FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY V olume 13 I ssue 1
Oklahoma State University Oregon State University Pace University
Texas A&M University
Trinity University
Case Western Reserve University Centre ChapmanCollegeUniversity
$14.2+MILLIONinscholarshipsandawards$2.6+MILLIONinscholarshipdollarsutilized25 AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, and AP Scholars with 19DistinctionNational Merit Finalists, Commended Students, and College Board ProgramsRecognitionScholars
Houston Community College Howard University
Stephen F. Austin State University Stony Brook University
Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Purdue University
Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University Austin College Austin Community College Baylor BlinnBelmontUniversityUniversityCollege
Randolph-Macon College Rice University
Creighton University Dallas College DePaul University Drake
These colleges and universities listed represent the institutions where 93 FWCD seniors have been admitted.
University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Denver University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa University of Houston University of Houston-Downtown University of Illinois UniversityUrbana-ChampaignatofKansas
Rochester Institute of Technology
Abilene Christian University American University
Ithaca College
Lewis & Clark College
George Mason University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Harvard University Hendrix HoustonCollegeBaptist University
Institutions listed in red indicate where one or more senior(s) will attend.
EasternDrexelUniversityUniversityMichigan University
Boise State University Boston College Boston CarnegieUniversityMellonUniversity
Furman University
University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Miami University of Michigan University of Michigan-Flint University of Mississippi University of Missouri-Columbia University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of New Mexico University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of St Andrews University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas at Tyler University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin-Madison Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Tulane University
FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY CONGRATULATESCLASSof2022
VALEDICTORIAN XIXI HILLMAN
The University of Texas at Austin
SALUTATORIAN JOAQUIN CASTRO-BALBI Harvard University
FLY HIGHER135COLLEGES
Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas Christian University
FROM HERE anywhere…
University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California, Berkeley University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego
Marist College
Tarleton State University Tarrant County College
Marymount Manhattan College McMurry University Miami
Clemson University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of William and Mary Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Connecticut College Cornell University
to date where students were admitted
OhioOhioOccidentalNorthernNorthNewMississippiMichiganUniversityStateUniversityStateUniversityYorkUniversityCarolinaStateUniversityArizonaUniversityCollegeStateUniversityUniversity
Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University Southwestern University St. John’s College
Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago
Texas State University Texas Tech University
Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington College Washington University in St. Louis Whitman College Yale University
Peggy Wakeland Head of Upper School
The Magazine of Fort Worth Country Day
Sandra Tuomey Director of Advancement
Eric Lombardi Head of School
Shannon Rossman Allen ART
32 Worth the Wait: Peggy Wakeland Named Head of Upper School
Leigh Block Athletic Director
Stephen Blan Head of Middle School
Peggy Wakeland is FWCD’s biggest cheerleader, guiding Falcons toward excellence with passion and devotion.
ElizabethCONTRIBUTORSLisaDIRECTORKogerBaxter
Chelsy Beninate Director of Fine Arts
18FEATURESGame-changing Track and Turf Fields
42 The Plight of the Turkey Turns 25
Nicole Masole Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion
Steve Uhr Director of Technology
The Classes of 1970 and 1971 had a ball at their 50th reunions together and in person in October 2021 with a fun-filled weekend of connection.
Send address changes to:
EDITOR
36 Graduation 2022 … A New Beginning
Trey Blair Head of Lower School
Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 Yolanda Espinoza Brittany Gonzalez Caren PatrickReggieDebbyHandlemanJenningsJohnsonReneePiercePowers’05SandraTuomeyLisaWallaceGeraldineWilliams
Joe Breedlove ’78 Executive Director of Breakthrough Fort Worth
The Falconer is published biannually for Fort Worth Country Day families, alumni and friends by the Advancement Office. Opinions represented may not necessarily be the position of the Board or administration. Fort Worth Country Day has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, FWCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin in admissions, the administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletics and other School-administered programs.
Volume 13, Issue 1
48 A Celebration of 50 Years …
Questions? Concerns? Comments?
Contact Shannon Allen shannon.allen@fwcd.comat
FWCD’s Class of 2022 received their diplomas at the School’s 56th commencement exercises on May 13, 2022.
IN EACH ISSUE 2 Letter from Head of School 3 Letter from Board Chair 4 Around Campus 12 Giving Back 14 Faculty Q&A 16 Athletics 24 The Arts 44 Alumni News 50 Alumni Profile 53 Where Are They Now? 57 Class Notes 66 In Memoriam 68 From the Archives
Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99 Director of Admission
1
Fort Worth Country Day Advancement Office 4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109 or email advancement@fwcd.com©FWCD2022
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Project Breaks Ground
Tom Mitchell Chief Financial and Operations Officer
The Plight of the Turkey, a Kindergarten Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day favorite, turned 25 in November 2021.
FWCD broke ground on a $3.5 million track and turf fields enhancement project in May.
Go Falcons! Eric Lombardi
View From My Window
The Arts Festival is a fantastic example of collaboration. No awards are given. Rather than competing for ribbons, schools attend each other’s performances, view each other’s art, celebrate fellow artistic creators, and attend workshops together. No schools are competing for their improv group or
Much of that pride is based on our more than 50-year involvement in two wonderful organizations, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), our accrediting organization, and the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), our athletic conference.
We can be grateful for our artists and our athletes and all that they do, under the guidance of their teachers and coaches, to make us proud at both the ISAS Arts Festival and the SPC Championships. From my window, I look forward to seeing more 3A championship banners and more jamming on Trustees Plaza. Academics will always be the “A” in the largest font at FWCD, and it will always be thrilling when the arts and athletics are showing up in bold print.
their jazz ensemble to be rated higher than another school’s. Rather, ISAS remains committed to being a true celebration of the arts.
SPC, on the other hand, is all about competition. Our students always have and always will benefit from knowing that there is a real prize for which they are competing each season. As of early June, after years of efforts, the heads of the SPC schools agreed to a significant shift that will align SPC’s season-ending tournaments to have large schools (4A) and small schools (3A) competing for different championships. This is not the old SPC “Division I and II.” With the expansion of 3A/4A from football and lacrosse to all sports that have at least 12 teams competing, FWCD athletes will begin each season knowing they have a real chance of being crowned 3A/4A champions. With the Houston schools growing to over 600 and up to 800 upper school students, and with many schools like ours remaining below 400, this separation for the championship weekend became imperative: Competition is great. Competition on a level playing field is best. Starting in the 2022-23 school year, every SPC school competing has a realistic chance of winning.
2 THE FALCONER LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
At Fort CountryWorthDay, we prepare our graduates to be successful in life. Success often means being able to both compete and collaborate. Each of our three A’s –academics, arts and athletics – involves competing and collaborating. We can all be proud of FWCD’s ability to provide opportunities for growth in both areas, competing in a business world, a courtroom, or an audition; collaborating as a part of a surgical team, a cast, or a faculty.
ISAS Festival Returns; SPC Makes Crucial Pivot
ISAS sponsors the Arts Festival that, over its five decades, many of our Upper School students have participated in and just as many have benefited from. The ISAS Arts Festival last convened in Spring 2019 at Casady School in Oklahoma City, a 50th-anniversary celebration. COVID-19 forced cancellation of the 2020, ’21 and ’22 festivals, making it all the more thrilling to officially share that the ISAS Arts Festival will be back in April 2023.
Asyou.you
With the closing of another academic year at Fort Worth Country Day, I want to share some expressions of gratitude and a summary of what I conveyed at the School’s 2022 graduation ceremony.
Science has proven that our relationships have an overwhelming impact on our mental health, biological responses, mortality rate, motivation, mental acuity, and success. A study performed at the University of Southern California suggests that the effect of positive relationships on one’s lifespan is twice as powerful as that of exercising and equal to quitting smoking. Another study confirms that neural connections are strengthened in amazing, measurable ways as you experience positive interactions with the people around
Further, consider that your impact on this world will be magnified through the people with whom you spend your time. Just as they influence you, you, too, will influence them. You will share a piece of yourself that they will, in turn, radiate out into the world through their thoughts, words and actions.
At the School’s May 13 graduation, I shared advice with the Class of 2022. I was in their shoes nearly 30 years ago, and I thought about what I wished someone would have shared with me on graduation night. I referenced this quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are.”
Dear Falcon Family,
I also want to express my appreciation for our talented and dedicated faculty and staff, especially given the incredible challenges over the past couple of years. They have an unwavering commitment to changing the world for the better, one Country Day Falcon at a time.
select people to share your precious time with, take inventory of their influence over you. Do they inspire you? Do they sharpen your mind? Are they supportive of your journey? Or are they causing you to feel overburdened and discouraged? Are they pulling you away from the vision you have for yourself? The people you choose to surround yourself with are the people that will shape who you become. They will support or hinder your growth in all facets of life, inspiring you to be better or holding you back.
LETTER FROM BOARD CHAIR
My senior quote in 1993 was from country music star Garth Brooks, and it goes like this: “Life is not about the finish line; it’s about the chase.” Today, this quote reminds me of the often-debated question: What’s more important, the journey or the destination? To me, the answer is neither. It’s all about who is traveling with you on your journey. I know our graduates will choose wisely.
3
First, thank you to the parents for entrusting your children to us at school. We are humbled and honored to serve your families. We look forward to seeing your children grow and learn throughout their academic journey embodying our school’s slogan: From Here, Anywhere ….
Randy Eisenman ’93
Fly Higher, Falcons.
4 THE FALCONER CampusAround PEOPLE • HONORS • EVENTS • NEWS
5 AROUND CAMPUS
colorful patterned chalk drawings ( left) to welcome the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth – and bring good luck. For Holi, the students gleefully threw colorful powder on one another (and their parents and teachers – see photo above) in the green space near the FWCD Memorial Caring Bridge. The powder fight commemorates spring’s arrival, the triumph of good over evil, and honors love, happiness, and a good harvest.
Thanks to FWCD parent Dr. Ritu Jani (Ria ’35 and Rohan ’33), Lower School students celebrated Diwali (November 4) and Holi (March 18). Holi is the festival of colors and is celebrated in the spring every year with a giant chaotic color fight. Diwali is the festival of lights and a calmer and more family-focused holiday that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Dr. Jani shared facts, and the students participated in engaging activities. For Diwali, students created Rangolis,
Let’s Experiment
The experiments were designed to engage and challenge students to think differently about science. Fowlkes and Packer provided a sampling of demonstrations across the disciplines within chemistry, including forensic, analytic, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as photo and electrochemistry and the chemistry of fluorescence, fire and paint. The club was a blend of hands-on activities that kept the middle schooler safety variable in mind, and leader-led demonstrations that featured more intricate activities, such as thermite reactions or electroplating metals.
Science is always the solution for Gage Fowlkes ’22. And the bond he has created with Kennedy Packer ’23 cannot be broken. The duo launched a Chemistry Club for students in grades 7-8 under the supervision of Mark Lichaj, Upper School Chemistry Teacher, and Jamie Ringgenberg, Middle School Science Teacher. Fowlkes and Packer shared chemistry experiments with students through club gatherings.
Celebrating Diwali and Holi
“These activities are fascinating on every level of understanding,” Fowlkes said. “I hope the club inspires more middle schoolers to pursue STEM subjects way above their level, reaching past the basics they get in class to the seriously cool things waiting above in college and higher education.”
Gage Fowlkes ’22 and Kennedy Packer ’23 engage Middle School students in an experiment.
Dr. Demequa L. Moore is a board-certified ObstetricianGynecologist and Professor at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She recently was named a 2022 DFW Child Mom-Approved OB/GYN. Dr. Moore and her husband, Dr. Curtiss Moore, are the parents of four young children, two of
She holds a PhD from the University of South Carolina, an MEd and BS from Texas A&M University, and Business Sustainability certification from Harvard Business School. The parent of Falcons Eliza ’31 and Thomas ’27, Dr. Bluntzer is the Founding Co-President of FWCD’s JK-12 4-H program.
AROUND CAMPUS
6 THE FALCONER
South) and Magnolia + May. The company expanded into urban residential investment and development. Blake earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. He attended FWCD from kindergarten through eighth grade. Blake and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of two Falcons, Linus ’32 and Theo ’29.
Five New Trustees Elected
Dr. Ann Bluntzer is an Associate Professor for Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business in the Department of Management and Leadership and the TCU Ralph Lowe Energy Institute Executive Director. She focuses on curriculum in the geopolitics of energy, ESG in business, leadership,transformationalbusinessethics, international business, and the nonprofit management space.
Andrew Blake ’93 is Founder and Managing Partner of Presidio Interests, a Fort Warehousesincludingprojectsmanydevelopedfirm.investmentcommercialWorth-basedrealestateanddevelopmentPresidiohasacquired,orredevelopedurbaninfillcommercialinFortWorth,theFochStreet(FochStreet
At the March Board meeting, FWCD’s Board of Trustees elected five new Trustees for a three-year term: Andrew Blake ’93; Ann Bluntzer, PhD; Orlando Carvalho; Demequa Moore, MD; and Jamie Packer. Officers for 2022-23 are Randy Eisenman ’93, President; Elyse Stoltz Dickerson ’93, Vice President; Brian Crumley ’92, Vice President and Treasurer; and Mary Hallman Smith ’03, Secretary. Meet the new Trustees:
Orlando Carvalho has over 38 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry with Lockheed Martin. He held integral leadership positions, including Executive Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program, President of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, General Manager and Vice President of Surface-Sea Based Ballistic Missile Defense Systems, and Executive Vice President of Lockheed’s Aeronautics business, a 24,000-employee enterprise. Carvalho presently serves as an independent director on the Corporate Boards of Mercury Systems and the NORDAM Group LLC. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Fairfield University. He and his wife, Anne, who served on FWCD’s Board of Trustees from 2014-17, are the parents of three alumni, Katharine ’13, Caroline ’14, and Joaquim (Jack) ’17, and the guardians of Madden Meakim ’33 and Melania Meakim ’29.
Priscilla Lambis ’25, Seth Mayhue ’23, Mary Grace McGann ’22, Gigi Schueneman ’26, Vie Walker ’22, Maya Witzel ’25
Jamie Packer is an operations,overseeingresponsibleServices.FinancialwithManagementWealthAdvisorFinancialDirectorExecutiveandinUBSHeisforteam
7 AROUND CAMPUS
Jazmine Gomez ’22, Kurt Kimmel ’22, Michelle Pham ’22
investment advisory, and business development strategies for the group. Prior to his current role, Packer managed the Downtown Houston Complex, the Fort Worth and West Texas Complex, and held several other management and leadership roles for UBS. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Packer holds a BBA and the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) and Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) designations. He and his wife, Pam, are the parents of Finley ’32, Emmy Kate ’27, Reese ’25 and Kennedy ’23.
Scholarship Recipients
whom are Falcons: Cam ’31 and Langston ’34. She currently serves on FWCD’s Falcon Inclusion Team (FIT). Dr. Moore completed her undergraduate education in 2005 at Prairie View A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She graduated from the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2009.
These new Board members replace Russ Fleischer, Josh Korman ’92, Chris Rooker and Robert Sturns, who rolled off at the end of the 2021-22 school year. To read full biographies for all Board of Trustees members, visit fwcd.org/ about-fwcd/board-of-trustees.
Peter A. Schwartz Scholarship Joaquin Castro-Balbi ’22
Jillian Chandler Thompson Scholarship Bella Rugema ’27
Moritz Scholarship at FWCD Vianey Frias ’25
Ella C. McFadden Scholarship Henry Brookman ’22, Maddy Marquardt ’22
Captain David Herr ’80 Memorial Scholarship Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22
Beverly Anne Robinson Faculty Endowed Scholarship Nate Blan ’26, Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22, Madeline Settle ’30
Betty Reese Memorial Scholarship Lucas Rothenberg ’26
Malone Scholars Program
Reilly Family Foundation/Breakthrough Fort Worth Scholarship David Yun ’24 Alumni Endowed Scholarship
The following students held these Named Scholarships at Fort Worth Country Day during the 2021-22 academic year.
Edward P. Bass Scholarship Sydney Airheart ’23, Andrea Andrade ’24, Shamya Freeney ’24
Gayle G. and Evan D. Peterson Scholarship Claire Hall ’34
“I'm still processing what it means to have had such a magnanimous figure on our campus,” said Spencer Smith, former CDI Director and Upper School English Teacher. “For all her accomplishments, accolades, and celebrity associations, she was simply delightful company – humble, generous, sharp, and radiating positivity and personal warmth. Ms. Lee is a living, breathing history lesson whose experience parallels Dr. King’s to a phenomenal degree. The MLK Forum exists to revisit Dr. King’s message and methods annually; I can’t think of a better guest.”
