Seniors Alexis Del Pozzo and Jackson Bloemendal were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Eric Lombardi Head of School
Amy Witten
Assistant Head of School for Student Services and Academics
Chelsy Beninate Assistant Head of School for Operations and Security
Trey Blair Head of Lower School
Stephen Blan Head of Middle School
Leigh Block Athletic Director
Joe Breedlove ’78 Executive Director of Breakthrough Fort Worth
Lindy Heath Director of Fine Arts
Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99 Director of Admission
Nicole Masole-Rose Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion
Tom Mitchell Chief Financial Officer
Sandra Tuomey Director of Advancement
Steve Uhr Director of Technology
Peggy Wakeland Head of Upper School
EDITOR
Shannon Rossman Allen
ART DIRECTOR Lisa Koger
CONTRIBUTORS
Elizabeth Baxter
Yolanda Espinoza
Caren Handleman
Debby Jennings
Renee Pierce
Eleanor Siff
Whitney Truax
Sandra Tuomey
Lisa Wallace
Christine White
Geraldine Williams
Questions? Concerns? Comments?
Contact Shannon Allen at shannon.allen@fwcd.com
Send address changes to: Fort Worth Country Day Advancement Office 4200 Country Day Lane Fort Worth, Texas 76109 or email advancement@fwcd.com
Magazine of Fort Worth Country Day
FEATURES
26 Beyond the Page
The Upper School Universal Read brought Broadway energy to the FWCD Scott Theater stage.
28 A New Legacy Begins
The Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building blends innovation, sustainability and a connection to nature.
34 FWCD Dedicates New Building
January 13, 2025, was a “red letter” day as the community opened the new Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building.
Democracy in Action
FWCD united on September 25, 2024, to foster engagement and promote civility in JK-12 Democracy Day programming.
The Falconer is published biannually for Fort Worth Country Day families, alumni and friends by the Advancement Office. Opinions represented may not necessarily be the position of the Board or administration. Fort Worth Country Day has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, FWCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin in admissions, the administration of its educational policies, financial
and other School-administered programs.
View From My Window
The Falconer is shared with our entire community but is aimed at alumni. As our alumni ranks grow to 5,000 in the next two years, we want to focus our attention and efforts on our youngest alums. Accordingly, one of the four Pillars in FWCD’s Strategic Plan 2030 centers on alumni. Pillar II calls for us to “Prepare Students for College and Beyond,” to continue readying graduates to enter college extremely well-prepared for the academic and social experiences they begin after leaving 4200 Country Day Lane. While FWCD continues to be that college prep place, Pillar II is committed to supporting our alumni during their undergraduate years and beyond.
To give maximum attention to this Pillar, Peggy Wakeland is joining our Advancement Office next year as Alumni Liaison to work alongside Alumni Relations Coordinator Eleanor Siff While stepping away from the Upper School, Peggy is putting all of her undiminished energy and passion for FWCD into this alumni role. In addition to setting up an “Alumni Center” on campus, Peggy and Eleanor are hitting the road to connect with Falcons in colleges and universities, near and far.
Eleanor and Peggy are allowing me to join in on some of this spring’s initial lunches with undergraduates. The three of us are showing up at regional universities and buying a meal for current FWCD alumni. From TCU to Texas A&M University (pictured above) in February to UNT and Texas Woman’s University in March, we are eager to get time with alumni and hear about your transition to college. After considering that transition, Peggy will want to brainstorm ways we might
be helpful in looking ahead and learning about whatever our alums imagine doing as they graduate from college.
FWCD’s Senior Leadership Team is using the spring semester to dive deeper into all four Pillars, considering staging our goals and designing our metrics for each one. Peggy is competitive. She personally knows about half of our 4,800 alums. While she is initiating the lunch with current undergraduate series, the rest of you are not off the hook: Peggy and Eleanor WANT YOU to visit with them, with us! Our first choice will always be to get you back to campus, but we hope you find more and more ways to connect with your alma mater over the next year.
Once again, this Falcon edition of the Falconer is a truly incredible testimonial of why FWCD means so much to so many people. Coming out twice a year, the Advancement team gathers remarkable stories of our students and alumni year after year. They share accounts of impactful FWCD faculty and staff. Where does your pride come from? What makes you tell stories about your time at FWCD? When you decided to unpeel that “From Here, Anywhere” sticker to put on your car, what was most on your mind? Keep sharing your stories with us – we plan to keep telling them.
