Falconer - Fall 2009

F o r t

W o r t h

C o u n t r y

D a y

VVool luumme e 1 1, I ss ss uu ee 1 • F aa ll ll / W ii nn tt ee rr 2 0 0 9

New Look for FWCD Website

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CONTENTS Vo

l u m e

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1 • F

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i n t e r

2009

6

2009 Homecoming

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Building Bridges

10

Catch the Spirit ~ Pass it On!

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A New Family Tradition

15

Working Together— College Counseling at FWCD

18

Inspiring Home for the Visual Arts

22

Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

26

Student Team Earns One of 15 Texas Healthy Habitats Grants

30

Every Day is Earth Day

31

Living the Core Values

33

CAMPUS NOtES 2 3 4 6 10 16 27 28 32

34 46

47 48

Alumni News

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30

Message from the Head of School 36 Alumni Awards Back-To-School Picnic 38 Alumni Wall of Fame FWCD Fund 40 Class Notes Lower School 42 Spotlight on…

Asad Dean, M.D. ’90 Middle School 44 Novelist Hyatt Bass ’87 on a Upper School

Book Tour in Fort Worth National Art Honor Society 45

Alumni Sightings Performing Arts Falcons Participate in the 2009 Reggio Emilia Olimpiade del Tricolor Breakthrough Fort Worth Martin Campus Center: Next Year’s Construction Site 33 Board of Trustees Leave a Legacy On the cover: The Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center opened last month. The Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place on the day of Homecoming, Oct. 9, 2009. The building won an architectural award already, the Honor Award for Design Excellence by the Fort Worth Chapter of the AIA. It was designed by Gideon Toal Architects, and constructed by Sedalco, Inc. Photograph by Craig Kuhner.

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Message from the Head of School Welcome to the first issue of the revived Falconer! This magazine will showcase the great accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff.

We plan to produce two issues per year, with the second one coming to your mailbox next spring. I hope you like them.

What a great time to be at Fort Worth Country Day! As I write this, construction is beginning on the Louella and Nicholas Martin Campus Center, the final project funded by the successful Learning. Leading. Legacy. Capital Campaign. Recently we observed the dedication of the award-winning Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center. We will celebrate this beautiful addition to our campus in the pages of this magazine.

With its abundance of natural light, the visual arts center is an ideal place to inspire creativity, imagination, and dreams. If you haven’t been on campus in a while, I invite you to drop by and see this stunning facility and the great work being created within.

While we celebrate the facilities being developed on the campus, this issue also celebrates the FWCD community. We like to call ourselves a family, and two stories in particular prove that it’s more than talk.

I am so impressed by the girls in the Class of 2010, who formed a brand-new program to mentor the freshman girls. You can read about it in “A New Family Tradition” on page 15.

A new program inaugurated in the Lower School, Building Bridges, works to introduce and bond parents in the Class of 2022. You can read all about it on page 10.

So happy reading! And let me know what you think of the Falconer.

Evan D. Peterson epeterson@fwcds.org

Volume 1, Issue 1

Fall/Winter 2009

Administrative Team Evan D. Peterson Head of School Steve Stackhouse Assistant Head of School Joe Breedlove ’78 Director of Breakthrough Ellen Fanning Director of Finances Frank Gendusa Athletic Director Rob Hereford Head of Upper School Barbara Jiongo Director of Admissions Shari Lincoln Head of Lower School Paula Parrish CFRE Director of Advancement John Stephens Head of Middle School Randy Tierce, Ph.D. Director of Performing Arts Steve Uhr Director of Technology Advancement Team Evan D. Peterson Paula K. Parrish CFRE Emily Bintliff Courtney Bryan Holly Ellman Lisa Koger Renee Pierce Kate Wilkinson Jennifer Willour The Falconer is published biannually for Fort Worth Country Day families and friends by the Advancement Team. Opinions in various stories may not necessarily be the position of the Board or Administration.

Send alumni news and updates to Courtney Bryan at cbryan@fwcds.org or 817.302.3292.

Send comments to Paula K. Parrish at pparrish@ fwcds.org or 817.302.3223.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Falconer: © FWCD 4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109-4299

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fwcd.org

Back-ToSchool Picnic

By Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 Photography by countrydayphotos.com

Barbara Jiongo and Mary Lou Ryan welcome new Falcon families at the registration table.

The first gathering of fall is always at the Back-To-School picnic. The beautiful evening began with the Senior Dads cooking hamburgers and hot dogs while listening to the musical stylings of Last Band Standing, featuring Joe Breedlove ’78.

Students ranging from Kindergarten through twelfth grade enjoyed the festivities, along with parents, faculty, and alumni, who made a sea of red and blue.

The younger ones were busy sliding down the hill while the rest of the fans were cheering the football team on to victory.

The successful 2009 Falcon football season began this night. With less than three minutes left in the game, the Falcons were able to put seven more points on the board to win the game 21-20! Go Falcons!

Joe Breedlove ’78 entertains with his band, Last Band Standing.

Max Miller ’21 slides down the hill with hundreds of other children at the football game.

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Dan Tatum ’81 at the Senior Dads first cookout.

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Annual Giving Provides New Educational Opportunities

Assistant Head of School Steve Stackhouse points out that every designated gift also requires using funds from the operating account, which is made up in part of unrestricted FWCD Fund dollars. So in reality, the FWCD Fund shares “partnership dollars” with designated gifts such as the new playground equipment and the renovation of the Lower School bathrooms. Stackhouse said, “FWCD Fund dollars also provided new landscaping, additional Promethean Boards for classrooms, the Web site makeover, and the AlertNow system.”

Lisa koger

“FWCD Fund dollars may not be glamorous, but they are essential,” said Dan Bloch H ’06, fifth grade science teacher, and past Faculty-Staff FWCD Fund Chair.

“They provide teachers and students with essentials we need as well as extras that make FWCD a unique place of learning.” These unrestricted dollars help make up the difference in the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each child.

Dan Bloch H ’06 and his fifth graders exporing the new pier.

New Learning Pier One of the most highly-anticipated and generous gifts in recent years is the learning pier recently installed over the pond. Affectionately called “Pete’s Pond” in tribute to founding Headmaster Peter A. Schwartz, the pond draws water from the Trinity River. The pond is used to irrigate the athletic fields, which helps FWCD conserve valuable resources.

It had long been Bloch’s vision to have a learning pier over the pond where children in all divisions could enjoy lessons in science and the environment. A designated gift from a generous donor provided the funding to make this vision a reality. Additional FWCD Fund dollars provided equipment and storage in addition to the installation of a concrete pad to support tables and benches for a learning setting.

The Middle School science department met to discuss how the pier would fit into its curriculum. Bloch foresees pond water testing in fifth grade, geological mapping of the pond’s bottom in the sixth, and studying the fish and their environment in seventh.

Sharon Hamilton, chair of the science department and Upper School science teacher, said older students will investigate how the physical factors of the pond (oxygen content, temperature, pH, turbidity, etc.) affect the variety of organisms and the

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size of populations. “For example, students will study these factors both before and after a good rain. They will investigate macroinvertebrates (bugs, larval bugs, worms) as well as microinvertebrates present during the course of the school year, and relate these to the weather and the season.”

Students also will track the populations of migratory birds on the pond. In the last hundred years, large amounts of wetlands have been lost, resulting in fewer resting and feeding habitats for migratory birds. Many birds use Pete’s Pond as a stopover on their way to and from their breeding and overwintering grounds.

Future Plans Long-range plans, which will be funded by FWCD Fund dollars, include the following: • A night-vision camera to record animals as they come out at night • Natural plant and animal habitats—water plants, birds, butterflies, cattails, water lilies in pots, water reeds • Bat boxes and bird feeders Bloch said, “The timing of this gift couldn’t be more perfect. Just as everything is in place, the weather is starting to cool off, and we can hold classes out there. Each year new additions will be made to this great outdoor learning environment, thanks to gifts to the FWCD Fund.” fwcd.org

FWCD FUND

Margaret and Stuart McDonald FWCD Fund Chairs Joan H. Massey Faculty/Staff Chair Susan and Bobby Wroten Grandparent Chairs Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87 Alumni Chair Laura and Michael O’Brien Past Parent Chairs

Glen E. Ellman

Glen E. Ellman

Leadership Team

Clyde and Pat McCall enjoy the Keystone Council Kick-Off reception at River Crest Country Club.

Laura (Bonnell ’88) and Jeff Alexander Janet and Lloyd Bishop

Dr. Stuart McDonald, co-chair of this year’s FWCD FUND, visits with Board President Randy Gideon.

Laurie and Clay Brants Brenda and David Brunette

Anonymous Donor’s Restricted Gift to Theatre Productions Makes a Huge Difference

Denise Bynum Tyler and Brian Crumley ’92 Shelda and Ken Dean

Even the untrained observer is aware of the expenses incurred in a performing arts program as extensive as FWCD’s. Dr. Randy Tierce, director of performing arts, says that if an audience member took a snapshot in the middle of a musical, he or she would see dancers, singers, props, lights, set designers, painters, and sound technicians….all covered in the performing arts budget by unrestricted gifts to the FWCD Fund.

Kim and Randy Ferguson Karen and Chris Fraser Andree (French ’80) and Gary Griffin Janis and Lane Hooton

Tierce says the occasional designated gift is always a welcome windfall. They make a significant impact in enriching the curriculum, purchasing equipment, scenic design, or set pieces. They flesh out performances and make them top-notch.

Pepper and Scotty MacLean

The operating budget covers sheet music, an occasional instrument (tubas or French horns cost as much as $5,000), replacing expensive lighting, props, and set supplies, including special drills, hammers, and saws.

Martha and Rob Park

Lynn and Ben McBroom Jane and Roger Nober Lisa and Michael Parker Monty and Alice Phillips

FWCD theatre productions are expansive, with sets, props, supplies, costumes, and salaries for musicians and choreographers. The School also must pay royalty fees for the productions it produces. The elaborate costumes for the ballet concerts are very expensive as well.

Megan and Carl Roland Amy (Boyd ’80) and John Ryan Michelle and Scott Sankary

Support from the FWCD Fund helps our performers shine on stage!

Trish (Thompson ’86) and Mo Sheats ’86 Mairin and Kevin Terry Helen and Michael Todora Emily Bintliff FWCD Fund Manager

Michael O’Brien, Laura O’Brien, and Shelda Dean take a minute to visit at the FUND Leadership Team Training dinner at the Original Mexican Restaurant.

fall/WINTER 2009

Paula Parrish

Paula Parrish Director of Advancement Mike Waltrip Advancement Committee Chairman

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2009 Homecoming Queen & King Claire Davidovich and James Ekstrom countrydayphotos.com

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fwcd.org

2009 HOMECOMING Homecoming is for every Falcon, from current students to alumni, and all extended families in between. Students enjoyed a dynamic pep rally, victorious football game, and a well-attended Homecoming semi-formal dance, all under the theme of Hogwarts!

Alumni from every class attended the game and were treated to hamburger meals cooked by the senior dads, a commemorative T-shirt, and FWCD ALUMNI cup.

At halftime, six alumni were inducted into the WALL OF FAME because of their successful college athletic endeavors. (See story on page 38).

Back row: Rashaun Sibley, Miles Bratton, Michael Diffley, James Ekstrom, and Keller Reese. Front Row: Caroline Reyes, Ashley Uptegraft, Claire Davidovich, and Laura Lindsay Tatum. Lying down is the famed Falcon Mascot, Paige Friedman. Ballots were cast earlier in the day for the Homecoming King and Queen, who were announced at the football game against St. Stephens, Friday, Oct. 9. The King was James Ekstrom and the Queen was Claire Davidovich, pictured opposite. The Falcons stomped St. Stephens 38-12.

countrydayphotos.com

countrydayp

hotos.com

2009 Homecoming Court

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Each Reunion class then held individual parties later that night at a number of locations, including alumni homes, Mama’s Pizza, The Vault, Grady’s, and the Fort Worth Mediation Center (courtesy of Trey Gordon ’89), to name a few.

Lisa Koger

The next day, Reunion classes from 1967, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004 were treated to a delectable lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s La Puertita. Some former faculty joined them, including Jean Webb H ’01, June Van Buskirk H ’09, and Tad Sanford.

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A parade of decorated golf carts and the FWCD band entertain at the Homecoming Game.

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LOWER

School

Please join us!

Grandparents &

Grandfriends

Day Friday, Nov. 20

Free Valet Parking and Golf Cart Transports

Lisa Koger

9 a.m. – Reception in Fischer Dining Pavilion 9:30 a.m. – Kindergarten Musical Program 10:30 a.m. – Lower School Musical Program Sheri Fuller’s first grade class learns about themselves and each other at the annual birth of their rice babies. This tradition emphasizes responsibility and respect.

We Dig the Earth!

Donna Rubin/Families Committee

Lower School students find it easy to be green! They have a theme for the year that impresses upon each child FWCD’s core value of responsibility and the new sustainability initiative. It’s called Triple “R” Earth.

They combine the famous three R’s of reduce, reuse, and recycle along with their own interpretations. Their new hand symbol looks a bit like the Falcon mascot as they hold up three fingers to remember to be responsible for a greener earth, responsible for their own words and actions, and responsible for their community and others.

