FWCD Falconer - Volume 14, Issue 2

CONGRATULATES the CLASS of 2023

SOAR on...

121 COLLEGES

to date where students were admitted

Abilene Christian University

Adelphi University

AMDA College of the Performing Arts

Manhattan College

Mississippi State University

Montana State University

University of Arkansas

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Irvine

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Yale University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Austin College

Austin Community College

Babson College

Baylor University

Belmont University

Berklee College of Music

Blinn College

Boston College

Boston University

Calvin University

Carnegie Mellon University

Clemson University

College of Charleston

The College of Saint Rose

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Drake University

Drexel University

Duke University

Florida State University

Fordham University

Haverford College

Hendrix College

Hofstra University

Indiana University

Ithaca College

Johns Hopkins University

Kansas State University

Kenyon College

Louisiana State University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago

Northern Arizona University

Northwestern University

Occidental College

Ohio University

Oklahoma State University

Pace University

Pomona College

Purdue University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rollins College

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Samford University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Seattle University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Simmons University

Southern Methodist University

Southwestern University

Stanford University

Syracuse University

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas Christian University

Texas State University

Texas Tech University

Texas Wesleyan University

Texas Woman’s University

Trent University (CANADA)

Trinity University

Tufts University

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Arizona

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Denver

University of Edinburgh (SCOTLAND)

University of Georgia

University of Glasgow (SCOTLAND)

University of Hartford

York University (CANADA) $10.5+

Institutions listed in red indicate where one or more senior(s) will attend.

University of Houston

University of Kansas

University of Louisville

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

University of Mississippi

University of New Hampshire

University of New Mexico

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Texas

University of Oklahoma

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

University of Richmond

University of San Francisco

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of Stirling (SCOTLAND)

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Texas at Arlington

University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Dallas

University of Tulsa

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of York (ENGLAND)

Vanderbilt University

Virginia Tech

These 121 colleges and universities listed represent the institutions where 93 FWCD seniors have been admitted.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Eric Lombardi Head of School

Chelsy Beninate

Assistant Head of School for Operations/ Director of Fine Arts

Trey Blair Head of Lower School

Stephen Blan Head of Middle School

Leigh Block Athletic Director

Joe Breedlove ’78

Executive Director of Breakthrough Fort Worth

Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99 Director of Admission

Nicole Masole-Rose

Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion

Tom Mitchell

Chief Financial Officer

Sandra Tuomey

Director of Advancement

Steve Uhr Director of Technology

Peggy Wakeland

Head of Upper School

EDITOR

Shannon Rossman Allen

ART DIRECTOR

Lisa Koger

CONTRIBUTORS

Elizabeth Baxter

Paige Farris Chisholm ’87

Yolanda Espinoza

Caren Handleman

Debby Jennings

Reggie Johnson

Renee Pierce

Amanda Stephens ’15

Whitney Truax

Sandra Tuomey

Lisa Wallace

Geraldine Williams

Questions? Concerns? Comments?

Contact Shannon Allen at shannon.allen@fwcd.com

Send address changes to:

Fort Worth Country Day

Advancement Office

4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109 or email advancement@fwcd.com

© FWCD 2023

The Magazine of Fort Worth Country Day

FEATURES

26 Building Character in the Lower School

A kid at heart, Trey Blair engages students and teachers to foster a love of learning while teaching and modeling the importance of strong character.

30 Building a New Lower School

The School’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to proceed with the construction of a new Lower School building. A number of next steps in the project are imminent.

36 Reflections, Hopes and Dreams

Graduation day conjured many emotions and touching memories for the 93-member Class of 2023. The class’s 13-year journey to this bittersweet milestone moment can be summed up through relationships.

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.

Cover photo by Glen Ellman

View From My Window

When I handed Tanmay Yarmachu ’23 his diploma on May 12, Fort Worth Country Day had 4,537 graduates. In eight years of handing out those priceless pieces of parchment to the last 759 graduates, I have often wondered about the paths our Falcons will end up taking.

Certainly, some of our alumni have deferred their college admission for a year of exploration. “Gap years” between high school and college have been a thing, at least since my father did one in 1950-51. If you knew someone in college who started as a 19- or 20-year-old, you probably knew someone more focused than the typical college freshman on the value of the studies they were doing.

After eight years of graduations and hundreds of momentous, high-school-ending handshakes, I find myself aligning more and more with William Fitzsimmons, long-tenured Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Harvard University. As a rookie College Counselor in 1985, I was given Fitzsimmons’s letter touting the benefits of a gap year. Fitzsimmons recognized the value of taking a break in the midst of the traditional 16-year run of school in the United States. The 80-100 Harvard students who took that break each year reportedly got the value too: Harvard’s daily student newspaper, The Crimson, reported (May 19, 2000) that students who had taken a year off found the experience “so valuable that they would advise all Harvard students to consider it.”

The incredibly consistent story I hear from those of you who went straight from Country Day Lane to college is how wellprepared you were. You speak Spanish or French much better than your peers with similar high school transcripts. You write

papers that lead professors to ask admiringly, “Where did you go to high school?” You take advantage of office hours right from the beginning of your college days, and you often teach others to do the same.

Those stories make us all proud. We can also be proud of those of you who took different paths. You might have gone straight from FWCD to work. Maybe you started your own company. You might have joined AmeriCorps or been involved in mission work. Maybe you did a formal gap year between K-12 and college. Maybe, on the other hand, you arrived at college knowing how to study but not feeling emotionally ready to take advantage of all of the opportunities.

Whatever your path, I would really appreciate hearing stories about your 18- to 20-year-old experiences. As we embark on the School’s next steps and build the next strategic plan this fall, and as we use that planning work to rethink our hopes for each of our graduates in the years ahead, we will be considering our mission: “to foster the intellectual, physical, emotional and ethical development of capable students.” We give ourselves quite a task with that mission statement, and we commit to that work as a college-preparatory school. In our 2023-24 planning, I think we need to stop and think about the different paths to college after an FWCD diploma, and we also need to consider how we support students who take paths that might not include college.

Eric Lombardi

Around Campus

Dr. Amy Witten Joins FWCD

Amy Witten, DrPH, joined the Falcon family as Assistant Head of School for Academics and Student Support in July. A passionate and experienced educator and administrator, Dr. Witten comes from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (DASH) in Houston, where she had worked since 2014 as a Middle School and Upper School Learning Specialist (2014-15), Head of Curriculum and Learning Support (2015-18), Head of Middle School (2018-21), and most recently, Head of Academics, Innovation and Student Services.

The academic portion of Dr. Witten’s role at FWCD will be highlighted in work alongside Head of Lower School Trey Blair, leading the School’s JK-12 Curriculum Committee. She also will oversee social and emotional initiatives to include faculty and student well-being, guide student support programming across all three divisions, and facilitate the

work of the division Health and Wellness Counselors and Academic Support Coordinators. Witten will also guide faculty professional development with Division Heads and Department Chairs to enhance on- and off-campus offerings and focus on professional development that best supports teachers’ efforts to meet the many needs of their students. She will also work closely with Head of School Eric Lombardi to guide the upcoming strategic planning work the community will engage in during the 2023-24 school year.

Witten earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Linguistics and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Bilingual Education from the University of Houston. She also holds a Doctor of Public Health in Management, Policy and Community Health Practices, from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health (Houston), and carries Educational Diagnostician Certification. By the end of the summer, she will have earned a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

TCU Coach Makes Founders’ Day Appearance

TCU Head Football Coach and FWCD parent Sonny Dykes made this year’s Founders’ Day extra special when he surprised the FWCD community at the March 6 event. Introduced by his three children, Ally ’27, Charlie ’29 and Daniel ’35, Coach Dykes spoke about the value of education, the importance of being part of a community, and what it means to be a leader. “You are all a part of a community. You’re part of the Country Day community,” Dykes said. “You’re also members of organizations … you’re part of a team, and you’re also part of a bigger community which is the Fort Worth community. I think when you take on that responsibility of being a teammate, you take on a lot of things along with that. You have a shared interest … and as you get older, I think you’ll realize how special it is to be part of a team.” Throughout his speech, Coach Dykes connected how coaching a football team and what made the TCU team so special last season correlated to being part of the FWCD community.

Club V Adds Six Members

Founders’ Day is more than Fort Worth Country Day’s birthday. It is a day to celebrate community. This year’s Club Viginti Inductees were applauded for their 20 years of service to the School. Congratulations to Carrie Cheng (Director of Ballet), Dr. John Cordell (Upper School Science Teacher), DeAnn Hall (PE Teacher/Middle School Basketball Coach/Softball Program Director), Aaron Hoover (Middle School History Teacher), Molly Risewick (Upper School Spanish Teacher) and Mike Vincent (PE Teacher/Field Hockey Coach/Boys Soccer Program Director) for their dedicated service.

Breakthrough Honored

The Co-Chairs and Board of Directors of Design Inspirations presented Breakthrough Fort Worth with a gift of $92,500 following a recordbreaking fundraising event. Gill Children’s Services also received the same amount. The Design Inspirations event, which started 30 years ago, is a fundraiser supported jointly by volunteers from the Fort Worth Alumnae Associations of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi. This year’s event featured guest speaker and interior designer, Katie Ridder, and showcased more than 64 tablescapes, creatively designed by local interior designers, businesses and individuals. FWCD and Breakthrough had tables at the event, which was featured on NBC 5’s Tell Me Something Good on May 15.

The gift is especially sweet because Breakthrough Fort Worth celebrated its 30th anniversary this summer.

“Breakthrough Fort Worth is overwhelmed by this gift,” said Joe Breedlove ’78, Breakthrough Fort Worth Executive Director. “The commitment it represents from not only the Design Inspirations/Kappa Kappa Gamma/Pi Beta Phi family, but also from the community they gathered, is a testament to our city's heart for its youth and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students. We are deeply honored to grow our programming and literacy impact to more Fort Worth youth with this funding, knowing that the students and our work for them are so enthusiastically supported.”

Carrie Cheng Dr. John Cordell

DeAnn Hall Aaron Hoover

Molly Risewick Mike Vincent

AROUND CAMPUS

FWCD Names 2023-24 Officers and New Trustees

In May, outgoing Board President Randy Eisenman ’93 announced FWCD’s Board of Trustees newly elected officers and three new members. Officers for the 2023-24 academic year are Brian Crumley ’92, President; Elyse Stoltz Dickerson ’93, Vice President; William Butler ’96, Vice President; Rob Semple ’95, Treasurer; and Mary Hallman Smith ’03, Secretary. New members serving a three-year term are Joseph Berkes ’98, Stephen Luskey ’01 and Heather Senter.

Joseph Berkes ’98 has over 22 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has spent his entire career at Williams Trew Real Estate, one of Fort Worth’s leading firms. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Berkes is a founding member of the Blue Peaks Giving Circle at Cook Children’s Medical Center and currently serves FWCD on the Advancement and Lower School Campaign Committees. Berkes and his wife, Claire, are the parents of three Falcons, Annie ’32, Elizabeth ’34 and Joseph ’36.

Stephen Luskey ’01 is a founding partner of Brazos Midstream with nearly 20 years of commercial and business development experience in the energy industry. He spearheads all commercial and business development efforts for Brazos. Before founding Brazos, Luskey held business development and commercial positions with EnLink Midstream and was Vice President - Permian.

Luskey is a member of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association Board, the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Board, The University of Texas Kay Bailey Hutchison Center Board and the UT Development Board. He is a Superintendent for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and a member of the Calf Scramble Committee. At FWCD, Luskey is a member of the Forward Together Comprehensive Campaign Steering Committee, the Finance Committee and the Alumni Council. Luskey and his wife, Meredith, are the parents of Walker ’30 and Lyle.

Heather Senter has over 25 years of experience in the communications industry specializing in public affairs, media relations, community partnerships and crisis communications. She has served in senior leadership positions with Sullivan Higdon & Sink, Archer/Malmo, and Witherspoon Advertising and Public Relations. She currently manages her own Fort Worth-based independent public relations consulting firm, Sentire Consulting, LLC.

Senter has served in many leadership roles in Fort Worth, including with Design Inspirations, First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, The James L. West Center for Dementia Care, Jewel Charity, Junior Woman’s Club, KLife, Kupferle Women’s Health Board, National Charity League, Pi Beta Phi Fort Worth Alumnae Club, and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Over the past 14 years at FWCD, she has served as PFA President, Forward Together Comprehensive Campaign Steering Committee Co-chair, Parent Ambassador Leader and Advancement Committee member. Senter and her husband, Ryan, are the parents of three Falcons, Martha Wynn ’27, Eloise ’24 and Lily ’22

2022-23 Scholarship Recipients

The following students held these Named Scholarships at Fort Worth Country Day during the 2022-23 academic year.

Edward P. Bass Scholarship

Sydney Airheart ’23, Andrea Andrade ’24, Shamya Freeney ’24

Inaugural

All-School MLK Service Day

Nearly 80 FWCD community members came together on Monday, January 16, to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. FWCD’s inaugural JK-12 MLK Service Day set a strong and steady foundation on which to build. All divisions had representation and worked hard at a Mission Arlington church site. The event was coordinated by Kelly Lanier Tierce ’93, JK-12 Service Learning Coordinator, and Nicole Masole-Rose, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion.

