Retired Faculty – Where are They Now?

By Debby Jennings

Janice Richardson, Kindergarten 1988-2005

When she first retired, Janice worked part-time as a teacher mentor, Spanish tutor and reading tutor. She also enrolled in the Texas Master Gardener program. A TCU alumna, Janice enjoyed football games with her husband, Pat, for years.

When Pat passed away in 2018, Janice began to travel to visit grandchildren, and she took trips with her children to Hawaii, Ireland, Spain and Mexico. She has 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Janice’s constant companion is Callie, a rescue Belgian Malinois dog.

At FWCD, Janice had a tradition she shared with Pat. He painted rocks for her students, all in unique designs and signed. Janice said when she meets former students or parents, they comment on how the rocks remain a treasure.

When asked what she remembers most about FWCD, she cited the Kindergarten Rodeo and a faculty/staff buddy program. Her buddy was Upper School Chemistry Teacher Dr. Jim Aldridge H’14. She spent a day observing him, and he spent one with her. She laughed as she remembered his reaction to kindergarten.

Janice Richardson, Kindergarten 1988-2005

June McGee, School Nurse 1993-2011

June retired after 18 years at FWCD to regularly be there for her daughter, Tara, and grandchildren. Five years ago, June was asked to raise her grandson. “Mama June” became full-time mother to Samuel, a 16-month-old. Her own three children fully grown, June and her husband, Steve, essentially started over as parents. Once Samuel started Pre-K, June volunteered at his school. Samuel is now a happy first-grader. June now has a bit more time to enjoy leisure activities with Samuel in school. She is an avid bridge player, active in her church, and volunteers when she can. June’s oldest son, Jay, is engaged, so she is helping to plan a wedding in Tacoma, Washington, where Jay is stationed with the U.S. Army.

June’s fondest FWCD memories include the friendships she developed with faculty and staff and the relationships she built with students who “got her humor.” When asked to share advice, June said, “Enjoy the moment; plans change, and you never know how things will turn out.”

June McGee, School Nurse 1993-2011

Les Hofheinz, US Theatre 1993-2002

After leaving FWCD in 2002, Les helped a friend restore an 1850 Victorian house in Maine. He also directed a high school show at The Stonington Opera House on Deer Isle. In Fort Worth, he worked as a remodeling contractor, setting up a woodshop and starting a custom woodworking business. In 2006, he promoted his services to the Amon Carter Museum.

After a few projects as a freelance contractor, Les was hired as Exhibition Carpenter and member of the art handling/ installation team. He’s been building for and installing exhibitions ever since. He has handled many priceless art objects with his own (gloved) hands, including Nighthawks at the Diner. (It was heavy!) He has also had adventures accompanying art on cross-country courier trips. Les will celebrate 15 years at the museum in February 2021. He rides his bike at every opportunity and enjoys collecting rare, hardto-find bicycles.

Thinking back on his years at FWCD, Les remembers it as the most demanding job he’d ever had with plentiful rewards. He still feels that he learned more from his students than he taught them.

School Nurse 1993-2011 June retired after 18 years at FWCD to regularly be there for her daughter, Tara, and grandchildren. Five years ago, June was asked to raise her grandson. “Mama June” became full-time mother to Samuel, a 16-month-old. Her own three children fully grown, June and her husband, Steve, essentially started over as parents. Once Samuel started Pre-K, June volunteered at his school. Samuel is now a happy first-grader.

Les Hofheinz, US Theatre 1993-2002