They have fun flashcards with earth-friendly tips and several community service projects to reinforce how they impact this earth. These projects are part of the Every Day is Earth Day school-wide celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day next April.

Lisa Koger

Ronda Hill’s first graders demonstrate responsibility and say it best:

Gina, Mark, and Gage ’22 Fowlkes present Pansies and Pumpkins, an event for Kindergarteners to enhance their earth science education. Thanks to Fowlkes, Norman & Associates for providing the materials.

Hands-on science in Lower School expands their world as they explore and investigate dynamic, innovative, and interactive projects.

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I whraislPkarkermy dog.

—C

up trash.

I pick— Billy Serralta I save paper.

I help my Mom water the plants.

—Perrin Williams

—Janie Bradford

I feed my fish.

—Gabby Pettit

fwcd.org

LOWER SCHOOL

The Lower School is experiencing a paradigm shift in its community service involvement. In the past, the students’ involvement has been to ask their parents for money to support a project.

Second graders spent time after the Carnival picking up trash. Third graders will write letters to men and women in the armed services, and fourth graders spread mulch in the Lower School Habitat Garden.

Beginning this year, we are asking our students to become more personally involved by providing services themselves to help our community. Certainly, it is difficult to find service opportunities that are appropriate for younger students, but Theresa Fuss, Stacy Sanford, and Mandy Lofquist, Student Council sponsors, have worked diligently to identify projects that would allow our students to be actively involved.

The Lower School Student Council will still sponsor the Change Drive. However, this year, students will attend an assembly during which they will learn about the Union Gospel Mission (this year’s recipient) prior to the start of the drive. It is hoped that students will have a greater desire to participate once they have learned about and personally connected with someone from the organization. Lower School parents are encouraged to think of a responsibility or chore for their child(ren) to complete to earn their donation to the Change Drive.

First graders will spend time after Valentine’s Day parties cleaning their classrooms.

Lisa Koger

Putting the Service in Service Learning

Emma Phillips ’18 spreads mulch in the Habitat Garden during the fourth grade service project.

Award-winning Author Visits

?

Lisa Koger

Susan Stevens Crummel, former Upper School mathematics teacher and award-winning author, visited the Lower School in October to the delight of the students. Susan told stories about the characters behind Susan Stevens Crummel with Abbie Kate her books, and with Henderson ’21 at the book signing. help from some of the students, acted out excerpts.

Lisa Koger

Problem-solving Fourth Graders

Kindergarteners Kendall Lehman, Paxtin Stimson, and Mason Cheng “paws” for a picture at the Teddy Bear Picnic.

Harley Sabbatini ’22 reads to his furry friend at the Teddy Bear Picnic.

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The Class of 2017 had their first solution published in the August 2009 issue of Teaching Children Mathematics. Mary Kay Varley, fourth grade teacher, takes one of the problems posed in the magazine and presents it to her class to find the solution. She submits the solution to TCM for consideration of publication. This solution was the 22nd time FWCD has been highlighted in the TCM journal. The class will be featured again in the April 2010 issue.

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Fort Worth Country Day considers itself a family, with all the nurturing, loving, and yes, struggling, that family entails. Lower School Division Head Shari Lincoln said, “I believe it is easier for some families to assimilate into our community than it is for others. For some families, parents and children join our community having already formed tight bonds during preschool years. For other families, however, making those connections is not that easy.” This could be especially true for students with both parents working, families who just moved to Fort Worth, and families of color.

Lincoln and Lower School Counselor Theresa Fuss developed a program to help connect the families of the 82 students in the Class of 2022. Titled Building Bridges, the program was inaugurated Oct. 4 in the Upper School Commons. Thirty-nine families attended.

Lincoln said, “I have been approached by parents who wished their child’s grade-level parents were more supportive and cohesive.

Looking ahead to all the challenges that parenting presents, it makes sense to have open dialogue, a support system, and a sharing

of ideas among the parents. This concept is in place in the Middle School with the Parent-to-Parent program that began last year.

“Theresa and I decided we wanted to foster greater connectivity between Some faculty are also parents. On this day, Lower School Michael Parker was in his parent role as he families, so Building participated in an exercise with first grade Bridges was born. The teacher Ronda Hill. event is unique in that the activities are interactive—not a passive, boring lecture.”

Vicki Devine

The Class of 2022 came to Fort Worth Country Day from 24 different preschools. While some families knew each other from their preschools or churches, some families began their 13-year journey without that opportunity.

“Building Bridges is all about creating a ‘space and place’ for our incoming parents to connect,” said Fuss. “Our goal was to help parents assimilate into the FWCD community and create new friendships with people they may not normally get to know. We want to embrace people from diverse backgrounds and help them connect with people who share common interests.”

The facilitator team consisted of 10 Lower School faculty and staff members who volunteered to go through the “Experiential Team Building” training.

Lincoln said, “I am so impressed by the Lower School faculty who participated in this event. They served as facilitators, scribes, photographers, problem-solvers, and much more. Teaching Lower School children is a challenge, but leading adults can be even more challenging. The event pushed many of the teachers out of their comfort zones.”

Vicki Devine

To prepare, the Building Bridges faculty spent four hours one afternoon training with a counselor from Camp Thurman.

They experienced the activities first-hand, and then learned how to facilitate and process the activities. This initial training Parents in the Class of 2022 bond and unite in a team-building exercise. Participating faculty were professionally trained to facilitate this program.

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fwcd.org

was followed by several meetings during which the agenda was set and the event was organized. Finally, the faculty devoted a Sunday afternoon to lead the event.

To enable parents to attend on a Sunday afternoon, Fuss arranged for and trained 18 Upper School students to provide structured childcare. Meeting in the Palko Dining Hall, the children participated in interactive games, made craft projects, and watched a movie.

Kindergarten parents have been pleased with the event.

Gina Fowlkes, parent of Gage, said, “Mark and I are glad we came to the Building Bridges event. We’re so excited about the families that make up the Class of 2022, and we really look forward to raising our son in such a community.

The Building Bridges program gave us an early context for interaction with new families. I have since bumped into several parents and a teacher I didn’t know before the program, and found it much easier to establish rapport with them.

Paxtin Stimson ’22, Henry Brookman ’22, Shelby Roberts ’12, Kaelyn Scoville ’13, Ryan Lew ’22, and Ashley Parker ’12 decorate cookies in the structured childcare environment Upper School students created for participants’ children.

Jeff Schaffer, parent of Jessica ’19 and Jenna ’22, said, “We try to participate in most parent activities, and by doing so, we have formed great bonds with fellow parents. I was pleased to see so many Lower School faculty members, counselors, and administrators participating. We had fun and the small group activities really did bring out people’s personalities and helped us stretch and work together. At the end of the day, I can say I met people I didn’t know previously, and knew others better.”

Shelby Roberts ’12

“I am so grateful to FWCD for making this effort. It could be tempting to just continue in the same circles that are already our comfort zone. But our class will be so much stronger and united if we make it a point to know each other.”

Fallon Appleton ’13, Reid Pinto ’22, Ellie Stackhouse ’11, Justin Morris ’22, and William Baumgardner ’11

Andrea Chovanec, parent of T.C., said, “Building Bridges exceeded my expectations. I felt there have been a lot of opportunities already to meet other families, but this was another good way of furthering the concept of teamwork and community. I think it was also a good forum for more of the dads to get involved.”

Special thanks to volunteer faculty facilitators: Eileen Kelly (K), Ronda Hill (1), Sara McCullough (2), Kay Cody (3), Edwena Thompson (4), Darlene Ignagni (4), Dorrine DeChant (Lower School art), Mandy Lofquist (Lower School computer), and Theresa Fuss (Lower School counselor). fall/WINTER 2009

Vicki Devine

Lincoln hopes that with time, FWCD will adopt Building Bridges verbiage to encompass all our “connecting” events. She added, “It’s cool that many of the room representatives have been advertising their grade-level socials as another Building Bridges event. I believe this will grow into something very special for our FWCD community.”

Paige Stimson Randel, Lisa Parker, Jeff Alexander, and Gregg Lehman cooperate and work together in an exercise to move the sphere for the importance of communication and cooperation.

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MIDDLE

School

DYK?

A Welcoming Community

Did you know that all seventh graders will participate in shark dissection?

Seventh grade students in Melisa Dorsey’s seventh grade mathematics class recently worked on equation mobiles. The objective was to create and construct a mobile that demonstrates the steps in solving and checking a subtraction equation as well as graphing the solution on a number line.

Students started with a wire hanger and hung the pieces of mobile, which were made out of reusable materials such as empty cereal boxes and scrap paper, from the hanger. Students used several different color schemes and themes, expressing their creativity in a mathematical way.

Photos courtesy of Kellie McLarty

Project: Equation Mobile

Above: Kellie McLarty, Midddle School Counselor, prepares Katherine Haley ’15, Cailey Bills ’16, and Matthew Frantz ’16 for the start of school.

Right: Cassidy Robinson ’16, Reagan Mulqueen ’16, and Nina Cloven ’16

Middle School orientation for new students proves positive The Middle School Student Council welcomed all new students in grades 6-8 in August at a New Student Orientation before the beginning of school. (Fifth graders had their own orientation event.)

New students were assigned a buddy for the first few days of school. The buddies made sure the new students knew where to go for help and were available to answer any questions.

Lisa Koger

At the orientation, students played “getting to know you” games, participated in a scavenger hunt around the campus, received an introduction in the core values, set up their lockers, and had lunch in the Fischer Dining Pavilion.

Cooper Baird ’15 works on his algebra mobile.

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The Student Council explained the expectations of Middle School, discussed the student planner, anticipated absences, and more. Following that, they all went bowling.

All fifth grade students participated in the Howdy Late Night, a fun event designed to introduce them to Middle School. Core Crew Leaders, the peer mentors of the Middle School, discussed core values such as integrity and responsibility.

The new Middle Schoolers played “ice breaker” games with Kellie McLarty, Middle School counselor, and the Core Crew, followed by dinner in the FDP, served by the fifth grade room representatives. The students also watched the film Bouncin,’ an inspirational movie about going with the flow. The highlight of the evening was their first recess on the Middle School fields and ice cream.

This was the second year the Howdy activity was a “Late Night” activity instead of an overnight. Students and faculty agree that the new orientation format works well. fwcd.org

MIDDLE SCHOOL

On My Honor On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and I agree to act honorably in all my dealings at Fort Worth Country Day.

Madeleine stressed that the Honor Council helps students better understand the Honor Code and what it means to be honorable, whether at school or anywhere else. Katherine explained that the Honor Council doesn’t ask for perfection. “We are asking for everyone to have the courage to take responsibility for their actions, regardless of the consequences. This is what it means to have true honor.”

The Honor Council provided three scenarios to the students and asked them to judge whether they constituted violations of the Honor Code. Allison said, “We want to emphasize that in order for Country Day to remain a community of trust and honor, we must all do our best to abide by the Honor Code. Breaking the Honor Code also means destroying the sacred trust we have among one another that as a community we are able to enjoy.”

Madeleine emphasized that students should think before they do something that could endanger their integrity. If they have any doubts about whether something is a violation of the Honor Code, they shouldn’t do it.

Lisa Koger

Recently, members of the Upper School Honor Council, acting as Middle School liaisons, made a presentation to Middle School students about the Honor Code and its importance. Allison Yamagata ’10; Katherine Livingston ’11; Heather Sims ’10, president; and Madeleine Miller ’11 explained how the Honor Council works.

Middle School students sign the Honor Code poster.

All Upper Schoolers signed the Honor Code at the beginning of the year, which is a new tradition. Previously only freshmen signed the code. Heather said this new tradition is to remind everyone that we must act honorably throughout our time at FWCD. In addition, Heather said, “This year, Middle School students will sign a pledge of honor on all major assignments, such as tests, quizzes, and papers. This is meant to serve as a reminder that as a Country Day student, you are expected to act honorably in all dealings.”

Members of the Upper School Honor Council include Heather Sims ’10, president; seniors Edward Monreal and Allison Yamagata; juniors Katherine Livingston and Madeleine Miller; sophomore Marylynn Smitherman; and freshman Nathan Bowser. Brian Farda, Upper School history teacher, is the advisor.

It is Rocket Science!

Students in Larry Coffee’s eighth grade science class spent a recent afternoon attempting to launch objects into space.

Each year students work on this trial and error project that is the culmination of the study of Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Lisa Koger

Students have multiple opportunities to test various designs to meet the goal of having an egg survive once the rocket falls to the ground. The rockets have to travel at least 30 feet into the air to be counted.

Larry Coffee instructs Elizabeth Lindsey ’14, Catherine Murray ’14, and Sydney Wood ’14 in an eighth grade rocket science project. Hands-on science is the favorite method for science instruction at FWCD.

fall/WINTER 2009

Students see how the inertia of a rocket changes as forces become unbalanced, as well as the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Mr. Coffee puts the same force into the launching device for each rocket, so they see how larger masses travel at a much slower rate and lighter rockets travel much higher. Students learn that air resistance and gravity are opposing forces. They see vividly the effects of action and reaction as the rocket is launched and when the rocket lands. And on top of all that learning – it’s fun!