“Our purpose for the day was to be a group of folks centering the humanity and beauty of people by helping an organization that is committed to addressing inequities in Tarrant County,” Masole-Rose said. The participants picked up trash around the building, cleaned and organized the central meeting location, moved furniture, and reorganized clothing and toy donation areas.

“Everyone just dove right in,” Tierce said. “I was so happy to see so many younger students joining in the experience. There are not many opportunities for our youngest Falcons, but I know there are more to come.”

Masole-Rose led the group in a reflection on Dr. King’s legacy when the group returned to campus. “We reflected on our experience and discussed how we will continue to uplift and address inequities in our world in the future,” she said. “It was a sweet time for all who participated, and I don’t simply want to say, ‘I look forward to next year!’ Instead, I choose to say, ‘I look forward to seeing how we will make a difference in the lives of others year-round!’”

Beverly Anne Robinson Faculty Endowed Scholarship

Jeremy Henderson ’23, McCoy Mathews ’32, Gabriella Napier ’28

Malone Scholars Program

Priscilla Lambis ’25, Seth Mayhue ’23, Chance Odom ’26, Isabella Rugema ’27, Gigi Schueneman ’26, Maya Witzel ’25

Peter A. Schwartz Scholarship

Rachel Nelson ’23

Captain David Herr ’80 Memorial Scholarship

Lily Hyde ’24

Reilly Family Foundation/Breakthrough Fort Worth Scholarship

David Yun ’24

Alumni Endowed Scholarship

Alexis Espino ’23, Harrison Hart ’23, Alexis Rollings ’23

Ella C. McFadden Scholarship

Viktor Harrington ’23, Emma Hargrove ’23

Moritz Scholarship at FWCD

Vianey Frias ’25

Betty Reese Memorial Scholarship

Lucas Rothenberg ’26

Gayle G. and Evan D. Peterson Scholarship

Claire Hall ’34

Jillian Chandler Thompson Scholarship

Ty Williams ’27

Christine Collins Award

Gabriella Napier ’28

Cum Laude Adds 19 Members

FWCD’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society welcomed 10 seniors, eight juniors and one new faculty inductee on Wednesday, March 22. New Cum Laude members are Rhea Alexander ’24, Mehreen Ali ’23, Sydney Airheart ’23, Campbell Beebe ’23, Lillian Buchanan ’23, Jack Cimo ’24, Evan Dickerson ’24, Walker Gaines ’24, Eliana Garcia ’23, Lily Hyde ’24, Caroline Klein ’23, Lauren Mitchell ’23, Abigail Proell ’24, Evi Scaling Brown ’24, Luke Rollins ’23, Holt Smith ’23, Elle Snyder ’24 and Jessica Tomasic ’23. New faculty inductee is Nicole Masole-Rose, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion.

The Cum Laude Society is an honorary organization that stresses excellence, justice and honor. Selection is limited to 10 percent of the junior class and 20 percent of the senior class, elected

over two years, based on students’ high academic standing and rigorous course loads. Selected students also demonstrate good character, honor and integrity in all aspects of school life.

Junior Earns Citizen Scholar Award

James Thomas ’24 was awarded the University of Vermont 2023 Citizen Scholar Book Award. He was nominated by the FWCD College Counseling Office and was recognized during Upper School announcements at the end of the school year. Putting knowledge into action for the betterment of humanity is at the foundation of a University of Vermont education. The Citizen Scholar Book Award celebrates high school students around the U.S. who demonstrate that spirit of citizenship and scholarship. They may have campaigned for a cause, founded a community action group, or conducted research aiding social progress.

Thomas, an Eagle Scout, has a service

heart. For his Eagle Scout project, he recruited approximately 20 volunteers to tie fabric together to assemble blankets for Project Linus. Through

the efforts of Thomas and his volunteer team, about 50 blankets were donated to children in the U.S. who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

“For this award, we aim to nominate a junior student who has shown a genuine and earnest commitment to lifting others up. James is generous with his time and energy, having continuously served his community while impressively balancing a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule,” said Sarah Casarez, Associate Director of College Counseling. “We’re delighted to have James represent FWCD as a recipient of UVM’s Citizen Scholar Award this year and so proud of his accomplishment.”

Lower School Spelling Bee Goes 24 Rounds

What do hedgehog, dingoes, alibi, ogre and ostriches all have in common? They were words in this year’s Lower School Spelling Bee. Twenty-two third and fourth-graders qualified to compete in the bee on Wednesday, April 19. After correctly spelling the championship word after round 24, Ledger Halpern ’32 was named champion and Van Nguyen ’32 was runner-up. Both students battled back and forth for four rounds before the winner was decided.

Market Day Raises Nearly $3,000

On May 5, second-graders presented the money they raised from Market Day to Bill Arnold ’86, Executive Director of Blue Diamond Recreation, a nonprofit that helps veterans and their families challenged by the effects of war. The second-graders raised $2,900 for the organization, which they learned about from Arnold when he came to campus to speak with them.

Market Day is part of the second grade economics curriculum where students learn about goods and services. This year, Kelly Lanier Tierce ’93 approached the teachers about adding a service learning aspect to the day, which is why the goods were sold for actual money to the second grade parents. Some of the items created this year were stress balls, headbands, bracelets, glitter jars, paintings and catapults.

In addition to Halpern and Nguyen, 20 students displayed FWCD’s core value of courage by taking the FWCD Scott Theater stage in front of their peers and families to display their spelling acumen. Congratulations to third graders Milo Green, Zaid Farr, McGwire Humble, Miller Humble, Brynn McCord, Ishana Samart, Kennedy Slataper and fourth graders Roman Braswell, Collin Haggerty, Ben Herman, Sophia Isarraraz, Griffin Galati, Tyler Ferguson, Cameron Reilly, William Shaw, Ainslee Simmons, Austin Smith, Margot Smith and Andrew Tiblets.

Giving Back

From Inspiration to Action: Water Walk for South Sudan

By Whitney Truax

After immersing themselves in the powerful narrative of A Long Walk to Water by Sue Park, FWCD sixth-graders took to the Barrett Havran Track in Rosacker Stadium for a “water walk,” forging a tangible connection to the daily struggles faced by those in Sudan who lack access to clean water. The transformative experience, put together by Middle School English Teachers Shari Lincoln and Anne-Lise Knecht Woods ’85, galvanized the sixth grade class and raised more than $40,000 for the Iron Giraffe Challenge. This fundraising initiative encouraged schools to raise money to support the drilling of wells in South Sudan and exceeded all expectations.

Based on the true story of Salva Dut (in 1985) and a fictionalized Nya (in 2008), A Long Walk to Water intertwines their struggles in war-torn Sudan and the critical role access to clean water plays in their lives. Along his journey, Salva helps over 1,000 boys, known as The Lost Boys, get through Ethiopia and Kenya to better conditions. Nya sacrifices her education to ensure her family’s basic survival needs are met, and she navigates miles of treacherous terrain, often making multiple daily trips for clean water.

Salva eventually comes to the U.S. and is adopted by a family that provides him with opportunity. After college, he learns of his father’s illness caused by contaminated water. He reunites with his father and commits to improving water access in his homeland by establishing Water for South Sudan. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide fresh drinking water for all tribes in South Sudan. Since 2003, Water for South Sudan has drilled over 500 wells.

The book and the organization’s mission prompted Lincoln and Woods to support Salva’s important cause and engage in the Iron Giraffe Challenge, named for the giraffe because the animal symbolizes perseverance and strength. Schools set fundraising goals and participated in activities to raise awareness and funds for Water for South Sudan.

Asked to research how many miles people in South Sudan walk to get clean water, students learned that the average trip is four miles. The students then set personal goals for the water walk and asked family, friends and neighbors to pledge gifts for every lap completed. Most had goals of 16 laps to equal four miles. By simulating Salva and Nya’s journeys to fetch water, students gained an understanding of the challenges communities face without access to clean water, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for the book’s themes of resilience and survival.

On April 5, each student grabbed two one-gallon water jugs (total weight was approximately 17 pounds) and walked the track. As students passed the starting line, teachers punched cards to track the number of laps completed. The students completed the four-mile walk in an hour. Some went above and beyond to walk 20 laps. As a result, the Class of 2029 raised $40,265.83, enough to drill two wells in South Sudan.

Student and teacher reflections were immediate. “Students shared that they felt empowered,” Lincoln said. “A lot said it felt nice to do something as a kid to make the world better.” Woods added, “We talked about how they are making a huge impact in the lives of the villagers throughout this initiative.”

The Falcons also supported their community, donating 135 jugs of water to the Presbyterian Night Shelter. And the story doesn’t end there. FWCD raised the most money of any school by more than $15,000, earning the class a video chat in the fall with Salva himself.

Lincoln and Woods look forward to enhancing and continuing the experience. A resounding success, the water walk is a testament to the power of empathy, education and community engagement.

with DeAnn Hall and M Q &A

How does it feel to be a member of FWCD’s Club Viginti?

Twenty years ago, my now husband and I moved to Texas, and I saw a part-time coaching ad in the paper's classified section! Now the FWCD community has become an extension of my family, a true home away from home. It is an honor to be a Club V member. I did not foresee my name on that wall because 20 years is a long time! When I attended my first Club V dinner, I sat among FWCD legends. It was a surreal feeling, one I hope I never take for granted.

How did your career begin?

My degree is in journalism and Spanish, so teaching PE and coaching were never on my radar. I had a part-time job at a local radio station, trying to get my foot in the door, but I knew I needed to find another job. So I answered that ad and was interviewed as the Head JV Softball Coach. I accepted that position in summer 2003. Two years later, I gained a full-time PE position. I’ve been blessed to teach K-6 PE and coach cross country, softball, swimming, girls basketball, and boys and girls volleyball at the Middle School, JV and varsity levels. Many assume softball is my favorite sport because I played in college and am the Varsity Head Coach. In reality, my favorite sport is whichever sport I’m coaching at the time.

How do you engage and empower students?

I love when a student or player tells me they cannot do something. In those moments, I find ways to push and encourage them to get out of their comfort zones. When they realize, ‘Hey, I CAN do that,’ it’s the greatest feeling for me as a coach. I get as much excitement from watching a second-grader learning a new jump rope trick as I do watching a player hitting their first home run. I think the best way I can empower my students is for them to know that I’m their biggest fan and their No. 1 supporter. When students and players know that their coach believes in them, they find that next-level strength to push through the toughest situations.

What is your coaching philosophy?

When I first started coaching, I came from the Division I softball mentality. My coach was tough, and while I thrived in that environment, I quickly learned it was not suitable for a high school program. What I did realize was those life lessons of responsibility, accountability, teamwork, etc., do not change. So I’ve tried to make those as important as teaching the game. The most significant growth my coaching philosophy has had over the years is in building relationships. Early in my career, I was so focused on teaching the game and those life lessons that I forgot about building relationships, which is ironic because I am such a people person! I want my players always to know that I love the person they are more than the fact that they play softball.

ark Lichaj

How did you find yourself teaching at FWCD? Why did you choose FWCD?

Before coming to FWCD, I taught in Europe for seven years. When I decided to move back to the U.S., Texas was at the top of my list. There were several families and a few teachers I knew from the DFW area. When I asked them about good schools in North Texas, many mentioned FWCD. Lucky for me, FWCD had a chemistry position available! I had many job offers around the country, but I felt a connection with the teachers and the administration at FWCD during my interviews, so I picked FWCD. Very happy with my decision!

What led you to be a teacher?

Science is something I have always been interested in and was always my favorite subject, but teaching was not a career I had considered until after I graduated college [Loyola University Chicago]. My undergraduate degree is in biochemistry, and I had been planning to pursue something in medicine. After college, I decided to do something to give back. I entered a graduate program through Northwestern University to get a teaching certificate and teach in underprivileged schools in Chicago. At the time, I thought I would do that for two or three years and then go to medical school. After the first year of teaching, I knew this was what I was supposed to do with my life. My favorite course to teach is AP Chemistry. Twelve years later, I still love teaching!

How do you engage students in learning?

When I became a teacher, I would watch other teachers that students loved to learn from them and how I could become better, and I also reflected on the good teachers I had as a student. I saw a common theme among these teachers: They were passionate about their subjects, and they cared about their students. These are the same traits I try to bring to my teaching every day. I love chemistry; I think it is fascinating. My goal is to try and get students to feel the same way.

What do you love about FWCD?

What I love about FWCD is the sense of community that extends through the students, FWCD staff and families. From the day I arrived at FWCD, everyone was so welcoming and willing to help. I felt like I was part of the community from day one [fall 2021]. I have so many great memories in my short time here. My favorite so far is graduation. I have never been at a school where the seniors go through an entire receiving line of teachers after the ceremony. It is really touching to see students who have been at the School since Lower School embracing teachers they may have had years ago. I think it is a great way to send off the graduates.

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.

Senior Student-Athlete Honored

Rob Batton ’23 was honored at the 46th Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club on February 20. The National Merit Scholar earned the prestigious $30,000 Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship for his academic achievement, community service, character, leadership and varsity sports participation. At the dinner, Batton met TCU quarterback Max Duggan, who accepted the Davey O’Brien Quarterback Award.

In May, Batton was featured as the North Texas Buick Dealers Scholar-Athlete of the Week on Joe Trahan’s Sports Special (WFAA Channel 8). The program recognizes North Texas high school seniors who excel in academics and athletics and contribute to making their community a better place.

