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Celebrating the Life of Christian Wood

School community gathers for memorial Chapel service to mourn the loss of Trinity senior
Monday, February 19 marked the conclusion of a long and difficult week for the Trinity community, as family, friends, teammates, teachers and mentors gathered in the Perkinson Arts Center Theatre for a Chapel service mourning the recent loss of Christian Wood ’18.

Wood was an avid outdoor enthusiast and an aspiring physicist and filmmaker, and his friends shared stories and memories of how his creativity and passion for adventure will continue to inspire them. Teachers noted his contributions to the community through environmental stewardship, leadership and welcoming new students on the annual Freshman Class Retreat.

Head of School Rob Short ended his remarks on Monday with a quote from Oscar Wilde that summarized his memory of Christian: “Be yourself,” he said. “Everyone else is already taken.”

Following Monday’s service, Trinity faculty member Marti Truman invited all attendees to place a stone on one of a series of cairns located throughout campus, she said, “as a way to celebrate his life and express our grief. Though called by different names, people have been creating them for centuries. [They] serve either as a memorial or a trail marker for travelers.”

All week, space and time were available for any student seeking support from school counselors. In a written message to all Trinity parents, Head of School Rob Short stated: “Through things like handwritten notes, a comforting arm around a friend or writing poetry and songs together — our students have have shown the many creative ways that we can come together to cope and support one another.”

Volunteers from the Trinity Parents Association (TPA) decorated the theatre stage to reflect Christian’s love for the outdoors and served dinner to faculty members following the Chapel.

The Wood family has shared that Christian was an organ donor, and that his gift will bring life to others. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Christian’s memory to Trinity Episcopal School, in support of the Outdoor Program (3850 Pittaway Drive, Richmond, VA 23235 or www.trinityes.org/give).
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