Ada Jean Folz
What is your first memory of Trinity?
My first memory is from my shadow day in fifth grade. I was separated from my initial shadow buddy and got lost. Luckily, a different sixth grader took me under her wing and helped me get where I needed to go! Before Trinity, I went to a public school. Coming in sixth grade, I was really impressed by how well behaved my classmates were! We were here to learn.
What classes have you particularly enjoyed? Why?
I loved Medieval History in eighth grade. It was the first time we had seminars as middle schoolers, which turned out to be great preparation. I had so much fun learning about the three field system. I also really liked ninth grade Humane Letters. To help us practice talking to each other, Mrs. Olson would leave the room and watch us from outside the door! It felt like we were coming to new revelations about each book, and it was satisfying to come out understanding more than when I entered the room.
What do you think makes Trinity Academy distinctive?
I think our level of interconnectedness is rare. The level of learning is also pretty remarkable. The faculty draw us up to higher levels than I would have probably chosen for myself. I can’t run away from the things that sound difficult, which is actually really nice. I have so many opportunities to grow and the support I need to grow. Mr. Willard will come down to study hall before he leaves, even on the days he isn’t assigned to study hall. He’ll sometimes sit next to me while I figure out a problem. I’ve had to learn how to ask for help. When I’m struggling, it can be tempting just to ignore it or to do just the amount that I can do, even when I know there’s more to do. I’ll work myself up to asking just one question.
Do you have a favorite Trinity Academy tradition?
I think my favorite is Lernvergnügenstag. It’s really about all the hope and anticipation in waiting for the surprise! I love seeing teachers showing their love and appreciation for the world outside of the classroom. Mrs. Hawk’s boxing class this year was really fun!
What extracurriculars did you participate in? What have those experiences added to your life?
I ran cross country and played tennis. Playing sports has helped me build discipline in managing my time. I also love how much community and conversation there is, especially in cross country. I’ve recently been running by myself to get in shape for the Coast Guard, and it’s made it clear to me how much I love the teamwork of cross country. In tennis, I’ve gotten to the point where I can help coach younger students and get to share in their success in a match. I’m also very involved in scouting. My scouting organization is called the Outdoor Service Guides, which is a co-ed organization for everyone ages 5 to 99! In scouting, I started canoeing when I was 11. In the summers, I teach canoeing to teens and adults at scout camp.
What was your favorite book you read in Humane Letters?
It was eighth grade, but I really loved The Hiding Place. It was moving to see how God was present to Corrie ten Boom and her sister even in the darkest circumstances.
How has Trinity’s Christian community shaped your faith?
Trinity gave me so many great examples of people living out their faith. Dr. Gusich sticks in my mind as a teacher who gave us a window into her life because of times when she would talk about philosophy making a difference in daily experiences. But all the teachers are examples to me of mature Christians. And the academic side also made a difference. Before Scripture, I wasn’t being pushed to read the Bible with the kind of close attention it took to discuss it in class.
What advice would you give to an incoming student (one very much like yourself) about how to get the most out of Trinity?
Connect with everybody: teachers, classmates, students in different grades. They are all interesting and worth the time to get to know. If I could talk to my younger self, I might say: this is the best high school I could’ve ever landed in. The values and things I care about were all formed by Trinity. I know how hard I can work because teachers expect us to work hard. I know how to talk to people and listen actively because we’re asked to do that every day for two hours. I deeply appreciate that about Trinity.
What’s next for you? What do you hope it will be like?
I am heading to the US Coast Guard Academy in June. I admire their values of honor, respect, and hard work. I’ll major in civil engineering and gain more leadership skills. I hope to find a strong faith community there. I’ll also get to be on the water, which I’ve found a love for through scouting.