Weatherholt Honored with Old Sport Award

Assistant Head of Upper School Paula Weatherholt was honored at the Upper School Awards with the Old Sport Award. Established in 1989, this award is presented to an individual in the FWCD community who has continued to be a big booster, faithful fan and super supporter of Falcon athletics year in and year out. “Paula goes to everything .... Early morning cross country races, swim meets, home games, away games, scrimmages, tournaments … she's there,” said Leigh Block, Director of Athletics. “I know the student-athletes appreciate seeing her there, and the coaches do as well. It makes a huge difference for us knowing that our Upper School administration supports the efforts of our student-athletes. We are grateful for her support!”

Press Box Makeover

The new track and turf fields were not the only campus makeover – the FWCD press box sports a new look! Fort Worth artist Don Smith (of Don Smith Signs) handpainted the entirety of the press box in brilliant red and blue. Smith has been in the by-hand sign-painting business for more than 30 years. “When you are seeking that classic look that can only come from the human touch, there is no substitute for a hand-lettered sign,” Smith said. “We pride ourselves on embodying the passion and craftsmanship that sign painting demands.”

FWCD Dominates SPC Championships,

The Winter (February 9-11) and Spring SPC (April 27-29) Tournaments were successful season-ending competitions for the Falcons. During the winter season, FWCD boasted one team SPC runner-up (girls soccer) and three individual champions, two runners-up and five additional medalists. The spring season brought home three team championship titles (boys and girls track, softball) and two third-place teams (baseball, boys tennis). Five track athletes won eight individual championships, with 13 additional Falcons earning medals.

Girls Soccer

The varsity girls soccer team had an excellent tournament and was 3A SPC runnerup, finishing 2-1. The Falcons beat The Awty International School and The John Cooper School but fell to Trinity Valley School in the championship game. Finleigh Ashburn ’25 scored five goals to lead all scorers in the tournament. The team was 8-6 on the year.

Championships, Secures Podium Success

Wrestling

Joseph Brunson ’25 finished first in his wrestling weight class. Luke Tierce ’24, Jake Lauderdale ’23 finished second, and Rising Huckaby ’24, Alex Parsons ’26, Jackson Grace ’23 and Chappell Carter ’25 finished third in their weight classes.

Swimming

Christopher Baker ’23 won the 100 Free and third in the 100 Back in the swim 3A SPC Championship meet.

Track and Field

The FWCD track teams swept the 3A SPC track meet, as both the boys and girls teams won titles. Three students earned two individual titles each: Sutton Howard ’23 (discus and shot put), Jeremy Henderson ’23 (long jump and 400m), and Rachel Nelson ’23 (100m, 200m). Henderson also earned second place in the 200m.

Rob Batton ’23 and Sophie Toomey ’24 each placed first in the 300m hurdles and pole vault, respectively.

Sydney Airheart ’23 earned two bronze medals in the high jump and the 300m hurdles.

Finleigh Ashburn ’25 was second in the long jump; Mimi Cauble ’23 and Laurel Griffith ’26 placed second and third, respectively, in the 100m hurdles; Bryce Evans ’24 earned bronze in the 100m, Shamya Freeney ’24 earned silver in the shot put; Murphy Hoefer ’24 was third in the 3200m, Zachary Willars ’24 and Nate Blan ’26 earned silver and bronze respectively in pole vault; Blake Brown ’24 earned bronze in the triple jump; and Alex Kelly ’23 placed third in the high jump.

The 4x100m relay team of Cauble, Nelson, Hailey Seiden ’26 and Kylie Carter ’24 earned silver.

In total, the Falcons came home with 22 medals. The last time the boys team won the SPC track meet was the 1976-77 season; this was the first win for the girls team.

ATHLETICS

Softball

Falcon softball went on a tear at the end of the season, winning its last 11 games and outscoring the competition 17-1 in the 3A SPC Tournament. Reagan Hall ’24 struck out 14 in the championship game. Emily Klein ’24, Katie Bruce ’24 and Carden Kimball ’24 all had RBIs in the finals to win the 3A Championship. The team finished the season 18-5-2. The last time the team won the championship was in 2011.

Golf

Girls golf competed in the 3A SPC Tournament in Houston on April 17-18, and the boys played in Fort Worth on April 24-25. Both teams had strong individual finishes: For the girls, freshman Amelia Dickerson ’26 finished third overall. On the boys side, Connor Henry ’23 was third, and Mason Harper ’25 finished fifth, earning them both All-Conference SPC recognition.

Tennis

Boys tennis went 2-1 in the tournament, defeating Houston Christian (5-0), falling to the eventual champion St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (3-2) in the semifinals, and then

beating Trinity Valley School (3-2) in an exciting match, with Benjamin Hoppe ’24 clinching the win for FWCD. Overall, the Falcons finished in third place in the 3A SPC Tournament. Girls tennis placed fifth.

Baseball

The Falcons defeated Episcopal School of Dallas by a run and then lost to Oakridge by a run in the 3A SPC Tournament. On April 29, at home, FWCD beat a tough St. Andrew's team, 7-0. Jackson Bloemendal ’25 had a three-run homer against Oakridge and pitched a complete game shutout vs. St Andrew’s. The team finished third in the tournament. Thanks in large part to an 8-1-2 start and a 10-2 finish, FWCD finished the season with 21 wins, the most in program history.

Lacrosse

The Falcons started off the lacrosse SPC Tournament in Austin defeating Trinity Valley, 9-8. FWCD led 8-4 but the Trojans fought back to tie. Bo Juliao ’24 scored to seal the win. The Falcons lost to St. Andrew’s in the semifinal and then lost a close game to Greenhill School, 8-7. FWCD finished fourth overall.

SPC Winter and Spring 2023 Sportsmanship Awards

FWCD celebrated four students and two teams that earned the 2023 Winter and Spring Season SPC Sportsmanship Awards. Winter awards went to Carly Walker ’24 (soccer) and Chappell Carter ’25 (wrestling) and the girls basketball team. Spring awards went to Rachel Nelson ’23 (track & field) and Jackson Grace ’23 (boys tennis). Girls tennis earned the team honor.

The SPC bestows two Sportsmanship Awards each season: team and individual. SPC coaches select team awards. Each school determines their individual athletic awards honorees, and two student-athletes (one male, one female) at each SPC school earn them each season.

“Chappell is one of the most noble people I have encountered. The amount of respect he shows every opponent is unmatched,” said Varsity Wrestling Coach Hugo Muñoz. “He is humble and respectful regardless of the outcome of the match. It is no surprise his teammates chose him as our nominee.”

Sean Maloney, Girls Soccer Coach, spoke of Walker’s work ethic and leadership. “Carly is a hard worker and has become a great leader,” he said. “Talented, competitive and driven, Carly did a great job leading by example and being a great role model in difficult, emotional games.”

Grace’s competitive spirit and leadership impressed Varsity Boys Tennis Coach Tim Hatcher. “Jackson is a fierce competitor in tennis and can be trusted to always put forth

his best effort,” Hatcher said. “His ability to adapt and bring out the best in his teammates makes him a strong leader.”

According to Program Director and Head Coach Jared Connaughton, Nelson will go down in SPC history as one of the greatest track and field athletes. “What is even more impressive about Rachel is the integrity, passion and kindness she exhibits,” he said. “She is the consummate professional on the track and in the classroom. I can think of no one who has represented her family, school, and conference with more grace, class and dignity.”

Carly Walker ’24 Chappell Carter ’25 Rachel Nelson ’23

Jackson Grace ’23

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.

Playwrights Shine on Stage

Five FWCD Acting students had an original play or monologue win in the 2022 Neighborhood Play Contest. As winners, Viktor Harrington ’23 (pictured right), Olivia Kersh ’24, Fiona Morris ’26, Chance Odom ’26 and Tanmay Yaramachu ’23, all students in Upper School Theatre Director Siouxsie Easter’s Acting I class, had their pieces performed in the Festival of the Kid in May. Eight of Easter’s students submitted to the contest; 2022 marked Kersh’s second year in a row as a finalist.

In Easter’s Acting I, Advanced Acting and Musical Theatre courses, Easter teaches a unit on playwriting. Students read and synthesize plays; study the importance of dialogue and how it is set up; focus on strong monologues with a beginning, middle and end; and decipher characters to determine why they behave as they do. Assignments range from monologues and short plays to jukebox musicals (in Musical Theatre), stage musicals featuring well-known popular songs of a particular artist or a mix of artists rather than original music.

One assignment was Eulogy for a Goldfish. “I encourage the students to write about what they know,” Easter said. “The emotions for this assignment ranged. There was sadness, as you would expect when one loses a pet, over-the-top sarcasm, dry humor and more. I was so proud of the students’ range.”

As a result of their excellent writing, Harrington, Morris, Odom and Yaramachu each had their Goldfish Eulogy performed on stage on May 17, and Kersh had her play, Upside Down, performed on May 18 at StageWest Theatre. In addition, two FWCD students, Nic Medaris ’23 and Ava Vanderpoel ’26, auditioned for roles and performed in the festival.

Kersh, who loves to tell stories through writing and acting, was excited when her play, Sleep, was a festival winner last year. The play’s central character can see spirits and dead people. “It was written from a calm place,” Kersh said. “As a deep empath, I wrote it with peace in my heart. The character of Man in the Brown Hat was not scary; he offered a look into the spiritual world.”

The production showed the play in a different light, and Kersh quickly learned why. “The artistic director took a twisted, creepy approach to the play, more horror-like. It was good, and the actors were amazing, but it was not what I envisioned,” Kersh said. “When I shared with Mrs. Easter my thoughts, she pointed out that I, as the playwright, had not given stage directions. What I had written in peace had been transformed. You better believe that stage directions became part of my writing process!”

The first words on the Upside Down script are “Start Mid stage. Do not address crowd.” It tells the story of a rollover car crash she had in her neighborhood. “I don’t think of myself as a writer,” Kersh said. “I am a storyteller. I like to take my thoughts and ideas and run with them. There is no punctuation or grammar in acting.

“Mrs. Easter has helped me grow as both a storyteller and an actor, and Mr. [Jon] Shipley [Upper School English Teacher] gave me the courage to write. His advice to me once was, ‘Give me a good story.’ I got a good grade on that assignment, and my confidence went up.”

The festival featured 29 original plays, scenes or monologues, and a cast of 34 talented student actors brought their words to life on the professional stage.

Capturing Contrast

FWCD has been at the center of creative excellence for three-and-a-half decades with its Black & White Images Competition and Exhibition. This annual juried exhibition for talented high school photographers in public and private schools across the DFW metroplex fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas. This year’s exhibition showcased 126 images. FWCD photographers had 15 pieces displayed in the exhibition, spanning six of the eight categories, with 10 of them earning awards.

Upper School Photography Teacher Sil Azevedo oversaw the competition and exhibit and invited Kalee Appleton, photography-based artist and Assistant Professor of Photography at TCU, to be the juror selecting this year’s works for exhibition and awards.

First-place winners were Piper Baine ’24 for Batting Practice (Photo Essay), Carolina Murrin ’24 for Wrinkles (Photojournalism), and Addie Miller ’24 for Leroy (Nature + Animals). Second-place winners were Luke Tierce ’24 for Hunt and Hunted (Photo Essay), and Abigail Proell ’24 for Up (Photojournalism), and a third-place winner was Grayson Matthews ’24 for Road Trip (Landscape/ Cityscape). Summer Camp by Campbell Beebe ’23 (Photojournalism), Grandpa by Murrin (Portrait), Untitled by Proell, and Horses by Miller (Nature + Animal) were Honorable Mentions. Selected works were Carson Lee ’23 for Drive (Photojournalism), Proell for Service 2 of 2 (Portrait) and Untitled (Architecture), and Kyra Gibbons ’24, FW Silos (Landscape/Cityscape).

Reflecting on the essence of the time-honored event, Azevedo shared, “My favorite aspect of this event is seeing the actual prints come in from each school. A matted photographic print is a finished art piece that embodies the creator’s original intent, and it is something special.”

Carolina Murrin ’24 Wrinkles

Piper Baine ’24 Batting Practice

Addie Miller ’24 Leroy

Teaching Teachers

Elementary Art majors at TCU visited the FWCD campus in May to observe and learn from Lower School Art Teacher Pamela Lancaster. A skilled artist, Lancaster has been painting abstract pieces since her own Art Education classes in 2005 when she was studying to be a teacher. Initially focused on oils, she has diversified her palette by embracing watercolors and acrylics, seeking to infuse variety and flexibility in her own artistic creations and those of her students.

Dr. Amanda Allison, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Art Education in TCU’s College of Fine Art, met Lancaster when she was working at Tanglewood Elementary School. Over the years, the two formed a professional friendship and Lancaster regularly welcomed elementary art majors into her classroom. Dr. Allison brought with her five students who had specially requested to visit with an art teacher who worked with kindergarten students.

The students spent time in a kindergarten and first grade art class, watching as Lancaster engaged the students in activities and keeping them on task for the class period. Following

the observation, Lancaster sat down with the soon-to-be-teachers and fielded their rapid-fire questions.

and they get to learn fun facts and interesting stories about the creative process,” she said.

Reflecting on her early teaching days, Lancaster admitted to initial nervousness when she began teaching. To establish a routine and structure, she created a script for herself, which gradually became less necessary over time. Recognizing her students’ needs for structure and routine as well, she created a class pattern: reciting an artist's pledge, moving to the carpet to learn about the artist or project of the day, incorporating instructional video if necessary, engaging in project work, and concluding with cleanup.