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Catch the Spirit ~ Pass it On! with this young man. He was bright, very responsible, sociable, and had good manners. That’s the way I want my boys to be when they grow up.”

Penny asked where he went to school and he told her he was enrolled at TCU, but he went to FWCD from fifth to twelfth grade.

When asked how he liked FWCD, Brad said, “I loved it so much that I can spend a whole day talking about it! It’s the best school in the area. After so many years, I am still very close to the friends I made at FWCD.”

Tiffini Crum

Before meeting Brad, the Sun family had visited three other schools. However, once they visited FWCD, they realized the School’s core values were the values they held as a family.

Vivian Blair, Barbara Jiongo, Kristin Carmichael, and Janis Hooton give up a day to stuff the batons.

The best advertising in the world cannot be bought at any price. The most cited reason why parents applied to FWCD is positive word of mouth from their friends, current and former parents, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The admissions office and the Parent Faculty Association (PFA) have created a plan to harness and direct that word of mouth – Catch the Spirit ~ Pass it On! The PFA’s new family chair Mary Lou Ryan, along with admissions special events chair Tisha Tennant Moore ’86, PFA president Letty Waltrip, and Barbara Jiongo, director of admissions, created this simple campaign to spread the word about FWCD to potential new families.

“FWCD is alive with spirit this year.

There is excitement about our growing and changing campus, with the newlyopened visual arts center and the upcoming campus center,” said Letty.

They thought new families, especially if

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they are new to the area, would feel more comfortable if someone encouraged them to apply.

What the admissions office hears from new families is that the personal touch we give our prospective students and parents is one of the main reasons they choose FWCD. To mobilize our parents to participate in this effort, red batons filled with admissions materials were passed out to each family attending Parents Night in all three divisions.

To illustrate the effects of positive word of mouth, two years ago Barbara met with Waylon Sun and Dr. Penny Peng, parents of Daniel ’14 and Jacob ’19. They were relocating to Fort Worth and FWCD had been recommended to them for their sons.

Penny said, “I met Brad Minor ’03 shortly after I joined Alcon Laboratories.

Brad was working as an intern in our group that summer. I was quite impressed

Two years later, Penny says, “Waylon and I have been very pleased with our decision. And although Dan and Jacob were both very reluctant to move to Texas from Connecticut, they like FWCD very much, and became die-hard Falcon fans right away. They are happy, and learning a lot every day.”

Shannon Gilbert Moten ’81 has passed along several batons to her preschool friends. “Their reactions are pretty consistent,” she said. “They seem glad to have the information and some tangible direction for the first step of the application process. It seems they most appreciate having a personal contact to rely on for help or questions as they navigate their way through something that can seem as daunting as it is important.”

As an extra enticement, the admissions office is offering a prize to participating families. On the application form, parents are asked how they heard about FWCD. After families enroll in the spring they are again asked that question. Each time a family’s name is mentioned, they are entered into a drawing for one of three $500 tuition credits for 2010-2011. fwcd.org

A New Family Tradition We often say FWCD is a family. Four seniors created a project for all senior and freshman girls that beautifully illustrates the concept.

At the end of last school year, four soon-to-be seniors spent the night at the lake house of Bill and Cari Davis. Claire Davidovich, Wesley Davis, Laura Lindsay Tatum, and Ashley Uptegraft were excited about becoming seniors and discussed their experiences as freshmen just three short years ago. From this fun-filled night of reminiscences came the genesis of a new organization at FWCD: Sigma Iota Sigma (SIS).

Maura Rattikin, who has three daughters involved with SIS (Lindsey ’10, Caroline ’13, and Hilary ’13), said, “I think for most people, freshman year can be difficult and awkward.

Freshmen are new to the whole environment, and it can be intimidating.”

Laura Lind

sey Tatum

The four seniors saw this project as their first opportunity to put into use all they had learned at FWCD and from their parents. “I think the way we care about and watch out for each other is one of the many things that makes “We talked about how scary it was our school so special,” Laura Lindsay said. to come into the Upper School and

how intimidating the seniors were our freshman year. We thought it would be Over the summer when most high school cool if our group of senior girls (Class students are relaxing by the pool, the four girls of 2010) could leave a legacy,” said put together a program modeled after college Laura Lindsay. sororities, with one exception – everyone who wanted to participate was included. They “We decided to start a big sister/little wrote a mission statement and creed, and sister organization that could bond girls picked colors, symbols, and a crest. They in the freshman and senior classes and obtained a tax number, opened a commercial help ease the transition from Middle checking account, created a Facebook page, , 0 ’1 y to Upper School,” she continued. “Our and printed T-shirts and cups. rr ewbe 3, Marilyn N ’1 y 3 ge g ’1 goal was to introduce ourselves to the

Tu ay ie w Con Lesl ’10, Kamryn h ic ov id incoming freshman girls and help them Then they really went to work. The av D up to Claire ims ’10 gear S r he at see us as approachable. We wanted them organizers wrote a letter to each freshman e H and each other. of e ar c girl and her parents and one to each senior to be comfortable with us and know that e k ta girl. Each girl received information about they could come to us with any questions and we would look out for them.” the organization, a questionnaire, a reply card, and a waiver form. Everyone was asked to pay a $25 membership fee for Adrienne Lipscomb Relyea ’81, whose daughter Maddie is a T-shirts and activities. freshman, said, I think it helps to have a ‘go to’ person when you are in a new situation … to allay the fear of the unknown.”

After the forms were returned, they matched up the seniors with the freshmen.

Continued – fall/WINTER 2009

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“With a great sense of wit and imagination, and also with heartfelt stories, they were able to intertwine hilarity with some sad life lessons,” said Anne Marie Bratton, mother of Alexandra ’13.

Anne Davidovich

Jennifer Lindsey ’10 was excited to participate from the minute she heard about SIS. “I thought it would be similar to the Link Crew program that Country Day already offers. But after doing a few things with my little sis, I realized SIS had many things to offer that Link Crew could not.

SIS allows seniors and freshmen to build one-on-one relationships.”

s, ubb Gr “The response from the freshman parents nti, Lauren eth Powers, Elizabeth Co zab Eli , rdt wa rk r, Ma rte has been gratifying,” Laura Lindsay ley Ca Ha Courtney Back row: er Sims, Allison Yamgata, ath He y, err wb Ne n and said. Andi Cowan, mother of Grace rily in, y Rattik Wesley Davis, Ma , Jennifer Lindsey, Lindse Wu gan Me w: Ro nt ’13 and Lilly ’13, said that SIS is a Fro Mary Alice Thompson. it. spir l gir ior sen for fabulous idea.

“It has come alive and e pac Ginger Epstein set the blossomed because of the kindness and generosity of these senior girls. I believe the purpose of the program was to ease the adjustment to Upper The seniors were divided into committees to help plan each event.

School.

What actually happened was much bigger. The big sisters The four organizers decided it would be better to ask every senior introduced our freshman girls to an Upper School environment to share in the leadership. “This way everybody contributes,” said full of laughter, kindness, camaraderie, and friendships that will Laura Lindsay. “Our class is so amazing about stepping up to plan last a lifetime.

It is quite a gift.” things.”

Deciding to keep it simple, they settled on four official activities – an orientation overnight at the Davis’ lake house, a holiday cookie exchange, a scavenger hunt, and a mother/daughter tea. As a culminating activity, each senior will give her little sis a T-shirt from the college she will attend to reinforce the bond they forged.

After dinner, they got down to the business of the evening. The “littles” were asked to write down anything that worried them about Upper School. Their worries were placed in a bowl and drawn randomly. For each of the concerns, a senior stood up to answer.

Anne Davidovich

The first SIS activity was the orientation overnight at the Davis’ lake house the night before freshman orientation at FWCD. As each freshman arrived, a committee member wrote the name of her big sister on her hand with a marker. Then she went into the house to find the senior girl who had her name written on her hand.

“It was so amazing,” said Laura Lindsay. “The seniors gave incredible answers to every question, from ‘how do you get all your homework done?’ to ‘what happens if you don’t get asked to Homecoming?”

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Freshman girls Kristine McLaughlin, Grace Cowan, and Margaret Snyder enjoy the activities planned for them by their senior bis sisters. These two classes have bonded as never befo re because of the senior girls’ thoughtfulness and generosity.

fwcd.org

Nancy Conway, mother of Kamryn ’13, agreed. “The seniors were inclusive and embracing to the entire freshman class. The sleepover fostered unity among the girls and helped set the stage to cultivate lasting friendships among all.”

Parents also realized that a peer mentor frequently has more credibility to a teen than her parents. One mother said she could not convince her daughter that everything would be fine once she got to Upper School. After experiencing the SIS overnight, the anxiety level was diminished.

The freshman girls truly appreciate SIS as well.

“I think the group has been a fun way to get to know the older girls,” said Maddie Relyea ’13.

Kamryn Conway ’13 said, “Getting to know the seniors was really helpful,” because it made high school less intimidating. “Knowing that the senior girls had our back, and they were there to protect us and help us through our freshman year was awesome.”

experiencing. They can help the younger girls see the other side of the conflict and the emotional issues.”

“I think the way we care about and watch out for each other is one of the many things that makes our school so special.”

Laura Lindsay Tatum

Middle School Division Head John Stephens spoke first from the perspective of a parent. Hannah Stephens ’13 is participating in SIS. “It had a calming effect on our daughter,” he said. “It is a great community and enthusiasm builder. It was comforting to know that someone would be looking out for her.

She went from being nervous about the first day of Upper School to being excited.”

Anne Dav

idovich

As an administrator, Stephens noted there could be pitfalls.

Front to Ba ck: Senior “This group of girls s Mary Ali Sydney Ba ce Th sped, Nichol [in the Class of e Dory, Eliza ompson, katie Molloy, Courtney C be arter, and 2010] handled it Haley Mark th Conti, Katie Sieg and support el, wonderfully. If w ardt offer to their lit tle sisters. encouragem other classes could ent follow this model, it would be great for future freshmen, but each class has its own personality.”

Upper School Counselor Ginger Robinson said it is a huge responsibility to be a senior mentor to a freshman, but she believes in the importance of mentoring. “A great advantage is the senior girl has experienced all the angst the freshmen girls are currently fall/WINTER 2009

Maura commented, “In this day and age, when you hear stories about incidences at high schools where senior girls are hazing freshman girls and just plain being mean, isn’t it nice that at Country Day we have girls who are leaders and who want to make the experience of entering high school a positive one for others?

Anne Marie agreed. “I remember being very shy entering high school. I had to wear a crazy outfit and a ridiculous hairdo on the first day of high school and sing ‘Proud Mary’ for the entire senior class – I was beyond terrified.

“The SIS program is one of the most positive peer group programs I have seen in high schools yet,” she continuned.

“It has the ambiance of being selective and special with its Greek name, crests, etc., yet it is not elitist at all, and is inclusive of all freshmen and seniors. At a time when hazing freshmen is prevalent, resulting in embarrassment, dejection, and a low sense of self worth, the SIS program does exactly the opposite. It gives freshmen positive role models and friends they can go to for advice in navigating the sometimes treacherous paths of high school.”

Maura added, “I think it will have a ripple effect. The current freshmen girls will look back on this experience and want to do the same when they are seniors. I like the way the culture at Country Day is changing. We have a lot for which we can be proud.”

Jennifer hopes the rising seniors will keep the program running each year. “It is a fun way for seniors and freshmen to get to know each other,” she said, “and it brings the entire Upper School together.”

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UPPER

School

Getting the “Hang of It”

By Ginger Robinson Photography by Lisa Koger Fort Worth Country Day has a lot to brag about, but one of the most impressive structures on this campus is that of the ropes course facility. At a time when many companies are traveling to places all over the country to receive assistance with teamwork building, we have a ropes course on our campus that accommodates as many as 100 students in a day.

In addition to the facility, FWCD has a fine group of facilitators. Many faculty and staff have been trained as certified ropes course facilitators. These “tators” as they are fondly called, attend a week of training in Colorado and participate in recertification training each year.

Current facilitators are: Jim Brady, director; Peggy Wakeland; Michael Parker; Aaron Hoover; Ed Craver; Theresa Fuss; Kellie McLarty; Molly Risewick-Zeno; John Cordell; and Ginger Robinson.

Students in grades 7-12 take a day away from their academic schedule to travel “up” to the ropes course. They warm up and begin their day of experiential activities, which includes games, initiatives, low elements, and high elements.

Freshmen Maddie Relyea, Jackson Hull, and Gaddis House take five and ponder their experiences on the ropes course.

After each activity, they process their experience and relate it to “real life.” It is a great time to connect with peers and an adult mentor to discuss such things as goals, academic motivation, peer pressure, healthy choices, managing conflicts, etc.

At the end of the day, we all agree that the physical exertion has been worth the effort and our young people will be better in the future for having participated in this remarkable activity.

Middle School humanities teacher Michael Parker helps Grace Cowan ’13 on the high elements.

Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace Parry Aftab seeks to empower parents. Allow her to empower you as she presents her many tips on Cyber Safety, Monday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fischer Dining Pavilion Parry Aftab is a security, privacy, and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Much of her time is donated to Internet issues involving children and adults, ranging from protecting children from sex crimes online to helping adults avoid identity theft and fraud online. Her main focus is teaching good cybercitizenship, especially to young people, which includes cyberbullying and responsible use of technology. Parry will work with Middle and Upper School students during the school day, on Nov. 30, giving them tips on how to stay safe online.

Take a look at her latest book, or visit her Web sites at www.wiredsafety.org or www.aftab.com.

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fwcd.org

UPPER SCHOOL

National Achievement Scholar

National Merit Semifinalists

Each September, the National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes approximately 16,000 academically-talented students from across the nation by naming them National Merit Semifinalists. More than 1.5 million juniors in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. We are pleased to announce that nine FWCD students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. Front row (L to R) Tim Sotman, Marilyn Newberry, Jonathan Hardin, Lindsey Rattikin. Back row (L to R) Colin Ford, Clinton Elledge, John Lee Harrison, James Ekstrom, John Montesi

Rashaun Sibley scored in the top five percent of more than 160,000 Black Americans who took the PSAT/NMSQT. Rashaun’s performance earned him an Outstanding Participant commendation through the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

National Hispanic Recognition

Commended Students

Nearly 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation have been recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although these students will not compete for National Merit scholarships, FWCD’s Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students. Front row (L to R) Erin Loth, Allison Yamagata, Megan Wu, Laura Lindsay Tatum, Nicole Dory and Jennifer Lindsey. Back row (L to R) Rachel Jackson, Gregory Lehrmann, Parker Nelson, Troy Fore, Perry Ginsburg, Edward Monreal, Sean Rhodeheaver. Not pictured: Claire Davidovich, Michael Diffley, Heather Sims fall/WINTER 2009

Of the more than 200,000 Hispanic PSAT/NMSQT test takers, Edward Monreal (left) and Juan Favela (right) were named National Hispanic Scholars.

Caroline Reyes (center) achieved Honorable Mention status through the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

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UPPER SCHOOL

Working Together—

College Counseling

By Kristin Vaughn Director of College Counseling Part tour guide on a momentous journey, part coach when deadlines require improved time management skills, and part cheerleader when support is needed, a college counselor has a loosely defined, but important job. As the college counselors at FWCD, Julia Ando, associate director of college counseling, and I work to build a strong, rapportfilled relationship with each student.

Beginning in their junior year, we initiate a weekly college counseling class. Topics of discussion include understanding college admission myths, taking standardized tests, writing the college essay, and applying for scholarships.

All FWCD students complete a college application, write an essay, and compile a

resume prior to the end of junior year, so they may enter the senior year familiar with steps necessary to apply for admission.

Beyond writing the recommendation letter on behalf of the school, a college counselor provides context for the admission officers who read college applications. While FWCD may be similar to other private, independent schools of equal size, our school is different. FWCD sets its own curricular offerings and graduation requirements. The formula used to weight Honors and AP-level courses is unique to our school, and we use a 100-point scale instead of a 4-point, 5-point, 8-point, or even a 12-point scale.

In addition to submitting the FWCD Upper School Profile with each application, taking time to speak with college representatives who visit the school allows the college counselors to

provide a greater understanding of our students within the context of this school community. Since early September, representatives from 165 different colleges and universities have made it a priority to visit FWCD by attending our annual College Day or scheduling a separate office visit.

Each summer, we continue our quest for new product knowledge by visiting college campuses. Nothing compares to the experience of being on a college campus.

College visits are the best way to gain knowledge about a particular school, and we subsequently share the information we’ve learned with our students.

The College Counseling Office offers several parent-focused events throughout the school year, including Senior and Junior Parent College Night (September), College Financial Aid Night (November), and College Jump Start 101 (February).

Our College Counseling Brown Bag lunches encourage parents to engage in informal, grade-level specific discussions about everything from standardized testing to summer enrichment opportunities.

Lisa Koger

I am often asked how parents can be helpful in supporting their son or daughter. The answer is put your trust in the process. Even though the “getting in” window can be an emotional time for students and parents, it is oftentimes more difficult for students to make the final enrollment decision when May 1 (National Candidates’ Reply Date) rolls around. While it may seem like a small role in the big picture of things, the best contribution a parent can make is to provide a listening ear.

Bryan Kelly ‘11, Aaron Brown ‘11, and Cameron Strock ‘11 visit with college admission officers during College Day. Juniors and seniors from All Saints’, Trinity Valley, and FWCD enjoy meeting the professionals who read their college applications.

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fwcd.org

UPPER SCHOOL

Tips for a successful college process

at FWCD

1) Make good grades—The item given the greatest weight in a college applicant’s file is the high school transcript. University admission officers value schedules that balance student interest with challenging academic courses.

2) Maximize FWCD’s offerings—Academics, arts, and

Kristin Vaughn

athletics. It is important to show a demonstrated level of commitment to activities over a period of time.

FWCD students are fortunate to have myriad opportunities available to them.

Students should engage in activities they love or at least not be afraid to find their respective passions.

Oakridge and TVS students join Paige Friedman ’10 (white cap), Allison Yamagata ’10 (holding orange folder), James Ekstrom ’10, and Marquel Norton ’10 on the Spring Break College Tour to Boston and Providence.

It is rarely too early to start intoducing students to college campuses. Provide unwavering support without the temptation to complete a student’s work.

Do not cross a school off the list based on sticker price alone, but be honest in the discussion of family finances. Emphasize the importance of doing their best in Upper School and taking the most rigorous courses the student can handle well.

Remember, the College Counseling Office is here to guide students through the college admission process. We are here for them – and for you.

fall/WINTER 2009

3) Seek out a mentor—In order to make a successful transition, whether it be from Middle School to Upper School or from Upper School to college, students who have found mentors are more likely to be engaged in the learning process.

When students feel that someone believes in them, their confidence grows and productivity increases!

4) READ!—One cannot say enough about the value of reading. While we believe the average FWCD student reads more than most students, reading helps strengthen critical and analytical skills and builds a strong vocabulary—a real asset when preparing for college entrance exams.

5) Use summer wisely—It is important to make good use of each summer. Students should consider volunteering, working, or participating in a summer camp or enrichment program.

6) Don’t stress!—Please know

Kristin Vaughn poses with Cy, Iowa State University’s mascot during a spring counselor fly-in program. Ten DFW-area college counselors flew to Des Moines, visited the Ames campus and returned home on the same day.

there is a fine line between being informed about the college process and adding stress to your student’s life. We see the process as a partnership between the student, parents and school. It should be one based on professionalism, collaboration, and trust.

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fwcd.org

T

he culture of creativity thrives at Fort Worth Country Day. With the help of the dedicated staff, the visual arts department spent the second week of September moving into the new Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center.

The mission of the visual arts program encourages students to consider both the creative process and final product. Self-expression in any creative field takes courage, imagination, and encouragement at all levels, and nowhere is this more visible than in the new building design, where form and function unite.

The design of the Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center integrates the renovated Walsh Cafeteria, one of three original buildings on the FWCD campus, with a new structure. The main components of this portion of the design offer a stylistic nod to local museums. fall/WINTER 2009

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VISUAL ARTS

The former cafeteria houses three studios for Lower through Upper School art classes, plus a photography/digital imaging lab. The new construction includes a lobby for the north entrance, restrooms, resource areas, and two large studios for two- and three-dimensional media.

Stone, glass, wood, and steel create a work of architecture that is both artistic and functional. The glass walls and extended outdoor studio areas maximize square footage and natural light to create a functional teaching space that is art itself. The space looks to the future. As a component of the larger campus plan, it exemplifies the design trend for upcoming building phases.

“The design of the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth both give the visitor a sense of tranquility while actively engaging the viewer as he moves through the space observing the art work,” Upper School art teacher Mason Branch remarks. “The new visual arts center provides our students the same tranquil and engaging space to work and explore the creative process. It’s wonderful! In its design it echoes many

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“I notice my students are more inspired and more focused on being creative.”

Dorrine DeChant of the values we’re trying to promote as a department – transparency, continuity, independence, and creativity.”

Middle School art teacher Marisa Williamson says, “The many windows allow students, instructors, and the wider community to observe the various and evolving processes and products of art.

The arrangement of the classrooms in the building facilitates a flow of dialogue and experience across disciplines and divisions.”

The classrooms themselves are selfcontained – and each is gradually becoming more reflective of the students and teachers who occupy them.

The design and construction teams have

created a space that is both beautiful and functional. “Such thoughtful and inspired aesthetics allow for a free flow of mental and physical movement, which in turn allows our students, and their creativity, to thrive,” Williamson said.

Lower School art teacher Dorrine DeChant feels the visual arts center is an art teacher’s dream. “Coming from a space without natural light to one abundant on both sides of the room is amazing,” she said. “I notice my students are more inspired and more focused on being creative. The Lower School students especially love the magical spinning door leading to the darkroom.”

Upper School art teacher Jerry Mahle states, “The show of support goes beyond the new design. It demonstrates the faith the community has for the visual arts, the students, the vitality of the program, and the belief in the creative spirit that informs what we do. Few places offer such rich possibilities for learning and expression. The award-winning architecture and views offer a higher creative starting point that inspires all who visit and attend class.”

fwcd.org

VISUAL ARTS

It’s clear. Visitors observe the process of imagination made visible, brought together as teaching spaces provide stimulation and faculty offer daily encouragement. In fact, the students bring the building to life.

With the support of the dedicated K-12 faculty, parents, and administration, the new visual arts center is ready to showcase student imagination and vision.

The collaboration among visual arts faculty, administration, campus staff, and architects during the design phase demonstrates that vision and function can work together with flexibility and commitment to the FWCD mission. The new home for visual arts builds on the past as it looks to the future, a component of the larger campus plan.

This large classroom with floor-to-ceiling north-facing windows offers art students the perfect ambient light in which to draw, sketch, and paint. No doubt, these classrooms contributed to the architectural award the building won from the AIA. Middle School art teacher Marisa Williamson takes advantage of the Darden Discovery Garden Studios just outside her classroom to give instruction to her seventh graders. Students love the outdoor classrooms!

The Dedication and Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Oct. 9 prior to Homecoming festivities. The visual arts department thanks all who contributed time, insight, and financial resources to our new Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center.

Truly, the culture of creativity is alive and well at FWCD.

fall/WINTER 2009

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VISUAL ARTS

Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Photography by Glen E. Ellman

NAHS president Lindsey Stiefel ’10, former Board president Tori Adams, Head of School Evan D. Peterson, Executive Director of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation Val Wilkie, and Visual Arts chair Tom Delaney cut the ribbon for the new arts center.

Delaney added, “I offer sincere appreciation to all who contributed a range of support now and in the past. From the architects, the faculty members, the administration, and the generous donor support, the realization of our new visual arts center manifested itself as a team effort.”

He paid homage to former art instructors and program coordinators Evelyn Seigel and Lelia Koeppe. A plaque recognizing their longtime contributions to visual arts at FWCD was placed near a tree planted in their honor. Four members of the strings orchestra performed for the guests.

In spite of cool temperatures and the threat of rain, the outdoor ceremony was well attended. Cheers went up as the guest speakers, including Lindsey Stiefel ’10, president of FWCD’s National Art Honor Society chapter, cut the ribbon.

Tom Delaney, chair of the visual arts program, said that ART has only three letters and one syllable, yet it takes a lifetime to understand and explore.

The new Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center offers students a lens to focus creativity as a way to explore the world of reality and imagination. Together with the faculty and community of support, students learn to make their ideas visible in paint, print, clay, and collage.

The design of the building offers inspiration, but it’s the students who bring it to life. This award-winning building, designed by GideonToal and constructed by Sedalco, gives the impression of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and ramps up campus sophistication as it blends with other buildings.

Val Wilkie, executive director of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, offered enthusiastic acclaim for the building, its function, and the entire visual arts program. He said he thought that no other secondary school in the nation had as beautiful an art center as this one.

Tori Adams, past president of the Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Learning. Leading. Legacy. Capital Campaign that was the impetus for the center, thanked the donors whose gifts made it possible. Head of School Evan D. Peterson spoke about the core values ever present in Fort Worth Country Day daily life and the talented students and faculty who make such a difference.

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The visual arts are not just alive and well at FWCD, they are thriving and dynamic!

Val Wilkie speaks at the Dedication, where he compliments the art program at FWCD.

John Robinson, executive director of the Amon G. Carter Foundation, visits with TorI Adams.

The Carter Foundation has a huge stake in the final building phase of the LLL Campaign, the Martin Campus Center, which will house the Amon G. Carter Reception Hall.

fwcd.org

VISUAL ARTS

National Art Honor Society does more than paint pretty pictures Art students support the community with service projects Based on academic achievement, students are invited to participate in the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). Students who maintain top grades and demonstrate interest in art and social awareness receive nominations for the following year. Nominees become active members after a period of active participation.

Once a member, they find innovative ways to present art to the community and support other nonprofit organizations.

Val Wilkie, Vicki and Ed Bass enjoy the ceremony. On behalf of all the Trustees of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Val expressed their appreciation and support for what he called, “The most magnificent Visual Arts Center in a secondary school in the land.” He said the Trustees are proud of what Fort Worth Country Day has accomplished.

