Katie TrapaniOur friend and courageous Cornerstone Cougar, Katie Trapani “Mama T”, left her earthly home today 09.18.17. She passed away around 11:00 a.m. this morning with her family and an army of friends at her side and nearby. This is heartbreaking news, yet we rejoice knowing Katie is with Jesus! Funeral ArrangementsVisitation will be Thursday, September 21 from 6-8 Service will be Friday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. Please continue praying for David, Taylor and Reid and the entire Trapani and Kroeger families. They are touched by and grateful for the love shown to them. Katie Trapani Scholarship FundThe family has requested no food please. In lieu of flowers the family has requested all donations be made to Cornerstone for the Katie Trapani Scholarship Fund. Please click here to make an electronic donation or mail checks to 5295 Triangle Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (memo line – Katie Trapani Scholarship Fund). Mailing a check to the school will maximize the amount of dollars going toward the fund due to fees associated with electronic payments. Share your StoriesMrs. Trapani has affected the lives of countless people. As such, we encourage you to share your stories on how her life impacted yours. She was one of a kind.  Katie Trapani StoriesSarah Cantrell - Co-worker and friend: "I can honestly say, I've never seen a better teacher. Katie was my role model and I even remember telling my husband, ""I want to be the kind of teacher that Katie is. I want to be her when I grow up. She is amazing."" Katie was always sending us tickets to the zoo because she knew how much my husband loved it. She would send discounted tickets, and free tickets whenever she could because she knew it was a mini date for us. I remember texting with her one Saturday while we were there, and she said, ""Ugh! I wish I could be there to show you the new baby pandas."" Katie knew that I loved interior design as a side hobby. She was always bringing me crafty things as she would clean out the house just in case I would want to make more wreaths! HA! One evening, she called and asked if Allen and I needed furniture for our home as we were just starting out. We went over to her house one Saturday and she literally filled an entire van full of furniture for our new home. She gave us a coffee table, armoire, and offered many other items around her house because she said she just had too much and knew we needed it. We had such a great time at her house that day with Taylor and Katie. We ended up chatting for hours about Happy, basketball, and of course, Cornerstone. Thank you, Katie for taking me under your wing. I will always want to be just like you when I ""grow up."" " Helen West - colleague, friend, neighbor: Katie Trapani was a friend and a colleague, a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, a creative and strong woman, innovative and kind teacher. At Cornerstone, she strove for excellence in everything and loved the students personally. "Mama T" seemed to know who needed a nickname, who needed a hug, who needed a scolding, who needed a listening ear, and each one was delivered with love. Last year, when we served at the Shrine, a homeless shelter, she sacrificially (and cheerfully!) made several pans of her homemade BBQ chicken. As always, she downplayed her contribution and hard work, but went above and beyond to make the meal special. Also, the students loved Katie. Once, when I assigned a mystery story, two students wrote about the missing Happy Trapi; this featured Katie's dog. Katie loved to share her passion for history, animals (Zoo Atlanta), and service with the children, widening horizons and educating with dedication, detail and delight. Whether it was the Wax Museum, the Roman Aqueducts, Immigration Day, or ancient Sumeria, with Katie, history came alive. I will always remember Katie for all of these things, as well as how she encouraged me and my son Andrew, one of her students. Kathy Corey - Colleague: Katie was a great help to me when I started teaching at Cornerstone in 2010. She helped me understand the needs of her students who came to me for science. Her excitement about the hands on projects she was developing was contagious! She always went the extra mile for her kids because she loved them like her own. She leaves a legacy and her spirit will forever be a part of Cornerstone. Katie Boling - mentee, colleague and friend We called ourselves "Team Katie", as if we were going to conquer the world. As many would have said, Katie had the ability to make you feel as though you could. If I were ever to pick someone to share a name with, it would be her. I knew her for such a short time, but it's as if God brought her to me right when my heart needed her (or needed Him). I'm sure many others could say the same. There were days we shared the joy of all the good going on in our lives, but what I actually remember the most are the not so good days. Katie and I would make them into the funniest, most ridiculous stories later. She always made things more fun. I'll never forget meeting her during my job interview. I'll never forget her teaching me how to take my picture "correctly" with the Cornerstone Christian Academy sign. Ha! I'll never forget how she mentored me daily. I'll never forget her tears of joy when I told her I was pregnant. Most of all, I'll never forget His light shinning through her at moments when I needed it the most. Joshua Farley - 5th and 6th grade history student: She taught me that history can be fun. For every unit we would build something or create something it was very hands on. It was my first experience of being excited for history each day even if there was a test on that day. I was always her pumpkin muffin. And my work was faboodle. I will miss her a lot. Missy Woolever - Coworker: "In my sorrow today one word continues to come to mind... Lucky. I think about how lucky David, Reid and Taylor are to have had a wife and mother who loved them without measure. I think about every child that was lucky enough to walk through her classroom door. To know that their teacher knew them, loved them and would never give up on them. And of course I think of the Cornerstone community. We were lucky enough to be loved passionately by one amazing lady. She was our biggest cheerleader. Lastly, I find comfort that Katie was lucky. She was lucky enough to live in the peace of knowing an Almighty God. May we all turn to him in prayer for comfort and thanksgiving for the wonderful light that was Katie. " Candy Reid-Harrop - Fellow CCA Tennis Team Coaches: "It's a shocking day, but rather than saying I have no words, I have so many that they're spilling over. I met Katie properly in February 2016, when she took charge of the CCA tennis team, helping co-head coach Bryan Coats and I to coordinate practices and matches. From the minute we met I liked her so much. Her enthusiasm and love for life, not to mention her love for her pupils, was infectious. She knew pretty much everything about everyone and it was always positive. I heard her say ""he is a genius,"" or ""she is going to be so successful,"" so many times. What a fantastic woman she was. I will remember her fondly and aspire to always be as positive as Katie Trapani." Jay Leedy - Mason's Dad: The first time we met Mrs. Trapani, she was in process of running the U.S. History 'Wax Museum' while touring Cornerstone considering sending our son to start 5th grade. Her enthusiasm for fostering a love of learning was immediately apparent and in large part convinced us that Cornerstone was the right move for our family. Mason was lucky enough to have her as his teacher the following year, and her creativity, enthusiasm and unique approach to engaging students helped him make a successful transition into a new Middle School. We've always told Mason how fortunate he is to have a teacher like Mrs. Trapani. She was a 'once in a lifetime' spirit who really loved what she did and loved helping others see why! The Leedy family is so grateful to have had her touch our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Trapani, Kroeger and Cornerstone families. Her light will shine brightly in all the hearts she touched for many years to come. Sue Copps - Parent of her students and fellow teacher My sons are in their forties, but still proclaim Katie their favorite teacher. I was going through a divorce early in my teaching career at Berkeley Lake Elementary. My older son was in Katie's fourth grade class---she couldn't have been more thoughtful and caring, inviting us to dinner, surprising my boys with thoughtful gifts as she knew we were on a tight budget (and, yes a tour of David's baseball collection for the boys :). She is a role model for me---her selfless love and caring for all who came into her life just makes her one of the amazing people I've ever known. She was larger than life! Julia Jackovich - My family and I were friends. I remember when I went to Camp Popsicle and every day she would give us popsicles and we would play fun games all daylong. Ella Floyd - I met Mrs. Trapani about once or twice, but whenever I saw her she was sharing joy with everyone around her. Mrs. Trapani was full of joy, I remember last year in fourth grade she said " I can't wait to spend next year with you! We are going to have so much fun together. I love you!" She brought a smile to all of our faces. I will always remember her. Kahlan - Student I met Katie Trapani at the Cougars Coming Up she was the nicest person I knew that I wanted her for my teacher I was so happy when I got her, but so sad when I heard she had cancer I was so upset. But now she is in a better place. James Hufham - Former Student I remember all the projects they meant so much to me. Colin Ganley - PE teacher and 5/6th grade history She has meant the world to me. Ever since I walked in for a tour when I was only four. She was the one who I really got along with. Mama T was always there for everyone when they needed help and when we were down. When I was happy or when I was sad she always made me happy with her huge smile and her soft fluffy hair. We loved her so much me will never forget her as we grow. Katie - Student Mama T was a history teacher like no other. She truly made history come alive. Whether it was telling a great story, or making great projects, history came to life in her classroom. But a more important history came to life in her room as well. The history of Jesus came to life. His love was always felt in her classroom. Grant Abouchar - She was my homeroom teacher and history for 5th Grade and she is my neighbor We were learning about inventors and she took us to the world of coke and the Varsity. Yassiris Gutierrez - Mother of Valeria Solorzano "Mama T", what a perfect name!!! She was a second mother for Valeria last year. We are so grateful that Mrs. Trapani was part of our lives. Always a loving smile. The love and