Q&A with Rita Zawalnicki

What led you to FWCD?

After my husband passed away somewhat suddenly and it was becoming clear that our kiddos were all getting jobs in Texas after graduating from TCU, I began thinking about moving from St. Louis to Fort Worth. The College Counselor at FWCD at this time was a friend of the College Counselor at the private school where I worked [Whitfield School], so they recommended that I apply for a position at FWCD. I flew down for an interview in summer 2005. Bill Arnold [’86] interviewed me and showed me campus. I was hooked.

You’ve worn many hats at FWCD. What have you loved the most?

I started as the Upper School Administrative Assistant and later took over the Registrar and Community Service Program positions. In 2007-08, I created TEAM Service, which consists of Upper School students facilitating and planning grade-level service-oriented events and programs during the 2008-09 academic year. I wanted the students to have ownership and leadership related to service. Service is dear to my heart, and seeing young people embrace it inspires me to want to do more. I also became an ‘event planner,’ planning the School’s graduation, Awards and Recognition Assemblies, Cum Laude Induction, Eighth-Grade Step-Up, Parents’ Nights, Scholars Dinner, and more, starting with the Class of 2009 and ending with the Class of 2020. Planning these special events was a joy for me. It was gratifying to watch on the day of the event from behind the curtain, so to speak, and see all the students and parents celebrate and enjoy the event.

What will you miss about FWCD?

During my 16 years here, I have awakened in the morning and thought … ‘Oh good! I get to go to school today!’ I enjoy the people I work with and the opportunities to walk with students through their four years of high school. I will miss the energy of and contact with the students … and the friendship of my peers. I know I will miss being here next year when the school year starts in ‘the good 'ol way’ ... seeing students in the Commons, and at service events, eating lunch with my friends, and helping to make things happen at our wonderful school.

How are you planning to spend your retirement?

I have a family full of kids and grands that have been asking when Nana is going to retire for quite some time now! So I will be at lots of games, performances, awards assemblies, etc., for my elementary, middle school, and upper school grands. I will be spending time seeing more of Texas than I have been able to yet. And of course, I'll be volunteering!

Rita Zawalnicki