Mason Branch is the Upper School sponsor for NAHS and Dorrine DeChant is the Middle School sponsor for the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS).

Last year, NAHS members assisted families during Family Art Day at the Amon G. Carter Museum, and worked together to participate in the Design Inspirations fundraiser. They changed the Valentine Cookie Gram event so all Upper School students received a decorated bag of candy. Lindsey Stiefel, president of NAHS, said, “We wanted everyone to have a special day so we decorated 500 bags!”

She added, “Valentine candy grams are a long-standing tradition at FWCD. Back in the old days, there were candy and cookie grams that students bought from NAHS and decorated themselves so they could be delivered to their friends. However, the fundraising component was abandoned, so our alternative was to decorate and fill a bag for every high school student and faculty member. The teachers like it better this way because it means equal bags for everyone.”

Cool breezes did not chill the warm dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony where crowds gathered in front of the Visual Arts Center.

Stiefel’s instructions are clear. She tells members to “GO ALL OUT!” when decorating the bags. The NAHS members say it’s fun getting everyone helping, and having decorating parties with pizza and music.

The students also participate in a community service fundraiser that supports Kinder Frogs. They have the only student-decorated table at the Kinder Frogs’ fundraiser called Design Inspirations.

Stiefel says, “FWCD NAHS has the honor of being asked to be the only student-decorated table at Design Inspirations every year and we have a great reputation. We make up a theme and we are not intimidated by the other tables because we are a student organization and people take that into consideration. They respect us for our hard work and the great job we always do.”

The William E. Scott Foundation Ceramics Studio has the best view on campus.

fall/WINTER 2009

NJAHS members also have an active community service component, visiting retirement communities, organizing graffiti abatement, and mural painting. Both groups support creative ways to help the community while celebrating the visual arts.

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PERFORMING

Arts

Chuck Kraus and Rex Bozarth, band and strings directors respectively, have had a busy fall teaching a record-setting number of students enrolled in the music program.

With 175 students in the band program, the FWCD campus is experiencing an array of musical talent!

Paula Parrish

The Jazz Combo, a new component of the music program, received rave reviews for their upbeat display of talent at the New Parent Dinner, the Keystone Council Kick-Off Reception, the Dedication Ceremony at the new Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center, and the Homecoming football game. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing the FWCD Band, plan to attend the Winter Band Concert on Dec. 13.

The other performing arts programs will be showcased in the next edition of the Falconer.

Paula Parrish

Glen E. Ellman

Cody Bills ’11 “drums” up business.

Seniors Sam Tall and Mikey Brooks perform jazz classics at the New Parent Dinner in the Palko Dining Hall.

Glen E. Ellman

Paula Parrish

Sam Tall ’10, Cody Bills ’11, Mikey Brooks ’10, and Antonio Mireles ’12 perform at River Crest Country Club for the Keystone Council Kick-Off reception. Chuck Kraus accompanied them on piano.

Taylor Soulis ’10, Erin Loth ’10, Haley Stratton ’12, and Katie Siegel ’10 play beautiful strings music at the dedication of the Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center.

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Antonio Mireles ’12 ramps it up at the New Parent Dinner. The FWCD Jazz Band performs at many events and venues.

fwcd.org

PERFORMING ARTS

As You Like It, in the Scott Theatre Photography by Glen E. Ellman Produced by Melodee Halbach and Directed by Bryan Lockett Cast members include Paige Friedman, Caroline Rodriguez, Peter Bowden, Jamie Davidson, Jonathan Hardin, James Ekstrom, Rashaun Sibley, Parker Nelson, Morgan Pergande, Colin Ford, Cody Jenkins, Clinton Elledge, Rachel Jackson, Marquel Norton, Caroline Reyes, Kameron Nix, Joseph Lubrano, Ben Phillips, Katherine Livingston, Greg Lehrmann, Maddie Hill, Jenna Lee, Lalitha Kasal, Meghann Kasal, Alexandra Bratton, Jenna Lee.

Rosalind (Paige Friedman ’10) and Touchstone (Colin Ford ’10) comfort Celia (Caroline Rodriguez ’11) before they enter the woods.

Celia (Caroline Rodriguez ’11) comforts the lonely, distressed Rosalind (Paige Friedman ’10).

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Production crew included Jennifer Lindsey, Edward Monreal, Grant Johnston, Krishan Magan, Tara Gordon, Ashley Escobedo, Justin Willis, Kevin Murphy, Ryan Reesing, Heath Harvison, Parker Jordan, Hunter Marrow, Martin Payne, Jacob Pope, Walker Ryan, Xavier White, Taylor Arnold, Campbell Bishop, Collin Dickerson, Phillip Diffley, Jacob Edwards, Karl Velasco-Lehmann, Patrick Williams, Kat Hyde, Elizabeth Conti, Emily Boyle.

Jaques (Clinton Elledge ’10) enjoys a song from Amiens (Cody Jenkins ’11) and the two ladies (Lalitha Kasal ’11 and Meghann Kasal ’13)

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Student Team Earns One of 15 Texas Healthy Habitats Grants Assisted by science teacher Perri Carr, an enthusiastic group of Upper School students dedicated time last summer to research, plan, and secure funding for a service-learning project for this school year. Their summer activities were rewarded with a Texas Healthy Habitats grant totaling $14,683 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Student representatives from the grant team, Aya Alame ’11, Miles Bratton ’10, Jamie Davidson ’11, Erin Loth ’10, and Jordan Scoville ’11, recently traveled to Austin with Carr and Science Department Chair Sharon Hamilton for training and recommendations from TPWD scientists on how to improve their plans. Scoville recalls, “It was really cool, because we were able to hear about other projects and work on improving our ideas, making them better and more effective.”

© Locations Photography

The project was selected by the student grant team. Under the guidance of Carr and Hamilton, the team will lead fellow FWCD students to conserve and restore five acres of school property, a hillside fragment consisting of increasingly rare native prairie and cross timbers in urban Tarrant County.

Some of the students who won the Healthy Habitat grant pose in the Lower School’s Habitat Garden. They are Aya Alame ’11, William Dunlap ’10, Erin Loth ’10, Miles Bratton ’10, and Jordan Scoville ’11

You can help!

To find out how you can support our students and their Every Day is Earth Day project, please contact one of the following project members at 817.732.7718.

Co-Leaders

Andréanne Annis Debby Jennings

Members Dan Bloch Lynnette Burleson Perri Carr Gayle Corkery Teresa Crafton Karen Curella Tara Forrest Sharon Hamilton Priscilla Harrier Ronda Hill Diana Isbell Mandy Lofquist Barbara Meyers Sara Moore Claire Robin Alison Robinson Donna Rubin Meg Rubin Debbie Schofield Amanda Whalen

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The site will soon experience habitat loss due to highway construction and related development. Students will demonstrate the benefits of building a green roof using native plants. Team member Alame reflects, “We hope students will become more aware of the proximity of the disappearing prairie and recognize the importance of saving it.”

Planning meetings are underway and the first two project work days have taken place. Students also will work collaboratively with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) to share their findings with FWCD Middle School students. Scoville explains, “BRIT will help the seventh graders set up an informational kiosk about the restoration that will occur on the hill, and will provide information on prairie restoration in general.”

The Texas Healthy Habitats grant program is made possible with a donation from Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. The program is administered through the Texas Center for Service-Learning and supports service-learning projects that address goals of the Texas Wildlife Action Plan to conserve wildlife and the places they live for future generations.

Student Grant Team

Aya Alame ’11 Peter Bowden ’12

Miles Bratton ’10 Jamie Davidson ’11

William Dunlap ’10 Matthew Fleet ’11 Erin Loth ’10 Jordan Scoville ’11

Cameron Slife ’12 Haley Stratton ’12

Kate Wall ’12 fwcd.org

Ever y Day is Earth Day Kermit the Frog used to say, “It’s not easy being green!” and he was right! FWCD is going green and it has created a whole new mindset on campus.

Lisa Koger

Lisa Koger

Fortunately, from the Board on down to Kindergarten students, conservation and sustainability are becoming everyday terms. That is because during this school year, the whole campus is focused on a reuse, reduce, and recycle campaign.

Clockwise from top left: Ben Phillips ’13 works on a seed project.

Science teacher Perri Carr shows Aya Alame ’11 how to map wild spaces using a GPS device.

Whitney Wood ’13, Lilly Cowan ’13, Sara Ashfour ’13, and Margaret Snyder ’13 get their hands dirty working on a conservation project.

Kashmira Nana ’12 brings plants to Jenna Lee ’12 and Francesca Roberts ’12 in the native plant transplant organized by Upper School science faculty.

Saving paper by printing less, recycling paper waste, turning off lights, turning off car engines in carpool lines, and eliminating excess plastic water bottles are just a few ways the Falcons demonstrate a re-energized commitment to protecting the environment.

The Reading Council developed a yearlong program to educate and involve the community in learning and outreach activities designed to inculcate environmental issues in daily life at FWCD. They want to teach children the role they play in conserving, rebuilding, and protecting their world.

The cross-divisional yearlong project culminates on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2010. Famed primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall has promised to send a personalized videotaped message for our students that day.

Lisa Koger

Every Day is Earth Day aligns with a Board initiative on Sustainability, chaired by Reed Pigman, whereby many other processes for “going green” are being investigated and implemented.

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ATHLETIC NEWS

Falcons Participate in the 2009 Reggio Emilia Olimpiade del Tricolor

By Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 Several FWCD athletes traveled to Italy Aug. 19-26 to compete in the 2009 Olimpiade del Tricolor in Fort Worth’s Sister City, Reggio Emilia. This event marks the fourth Olimpiade hosted by Reggio Emilia and attended by Fort Worth teams. FWCD athletes have participated in the past three Olimpiades.

Maribeth Reeb

The Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s partnership allows Fort Worth to be the sole U.S. participant in the Olimpiade del Tricolor, which is a youth Olympics where students are sports ambassadors for the United States. It hosts 4,000 athletes from 21 countries in 37 individual and team sporting events.

medal, Girls Volleyball won the bronze medal, Boys Volleyball (U18) won the bronze medal, and Boys Volleyball (U16) finished in sixth place.

Annabeth Reeb ’13, in back, traded hats with friends she met from Africa.

The teams competed and lived in the Olympic Village with delegates from other countries as they represented Fort Worth and the United States through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

John Ferguson ’13 played on the U15 baseball team; Courtney Reimer ’11 and Shelby Stripling ’11 played U17 girls basketball; Jonny Clum ’13, Jackson Hull ’13, Matthew Mathisen ’13, Jim Roberts ’13, and Collin Tidwell ’13 played on the U16 boys volleyball team, which was coached by Jim Brady; Troy Fore ’10, Heath Harvison ’12, Jay Kurani ’12, and Kevin Murphy ’12 played U18 boys volleyball; and Annabeth Reeb ’13 played U16 girls volleyball.

According to FWSCI, the Olimpiade creates an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to other young people and adults from around the world who are participating in the event.

The impact of the journey was so much more for our students than just being an athlete. They were able to make friends from all over the world and gain an appreciation of different cultures.

All the U.S. teams had great success athletically as well: Boys Baseball won the gold medal, Girls Basketball won the silver Photo by Kimberly Ferguson

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Maribeth Reeb

This year, Fort Worth sent 140 student athletes; 14 were from FWCD, along with Coach Jim Brady. The motto of Fort Worth Sister Cities International is “to advance peace through lasting relationships and international understanding,” and our students were able to participate in an experience of a lifetime.

Above: Team USA volleyball sports their bronze medals.

Below: Team USA baseball with other international teams.

fwcd.org

Core

Living the

Values

By Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 Core Values remain important to FWCD students even while traveling abroad.

During the competition, the boys played one of the Romanian teams in an exhibition game. While the team had some good players, they were no match for Team USA. The coaches decided the experience would be more meaningful if they mixed the teams and had them play together.

At the end of the game, the American players took the cleats off their own feet and gave them to the Romanian players, who had never played in anything other than tennis shoes.

Ferguson said, “I was surprised about the poor equipment they were using. Some of the boys were just wearing slip-on, casual shoes, and were really happy when we gave them our cleats.”

John Ferguson

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Kimberly Ferguson

Maribeth Reeb

John Ferguson ’13 was a member of the U15 baseball team. The team brought extra equipment (gloves, balls, and bats) to give to other teams, knowing that some of the teams come from less advantaged countries.

After the closing ceremony, the town that hosted the baseball tournament invited all the players and their parents for

Maribeth Reeb

The opportunity to represent the United States at the 2009 Olimpiade del Tricolor was an unforgettable experience for all.

While the competition was the focal point of the adventure, the relationships forged between the players is what will have the lasting impact.

Annabeth Reeb ’13, and Courtney Reimer ’11, after they won bronze.

a town dinner. The players exchanged T-shirts and jerseys with their new friends.

Annabeth Reeb ’13 had a similar experience on the U16 volleyball team.

While playing, her team developed a friendship with the team from Spain.

