, part of my heart will always be at Trinity, and I can only hope that those who attend in the years to come will be just as infatuated as I was at my first open house. There are so many things to look forward to in life, and I am encouraging everyone to come be a part of the Trinity family. My love for this school runs deep, and I can honestly say that I am proud to be a Saint.

Trinity’s open house will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

For more information, visit trinitysaints.org or call 601-442-5424 ext. 14.

 

Kyler Parks is a senior at Trinity Episcopal Day School.