Sincerely,
Eric Lombardi Head of School
Lower School AV Club Captures the Magic of the New Building
What happens when you ask five fourth graders to create a video about their new Lower School building? Pure brilliance! From insightful interviews to expert editing, the Lower School AV Club students captured the magic of the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building construction. Quarter 1 club members were Declan Cumming and Whitney Walker (Interviewers), McKay Martin and Overton Rodgers (Directors), Holt Sciuto (Editor), and Dorrine DeChant (AV Club Advisor). Snap the QR code to see the video.
JK and K Students Celebrate Grandparents
Junior kindergarten and kindergarten students celebrated Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day on November 22, 2024. Kindergarten grandparents and grandfriends gathered in the FWCD Scott Theater to watch the annual Plight of the Turkey performance featuring Willow Hultgren as Super Turkey, Georgia Hines as Mama Turkey, Andy Ramos as Papa Turkey, and Charlie Millet as Farmer Brown. Grandparents and grandfriends then joined students in their classrooms where they showed their book about Wampanoags, the My Thankful Book, and their turkeys in disguise. Junior kindergarten gathered in the classroom where they started with Morning Meeting, introduced their guests, and watched a slideshow.
Abby Abbott to Lead Upper School in 2025-26
In January, Head of School Eric Lombardi announced that Abby Abbott will join the FWCD community as the next Head of Upper School starting July 1, 2025. With nearly two decades of experience in independent schools, Abbott has honed her skills as a teacher, coach, mentor and administrator. Most recently, she has served as the Assistant Head of Upper School at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut. In this role, she collaborated with faculty, students and families to enhance academic programs, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure student success while encouraging balance and well-roundedness—values we deeply cherish at FWCD.
Abbott is drawn to FWCD’s vibrant community and its unwavering focus on student-centered education. Her philosophy of creating joyful, inclusive environments in which students and faculty alike can thrive aligns seamlessly with our school’s culture. Her proven ability to balance and amplify tradition with innovation will be instrumental as she steps into this leadership role, celebrating, nurturing and furthering the Upper School.
Deeply committed to and engaged in student life and leadership at St. Luke’s, Abbott grew a vibrant Model U.N. program that now comprises more than 100 students in grades 9-12. In addition, she started a highly competitive mock trial team and an active Women in Humanities Club and coached speech and debate.
Abbott is equally passionate about supporting faculty development and ensuring there are ample opportunities to nourish, celebrate and showcase faculty talent. She was part of a senior leadership team that developed a comprehensive coaching and evaluation program. In her current role as Assistant Division Head, she partners daily with teachers to embed active learning in their lessons.
When pressed to share, Abbott will say that her favorite career accolades include being named Teacher of the Year and Innovator of the Year, earning a U.S. Presidential Scholars Award (a National Merit Scholar named her as their most influential educator, and both traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the honor), and being named “Best Mom” by incoming first grader, her son, Charlie.
Please welcome Abby Abbott and her family as they begin this exciting new chapter.
National Merit Corporation Accolades
Seniors Aero McCormack and Charles Portwood are FWCD’s 2024-25 National Merit Semifinalists. They are among 1,714 Semifinalists from Texas and more than 16,000 nationwide. In February, Portwood was named a Fialist and will continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered this spring.
Seniors Jason Pham, Carolina Zamorano Beyart, Alex Seiden, Jordan Jones, Lucas Callahan, Chappell Carter and Janie Lee (not pictured) were named National Merit Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students were among the 34,000 Commended Students recognized for their exceptional academic promise.
“It is a privilege to recognize FWCD’s National Merit-recognized students annually,” said Director of College Counseling Kristin Larsen. “Not only do our seniors consistently earn PSAT scores that garner them national recognition, but they also epitomize the School’s core value of scholarship.”
College Board Recognition
Since 2021, the College Board National Recognition Programs has honored students for excellence in the classroom and on College Board assessments, including the PSAT and/or AP Exams. The College Board National Recognition Awards acknowledged nine FWCD juniors and seniors. They are Zaiya Collins ’26 (National African American Recognition Award); Alonzo Del Pozzo ’25, Canaan Factor ’26, Priscilla Lambis ’25 and Ethan Lampka ’26 (National Hispanic Recognition Award); Nicholas Jones ’26 (National Hispanic, Indigenous Recognition Award); Vianey Frías Pérez ’25 (National First Generation, Hispanic Recognition Award); and Dario Rosas ’25 and Kerri Tsai ’26 (National First Generation Recognition Award).
