k Remembering Graham Brown In his term as FWCD’s fourth Head of School (19962001), F. Graham Brown left a lasting legacy through his commitment to FWCD’s founding principles and ideals and the creation of its core values: integrity, kindness, courage, respect, responsibility and scholarship. He believed firmly in elemental values that would guide students throughout their tenure at the School and beyond. “In 2021, we can say Fort Worth Country Day’s core values play a significant role in our school life, day-in and day-out,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “We have much to be grateful for in Graham’s contributions to the success of our school.” Brown passed away peacefully at his home on November 4, 2020, at the age of 75. His wife of 53 years, Mary, and their children and grandchildren were by his side in their home in Sanibel, Florida, a place they had fallen in love with early in his career. A graduate of Hobart College (Geneva, New York), Brown chose to pursue a career in education. He spent his early years teaching and coaching in Connecticut and later, at his high school alma mater, Kingswood-Oxford School. He earned a master’s degree in education at Trinity College (Hartford, Connecticut) and took on the Associate Director of Admission and Co-Head of Middle School role at Kingswood, just a few years after beginning to teach. In 1983, he accepted his first Headmaster position at Canterbury School in Florida, where he and Mary became enamored with Sanibel Island, a place they would call home for more than 30 years. 34
THE FALCONER
Over the course of Brown’s career, he served as Headmaster at a number of schools throughout the country, including Staten Island Academy (Staten Island, New York), The Knox School (Long Island, New York), Chatsworth Hills Academy (Los Angeles) and The Academy at Ocean Reef (Key Largo, Florida) and, of course, Fort Worth Country Day. He also did a stint as Director of Development and Marketing at Kent Denver School (Englewood, Colorado).. At FWCD, under Brown’s leadership, the School continued its growth and development as a school of significance, including maintaining a strong commitment to the ideals of his predecessors in leading the School. He honored FWCD service by establishing Club Viginti, which recognizes faculty and staff who have dedicated more than 20 years of their career to FWCD. Today, there are 85 living members of Club V. In 2021, five new members will be inducted into this distinguished organization. All members’ names hang on plaques on the side of the Sanford Arts Wing. “Although he was new to FWCD, Graham Brown realized that the School’s stature and achievements were the result of a committed, talented faculty. He took steps to recognize those who had devoted themselves for more than 20 years to the success of FWCD and its students,” said Debby Jennings, former FWCD Head Librarian and charter Club Viginti inductee in 1996, during her 21st year of service. “This public recognition was welcomed by the faculty and the annual Club Viginti dinner is something we all look forward to sharing. It has improved morale among faculty and staff. To this day, Club V, as it is affectionately known, is viewed as a unique honor.”