With humility and enthusiasm, she shared her belief in the perpetual process of learning through observing and always seeking ways to enhance her teaching methods. Inspired by another teacher’s incorporation of art history into the classroom, Lancaster established an “Artist of the Month” program, exposing her students to diverse creators and their stories. The classroom tables even bear the names of famous artists. “The students love that we study someone new each month

Lancaster also emphasized the importance of infusing joy into the classroom. She encouraged creating a fun classroom environment, incorporating dress-up artist days, maintaining a collection of project examples, and fashioning portfolios for the kids. “At the end of the school year, each student goes home with the work they completed over the year,” she said. “Before the last day of school, I let the kids choose one piece that they are proud of to share with others. They are the artists for the day.”

“

The students love that we study someone new each month and they get to learn fun facts and interesting stories about the creative process. ”

~ Pamela Lancaster

Students Take Audience on a Mythological Journey

Nearly 50 members of the Upper School joined forces for the highly anticipated 2023 spring musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Drawing inspiration from Rick Riordan’s beloved 2005 fantasyadventure novel, the production took the audience on an epic voyage alongside young Percy Jackson (Nic Medaris ’23) as he discovers his extraordinary demigod heritage.

On a simple scaffolded Scott Theater stage spotlighted with dynamic lighting, the actors transported the audience into a realm where seemingly ordinary teenagers have regular entanglements with Greek gods and goddesses, menacing demons, and awe-inspiring monsters. Together, Percy and his loyal

friends embark on a daring quest to recover Zeus’ missing lighting bolt and prevent a cataclysmic war among the gods.

Eyes glued to the stage, the audience delighted in the the antics of Grover (Olivia Kersh ’24), empathized with the struggles of Annabeth (Eliana Lourdes Garcia ’23), were disappointed in the betrayal of Luke (Kate Malonis ’23), and cheered for Percy's victories. The performances and songs were polished, choreography was on point, the fight scenes were realistic and the special effects and lighting produced by the technical theatre crew wove an extra layer of magic throughout the production.

Yet, the cast and crew's accomplishment was all the more impressive considering the real-life challenges they faced. Battling against an unexpected ice storm that disrupted rehearsals for an entire week at the end of January, their determination and resilience shone through. Zoom script readings became the norm.

Upper School Theatre Director

Siouxsie Easter expressed immense pride in the students. “To lose a week of precious rehearsal time and musical tech added pressure to everyone on the cast and crew, but they truly embodied Percy’s power, conjuring the strength of character and depth of heart needed to deliver an outstanding show. Who could ask for more?”

BuildingCharacter in the Lower School

Trey Blair joined the Falcon family in 2013. A key component of Blair’s hiring as Assistant Head of Lower School, and later as Head of Lower School in 2017, is his genuine love for kids. At his core, Blair is deeply committed to helping students, which he does by knowing each of them and engaging with all of them. With a sense of humor, professional skill set (and borderline obsession with curriculum and related reading) and team mindset, Blair is a leader who can mobilize, empower and collaborate with the adults in student’s lives to maximize potential and address challenges. He is also a “kid at heart” who can engage FWCD’s Lower School students and foster a love of learning while teaching and modeling the importance of strong character and FWCD’s core values. The Falconer posed questions to Blair so the community can learn more about the person leading the Lower School.

What compelled your career in education?

Truth be told, education was never really a consideration for me as I was preparing to pursue a career. I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and anthropology from Kenyon College [Ohio] with my sights set on law school. Not because I loved law or had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but that just seemed to be the route that family members expected me to take. As some of my close friends began their law school experiences, I immediately realized that in no way was that the correct path for me. My sights turned to pursuing a Ph.D. in Archaeology because of an amazing professor at Kenyon who inspired me. I had even gone so far as to arrange admission into the University of California Davis for a program focused on Mesoamerica. As you can imagine, living in the San Francisco Bay Area was not cheap, and I needed a job to pay bills and support my graduate studies. I found work as a substitute teacher. I remember monitoring recess on my very

first day of subbing and having conversations with students. I just knew that was where I was supposed to be. After the first few days, that was it for me. I found my passion. I was going into teaching. Yes, it was that transformative and that powerful of an experience. I began seeking admission into a master’s program in educational leadership at Saint Mary’s College of California and found a job as an Associate Teacher at Convent & Stuart Hall, Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco.

In graduate school, I continued as an Associate Teacher and later was a “preferred substitute” in public schools. Lessons and roles were dictated to me without much room for interpretation. After finishing my master’s program, I returned to Kentucky and Kentucky Country Day (JK-12), where I really began to exercise and craft my teaching. I came on as an Assistant Kindergarten Teacher. While I wasn’t the lead teacher, the role was designed to coach me into a lead. Eventually, I was given a fourth grade classroom. That was my calling. Fourth grade is a time when you can really start to explore content, but you still have an age group that LOVES school. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of teaching 10-yearolds during the day and coaching 18-year-olds after school: Lots of challenges and lots of thinking on your feet.

I will forever consider myself a fourth grade teacher. It was the classic independent school gig. I taught fourth grade in the lower school, helped lead the eighth grade trip to Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina each year, coached seventh and eighth grade football and varsity baseball, was the athletics sponsor for the yearbook, and worked with the financial aid office to coordinate transportation for students from underrepresented communities throughout Louisville. I worked all day and all night, and I loved every minute of it. My mornings would start with me picking up two students from West Louisville (the West End is traditionally underserved and under-resourced with low socioeconomic demographics) and commuting out to KCD in the far east end of Louisville (the East End is extremely wealthy), a 45-minute drive. I would then teach until dismissal, organize yearbook stuff in planning periods, coach until 6 or 7 p.m., and, finally, take the students I brought to school back home. Then the routine started all over again the next day. To successfully teach in an independent school like FWCD, or in this case KCD, you have to do more than is listed in your contract.

How has your educational philosophy evolved over the years?

It is ever-evolving/ever-changing. To be honest, I now speak more from the student experience than from the teacher or administrator's point of view. You cannot be selfish in education. When I started, I did a lot of soul-searching, research, reflection, etc. As I became more comfortable and confident in my abilities, I began to let go of what I would call a “selfish” educational philosophy and began to adopt a more student-centric approach. I focus now more on the character and ethical side as well. Academics and content, in my opinion, are the easier pieces to teach (and they aren’t easy!). It is the values and the unwritten curriculum where students grow the most. Great teachers give lessons in this every single day. I can coach/train anyone to teach addition. You can’t coach/train someone to instill core values and inspire.

My goal is to help grow ‘good people.’ I’ve said this a lot, and those on the receiving end of my admission presentations have heard this in some form or fashion. The academics will happen, the experiences will happen, where we can really make a difference, a value-added impact, so to speak, is teaching these students how to be empathetic, kind, honorable, moral leaders and friends.

What prompted your move to administration, and how have you evolved?

Although my graduate work was in educational administration, my plan always was to find ways to work ‘big picture’ stuff in a school setting without being an administrator. But, as the years went by, people kept approaching me about admin and doing this and that, and finally, I thought, ‘Well, maybe I should give this a look.’

How much have I grown and evolved? Wow. That is hard to relay. You don’t know what you don’t know until you are faced with what you don’t know. Admin is all about working with people. To say being a Division Head is all about curriculum and setting an academic path in school is not 100% accurate. There are so many daily situations that you constantly have to tend to, fires to put out, communications you have to clear up, etc. You have to learn how to navigate personalities. Emotional Quotient (EQ) or emotional intelligence is crucial. If you have poor EQ, you are doomed. That is where I have grown the most. People may not know this, but I am INSANELY INTROVERTED. [Note from the editor: Yes, he answered in all caps!] Every Myers-Briggs exercise I complete, my ‘introvertedness’ is off the charts, seriously. This job requires the energy and skills of an extrovert, so to say I am tired when I go home is an understatement.

What are you currently reading –– work-related and non-work-related?

I read multiple books at a time. I’m weird like that. I’m also a curriculum nerd, so I tend to read some dense stuff. Right now, I’m tackling Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear; River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard; Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky; and Teacher Autonomy (Usma-Wilches, 2006), a dissertation from University of Northern Iowa.

What role do parents play in education, and how do you interact with them?

You can only have a school like FWCD, or any successful school for that matter, if you have genuine parent and

guardian partnerships. There was a statistic I once heard from Rob Evans [Clinical and Organizational Psychologist]: A kid that goes K-12 to a private school and participates in everything they can participate in still only spends roughly 20% of their life between the ages of 5 and 18 on-campus, at school. Think about that. Roughly four-fifths of a kid’s upbringing is outside of school. So how important are parents? Without them and their support and partnership, everything we do as teachers and administrators is compromised. Plain and simple.

I like to build relationships with as many people as possible because you never know when difficult moments or situations may arise. The outcomes and conversations are far more productive if you have previously established relationships. The unfortunate aspect of the job is there are simply too many families for me to create the type of relationships I want with everyone. But I will never stop trying.

Building a New Low

By Caren Handleman

A new lower school building? Why? We love the current building. It’s where we fell in love with learning …

Since its construction in 1964, the current Lower School building, which houses the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School, has ably served Fort Worth Country Day’s youngest students. Nestled among the trees, the Lower School building has been a welcoming place for entry into FWCD’s educational system, a place to acquire new skills, make new friends, and embrace a love of learning. Students who entered FWCD in Lower School have fond memories of the library and its fireplace, playground and classrooms, as well as of their teachers, programs and community.

er School

Built almost 60 years ago, the current building has been remodeled and adapted over the years but can no longer be renovated to achieve current and future needs to meet best practices in educational environments for young children. After careful and thorough evaluation by San Antonio architecture firm Lake|Flato, it was determined that the existing Lower School facilities had limited possibilities for updating. The

majority of walls are load-bearing, and the eight-foot ceilings are unchangeable, making it nearly impossible to create more open classroom spaces, add larger windows, and build the desired academic areas that would support our teachers in delivering the early education that FWCD is known for.

At the conclusion of the assessment, it was determined that the cost of

constructing a new building was modestly more than renovation costs. However, the resulting learning environment will be exponentially greater – a learning environment allowing teachers to take advantage of designs that bridge indoors and outdoors, increase natural light, and expand learning areas. These resources increase their ability to develop lessons and programs that meet 21st-century

Courtyard and Story Tree

education systems and standards to best serve our youngest students.

Timeline and Next Steps

In March 2023, the FWCD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to proceed with construction of the new Lower School building. With the Board’s green light, a number of next steps in the Lower School building project are imminent.

Ground preparation for the customdesigned Temporary Classroom Village began over the summer, and students will begin the 2023-24 academic year in the current Lower School building. FWCD anticipates relocating grades 1 through 4 from the current Lower School to the Temporary Classroom Village in November or December 2023. The new Lower School is anticipated to be ready for students in the first half of 2025.

“Before retiring the 1964 vintage building that has served the School so well for 60 years, we engaged Lake|Flato’s nationally renowned architecture team to design the building and Fort Worth local landscape architecture firm Hocker Design to create beautiful surrounding spaces,” shared Head of School Eric Lombardi in a letter to current FWCD families, faculty and staff. “Leading the construction will be a local team from Linbeck.”

Reaching this milestone is possible due to generous donors who shared the vision of the new Lower School building. FWCD also acknowledges and is grateful for the tireless work

Reception Area

of members of the Comprehensive Campaign Steering Committee: Cochairs William Butler ’96, Gloria Moncrief Holmsten ’00, Rob Semple ’95, Heather and Ryan Senter, and committee members Randy Eisenman ’93, Gantt Bumstead, Bryan King, Stephen Luskey ’01, and Helen and Michael Todora.

The School also acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of the Lower School Sub-committee, particularly Co-chairs the Todoras, and members

Claire and Joseph Berkes ’98, Anne Carvalho, Larkin and Richard McMillan, and Mary (Hallman ’03) and Dwayne Smith, for their instrumental work in securing gifts and pledges for this essential project.

This fall, FWCD will move into a community-wide, “public” phase of the

Outdoor Classroom

campaign, as well as 60th-anniversary celebrations. More information about both will be shared in the fall. Join us at some – or all – events.

We Need You!

We are not at the finish line yet – and will be seeking financial support from other members of the extended Falcon community. Please join fellow Falcon alumni, parents, grandparents, and community members by talking with the School about the new Lower School building and how you can be a vital part of this effort.

For more information and to schedule a private conversation, please contact Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement (sandra.tuomey@fwcd. com or 817.302.3223).

The new Lower School building will provide an environment that supports teachers’ educational goals and classroom activities. The goal is to provide a facility that fully supports faculty in providing academic and co-curricular activities that will serve students from their earliest school days and forward through the years.

View the video at fwcd.org/ lsvideo or scan the QR code.

Summary of features and benefits:

● Creates a new learning environment that takes advantage of its setting, with ready access for students and faculty to the outdoors

● Provides increased security in terms of access and increased safety during major storms

● Features a larger library that serves as the heart of the school

● Accommodates a variety of programs, including performances, lectures and after-school programs in new spaces

● Creates classrooms that provide more open spaces, support academic programs, and recognize the learning styles and physical needs of young students

● Provides additional academic spaces, including two dedicated science classrooms, a collaboratory, and two dedicated offices for Academic Support Coordinators.