Lee began the program by inviting all students in the audience to come forward and sit with her so she could share her book and read to them personally. She read, for the very first time, the Juneteenth: A Children’s Story special edition, which includes the historic establishment of Juneteenth as the 12th federal holiday with pages dedicated to the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. A Q&A followed moderated by Nicole Masole, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion at FWCD.
To this day, Lee walks two-and-a-half miles each year on June 19 to mark the time between the Emancipation Proclamation and when the news of freedom arrived in Galveston.
Lee,shared.affectionately
8 THE FALCONER AROUND CAMPUS
“Juneteenth is not a Texas thing; it’s not a Black thing. It is freedom for everyone,” Lee said.
Trailblazer, respected civil rights activist, community leader, teacher, counselor, mother, daughter, grandmother … Opal Lee is all of these things and more to the Fort Worth community. When she began her walk in 2016 from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to draw attention to Juneteenth, the day the Civil Warera Emancipation Proclamation was announced in Galveston, Texas (June 19, 1865; two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued it on January 1, 1863), she became a national treasure. For an extended celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lee joined the Fort Worth Country Day community for the second MLK Forum sponsored by the Country Day Institute (CDI). She shared her inspiring story and the journey that led to President Joe Biden signing into law on June 19, 2021, the Juneteenth National
Upper School students pose with Opal Lee who signed copies of her book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story special edition. The book memorializes her life’s work and includes pages dedicated to the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which created a federal holiday to commemorate Juneteenth in 2021.
Lee repeated throughout the program: Make yourself a committee of one to help someone, to help your community, to volunteer to help others. “We can do so much more together than separate,” she
known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth for leading the charge to see that the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth also becomes a reality, encouraged community involvement.
Opal Lee Shares Her Story
Lee’s granddaughter, Dione Sims, representing her grandmother’s nonprofit, Unity Unlimited, spoke about establishing the National Juneteenth Museum.
Independence Day Act, creating a federal holiday to commemorate Juneteenth. This is the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983. The day of the signing marked the 156th anniversary of the last Black enslaved people being freed in Texas.
“I never thought Rice Babies would be the long-lasting tradition it has become,” Fuller continued. “I just love that we continue to open up the school year with our students in this way.”
Rice TurnsBabies30
FWCD’s Rice Babies project celebrated its 30th year when the 75-member Class of 2033 created their own babies. First-Grade Teacher Sheri Fuller and her team, Ann Buis, Diana Isbell, and Donna Rubin, brought the project to FWCD in 1992. Students in the Class of 2004 were the very first Falcons to enjoy the project that involves students filling tea-dyed socks with rice equal to their birth weight; adding wiggly eyes, a pacifier, and a belly button; and swaddling their newborn in a baby blanket. Little did they know they would become a part of a storied FWCD tradition that many consider a rite of passage for all FWCD first-
9 AROUND CAMPUS
Izzy Gutierrez ’22, Michelle Pham ’22, and Joaquin Castro-Balbi ’22 are FWCD 2021-22 National Merit Finalists. These outstanding seniors were among the Semifinalists announced nationally in September 2021 and the Finalists announced in February. In May, Pham learned she was a recipient of the Texas A&M University National Merit Scholarship.
By receiving an NMSC college-sponsored Merit Scholarship, Pham reached the highest level of recognition, Merit Scholar, in this year’s scholarship competition.
FWCD Scholars
In Fall 2021, (back row) Gage Fowlkes ’22, Vie Walker ’22, Sebastian Salazar Tamez ’22, Gavin Zoota ’22, Nick Pakis ’22, (front row) Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22, Kendall Lehman ’22, Xixi Hillman ’22, and Gracie Cross ’22 were named National Merit Commended Students. With FWCD’s three National Merit Semifinalists, the School boasts 12 students in total recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Twelve is the largest number of recognized FWCD students since 2018.
Seventeen FWCD juniors and seniors earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program: Masai Collins ’23, Sydney Cyprian ’22, and Alexis Rollings ’23 (College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars); Jayne Dodson ’22, Charlie Ozaeta ’22, and Josh Ozaeta ’22 (College Board National Indigenous Recognition Program Scholars); and Liam Callahan ’23, Joaquin Castro-Balbi ’22, Eliana Garcia ’23, Izzy Gutierrez ’22, Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22, Sydney Hudecek ’22, Aramis Moreno ’22, Charlie Ozaeta ’22, Josh Ozaeta ’22, Nick Pakis ’22, Sam Rios ’22, Sebastian Salazar Tamez ’22, and Gavin Zoota ’22 (College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars).
“Igraders.lovethe
National Merit Scholarship Corp. Recognition
College Board National Recognition Programs Honors 17
joy that Rice Babies bring to FWCD families,” Fuller noted. “It was so fun to see our First-Grade Associate Courtney Corbeille Krauss ’06 make a Rice Baby this year and share her firstgrade Rice Baby photo with her dad when she made a rice baby years ago.
10 THE FALCONER
28 Years of Falcon Service
Bill Arnold ’86 has shown extraordinary dedication and service to Fort Worth Country Day for 28 years … as a student first, then teacher, coach and administrator. He is part of a Falcon legacy family, attending FWCD with many family members, including his brother, Charles Arnold ’84; sisterin-law, Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88; nephews, Will Arnold ’13 and Ben Alexander ’20; nieces, Mary-Madison Arnold ’14 and Kate Alexander ’22; and his own children, Taylor Arnold ’11 (and daughter-in-law Courtney Reimer Arnold ’11), Robert Arnold ’14 and Allie Arnold ’18. He has been married to his beloved, Debby Arnold, FWCD Middle School Spanish Teacher, since 1990.
Upon his return to Country Day Lane, Arnold went back into the classroom, bringing history to life for students, often sharing his personal experiences in Iraq. From 2007 to 2013, he held the James S. Garvey Chair for Distinguished Teaching in History. Named the Head of Upper School in 2014, Arnold was involved in the conversations that led to a new Upper School schedule (75-minute classes) and was the driving force behind the Upper School leadership program, which invites city and national leaders to campus. In 2016, Bill accepted a new role to serve the School as Director of Strategic Projects. He spearheaded the development of FWCD’s Center for International Studies, which provides programs and experiences to build students’ capacity to thrive in an ever-changing global community and ensures that FWCD graduates understand and can engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions across cultures. He also was deeply involved in developing FWCD’s
At various points in his FWCD tenure, Bill coached four sports, taught eight different history courses, and led service and history trips to France and Ecuador. Always committed to veterans, Arnold created the Captain David R. “Chip” Herr, Jr. ’80 Memorial Lecture Series, honoring Captain Herr and his legacy. Herr’s helicopter malfunctioned and crashed in eastern Saudi Arabia during a non-combat mission in 1991. He is the only FWCD graduate who has died in service to his country.
Assistant Director of Admission and Assistant Director of Development. Through his teaching and work, he showed the importance of commitment and exemplified all of FWCD’s core values. A combat veteran, Arnold felt a calling to take a leave of absence from FWCD in 2004 to command a Marine Scout platoon in Iraq. While there, he was cited for bravery in combat during the second Battle of Fallujah.
Strategic Plan, which the Board of Trustees approved in 2018.
In addition to his devotion to FWCD, Arnold is passionate about supporting veterans. In his retirement from teaching, Arnold plans to serve his fellow veterans.
AROUND
The students are what made the FWCD teaching experience so fulfilling for Arnold. He brought his personal experiences into the classroom to illuminate learning, channel leadership, foster civility, and inspire school spirit, which makes him beloved among students, parents and alumni.
Arnold rejoined the Country Day family as a faculty member and administrator in 1994, he wore multiple hats: teaching Upper School History courses and working as
CAMPUS
A graduate of FWCD’s Class of 1986, Arnold attended the Virginia Military Institute on an ROTC scholarship, where he earned a BA in History. Later, he would earn an MA in History from the University of Texas at Arlington. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marines, Arnold trained at Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms bases in California for four years following graduation. He was a United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1994 to When2006.
“Bill is not the sort of community member that you ‘replace.’ Of his many gifts to our community, Bill’s commitment to the institution, his students, and his colleagues is exemplary,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “His academic curiosity and rigor are legendary. Most notable, though, is Bill’s integrity. His modeling has been a gift to all of us.”
AROUND CAMPUS
11
“Country Day has been my academic village, my intellectual playground, and my sacred space for 28 years,” Arnold said. “When I close my eyes, I think of friends and books and campfires. Of Normandy and Avila and Quito and Hanoi and Taos and Big Bend. Of SPC Championships and near-misses. Of courses and fields and diamonds and stages. And yes, I also think of September 11 and pandemics and Fallujah and the funerals of colleagues and students. The composite pictures that hang in the Upper School are more than pictures to me. They are stories. They are memories. It is here that I became me.”
12 THE FALCONER
BackGiving
“The Power of Three meets the needs of students who are continuing their education at college, and not just that, but staying on campus while doing so,” Kirby said. “ A lot of the graduates’ parents are able to provide limited assistance. The Power of Three makes a difference to them, and they appreciate the supplies bestowed upon them. To me, the program’s value is more than monetary. It is life-changing.”
13 GIVING BACK
FWCD’s existing summer college-prep programs inspired The Power of Three. The Power of Three “riffs” on that purpose by aiding graduating seniors in obtaining appropriate furnishings for their residence hall rooms and other items that allow them to start on the right foot as they begin their college careers.
What happens when three friends share a passion for service and a vision for how to help recent high school graduates more easily transition to college? Margaret Anderson ’25, Elizabeth Dike ’25, and Claiborne Edwards ’25 (pictured left) formed a nonprofit organization, aptly named The Power of Three, approximately three years ago to help new graduates navigate this journey. Their organization’s purpose is to help graduates in the Como Community Center’s College Readiness Program prepare for college by pairing them with FWCD families to ensure the new graduates have what they need for a successful start to college. The Power of Three bridges the gap, so students have the necessities for their college home away from home.
Transitions in life can present challenges, especially when moving from the known to the unknown. Friends who show you the way make change easier.
Clara L. Kirby, Como Community Center Coordinator, knows the power of the threesome. “They are providing a valuable service to Como graduates, most of whom are the first in their families to attend college,” Kirby said. “The necessary dorm room items, such as refrigerators, microwaves, linens and toiletries, allow the students and their families to concentrate on the fees, books, and meal plans.”
All three young women have been involved with Como Community Center since elementary school. “We have all enjoyed working and getting to know the kids and watching them grow,” Dike said.
Anderson explained that they pair Como graduates with FWCD families who shop for needed items for the students’ dorm rooms, typically in the late spring and summer. Before the graduates head off to college, they are invited to a luncheon at the Como Community Center, where they pick up the supplies and meet their buddy FWCD families who assisted in providing the transition supplies. “Many families exchange phone numbers to keep in touch throughout the year,” Anderson said. Since The Power of Three organized formally, the nonprofit has helped approximately 75 students, 20-25 students each summer.
The Power of Three
Anderson, Dike and Edwards realized that success in high school, college and life is more likely to occur with information and support to explore and handle new situations. This was the basis of their decision to add a new dimension to the College Readiness Program – helping high school graduates more easily transition to college.
As the three Falcons grew older, they wanted to provide more. Dike’s family had already been involved with the College Readiness Program, so the trio decided to take over that service, creating the Power of Three and finding additional ways to help the graduates.
“It’s rewarding to see the difference we can make in the community and the positive impact the supplies make on people’s lives,” Anderson said. For Edwards, “It’s the opportunity to support these recent graduates who have succeeded through hard work in high school.” The excitement Como graduates express when they see their dorm rooms decked out with their new furnishings is the only thanks these three Falcons need.
The plan for The Power of Three is to continue the work through their remaining high school years, possibly continuing throughout their college years, or entrusting the program to younger Falcons to carry on.
Q &A
14 THE FALCONER with Eric Tysinger and Tam
How did you come to FWCD?
I’m not sure there is enough ink for this one. I look after Scott Theater and all its parts. On any given day, I teach and deal with lighting, sound, props, scenery, costumes, hair, makeup, logistics, management. I truly feel like I have to know something about many areas to keep us moving in the right direction. I think what I love the most is that no two days are the same. I also stay connected professionally, stage-managing different shows, including the National Tour of Hamilton and this summer’s Newsies at Casa Mañana.
Have you always known you would work in theatre?
What do you wish to impart to students?
What aspect of your job do you love most?
Such a great story … I was driving home from Dallas one day, and Denise Mullins [former Director of Fine Arts] called me about something FWCD-related. I did not know Denise or FWCD. At the end of our conversation, I said, ‘Sounds like you guys have a great thing going over there; best of luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else.’ She then told me about a job opening coming soon in the Scott Theater. And here I am.
No. I had a full-ride to nursing school after high school. At the end of my first year, I had to choose my arts elective: Drawing 1, Sculpting 1, or Technical Theatre. I do not draw, and I do not sculpt, so theatre tech it was. About halfway through year two, I called my mom and told her I was giving up my scholarship to follow my heart. After a very long pause, she said. ‘Well, son, I guess there is more to life than money and stability, good luck.’ To this day, I have no idea if she was joking, happy, sad or terrified. Probably a combination, but she was supportive, and it has worked out ok, I think.
There are two macro principals I work from. The first is about process and appreciation. It is vitally important that our theatre students go into the world with an understanding and appreciation for what it takes to put on a show. Young students don’t realize the commitment and level of detail it takes to make a good show great. There is a specific process that a show goes through from start to finish. I can’t lecture about those things; we actually have to do them. The second is to expose students to all areas of performing arts. I do that by getting out into the world. We took a group of students to see Hamilton and Hadestown. My tech kids watched the load-in for Wrestlemania. Those opportunities are about letting them see you don’t just have to be an actor or director. There are very good jobs in the entertainment industry for all kinds of talents. And the beauty of this is, even if I don’t have a student who pursues a career in the field, I have helped make a better citizen and patron of the arts. That is a win, no matter what.
Quite honestly, I love making the library fun! Planning the annual theme is much like preparing for a surprise party every year. We start working on it in March, so we have everything ready by August. Both Carol Wamsley and Melissa Hickman, my library assistants, have loved helping me create something new every year. We hope students will make the association that reading is exciting, and your imagination can take you anywhere. The costumes make the learning experience even more fun.
my Wolford
What do you love most about being a librarian?
Why are themes important to you?
The greatest gift about working here is watching students grow into young men and women. As Head Librarian, I get to experience helping them learn to read, and then I get the privilege of watching them walk across the stage at graduation. It’s an incredible blessing to work at an institution where I can see that progression.
Everything! Many people tell me I have their dream job. I don’t think they realize it’s not all about reading to children all day long. I do enjoy working with the students, helping them find the perfect book, and watching the spark in their eyes as they begin to understand. But I also love working with parents and faculty across all divisions as they help grow their students. I keep abreast of reading programs and trends so that I can provide the best support possible. Even the budgeting, purchasing and cataloging processes are puzzles to be solved. I am blessed to oversee the JK-12 program and to see the big picture of how we grow such successful students.
Why did you choose to be a librarian?
Reading to me, in a word, is connection. Reading connects us to events and places in the past. It gives us a shared experience as we read with a book club. It creates a bond with family as we pass down books or read a well-loved classic. I cherish friendships that form through a common love of reading.
What does reading mean to you?
I actually have Middle School Librarian Kim Gardner to thank for becoming a librarian! I have always loved to read and loved teaching literature. She encouraged me to go back to school and get my MLS in 2006 when we worked together at a public intermediate school. Although I was always a huge library-user, I had never considered returning to school to work on my master’s degree. I’m so thankful she planted that idea!
16 THE FALCONER
Athletics
An integral part of the FWCD experience is participation in athletics. FWCD Falcons demonstrate a high regard for sportsmanship, effort, health, fitness and school spirit.
Visit fwcd.org/athletics for all the latest news and links to Falcon Livestream, schedules and Falcon Club
Seniors Signees
Following graduation, FWCD’s Athletics Department learned that Akil Collins ’22 is on the fall track roster for Texas A&M University. “We’re so happy to have Akil staying in state and can’t wait to see him run track in the SEC,” said FWCD Athletic Director Leigh Block
17
In June, the Heads of School from members of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) unanimously decided to expand the split into 3A and 4A championship brackets from football and boys lacrosse to all SPC sports with at least 12 total teams.
Specifically, former Athletic Directors Frank Gendusa and Brian Phelps and former Head of School Evan D. Peterson H’15 laid the foundation, with Lombardi and current Athletic Director Leigh Block helping lead the charge at the end of the process.
Want to Support Your Falcons?