affection that she has for all her students is beyond words can explain. She was our 5th grade Home room and History teacher. Not just she made History fun, the time and dedication she put into all the activities was impressive. We will always remember and love "Mama T". Grant Abouchar - history student, neighbor, homeroom student she taught me things I never knew and I wish I knew how much she loved me. Corrie Austin - student Mis. Trapani always seemed to be brusting with energy. She could light up your day no matter how gloomy. her porjects were always fun and she coud even make work sheets fun. she may be gone but I can still feel the sun she left with every last one of her pumpkin pie muffins. Caroline James - 6th Grade History Student She was one of the main reasons I was drawn to Cornerstone. When I first toured Cornerstone and I met her and she was so full of happiness and faith. The first thing I thought was that I loved her hair. She was an amazing history teacher. She would let us do art projects with what we were learning. We wouldn't even know we were learning because we were having so much fun. Katelynn P. - Student who loved her and always found herself scratching Mama T's back. Mrs. Trapani was always there for everyone and was a very loving and caring happy person. It seems like she found a way to teach us even when we didn't no it. Mrs.T was so hands on and everyone loved all her projects. One day last year when the boys used to be mean, the boys and the girls were being talked to and Mrs.T had the girls. All the girls were poring out their feelings to Mrs.T and she would just comfort all of us. We were all crying and it was just like we were ll bonding. I miss Mrs.T. <3 Suzanna Trice - Friend and Co-worker I met Katie when I was a brand new teacher, just starting at Cornerstone--our little staff was small and tight-knit. She was teaching P.E. then and was every student's favorite part of the day--they were so busy designing costumes, choosing music and choreographing hula hoop dance routines that I'm not sure those muffins had any idea they were learning anything! But they were--Katie was always teaching, students and teachers alike. I had changed careers and was spending my evenings taking classes and reading about theories of education and philosophies of classroom management--but watching Katie, usually in costume or with a griddle in tow because she had deemed it Chocolate Chip Pancake Day, I learned so much that was not in my textbooks. As she did wherever she was, she brought life to the classroom. Katie also showed up for some of my happiest and saddest days--and she was thoughtful in little ways that I well remember, even years later. She shared tender parts of her story to encourage me, and her optimism continues to be a model for me. But, my very favorite thing about Katie is the way she made us all laugh! That girl could tell a story! My sweetest memories of her are standing in the hallways, laughing to the point of tears, as she recounted something someone had just done or said. To Katie's precious three guys, it is no secret that Katie's love for you was as fierce as human love gets. Her time on Earth may be over, but life and love like hers doesn't just die. The fruit of her good works will continue to bless lives and bring glory to the Lord, even in new ways, for years to come. Bob Fuhr - Student parent, friend, fellow lover of history Everything about Katie Trapani was big. Big hair, big smile, big ideas, big love. My favorite memory is watching her welcome 5th graders to Ellis Island dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Katie could surprise you even with the expected. Middle school kids are like the immigrants they portrayed when Katie literally brought history to life. As they have moved from the comforts of home and childhood into the strange new world of adolescence and independence, Mama T has been their Lady Liberty. It is not hard to imagine a student having a bad day looking up and being drawn to that warm smile at the end of the hall. The lives Katie's spirit educated, guided, comforted, corrected, loved, and shaped are too many too total. Every time I see the Statue of Liberty I will think of Katie. I will remember a magnificent, strong, larger-than-life woman standing tall. I will enjoy a memory, and picture her that way watching over us from The Kingdom. Thank you for being important in the life of my child Katie. You have been the very definition of a blessing. Amelia Gustafson - She was my teacher for two years Last year, I developed a rare medical condition, and she pulls me over and says "You are the most happy student I know!, Keep shining your light through music!" And at that moment, I had courage in myself to keep going! Josh Whitlock - Fellow Bulldog, Falcon, and Cougar The first year I led a small group of 6th grade boys at Cornerstone, we had a film contest that we wanted to enter. I asked the boys to brainstorm ideas based on the lessons we learned in chapel all year. "What lesson do you remember most?" I asked. Apparently, the only person they listened to all year was Mrs. Trapani. "The Dolphins and the Sharks" they all said refering to her chapel lesson on being a genuine friend. At first, I was a little offended because I thought I'd given a pretty impactful chapel lesson a few weeks earlier, but I was amazed to see that they remembered something Katie taught months before. She really did have an impact on them, which is