Classroom

FWCD’s Comprehensive Campaign: Forward Together

Fort Worth Country Day’s goal is to provide for the long-term needs of students and the city by providing the Best Teachers, the Best Teaching and the Best Teaching Environment. Achieving these priorities will ensure FWCD’s ability to continue providing leading-edge education, essential for the development of future leaders for the community, the city and the country.

In the years since its founding, FWCD continually assesses its progress and achievements toward the fulfillment of delivering outstanding education and academic preparedness to its students. The most recent comprehensive strategic planning process reaffirmed the School’s commitment to play a more integral role in the greater Fort Worth community by expanding its accessibility and diversity.

Built upon the strategic plan and campus master plan, the Forward Together campaign has four distinct priorities, each supporting the School’s mission and each meeting critical goals that serve students, families, faculty and the city of Fort Worth. The priorities are:

● Endowment for Sustainability - $8 million

● Lower School Building New Construction - $24 million

● Athletic Fields and Track Enhancements - $3.5 million (funded)

● FWCD Fund - $5 million

After identifying and aligning FWCD’s highest-priority capital projects and long-term programming needs, the comprehensive campaign, Forward Together, has received gifts and pledges totaling $26 million. The formal announcement of the campaign will be made on Friday, October 6, at the football game against The John Cooper School. This will mark the start of the campaign’s public phase, when all members of the FWCD community will be invited to participate as campaign contributors. Your support is important to securing the future of the School.

Entrance

Reflections, Hopes and Dreams: The Class of 2023

It was a night of reflection for the Class of 2023, as 93 students crossed the Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary MacGorman Auditorium stage to grasp their diplomas. Graduation day conjures many emotions and touching memories, and each of the program’s speakers shared their sentiments, hopes and dreams for the class.

Salutatorian Matthew Lobo opened the ceremony, delivering a heartfelt invocation. “All of us here in the Class of 2023 have demonstrated greatness, excellence and every superlative you can think of …. One hundred percent of us overcame obstacles,” he said. “For some of us, the struggles have been much more significant. But here’s where the story gets good. We learned to believe in ourselves and the power to overcome.”

For Randy Eisenman ’93, this was his final duty as President of the Board of Trustees. “Reflecting on the last three decades since my graduation from Fort Worth Country Day, I am reminded of the senior quote I chose for my yearbook page. The quote is from country music star Garth Brooks, and it goes like this: ‘Life is not about the finish line; it’s about the chase,’” he said. “Today, this quote reminds me of the oftendebated 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.”

The class’s 13-year journey to this bittersweet milestone moment can be summed up through relationships: friendships with their peers, bonds with faculty and staff members, and a network of adults who care deeply for them. “I hope that when you reflect on our time together, you’ll remember it as being about more than just the content,” said Upper School History Teacher Andrew Thomas, this year’s student-selected faculty speaker. “Whether you were a student of mine or one that simply greeted me around the Upper School, our days have always been about the relationships we nurtured and the experiences we shared.”

Seth Mayhue earned the honor of being the valedictory speaker. He chose to reminisce with the class and set forth a challenge. “Across all of our collective experiences, we learned through numerous mistakes and questionable decisions the importance of demonstrating responsibility, scholarship, courage, respect, integrity and kindness in every aspect of our lives. These values are what separate the Falcons from every other mascot unlucky enough to face us on the field,” he said. “These values are intrinsic in every member of the Country Day community, but especially in the graduating Class of 2023. The only challenge I have for you all is to keep going

“You will show the responsibility necessary to make it to every class (even the 8 a.m. ones); the scholarship necessary

to expand your knowledge even when you don’t have to; the courage necessary to make the most of your time on campus; the respect necessary to forge lasting relationships with peers and faculty; the integrity necessary to stay true to your own, unique identities; and the kindness necessary to make strangers feel welcome in your presence,” Mayhue added. “Having graduated from Country Day, your values and instincts alone will be enough to sustain you as you embark on your next journey. So that's my challenge: keep going.”

Senior class elected speaker Vivian Todora acknowledged graduation as both an end and a beginning. “It is the beginning of 93 amazing people leaving their high school and entering the next phase of their lives. I can confidently say that I have no doubts about your future successes,” she said. “Each and every one of you is talented enough to achieve whatever it is you want from life, and I cannot wait to see the impact you will leave on the world. Class of 2023, I hope you know how much I love you.”

Head of School Eric Lombardi relishes the opportunity to address the graduates each year. This year, his speech invoked traveling. “I hope, Class of 2023, that you are travelers and not tourists through your college years and through your long lives. The traveler and the tourist look at the same muddy puddle on the road in front of them in two very different ways,” he shared. “The tourist wants to avoid the mud, and they navigate around the puddles. The traveler, on the other hand, sees the muddy puddle as an opportunity to get dirty in the stuff of real life. They jump in and worry about cleaning up later. I hope that when you come across the muddy puddles of college and life after college, you will jump in and get dirty.”

Photo by Glen E. Ellman

Each year since 2014, FWCD’s senior class has donated a “senior gift” that funds a cause of their choice. As Head of Upper School Peggy Wakeland read each graduate’s name, they came forward for their diploma and dropped an envelope in a basket. This year’s class gave more than $6,500 on the day of their commencement to purchase a new piece of playground equipment for FWCD’s Lower School.

Asad Dean ’90 delivered parting words and a little music to the new graduates. “As you get ready to diverge, remember that Country Day will always be a place to converge. Through gatherings, athletic and art activities, lectures and events, you will always have opportunities to reconnect with your alma mater,” Dean said. “After last year’s commencement address, I began searching for the spark that would serve as the catalyst for my remarks to this special group of Falcons. That spark came when I listened to Swedish House Mafia’s ‘For You.” Graduates, today is about, because of and for you. Fort Worth Country Day will always be there for you, too!”

Class of 2023 By the Numbers

FWCD’s 93 graduates in the Class of 2023 earned more than $10.5 million in merit-based scholarships. They were accepted to a total of 121 colleges and universities and have committed to attend 44 of them, where they will utilize more than $2.1 million of the scholarship money offered at their attending colleges. Fifty-six percent of the senior class will attend college outside Texas in the fall, with 44 percent staying in-state.

Additional Class of 2023 highlights include:

● Seventeen seniors were named National Merit Scholars, Finalists, Commended, and/or College Board Recognition Programs Scholars.

● Sixteen seniors were named AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor or AP Scholars with Distinction awards.

● Eighty-five percent of FWCD’s senior class received merit-based college scholarships or awards.

● Twenty-five percent of the graduating class will attend the most selective colleges/universities in the

U.S., where 20% or fewer applicants are admitted, including Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University, Northwestern University, UCLA, the University of Virginia and Stanford University.

● Six seniors will become collegiate athletes, including:

○ Three competing on the track and field teams at Stanford University, Cornell University and Oklahoma State University.

○ One competing on the golf team at the University of Oklahoma.

○ One playing baseball at Sewanee: The University of the South.

○ One playing field hockey at Wake Forest University.

● Three seniors will attend colleges for fine arts, including:

○ One continuing their studies in music production/music business at Berklee

College of Music.

○ Two studying interior design and musical theatre at Savannah College of Art and Design.

● Three seniors will attend Ivy League schools, with one attending Cornell University, one attending Dartmouth College, and one attending the University of Pennsylvania.

● A total of 10 FWCD alumni from the classes of 2020-23 will attend five of the eight Ivies in the fall, including Cornell University (2), Dartmouth College, Harvard University (3), the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University (3).

Photo by Glen E. Ellman

Valedictorian

Seth Mayhue is FWCD’s Class of 2023 Valedictorian. He will attend Texas A&M University, where he plans to major in computer science. An FWCD Malone Scholar and National Merit Scholar, Mayhue joined the Falcon family as a fifth-grader. Since then, he has distinguished himself as a hard-working, engaged, and compassionate student who thrives as he learns and is committed to fostering relationships with classmates, peers and teachers.

His academic courseload reflected that of a young intellectual pursuing excellence. Over the course of his Upper School years, Mayhue completed seven of FWCD’s 11 Honors courses and nine AP courses. As a result of his dedication to his studies, he was inducted into FWCD’s Cum Laude Society as a junior.

Mayhue’s classmates know him for his dry sense of humor and ability to bring people together. He is as comfortable in a large group as he is behind his computer working through code or playing the saxophone, which he did as a member of the FWCD band until sophomore year. To keep his passion for music alive, he plays saxophone with friends and recently formed a band called Unexpected Guest, where he plays bass guitar. A mentor to many, Mayhue was a two-year Link Crew Leader. In this position, he worked with a faculty member to teach various freshman programs, including the ins and outs of the Upper School, social media wellness and conflict management, among others.

A gifted writer, Mayhue was honored with the Upper School’s Senior English Award. He has shared his insights as a Writing Center Volunteer for the past two years, reading and discussing papers and providing feedback and constructive criticism to improve writing skills. His gift transcends English: Mayhue is passionate about French and earned a Société Honoraire de Français Creative Writing Award as a freshman. The submission was published in a spring Élan magazine. He also was a member of the White Whale Reading Club and the Diplomacy Club.

Promoting a sense of belonging is important to Mayhue. He has been involved with Fort Worth Sister Cities for many years, serving on its Youth Board and as a member at large, and participated in the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy.

Middle School is near and dear to Mayhue’s heart. “The trips to Sky Ranch, Austin, Vicksburg and Big Bend are great memories,” he said. Some of his fondest Upper School memories include the faculty. “The teachers in high school care so much about your well-being and your work and really push you to be your best,” he said. “My biggest takeaway … is simply that my connections in high school don’t have to end,” he said. “Seeing alumni visit the School this year has made me realize just how strong the Falcon connection truly is.”

Vivian Todora

Seth Mayhue

Salutatorian

An FWCD Original, Matthew Lobo is FWCD’s Class of 2023 Salutatorian. He will attend the University of Pennsylvania and plans to major in mathematics. A National Merit Commended Student and Cum Laude Society member (inducted as a junior), Lobo exemplifies the wellrounded student who excels academically and makes a difference in his community.

Taking advantage of the rigor in Upper School, Lobo graduates having completed four Honors courses, 11 Advanced Placement courses and multiple post-AP courses, including Multivariable Calculus. His passion for numbers and all things math propelled him to take Linear Algebra through the Malone Schools Online Network. As a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, he participated in math competitions, including the Calculus Bowl.

Lobo is patient and committed to his learning, and always looking for more. He dedicated himself to learning two languages: Spanish and Latin. He took both through his four high school years, earning multiple awards while participating in the School’s Latin Club. He is also a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

Earning the Eagle Scout rank, Lobo chose to complete his Eagle Scout Service Project in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. He led a team to paint the exterior of a Fort Worth resident’s home. Lobo also served as an Honor Council representative during his junior and senior years. Beyond the classroom, Lobo played the trombone in band throughout Middle School and was a member of the tennis team in Middle and Upper School.

As a junior, Lobo left the Upper School Awards program with three of the highest academic awards: the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, the Outstanding Undergraduate in Science Award and the Undergraduate History Award. As a senior, he earned Senior English Student, Senior Spanish Student, Senior Latin Student, Outstanding Senior in Science and the Mathematics Chair Award.

Matthew hopes to be remembered as someone who is kind and cares about his classmates. “My fondest memories outside of the classroom at FWCD were playing tennis on the tennis team,” he said. “I really enjoyed the camaraderie with my teammates. We played some intense matches and cheered for each other throughout.

“I will miss the closeness of the FWCD community and all the fun class and school events we have had over the years,” Lobo continued. “My teachers and coaches have been inspirational from kindergarten to senior year. I enjoyed all my classes, whether academic, athletic or arts. Everything we do at FWCD is interrelated, and I think that it is really important to find the connections between classes and activities.”

Matthew Lobo

Andrew Thomas

Photo by Glen E. Ellman

Alumni News

Alumni Association Adds 93 New Members

Rush Olson ’86 (left) addressed the Class of 2023 following their Senior Parade through campus and officially welcomed them into the Fort Worth Country Day Alumni Association. He shared with the students that the FWCD brand is now a part of them and that the School, its faculty and staff, and its alumni will always be there to support them. Olson encouraged class members to get involved in activities, like Homecoming, Reunions, Alumni Games; to join the the Alumni Council, to stay connected with the School by submitting life updates through Class Notes, to follow FWCD Alumni on LinkedIn for networking opportunities; and to stay engaged with the School through FWCD Alumni Facebook and Instagram. “Do not forget your roots,” he said, “The Alumni Association is here for all of you as your life continues.”

Falcon Career Conversations

Sophomore students spent an afternoon in April hearing about the careers of FWCD alumni, parents and past parents in various fields. Dr. Heather Peace, Upper School History Teacher, put the program together to inform 10th-graders of the wide range of options they have to pursue. Speakers included:

Garrett Podell ’15, NFL Staff Writer for CBS Sports

Elyse Stoltz Dickerson ’93, CEO and Co-founder of Eosera, Inc.

Elizabeth McCoy (Past Parent), Market Area Sales Manager for Williams Trew

Randy Eisenman ’93, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Satori Capital Reed Pigman (Past Parent), Founder and President of Texas Jet, Inc.