“I am pleased that the College Board National Recognition Programs exist to honor the diversity represented in this academically talented group of students and connect them with colleges and universities for possible scholarship opportunities,” said Kristin Larsen, Director of College Counseling.
Visiting Author Inspires Students
Visiting author Leza Lowitz captivated FWCD’s sixth graders with Up from the Sea, her novel in verse about resilience after Japan’s 2011 tsunami. Having lived in Japan during the disaster, she shared her firsthand experiences –witnessing devastation, leading a yoga benefit, and traveling to Kesennuma to offer healing services. Writing through the aftershocks of the tsunami led her to craft the novel in verse.
Moved to become a writer by a childhood encounter with Maya Angelou, Lowitz now encourages students to find their
voices and use them for good. In addition to meeting with sixth graders, Lowitz led a yoga session with Upper School students, merging mindfulness with creative expression.
Lowitz’s commitment extended beyond words – she used her book advance to build the Oshika Library for a tsunamiaffected community. Quoting Helen Keller, she reminded students that small acts of compassion can create lasting impact.
Cooking with SAGE
Ten Lower School students had the opportunity to cook with SAGE Dining Services after their names were drawn during the PFA Carnival Raffle in September. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, they stepped into the Fischer Dining Pavilion kitchen, where they learned about different types of pasta and made pumpkin cookies with SAGE District Manager Brice Potter. Throughout the process, each student played a part in helping to measure and mix the ingredients, scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet, and, of course, taste-test the final product. Pictured (left) are Ava Dunlap ’34, Sofia Bailey ’34, Abigail Gregg ’37, Henry Smith ’36, Carter McCoy ’36, Joshua Fierer ’33, Charlotte Alexander ’35 and Maximus Bailey ’37.
with Melissa Williams and Q &
What brought you to FWCD 21 years ago?
I came to FWCD in the 2004-05 school year after spending 20 years teaching in the Birdville ISD. I loved my time there, but I was ready for an environment with more academic freedom. A former colleague from Haltom High School who was working at Country Day encouraged me to apply, and when Evan Peterson H’15 gave me the opportunity to teach Upper School math here, I never looked back. I have stayed for many reasons. The campus is beautiful, and the Plant Ops team works tirelessly to maintain it. My colleagues are top-notch educators and incredible human beings. Teachers, administrators and staff work together to help students reach their full potential. And, of course, the students themselves make this job so rewarding. Watching them grow, learn and succeed is the ultimate joy of teaching.
How has teaching math changed over the years?
The core principles of mathematics have remained the same, but how we teach them has evolved dramatically. When I started teaching in 1984, lessons were taught on a chalkboard; using colored chalk was considered fancy. Incorporating fun in the classroom is important, too. When I was 15, our family took a trip to Louisiana, and someone gave my dad tickets to a movie premiere. We had no idea what was in store, but the premiere was for the first Star Wars movie: red carpets and strange creatures everywhere welcoming us to the screening. I’ve been a Star Wars fan ever since and deck out my classroom!
Now, technology has revolutionized math instruction. Concepts that once took days to explain now can be demonstrated in minutes with dynamic visual tools, helping students grasp them more effectively. What has remained constant is the need for students to develop problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. While technology aids understanding, critical thinking is still essential. I hope every student who leaves my class appreciates how math works, even if they don’t love the subject itself. One student who had never particularly enjoyed math once told me that after two years in my class, she had come to appreciate its intricacies and connections. That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received!
What are your plans for retirement?
I plan to travel and put my passport to good use! I want to see fall foliage in peak season, something I could never do while teaching.
I’ll also be spending more time with family. My nephew signed his letter of intent to play football for the Air Force Academy, and I plan to attend as many games as possible. I’d love to volunteer at the Tarrant Area Food Bank, something I’ve enjoyed with my advisory over the years. And, of course, if anyone invites me to go fishing, I want to be able to say yes every single time! After working full-time since I was 18, I’m looking forward to a slower, more flexible pace of life.
and Tony Ramos
How did you find Fort Worth Country Day?