quite the accomplishment with a group of 6th grade boys. I watched her teach lessons at chapel each year, and I am confident that everyone who heard them could tell you what Mrs. Trapani shared at all of them (Dolphins and Sharks, Hair, Cabbage Patch Doll to name a few). There really is no one like Katie Trapani. Tricia Danskin - Parent of Dutch and Holland (students of Katie's) My daughter Holland had the pleasure of having Mrs. Trapani as her 5th grade teacher. I had the honor of working closely with her during the immigration simulation. Her amazing details that went in to this event --the passports (which we worked on together), the kid's cast of characters with costumes, and then everyone being in character during the event, even the parents. The best moment of the event was when the curtain drew back slowly and there was Katie standing head to toe in her Statue of Liberty costume. The entire room went nuts! Carol Jackovich - Mom of her student, friend and neighbor, and crazy fan of hers! I heard legendary stories about Katie before I even met her. As flattering as the stories were, I don t think they held a candle to the real Katie. Love and enthusiasm that was larger than life. The rare ability to encourage every child towards their potential and have every child that has ever heard her name, clamoring to be her student! The dream teacher both from the child's standpoint and the parent's standpoint. Relationships that transcended. Lori Hipp - Parent Mrs. Trapani was to have been our daughter's History teacher this school year. From the second she found out that she was to be in her class, she was on cloud 9! She got THE teacher she had hoped for! The one that took the time to make visits to the 4th grade classrooms to get to know the students she might have the next year! Mrs Trapani was the one teacher from Middle School our daughter knew, and just that one friendship made entering middle school a little less overwhelming. When our 5th grader heard the sad news yesterday she was absolutely heartbroken, not just to have lost her friend, Mrs. T, but for "missing out" on the opportunity to learn history from "the teacher everyone wants!" I wish I had had the opportunity to have gotten to know her as well for how many students grieve so for the teacher they ALMOST had the privilege to have this year! Gretchen Gartin - parent, neighbor, and friend Katie Trapani was like no other on Earth. No one can compare to her. She was a one of a kind teacher. She was a Godly woman of encouragement, kindness, and grace to all who knew her. God couldn't bring Heaven to Earth, but He sent a piece of Heaven down when He graced this Earth with her presence. Mrs. Trapani always knew what her students needed the most. It was conference time when my daughter was in fifth grade and Mrs. Trapani went on and on about her progress in class and that things were going great, but she did notice at recess my child wanted to take a book out and read. She felt it was necessary for my child to socialize and develop friendships rather than be the bookworm she was! To Mrs. Trapani, relationships and developing the heart were just as important as developing the mind. She lovingly informed me that she was going to tell my child she needed to leave the book inside at recess and spend time with friends. Mrs. Trapani knew what my child needed. She was always in tune with her students. I will forever be thankful for the impression she made upon my child's heart and mind as well as my family. My family and I are heartbroken that she is no longer with us, but even more so for her beloved family. We continue to keep the Trapani family in our prayers as well as all of the CCA community. Katie Trapani, we love you and miss you and know that you are at complete peace with our Heavenly Father. Hannah - Friend and neighbor Mrs.Trapani was full of life. A piece of heaven sent to Earth to teach us to love one another like brother and sister. Her smile was pure sunshine. Her hair was awesome! I love you Mama T! The Mocks - Emma's beloved 5th grade homeroom & history teacher We were so blessed to have called Cornerstone our school for 5 amazing years. Our last year with CCA was bittersweet, but Mrs. Trapani was definitely the sweet part! During the wax museum & immigration simulation projects, I was in awe of her unique and amazing ability to get her students to learn by having them teach others about some of the greatest figures in American History. By the time her famous immigration simulation project rolled around, we knew our daughters would most likely not be returning to our beloved school the following school year. I vividly remember feeling the guilt that our daughter, Ella, would not get to have these same experiences. Those feelings actually brought me to tears. Katie noticed my sadness and like in true Mama T style came over to check on and comfort me. I shared with her the reason for my sadness and she put her arm around me and said; "You are going to be just as amazing at being their teacher as you are at being their Mom!" She also told me I could always reach out to her for lesson plans and ideas but that she knew our girls would do great homeschooling. I knew God was using one of His faithful followers to bring me the peace of mind I so needed. It never ceases to amaze me how much our Heavenly Father loves us and shows us His love through beautiful souls like Mrs. Trapani. We are forever grateful and better for having known