Steve Berry ’80, Williams Trew Realtor

Dr. Kirk Pinto (Past Parent), Pediatric Urologist at Cook Children’s Medical Center

Todd Burnette (Past Parent), Managing Director in charge of the Fort Worth office for JLL

Dr. Efstathios Michaelides (Past Parent), W.A. “Tex” Moncrief, Jr., Founding Chair of Engineering at Texas Christian University

Podell shared day-to-day responsibilities, which involve writing articles related to anything and everything going on around the NFL

and its 32 teams. He also shared his experience on the television side of the sports media industry with CBS Sports and NFL Network.

Dickerson’s biotech company, Eosera, Inc., is committed to developing innovative products that target underaddressed healthcare needs, especially in the ear care industry. As CEO and Cofounder, she is dedicated to her work and engaging and mentoring women in business.

An established realtor, Berry has been a key player in the Fort Worth market for three decades. He shared his passion for the community and the importance of building strong relationships for career success. With an in-depth knowledge of the area and each of Fort Worth’s unique neighborhoods, Berry is relied upon for his sound advice and guidance in all facets of buying and selling properties.

Former Faculty Get Together

Former faculty members and their spouses Gary Jennings, Debby Jennings, Sharon Foster H’06, Norma Wilkerson H’07, Wayne Wilkerson, Larry Cesar and Sharon Hamilton visited Mona McDaniel (center) in April. McDaniel lives on her family farm in Gordon. Her grandparents moved there in 1921, and the farmhouse, with four rooms at the time, was built in 1886. Each year, this group of FWCD retirees and friends make a trip to the farm to enjoy the bluebonnets and the baby cows. They typically take the Kubotas around the farm to check out the cattle, the water levels and the wildflowers.

Engage with the Alumni Association

Don’t miss out on what’s happening at FWCD and with fellow alumni. Stay connected!

Alumni Day of Service

Giving back is important to the FWCD Alumni Association. In January, some FWCD alumni spent the morning at Concrete Cowboy making sandwiches for TangoTab to feed members of the Fort Worth community. Pictured are (back row) Scott Bevan, Mary Hallman Smith ’03, Asad Dean ’90, (middle row) Catherine Powers Bevan ’01, Mary Jane Bruner Ayers ’84, Natalie Bevan ’32, Austin Smith ’31, Emily Smith ’33, Zach Bevan ’31, Sandra Tuomey, Troy Tuomey, and (front row) Chris Collins ’90. TangoTab is connected to TangoCharities. The mission of the organization is to join together people with a shared belief that no person should go hungry. TangoTab Feed the City events are monthly volunteer opportunities where folks meet up to make lunches for those in need.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fwcdalumni/

FWCD Alumni Facebook: facebook.com/fwcdalumni

FWCD Alumni Instagram: instagram.com/fwcdalumni

FWCD Connect: fwcdconnect.com

FWCD Welcomes New Alumni Relations Manager

Amanda Stephens ’15 returns to the nest … as the School’s Alumni Relations Manager. She comes to FWCD as a community builder who understands the many facets of the role of Alumni Relations. A skilled communicator, she has the ability to balance the many projects required to engage Falcon alumni. Stephens most recently served as Creative Production Manager for Neiman Marcus Group, where she produced small and large-scale production shoots, oversaw the production budget from start to finish, was responsible for casting and booking talent, and collaborated with directors to ensure that the final product met expectations.

“I am thrilled that Amanda has joined the Advancement Team. Her contagious personality and eagerness to make a difference with our alumni community is invigorating,” said Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement. “I look forward to watching her implement new ideas for alumni events, communication and engagement.”

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication with a degree in Creative Media Production and a General Business and Spanish minor, Stephens got her start at Higginbotham. She successfully developed a rebranding of company social media best practices, initiated social campaigns highlighting corporate philanthropy work, and polished proposals for pitches with company executives and potential clients. Stephens later moved to Red Productions, serving as a Video Producer/Account Manager managing client relations on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines, expectations and client needs. Her work earned her a Gold Addy Award in the Local Flavor Category, A Bronze Addy Award in the Internet Commercial Category and a Silver Telly Award in the Local TV Category.

In her role as Alumni Relations Manager, Stephens is responsible for working with the Alumni Council Board and the President of the Alumni Association, planning and organizing alumni events, cultivating FWCD alumni, coordinating and writing communications, populating the FWCD Alumni social media channels, growing FWCD Connect (an exclusive alumni networking platform), and creating new and expanded opportunities for alumni giving and engagement.

“I am ecstatic to be returning to Country Day for such a celebratory year for the School and Falcon community,” Stephens said. “The faculty and staff here have always made this place feel like home. I hope to exude that pride to our alumni and get them excited to come back this upcoming school year.”

Alumni Classroom Connections

Baron Lobstein ’89 connected with Upper School students to share how his time at FWCD shaped his career. A Foreign Service Officer specializing in economic affairs, Lobstein joined the Foreign Service in 2002, working for the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain. He has spent time in Trinidad & Tobago, Uzbekistan, Moscow, Beijing, Belgrade and Washington, D.C. He currently serves as the Political-Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Lobstein was inspired in Middle School by Bill Baker H’12, who taught at FWCD from 1972-2011 in both Middle School and Upper School. Baker's World History class and his introduction to Russian History opened his eyes. Lobstein’s inspiration was further fostered by Upper School History Teacher Ford Dixon (196794) in a U.S. History class when Dixon encouraged him to research U.S. involvement in the 1917 Russian Communist Revolution and Civil War. In addition to the evolution of his work, he talked about current policies with the students.

Former Faculty Member, Now Local Author, Inspires

Former Upper School Math Teacher and award-winning children’s author Susan Stevens Crummel (1983-2003) returned to campus to read with Lower School students. Crummel, who collaborates with her sister, Janet Stevens, on several books, shared information about the writing process, including how she and Stevens had certain books where they had multiple rewrites. She encouraged students to follow their dreams and to never give up, telling them to keep reading and writing, and that mistakes are okay. She read portions of her books and then encouraged the students to finish them on their own. Crummel and Stevens are the authors Cook-a-DoodleDo!, which won the Texas Bluebonnet in 2001, and And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon, a Texas Bluebonnet nominee in 2003.

Falcons in D.C.

The Class of 2025 spent nearly a week in Washington, D.C. at the beginning of May for some hands-on learning. They explored historical sites, visited museums, toured federal buildings, met with senators and other government officials, and more for the culminating trip for their sophomore American Government class. On May 3, D.C.-area alumni joined the sophomores for a panel discussion, sharing their FWCD experiences, talking about their careers and giving general life advice. Pictured are Erin Hahn ’08, Ryleigh (Rains) Smith ’17, Ed Landreth ’03, Robbie Stackhouse ’14, Emily Englander ’12, Callie Strock ’12, Stephanie Stouffer Joyce ’07, Sophie Moten ’19, Colin Douglas ’06, Malinda Murphey ’22, Henry Brookman ’22, Katie Nelson ’16 and Stacy Bourne ’02.(Femi Adedokun ’22 attended, but is not pictured.)

Falcons in NYC

Falcons on the Road returned in January after a long hiatus – the first stop was New York City. Annabelle Brown Fowlkes ’89 hosted the event in her home. In attendance were Elizabeth Beier ’78, Maggie Brants ’18, Isabella Burnette ’15, Kathleen Clum ’18, Katherine D’Souza ’16, Christopher Darden ’06, Nikhil De ’18, Riley Dean ’15, Phillip Diffley ’12, Elizabeth Gaffin ’11, Mary Wagner Gallager ’14, Michael Gilbert ’92, Scott Grossman ’93, Heather Dawn Harvison ’14, Kathleen Hubbard ’11, Samantha Hubbard ’14, Alyssa Hughes ’20, Michael Jacobson ’16, Samantha Jacobson ’11, Truett Killian ’16, William Kleinheinz ’15, Jessica Conlin Liss ’00, Madeline Merrill ’06, Brett Moses ’06, Graham Pergande ’15, Sarah Ransom ’15, Melody Rodriguez ’15, Sarah Stevenson Baird ’80, Robert Todora ’17, Gustavo Torres ’16, and Lauren Partovi Zoog ’06. Want to bring Falcons on the Road to your city? Email alumnirelations@fwcd.com to let us know!

Kindergarten Rodeo Reunion

Nothing better than a rodeo at Country Day! This year’s kindergarteners performed the 54th K-Rodeo in the Sid W. Richardson Round Gym on April 27. Some alumni in attendance included C.B. Team ’01, Keri DeVos Hickman ’04, Kate Scully Wells ’04, Morgan Mallick West ’04, Connor Sanders ’04, Sharon McAlpine Davis ’04, Dan Bloch H’06 (Banjo Player), Patrick Polenz ’04, Taylor Luskey Lacy ’04, Adelaide Moncrief Royer ’02, Leigh Taylor Bornitz ’95, Breck Ray ’06 and Boo Lively ’88. Fun fact about this bunch: They weren’t at the rodeo simply to reminisce. Many were there watching their own kindergarteners perform!

Alumni Baseball Game

Alumni baseball players took to the field on Saturday, April 15. Pictured are Jack Carmichael ’22, Michael Settle ’99, Noe Guevara ’07, Kent Watson ’03, Stephen Tatum ’01, Colin Douglas ’06, Austin Reilly ’04, Ben Hood ’98 and Branson Nelson ’16. (Kurt Kimmel ’22 is not pictured.)

Kirk Henckels ’70

Kirk Henckels ’70, a prominent figure in New York luxury real estate, has had a remarkable journey from his early days at FWCD to his influential role in the industry. Henckels’ passion for learning and his innate talent for connecting with people have shaped his path to success.

Henckels started at FWCD as a sixth-grader on the School’s opening day, September 9, 1963. “We had a great class,” he said. “Back then, the School only had three buildings, and the teachers were unlike any we had seen.” The Class of 1970 was a tight-knit group of 32. Henckels formed lifelong relationships with Martha Schutts Williams, Susy Laughlin Weaver, Kit Tennison Moncrief, Pete Geren, Randy Rodgers and Peggy Beasley Rush. They still connect at least once a year, cherishing their friendships.

Henckels recalls some of his favorite teachers at FWCD: Claire-Lise Knecht H’06 ignited a love for language and culture, and Tad Sanders H’18 nurtured a passion for literature and helped hone his writing.

His academic journey was marked by a love for physics, geometry and biology. Describing himself as “never particularly athletic,” Henckels found his calling in equestrian sports and loved supporting the School's sports programs. He admired Colonel Rocky Rosacker H’00 and his ability to foster unity among students.

Despite being recruited by institutions like Williams, Duke, Tulane, and Washington and Lee, Henckels applied to Stanford. The decision would shape his future. With selfdescribed “average grades,” Henckels gained admission and discovered a passion for economics and architectural history. After graduation, Henckels attended Harvard Business School. It was a transformative experience that tested his limits and pushed him beyond his comfort zone.

Taking a corporate banking job in New York City, Henckels had the opportunity to turn around a struggling New York fashion house (Willi Smith). Despite knowing nothing about

the clothing industry, his analytical skills and business acumen allowed him to implement effective strategies for success. Smith ultimately won a Coty American Fashion Critics Award in 1983.

With an interest in the real estate industry, Henckels partnered with [Pete] Geren to buy a Fort Worth company. The deal fell through, leaving Henckels at a crossroads. It was then that a friend suggested he pursue his passion for architecture. Henckels’ knowledge of the industry and connections led him to Edward Lee Cave, a pioneer in residential real estate. Henckels was ultimately President, managing the company while building his own clientele.

Caroline Kennedy, Billie Jean King, the Mellon family and Brooke Astor are some of the prominent names among Henckels’ clientele. His expertise and ability to understand his clients’ desires made him a trusted luxury real estate advisor. Henckels immersed himself in the Manhattan lifestyle, selling some of the city's most exquisite properties. He found fulfillment in connecting people with their dream homes.

In 1995, Henckels joined Stribling and Associates and ultimately became Vice Chairman and founded the luxury department. He played a vital role in the company's growth and success and formed a national luxury division when Compass acquired Stribling.

Henckels’ love for architecture remains constant. He is Vice Chair of the Institute of Classical Architecture, and he wrote the book, Life at the Top, co-authored with Ann Walker, which chronicles the 15 best residential buildings in New York.

Despite his East Coast success, Henckels often reminisces about his Fort Worth roots. “I am filled with gratitude for my Country Day experience,” he said. “The School community fostered deep friendships and camaraderie. From sneaking off campus for lunch to riding bicycles to school, my friends and I created lifelong memories. Our experiences shaped our character and instilled a zest for life.”

Retired Faculty –Where are They Now?

By Debby Jennings

Beverly Johnson US Math 1994-2004

Dan Johnson

US Chemistry and Physics 1999-2004

Beverly was FWCD’s first AP Statistics teacher, and she remembers requiring her students to construct something that launched from the Upper School balcony into the Commons and timing the descent – all in the name of gathering data. Dan, or “Dr. J” as he was known, was a sub for several years before joining the science faculty full-time.

When Beverly retired, the Johnsons moved to a gated mountain community near Old Fort, North Carolina, where they built a home. They both served on various property owner committees, and Beverly worked for a time preparing tax returns and as a clerk in the gift shop at The Biltmore.

In 2012, the Johnsons re-retired to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Ely, Minnesota, 30 miles south of the Canadian border. They knew the area from a honeymoon canoe trip in 1960. Their home is a cozy cabin on two acres of lakefront property, where Dan forests, fishes, and takes trips into the Boundary Waters.