The 3A/4A make-up varies by sport. Regular season, pre-championship weekend, scheduling is not impacted. “The Falcons will still play all teams in their Zone during the regular season,” Block said. “Every team qualifies for season-ending championships. The number of games, sites, officials, etc., just got amped up. It’s exciting.”
New 3A/4A SPC Alignment
For Lombardi, this means there are more FWCD champions in the making. “Starting in the 2022 fall season, all schools have a realistic chance of winning,” he said. “I know our Falcons are up to the challenge and ready to be in the hunt for 3A titles for most every sport, every season.”
Senior Carter Daly ’22 signed to play football at Harvard University. The Harvard Crimson football program plays in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Daly earned Honors or High Honors every semester in the Upper School, and played basketball and lacrosse while at FWCD.
ATHLETICS
FWCD has been working toward – and rooting for – the alignment for years. Unlike the old Division I and II split, 3A/4A is based purely on a school’s Upper School enrollment. “This gives schools under 400 upper school students a much more level playing field at season-ending tournaments,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi “This has been a priority for FWCD
Block recently shared the news with his coaches. “FWCD will be 3A in all sports for at least the next two years,” he noted. “Every two years, the conference will reexamine the breakdown.”
Sadie Schuster ’22 will attend Southwestern University and play soccer as a Pirate, yet forever be a Falcon. “I’m fortunate to have coached Sadie in Middle School and as an upperclassman,” said FWCD Soccer Coach and Program Director Sean Maloney. “Sadie has a unique blend of intensity, dedication, and competitive spirit. She puts in extra time in training and has relentlessly tried to help build the program in her off-season.”
for years. We are thrilled to finally get the change over the finish line.”
Fort Worth Country Day’s new and improved Barrett Havran Track and the turfing of two fields will be the talk of the town next fall. The FWCD community gathered on May 18, 2022, in Falcon Alley, for a special event: the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the most significant athletics improvement project in the School’s 59-year history.The upgrade, slated for complete in Fall 2022, includes excavating one of the School’s two field hockey fields, Rosacker Stadium field and Barrett Havran Track, and superseding them with internationalcaliber surfaces and technologies rivaled by no other high school in North Texas. The field hockey field will transition into a “wet” hockey field, only the third such field in the state of Texas and the first in the DFW area.
The track is unique in that it consists of a durable Paragon PTS 4000 Sandwich System, which features a paved-inplace mat sealed with two-component polyurethane for an impermeable surface. The top layer provides a stable system
Head of School Eric Lombardi opened the May ceremony, noting that the last groundbreaking event on campus took
18 THE FALCONER ATHLETICS
Jared Connaughton, Head Track and Field Coach and Program Director, who has been involved in the design and layout of the new track and field venue with Paragon, said, “With the new state-of-the-art facility in the works, I’m confident that our Middle School and varsity meets will provide an athletic experience second to none in the DFW area. The new track and field will be a facility unique unto its own and rivaled by no other high school in the region.”
The results: No more rainouts because of saturated fields; no more worries about wear and tear during practices or competition; and the ability to host international-caliber track and field competitions and showcase the 104-acre campus. The ultimate game plan is to ensure that students are able to pursue their athletic interests on fields that are safe and meet high competition standards. The upgrades will serve the entire Falcon student body with the football and field hockey fields ready for Falcon athletes in September and the track finished in
place in 2015 for the tennis courts, the Patton Field House, and the Moritz Fitness Center. Lombardi recognized Joy Ann and Bob Havran, who, in 2018, initiated an endowment for track maintenance when the FWCD track was named in honor of their son, Barrett Havran ’98
TheOctober.project’s
champions, Venessa and Robert Howard, had been working tirelessly since January, explaining and sharing with prospective donors the benefits of the project to the FWCD athletic program and its student-athletes. As a result, 20 donors joined them as investors in the project. Paragon Sports Constructors in Fort Worth is leading the project.
Game-changing Track and Turf Fi Breaks Ground
19 ATHLETICS
elds Project
EllmanE.GlenbyPhotos
that increases performance, is spike resistant, and can withstand consistent year-round use. This sandwich system is designed for tracks used for multiple purposes – from high-level track meets, to PE, to off-season workouts.
Participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking and the first “dig” were Chris Rooker, (Advancement Chair); William Chaffe (Paragon President); Dak Hatfield (Building and Grounds Chair); Leigh Block (Athletic Director); Robert Howard, Sloan Howard ’25, Sutton Howard ’23, and Venessa Howard (Lead Donors); Randy Eisenman ’93 (Board of Trustees President); Rob Kelly (representing the William E. Scott Foundation), Tyler and Brian Crumley ’92 (Project Donors); Anjie (Landreth) ’94 and William Butler ’96 (Campaign Co-chair); and Eric Lombardi (Head of School).
“The incorporation of a steeplechase pit, two in-field shot put sectors, and colored exchange zones for relays thrusts FWCD athletics into a league of its own having a venue that can host highcaliber track and field competitions,” Connaughton added.
The football field features Shaw Sports Turf’s PowerBlade fiber system with long-lasting monofilament fibers designed to look and play like natural grass, ready to go from preseason to playoffs without all the wear and tear. Underneath this durable surface is a pad that helps with shock absorption and a partial Geofill infill system that will cool the temperature of the field.
Venessa and Robert, parents of FWCD Falcons Sutton ’23 and Sloan ’25, shared their thoughts about the importance of athletics in developing character, fair play, and cooperative and collaborative attitudes. “I really feel like this is a transformational project for Country Day. And it’s a chance for us to turn the corner in our athletic program. Athletics is not more important than history, English or math, but it is as important,” said Robert. “It is a good sign we are recognizing this as a school and as a community. As you look around, what a great group of kids. As a school and community, we owe it to them to give our students the best opportunity for success.”
Introducing himself as a proud Falcon parent, alumnus, Trustee, and member of the Comprehensive Campaign Steering Committee, William Butler ’96 expressed gratitude to the donors, Trustees, steering committee, and administration. “We began this process quietly in January [2022], and we were able to complete our fundraising in just five short months,” Butler said. “I say a special thank you to the Howards – they championed this cause, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
season and bring honor and victory to Fort Worth Country Day on our new field hockey fields.
The field hockey surface, manufactured by SporTurf, uses a water cannon irrigation system that allows the School to “weather the field” before practices and games. This weathering makes the field significantly faster. Also, the field will have no crown whatsoever – the flat surface makes it exceptionally fast and consistent.
ATHLETICS
Henderson spoke about the value of team and togetherness in his remarks. “The best thing about the new facilities is that all the events will be in one centralized location, instead of the throwers [ discus and shot put] being across campus,” he noted. “Being able to cheer for and watch our field event athletes at every practice and home meet will bring an even stronger sense of camaraderie to our teams, which will have positive effects.”
(Above, from left). Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included Vivian Todora ’23, Jeremy Henderson ’23, Robert Howard, and Jared Connaughton.
In addition, Butler expressed excitement at the prospect of watching the football, lacrosse and field hockey games on the new fields. “This is the beginning of Phase I of FWCD’s Master Plan and the Comprehensive Campaign,” he noted. “I look forward to sharing more details with you about the plans for the rest of the campaign.”
“The field hockey team is excited to have the experience to play on water-based turf, considered the gold standard in field hockey,” Todora noted. “We promise to work hard this
20 THE FALCONER
Most excited about this project: the Falcon studentathletes. Vivian Todora ’23 (Field Hockey) and Jeremy Henderson ’23 (Football, Track and Field) both spoke at the groundbreaking, sharing their great appreciation for the donors who made the enhancements a reality and the impact the improvements will have on FWCD’s sports programs, including preparing athletes for events on artificial turf, which is what many collegiate athletes experience.
The FWCD boys golf team, comprising Henry, Mason Harper ’25, Jack Stewart ’23, Jackson Bobo ’22, and T.C. Chovanec ’22, finished fourth overall at SPC. The girls team, Elizabeth Dike ’25, Maya Witzel ’25, Mary Kathryn King ’25, Sadie Peterson ’25, and Laura Marques ’24, showed their resilience and competitive spirit, playing 10 rounds in two days, with nine rounds being personal bests.
Winter
SeasonAthletics:Highlights
Toomey finishing as runner-up in his weight class and those with honorable mentions finishing third in their weight class.
Fall
The wrestling team finished fourth overall at SPC, and two Falcons, Jayda Fulp ’25 and Henry Lanzilotta ’22, qualified for the National Prep Wrestling Tournament in Maryland. Fulp was runner-up in her weight class, earning All-American honors. Mac Toomey ’22 earned SPC AllConference honors, and Joseph Brunson ’25, Chappell Carter ’25, Teeg Crumley ’24, Rising Huckaby ’24, Henry Lanzilotta ’22, and Zach Willars ’24 earned SPC All-Conference Honorable Mentions. This translates to
Spring
The Falcon field hockey team beat Episcopal High School in the first round of the SPC Championships, fell to Greenhill next, and then defeated Trinity Valley School for fifth place. All three games were decided by 1-0 scores. FWCD's stellar defense and goalkeeper Caroline Grebe ’23 allowed just one goal the entire tournament, and Vivian Todora ’23 scored in overtime vs.TVS to cap off an outstanding run.
SPC Golf Conference Champion Connor Henry ’23, SPC Track and Field Conference Champions Rachel Nelson ’23 and Sutton Howard ’23
FWCD Falcons had a great showing at the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Championships during the 2021-22 academic year. “I’m very proud of our student-athletes and coaches,” said Athletic Director Leigh Block. “We were very competitive across the board and brought home some excellent results from the SPC tournaments this year.” Below are some of the highlights.
North Honors were Rogan Crumley ’22 (All-State), Luke Wroten ’22 (Honorable Mention), George Soye ’22 (Honorable Mention), and Will Davidson ’24 (Honorable Mention). Lacrosse Program Director and Varsity Coach Patrick Diamonon was named THSLL Class C North District Person of the Year.
The lacrosse team finished fourth in SPC, falling short to Trinity Valley School. Players earning THSLL Class C
SPC ConnorChampionsHenry ’23 (golf), Sutton Howard ’23 (field), and Rachel Nelson ’23 (track) are FWCD’s individual SPC Conference Champions. Henry shot a 64, an SPC Tournament record on April 25, followed by a 67 the next day to best the rest of the field by 10 shots. Howard was first in the shot put (runner-up in discus). Nelson was first in the 100m, 200m, and 400m races.
21 ATHLETICS
FWCD
The football team, under the direction of new Head Coach Keith Burns, enjoyed a great season. Two highlights of the season were beating Casady in the Homecoming game, 29-0, and winning The Battle of Bryant Irvin, against TVS, 14-6.
to the best in sportsmanship as a league, SPC spent the last few years working on a way to honor those individuals and teams in the conference that were particularly exemplary in their respect for the games they played and the competitors they faced. 2021-22 was the first year the honors have been voted on and awarded.
FWCD is the only SPC school to earn four team awards in the 2021-22 year. Individuals who earned sportsmanship accolades were Brailey Connor ’22 (field hockey captain), Liz Hazelton ’22 (girls basketball captain), and Davis Ryder ’22 (softball
22 THE FALCONER
Brailey Connor ’22 (Field Hockey Captain)
ATHLETICS
Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22 (Girls Basketball Captain)
Davis Ryder ’22 (Softball Captain)
Alwayscaptain).committed
Fort Worth Country Day earned seven sportsmanship awards – four team and three individual – from the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), the athletic conference FWCD has belonged to since 1966. Team awards went to the field hockey and boys volleyball teams (coached by Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 and Patrick Powers ’05) and the softball and boys tennis teams (coached by DeAnn Hall and Sil Azevedo) for the spring season.
FWCD Earns Seven SPC Sportsmanship Awards
should be exceptionally proud that we are the only SPC school to have four teams honored,” said Leigh Block, Director of Athletics.
“We take it for granted that our players, coaches, and fans will demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship. It’s important to recognize our athletes and teams who go above and beyond, even though good sportsmanship is an expectation. We
“Our school’s commitment to sportsmanship evolves from our cherished core values and mirrors our commitment to performance. We should always be aiming high,” he continued. “Win or lose, though, we are always striving to be thought of as that school, the one that competes to win with the respectful players and fans.”
“Our student-athletes and coaches compete the right way and win with humility and lose with grace – that other competitors recognize this is very gratifying.”
The SPC has two Sportsmanship Awards. One SPC Sportsmanship Award is given to an athlete from each SPC school who displays integrity and good sportsmanship. Those awards are chosen by their respective schools. A team award is presented to a team that stands above the others in their display of integrity and good sportsmanship during the season. These awards are voted on by SPC coaches and given for each sport in each zone (or 3A/4A, when applicable) to the school with the most votes.
FWCD coaches set high standards of excellence for their student-athletes. “In addition to the players and teams, it is important to note the dedication of the coaches,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “The recognition that we were exemplary competitors says a lot about our coaches and our players. And, of course, there are the fans: Our players benefit so much from their presence and enthusiasm. All of us can be very proud of these award-winning Falcons being recognized by our peers.
The tournament drew teams from Greenhill School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Trinity Valley School, FWCD, Excel
“I was so happy to launch this new tournament. It was a great experience for all the teams, and I loved seeing FWCD teams finish at or near the top of their respective divisions,” said Program Director and Varsity Volleyball Coach Patrick Powers ’05. “Our B team lost in the championship match to Greenhill, and our A team won in the championship match against St. Mark’s.”
Mallick was Editor in Chief for the Falcon Quill for the past two years and participated in several community service activities. Captain of the field hockey team, she earned the Heart and Hustle Award and was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) National All-
Inaugural FWCD Falcon Cup is a Success
Parker was part of the FWCD 4-H program since its inception in 2015 and served as Vice President and President of the JK-12 club. He also raises awareness for Operation Christmas Child. Parker has collected more than $4,000 for the organization, which provides shoeboxes filled with gifts and necessities to children in need. He was a two-year member of the Upper School Honor Council. Parker served as team captain for cross country, soccer, and track and field in the 2021-22 season and earned the Texas Christian Athlete of the Year Semifinalist Award and the Founders Award.
23 ATHLETICS
WFAA Highlights Scholar-Athletes
Volleyball Club, and the Texas Rattlers and consisted of two divisions – A/8th and B/7th – each with seven teams. The divisions were divided into two pools. The four-team pool played two sets against each other to 15, and the three-team pool played three sets against each other to 15. Bracketseeding was based on how each team finished in their pool. While every team made it to bracket play, play at this point was single elimination.
Academic Team (junior and senior years), was a Stansbery Award winner (freshman and sophomore years), and named the Outstanding Female Athlete (sophomore and junior years).
Macie Mallick ’22 (top right) and Sawyer Parker ’22 (bottom right) were selected as North Texas Buick Dealers Scholar-Athlete of the Week in February and April, respectively. They were featured on WFAA Channel 8, on Joe Trahan’s Sports Special. The program recognizes North Texas high school seniors who excel in academics and athletics and contribute to making their community a better place to live. Nominees must be seniors who are in the top 20% of their class.
With limited opportunities for middle school volleyball teams to compete, the FWCD boys volleyball program created the Falcon Cup.
The Arts
The City of Fort Worth is internationally known for its vibrant arts scene. At FWCD, we inspire innovation and excellence through our celebrated ballet program, visual arts classes, choral programs, band, orchestra, drumline, performing arts and technical theatre.
THE ARTS
bengaline, tulle netting, Powernet, and satin for the construction. The materials for both the tutu and bodice cost around $300. According to Cheng, a tutu of this style could cost $200-$500 depending on how ornate.
Chisholm will follow her passion for design in college, attending Belmont University in Nashville. “I feel like making dance clothes is the most technical someone can get for fashion design. The garments must be comfortable, fit perfectly, and move as elegantly as the dancer,” Chisholm shared. “So much detail and precision are required to make a tutu and bodice that a dancer will feel comfortable in. This technical skill is a wonderfully helpful base to help learn other aspects of fashion design when it comes to everyday garment design. The beauty is in the details.”
26 THE FALCONER THE ARTS
“Ballet costume design combines my two favorite things: dance and fashion design,” Chisholm said. FWCD Ballet Director Carrie Cheng recognized Chisholm’s passion and encouraged her to take the course. “I had never before created a costume for ballet,” Chisholm said. “The idea had always interested me, and when I had the opportunity, I went for it.”
Shetime.”used
While the motion tells a story, so does the tutu. Chisholm created the Snow Queen costume she wore in December’s after attending a TutuSchools Costume Seminar in July 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over six days, she took classes to learn the ins and outs of tutu costume design.