During their bronze medal match, the team from Spain came and cheered the USA team on to victory while waving the American flag. The Spanish team also chanted, “U-S-A” while the team would bump-set-spike. By the end of the trip, Annabeth had traded several T-shirts and a jersey to commemorate the experience.

Thanks to her Spanish classes at FWCD, Annabeth enjoyed the additional experience of being the team interpreter.

“Taking Spanish classes at Country Day made it easy for me to communicate with athletes who did not speak my language. I was the only one on the team who knew another language so I would translate for the rest of my teammates.

I really enjoyed making friends through speaking Spanish.”

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A Breakthrough Homecoming Alumna Inspires Program Students and Supporters During its summer session, Breakthrough Fort Worth held its 13th annual Fancy Meal Celebration luncheon at the Fort Worth Club. For the first time in the event’s history, a former student of the program delivered the keynote address.

Early in the program, a Breakthrough student teacher introduced Amelia to literature that helped her accept herself and discern the road to “superhero” achievements, and that making a difference is often determined by the smallest decisions.

She later applied to be a Breakthrough student teacher and learned through her two years of service that, “Often in life, when you seek to help others, it is actually you who gains and learns the most.” Amelia earned the program’s esteemed Teacher of the Year award for her work and dedication during the 2002 summer session.

The Breakthrough program helped prepare Amelia to pursue some incredible learning opportunities. She was accepted into a unique program that enabled her to simultaneously fulfill requirements for her final two years of Upper School and her first two years at the University of North Texas.

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Dr. Amelia Villagomez, Breakthrough Fort Worth program alumna and Yale University psychiatry resident, was keynote speaker for the 2009 Fancy Meal Luncheon in June.

She is pictured here with students who attended the event.

She then approached medical school with her motto of “apply,” and admits it was her strong scores on the SAT (for which her Breakthrough mentors and her sister, a teacher, compelled her to study for five years), plus her service as a student teacher that helped her secure a coveted spot at Texas A&M’s College of Medicine.

Amelia was a founding instructor of A&M’s Medical Spanish elective and was selected to represent the university during a summer educational program in the Dominican Republic. She credits her teaching work at Breakthrough Fort Worth and in the Dominican Republic for helping her win a prestigious position in Yale’s residency program, in addition to her recent opportunity to study in China’s psychiatric healthcare system.

Breakthrough Fort Worth

Fondly, she recalled how her lifelong philosophy, “apply, apply, apply,” began with her student application and acceptance to the Breakthrough program.

Jennifer Wilhour

Amelia K. Villagomez, M.D. gave a delightful and inspiring presentation that related how her Breakthrough experiences helped shape her path as she grew from Middle School, to Upper School, to college, to medical school, and ultimately to a residency in psychiatry at Yale University.

Speaking directly to the Breakthrough students, Amelia summarized her learning achievements. “I remember sitting where you are sitting, and I am grateful for all that Breakthrough has done to nurture that superhero voice inside of me, both as a teacher and as a student.” Those students, and the many professionals, executives, and parents in the audience, could not have heard a more positive and encouraging message. fwcd.org

Jennifer Wilhour

Breakthrough Fort Worth

For the second year, seniors Ginger Epstein and Laura Lindsay Tatum presented their “Breakthrough Boutique” for the students attending the Fancy Meal Luncheon.

Cheers and applause from their student teachers awaited the Breakthrough Middle School participants each morning.

Breakthrough Fort Worth

Breakthrough Fort Worth

Group presentations are a required component of the daily program. Students create their own skits and the activity is designed to help these young people build team, leadership, and communication skills.

A longtime advocate of Breakthrough Fort Worth, State Senator Wendy Davis spoke with students at the first annual “Breakthrough Champions Day” and served as the children’s “Mentor for the Day.”

Breakthrough Fort Worth helps high potential public middle school students from disadvantaged backgrounds open the door to college goals.

This comprehensive initiative builds confidence in these children, preparing them with the knowledge, study skills, team and social experiences, and leadership training they need to succeed in college preparatory programs.

As these students progress in the program, Breakthrough’s studentsteaching-students model also inspires high school and college students toward careers in education, training them to lead their own classrooms, create curricula, and serve as powerful role models.

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DYK?

Did you know Breakthrough Fort Worth is 17 years old and one of only three sites in Texas?

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ALUMNI

News

Distinguished Alumni Tom McGrath ’88 is owner and executive chef of Ultimate Cuisine and Events and was recently honored for his volunteer service to Tarrant Area Food Bank. Chef Tom, as he is locally known, was presented the Debby Brown Volunteer of the Year award for his contributions of time and talent to the food bank’s Operation Frontline nutrition education and cooking program for lowincome families, in addition to his other volunteer activities with the regional food bank. During the past year, Chef Tom has devoted almost 150 hours of volunteer work to the Operation Frontline program.

Chef Tom now splits his time between Ultimate Cuisine and his latest endeavor, Café Nutt, in the historic Nutt House Hotel in Granbury, Texas.

Kristi Keil ’83 is a urogynecologist and the director at Health One Clinical Services. Her awards include Colorado Board of Medical Examiners Case Reviewer, Outstanding Resident Award and several leadership awards. She also won the National Faculty Award in Resident Education.

Keil conducts research in several areas, including infertility, exposure to Detrol LA and hysterectomies.

Keil has enjoyed several academic appointments, including Chief of Urogynecology at St. Joseph Hospital.

Keil received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder, a degree from Texas Tech Health Science Center, and has worked at several hospitals and medical centers.

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Stephen Alton ’74 is the Associate Dean for Evening Programs at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. He was also a Fulbright scholar and lecturer at Wuhan University Law School in Wuhan China prior to TWU. Alton has two degrees from Harvard and law degrees from the University of Texas and Columbia Law School. He has written several law review articles, including one coming out in the summer of 2010.

Alton serves on several community and professional committees, including Texas Art Collector’s Organization, Paper Guild at the Amon Carter Museum, Collectors of Fort Worth Art and is an Alumnus Interviewer for Harvard College. He has won several Teacher of the Year awards from TWU.

Service to Humanity Colonel Parker B. Schenecker ’80 graduated cum laude with a BA in French and as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Washington & Lee University, where he received the Military Order of World Wars Award for achievement in ROTC. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in Army Intelligence.

He went directly into the Army’s officer training program at Fort Huachuca, AZ, and to various posts worldwide, most notably company commander in Munich, Germany; brigade deputy commander in Hawaii, and battalion command in Ansbach, Germany. He is currently stationed at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, FL, where he serves as the deputy to the National Security Agency. He has had multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

His awards and decorations are too numerous to mention. He is married to the former Julie Powers of Muscatine, Iowa, and they have two children: a daughter, Calyx, and a son, Beau.

Falcon Star Philip Eisner ’83 is a screenwriter living in Los Angeles with multiple film credits.

Eisner co-wrote the screenplay for The Mutant Chronicles, released in 2007 that stars Thomas Jane and John Malkovich.

Eisner also worked as a contract screenwriter for Scott Rudin Productions, Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Productions, Gale Anne Hurd, Edward R. Pressman, TriStar, Universal Pictures, and The Jim Henson Company.

Philip is heavily involved in mentoring young screenwriters. He mentors via the Writers Guild of America and CineStory, a U.S.-based nonprofit whose mentors are Hollywood professionals dedicated to the craft of screenwriting. In addition, he teaches screenwriting at the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. fwcd.org

ALUMNI NEWS

Honorary Alumna Tori Adams is immediate past president of the Board of Trustees, and has served in a variety of roles for the School.

She began her tenure on the Board in 2001, and has been a key force as vice president, secretary, and a member of various committees. She was vice chair of the highly successful Learning.

Leading. Legacy. The Campaign for FWCDS, and has served in numerous capacities through the PFA. Tori is active in the community through many other nonprofits. She has a professional background as a clinical nurse specialist in critical care. Her husband, Jim ’75, is a FWCD alumnus and president of Colonial Savings. They are parents of two daughters, both of whom are alumna of FWCD.

Jean Webb H ’01 Service to Alma Mater Award David Ekstrom ’75 is a current parent, Trustee, and active alumnus. He has served FWCD with kindness and dedication, provided the school with leadership, and has never asked for anything in return. He is currently in charge of the Senior Dads’ Cookout at home football games and just retired from several years on the FWCD Alumni Council, where he served as President from 2007-2008. When the school needs anything, David is always there to deliver with a smile.

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Alumni Council 2009-2010

President President-Elect Nominations Chair/Past President Past President’s Chair Secretary Advancement Chair Advancement Chair-Elect FORE! Chair Alumni Awards Co-Chair Alumni Awards Co-Chair Special Events Co-Chair Special Events Co-Chair Special Events Co-Chair Young Alumni Chair

Bobby McGehee ’88 Liz Stapp Fleischer ’84 Michael Dike ’88 Huck Newberry ’77 Asad Dean M.D. ’90 Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87 Leigh Taylor ’95 Robert Chu M.D. ’93 Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 Mary Rabalais Collins ’83 Lori Roach Davis ’91 Kendall Karr Kostohryz ’02 Jordan Beasley Davidson ’96 Hunter Semple ’01

Member-at-Large: Tasa Lefler Anderson ’88, Laura Baldwin ’90, Ruthie Newberry Porterfield ’74, Lesley Anderson Atkinson ’82, Ed Nelson ’89, Charles Arnold ’84, Stephen Maberry ’84, John Thompson ’93, Josh Korman ’92, Kristen Penny Ethridge ’91, Saori Yamagata Matthews ’91

follow us on

The FWCD alumni Facebook page was created to connect alumni, share photos from FWCD alumni events, and spread the word about upcoming FWCD activities.

The page is monitored and controlled by the FWCD alumni office so that all news is accurate and up-todate. Contact Alumni Coordinator Courtney Bryan at cbryan@fwcds.org to submit class notes or request login permission for the FWCD Web site.

There are currently more than 600 members; you can access the link on the FWCD Web site www.fwcds.org.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Wall of Fame

Photography by countrydayphotos.com

Tony Langford ’04 played baseball at the University of Notre Dame from 2004 to 2008.

Tony was a right-handed pitcher and left fielder, and helped lead his team to two Big East Championships. He was a Big East Academic All-Star in 2006.

The FWCD Wall of Fame, established in 1996, honors FWCD graduates who have earned varsity letters in intercollegiate athletics.

The recognition was made possible by the generosity of Andrea and Fred Carrington, Mary Margaret and John Clay, Paulette and John Crumley, Sarah and John Jeffers, Judy and Jerry Sawyer, Donna and Jim Thomason, and Lauren and Mary Yamagata. Wall of Fame inductees are recognized during halftime of the Homecoming football game each year.

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Keri DeVos ’04 played field hockey at the University of Michigan from 2004 to 2006 as a forward and mid-fielder. During her time at the University of Michigan, Keri’s team was a Big Ten All-Academic Team. She was a Big Ten Conference Scholar-Athlete and a University of Michigan Scholar Athlete. In 2004 and 2005 her team was the Big Ten Champion and the Big Ten Tournament Champion.

fwcd.org

ALUMNI NEWS

Bobby Bell ’04 played baseball at Rice University from 2004 to 2008. In 2005, Bobby was Freshman All-American relief pitcher and his team was part of the Western Athletic Conference AllAcademic and All-Silver Glove Series. In 2006, his team was a Conference USA All-Tournament Team and he was on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. Bobby was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th Round of Amateur Draft, and was a New YorkPenn League Mid-Season All Star and the MVP of Auburn Doubledays. Bobby’s parents, Dr. J.D. and Barbara Bell picked up his award.

Wish List From time to time we have prioritized requests from faculty and administration on how we can help improve their programs. If interested, you can help directly by purchasing: Turf for the field (name of your choice) $1 million Endow 8th grade trip to Big Bend (name of your choice) $500,000 LCD projectors for art classrooms $150,000 Professional Development $96,000 Technical Theatre $30,000 Ballet $6,000 Athletics Trophy cases $5,000 Track Replacement Hurdles $5,000 Choir Student Chairs $3,120 Breakthrough Laptops $2,000

Lauren Hunt ’05 cheered at Rice University for two years. She was captain of her squad in 2007 and 2008 and received the Tom Crumpton Memorial Award in 2007. Lauren’s parents, Mr. David and Teresa Hunt accepted her award.

Sharon McAlpine Davis ’04 played golf at Oral Roberts University from 2004 to 2008. She was a National Golf Coach’s Association (NCGA) All American Scholar from 2004 to 2008.

Not Pictured: Austin Reilly ’04 played baseball at the University of Richmond from 2005 to 2008 and received the C. Porter Vaughan, Jr. Scholarship. Austin was a four-year starter for the team at shortstop, second, and third base and was captain in 2008. In 2004, Austin was drafted by the Montreal Expos, now the Washington Nationals, and turned down the professional baseball contract to attend college. He was the first FWCD student athlete ever drafted by a Major League Baseball Amateur Player Draft Club directly out of high school.

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Middle School software and license $1,000 Lower School software and license $1,000 Library Online Subscription Services $1,000 Underwrite a page in this magazine! $250 Contact Paula Parrish in the Advancement Office if you would like to help with one of these projects.

817.302.3223.