you! Shannon Rose - coworker and friend I met Katie in 2010 when I came to work at Cornerstone. I immediately loved, how she loved Cornerstone. I learned all about the history of the school and always enjoyed her stories of all the roles she held in the early days of the school. She was my 'neighbor' in the hall and we chatted most mornings. We have in common, being the mother of two boys of similar ages. We shared stories, trials, joys and all that goes on as you raise young men. Katie was a constant source of strength and encouragement when my older son was deployed with the Marine Corps. Being the person she is, Katie gave me a flag blanket to wrap me up in the comfort of her love and appreciation of service and sacrifice. Katie's love for her students, the projects she guided them through and then shared with us, will always be favorite memories of mine. She was truly the hands and feet of Christ and a blessing to all whose path she crossed. Celeste Fischer - Co-worker Katie cared so deeply for each student and everyone at Cornerstone. In my first year as a staff member at Cornerstone, Katie was always willing to help. I used to love walking past her room in the morning and seeing her beautiful smile. You never knew what you would find on the bushes outside of her classroom as her students made part of history come to life. Katie, you were one in a million and each person you touched has been impacted. I am so thankful to have experienced the magic of Katie Trapani! God made a masterpiece with you and you shared each of your gifts with everyone you met! Scott Bushnell - Father of two CCA students What a wonderful, cheerful lady she was to everyone around her. Her legacy will be all of the sweet hearts she helped create in the children she taught, mentored and loved. Michelle Mathis - A huge fan Our whole family was touched by the special gifts of Katie. Both our son Austin and our daughter Amber were blessed to have her as a teacher, an encourager, and such an overall role model. She was and will continue to be a blessing to many. We love you Katie! Quyen Pinson - Friend This is the type of woman Katie Trapani was, my last text with her at the end of May was of me asking her to help with a huge favor. Within minutes, she texted back saying it was done and she'll follow up with it, which she did. I feel awful that I didn't realize Katie was fighting cancer at that time, I never would have asked. She did it without any mention of her condition or sorrow for herself. And that is only one out of MANY reasons why it's been so hard to hold back the tears. Mama T had a special way of making you feel loved. Making you truly feel God's love. I still can hear her sweet raspy voice, see her gorgeous hair, and watch her light up every room she walks into. Who can ever replace our Lady Liberty? No one better. Krista Ganley - 4th Grade Student in her very First Class/ Parent at Cornerstone When I was 10 years old our neighborhood was rezoned to a brand new school, Berkeley Lake Elementary. I was not excited to leave my friends but then I met my teacher, Miss Kroeger. I have vivid memories of her 4th grade class. I can tell you that she was an amazing, exceptional teacher from the very beginning. I remember a fellow student named Stella. Stella came from a less fortunate family and it was obvious to all the kids in the class. One day, Miss Kroeger told the class that Stella was coming to school today with some new clothes. She told us not to make a big deal about, just tell her now nice she looked. I remember Stella walking into the room in a navy blue dress and white shoes. She was smiling like I had never seen her smile before. They had been out shopping for a new dress and a haircut. I also remember one day Stella threw up in class. They wouldn’t let her ride the bus and her parents couldn’t pick her up so Miss Kroeger took her home. Obviously Stella was a big part of my memory in 4th grade but what I remember most was Miss Kroeger’s kindness to her. This was in 1983. After teaching for over 30 years I can only imagine all the Stella’s that she touched. When we were looking for schools for Colin in Kindergarten we came to an Open House at Cornerstone. I remember spotting Mrs. Trapani standing down by Floyd Hall. She looked exactly the same. She gave me a big hug and said we had to come to Cornerstone so she could teach my son, it would be her first chance to teach one of her former student’s children. When Colin was in 5th grade she texted me a picture of him after one of the MANY opportunities she gave them to wear a costume for a presentation. Colin had no shoes on. I texted back, “tell Colin to put on his shoes!!” She texted back, “Sometimes you learn better with no shoes on.” I am so very grateful for the many ways Katie Trapani blessed me and my family. It meant the world to me to reconnect with her these past 9 years at Cornerstone and see again her infectious love for learning and how she has made a difference in the lives of so many. There will never be another like her. Kim Miller - Colleague from Providence Katie---the family--and the whole Cornerstone community---we grieve with you. Even here at Providence, we knew Katie's name from students who have come here. We are so sorry for your loss. She made a difference...she changed lives...she impacted the next generation. While our faith says she is rejoicing...the tangible loss here for those left behind is palpable. We pray along side you for peace in