For the Love of Dance
Chisholm brought her design to life by crafting the Snow Queen tutu and bodice separately, over 50 hours. “The most tedious part of the process was hand pleating the layers of tulle,” she noted. “First, I cut and pleated all of the tulle, then created the panty section and basque. I then had to sew all 12 layers onto the panty. The bodice was much more familiar for me to sew and took less
Kaylee Chisholm ’22 loves to dance. “Simply put, I dance because it brings me joy. I feel so grounded and connected with my mind and body when dancing,” she said. “It requires so much focus that there is no time to think about anything outside the studio. I love how dance can tell a story without words.”
For her Spring 2022 Capstone Project, Chisholm made a classical ballet tutu and bodice to wear in her final Upper
She learned she had a labral tear in her hip and had surgery to repair it. Chisholm was back to dancing in about two months. But the hip pain returned, worse than before. She saw a specialist who referred her to Dr. Daniel Sucato at Scottish Rite Hospital. “He found that I had hip dysplasia, which was causing tears and pain in my hip,” she said. “I had my second hip surgery, an RPAO [Right Periacetabular Osteotomy], in December 2018,” Chisholm said. “The doctors reconstructed my hip to correct the dysplasia. I stayed three nights at Scottish Rite. While the recovery was hard and painful, the whole experience was bearable thanks to the nurses and
In April 2019, Chisholm was released to dance. “I have been feeling amazing since. Occasionally my hip will bother me, but it is very tolerable,” Chisholm noted. “I feel stronger than ever in ballet, and I’m beyond grateful for the support of my family, the doctors who helped me, and friends who all got me back to where I am today.
“I’m also so thankful for Mrs. Cheng, Ms. [Natalie] Bracken [’05], and Ms. [Gail] Corkery for everything they have taught me [in ballet] and my family for their endless support,” Chisholm continued. “I would have never kept dancing if it wasn’t for Mrs. Cheng. She has always been there, pushing me to be my best in ballet, and I admire her so much. She fueled my love for ballet.”
Dancing since fourth grade, Chisholm began experiencing hip pain in seventh grade. She went to physical therapy for about a year and tried to push through the pain as she danced. In Summer 2017, Chisholm attended a five-week ballet intensive at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. “I pushed through my hip pain throughout the intensive,” she said. “When I got home, I knew it was time to do something about my hip.”
doctors. They are the most wonderful people I have ever met. I was in a wheelchair, a walker, and eventually just crutches for about three months” (depicted below).
27 THE ARTS
an ensemble of dedicated people to put on a show.” She loves seeing plays come to life after reading the scripts.
She chose CLUE as her first FWCD play because she loves the board game and figured the cast could play the game together before rehearsals started to get to know one another and get into character in a low-key, comfortable setting. “It was great for me as a new-to-FWCD person to see all the energy in the room,” she noted.
28 THE FALCONER
the Butler (Nic Medaris ’23), the whodunnit featured Miss Scarlett (Sydney Cyprian ’22), Professor Plum (Vie Walker ’22), Mrs. White (Eliana Garcia ’23), Mr. Green (Aramis Moreno ’22), Mrs. Peacock (Olivia Kersh ’24), and Colonel Mustard (Aedan McCormack ’25) and their race to find the killer.
Ledpossibilities.”byWadsworth
Easter’s method with students: collaboration and a sense of adventure. “It is so much fun coming up with ideas with the cast. We always laugh a lot in rehearsals,” Easter said. “It takes
FWCD theatre-goers enjoyed a “whodunnit” and a fairytale this year, as Upper School students in the Department of Fine Arts showcased CLUE in November 2021 and Shrek the Musical in February 2022. Siouxsie Easter made her FWCD directorial debut as Upper School Theatre Director. Easter came to the School from New York, where she was a Professor of Theatre at Wells College for 18 years. Throughout her career, she has taught directing, acting, Shakespeare, improvisation, dramatic literature, theatre history, and directed and performed in more than 75 productions. Some of her favorites include Twelfth Night, Eurydice, The Maids, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Rumors
Whodunnits and Fairytales
While CLUE provided fantastic roles for the students, the show provided a challenge. “Fitting everything on stage with over-the-top characters interacting in multiple rooms was one of the biggest challenges,” she noted. “I’m sure you all remember the game …” According to the rules of the Hasbro game, players must “deduce the details of the murder [the cards in the envelope]. There are six characters, six murder weapons, and nine rooms, leaving the players with 324
Easter has earned the Excellence in Directing from the Theatre Association of New York State (10 times) and Meritorious Achievement in Directing (four times). She has an impressive record of service to the theatre community and field, including board membership, article reviewer, consultant, and youth mentor judge. Easter holds a BA in Speech and Theatre at the University of Montevallo (Alabama), an MEd at the University of North CarolinaGreensboro, and an MFA at Goddard College (Vermont).
THE ARTS
29
While excited and nervous all at once for the performances, Easter knew the cast and crew would put on a “Shrektacular” show. Her favorite part? The end. “No, really, the end is full of great action and musical numbers,” Easter said. “It takes a lot of people to make a successful musical. I am so grateful to my colleagues, Mrs.[Chelsy] Beninate, Mr. [Eric] Tysinger, Ms. Bracken, Mrs. [Cathy] Gullo, Mrs. [Valorie] Flaherty, and Mrs. [Erin] Ypya, for all they did and for keeping me Easterlaughing.”has
THE ARTS
~ Sadie Schuster ’22
“I think this is one of, if not the most, challenging musicals I’ve ever been a part of at FWCD, and although that is the case, it is also the most fun I’ve ever had in a musical,” said Sadie Schuster ’22, who played teen Fiona, the Gingerbread Man, and the Sugarplum Fairy.
The never-to-be-missed FWCD spring musical did not disappoint in February. Shrek the Musical featured 32 Upper School students, and the show was Easter’s first foray into musical theatre. Luckily, she had Cyprian as her Assistant Director. Cyprian also assisted Natalie Bracken ’05 with the choreography. Allie Cross ’24 and Lilah Firestone ’25 served as Stage Managers. The show featured the characters we all know and love: Shrek (Walker), Fiona (Jazmine Gomez ’22 ), Donkey (Moreno), Lord Farquaad (Medaris), Dragon (Cyprian), and Pinocchio (Gracie Cross ’22).
“I think this is one of, if not the most, challenging musicals I’ve ever been a part of at FWCD, and although that is the case, it is also the most fun I’ve ever had in a musical.”
“Challenging plays are so much fun because they are like a big puzzle that many people work hard on to complete,” Easter said. “From the first rehearsal we had with three competitive games of CLUE, to the blocking rehearsals where the students worked so hard on the timing of the zanier moments, to the addition of the wonderful technical elements in later rehearsals, CLUE was full of non-stop energy!”
already made an impact on her students at FWCD. “Mrs. Easter was an amazing director and so supportive of our activities outside the musical,” Schuster said. “She fosters a comfortable and compassionate environment and cares for her students.”
With the help of Technical Theatre Director Eric Tysinger and his tech crew, Easter and the cast rose to the challenge to put on a show that brought the game to life. In the end, Easter was wowed by the 31 cast and crew members, which included new and experienced actors and production members.
20, Supporting CAST (Creative Arts Students and Teachers), FWCD’s fine arts booster club, hosted Sunday Shenanigans with Shrek, a character meet and greet, in the Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center, before the matinee performance. The actors interacted and signed autographs, in character, with those who RSVP’d for the shenanigans.
The whimsically decorated tables for the event were dreamt up by Supporting CAST parents. They built upon the fairytale and swamp concept, as well as coordinated the snacks.
To learn more about Supporting CAST at FWCD, visit fwcd.org/cast.
With Supporting CAST events limited over the past two years because of COVID-19 protocols, Fine Arts Director Chelsy Beninate and CAST President Jamie Malonis saw an opportunity for joy. “The characters were definitely into it,” Beninate said. “For some students, this was the first time they have ever given an autograph [they signed their character names], and they had fun being treated like stars!”
What happens when Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, The Three Little Pigs, Humpty Dumpty, Sugar Plum Fairy, Pinocchio, and the White Rabbit join forces and make an appearance at an event titled Shenanigans with Shrek? A whole lot of
30 THE FALCONER
“We plan to host a similar event in the fall during our play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Beninate added. “We hope that many will join us in the magical forest.”
THE ARTS
“It was so much fun to see the actors.connectingchildrenwithour”
~ Siouxsie Easter
Shenanigans with Shrek
Onfun!February
“It was so much fun to see the children connecting with our actors,” said Theatre Director Siouxsie Easter. “Our students’ improvisation skills helped them stay in character and laugh and joke with the kids. There were so many hugs and photos!”
Art for Art
Founded in Paris in 1924, Surrealism was an artistic and literary movement. It proposed that the Enlightenment—the influential 17th- and 18th-century intellectual movement
THE ARTS
Happy Unbirthday, Surrealists
Partnering with Supporting CAST, the Fine Arts Department faculty brainstormed how they could best help the community. “Jamie Malonis, Supporting CAST President, suggested we consider The WARM Place, as she was familiar with their programs. The
Those who created ceramics for “Art for Art” were Camden Abercrombie ’23, Mia Aitelli ’24, Walker Anderson ’23, Madison Aust ’23, Ben Blahitka ’23, Kyle Braden ’24, Liam Callahan ’23, Alice Carlile ’24, Mimi Cauble ’23, Charlotte Comeaux ’24, Eloise Ethridge ’25, Caroline Grebe ’23, Olivia Hilliard ’22, Alex Kelly ’23, Leena Keylani ’24, Kurt Kimmel ’22, Benjamin Liberto ’23, Alex Long ’23, Paxton Matthews ’23, Malinda Murphey ’22, Paul Ray ’23, Isabella Sweeney ’24 and Sophie Toomey ’24.
31 Art Fundamental students sang “Happy Unbirthday” to the Surrealists in an assignment from Upper School Art Teacher Holly Clifford. Students selected Surrealist artists and examined their lives and work, detailing, in their sketchbooks, information such as dates of birth and death, places of residence, family information, relationships and influences, training, significant life events, mediums explored, interesting facts, and fun stories.
that championed reason and individualism—had suppressed the superior qualities of the irrational, unconscious mind. Surrealism’s goal was to liberate thought, language, and human experience from the oppressive boundaries of What’srationalism.anunbirthday
without a card and gift? Students painted, colored and collaged unbirthday cards to reflect their chosen artisan’s style and drew or made unbirthday gifts based on what they learned about their artist. The celebration culminated with sweet treats and students presenting why their gift was fitting based on what they learned about their artist.
always been blessed with talented, driven students,” Mahle said. “The breadth of styles and the quality of the work clearly illustrated that fact. I am fortunate to teach enthusiastic and charitable students.”
idea evolved into what will become a yearly tradition,” said Chelsy Beninate, Director of Fine Arts. “In the future, we plan to compile a panel of students to research organizations to give back ‘Art for Art.’ Our hope is that these community relations will foster more service-learning art opportunities.”
A wonderful array of ceramics was on display and available for purchase during December 2021 band, choir and orchestra concerts. “Art for Art” featured more than 70 pieces created by current and former students and three works from Ceramics Teacher Jerry Mahle. The artwork was sold for a minimum donation of $20, with all proceeds benefiting The WARM Place so the organization could buy art supplies for its Family Night events. The Fine Arts Department collected “FWCD$1,708.61.has
32 THE FALCONER
Worth the Wait: Peggy Wakeland Named Head of Upper School
In his letter announcing Wakeland’s appointment, Head of School Eric Lombardi shared: “Peggy stands out for what she already knows and who she already is. She has quickly become an essential member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team and a valuable partner to me and her fellow Division Heads. She brings a fresh perspective and an incredible institutional memory to our leadership team. She takes her role of being present, all over campus and even off-campus, as essential. Her presence is about being in touch with the division and being available to all.”
Fort Worth Country Day’s New Head of Upper School is a very familiar face. It’s none other than FWCD’s biggest cheerleader, Peggy Wakeland. Having served as the Interim Head of Upper School since June 2021, Wakeland took on her dream role in March 2022. For 28 years, she has served the School and the Bass Upper School. Wakeland began her tenure as a Math Teacher in 1994 and quickly embraced what it means to be a Falcon. Since 1997, she has served in the Assistant Head role. In this capacity, she has been part of the Upper School’s most important work, responsible for assuring excellence, from academic work to core values, supporting students’ arts and athletics endeavors. Most importantly, she has guided students toward excellence with her passion and devotion.
You first joined FWCD as a Mathematics Teacher in 1994. What would you have thought if someone told you back then that you would one day be the Head of Upper School?
Twenty-eight years in one spot is an accomplishment. What keeps you at FWCD?
Fort Worth Country Day’s community culture embraces everyone – students, teachers, families and alumni – and keeps me grounded. We are a family here. Our faculty are some of the most talented and professional people I have met; our parents are engaged, involved and supportive at the highest levels; Falcon alumni return to visit campus regularly and credit their time at FWCD as critical in their preparation for college and beyond. Most importantly, our students are exceptional. They strive to exceed expectations; live FWCD’s core values of courage, integrity, kindness, respect,
I entered education and became a math teacher because I had phenomenal teachers growing up, and I wanted to share my passion for math with students and make an impact and difference at the schools where I worked. After creating a freshman studies skills course and chairing FWCD’s Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Committee for the Upper School and being honored with that distinction in 1998-99, I was led to go back to school for a master’s degree. FWCD believed in me, and, while finishing my degree, I was offered the Assistant Head of Upper School role. Over the years, I knew I could ultimately lead our great school, its faculty, and our students, and I’m honored and flattered that I have been given the opportunity and strive every day to meet the challenge.
33
In May, Wakeland was highlighted in the Madeworthy & Tanglewood Moms eNewsletter in the Worthy Convos section. She provided answers via email to questions posed by reporter Hannah Bush. That conversation was so good that FWCD wanted to share it more broadly.
34 THE FALCONER
Education is the gateway to opportunities and options. Dreams can become realities when a student is well-equipped with skills and knowledge learned in an environment that encourages accepting the challenges associated with research and a strong work ethic. Teachers commit their professional careers to guiding and mentoring students. I have learned throughout my career that, as teachers and administrators, we
My ultimate goal is for students to know that all of us at the School are here for them, and that they feel loved and cared for. It is such a joy to watch the students grow and develop from ninth grade to 12th grade into future leaders for the greater Fort Worth area, Texas, and beyond. Teaching, coaching and ‘administering’ at this crucial time in their lives is an honor. I strive to help students take ownership of their education and encourage them to become self-disciplined. I also enjoy observing and interacting with students in activities
responsibility and scholarship; show great respect and love for the School’s traditions, engage fully in what we call the 3A’s –academics, arts and athletics – which are a cornerstone of the school; support one another; and consider their school a place to learn and grow while preparing for life beyond high school. Every year is new here at FWCD. The opportunities I’ve been provided to grow in the field have lengthened my career. I cannot imagine a better work scenario.
Involved in everything … This question made me look myself up in my Kennedale High School senior yearbook. I lifted the copy straight from there:
How would you describe your own upper school years?
Basketball 1, 2 , 3, 4; Captain 3, 4; All-District 4 Beta Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Beta Officer 4
outside of the academic classroom. I’m a cheerleader at their games. I am giving a standing ovation at performing arts events. I am a contemplator of their arts masterpieces and a reader and viewer of their journalistic endeavors. We all hope to connect with our students and leave an indelible mark on them in the hopes that they continue coming home to share their subsequent journeys with us.
Class Officer 1, 2, 3
Merit’s Who’s Who in America High Schools 4
F.H.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; FHA Officer 2, 3, 4 Pep Squad 1, 2; Pep Squad Officer 2; Head Cheerleader 3, 4 Homecoming Nominee 3, 4 Most School Spirited 1, 3, 4 Best All-Around 2 Most Athletic 3, 4 Miss KHS 4 Yearbook Editor 4 Algebra Award 1; Geometry 3; Home Economics Award 1, 2 English Award 3; Bookkeeping Award 3 Junior Play 3 Powderpuff Football 1, 2, 3, 4 Outstanding Teenager of America 4
I truly loved school, my classes, my teachers, my classmates, and all of the activities. High school is about learning, tests and grades, but it’s also about engagement and making memories.
What does education mean to you?
In the next Falconer, you’ll hear from Stephen Blan, Head of Middle School. Learn why he chose to pursue education and how being the father of a middle-schooler and finding his inner middle-schooler helps him engage with students.
If you could take any class offered at FWCD, what would it be?
