FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Letter from the Alumni Association President

I

AM HONORED TO SERVE as the new president of the TCA Alumni Association. Having served on the board for four years, I’ve had the opportunity to observe the leadership of Stephen Konstans ’83 and our past president, Lane Conner ’99. Both Lane and Stephen led with a strategic wisdom that was inspiring. I especially want to thank Lane for his leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Alumni Association was not able to hold several annual events, Lane set goals for the association and enabled us to be in a position to accomplish much more.

The Alumni Association Board’s mission is to strengthen, serve and advance TCA’s overall mission by connecting alumni and alumni parents relationally, professionally and spiritually with the TCA community, and we are working diligently to accomplish that mission. But our mission cannot be accomplished alone—we want you to be involved. When I reflect on my time at TCA, there are so many things to be thankful for: the spiritual guidance, the outstanding education, the caring faculty and our athletics and fine arts programs. However, one thing that still resonates is the friendships. It is always a pleasure to reconnect with classmates, and if you’re like me, you can’t wait to see your classmates once again. Our Homecoming events were an absolute success, and we are eagerly looking forward to Spring Alumni Weekend.

One of the greatest testaments to the strength of TCA is the number of legacy families and students. Currently, we have 100 alumni families with 194 students enrolled at TCA. We happen to be one of those families—with a daughter, Willa, in the fourth grade, and our son, Eli, will hopefully be in the class of 2037. Our return to TCA has been nothing short of amazing, and we are excited to take an active role in the continued growth of TCA for years to come. As I consider my time as a student through the lens of a TCA parent, I’m more aware now of the things that I took for granted. Our daughter LOVES TCA and is always excited for school. Our experience in the Lower School has truly been incredible. The teachers are dedicated to the students’ individual growth academically and spiritually, and our daughter has thrived. I’m thankful for all those who have dedicated their careers to enriching and educating our children, but as a parent, I now have a greater appreciation for the entire TCA community. As a student, I saw my parents make lasting friendships with other parents, and my mother was always actively involved in the school as a volunteer. Now, Stacie and I have developed those lifelong friendships with other parents who pray for our children and provide a fellowship that is priceless. There is simply no substitute for a community of Christ-centered parents who care for one another and are collectively raising children in these current times.

“As I consider my time as a student through the lens of a TCA parent, I’m more aware now of the things that I took for granted. Our daughter LOVES TCA and is always excited for school. Our experience in the Lower School has truly been incredible.”

We are also excited to see the progress on the new Middle School, which will provide a new home for seventh- and eighthgraders that will rival the facilities of any other school in Dallas while providing a state-of-the-art learning experience for our middle-schoolers. If you have children and are looking for a school, I strongly encourage you to come back home.

I’d like to thank our director of alumni, Beth Harwell, and our entire Alumni Association Board for their selfless service and strategic vision. I look forward to serving you, and may God continue to bless TCA.

BRANDON WADDELL ’97

Alumni Association President