a time of such sadness and comfort in a time of such loss. Lynn Abney - Parent of CCA student Mrs. Trapani was my daughter's 5th grade homeroom teacher, as well as her 5th and 6th grade History teacher. How lucky is my daughter?! I feel so blessed that my K got to experience all that is Katie Trapani - happy, faithful, enthusiastic, strong, stern, loves sharing, encouraging, etc - all crazy important traits when a Teacher but especially in Middle School! Walking into MS could have been overwhelming for me as a Mom and for my daughter but as soon as we got to homeroom class and were greeted by Mrs Trapani, most worries vanished! My daughter has epilepsy and with that for her, comes memory problems. Several times during these 2 yrs, she forgot her History book or binder or project supplies. Mrs Trapani had given me her cell # just in case at beginning of year. When I text her about said forgotten items, without hesitation Mrs Trapani would meet us at school, at night or over a weekend, and never did she appear upset or anything but gracious, to let daughter in to get her things. How kind and selfless? This is who she was... We are huge animal rescue people too so my daughter loved joining Mrs Trapani in the 6th Pet Adoption service project last Spring. K brought a friend to help as well and although Mrs Trapani did not know this girl, you'd never had guessed that! She treated her just as the other Cornerstone students. What fun this was to share in this with Mrs. Trapani. K loved hearing all the stories about Happy Trapi, the Trapani family dog! What a sweetheart she is and the love and devotion with which Mrs. Trapani spoke of her was incredible for the students. "Happy" wasn't "just a dog" she was a member of their family! Mrs. T spoke this way as well about the baby pandas at our Zoo and this was special for her students as well. K enjoyed these stories about Happy so much that she and a friend wrote a lengthy "Mystery Story" about "Happy Trapi" in Writing class with Mrs. West last year! We laughed together with Mrs West about it then and now we will treasure this even more! It seems not enough but THANK YOU beautiful Katie Trapani, for your service, for your love, and for your soul! While we grieve on Earth at your absence, Heaven is a much Happier place today! Bless all of your friends, the CCA teachers and especially your precious boys, David and the rest of your family during this difficult time. Marsha - Friend and Co-worker Mrs. Trapani held my hand...she lead me...she taught me...she encouraged me...she sat with me...she came with me and was there for me as I began teaching P.E. at Cornerstone. What a sweet path she paved for me...I never felt alone or by myself ...she was there. (Right across the hallway or wherever I needed her to be. She laughed with me, made me feel stronger than I was, she taught me all about how do a "Jump Rope Show" and how to host a field day with tons of centers and over 50 volunteers. She showed me love and gave me the courage I didn't really have...Mrs. Trapani answered just about all of my questions & gave me more questions than I asked her, for which would need to consider...I loved her - I still love her...my heart is filled with her spirit. I will forever be grateful for the love she invested in me and my early teaching years. Her dear sons - please know what a gift and a blessing is and will always be. Lily Owenby - Student Mrs. Trapani was always so energetic and positive about everything. She made all of the activities that we did in class so much fun! I was so glad to have her as a house leader! I will always remember her big, blond, curly, and beautiful hair. At Zoo Atlanta, I know that all of the pandas will miss Mrs. Trapani, I know I will. She was always such an amazing person to be around, and I hope that everyone that knew her will remember the incredible, wonderful, talented, beautiful, and special lady that Katie Trapani was. I love you Mrs. Trapani! Melina Jackson - Student I never truly knew Mrs. Trapani, but I would talk with friends older than me and listen to the special moments they shared with her. I may not have been close to her, but I feel like we were best friends. I will always remember Cougars Coming Up where she had a huge smile spread onto her face and she would tell us every single thing we wanted to know. There was no question left unanswered while we were with Mrs. Trapani. You should've seen me when I found out she was my homeroom teacher. I was jumping up and down with joy. Brooke Credendino - 5th and 6th grade History teacher Every day I came to school I would always looked forward to History. I loved all the activities like the map rap, inventor hats, aquaducts, and my personal favorite, the wax museum. She made learning History fun and exciting. I am so lucky to have had her these past few years and I will miss her so much. Hannah Schemmel - Student from 5th/6th History Mrs. Trapani was such a blessing to me. From all the hands on projects we did, to the wax museum and immigration day, her smile was always there. I loved seeing her dressed up as the Statue of Liberty at immigration day. My mom always told me "I never learned history this way." I always looked forward to her history class and spending time with her. I loved all the field trips and service projects we did as a grade. Jesus was so evident in her, and I know she is in a better place. I miss her a lot and will never forget all the fun times I had with her. Trammell