The “Peginator” poses with members of the Class of 2019 on her birthday.
must listen to our students and be patient with them because they may not demonstrate success immediately. Fostering and nurturing academic learning in tandem with social skills development and growth ensures students’ mastery of skills and concepts as they mature. I commit myself to this type of teaching.
I would like to immerse myself in our phenomenal Modern and Classical Languages Program. Shared experiences connect the world, and being bilingual or multilingual would allow me to extend my world. I took a few years of Spanish at Tarrant County College, but it was more of an independent study. FWCD students connect with both French and Spanish in kindergarten and then choose their language path as firstgraders. When our students graduate, they are very close to being bilingual if they have genuinely stayed the course and made the commitment.
35
Is there a particular teacher you still think about from your years as a student?
Margaret Nan Hudson, my high school math teacher, was my inspiration. We dedicated the Kennedale High School yearbook to her when I was the senior editor. Mrs. Hudson was actually THE Math Department and one of few women in a math or science teaching role. It is not lost on me that I became a math teacher too! I can still visualize her teaching at the front of the classroom; she held us all to such high standards. We were not in her math classes just to check a box. She wanted us to be serious learners and develop the skills to impact our futures positively. In her Geometry class, she taught me that there is not just one correct answer when solving proofs. After college, my first job was in the Mansfield ISD, and I had the opportunity to teach on the same faculty as Mrs. Hudson. I saw her through a different lens and admired her even more. I hope to inspire students in the same way.
36 THE FALCONER
Henry Brookman, the last of five siblings to graduate from the School, used to describe the qualities of his class at FWCD’s 56th commencement on May 13, 2022. Referencing an incident that brought their class together, Brookman noted, “These values that we now all understand the true meaning of … ingrained into each and every one of us.”
Salutatorian Joaquin Castro-Balbi answered the question, “Who are we?” in his speech. “We are the only grade in the current Upper School that experienced a full, normal year and has come back with an awareness of everything lost and gained; we are a grade that never lost sight of our passions, pioneering pandemic workarounds and demonstrating continued curiosity through high participation in the Capstone class,” he noted. “We are the grade that will be remembered for our exceptionally positive, unifying attitude. Persistence, innovation, and respect are our strengths. Our legacy is lustrous, and our future, effulgent.”
Xixi Hillman, Valedictorian, focused on mindset and drive, highlighting her mother and grandmother, two of the strongest people she knows. As a result of their determination, Hillman landed in the U.S. and at FWCD. “While raising me on her own, my mother juggled testing, the master’s application process, and a four-hour commute to work and back, all while making the time to indulge in her 5-year-old’s childhood antics. Everything she did was for me, with the goal of moving to America. The domestic passport system
Photography by Glen E. Ellman
“The simplest, but truly most infallible, of all messages I can deliver is realizing the opportunities we’ve been given at Country Day,” Hillman continued. “... know that in front of you lies a vast sea of possibilities, and among us here tonight, we have a future neurosurgeon, aerospace engineer, quantum engineer, lawyer, lawmaker, teacher, cattle rancher, the list goes on: the dancer, the musician, the star athlete, the lead actor. The future is truly ours.”
compassion … These are the words Fort Worth Country Day Class of 2022 student-selected speaker
As a whole, the Class of 2022 submitted 759 applications to 165 colleges and universities and were accepted at 135 institutions of higher education. They have enrolled at 50 different institutions across the U.S. and internationally, with 49% of the class attending out-of-state colleges and universities and 51% attending Texas colleges and universities. The class garnered more than $14.2 million in merit-based scholarships, and 44 students will attend colleges and universities where they will utilize more than $2.6 million.
37
we lived under would not sustain my academic pursuits and would probably have left me unable to attend elite, if even any, universities in Beijing,” she said. “Every day I wake up thinking that this American life must be a dream, my most pressing worries being only the upcoming exam or the color of my prom dress … I am grateful for the possibilities that I have, and thanks to my grandmother and mother, I am confident I can achieve my dreams.
Graduation 2022 …
The students’ speeches were moving, inspiring, and full of raw emotion that exuded great love and admiration for each and every person who comprises the tight-knit, 93-member class.
~Joaquin Castro-Balbi
A New Beginning
Longtime and beloved member of the FWCD community and Upper School History Teacher Bill Arnold ’86, who retired from education at the end of the academic year, was honored as the class-selected faculty speaker. He drew
Unity … humility … teamwork … responsibility … kindness … grit …
“Our legacy is lustrous, and our effulgent.future,”
Board of Trustees President Randy Eisenman ’93 recalled his own FWCD graduation nearly 30 years ago. Citing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, he shared a quote that he wished he had heard when he graduated high school: “Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are.”
School Peggy Wakeland was true to form with few words, but they were full of emotion and meaning. “I am grateful to work with such a talented faculty and staff in partnership with such dedicated parents,” she said. When she presented the Class of 2022 to the audience, her voice cracked with pride as she honored them.
He encouraged the graduates to look back at all the people who’ve shaped their lives and to continue to choose wisely in their upcoming journeys. “As you select people to share your precious time with, take inventory of the influence they have over you,” he said. “The people you choose to surround yourself with are the people that will shape who you become. They will support or hinder your growth in all facets of life; and they will either inspire you to be better or hold you back.
Head of School Eric Lombardi pronounced graduation as a “Red Letter” date. “You have a tremendous amount to be proud of, not the least of which is how you have led our whole school through the year. You have raised the bar with good humor, good friendship, good work, good art, and good performances on stages, fields, mats and courts,” he said. “All of us who are in the FWCD community, but who are not in your class, owe you gratitude for the gifts you have shared.
“My challenge for the Class of 2022 as you go to your 50 schools this fall is that you continue to spread your magic … like you have spread it at 4200 Country Day Lane,” Lombardi
his speech from a blog post he had written about his own daughter [Allie ’18] and his nervousness as her graduation Heapproached.recalleda
to put a touch of magic in the air and continue their leadership on graduation night through their senior gift: They made donations to Breakthrough Fort Worth (BTFW) to purchase laptop computers for BTFW seniors to use in college. Breakthrough, hosted on the FWCD campus, provides academic enrichment for high-achieving public middle school students from underserved backgrounds and encourages talented high school and college students to explore careers in education. So far, the class has donated nearly $5,000.
38 THE FALCONER
After receiving their diplomas to thunderous cheers and applause, Lombardi instructed the Class of 2022 to rise for the singing of the “Alma Mater” and to move their tassels from right to left, signifying the passing of one level of learning to another. As this happened, many were thinking of the memories created at FWCD. Asad Dean ’90, Alumni Association President, had previously welcomed the graduates into the alumni fold and shared a biology metaphor with the class.
“Further, consider that the impact you have on this world will be magnified through the people with whom you spend your time,” Eisenman continued. “Just as they influence you, you, too, will influence them. You will share a piece of yourself that they will in turn radiate out into the world through their thoughts, words and actions. Never forget that from here, you can go anywhere, especially if you choose wisely who goes with Headyou.”ofUpper
nightmare he had not long after Allie received her first college acceptance letter. He woke up in a panic, wishing he could stop time. After some antics to keep her “grounded” at FWCD – weighted fishing sinkers sewn into the hem of her School jumper and asking her to carry pocketfuls of river rocks – Arnold came to accept her next steps and journey. “I accepted that despite my insecurities, I did want Allie to grow up. I wanted her to move on, experience new things in new places, and exercise her adventurous spirit,” he said. “Most of all, I realized she was ready. Just like the Class of 2022 is ready.”
Thecontinued.classchose
Other alumni sent their best wishes to the Class of 2022. In a tradition started last year, alumni left messages of celebration and congratulations for the class and were encouraged to donate the dollar amount of the graduating class to The FWCD Fund.This year: $22 for ’22.
39
Visit fwcd.org/graduation for more information about the Class of 2022 and for the full-length commencement video.
WeeksMac
Clara Thomas, Jacqui Cook, Macie Mallick, Anna Hooton, Katherine Martin, Olivia Neve, Reagan
“You see, in Mrs. Sharon Hamilton’s AP Biology class, I was introduced to the book The Double Helix [by James Watson and Francis Crick]. Years later, I met those Nobel Laureates, and I brought the book I read at Country Day and they signed the book above their respective pictures,” Dean said. “Graduates: Embedded in your DNA are the base pairs of F-W-C-D, and therefore, your success is genetic. You are pluripotential stem cells ready to differentiate and become who and what you want to be!”
Toomey
Xixi Hillman, Valedictorian
and basketball were Hillman’s athletic choices, which she played from grades 7-10. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, she managed the girls basketball team. “Managing the team made me respect the game and the athletes from a different vantage point,” Hillman said. “I saw everyone playing the game and working together. Though I wasn’t on the court, I felt part of their team, and I was proud of their incredible fortitude.”
Society as a junior, Hillman completed eight of the School’s 11 Honors-level courses and 11 Advanced Placement courses, which more than doubles the average number of AP and Honors courses completed by an FWCD student. She learned to code freshman year and created the “Anagrams” app and was honored with a MIT Teen Inventor Award. Her favorite classes included AP Computer Science, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP English Literature and Composition, Multivariable Calculus, and AP Music
Fort Worth Youth Orchestra so she could take an additional academic class each Volleyballyear.
PhotographyLocations
Hillman attributes her dedication to her education to her grandmother and her mom. When she found out she was Valedictorian, her first call was to China. “My grandma did not go to college because of the revolution,” she said. “My mom left China to provide me with a strong education and stable life. All of this is possible because of my mom and her love for me. I wanted to embrace every opportunity.”
Republic of China. “I was in second grade and did not know any English,” Hillman recalled. When it was time for Hillman to go to Middle School, Yan spearheaded a search for the best school in Fort InductedWorth.intoFWCD’s
A National Merit Commended Student, Hillman has been a part of the Falcon fold since fifth grade; she came to FWCD from Keller ISD. Hillman and her mother, Yan, had recently left their native Beijing. Yan wanted a quality education for her daughter and there were limits placed on education as a result of the hukou caste-style registration system of the People’s
Hillman’sTheory. chosen art was orchestra; she plays the violin, which she played at FWCD through Middle School. In Upper School, she played through the
Xixi Hillman is FWCD’s Class of 2022 Valedictorian. She will attend The University of Texas at Austin and double major in Biochemistry and Plan II Honors.
Cum Laude
40 THE FALCONER
has always pursued the most rigorous classes: He completed five Honors and 12 Advanced Placement courses in his Upper School career. His favorite courses: any that involve math and science. When he exhausted FWCD’s mathematics curriculum last year, he enrolled in Linear Algebra through the Malone Schools Online Network, of which FWCD is a founding school. He also enjoyed the humanities and learning about new cultures, languages and traditions to help him best communicate within the connected Accomplishedworld. in the arts and athletics, Castro-Balbi has played violin for 13 years and was part of the FWCD Middle School orchestra program. Since his freshman year, Castro-Balbi has served as Concertmaster for the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra. As an athlete, Castro-Balbi excelled in cross
career at FWCD with his classmates and Castro-Balbifriends.
Hecommunity.willmiss
country and track and was a member of the swim team.
An FWCD Original, Joaquin CastroBalbi is FWCD’s Class of 2022 Salutatorian. He will attend Harvard University and study Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Science.
41
A National Merit Finalist, College Board National Hispanic Recognition Programs Scholar, 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate, and Cum Laude member, Castro-Balbi has a passion for learning and FWCD. When his parents moved to Georgia last summer, he asked to stay in Fort Worth with family friends to finish his high school academic
An influential Upper School leader, Castro-Balbi served on the Student Council as Class President in grades 9-11 and was voted Student Body President in his senior year. In that role, he oversaw Upper School announcements, sharing his humor through jokes during announcements, and worked with the School’s administration to enhance the
the sense of togetherness at FWCD. “We are a tight-knit community that has been through a lot together,” he said. “Though our interests, ideas and paths may differ, I have never felt uncomfortable approaching anyone in our class in conversation, and our unity—mutual openness, trust, and initiative—despite these contrasts makes me believe that we can have a similar sense of community at larger scales.”
Joaquin Castro-Balbi, Salutatorian
PhotographyLocations
The FWCD tradition of celebrating grandparents and grandfriends is longstanding, dating back to 1979. The first Grandparents’ Day was a Middle School and Upper School event on December 13, 1979, according to a program found in the FWCD Archives. Hosted by the FWCDS Grandparents Association, the event featured a general meeting in the Upper School Commons for the association and then dismissed for programming before ending with a reception. Select teachers provided grandparents with a small sample of the kind of education their grandchildren received at FWCD. “Topics have been chosen for their intrinsic interest and topicality as well as for their representativeness of our curriculum,” the program notes. Tom Brock, Middle School Science Teacher, spoke on insects; Albert Viola, Theatre Director, gave an introduction to acting; Ford Dixon, Upper School History Teacher, delivered a lecture titled “The Jimmy Carter Years: An Historical Perspective”; and Beverly Anne Robinson H’18, Upper School English Teacher, delivered “A Study of Power.” The program ended with two options: Sharon Foster H’05, Middle School Science Teacher, on “Sex Education” and Tawny Kilbourn, Upper School English Teacher, on “General Semantics.” The event did not include the students.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Christine (Derber) Leuck, then Lower School Music Teacher, recalled the program shifting to focus on an individual country. “For many years, the music of an individual country was featured. Those countries included Japan, Scotland, Hungary, Australia, and, of course, the United States,” she noted. “More recently, the focus has been more of a glimpse into the day of a Lower School student, with classroom visits, demonstrations, art projects, and performances.
It was Jean Webb, former Third Grade Teacher and Special Events
Although Grandparents Day is not a federal holiday, at Fort Worth Country Day, Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day is one of the School’s “Red Letter Days.” Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day is a hallmark of the FWCD experience for Lower School and Middle School students and their “grands.” It is a day to commemorate the connections between generations and for the FWCD students to invite their grandparents and grandfriends to see the wonders of their school world.
42 THE FALCONER
The Plight of the Turkey TurnsHistory25ofFWCD
Grandparents’ Day
In the fall of 1997, Leuck got the idea to put together a collection of songs about turkeys to create a singing program for the kindergarteners. Who knew she would be able to come up with 20 songs about turkeys off the top of her head? From that list, she chose six and wove them together with some short dialogue to connect the songs. The songs were “A Great Big Turkey Am I”; “Any Turkey Can Tango”; “The Conceited Turkey”; “Gobble, Gobble, Gobble”; “I Heard Mr. Turkey Say”; and “Turkeys United.” This is how the beloved program, The Plight of the Turkey, was conceived.
Turkeys united, no people invited! Turkeys united, no people please!
Go on a diet Chew on succulent carrots or peas! Why don’t you try it?
Order a pizza with sausage and cheese!
How The Plight Came to Be
If you would be thinner Skip Thanksgiving dinner We turkeys think that would be grand! Why don’t you try it?
Super Turkey, Super Turkey Always getting away!
We gather together as birds of a feather Oh, turkeys united we stand
The ending song, “Turkey’s United,” had the turkeys going on strike to protest Thanksgiving Day because they did not want to be eaten. The lyrics are:
Several past and present FWCD community members have contributed to the lore of The Plight of the Turkey. Les Hofheinz, former Technical Theatre Teacher, built and painted the barn facade. Betty Darden, former Business Office Administrative Assistant, fashioned the delightful costumes for Super Turkey and Mama and Papa Turkey. Upper School Art Teacher Holly Clifford painted the pictures of the houses and the pig that looks out the barn windows. “And all of the Kindergarten Teachers and Assistants are the glue that keeps the turkeys gobbling along,” Leuck said. “That is no easy feat!”
Head of School Eric Lombardi often states that Fort Worth Country Day stands on the shoulders of giants. All those who created the Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day tradition and those who continue to carry it on, now Karla Dunning and Julie Dean, Lower School Music Teachers, along with the Kindergarten and Lower School Teachers are part of the magic. This cherished FWCD tradition is the result of great love, coordination and cooperation that is typical of a School of Excellence.
Coordinator, who Leuck credits with evolving the event into Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day, with more student interactions. While in the 1980s, events took place over the course of a week in November or December, the newly configured event took place the Friday before Thanksgiving. It featured student essays, artwork, theatre projects, choir and orchestra concerts, dance recitals, classroom visits, and lunch on campus.
Leuck went back to her original collection of turkey songs and found the perfect ending … “Super Turkey” (music and lyrics by David Bell). She created a cast of characters for the song, Super Turkey, Mama Turkey, Papa Turkey, and Farmer Brown, all who have solos in the song. And the rest is history. Since 2006, “Super Turkey” has closed the show to rave reviews, and many on-campus join in on the chorus to sing along with the kindergarten performers:
43
“One year, a kindergarten grandmother lamented to me that her granddaughter would not eat turkey because of the message in the song,” Leuck shared. “I decided that it might be a good idea to find another piece for the end.”
