Worth the Wait: Peggy Wakeland NamedHead of Upper School

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.

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.”

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.

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?

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.

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, 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.

What do you love about high school students at FWCD?

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 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.

How would you describe your own upper school years?

Involved in everything … This question made me look myself up in my Kennedale High School senior yearbook. I lifted the copy straight from there:

Basketball 1, 2 , 3, 4; Captain 3, 4; All-District 4

Beta Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Beta Officer 4

Class Officer 1, 2, 3

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

Merit’s Who’s Who in America High Schools 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?

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 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.

The “Peginator” poses with members of the Class of 2019 on her birthday.

If you could take any class offered at FWCD, what would it be?

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.

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.

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.