Family - CCA Parents and Graduate 2016 2007 began our wonderful experience with CCA, it was then that Katie became apart of our story. She greeted Anne Madison with a big hug and a smile and we were all hooked! Kathy Forehand - Forever Friend Happy, loving, fun, sincere, Loves...family, students, colleagues, friends, Truly generous and giving to the core, Meg Edwards - She was Ansley’s 5th and 6th grade history teacher Katie was one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and she was definitely one of the best history teachers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I remember touring Cornerstone back in 2010. There are only a couple of people that I still remember from the tour, but Katie was one of them. She was the P.E. teacher at that time. Once we started at CCA she had moved into a classroom position, but she was still running Cougars Den. I really enjoyed my talks with her and the bonding time that she had with my daughter. We weren’t lucky enough to have her as a teacher until 5th grade, but she did no disappoint. Her excitement about the wax museum, Ronald McDonald House and the Roman project were amazing, and our children enjoyed these and grew through them. Another memomry that sticks out for me is the birth of the pandas at Zoo Atlanta. We were eagerly looking forward to her updates, and we were all excited when they were born. I’m so glad that we were able to know Katie, and we are blessed that our daughter was a part of her class. She will be missed by all. I am praying for her family. Rob Whitesides - Colleague, Student parent It didn’t matter who you were, if you spent any time with Katie Trapani you earned a nickname. My boys were “muffins” all the way…(like the word Dude, I never knew there were so many ways you could say that word for different contexts). I got mine after my first overnight 5th grade field trip with Katie to Rock Eagle my first year at Cornerstone. Thereafter, she’d bust through my door before school starts saying, “What you got planned for science today Rocksides?” The kids always loved it…then there were the non-stop projects that I got to experience both as a colleague, and a parent: The Civil War posters, "Sacagawea" (nuf said), Roman aqueducts, Christmas hand painted nativities, (semi-surprise) Mother’s Day house sketching, Inventor’s hats (brilliant), Immigration simulation, wax museum…it goes on and on, sometimes spilling over into my room. Then there were the field trips to Coke and Ronald McDonald house; anyone bring in some pop tabs?! I also remember a few Camp Popsicle days when my boys would bring cereal boxes to build a giant castle, right there in her front yard! I think it was Albert Einstein who said that most of us only use about 10% of our potential during our lives…I think Katie tapped into AT LEAST 25%, if not more. She is a true camp director, and one of Earth’s great natural resources of pure energy. She has left an indelible mark on me, my sons, and all that spent time with her. Andrew Raye - Leader, Teacher, person I looked up to Mrs Trapani was a leader. Her way of teaching and engaging students was unbelievable. She was always there for you, no matter what happened. I knew Mrs. Trapani personally. From the moment I met her at Open House to the moment I saw her exciting self at Camp Popsicle, she was always happy and had a warm attitude towards others. Mrs. Trapani was my history teacher, PE teacher, and camp director. She always put a smile on my face and she loved her students for their every attribute and uniqueness. That's what made her so special in our hearts. Mrs Trapani was so proud of me for effort and commitment I put into Cornerstone for the 8 years I was there. As hard and difficult it was for me to leave after 7th grade, I knew that other students, young and old, would get to enjoy the exciting, joyful lady that Mrs Trapani was. Rest In Peace "Mama T". You will always have a place in my heart. Susan Atwood - Childhood friends in Gallatin TN Knew Katie as a young child in Gallatin TN. We had the same teacher in 5 the grade. I remember her beautiful smile and kindness. Class of 77 of GHS has a Facebook page, you will see Katie in many pics. RIP my old friend..prayers to all her family from Class of 77. Bob Shults - Elementary school classmate We just had our Gallatin (TN) 40 year reunion this past weekend. In looking through old class pictures, We found one that included Katie. We remembered her smile and how much she added to our class. In the comments about the reunion, several folks said, "Let's find Katie, and ask her to the 45th." We were shocked to hear of her passing;however,as we read these comments, we are not shocked at what is said. The friendliness and creativity as a young girl translated into a creative teacher who added much to HER class and added to the life of others. To Katie's family , her Tennessee classmates express our sympathy and pray that happy memories support you and your Faith sustains you . Lea Anne Sircy Mullis - Schoolmate in childhood. Such a kind, gracious, and loving friend Katie was! We were in class together from first grade year to year until middle school growing up near Nashville in Gallatin, Tennessee. I have thought of her beautiful spirit and cherished the fun we had at our homes and at school many times over the years. This reminds me that it really is important to tell the people you love today how much their love means to you. Lea Smith - Student From the