In 2012, the event split into two days, with kindergarten events on the Thursday before Thanksgiving followed by grades 1-4 and Middle School events on the Friday before the holiday.
The 2021 performance was the 25th anniversary of The Plight of the Turkey and the 15th anniversary of “Super Turkey.”
The songs and dialogue came to Leuck from various sources. “‘The Conceited Turkey’ was given to me by Jack Noble White, who composed FWCD’s ‘Alma Mater,’” Leuck noted. “My colleague and friend, Barbara Meyers [then a Kindergarten Teacher], gave me the finger play poem, Here is a Turkey with His Tail Spread Wide. The other songs came from elementary music sources.”
Go on a diet
Super Turkey, Super Turkey You won’t catch him on Thanksgiving Day!
44 THE FALCONER
AlumniNews
Dr. Dickerson, who has written a book titled Raw Painting: The Butcher’s Shop by Annibale Carracci, shared with the students that Carracci painted what he knew: The artist was born into a family of butchers and had a great understanding of the profession, which could be seen in the detailed brushwork of the meat in the painting. In his job at the National Gallery, Dr. Dickerson writes books, curates exhibitions, and acquires art. When asked by Adam Rafati ’26 during the Q&A what he would love to bring to the National Gallery, Dr. Dickerson said he would like to bring in pieces by Caravaggio and Michelangelo since those two artists are currently not represented.
The lengthy multidisciplinary project, which kicked off in October with visits to the Kimbell Art Museum,
The alumni commented about their experiences at Country Day; what they wish they had done as students (It is important to take advantage of all FWCD has to offer!); what they are looking for in an employee when hiring; the importance of being authentic; taking classes that are interesting to them and not just padding with APs; and sharing life advice. These conversations are valuable for students, as alumni provide real-world insight.
“It was a wonderful experience for the sophomores,” said Patrick Powers ’05, Alumni Relations Manager. “Many important life lessons were shared. It was great to see the students swarm the alumni after the panel to ask questions about switching jobs, giving up a significant income to follow your passion, and leaving a mark on the world.”
Dr. C.D. Dickerson ’94 (pictured left), Curator and Head of Sculpture and Decorative Arts at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. (and parent of Amelia ’26 and Simon ’24 and husband of FWCD Board Vice President Elyse Stoltz Dickerson ’93), spoke to eighth-graders in November, giving them an interesting art history lesson on the various paintings they were studying at the Kimbell Art Museum for their Renaissance Art History Research Project. Dr. Dickerson is exceptionally familiar with the five choices as he served as the Curator of European Art at the Kimbell from 2009 to July 2015.
Alumni Gather in D.C. with FWCD Sophomores Bring Art History to Life
engages students in the arts, fosters communication skills, and builds upon their literary criticism skills. Students traveled to the Kimbell and took notes from their English teachers on five paintings from the Renaissance period. Each student selected one painting to research and produced an in-depth traditional research paper. Extra credit was offered to those who chose to return to the Kimbell with their families and serve as a docent for the painting they researched and wrote about.
Those paintings were The Cardsharps (Caravaggio), The Butcher’s Shop (Carracci), The Apostle Saint James the Greater Freeing the Magician Hermogenes (Fra Angelico), The Madonna and Child with a Female Saint and the Infant Saint John the Baptist
45 ALUMNI NEWS
(Titian), and The Torment of Saint Anthony (Michelangelo).
FWCD alumni connected with sophomore students in Washington, D.C., for a panel discussion in May. The 10thgraders were enjoying the D.C. visit as a culminating field trip to their American Government class. Panelists were Ed Landreth ’03, Tom French ’75, Rebecca Vernon ’02, Stephanie Stouffer ’07, Sarah Jane McDonald ’17, Sarah Nolan ’16, Ryleigh Rains ’17, Emily Englander ’12, and Robert Arnold ’14
Falcon Alley Fun
ALUMNI NEWS
FWCD Together
Falcon Alley was full of cheer! Since the addition of the Fire Truck (thanks to Cory Burns ’01), Falcon Alley has become one of the highlights of Homecoming Weekend for alumni with young children and FWCD students. The area also featured a face-painter, balloon artists, FWCD stickers, a football toss, and a variety of yard games. As Falcon Alley wrapped up, the skydivers were coming in for a landing to deliver the game coin and the American flag. Due to high winds, FWCD’s jumpers left it to the professionals who landed smack dab in the middle of Rosacker Stadium field on time.
Following a campus tour led by Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99, FWCD current and former faculty/staff, and alumni gathered by the fountain outside the Schwartz Administration Building for lively conversations, sharing memories and some sweet treats. Attendees included Eric Lombardi, Patrick Powers ’05, Shari and Dave Lincoln, Alison McManus ’95, Sharon Hamilton, Debby and Bill Arnold ’86, Debby Jennings, Jack Carvalho ’17, Karen McKenzie ’79, Bill Ryan ’86, Mary Rabalais Collins ’83, Joseph Lincoln ’21, Tad H’18 and Colonel Carl Sanders, Michael Parker, Sharon Foster H’05, Dan Bloch H’06, Natalia Castro Hanson ’90, Asad Dean ’90, Casey Hammett ’15, Peggy Wakeland, Mike McBride ’76, Leslie and Bill Summers ’70, Colleen Kleuser ’76, Claire-Lise Greve ’18, and Barry Greve ’81. Every year, the Faculty/Staff and Alumni Reception is the best way to reconnect with former teachers and other FWCD community members.
Honoring the Classes of 1970 and 1971
Homecoming 2021 Wrap-Up
To kick off the varsity game, members of the Classes of 1970 and 1971 were honored as they (finally!) celebrated their 50th reunions together. Class members were recognized for their contributions to the School as students, alumni, parents, and now grandparents. Fort Worth Country Day’s first Homecoming Queen was none other than Martha Schutts Williams ’70! Read the full story on page 48.
46 THE FALCONER
A group of about a dozen alumni got their creative juices flowing on Saturday morning following the Homecoming game with FWCD Art Teachers Jerry Mahle and Holly Clifford and a guest appearance from Evelyn Siegel H’99, former faculty member and Visual Arts Chair. Mahle taught ceramics, while Cliffordtaught watercolors. Both classes were well-received, and many are looking forward to trying the class in the future.
The Class of 2005 gathered at Maple Branch Brewery in Fort Worth. Children were invited to tag along, and many played together as their parents caught up with one another. Sharon Foster H’05 made a guest appearance, capping off a great night. In attendance was Thomas West ’05, Morgan Mallick West ’04, Jessica Tetirick ’05, Natalie Bracken ’05, Sarah Kleberg Friedman ’06, Dillon Friedman ’05, Lauren Brants Adams ’05, Will Adams, Chloe Bade Anderson, Thomas Anderson ’05, Brad Tatum ’05, Patrick Powers ’05, Casey Powers, Tyler Goldthwaite ’03, and Whitney Horton Goldthwaite
Class of 2005 15th Reunion
Happy Birthday, Jon Bonnell ’89! While celebrating his birthday and planning for the 20th anniversary of his flagship restaurant, he helped FWCD celebrate Homecoming in style at Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine. With free appetizers, great music, and a cash bar, alumni across the decades came together to network and celebrate their commonality in being Falcons. The All Alumni Party started as the celebrations for the Class of 1970 and 1971 were winding down. Many from the 50th reunion classes stayed to chat and about 25 other alumni came to enjoy the great atmosphere and camaraderie.
Class of 1991 30th Reunion
47 ALUMNI NEWS
At Rogers Roundhouse in Fort Worth, the Class of 1991 gathered to catch up and reminisce about their days of old at FWCD. Joe Breedlove ’78 popped in later in the evening to make sure that the party continued late into the night. Pictured with Head of School Eric Lombardi and Breedlove are Class of ‘91 members Clinton Burkett, Ryan McConnell, Megan Davis McConnell, Stefan Figley, Christine Figley, Sarah Akhtar Smith, Gail-Ann Bradshaw Krieger, and Jeffrey Krieger.
All-Alumni Party at Bonnell’s
Dabbling in the Arts
48 THE FALCONER
ALUMNI NEWS
… the day finally arrived to CELEBRATE the 50th reunion of the Classes of 1970 and 1971 together, in person, on October 15, 2021! It had been a LONG TIME COMIN’!
This was almost the reunion that wasn’t, and it was hard for some classmates to believe that the celebration of their time at FWCD would even happen. “It was pretty strange that we, the Class of 1970, had to wait until 2021 to have the 50th reunion that was supposed to be in 2020. I had gotten to the point of wondering if we ought to have it at all since it was now 51 years, not 50. And I wondered how it would work to celebrate with the Class of 1971 at its 50th,” noted Sweat. “Well, it turns out it was great fun to see my classmates and so many friends from the Class of ’71. It is amazing how easy it is to pick up ‘where you left off’ with people you haven’t seen in years. I suppose that is because of all the time we spent together growing up and all the memories we shared from the early days of the School.”
Former faculty members Sharon Foster H’05, Evelyn Siegel H’99, Tad Sanders H’18, and Claire-Lise Knecht H’06 joined the fun as well. Terry made sure everyone from afar could enjoy the festivities: He had five 1971 classmates all “Zooming” in on his iPad: Susan
A fun-filled weekend of activities, food and friendship connected the two classes for a supercharged Homecoming Weekend, complete with traditional Homecoming activities on campus, including campus tours, a current and former faculty/staff reception, and special recognition at the Homecoming pregame festivities.
WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN … The Classes then shifted to Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine to TURN BACK
A Celebration of 50 Years…
Gilbert da Fonseca, David Krakower, Jon Krakower, Cita Mason Riley, and Denny Gordon.
JOY TO THE WORLD
THE HANDS OF TIME for a superb meal and camaraderie after nearly two years of waiting to celebrate together because of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. Spearheaded by Martha Schutts Williams ’70 and Terry Siegel ’71, the party drew Class of 1970 alumni Janie Beggs, Margaret Thompson, Kirk Henckels, Carol Garvey Sweat, Randy Rodgers, Bill Summers, Jeffrey Siegel, Susy Laughlin Weaver, Kit Tennison Moncrief, and Class of 1971 alumni Michelle Naham Johnson, Cynthia Courtney Siegel, Pamela Purvis Harris, Harry Harris, Betty McBride Alcorn, Carter Bowden, and Josephine Garrett.
ALUMNI NEWS
The morning after a fantastic 50th Reunion Party, a few members of the Classes of 1970 and 1971 join Head of School Eric Lombardi for a high-class brunch in the Moncrief Library. Former Head Librarian and now Lead Archives Volunteer Debby Jennings joined the group. After the meal, she led alumni through the FWCD Archives to teach them how to access old records, find pictures, and locate Falcon Quill issues. Attendees included Martha Schutts Williams ’70, Margaret Thompson ’70, Bill Summers ’70, and Michelle Naham Johnson ’71.
49
Susy Laughlin Weaver, Tad Sanders H’18, Sharon Foster H’05
Evelyn Siegel H’99
Terry Siegel ’71
50th Reunion Brunch and FWCD Archives Tour
Rodgers was so happy to connect with fellow classmates and friends at the event. “The reunion was very well organized and executed,” he said. “It was great to visit with old classmates and see the School’s impressive facilities. It was such a wonderful Terry,experience!”whowas involved in the reunion planning, was overjoyed to bring his classmates together. “Of course, one of the great things about having a reunion is seeing classmates and teachers that you hadn’t seen in quite some time. I think the best part of this reunion was the ability to FaceTime classmates that couldn’t come in for the event,” he noted. “We were almost able to create an environment of all being together by walking around and visiting with teachers and classmates and setting the device in a location where people could just walk up and talk to one Fosteranother.”enjoyed the reunion display put together by the Siegels. “They are just gems,” she said. “They are truly committed to the School and keeping people connected. It was nice to be in a room with all these former students.”
Tad Sanders H’18 ( English and History), Ford Dixon (History), Sharon Foster H’05 (Science), and Colonel Rocky Rosacker H’00 (Athletics) also made impressions.
50 THE FALCONER
Tom Leatherbury ’73
Leatherbury is part of an FWCD Founding Family, meaning he was at Country Day when the school opened on September 9, 1963. “I remember starting at CDS [in third grade]. It was a great experience,” Leatherbury said. “The campus was wide open, so much land, and the faculty were top-notch, inspiring students to think for themselves.”
Country Day confidence to Yale University. He watched the news and followed the legal issues about schools related to desegregation. “The Civil Rights Movement was fascinating to me, and I knew law would become my career,” Leatherbury noted. He earned a BA in History and a JD at Yale Law School.
For a number of years, Leatherbury co-led Vinson & Elkins’ firmwide Appellate Practice Group. A nationally recognized litigator with a career spanning four decades, he represents traditional and digital publishers and broadcasters in all aspects of media litigation. He teaches Continuing Legal Education courses and is involved in a range of pro bono work, from family to immigration to constitutional law.
“The firms I’ve worked for have allowed me great latitude to pursue and share my passion,” he said. “My ultimate goal at SMU is to help students work with clients and cases so they are practice-ready,” Leatherbury said.
After a two-week trial, the jury found that the broadcast was not false. “Sometimes the truth hurts,” Leatherbury said. “We were on the side of the angels. It doesn’t get better than that.”
One of Leatherbury’s famous cases involved CBS 60 Minutes and correspondent Ed Bradley. The broadcast focused on impoverished communities that housed immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border. “These communities had no running water; there was rampant disease and horrible living conditions,” he said. “The 60 Minutes piece unraveled the ownership of some of the worst housing and found that the principal owner of a particular community was a powerful El Paso family, the Kastrins. Deborah Kastrin sat for an interview, and didn’t like how it turned out. She sued, along with other family members, for defamation.”
ALUMNI NEWS
Tom Leatherbury ’73, a Senior Partner at Vinson & Elkin, is a zealous advocate for freedom of the press and has a passion for mentoring attorneys. His goal is to foster confident, compassionate and creative attorneys who make a difference. For his dedication to the First Amendment and his leadership as Director of the First Amendment Clinic at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, The American Lawyer honored Leatherbury with the Tony Mauro Media Lawyer Award in December 2021. The same month, the Yale Alumni Association presented Leatherbury with its highest honor, the Yale Medal.
to English and history, Leatherbury shared that English Teacher Christine Eastus made an impact on his vocabulary. “She stressed the importance of words and choosing them wisely in what we wrote and how we presented ourselves,” Leatherbury said. Ironically, Eastus later taught his older son at Greenhill School. “It was a happy reconnection, and we stay in touch,” he said.
“They were advocates, mentors, you name it,” he said. “The teachers wanted the best for students and provided them with the tools to Leatherburysucceed.”carriedhis
Some of his favorite memories include winning the 1972 Soccer SPC Championship, singing in the Glee Club, traveling to Europe with French Teacher Claire-Lise Knecht H’06, and recycling newspapers in the Recycling Club. “We were a small school, so everyone was involved in a bit of everything,” he said. “As a result, we were a tight-knit Drawngroup.”
51
FWCD wants to recognize YOU! If you are a 2017 graduate and competed at the varsity level when in college, email alumnirelations@fwcd.com.
52 THE FALCONER ALUMNI NEWS
Jacob Rains ’16, Baseball Hardin Simmons University William Sheats ’16, Baseball University of Dayton DJ Williams ’16, Soccer Southern Methodist Univeristy Laura Catherine Wilson ’15, Field Hockey University of St Andrews
James Ferguson ’16, Baseball North Carolina State University Turner MacLean ’15, Golf Texas Christian University Jake McCoy ’15, (Baseball) University of Dallas Katie Nelson ’16, Soccer University of St Andrews
Each of these athletes made a significant contribution to the FWCD athletic program while students and brought great pride to their alma mater as they competed in college.