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CLASS

Notes

To submit information for Class Notes and Alumni News, contact: Courtney Bryan, Alumni Relations Coordinator cbryan@fwcds.org 817.302.3292

2000s

Drew Snyder ’04 opened The Andrews Gallery in Encinitas, CA, where he not only seeks to expose a diverse selection of talented artists, but holds his own studio as well. Drew has showcased several fellow FWCD graduates in his gallery, including Ben Groff ’03, Steven Hook ’03 and John Hook ’99. You can read more about his work at www.theandrewsgallery.com.

Merrick Rutledge Bean ’02 has her own jewelry company, Merrick Jewels. Merrick’s pieces have been in several magazines including Fort Worth, Texas; 360 West; and Indulge (one of her pieces is on the cover of the September issue). You also can find her jewelry in Fort Worth stores at Head over Heels and Dean Kingston. Merrick began making jewelry her sophomore year at FWCD and found that her education helped foster a sense of entrepreneurship and creativity. Merrick’s Web site is www.merrickjewels.com.

Kate Scully ’04 and Brice Jordan Wells were united in marriage June 20 at Robert Carr Chapel on the TCU campus, with a reception at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Falcons in the wedding included Amanda Scully ’07, Emily Hall ’04, Taylor Luskey ’04, and Morgan Mallick ’04. Following a honeymoon to Steamboat Springs, CO, the couple resides in Dallas.

Meredith Lynn Grant ’03 and James Sterling Qualls were married Aug. 15 at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth with a reception following at Colonial Country Club. Falcons in the wedding included Ashley Anderson ’03, Maddie Jiongo ’14, Waldron Collins ’20, Shoshi Osiatynski ’04, and John Jiongo ’12.

The couple will honeymoon later this winter in Saint Lucia and will reside in Houston.

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Celia Elizabeth Moncrief ’02 married Reagan Reed Browning March 7 at the Moncrief Ranch in Aledo, Texas. Falcons in the wedding included Adelaide Moncrief ’02, Gloria Moncrief ’00, Georgina Baker Austin ’02, Courtney Tennison ’04, Matthew Hyder ’97, James Hill ’97, Wade Chappell ’97, and Richard Wesley Moncrief ’91. After a honeymoon in Cost Rica, Reagan and Celia reside in Houston, Texas.

Hunter Semple ’01 and Denise Daly were married May 10, 2008, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in New Orleans, LA. A reception followed at the Foundry. Falcons in the wedding included Rob Semple ’95, Chris Semple ’97, W.A. Landreth III ’01, Will Rodgers ’01, Stephen Tatum ’01, David Mitchell ’01, Todd Crawford ’01, and Devon Norice ’01. fwcd.org

ALUMNI NEWS designer looks on a budget, while throwing in a few humorous comments on the side. Last winter, she returned to the DFW area to host a segment on CBS 11 that showcased holiday looks for under $100. Vazquez has been working in fashion since graduating from George Washington University in 2002, and you can read more about her at www.lillianavazquez.com.

Kendall Karr ’02 married John Kostohryz June 13 at the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, N.M. A reception followed at La Posada de Santa Fe. Falcons in the wedding included Melissa Mahaffey ’01, Anna Berthold ’02, Elizabeth Dale ’02, Melissa Flory ’02, Amy Anthony ’02, Brandon Karr ’99, and Whitney Womack ’02.

Following a honeymoon in Turks and Caicos, the couple resides in Fort Worth.

1990s Adam Beebe ’99 married Brooke Ann Ballases Dec. 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach, FL. Falcons in the wedding included Brailey Connor ’22. Following a honeymoon in Bora Bora, the couple resides in Houston.

Brandon Karr ’99 married Bridget Powers Jan. 3 in Bradenton, FL. The couple lives in Fort Worth, where Brandon works for Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.

Chris Keyland ’98 was the sound recordist for the film Trouble the Water, nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2009 Academy Awards Ceremony. The film follows New Orleans residents in the few weeks after Hurricane Katrina. Since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Chris has been independently working on production and post- production audio for films and broadcast. In 2008, one of his projects won Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

Bryan Jennings ’98 has been acting in commercials, plays, and stand up comedy since he graduated from college. While acting has played a major role in his life, he has spent most of his time over the last few years developing his band, The Defibulators (with Michael Ginsberg ’95). The band released their first album, Corn Money, in March before kicking off their U.S. tour. You also can see Bryan in one of the latest Captain Morgan Rum commercials.

Lara Decker Sanders ’96, along with husband, Rick, and daughter, Sonia, welcomed Decker Morris Sanders May 27, 2008. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.

See photo above.

Kim Osborn ’96 and Edgardo José Nieves were married July 25 at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine, FL. A reception and seated dinner followed at the Casa Monica Hotel. Falcons in the wedding included Melissa Osborn ’96. Following a honeymoon in Costa Rica, the couple resides in Dallas.

Ryan Harrington ’94 and his wife, Nissa, had triplets April 17.

They have two boys, Andrew and James, and a girl, Avery.

John Thompson ’93 was recognized as one of the Fort Worth Business Press “40 Under 40.”

Lauren Pointer and Andrew Blake ’93 were married July 18 on the Miro Lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Bacara in Santa Barbara, CA. Following the ceremony, guests were entertained with cocktails followed by a seated dinner and dancing at Bacara.

The couple honeymooned in the Orient and New Zealand and resides in Fort Worth.

Jennifer Thompson ’95 and Lawrence Brown of Austin were united in marriage Aug. 8 at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in Austin with a reception following at The Golf Club Star Ranch.

Lilliana Vazquez ’98 is generating lots of attention from the fashion world with her blog, www.cheapchicas.com. The blog explains how any woman – regardless of style or figure – can get fall/WINTER 2009

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ALUMNI NEWS

SPOTLIGHT ON… Asad Dean, M.D. ’90

Asad Dean, M.D. ’90 was selected as one of the 2009 Healthcare Heroes by the Fort Worth Business Press. HealthCare Heroes is a prestigious and unique annual event that recognizes excellence in the medical community, and is based on nominations from those in the medical profession and the more than 50,000 readers of the Fort Worth Business Press.

After completing post graduate education in hematology/ oncology, Asad joined the faculty in the division of Hematology/Oncology at UT Southwestern, where he ser ved for three years. His responsibilities included teaching and patient care as well as clinical research.

Currently Asad is in private practice with Texas Oncology and says, “I love being a part of the Fort Worth medical community and helping care for the people here.”

The biggest motivating factor for Asad to become a doctor was his grandfather, who was a physician and professor.

He educated many doctors and treated the illnesses of his community. Through his exemplar y humanitarianism, Asad learned that generosity and compassion are essential elements of being a doctor.

Once Asad knew he wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, oncology was a natural draw. He was inspired by cancer patients who face adversity and uncertainty with formidable grace, courage, and bravery. “Oncology represents a beautiful blend of the art and science of medicine that thoroughly captivates me,” Asad said.

Asad has remained involved with FWCD since he graduated in 1990. He was a member of the Keystone Council in its formative years, raised funds for his 10-year reunion in 2000 and currently ser ves as the secretar y for the FWCD Alumni Council.

Asad said FWCD played an important role in preparing him for his career. “Fort Worth Countr y Day raises the bar for academic excellence. There is no easy way to excel.

Discipline, drive, and determination are instilled in the students because in order to succeed in an academically rigorous environment, one has to have these traits.”

Asad is also ver y involved in the Fort Worth community.

He ser ves on the board of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the advisor y board of the Fort Worth Opera, and he is a member of the Director’s Council of the Modern Art Museum. He also has been involved with the American Cancer Society by speaking in front of the Mayor with regards to a no smoking ordinance for Fort Worth, and ser ving on the Cowtown Ball planning committee, raising money for research, advocacy, and patient care.

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Janice and Clark Davis ’92 joyfully announce the arrival of their third daughter, Cornelia Clifford Davis, on April 11. Baby Cliff joins big sisters Jacobe and Cope in Austin.

Justin Hoover ’92 and wife, Lyndsay, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Georgia Grace Hoover, at 9:32 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. She weighed 8 pounds and was 19.75 inches long.

1980s Chef Jon Bonnell ’89 has completed his first cookbook: Jon Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine. The cookbook includes recipes for fine dining that are not too difficult for the home cook. He sticks by his philosophy of using ingredients from local farms and ranches. Jon Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine is available at Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine (4529 Bryant Irvin Rd.) or at www.bonellstexas.com and www.amazon.com.

Valeska Dominguez ’89 is a jewelry designer who has just been signed by The Home Shopping Network (HSN) and launched her first collections on HSN TV Oct. 20 under the brand VALESKA. Dominguez’s jewelry has graced the pages of Vogue, Glamour, and Elle, and she has worked extensively with Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Salma Hayek for red carpet events.

Meredith McCoy Hake ’89 and husband, Michael, are happy to announce the birth of their second child, Paul Michael Hake, born Aug. 21, 2008. His big sister, Kathleen, age 2, is thrilled with her baby brother!

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ALUMNI NEWS Geraldine Acuna-Sunshine ’88, Gabe, Teddy, and Gus Sunshine welcomed Sophie Elizabeth on May 13. Geraldine lives in Boston and encourages friends and classmates to contact her when in town.

Jiraporn Rattanaphan of Hat Yai, Thailand, and John McGown ’82 married March 6 in a traditional Thai ceremony. A reception honoring the marriage was held March 8 at the Sukura Grand Hotel in Hat Yai. The couple honeymooned on the Andaman Sea island of Koh Lipe in Thailand’s Satun Province. They currently reside in Thailand, where John is a Delegate with the American Red Cross.

Nancy Sumner Froman ‘82 is now Associate Pastor at St. John the Apostle United Methodist Church in Arlington.

1970s Jack Armstrong ’79 is married with two children in West Chester, PA. For the last 20 years, he has printed election ballots and enjoys the freedom of working at home.

Jill Miller Perrin ’77 lives in Chatham, NJ, with her French husband (Francois) and two middle school kids (Ally and JeanChristophe). She works for a start-up called Business Talent Group, which introduces consultants and interim executives to clients with project work needs. (It is a big and welcome change from the work she did prior with Fortune 50 companies - Kraft, American Express, GE). She gets to New York City often, mostly to see Broadway shows, and sees several classmates during girls’ weekends. Life is great.

Lisa Team ’77 is living in Savannah, GA, with her husband, Brian, and two children and welcomes visits from former FWCD classmates! Lisa works at the Savannah Country Day School where her daughers, Amelia and Laura attend.

Shannon Sweeney Wright ’74 is a seven-time National Professional Racquetball Champion and landed in the Racquetball Hall of Fame in 2004. She has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and an M.D. from the University of Minnesota, where she teaches today.

Margaret Thompson Ladd ’74 is serving the last few months of a three-year term on the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church

fall/WINTER 2009

Lisa Koger

Rush Olson ’86’s band, Loda Dimes, is putting out their first album this fall. Titled Ten Cent Instant Rebate, it has a tentative release date of Dec. 1 and should be available at outlets, including iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Fort Worth’s Record Town, and at www.LodaDimes.com.

Rush says, “I give the FWCD music department full credit for any musical acumen I may have, because that is where I learned most of what I know. In fact, on the CD cover I thank former FWCD music teacher, Alan Potts.”

Evan D. Peterson accepts a beautiful viola from alumna Dr. Marie Olson ‘84. An emergency room physician, Marie finds little time to play the viola anymore and wanted her favorite school to have it. Marie brought the musical instrument to FWCD in person from her home in Tucson, AZ, when she came to the Homecoming Reunion Weekend.

Mr. Peterson gave the instrument to Rex Bozarth, the strings teacher at FWCD.

in Lynchburg, VA, and remains involved in the church’s outreach ministries. Margaret visited with Lydia Cutter ’74 in McLean, VA, last year. She extends an invitation to any FWCD alums traveling through Virginia to come visit!

Kerry Webb Lorey, Shannon Sweeney Wright, Douglas Arnoult, Webster Dean, Stephen Alton, Liz Lambert Bowden, Lisanne Purvis Davidson, Brian Bowden, Robin Whitson, and Quentin McGown, all class of 1974, got caught up with each other during an impromptu 35th reunion at Melissa Garrett Thompson’s house on Oct. 10.

Ulf Rosenqvist ’73 finished high school in Sweden, graduated from medical school in 1981, and became a specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology. Since then Ulf has worked in Motala as a senior physician and has been the chief physician since 1994.

Stay In Touch!

Please share your news with FWCD Alumni Association.

To submit information for class notes and alumni news, contact: Courtney Bryan, Alumni Relations Coordinator email: cbryan@fwcds.org 817.302.2292

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ALUMNI NEWS

Novelist Hyatt Bass ’87 on a Book Tour in Fort Worth

By Debby Jennings Debut novelist Hyatt Bass ’87 was in town last summer on the second stop of a nationwide book tour to promote her new novel, The Embers, which was published

by Henry Holt. Hyatt read three excerpts from her novel and answered questions for a large group of her family (her father was sitting in the front row), former FWCD teachers, fellow alumi, and fans at Barnes & Noble. Hyatt and her husband, screenwriter Josh Klausner, and their two sons, Jasper and Hayden, seemed to enjoy the promotion tour that will take them to San Francisco, Aspen, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York.