first day I met her in fourth grade to the last day of sixth grade history, Mrs.Trapani was always full of joy. Even on her harder days I could always count on her to lead class with a smile. She never failed to cheer me up and never missed an opportunity to tell someone she loved them. She always brought out the best of everyone around her and again, always showed unconditional love and kindness towards others. Shanon Smith - Parent, neighbor, admirer As a parent there isn't much that is more meaningful than the love and encouragement someone gives to your child. This is just one of the many reasons so many of us loved Katie. She loved our children with all her heart. She made each one of our children feel they were special. What an legacy. Rebekah Ressler - 5th grade teacher, PE Teacher for a couple years, role model A Relentless encourager with an unabated love and a burgeoning influence. It’s hard to put it in words, the subtle but (looking back) dramatic effect that Mrs. Trapani had on me, and undoubtedly other students as well. I believe Mrs. Trapani understood her students in ways that most other teachers could not. In my opinion, Mrs. Trapani embodied Cornerstone and was a key part of my unforgettable experience there. Although I haven't seen Mrs. Trapani in a few years, trust me, she is not someone you forget. What a great life she led, passionate about leading kids into their future, with enough confidence and encouragement to last a lifetime. Zach Eagen - Student Mrs Katie trapani was my mom figure in my life she had meant the world to me when I was in fifth and sixth grade my mother was not in my life and Mr. Trapani stepped in as a mother figure and took me in and kept me on a straigh path to success she is the reason I blelive in God and I am the person I am today she has been my best friend and favorite teacher and I loved her and she has impacted my life in such the greatest way. Avery Baxter - colleague and friend "Katie Trapani was a SUPER mom, wife, daughter, aunt, teacher, friend, co-worker, Jesus-lover, zoo-keeper, dog-lover, DAWG-lover, crafter, gift-giver, party-planner extraordinaire....you name it! Anything and everything Katie was passionate about, she did it with all her heart. Teaching at Cornerstone was the first job I had out of college. The first time I entered the building in the summer to start preparing my classroom, I met Katie walking in the door. She made me feel so welcomed there and treated me like family from the first day. I had the pleasure of eating lunch with her everyday for a number of years and we shared countless laughs and meaningful conversations. I still remember the talk at chapel she gave about being a good friend. She compared relationships to dolphins vs sharks. Katie taught me how to be a good friend everyday I spent with her. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on. Katie inspired so many people, students and peers alike. Katie inspires me to live every moment, IN the moment. She inspires me to love people unconditionally and build people up. She inspires me to leave a legacy of my own. Katie, we miss you more than you know! Thank you for being SUPER Katie to all of us that knew you." Sadie Knight - Family friend, best friend, person I always loved When Mamma T got Happy my family John, David, my dad, my mom. We all went over to her house to see Happy and meet Happy. The first day of school for middle school Mamma T was the one that welcomed me the most and she had so much positivity about everything and about everyone I am so glad that I had a relationship with her. I will always remember Mamma T forever. Missy Lockhart - Friend and Teacher I had the opportunity to be a chaperone with Mrs. Trapani for the Rock Eagle over night field trip. She was in her element experiencing the outdoors and wildlife with her students. We had a blast, but the thing that I remember most is something that happened on the final night of the trip. After the girls showered and were in their pajamas she gathered them all around her in a circle. She then prayed for each of the girls in our cabin, one by one, and thanked God for their unique gifts and characteristics. She prayed, with tears in her eyes, personal and specific words for each girl. It was beautiful to witness, and something I will never forget. |
Get Your Mama T ShirtIn support of Katie Trapani’s courageous battle with breast cancer, Cornerstone parent, James Mason, and staff have designed a wonderful t-shirt for all to purchase. Thanks to Amplifii producing shirts at cost, all proceeds will go toward cancer research. UPDATED: An anonymous donor has given money to cover the costs of the shirts. In addition, the family has requested that the proceeds go toward the Katie Trapani Scholarship Fund. During the month of October, on specified days, all students will be allowed to wear their shirts to school. Everyone in our community and friends of the Trapani family are welcome to purchase the t-shirts. Please continue to keep the Trapani family in your prayers. Price per shirt: Order Delivery: Order Deadline Passed: |
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"We love Cornerstone because it provides a safe and nurturing learning environment for our kids. The teachers, staff, and administration are top-notch and they care about every aspect of each child’s development. We are so thankful that Cornerstone has been a part of our kids’ early academic career."
-Monica & Robbie Conatser