I was brought to FWCD through Breakthrough Fort Worth, which is how I got into teaching in college. I worked as an Instructional Coach for several summers, and my partner, Jessica Manzano-Valdez, is the Director of Programming. I never expected to teach at a private school, but after spending summers here, I realized my passion for teaching was strong. Now, in my third year at FWCD as a Middle School Math Teacher, I plan to stay as long as the School will have me. I also serve as the Breakthrough College Bound Coordinator, helping high school students navigate their path to college.
What do you love about Middle School math?
EVERYTHING. Math is a beautiful language, and I love changing students’ mindsets about it. Many arrive with strong opinions, but I enjoy building their confidence and seeing the ‘aha,’ the ‘my brain hurts,’ and the eventual (hopefully) ‘I kinda like math, I guess’ moments. Middle schoolers are hilarious, honest and full of energy. It is a time of great change in their lives, and we, as teachers, get a chance to make a difference in it. That opportunity, I guess you could say, is my ‘why.’ The hilarious discussions, unfiltered honesty, deer-in-the-headlights expressions, the noises, the joy, the smells … are just the cherry on top.
I try to make math engaging and accessible by building strong teacher-student relationships. I dedicate the first two weeks of school to community-building before diving into math. This helps to foster an open mindset for learning. I also bring humor and energy to class, making math feel less intimidating. My favorite concept to teach is solving linear equations. We start with simple problems like 4x=20 and build to complex ones. Students see their own growth, which boosts their confidence. It also highlights how math builds on itself and why being present in learning is crucial.
Can you share a memorable teaching moment?
I love hearing, ‘That’s it? Oh my gosh, I get it!’ Those moments make teaching worth it. Seeing students grow from fearing math to enjoying it is incredibly rewarding. That’s why I appreciate the Middle School Penguin Awards at FWCD –they recognize overall growth and perseverance.
What advice would you give students to build confidence and succeed?
Be a Jungle Tiger, our Middle School mantra this year. Nothing in life worthwhile is ever easy. When in the struggle, you have to persevere, and you will eventually find success or learn from it. We learn most through trial and error. We miss a question here, or a question there, and that is okay. You are still learning! Have the courage and desire to be put in those circumstances: the uncomfortable, the unpleasant. It’s an opportunity, and treat it as such.
Giving Back
Community Members Who Make a Difference:
By Caren Handleman
FWCD’s Forward Together Public Phase Champions –parents, grandparents, alumni, past parents, faculty and staff – possess an understanding of deep commitment to and active philanthropic support of the School, recognizing its impact on students, families, alumni and the Fort Worth and North Texas communities.
The Public Phase, the most recent component of FWCD’s Forward Together comprehensive campaign, was co-chaired by Heather and Ryan Senter. Under their leadership, the following champions worked tirelessly to give back: Claire and Joseph Berkes ’98; Dan Bloch H’06; Leigh (Taylor) ’95 and Michael Bornitz; Bari (Buckner) ’83 and John Brookman ’80; Asad Dean ’90; Joy Ann and Bob Havran;
Katy Rhodes Magruder ’98; Haddy and Edward Manuel; Larkin and Richard McMillan; Reid Shackelford ’93; Carol and Vern Spurlock; and Jerry and James Taylor.
Fort Worth Country Day is known for its inclusive and welcoming community. These defining characteristics were also a hallmark of the Forward Together Campaign, which invited community members from all generations and constituencies to work as a team to achieve the goals and priorities outlined in the campaign plan.
“We asked for volunteers and were amazed and delighted by the number of individuals and couples who stepped forward to give of their time and energy to ensure that FWCD continues to be the premier independent school in Fort
Difference: Forward Together Public Phase Champions
Worth and North Texas,” said Heather. “Their creativity and thoughtful suggestions served to engage the entire FWCD community in the excitement of reaching our campaign goals and priorities.”
Open houses, tours, and individual conversations were among the ideas and tasks undertaken by each Public Phase Champion. As a group, they explored options and suggested new ways of encouraging members of the FWCD family and community to consider how they could support the campaign. Families and friends were invited to combine resources to contribute to projects, whether for athletic fields enhancements, a new Lower School building, or enlarging or initiating endowment funds. Each contributor, whether a first-time donor or someone renewing their contribution,
became a meaningful participant in ensuring the future of our School.