Beverly and Dan are active in their United Methodist Church. They sing in the choir, and Beverly serves as the “bulletin lady,” preparing the program for the church. “We love fourseasons living, including winter wonderlands with long nights, feet of snow, a fire in the wood stove and good books,” Dan said.

Tricia Franks

MS/US Theatre and Art 1991-2021

Tricia was hired in 1991 to design for the eighth grade play, Our Town, and has been involved with FWCD’s theatre and arts programs for 31 years. She is still a frequent presence on campus, designing for several musicals and fall plays and substitute teaching in the fine arts from junior kindergarten through Upper School.

Since “retiring,” Tricia and her husband, Ronnie, have traveled to Belize, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico. They recently made a big moved to Mexico. They have found a beautiful village, Ajijic, about 30 miles outside Guadalajara. They have settled on a house near the foothills of the Sierra Madres on the largest inland lake, Chapala. Ajijic is full of expatriates and artists, and Tricia and Ronnie think they will fit right in. They leave soon on a trial move and will decide by next Christmas whether or not this will be their permanent home. Their children and grandchildren are still in Fort Worth, so they are keeping their home here in case they decide they miss family too much and want to move back.

Tricia’s words of wisdom to her former students are to “keep up with what is going on in the world. Vote, it does matter.” Tricia is active on Facebook and loves to hear from former students and colleagues.

Class Notes

Do you have great news to share with fellow FWCD alumni? To submit information for Class Notes and Alumni News, email alumnirelations@fwcd.com.

1960s

Class Agents

1967 – Bill Curtis curtis@acm.org

1967 – Bill Landreth blandreth@liferoy.com

1968 – Paul Stouffer pstouffer@sbcglobal.net

1969 – Steve Geis stgeis@hotmail.com

1969 – Gail Widmer Landreth gaillandreth@sbcglobal.net

Dr. Marilyn Weaver Lewis ’67 recently published a textbook titled STEM-H for Mental Health Clinicians through Oxford University

Press. The text introduces a new model that adapts scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical concepts to treat the health (STEM-H) of patients with medical problems. The book begins with a discussion of genetics and continues through current scientific research underlying each bodily system to inform practitioners and advanced students about development, structure and function. Dr. Lewis is a Professor of Social Work at Norfolk State University in Virginia. She began her career as a researcher using animal models to study drug use and brain chemistry and behavior and, later, neurodevelopment of drug-exposed babies. Licensed as an independent, clinical psychotherapist with extensive experience working in outpatient substance use clinics and

in-patient psychiatric hospitals, Dr. Lewis has instructed master’s-level social work students (since 2004) in the area of substance misuse and dependency and mental health, and has developed a master’s-level course in STEM-H for the military.

1970s

Class Agents

1971 – Terry Siegel htsiegel@bvc.com

1972 – Richard Garvey richard@jagee.com

1976 – Brad Nowlin brad@bradnowlin.com

Kit Tennison Moncrief ’70 was elected the first female Chair of the TCU Board of Trustees. Kit has served as Board Vice Chair since 2017. Her late husband, Charlie Moncrief, and her

Kim Williamson Darden ’75, Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81, Marilyn French Berry ’81, Beth Runyon Gideon ’78 and Annette Williamson ’77 took a cruise to Antartica together and enjoyed an outing exploring the continent’s peninsula.

mother, Gloria Lupton Tennison, also served as TCU Trustees. Kit was an FWCD Trustee from 1996-2000. She also serves as President of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and co-chairs the Fort Worth Zoological Association. She is Past President of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Moncrief Cancer Foundation. A member of the UT Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Institute, the Brown Lupton Foundation, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (Executive Committee), The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Kit is a co-founder of Saving Hope Foundation, an organization with the intent to end animal abuse and neglect through advocacy, education and spay-neuter programs.

Class of 1977 graduates Byron

Keil, Mike Olcott, David Parker, Huck Newberry, Tom Purvis, Kelly Thompson, Win Ryan and Aaron Siegel all live in Fort Worth and Parker County. They gather every month to enjoy lunch with one another.

1980s

Class Agents

1981 – Martha Cox

marthaccox@yahoo.com

1981 – Dan Tatum

danltatum@live.com

John Holt Smith ’87 had artwork showcased in a June exhibit titled Curvature and Flow at the William

Campbell Gallery in Fort Worth. He has a long relationship with the gallery; his first exhibit was there in 2005. The works on view were from John Holt’s Oculus Series, inspired by botanicals. A few pieces were named after the Grand Hotel Cocumella in Sorrento, Italy, and some flowers he captured on a trip there. John Holt also has artwork on display at Fort Worth’s Neiman Marcus: Vertical Wildflower Sequence and Vertical Swim Sequence, both prominently displayed in the store’s upper level. They have been there since the Clearfork store opened in 2017. He has additional pieces in Dallas and New York Neiman Marcus stores. Other familiar large-scale commissions by John Holt are on display locally at both the Joule Hotel and The Mansion in Dallas, inside Terminal D at the DFW International Airport, and at the Toyota Headquarters in Plano. Soon, his work will grace Fort Worth’s firstever Crescent Hotel, currently under construction along Camp Bowie. Paper City featured John Holt and his art in a May 15 article.

Pete Spiro ’88 works for Congressman Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). Rep. Panetta was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. Pete has been working for him for two years. Panetta fights for affordable housing, immigration reform, the continued protection of California's coastline and environment, health care, the state’s

agriculture industry, the reduction of gun violence, military installations, veterans benefits and more.

1990s

Class Agents

1992 – Craig Christopher craig@tarranttech.com

1995 – Alison E. McManus amcmanus@post.harvard.edu

1997 – Zareen Khan

zareen@briggsfreeman.com

Bales Nelson ’92 is CEO at Fusion Health. This new platform company was formed with Waud Capital Partners in partnership with Bales and Allen Dye. Fusion Health will provide clinical staffing services to healthcare facilities, providers and health plans, solving a variety of episodic clinical resource needs through technology-enabled solutions. Bales has extensive experience building companies at the intersection of technology and healthcare staffing, having previously served as a Co-founder, President and CEO of CenseoHealth (now SignifyHealth), and Executive Vice President of Merritt Hawkins & Associates.

Holly Green ’98 was named a 2023 Spirit of Texas author by the Texas Library Association for her latest novel, In the Same Boat. She is one of nine authors to earn this year’s honor. The SPOT Reading Program strives to encourage a greater understanding of what it means to be a Texan and to develop an appreciation for the literary works of and about Texas and Texans. SPOT is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the

Young Adult Round Table. The purpose of the list is to encourage youths in grades 6-12 to explore a variety of current, quality books from Texas authors and illustrators, develop critical reading skills, and promote greater interaction between Texas authors and illustrators, Texas librarians, and Texas youth. Holly is an Austin-based writer with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

2000s

Class Agents

2001 – Craig P. Barbolla craig.barbolla@gmail.com

2001 – Susanna Gorski Bartolomei susannagb@protonmail.com

2002 – Ashley Stein Ralston astein927@gmail.com

2003 – Will Northern will@northernrealtygroup.com

2004 – Kate Strickland Jennings kjennings610@gmail.com

2006 – Rachel Holt Hausser rachelhausser@gmail.com

2007 – Anne Hargis Olson christina.roxanne@gmail.com

2007 – Stephanie Stouffer stephaniestouffer@gmail.com

2009 – Mary Dambro marydambro@mac.com

2009 – Brittany Jenkins brittanyajenkins07@gmail.com

2009 – Margaret Harper mpalmerharper@aol.com

Derrius Clark ’02 began a new position as Director of Programmatic Partnerships - Global at Taboola. He has worked at the company for nearly seven years, five of which were in Thailand. Taboola powers recommendations for the open web, helping people discover things they may like. The company’s platform, powered by artificial intelligence, is used by digital properties, including websites, devices and mobile apps, to drive monetization and user engagement.

Lauren Mitchell Acome ’03 recently was named Principal of Hawfields Middle School in the Alamance-Burlington School System in North Carolina. Lauren most recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for K-12 Online Learning in the Wake County Public School System, the 15th largest school district in the nation. She has previous experience as a principal, assistant principal and high school social studies teacher. Lauren holds a Master of School Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

John Brotherton ’04 completed his Ph.D. in Geology at Texas Tech University in August 2022.

Lauren Hunt Brogdon ’05 was featured in a The Texas Lawbook article where she shared her story of surviving childhood domestic abuse and how that shaped who she is as a Crisis Management Lawyer. “As someone with that experience and someone with a law degree, I’m uniquely situated to help other survivors and other women and children struggling from domestic violence,” Brogdon told The Texas Lawbook. She has done pro bono work for domestic violence victims throughout her 11-year career, ever since she began volunteering at legal clinics run by Houston Volunteer Lawyers (the Houston Bar Association’s pro bono service arm), through which she first got connected with Houston Area Women’s Center. She has handled

at least 83 pro bono cases in her career, many of which involve domestic violence survivors. Lauren is Chair of the Crisis Management Practice and a Litigation Partner at Haynes and Boone in Houston.

Mayra Hernandez ’05 is part of the Chubb IMPACT Women’s Coaching Circle this year. This program brings together participants from the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda each month to discuss a new topic and share experiences and knowledge under the guidance of more experienced coaches. Participants in the program expand their organizational insight, build new skills and seize new opportunities. Mayra is Business Development Manager at Chubb, the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company.

Stephanie Stouffer Joyce ’07 was promoted to Senior Director of Communications at the American Gas Association in Washington, D.C. In this role, Stephanie leads AGA’s digital communications and advertising strategy, as well as the association’s Cooking With Gas campaign, which focuses on the benefits of natural gas cooking.

Mike O’Brien ’08 started a new position as Director - Season Pass at Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior to this position, he worked in Las Vegas with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Caesars Entertainment Corporation. A self-proclaimed theme park and roller coaster enthusiast, Mike was a Disney intern while pursuing his MBA, which he earned in 2018 from USC Marshall School of Business.

Falcon Weddings

Hannah Bailey ’18 and Clark Sheats ’18 were married on May 21, 2022, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Falcons in the wedding were Tallia Bailey Sheats ’16, Whitney Bruhl ’18, Patrick Sheats ’22, William Sheats ’16 and Turner Symonds ’18. Parents of the bride are FWCD past parents Amy (Roach) ’85 and Tull Bailey. Parents of the groom are FWCD past parents Trish (Thompson) ’86 and Mo Sheats ’86.

Caroline Rattikin ’13 married Connor MacNair on October 15, 2022, at Robert Carr Chapel on TCU’s campus, with a reception at River Crest Country Club. Falcons in the wedding included Lindsey Rattikin Comstock ’10, Hilary Rattikin Breitigam ’13, Katherine Brookman ’13, Lilly Cowan ’13, Sara Shah ’13, Elizabeth Lindsey Rooker ’14 and William Rattikin ’19. Caroline said there were many Falcons and FWCD faculty and staff in attendance – too many to list. The couple lives in Fort Worth. Caroline is a Merchandise Planner for The Container Store, and Connor is a Financial Analyst for Lockheed Martin.

Hilary Rattikin ’13 married Samuel Breitigam on March 19, 2022, at University Baptist Church with a reception at The Modern Art Museum. Falcons in the wedding were Caroline Rattikin MacNair ’13, Lindsey Rattikin Comstock ’10, Katherine Brookman ’13, and Elizabeth Lindsey Rooker ’14

Many Falcons and FWCD faculty and staff attended the wedding to celebrate the couple, who reside in Fort Worth. Hillary is a commercial photographer, and Samuel works for Lockheed Martin.

Ryleigh Rains ’17 married Caleb Smith on October 1, 2022, in Granbury on Rains family land, where Ryleigh grew up. Adele Elkind ’16 was a bridesmaid, and Ryleigh’s brother, Jacob Rains ’16, was a groomsman. Falcons attending the wedding included Tallia (Bailey) ’16 and William Sheats ’16, Hannah (Bailey) ’18 and Clark Sheats ’18, Patrick Sheats ’22, Trish (Thompson) ’86 and Mo Sheats ’86, Hannah Peeples ’18, Erin ParkerWilliams ’12, Reagan Parker ’16, Sawyer Parker ’22, Lisa and Michael Parker, John Stephens, Melisa Dorsey, Amanda Whalen, Robin Willis and Esther Mulqueen. Parents of the bride are FWCD faculty members Jackie and James Rains. The couple resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Ryleigh works in the U.S. Senate for Senator Hagerty of Tennessee, and Caleb works for Ernst and Young as a Financial Services Consultant. He will attend the University of Virginia School of Law in the fall. The couple hopes to move back to Texas one day, and Ryleigh welcomes any help convincing Caleb to move to Fort Worth over his hometown of Dallas.

Tallia Bailey ’16 and William Sheats ’16 were married on February 25, 2022, at Riverpoint Church, with a reception at Joe T. Garcia’s. Falcons in the wedding party were Boyd Bailey ’19, Clark Sheats ’18, Patrick Sheats ’22, Henry Ryan ’16, Jacob Rains ’16, Hannah Bailey Sheats ’18 and Whitney Kelly ’16. Falcons in attendance included Kennedy (Stovall) ’15 and Taft Henderson ’15, Allison Moore ’20, Anna Brett Hyde ’17, Adelaide Kelly ’18, Robert McBroom ’18, Marshall Dike ’16, Branson Nelson ’16, Adele Elkind ’16, Turner Symonds ’18, Briggs Kelly ’21, Austin Westerman ’16, Ann Bailey Ferguson ’72, Chris Thompson ’90, John Thompson ’93, Michael Dike ’88 and Whit Kelly ’80. The couple reside in Fort Worth. Parents of the bride are FWCD past parents Sonya and Colin Bailey. Parents of the groom are FWCD past parents Trish (Thompson) ’86 and Mo Sheats ’86.