FWCD celebrated 13 alumni as new FWCD Alumni Athletes at halftime of the October 16, 2021, Homecoming game. To earn FWCD Alumni Athlete honors, former Falcons must participate in a varsity sport at the collegiate level.The celebrated alumni athletes were: Cooper Baird ’15, Cross Country,Track & Field Washington and Lee University Devon Davis ’15, Field Hockey Sewanee: The University of the South Marshall Dike ’16, Baseball Washington and Lee University Adele Elkind ’16, Softball Santa Clara University Brandon Evans ’16, Football Austin College
FWCD Alumni Athlete Accolades
By Debby Jennings
53 ALUMNI NEWS
Although she finds time to travel monthly for pleasure or to see grandchildren, walks two miles daily, and does yoga and strength training, Melodee claims she is not retired. She is free from a day-to-day school schedule but has been tapped as the Artistic Director for the Slaughter Family Arts Awards (SFAA) since 2020. J Mack Slaughter ’02 and his wife, Rebecca Shaw Slaughter ’02, approached her to help build a nonprofit arts program that supports students through scholarship and performance opportunities. Later, Joe Westermann ’19
asked her to help launch the SFAA Summer Spotlight Series. This series produces a student-directed musical annually to support emerging artistic talent in Fort Worth. In 2021, the series had 35 students from eight schools direct, choreograph, and design sets and costumes for A Chorus Line High School Edition. They raised nearly $40,000 and were able to rent Casa Mañana for the performances. This summer, the musical was Legally Blonde
Evan and Gayle live in Nebo, North Carolina, in the mountains near Asheville in a log cabin. Evan credits Gayle with the home design, which has been highlighted by the log cabin company in magazines and is offered as a model aptly called “The Peterson.”
between northern Virginia and Nashville to see their three Threegranddaughters.yearsago,
Evan is grateful for the caring support of the students, parents, and the Board as he fought throat cancer and when his father passed away and the Board gave their annual donation to the School in memory of his father. He is proud of the buildings erected during his FWCD tenure, especially the Fisher Dining Pavilion. He fondly recalls the ISAS Arts Festivals; SPC tournaments; and working with great people like John Stephens, Steve Stackhouse, and Cindy Allen
Retired Faculty –Where are They Now?
Evan established TEC Consulting, which offers executive coaching for new independent school administrators and conducts board governance retreats. He serves on his college Board of Trustees and is working to help them start an independent school to better prepare students in West Virginia for college.
When asked what she misses most about FWCD, Melodee shared, “My beloved students.” Her words of advice: “There are many adventures out there. Don’t be afraid to take them.”
Melodee Halbach US/MS 1998-2019Theatre
Melodee slso finds time to read. She reads at least five fiction books at a time; belongs to a book club; devours magazines like The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and Vogue; and is a devotee of The New York Times. She is also writing grants to support SFAA and the Spotlight Series.
Evan Peterson
Head of School 2002-15/ US Head 1986-92
Evan continues to be an avid fisherman. He has traveled to Belize to fly fish for bonefish, Vermont for northern pike, and the streams of North Carolina. He plays golf and volunteers in his church’s soup kitchen. Evan and Gayle also drive
(Back row) Cameron Slife ’12, James Chilcoat ’12, Patrick Powers ’05, Colin Fredian ’21, Kevin Murphy ’12, Cameron Strock ’11, Nathan Bowser ’13, Jack Mock ’17, Ryan Jordan ’07, Rush Olson ’86, Merrick Decker ’19, (Front row) Jack Stephens ’18, Grant Johnston ’10, Nolan Fredian ’18, Oliver Cristobal ’21, Taylor Ferguson ’99, Jack McConnell ’17, Brad Chilcoat ’17, Joseph Breedlove ’17, Alex Khammar ’19, Charles Berry ’19, Joe Breedlove ’78
GamesAlumni
Ryan Jordan ’07, Patrick Powers ’05, Joaquim (Jack) Carvalho ’17, Landon Barker ’22, Femi Adedokun ’22, Brock Bethea ’23, Alan Reid, Dillon Friedman ’05
ALUMNIBasketballNEWS
FWCD welcomed alumni back to campus for a series of friendly competitions in field hockey and volleyball on October 16, 2021; basketball and soccer on December 18, 2021; and baseball, pickleball, and softball on April 23, 2022.
Want to join the fun? This year’s field hockey and volleyball Alumni Games are set for September 24; December 17 is the date for basketball and soccer. Email alumnirelations@fwcd.com to RSVP early!
54 THE FALCONER
Volleyball
Field Hockey
Soccer (Back row) Humberto Zamorano Beyart ’21, Briggs Kelly ’21, Kegan Vestal ’21, Oliver Cristobal ’21, Josh Wyatt ’21, Joe Atkinson ’19, Nate Wallace ’18, Thomas Cunningham ’10, Christopher Edwards ’20, Jay Decker ’89, Santiago Del Pozzo ’20, (Front row) Nicholas Aufiero ’17, Joshua Martinez ’11, Davis Laker ’08, Thomas West ’05, Andrew Geesbreght ’98, James Stein ’98, Greg Khammar ’19
55 ALUMNI NEWS
Elena Casement ’19, Ed Chisholm, Tara Gordon ’12, Paige Farris Chisholm ’87, Gage Hobbs ’28, Lowdon Hobbs ’25, Ben Wallace ’28, Danielle LeBlanc ’91, Kate Terry More ’00, Keri DeVos Hickman ’04, Whitney Baggett Creel ’04, Martha Linker ’27, Tory Morgner, Kathryn Deegan ’34, Quinn Wallace ’33, CeCe Hickman ’34, Tripp Hickman ’35, Kolt Kreel, (Sitting or Kneeling) Lindsey Brigati Boren ’01, Katy Thompson Hobbs ’97, Tiann Smith Morgner ’02, Elizabeth Hill Deegan ’00, Anne Kelly Lewis ’02, Alice Keller Linker ’95
Jack Carmichael ’22, Connor Davidson ’25, Kurt Kimmel ’22, Jackson Bloemendal ’25, Gavin Spikes ’24, Quinn Gibbons ’25, Paxton Matthews ’23, Nick Foster ’25, Walker Anderson ’23, Connor Campbell ’22, Miles Childress ’22, Camden Abercrombie ’23, Reed Stubbs ’22, Luke Rollins ’23, Corey Karpel ’23, Luke Mitchell ’25, Benjamin Liberto ’23, Gage Stubbs ’24, Patrick Sheats ’22, Jack Mezey ’23, Baseball Program Director and Head Coach Michael Settle ’99, Baseball Assistant Jimmy Brockway, Ben Hood ’98, Austin Reilly ’04, Kent Watson ’03, Stephen Tatum ’01, Marshall Dike ’16, Jacob Rains ’16, Branson Nelson ’16, Jack Sankary ’16, Jake McCoy ’15, Brice Taylor ’06, Chris Corbeille ’08, Brayden Bescher ’18, Robert McBroom ’18, Drew Chilcoat ’19, Merrick Decker ’19, Clark Sheats ’18, Colin Douglas ’06
David Chicotsky ’98, Pickleball Pro Tony Kille, Patrick Powers ’05, Head of School Eric Lombardi, Anne Meals Weiskittel ’94, CeCe Hickman ’34, Keri DeVos Hickman ’04, Meredith Nieswiadomy Ray ’06
56 THE FALCONER
(Back row) Aaron Hoover, DeAnn Hall, Patrick Powers ’05, Reagan Hall ’24, Katie Bruce ’24, Carden Kimball ’24, Ryleigh Hall ’27, Amanda Watts, Shelley Rains, (middle row) Kyra Gibbons ’24, Emily Englander ’12, Emily Klein ’24, Adele Elkind ’16, (front row) Caroline Carmichael ’24, Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22, Hannah Cheng ’24
Pickleball Fun
ALUMNI NEWS
Softball
Baseball
1972 – Richard richard@jagee.comGarvey
Tim Williams ’78 continues to bring FWCD’s Colonel Rocky Rosacker H’00 and his story to a broader audience through his documentary titled The Colonel’s Playbook. The movie is currently streaming on EpochTV, the Epoch Times’ streaming platform, which features exclusive programming, investigative news analysis, in-depth interviews, and award-winning documentaries.
Class Notes
1969 – Gail Widmer gaillandreth@sbcglobal.netLandreth
Do you have great news to share with fellow FWCD alumni?
fall. From October 1-15, John will join a small group of cyclists to ride 1,800 miles from Lake Itasca, MN, to Venice, LA. Frasher and other volunteers will follow the riders by car and teach Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) classes at local universities and schools along the route. QPR is an evidencebased suicide prevention gatekeeper training program. The ride, called Light the Trail, is an initiative of the Fort Worth-based Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. The purpose of the ride is to start impactful conversations about suicide and mental health and to bring more widespread attention to the issues of suicide and depression, which impact nearly everyone in some way.
1967 – Bill Landreth blandreth@liferoy.com
1968 – Paul pstouffer@sbcglobal.netStouffer
Each day of the Light the Trail ride, the riders will “Ride For” (#Ride4) people who have lost their lives to suicide. The public is encouraged to visit the Light the Trail website and write about their loved ones. Riders will begin each day reading aloud the submitted stories and dedicating their ride to those loved ones. If you have a loved one you would like the Pergandes to #Ride4 please visit lightthetrailride.org.
CLASS NOTES
1980s
57
1960s
1981 – Martha marthaccox@yahoo.comCox
To submit information for Class Notes and Alumni News, email alumnirelations@fwcd.com.
Class Agents
1981 – Dan danltatum@live.comTatum
John Brookman ’80 was inducted into the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN), America’s foremost professional organization for experienced mediators and arbitrators practicing in the field of civil and commercial conflict resolution. All academy members are distinguished by their commitment to excellence in the field of dispute resolution and enjoy sterling reputations within the profession. Membership is by invitation only, based on peer nominations and due diligence research in each state. NADN collaborates with the National Defense Bar (DRI) and National Plaintiff Trial Bar (AAJ) Associations in identifying the nation’s elite arbitrators and mediators.
Dan Meeker ’82 is coordinating with Trinity Valley School’s Class of 1982 for a reunion dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s possibly Thursday, October 13, 2022, or Saturday, October 15, 2022. Reach out to Dan to let him know you are interested.
1970s
Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and her husband, John, will take on a daunting and important challenge this
1976 – Brad Nowlin brad@bradnowlin.com
1969 – Steve stgeis@hotmail.comGeis
1967 – Bill Curtis curtis@acm.org
Class Agents
1971 – Terry htsiegel@bvc.comSiegel
Class Agents
2009 – Brittany brittanyajenkins07@gmail.comJenkins
Anita Bangale ’98 spoke at TED Talk Breckenridge. Her talk was titled “Masking Up to De-Armor.” She spoke on the importance of learning about and connecting with patients in the ER. Follow Anita on Instagram @diyacoaching. Her TED Talk is available on her anitabangale.com.website,
Tracy Gray ’04
2007 – Stephanie stephaniestouffer@gmail.comStouffer
provides him unique insight into retail operations.
Ondrej Skorpil ’96 met up with former faculty member Christine (Derber) Leuck on a recent trip to Europe.
1995 – Alison E. amcmanus@post.harvard.eduMcManus
2009 – Margaret mpalmerharper@aol.comHarper
Elyse Stoltz Dickerson ’93 was one of Fort Worth Inc.’s award winners for the 2021 Entrepreneur of Excellence. Elyse’s company, Eosera, Inc., was honored in the Health Care and Life Sciences category.
2009 – Mary marydambro@mac.comDambro
2002 – Ashley astein@briggsfreeman.comStein
Chair designation is the highest distinction earned by FWCD faculty members who have a sustained record of teaching excellence. The School has nine chairs that are awarded for three-year terms. Natalie teaches both theatre and ballet at FWCD. Visit fwcd.org/master-teachers to learn more.
2000s
JJ Acuna ’99 was featured on indesignlife.sg in an article titled “5 Minutes with … JJ Acuna.” JJ is a Hong Kong-based designer who owns Bespoke Studio. He was asked four questions about the changing face of hospitality and design across the Asian Pacific.
2001 – Susanna Gorski Bartolomei susannagb@protonmail.com
1990s
CLASS NOTES
2003 – Will will@northernrealtygroup.comNorthern
2004 – Kate Strickland kjennings610@gmail.comJennings
Kate Strickland Jennings ’04 and Whitney Baggett Creel ’04 (FWCD parent) teamed up to host an event through the Creel Family Philanthropies. This inaugural event, Cowtown’s Summer Soiree, took place on June 4 at the Fort Worth Zoo and benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. J Mack Slaughter ’02 and Courtney Corbeille Krauss ’06 were the emcees. Other FWCD community members (FWCD parents and alumni) involved as part of the planning committee included Jon Bonnell ’89, Lisa Slaughter Stovall ’99, Meredith Nieswiadomy Ray ’06, Keri DeVos Hickman ’04, Jessica Bowman, Carley Cagle, and ElizabethBrackenNatalieHumble’05 was TeachingMasterThisMaytheTeachingDistinguishedArtsFWCD’snamedFineChairforinArtsin2022.Endowed
overPrincipal(HLC)CommercialLunsfordHoltjoinedasthe
Class Agents
1992 – Craig craig@tarranttech.comChristopher
company’s new retail division. The division is based out of Fort Worth because of Tracy’s vast knowledge of the city. Prior to joining HLC, Tracy was Vice President and Market Leader at Vision Commercial Real Estate, where he helped lead Vision’s expansion throughout the DFW market. Tracy also worked for more than a decade in the hospitality industry, which
Class Agents
2006 – Rachel Holt rachelhausser@gmail.comHausser
1997 – Zareen zareen@briggsfreeman.comKhan
2001 – Craig P. Barbolla craig.barbolla@gmail.com
58 THE FALCONER
2007 – Anne Hargis christina.roxanne@gmail.comOlson
59
2013 – Jonny clumjonny@gmail.comClum
Class Agents
2016 – Branson Nelson branson.nelson5@gmail.com
2018 – Maggie Brants margaretbrants@gmail.com
Malcolm McDonald ’14 is in medical school to earn a dual MD/ PhD at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston. He is studying epilepsy in brain tumors. In 2021, Malcolm received the Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists (BRASS) Scholarship and Research Grant. BRASS supports the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at BCM by providing funds to assist students in biomedical research and
Be andClassVolunteer!aAgentshelporganizecommunicatewiththeirFWCDclassmates.Emailalumnirelations@fwcd.comformoreinformation!
2010 – Claire clairedavidovich@gmail.comDavidovich
2010s
2015 – Madelyn madelyn.luskey@gmail.comLuskey
2016 – Delaney Fleming delaney.fleming97@gmail.com
Lauren Rapp Bode ’06 was elected to the American Pharmacists Association Board of Trustees.
2018 – Sam Carlile fwcd@samkc.me
Andrew Vernon ’05 was featured on The New York Times podcast “The Daily” in August 2021. He spoke about Afghan interpreters who worked with military officials prior to the U.S. evacuating forces.
2011 – Kate Petsche kate.aep@gmail.com
2019 – Sarah clarksarah160@gmail.comClark
2019 – Alexandra alexandragalloway@icloud.comGalloway
experience includes all aspects of real estate, with an emphasis on financing and commercial leasing transactions; property management; and the acquisition, disposition and development of various commercial assets, including mixed-use, multifamily, office, retail and industrial properties.
2011 – Nayelly ndominguez@smu.eduDominguez
WatkinsMeadowsHannah’06 was named a Partner at Kelly legalHannah’sHart.
CLASS NOTES
Lauren BrogdonHunt’05, an catastrophicarisingmasstortshandledwhoenergyexperiencedlitigatorhastoxicandotheractionsfrom
2011 – Alex Manson Klinedinst laklinedinst29@gmail.com
Brooke Baumgardner ’06 graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio and received her Juris Doctorate.
industrial accidents, has joined Haynes and Boone’s growing Energy Litigation Practice as a Partner.
2018 – Kacey Melton kmelton0000@gmail.comkcmelton@umich.edu
Kaitlin Elledge ’07 and Keith Hanson are engaged. The couple is planning an October 2022 wedding.
StoufferStephanie’07 and 2022.intocoupleengaged.JoyceRyanareTheplanmarryOctober
2010 – Ashley auptegraft10@gmail.comUptegraft
2016 – Jacob jrains22@gmail.comRains
2019 – Megan meganlammons18@gmail.comLammons
2015 – Connor connorcassady@sbcglobal.netCassady
2015 – Shelby edushelby.e.sanford@vanderbilt.Sanford
2018 – Kathleen Clum kathleen.clum22@gmail.com
2013 – Oliver oliver.newberry@utexas.eduNewberry
Robert Todora ’17 graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Applied Mathematical Sciences and
’18DeRobertisZoe Finance.ScienceBachelorreceivedUniversityfromgraduatedClemsonandherofin
Sarah Jane McDonald ’17 is working for LIRS as a Program Specialist for Community Partnerships. She will work with a team to ensure that new resettlement partners have the tools and resources needed to resettle refugees and Afghan Parolees throughout the U.S.