Willliam Butler ’96, Forward Together Organization and Operations Chair, summed it up when he said, “Our Public Phase Champions delivered the energy and drive that allowed us to reach our campaign destination. We are grateful to Heather and Ryan and their Champions for all their efforts on behalf of our students and faculty and for the generations to follow.”
Still considering a gift? Curious what’s possible? There is still time to support the campaign. For more information, please contact Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement, at sandra.tuomey@fwcd.com or 817.302.3223.
The Arts
The City of Fort Worth is internationally known for its vibrant arts scene. At FWCD, we inspire innovation and excellence through our celebrated ballet program, visual arts classes, choral programs, band, orchestra, drumline, performing arts and technical theatre.
Eden Turner ’26
Ben Hatem ’25
William Runyon ’26
Finleigh Ashburn ’25
Lyle Crumley ’25
Matthew Cantu ’31
Teddy Lamsens ’31
Upper School Art Students Take Top
By Whitney Truax
“ This was a once-in-a-lifetime type experience provided by Imagination Fort Worth and the FWSSR Art Contest organizers.”
~Holly Clifford
What started as a creative challenge turned into a big win for FWCD’s Visual Arts Department and students. Hoping to inspire her students, Upper School Art Teacher Holly Clifford gave them the assignment to create a Western-themed slideshow that included items like patterned wallpaper, textures, accessories, something to sit on, the sky, a farm animal, a Texas landscape and wildlife. After completing the slideshow, she asked students to combine two or more ideas creatively. This assignment was part of a warmup exercise leading to some Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Art Contest submissions.
The students’ fresh approach caught the judges’ attention, earning FWCD its first-ever High School Classroom
Division win at the FWSSR Art Contest. In addition to a trophy, the students earned the School $5,000 for classroom supplies and an extra $1,000 from Whataburger.
The following students made up the winning entries: Nat Angel ’28 (Cow), Clara Cimo ’28 (Bartholomew the Chicken), Lyle Crumley ’25 (Crazy Chicken), Ben Hatem ’25 (Pablo Guitar), Chloe Nelson ’27 (Pig in Pearls), Cal Neubauer ’26 (Wanted in Cowtown), Julia Pham ’28 (Stained Glass Cow), Anna Schwartz ’26 (Ribbon Run), Emily Simpson ’27 (The Hunt), and Eden Turner ’26 (Dawg at Dusk).
In October 2024, Clifford and several students attended the awards ceremony,
Top Prize in FWSSR Art Contest
where they were honored with flowers, Whatateacher gifts and custom belt buckles. “It felt so gratifying when the judges’ comments acknowledged the students’ efforts and were able to recognize through their artwork that I was trying to challenge my students and support them in a way in which each artist could present their best work by leveraging their vision and skills,” Clifford said.
The winning artists and students in Clifford’s Painting & Drawing class were also awarded a Cowboy Artist of America Workshop with Imagination Fort Worth at the Will Rogers Coliseum. Working with live horses and a longhorn as models, Angel, Cimo, Crumley, Neubauer, Pham, Schwartz, Simpson, Turner and
Ashley Ortega ’25 sketched, painted and sculpted under the guidance of professional Western artists who traveled from across Texas and as far as Cody, Wyoming, to guide the students and answer questions about life as a working artist.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime type experience provided by Imagination Fort Worth and the FWSSR Art Contest organizers,” said Clifford. “To stand in the historic building of Will Rogers Arena, to reach out and touch the livestock (subject) as they sculpted and drew under the guidance of some of the best western artists around was an unparalleled opportunity for these young artists. The joy and giddiness on the faces of these art students as they soaked up the rare opportunity to
be totally absorbed in their artmaking uninterrupted was a gift. As any artist will confirm, drawing, painting, sculpting from life is incomparable.”
“The FWSSR Art Contest blew me away with their generosity and attention to detail in recognizing these young artists and their teachers. It is not often that the arts are celebrated in such grand fashion.”
This win wasn’t just about a contest – it was about creativity, risk-taking, and the power of a different perspective.