Sam Brotherton ’09 married Ilyssa Hanner on December 11, 2021, in Charleston, South Carolina. The rehearsal dinner and welcome party were hosted the evening before at the historic Riviera Theater. The ceremony was outdoors on the lawn at the reception venue, Harborside East in Mount Pleasant across the bay from Charleston. Falcons in the wedding party included John Brotherton ’04 and fellow 2009 classmates Kyle Argenbright, John Hill, Chase Caraway, John McColm, Drew Reeb and Austin Redmon. Falcon guests included Natalie Baumeister ’09, Tyler Frankel ’09, Allison Marrow ’09, Hannah Pohler Reeb ’10, Harry Hood ’09, Spencer Duran ’09 and Doug Sanders ’79. The couple reside in Atlanta.

Photo: Eden Williams Photography

CLASS NOTES

2010s

Class Agents

2010 – Claire Davidovich clairedavidovich@gmail.com

2010 – Ashley Uptegraft auptegraft10@gmail.com

2010 – Miles Bratton mebratton91@gmail.com

2011 – Alex Manson Klinedinst laklinedinst29@gmail.com

2011 – Kate Petsche kate.aep@gmail.com

2011 – Nayelly Dominguez ndominguez@smu.edu

2013 – Jonny Clum clumjonny@gmail.com

2013 – Oliver Newberry oliver.newberry@utexas.edu

2015 – Connor Cassady connorcassady@sbcglobal.net

2015 – Madelyn Luskey madelyn.luskey@gmail.com

2015 – Shelby Sanford shelby.e.sanford@vanderbilt.edu

2016 – Delaney Fleming delaney.fleming97@gmail.com

2016 – Branson Nelson branson.nelson5@gmail.com

2016 – Jacob Rains jrains22@gmail.com

2018 – Sam Carlile fwcd@samkc.me

2018 – Kacey Melton kcmelton@umich.edu kmelton0000@gmail.com

2018 – Kathleen Clum kathleen.clum22@gmail.com

2018 – Maggie Brants margaretbrants@gmail.com

2019 – Alexandra Galloway alexandragalloway@icloud.com

2019 – Sarah Clark clarksarah160@gmail.com

2019 – Megan Lammons meganlammons18@gmail.com

Troy Fore ’10 earned the Certified Financial Planner designation, the standard of excellence in financial planning. These professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow.

Megan Felton ’11 began a position as Communications and Advocacy Manager at CeraVe at L’Oreal in London. At L’Oreal, she is responsible for the communication and PR strategy of the CeraVe brand across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Megan previously served as Co-Founder and Head of Operations of Lionne, an education platform that shares tailored skincare advice and recommendations to help users reach their skincare goals. Through skin education, one-on-one mentoring masterclasses, brand learning and development, and digital content, Megan presented a new approach to skincare. In addition, she was the cohost of “The Beauty Voice of Reason,” a podcast made for the skin-curious.

Taylor Stein White ’11 taught a hybrid creative writing course for the University of Montana's MOLLI Program. A writer herself, Taylor writes with wild truth and a wicked sensibility about the unusual grotesque. Her story, “The Wilting House on the Mountain,” can be read in Duplicitous: A WriteHive Compilation, available on Amazon. Taylor began teaching in 2016 with the Free Verse Writing Project, which brings literature, songs, creativity, and humanity into jails and prisons to amplify the voices of incarcerated and other historically erased youth across rural Montana. Taylor also works as the Grants Manager and Development Coordinator at Youth Homes in Missoula, a nonprofit organization that cares for children facing abuse, neglect, emotional trauma and substance abuse problems.

Reid Meyer ’12 spoke to FWCD students, parents and guardians at the April NCAA Night sponsored by FWCD’s College Counseling Office. Reid is the Co-founder and CEO of Athletes to Athletes, a consulting company designed to assist high school student-athletes who wish to pursue college athletics. The organization’s consulting addresses the academic, athletic, social, and financial aspects of the student-athlete to help them find their best college fit both on and off the field.

Shree Bose ’12 matched with the University of Chicago Physician Scientist Development Program for an Internal Medicine Residency and Oncology Fellowship. A Harvard University alumna, Shree graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in May with her Ph.D./M.D. She plans to pursue a career as a Medical Oncologist, where she would make research discoveries in the lab and translate them into practice to improve the lives of patients affected by cancer.

Fallon Appleton ’13 is Senior Associate of Marketing and Communications for Lucchese Bootmaker. Fallon’s roots are in the rodeo. Her father, born in Australia, became the first Australian to win a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Championship. He later marketed his own Western clothing line. In a Fort Worth Business Press article, Fallon recalls receiving her first pair of Lucchese boots. “They were red with blue and white stitching that at the time matched my Fort Worth Country Day uniform perfectly – cowboy boots were one of the few footwear options allowed in the FWCD dress code at the time,” she said. “I wore them to class almost every day, and now, 13 years later, I still wear those boots, and they look just like they did when I was a junior in high school. I believe that speaks to the craftsmanship that goes into Lucchese’s cowboy boots.”

been at MIT in the Department of Biology since 2017, working in Tania Baker’s lab studying AAA+ proteases using a combination of biochemical and single-molecule biophysical techniques. Meghann’s thesis title is “Lon degrades stable substrates slowly but with enhanced processivity, redefining the attributes of a successful AAA+ protease.” She is applying for research positions in the Boston area biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Hayden Redmon ’14 started a new position as Assistant Director of Business at Moody’s Analytics. The company provides financial intelligence and analytical tools to help business leaders make better, faster decisions. A subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation, it offers tools, solutions, and best practices for measuring and managing risk.

Meghann Kasal ’13 successfully defended her Ph.D. thesis. She has

Xavier White ’13 is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Zeiss is one of the world’s leading innovators in the design and development of medical devices. The company creates and supplies cuttingedge technologies and applicationoriented solutions for ophthalmology and microsurgery. For Xavier, the best part of his day is working with the OR personnel who rely on Zeiss’s innovative technology to impact the lives of their patients.

Sarah Harrison ’14 graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in May. She moved to the Boston area for an Internal Medicine Residency at Cambridge Health Alliance.

Melody Rodriquez ’15 competed at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in St. George, Utah, in 2022. Also known as a Half Ironman, this event is a series of long-distance

IN MEMORIAM

Tim Clay

Earl Collins

Scott Corpening

Paul Cruikshank

Captain Ronald DeVos

Robert “Bobby” Flettrich

Ted Gorski

Robert Grable

Joann Haniman

Bob Holland

Ann Hoover

Ann Frasher Hudson

Mike McConnel

Michael Moore

Janna Poland

Edward Sankary

Cheryl Thornton Surber ’73

Joseph Tarride, Jr., M.D.

Robert Turner

Bill Watson ’00

CLASS NOTES

triathlon races. 70.3 refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race, which consists of a ½ mile swim, a 56mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.

Carleen Wenner ’15 is now a Senior Sustainability Associate at Dentons Global Advisors-Albright Stonebridge Group. Dentons Global Advisors is an independent strategic advisory firm that provides integrated, multidisciplinary counsel and support for clients facing complex challenges spanning legal, reputational, financial, regulatory and governance dimensions. In her role, Carleen advises local and global initiatives across environmental and social impact for corporations, foundations, nonprofits and coalitions. She is a global thought master’s graduate from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Boston University.

Nina Cloven ’16 was recently honored with the Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA) 2022

Future Five Award. The award is bestowed annually to five people in the U.S. within the first five years of their careers who have impacted the healthcare industry or their organization. Nina received a Master's of Health Administration from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in May 2022, where she was named the recipient of the John P. Young Memorial Prize. As the Manager of Primary Care Advancement at Elation Health, Nina leverages her healthcare expertise to drive strategic initiatives and thought leadership assets. Most recently, she authored an Elation

Health blog article titled “On the Bright Side: Women’s Health Innovation and the Rise of FemTech,” which addresses the promising growth in popularity of health technologies designed to reduce health disparities for women. Outside of her work with Elation Health, Nina is working toward her Digital Health Innovation Certificate at Brown University.

Whitney Bruhl ’18 accepted a new position as a Junior Interior Designer at Jessica McIntyre Interiors in Fort Worth. She is excited to move back home to be closer to family and friends. Whitney earned a B.S. in Interior Design from TCU in 2022 and had been working in Dallas as an Interior Designer for A Well Dressed Home.

2023 – Aurnoosh Eelani aurnoosheelani@gmail.com

Grace Cauble ’20 was honored as the 2023 Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University Thomas S. Gathright

Outstanding Junior at an April awards ceremony in Rudder Theater. Named in honor of the first President of A&M College of Texas, this prestigious award, established in 1973, recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement on a university-wide scale. The selection is based on an evaluation of research and/or creative production, community engagement, accomplishments/awards, and academic record, with the final selection determined by the dean of each respective college. A political science major with a double minor in history and psychology and a 4.0 GPA, Grace was also inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society and will study at Oxford University over the summer.

Nate Wallace ’18 and his father, past parent Neil Wallace, served as Huddle Coaches in Breakthrough Fort Worth’s annual Career Huddles event. Held each fall with the Junior League Day of Giving, the activity enables BTFW students to explore a variety of career fields and talk with professionals about their own college paths.

2020s

Class Agents

2020 – Stephanie Cook smcook350@gmail.com

2022 – Mary McGann marygmcgann@icloud.com

2023 – Lillian Buchanan lillianbuchanan0722@gmail.com

2023 – Chelsey Etta chelseyetta@icloud.com

Liberty Croutch ’20 launched Jackson Apparel, a women’s online boutique, with business partner Rachel Jackson. They create trend-forward, timeless and chic pieces in a unique limited collection; the clothing offered directly represents Liberty’s and Rachel’s personal style. The duo is dedicated to maintaining excellent quality, offering inclusive pricing, providing styles for various occasions and, most importantly, instilling a sense of confidence. Liberty attributes her business success to FWCD faculty and staff, including Andrew Thomas, from whom she

learned the basics of economics and business ventures; the always supportive Myrna Sam and Jennifer Giroir; and Shelley Rains, who taught her to persevere. Follow Jackson Apparel on Instagram @jackson.apparel.

Lily Melcher ’20 is a Legislative Intern in the Texas House of Representatives. She serves as a liaison between constituents and Representative Morgan Meyer (District 108). Lily is a student at The University of Texas at Austin, studying accounting in the McCombs School of Business.

Will Tuomey ’20 joined NBCUniversal as an Unscripted TV Entertainment Communications Intern in Los Angeles for summer 2023. In the position, he

worked to secure press for unscripted programming across Bravo and E! Networks. Will attends The University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to finish a B.S. in Public Relations in May 2024.

Reese Nelson ’21 was named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors College Division All-State First-Team (Butterfly) in men’s swimming at Washington and Lee. He also earned Old Dominion Athletic Conference First-Team honors. As a member of the Generals team, Reese was part of the ODAC Champion team for the 202223 season.

Madison Aust ’23 raced her second Pro Series TC America with BMW and

Fast Track Racing in May, the weekend after she graduated from FWCD. She was in the lead for over half the race in race one, ultimately placing third and earning the fastest lap accolade. In race two, Madison placed second. She is creating quite a stir as the youngest driver and as a female driver. Past races are available on YouTube (search TC America and look for 2023 races). All races are live on race day.

Welcome to the Nest!

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!

Lauren Rapp Bode ’06 and her spouse, Matthew, welcomed Ezra James in February. His older sister Eleanor is thrilled, and the Bode’s are so happy to be a family of four.

Meredith (Nieswiadomy)

’06 and Breck Ray, Jr. ’06 welcomed Margaret “Margo” Elise on March 3. Big Brother Breck ’35 and big sister Madison ’36 are over the moon.

Alex Manson Klinedinst ’11 and her spouse, Max, welcomed Audrey Jo on February 24. Audrey was 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 21 inches long. Michael Manson ’17 is a proud uncle. The family is overjoyed!

Courtney (Reimer) ’11 and Taylor Arnold ’11 are the proud parents of Shelley Ann. Born on March 27, Shelley Ann is named after FWCD Director of PE/Girls Basketball Program Director Shelley Rains and Taylor’s grandmother Ann Packer, who taught Middle School English at FWCD for over 20 years. Big sister Rennie Allison is ready to show Shelley the ropes; Debby and Bill Arnold ’86 and Debbie and Duerk Reimer are proud grandparents.

From the Archives

Fort Worth Country Day's Whiz Quiz team actively participated in competitions with public and private schools across the metroplex. An academic competition that challenges students' knowledge and critical thinking abilities, Whiz Quiz has teams from different schools against each other, answering questions on various subjects such as history, science, literature and more, showcasing the intellectual talents of students and fostering a spirit of friendly competition and intellectual growth. This photo features the 1982-83 team, coached by Bob Adams H’04 and Art Burke. The student players—Lee ‘Peter’ Cox ’84, Randy Chappel ’85, Nick Weir ’83, and Allen Dickey ’83 engaged in a match against Grand Prairie High School.

The Peter A. Schwartz Legacy Society