Connecting Deeper with the School

A HUMBLE COUPLE, COUNTRY DAY PARENTS Jon ’98 and Pontea Dixon find great joy in giving back and volunteering their time. They recognize that their ability to contribute is a result of the efforts made by those who came before them, paving the way for the enriching experiences they and their children enjoy today.

While first connected through a shared love of lacrosse (both Jon and Pontea played at their respective colleges), their passion for servant leadership is evident. While working full-time, they serve together on the Board of WARD’S Foundation, not only supporting a fellow Country Day alum but a significant cause. Among other things, Pontea has served on the Board of her alma mater, The Baldwin School; co-led the Charlotte chapter of WomenGoFar, a Women’s Network at Wells Fargo where she actively participated in recruiting and mentoring; and she recently joined the Country Day Board of Trustees.

In addition to volunteering in numerous roles and sharing his time and expertise through the Country Day Alumni Council, Jon spearheaded The Corners Society dedicated to honoring the city of Charlotte through philanthropic, civic, and charitable action. As an alumnus and accomplished student-athlete, Jon has a profound connection to Country Day. Lacrosse coach Brad Touma describes him as a thoughtful and quiet leader who was always very supportive of his teammates. “I witnessed firsthand Jon’s selflessness and commitment to the team. He consistently put the needs of others before his own, leading by example both on and off the field. His work ethic, integrity, and genuine care for his teammates set him apart as a remarkable leader.”

As parents, the Dixons were eager to connect even deeper with the school and share the remarkable journey with their two daughters, Maddie (sixth grade) and Charlotte (third grade). They jumped in with full force to the school’s number-one fundraising priority, the Country Day Fund, which provides critical, unrestricted funds to the school. Through their leadership, they led the Country Day Fund through its second Fall In campaign and third year of alumni Bucs Together Days of Giving, raising awareness of the importance of participation and helping to create a culture of inclusivity and connectedness to the fundraising of the school with the entire community.

Director of the Country Day Fund Leighann Swanson, shares, “Jon and Pontea’s dedication to giving back and their genuine care for the school community shine through in everything they do. Their thoughtful approach and ability to rally others with humility and grace have made a lasting impact on our efforts to connect and engage through our fundraising and community-building efforts. They are true role models, embodying the values and spirit of Country Day.”

Deeply grateful for the role Country Day has played in their lives, Jon and Pontea engage in various initiatives to connect and build community at Country Day, from working a Big Saturday booth to serving as the Parent Education rep in a Lower School classroom. By giving back, they hope to express their sincere gratitude and contribute to their children's experiences, as well as create a nurturing environment for generations to come.