When Everything Goes Wrong … Perfectly
FWCD’s 2024 production of The One Act Play That Goes Wrong was a whirlwind of comedic chaos. The show follows an acting troupe struggling to stage a low-budget murder mystery (The Murder at Haversham Manor) while everything that can go wrong does. Director Siouxsie Easter chose the play for its high-energy humor, calling it “the funniest play I have seen in my lifetime.”
With auditions and parts offered in August, rehearsals ran September through mid-November, shaping characters, refining physical comedy, and, in one case, hilariously mixing up “sister” and “finger” in a dramatic line. The set itself was a character – walls collapsed, doors fell off, and props had a life of their own.
Costumes, wigs and mustaches helped transport the cast to the 1920s. “I grew emotionally attached to my mustache,” said Priscilla Lambis ’25, in the Falcon Quill article “Peeking Behind the Curtain” by McCartie McPadden ’27.
Tech week pushed everyone to their limits, as it always
does, but the cast and crew bonded through longstanding theatre traditions, late-night rehearsals and favorite meals. In performances, actors dashed through the audience, warming up the crowd before the lights dimmed for 65 minutes of non-stop laughter.
It was a show that, despite (or because of) all the things that went “wrong,” went oh-so-right.
Cheng Honored with Inaugural Bruce Wood Dance Excellence Award
When Carrie Cheng steps into FWCD’s ballet studio, she brings more than technique – she brings inspiration. On October 5, 2024, the longtime Director of Ballet and the Program Director for the Ballet Conservatory (since 2021) at Fort Worth Country Day (formerly the Gail Corkery School of Ballet) was named the inaugural winner of the Bruce Wood Dance Excellence Award for High School Educators, recognizing her profound impact on young dancers.
“This honor is so well deserved. Carrie is an amazing teacher, mentor, choreographer and director,” said Director of Fine Arts Lindy Heath. “Her leadership is second to none, and our dance students flourish in her classes. Her knowledge of the professional world and her connections to other artists and opportunities strengthen our students' experiences. FWCD is so lucky to have her.”
Cheng was nominated by Ballet Conservatory students Jade Thompson and Darcy Hood. “Ms. Cheng isn’t just our ballet teacher—she’s a mentor and friend,” Hood shared. “She is amazing at finding performance opportunities for me in the Fort Worth area so I can get as much experience and exposure before I go off to join a ballet company. From age 9 to currently my senior year, she truly has done the best job coaching me and sharing her experiences of when she danced professionally to help me feel ready and confident for when I
Carrie Cheng was named the inaugural winner of the Bruce Wood Dance Excellence Award for High School Educators.
hopefully pursue my dream of dancing professionally.”
The Bruce Wood Dance Excellence Awards celebrate those who elevate the Dallas/Fort Worth dance community. For Cheng, the honor is deeply personal. “I love teaching my students,
“ Her leadership is second to none, and our dance students flourish in her classes.”
Lindy Heath Director of Fine Arts
and my ultimate goal is to pass along my passion for ballet,” she said. “Knowing I’m making a difference makes this award extra special.”
Cheng has been teaching ballet at FWCD for over 25 years, touching the lives of so many who have come through the ballet studio. Not only does she make an impact on her students, she makes a difference in the lives of the parents of her dancers. Former ballet mom and current FWCD PE Teacher and Coach Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 described Cheng’s impact as impossible to put into words and credited her with instilling a lifelong love of dance in her daughter, Kaylee Chisholm ’22. “Mrs. Cheng was a mentor and provided a daily support system that helped Kaylee and continues to help her today,” Paige said. “We are beyond grateful for Mrs. Cheng, and I know I speak for so many others when I say this.”
Senior Shines at TheatreFest
Priscilla Lambis ’25 took center stage at one of Texas’ premier theatre events, earning a coveted spot as a Featured Performer at the Texas Educational Theatre Association’s TheatreFest in September 2024. She was one of 15 students selected statewide to perform at the Opening Ceremonies.
Upper School Theatre Director Siouxsie Easter, who nominated Lambis, was thrilled for her student.
“She has something special and deserves this honor,” Easter said. “Priscilla started as a Dead Body in Clue!—now she’s belting out soprano and operatic notes with confidence.”
Lambis’s journey to TheatreFest began with an audition video of Maybe This
A Hero in Harmony
What makes a hero? Third and fourth graders explored this question through music on September 11, 2024, with Cliburn in the Classroom. Pianist Michael Bukhman and Violinist Nicole Paglialonga filled the room with stirring melodies while host Sara Doan shared the remarkable journey of Van Cliburn. Also in attendance were past parent and former Trustee Kay Howell, Chief Donor Relations Officer at The Cliburn, and Margaret Harper ’09, her assistant.