The author of several screenplays, Hyatt has been writing The Embers for the last seven years. She started the story as a screenplay but didn’t think it worked very well and decided to try her hand at a novel.

Her husband, Josh, was her early critic and editor, and the only one she would let read her work until she finished the first draft.

Hyatt discussed the appeal of writing a novel, where she controls the final product and doesn’t have to turn her work over to a production company or worry about getting the backing to produce a film.

She plans to continue writing novels and already has an idea for her second book.

The Embers was inspired by Hyatt’s desire to write about a young adolescent girl on the cusp of adulthood and her favorite quote by Vincent Van Gogh “One may have a blazing hearth in one’s soul, and yet nobody ever comes to sit by it.”

When she is not writing and raising her two boys, Hyatt serves on the Board of the New York Woman’s Foundation, an agency devoted to helping women find economic security. She is donating a portion of the proceeds from The Embers to this foundation.

During her program in Fort Worth, Hyatt was asked why she writes. She credited her education at FWCD and her early teachers with nurturing her passion for

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Current and former faculty visit Hyatt’s book signing.

(Seated) Barb Kent Standing (L-R) Tad Sanders, Lelia Koeppe, Ann Arnold, Mona Lynn McDaniel, Gayle Corkery, Andy Cordell, Priscilla Harrier, Hyatt Bass ’87, June Van Buskirk H ’09, Debby Jennings, Lu Kelly, and Sharon Foster H ’05. Also in attendance: Jeff Fraley ’87, Blair Hyde Hamburg ’87, Jennifer Berry Anderson ’87, Elizabeth Bowie ’92, and Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81

the arts, ballet, and literature. As a parent, she hopes that both her sons also will be nurtured by teachers who help them find their own interests.

To read more about Hyatt’s novel and follow the progress of her book tour, check out her Web site: www.hyattbass.com.

Book Review

The Embers by Hyatt Bass ’87 Reviewed by Priscilla Harrier From the first paragraph of The Embers to the final chapter of the book, the reader is drawn into the drama, secrets, and tragedy that plagued and formed the Ascher family. Skillful character development and use of flashback combine to engage the reader’s interest and empathy for each member of this anguished family.

Protagonist Emily, a public defender involved in a major case, is planning her wedding, which requires her to reconnect with her father, Joe, a famous actor and playwright. The two have been estranged since the tragic death of her brother, Thomas, and Joe has born the brunt of guilt for Thomas’s death. Her mother Laura, Joe, and Emily have dealt with the trauma of that event in their own way, pulling apart rather than finding solace in each other.

Beautiful prose, examination of relationships over the years, the impact and toll the tragedy has taken, and outstanding plot development offer new insights into the way one family meets life’s challenges.

For an excellent “read” and Falcon Pride in an alumna embarking on a new career path, put Hyatt’s The Embers on your reading list!

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1

2

3

6

5

Alumni Sightings

7 1. Jean Webb H’01, Blair Taylor Walker ’99 2. Rebecca Hove ’94 and Adrienne Lipscomb Relyea ’81 3. Victoria Webb Walker ’84 and Liz Stapp Fleischer ’84

fall/WINTER 2009

FWCD Alumni gather at various activities throughout the year, including class reunions and FWCD school events.

5. Class of 1989 reunion – Jay Decker, Julie Schuerr Dickinson, Geoff Bowie, Geoff Dickinson, Varshall Dave, Mark Glickfeld 6. Kaitlan Moczulski, Keri DeVos, Kate

8 7. Asad Dean, M.D. ’90 and David Ekstrom ’75 at the Sophomore Summit.

8. John Thompson ’93 and Jon Bonnell ’89 at the Sophomore Summit.

Strickland, Samantha Siegel, Kate Thompson, Frances Benoist from the Class of 2004 visited during the FWCD Reunion lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s La Puertita.

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Louella and Nicholas Martin Campus Center

Here We Grow Again!

Campus Construction, and How it Affects You Construction began on the Louella and Nicholas Martin Campus Center in October. The final leg of Learning. Leading.

Legacy. A Campaign for FWCDS, the Martin Campus Center is scheduled to open in fall 2010.

For the duration of this project, several areas on campus will be inaccessible and traffic will be rerouted. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the construction, please contact Steve Stackhouse, assistant head of school, at sstackhouse@fwcds.org.

Fountain Area: A construction fence will run along the old “Club Viginti wall” and block the old Sanford Art Center doors. There will be no access to the Uncommons. Shortcuts through the old Falcon Feeder corridor will be closed.

There will be a handicap-accessible path from Upper School Science Center/ Middle School across the fountain area to the Lower School and Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center.

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Construction Laydown Between Middle School and Gyms: The blacktop area will be an offlimits “construction area.” Fire lanes for the gyms and Middle School will be retained.

There will be no parking or drive-up access to the stage cargo doors or Lost and Found.

The recycling bin has been relocated near the west gym steps. The boys’ and girls’ restrooms and custodian closet in front of the Round Gym will be demolished early to provide equipment access.

Theatre Use: The main doors to the FWCD Scott Theatre will be closed and the control room will be renovated. The theatre’s occupancy limit during construction is 100. There will be no public events in the theatre for the duration of the project.

There will be three theatre entries/exits for rehearsals and classes. The north side door to the loading area will be for emergency use only.

Some work will occur inside the theatre. A new sprinkler system will be installed, one HVAC unit will be replaced and electrical capacity will be upgraded. One of the AC units will go early in the process. The space is typically cooled by two units; the one that will stay operational cools the stage area, which is the area that will be in use.

Pit and Music Rooms: The pit area, music rooms, and small ballet studio will stay open. The breezeway from the Middle School to these rooms will dead-end at the strings room, and the steps and terrace will be blocked. The work on the music walkway is planned for next summer.

Gym Access: The glass doors to the Round Gym will be closed. Side entries will provide the only access to the gyms. A handicap ramp will be added to the side door near the Lower School music room for handicap access to the gyms.

fwcd.org

Fort Worth Country Day

2009-2010 Board of

2009-2010 Board of Trustees

Executive Committee Randy Gideon President Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88 Vice President Laura Bird Secretary Beth Rivers Treasurer/Finance Chair Mike Waltrip Advancement Chair Russell Laughlin Building & Grounds Chair Alicia Rattikin Lindsey ’78 Trustee & Leadership Chair Marshall Boyd ’85 John Fant Tori Adams Immediate Past President Evan D. Peterson Head of School Marshall Boyd ’85 Doug Bratton David Ekstrom ’75 John M. Geesbreght, M.D. Judie B. Greenman Ann Barksdale House ’82 Jim Hubbard Steve Palko Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 Reed Pigman Tom Purvis ’77 Shannon Young Ray ’80 John Smitherman

Defining Statements Purpose: The purpose of Fort Worth Country Day School is to inspire the passion to learn, the courage to lead, and the commitment to serve.

Mission Statement: The mission of Fort Worth Country Day School is to foster the intellectual, physical, emotional, and ethical development of capable students through an academically rigorous college preparatory program that integrates the arts and athletics.

Philosophy: Fort Worth Country Day School offers an advanced curriculum, comprehensive in its emphasis of the humanities, sciences, arts, and athletics. The School values diversity in its community and encourages openness of thought and freedom of inquiry. Through this program, the School seeks to develop enthusiastic, thinking, wellrounded, and responsible citizens equipped for success in college and life.

The School sees education as both a personal journey and a systematic process requiring guidance and built upon knowledge, experience, and hard work. Collectively, these components promote understanding, imagination, and reason.

The purpose, mission, and core values of Fort Worth Country Day unify the school community and guide everyday decisions and institutional policies. The School has high expectations for student achievement, parent support, and teacher performance. Success requires the community to work together with trust and confidence.

Core Values: The core values of Fort Worth Country Day School set forth a standard of conduct that is the foundation of productive life. These values provide an ethical compass and give purpose to education.

Integrity

Kindness

Respect

Responsibility

Courage Scholarship

Ex Officio Members

Lisa Koger

Letty Waltrip Bobby McGehee ’88 Janet Bishop Liz Stapp Fleischer ’84 James Ekstrom ’10 Student Representative Jackie Rains Faculty Representative

Honorary Members

Mr. Perry R. Bass (deceased) Mr. Robert W. Decker (deceased) Mr. Sid R. Bass

fall/WINTER 2009

Many Board of Trustees members are also alumni. Pictured above from left to right: David Ekstrom ’75, Ann Barksdale House ’82, Shannon Young Ray ’80, Marshall Boyd ’85, Liz Stapp Fleischer ’84, Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88, Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81, Alicia Rattikin Lindsey ’78, and Tom Purvis ’77.

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Leave a Legacy

Join the Peter A. Schwartz Legacy Society and help shape the lives of tomorrow’s leaders Your passion and appreciation for what this School stands for are reason enough to join this august group. The members of the Peter A. Schwartz Legacy Society are ardent Falcon supporters who have let it be known they are making arrangements for a bequest or deferred gift to FWCD. All you have to do to join is contact the Director of Advancement or the Head of School and announce your intention to do the same.

There will be a very special dinner for members of this Society in the spring.

They, their children, or grandchildren have become the people they were meant to be thanks to the premier education they received at FWCD. Their planned gifts address the most fundamental long-term needs of the School and ensure the School’s equilibrium in the future.

It is also a way to make a significant gift without affecting your current income and provide a charitable tax deduction for your estate. We would be happy to help you learn the many benefits of a planned gift to you and your heirs, or you can contact your estate planner or attorney.

Your gift can be directed to an area of personal interest or left unrestricted.

Including Fort Worth Country Day as a beneficiary in your estate plans allows you to make a real difference for future generations of Falcons, ensuring that tomorrow’s graduates are nurtured in the same way you or your children were nurtured. This is the best education available in the city of Fort Worth. You’ve seen it in action. Make it happen for tomorrow’s children today.

The Peter A. Schwar tz Legacy Society Shaping the Lives of Tomorrow’s Leaders Anonymous (2) Dr. and Mrs. Keith Argenbright Dr. Dorothy S. (Dot) Branch Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey C. Butler H’98 Mr. and Mrs. Bronson Davis Tori Adams and Jim DuBose ’75 Beth (Runyon ’78) and Randy Gideon Bobette (Withers ’69) and John Grant Mr. and Mrs. George W. Pepper Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Ryan Jerry and James Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Waltrip Ms. Mary Wysong

To learn more about how you can invest in the future of FWCD, please contact Paula Parrish CFRE, Director of Advancement, at 817.302.3223 or pparrish@fwcds.org.

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fwcd.org

How does the French Riviera sound for Spring Break this year?

The FWCD Alumni/Family trip to the south of France, March 13-21, for Spring Break 2010 is gearing up because travel changes lives and inspires the soul. The kids won’t miss any school and all alumni, parents, grandparents, students, and faculty/staff in the FWCD Falcon Family are welcome to join the group! Lower School children may certainly travel with parents.

What does it cost?

Registration fee (nonrefundable) $ 95 Program fee $2479 Departure fee $ 420 Weekend Surcharge $ 80

Total $3,074 Minus the $300 Texas Early Traveler Incentive – $ 300

Total $2,774

What does that cover?

Round trip airfare from DFW All hotel accommodations in 3 and 4-star hotels All transportation and transfers All breakfasts and dinners A 24-hour French-speaking Tour Manager 8 days in France!

Where are we going?

Fly to Paris. Spend a couple days. See Versailles and the Louvre of course! Then, take the TGV (fastest train in Europe) to Provence. Spend two days there soaking up French Riviera sunshine and touring medieval ramparts.

Then off to France’s chic playground known as the Cote d’Azur. Stunning views! Castle ruins! French Perfume!

Monaco! You don’t want to miss this!!

How do I sign up?

Obtain a Registration Booklet from Paula or Courtney Bryan. Fill one in for each traveler. Turn it in to Paula with a check for $150 for each. ($95 registration fee and $55 of the program fee).

The trip is being coordinated by FWCD Advancement Director and seasoned globe trekker Paula Parrish and Alumni Coordinator Courtney Bryan.

Call Paula for more information and a registration form at 817.302.3223.

Space is limited! Sign up today!

4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109-4299

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BUY ALL YOUR HOLIDAY ITEMS!

ALUMNI SAVE THESE DATES! Alumni Soccer Games Dec. 19 Alumnae vs. Girls Varsity - 10 a.m.

Alumni vs. Boys Varsity - 11:30 a.m.

Alumnae vs. Girls Varsity Basketball Young Alumni Holiday Party

Alumni Awards Dinner

Founders Day

Sophomore Career Day Summit

Welcome Seniors to Alumni Association

Spring Alumni Speaker Series

FORE! Alumni Golf Tournament

Graduation

Dec. 21, 5 p.m.

TBA Feb. 4, 2010 March 6, 2010 8 a.m.

March 25, 2010 7 a.m.

March 29, 2010 TBA April 19, 2010 May 15, 2010 2 p.m.

Check the FWCD Facebook site or the official school website at www.fwcd.org for details and more information!

Contact Courtney Bryan, alumni and special events coordinator at cbryan@fwcds.org or 817.302.3292.