Sage Clay ’18 graduated Studies.EnvironmentalBiologydegreecompletedUniversitySouthwesternfromandhisinandWhile
India Fore ’18 graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degree.undergraduateher
GrubbsGriffin ’18 inEngineeringBachelorearningUniversity,Vanderbiltfromgraduatedaof
UniversityfromgraduatedThe of Texas Austinatwith a BSA in Plan II Honors and Biology. She also received certificates in Business Spanish and
Lizann Bonin ’18 graduated from Purdue University and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering. While at Purdue, she was part of the school’s Academic Success Center as a Supplemental Instructor for MA 162 (Calculus 2). In July, Lizann joined the General Motors family as a TRACK Mechanical Engineer in Michigan.
Tech University. In January, she will join the Texas A&M Athletic Department as a Dietician.
coordinating fundraising activities for the recipients. Malcolm will use the funds to buy lab equipment and fund research presentations. He also received the prestigious McNair Scholarship at BCM, which is given to two MD/ PhD students each year. It funds his PhD work for four years, allowing him to foster collaborations across multiple labs and design a unique project.
Cooper Burleson ’15 visited Dr. John Cordell’s Honors Physics class to share his work as an Increment Engineer with NASA. This includes working with the astronauts in the International Space Station.
60 THE FALCONER
a minor in Cybersecurity. Following an internship at Ackerman Capital Management in Dallas, he began graduate studies in Cybersecurity at New York University.
Akeria “Cookie” Warner ’14 graduated from dental school at Texas A&M University.
received his Bachelor of Science in English. Sam will be joining the United States Marine Corps.
’18DeRobertisSamuel Academy.NavalUnitedfromgraduatedtheStatesHe
Biomedical/Medical Engineering. He is an intern at GreenLight Medical.
Ryan(Mimi)MarshallMary’16
at Southwestern, Sage was an official for intramural competitions, co-founded local tournaments for the University E-Sports league, and was an Admissions Coordinator for the school.
KellyChristina’18
, received her MS fromNutritionandDieteticsinTexas
CLASS NOTES
attend the SMU Dedman School of Law.
2020s Class Agents
MallickMargeaux’18
Kacey Melton ’18 nextBusiness.degreereceivedMichiganUniversityfromgraduatedtheofandherinHerstepisto
Claire Guthrie ’20 performed in Northwestern University’s production of Mamma Mia! The popularity of Mamma Mia! spans beyond the typical musical theatre audience. It is a jukebox musical featuring almost 30 beloved ABBA songs, which help to convey the plot. Fan favorites such as “Dancing Queen”; “Chiquitita”; and “Money, Money, Money” all make appearances throughout the show.
CLASS NOTES
2022 – Mary marygmcgann@icloud.comMcGann
graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations.
Megan-Marie Lammons ’19 started a rush consulting business. As a current senior at the College of Charleston and a current member of Alpha Delta Pi, Megan-Marie has learned that being in a sorority can be a home away from home. This was the inspiration for why she started Rush Crush Consulting. She wants to help all her clients be excited and prepared for rush.
Spanish for the Health Professions. While she was in school, Christina was the Founder and President of the Texas Fishing Club and President of the UT Field Hockey team. Her future plans include starting as an MS1 at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) John Sealy School of Medicine (JSSOM) in July 2022.
In the 2021-22 season, he had 783 rushing yards with 359 passing yards and eight total touchdowns.
61
Science in Mathematics with Economics. Nate joined the aviator community and started flight school in Pensacola on June 30.
2020 – Stephanie smcook350@gmail.comCook
Reese Nelson ’21 FirstearnedTeam AllODAC University.andWashingtonyearinswimminghonorshisfirstforLee
Xavier Willars ’21 signed with the University of Texas Permian Basin to play golf. Xavier began playing with the UTPB Falcons in Spring 2022.
McLartySophie ’18 graduated from the University of Arkansas and received degree.undergraduateher
At the ODAC Championships,ConferenceReeseraced to two silver medals in premier 100 and 200 fly events and took sixth place in the 200 IM. Reese also set the ODAC’s best mark on the season in the 200 Fly.
Nate Wallace ’18 BachelorHeNavalUnitedfromgraduatedTheStatesAcademy.receivedhisof
MurrinStephen’20 continues to have University.andWashingtoncareerfootballexcitinganatLee
62 THE FALCONER
KC Kent ’98 married Cameron Etezadi on September 18, 2020, in a private ceremony. One year later, with family and friends in attendance, they “re-wed” as originally planned on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, Washington. KC’s FWCD best friend, Meghan Miley ’98, was also present for the celebration. The couple now resides in Seattle.
CLASS NOTES
Falcon Weddings
Ariana Gilley ’16 married Tyler Strawn on December 24, 2021, at Aristide in Mansfield. Falcons attending the wedding were Erin Ford ’16, Madelyn Haas ’16, and Jonathan Bradley ’17 Ariana is a grades 2-4 Spanish Teacher for Great Hearts Online School. Tyler is a Medical Lab Technician at Amplicon Dx Lab. They currently reside in Blue Mound.
Whitney Horton ’05 and Tyler Goldthwaite ’03 were married on May 29, 2021, in Fort Worth. Falcons in the wedding party included Lauren Brants Adams ’05, Courtney Carpenter Hillard ’05, Andrea Severin Goins ’05, Allison Tabor ’05, Chris Goldthwaite ’01, Cameron Horton ’10, Joel Horton ’15, Will Northern ’03, Crawford Rodgers ’03, and Frank Darden ’03.
Robin Beebe ’90 married Brian Edwin Happel in Fort Worth. Other Falcons at the ceremony included Brailey Connor ’22 (daughter of the bride), Charles Perras ’30 (son of the bride), Shelley Boswell Karpman ’90, Jenny Pace Dupree ’93, and Adam Beebe ’99 (brother of the bride).
Audrey Laker ’12 married Ryan Madigan on November 20, 2021. The couple was married at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church with a reception at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. Falcons in attendance included Meaghan Houston ’12 as a bridesmaid, former Middle School faculty member Karina Hinz Barrigas as a bridesmaid, and Jenna Lee Cross ’12
Emily Samuelson ’10 and Lieutenant William “Mason” Mitchell were married on October 9, 2021, in Fort Worth. Falcons in attendance included Madeleine Samuelson Herman ’05, Annie Samuelson Schorfheide ’07, Lindsey Rattikin Comstock ’10, Marilyn Newberry ’10, Claire Davidovich ’10, Laura Lindsay Tatum ’10, Meredith Jones Baynes ’05, Marshall Jones ’09, Bonnie Bollinger ’05, and former faculty member Eileen Kelly
Miles Bratton ’10 and Kacie Webb were married on October 2, 2021, in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Falcons in the wedding party include Aidan Karsten ’21 (best man), Matthew Franz ’16, and Mattie Karsten Rice ’13
Caleb Rooker ’14 and Elizabeth Lindsey ’14 were married on April 23 at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth with a reception at River Crest Country Club. Parents of the bride are Alicia Rattikin Lindsey ’78 and Steve Lindsey; parents of the groom are Chris Rooker and Laura Rooker, current FWCD parents. Falcons in the wedding included Jennifer Lindsey ’10, Elizabeth Rooker ’27, Emma Rooker ’18, Hilary Rattikin Breitigam ’13, Caroline Rattikin ’13, Stephen Lindsey ’07, and Class of 2014 Falcons Madison Nelson, Elizabeth Wilkinson, Samantha Hubbard, Hannah Kelly, Kyle O’Brien, Will Belton, Dan Sun, and Nic Klein.
63
CLASS NOTES Ketrick Karsten ’16 married Grace Hodo on January 15, 2022, in Round Rock.
Welcome to the Nest!
64 THE FALCONER
Madeleine Samuelson Herman ’05 and her spouse Joe welcomed their daughter to the world on December 15, 2021. Sophie Anne is excited to be here!
Megan Cox Wood ’05 and her spouse Adam welcomed their daughter, Lydia Mae, into the world on January 12, 2022. Big brother Jack is ready for a sister!
Andrew Vernon ’05 and his spouse Madeleine are the proud parents of Henry Harland, born on October 19, 2021.
Meredith Fort DuBose ’04 and her spouse Tripp celebrated the birth of Charles Andrew on April 19, 2021. Lauren (Hunt) ’05 and Blake Brogdon ’05 celebrated the birth of their second child, Emily Anne, on June 19, 2021. Big sister Ashley is very proud and excited!
Chelsea Tabor Wood ’05 and her spouse Jared celebrated the birth of Elizabeth Jane on January 12, 2022. Big brother Weldon is excited to have a new sibling!
Stephanie Scott Salim ’02 and her spouse Murad celebrated the birth of Zain Michael on December 7, 2021.
Madeline Merrill Sheridan ’06 and her spouse Thomas welcomed the newest member of their family, Taylor Bradley, on February 20, 2022.
Ross Neuenfeldt Briscoe ’07 and his spouse Kyle Briscoe welcomed a new Falcon to the nest. Griffin Orion was born at 1:20 a.m. on December 25, 2021. The Briscoe family has made their home in Austin.
CLASS NOTES
Do rubber duckies dream of growing up to be FWCD Falcons? We think so. Please let us know when your family increases so that we can welcome another Falcon into the nest!
Courtney Foreman Franko ’06 and her spouse Andrew welcomed their first child, William Roy, on December 14, 2021.
Annie LawrenceHeinzelmann’10 and her spouse David welcomed their son, Paskle Davis, Lawrence into the world on October 5, 2021.
Join Join today at fwcdconnect.com and follow FWCD Alumni on all social media platforms to learn more about upcoming events!
Anna DuBose Morrissey ’07 and her spouse Pete welcomed James Adams to the world on September 13, 2021.
65
Cameron Horton ’10 and his spouse Mamie celebrated the birth of their daughter, Hallie James, on October 19, 2021.
Barron Parker ’09 and his spouse Sara Kindergarten(JuniorTeacher at FWCD) are the proud parents of Francie. Francie was born on November 26, 2021.
Alison Wamsley Burgett ’08 and her spouse Dan welcomed their third child to the world. Caleb Martin was born on September 9, 2021. Siblings Hailey and James are happy to have a baby brother!
Rachel Stepp Lackey ’07 and her spouse Garrison welcomed their daughter, Melissa Kathleen, to the world! She was born on June 2, 2022.
CLASS NOTES
Elizabeth Powers Brooks ’10 and her spouse Carder welcomed Thomas Leo on January 11, 2022. Big brother Henry is thrilled!
Melissa Purvis Raulston ’09 and her spouse Doak are now proud parents! Margot Kate was born on May 10, 2021.
Cindy Allen, Executive Assistant to the Head of School then and now, recalled Peter’s love of quotes. “One of my first assignments when Peter arrived was to [compile] all of his favorite quotes so that he could share them with folks,” she said. “It came out to be about seven or eight pages …. The first one was, ‘The sole purpose of life is to spend it for something that outlives you.’ The author was not listed. It may have been his own. We shared the quotes document with faculty and staff, Board members, folks he would write letters to, community leaders he met while here, and on and on ....”
After retiring from Seven Hills, the veteran educator enjoyed serving as an Interim Headmaster. He once shared that he loved the “school business,” and he and his wife, Charlin, liked seeing different parts of the country. Prior to FWCD, Peter was an interim at three schools: St. James’ Episcopal School in California and The Potomac School and Norfolk Academy, both in Virginia.
Peter Briggs, who served as Interim Headmaster of Fort Worth Country Day for the 2001-02 academic year, passed away in June 2022. Peter greatly enjoyed his time at the School and in Fort Worth, and he had much wisdom to share about leading the FWCD community and being a Head of School. A graduate of Harvard University, Peter began his career at the university, working in undergraduate admissions and financial aid. He later served as Head of School at two Ohio schools, Western Reserve Academy for nine years and The Seven Hills School for 19 years.
IN MEMORIAM Peter Briggs
66 THE FALCONER
At FWCD, Peter was committed to the School’s time-honored core values and mission. He made himself readily available to administrators, faculty and staff, and gathered information that was helpful to the Board of Trustees and to the incoming long-term Headmaster, which would be Evan D. Peterson H’15. Of most poignance, Peter was FWCD’s leader on September 11, 2001. He led with great compassion and care as members of the School community mourned that horrific tragedy.
After Peter's term at FWCD ended, he continued his commitment to school work by taking on an interim headship at St. Timothy’s Episcopal School in Maryland. “We are grateful for Peter’s yearlong leadership of the School during a time of transition. He brought valuable wisdom and perspective to our community,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “ His work at a variety of schools was consistently about making a difference, being of help. We can say he lived up to the quote he liked so much: He did something that outlives him.”
James Maberry John
James M. Harrison
MagazineTCUofCourtesy
A Falcon parent in the 1980s to early 1990s, John was passionate that Country Day remain a school of excellence. He served on the Board of Trustees (1980-87), stepping up to Vice President (198284), before his election to President (1984-86). His famed commitment to being at the forefront of computerization led to FWCD’s first classroom computers before the technology became the norm. Even as John led the nationwide corporation of Tandy/RadioShack, he was part of FWCD’s Board leadership that advocated and supported projects like the Moncrief Middle School Annex (now the William A. and Elizabeth B. Moncrief Science Wing in the Upper School Science Building), the Campus Plaza area with its iconic fountain and tiered seating behind the Schwartz Administration Building, bringing lights to Rosacker Stadium, building the Square Gym, hiring Headmaster Geoffrey C. Butler H’98 (1987-96), and laying the groundwork for security-staffed campus gates.
WilliamCalvinMcAdamsMcGillJimMitchellMetoMiteffAlvin“Tex”MoncriefDavidLowellMoritzToddPetty’90VivianPottsRobertPriceSusanHydenReid’69JohnV.RoachEdSchollmaierHowardSolomonIreneStempleRiceTilleyLindaWynneEleanorZoota
John Hamilton
After daughters Amy Roach Bailey ’85 and Lori Roach Davis ’91 finished their time at FWCD, John’s grandchildren became a reason for him to become involved at the School in an entirely different way. Together, John and his wife, Jean, served as Grandparent Chairs of The FWCD Fund in 2013-14, sharing the story of their love for the School. They have shared many a bleacher and Scott Theater experience in the last decade, supporting all four of their Falcon grandchildren, John Callaway ’14, Hannah Bailey ’18, Dylan Davis ’24, and Emily Davis ’26.
Geoffrey Biddle ’73
J. Walker Holland ’69
67
John V. Roach
While his presence and time were his most significant gifts to FWCD, John and Jean established The Roach Family Lower School Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Primary Grades in 2005 and granted FWCD the gift of the Roach Center (2017), a meeting space in the Patton Field House.
David Corley Ross Crusemann ’71
Joel Forrest Lee Freese
Edward Little
Charles Anderson
Peggy Field
IN MEMORIAM
Former FWCD Board President John V. Roach passed away on March 20, 2022, at 83. John was deeply committed to family, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, and many other causes that benefit the local community. Fort Worth Country Day was on that treasured list.
Adelaide Smith Burgher
“At all times, John was dedicated to advancing the School and its community,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “All of us at FWCD celebrate memories of a man whose legacy surrounds us. I am powerfully aware that those of us at the School today stand on the shoulders of giants who helped create the fabulous school of which we are a part. John Roach was one of those giants.”
John Anthony ’84
From the Archives
During seventh-grade science, under the mentorship and supervision of Sharon Foster H’06, students would complete a rat dissection and “make a study skin.” Sharon chose rats for dissection because the placement of their organs mimicked those of humans. Her ultimate goal: for the seventh-graders to understand their own anatomy. The dissection took place in class.
KC Kent ’98 sewing her rat.
Before the dissection, students would skin their rats and take the skins home to make a study skin. They would clean, stuff and sew the rat to make a proper scientific specimen. This part of the project was quite tricky for seventh-graders to accomplish.
68 THE FALCONER
Be part of their legacy.
Fort Worth Country Day established the Peter A. Schwartz Legacy Society to honor and recognize those individuals who have made planned or estate gifts to Fort Worth Country Day.
Contact Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement, at 817.302.3223 or sandra.tuomey@fwcd.com
The Peter A. Schwartz Legacy Society
4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109-4299 Address Service Requested Parents: If this issue is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the FWCD Alumni Relations Office of the correct new mailing address by contacting us at alumnirelations@fwcd.com. September 22-24, 2022 Don’t miss all the fun! Alumni Awards Dinner Campus Tours Alumni and Current/Former Faculty and Staff Reception Falcon Alley Recognition of the Class of 1972 for their 50th Reunion Halftime Recognition for the 2022 Homecoming Court and Class of 2017 Alumni Athletes Art Classes Volleyball and Field Hockey Alumni Games Reunion Parties for Classes Ending in 2 and 7 More details to be shared soon! Want to help plan your reunion party or be more involved? Email alumnirelations@fwcd.com