Cliburn’s story is one of courage, dedication, and the power of music to unite. Born in 1934, he began playing the piano at age 3 and won his first competition by age 12, despite battling stage fright. Years of practice led him to The Juilliard School.
At age 23, he stunned the world by winning the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow during the Cold War, his breathtaking performance transcending politics. His triumph led to global acclaim and deep ties to
Time from Cabaret. Once selected, she joined virtual rehearsals with fellow performers before meeting in person for the final run-through. At TheatreFest, she also auditioned for Texas colleges, earning an impressive 11 callbacks.
Keynote speaker Roshunda JonesKoumba, 2023-24 Outstanding Theatre Educator Award winner, worked closely with the Featured Performers. Easter and FWCD’s theatre faculty were there to cheer Lambis on, witnessing her remarkable growth.
“Just a year ago, she was considering a science major,” Easter said. “Now, she’s giving musical theatre a chance—I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her.”
Fort Worth, where he founded The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1962.
Throughout the program, FWCD students reflected on what makes a hero. Their answers—helping others, showing kindness, making a difference—echoed Cliburn’s legacy. His music built bridges, eased tensions and fostered understanding, reminding students that heroism takes many forms.
Musicians Shine in North Texas Competition
In October 2024, FWCD musicians put their talent to the test, competing against students from across North Texas to be part of the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Orchestra. Middle School Violinists Grace Kim ’29 and Quan Dinh ’29
secured 4th Chair and 6th Chair in the 1st Violin section, respectively, while Harmon Hong ’29 claimed 1st Chair Cello. In the Upper School, Luci Gonzalez ’26 earned 14th Chair in the 1st Violin section, and Sean Hong ’27 took 4th Chair in Cello.
Tiny Frames Art Galleries
Have you ever noticed how a small detail can make a big impact? At Fort Worth Country Day, tiny frames are doing just that. Upper School Photography Teacher Emily Arnold introduced the FWCD Tiny Frames Art Gallery, a creative way to showcase student photography in unexpected places.
Arnold, who joined the FWCD community in August 2024, found inspiration for this endeavor at the AP Institute, a summer course hosted at TCU. There, Marty Loftus from the Denver School of the Arts shared a simple but powerful idea: Visual arts should be visual. Arnold had been asked by FWCD community members how they could see their students’ photographs, so she was
already mulling over ways to make that happen. Loftus’s words stuck with her, sparking a new way to bring student photography into the spotlight.
“I had come across the work of Scottish Artist David Gilliver, who uses macro photography with tiny figurines in creative ways,” Arnold said. “I introduced the idea to my AP class, ordered some miniature figures and frames, and we printed their images. Then, we brainstormed where to place them around campus.”
At first, Arnold took the lead in hanging the frames, but now, students are scouting out new spots for their tiny masterpieces.
In the fall semester, 10 frames were
FWCD Director of Orchestras Andi Aguayo said, “I am beyond proud of these students! With nearly 100 students auditioning per instrument, the competition was fierce—but the Falcons rose to the occasion, earning impressive placements.”
placed around the Sid W. Visual Arts Center, Upper School, Moncrief Library and Upper School Science Building – with more on the way.
While you may not be able to wander FWCD’s halls to find them, these tiny galleries are making a big statement –reminding students and faculty alike to pause, look closer, and appreciate the artistry in the everyday.
Athletics
An integral part of the FWCD experience is participation in athletics. FWCD Falcons demonstrate a high regard for sportsmanship, effort, health, fitness and school spirit.
Wrestler Cements Legacy
Joseph Brunson ’25 reached a milestone in his Fort Worth Country Day wrestling career, securing his 109th win in January, breaking and surpassing the previous record of 108 held by Cully Wiseman ’97. The achievement solidifies his place as one of the most successful wrestlers in FWCD history.
A dominant force since joining the School’s wrestling program as a freshman, Brunson placed third in SPC in 2022 before claiming back-toback-to-back championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025. As a junior and senior, he finished as the Prep State RunnerUp. On February 21-22, Brunson competed in the National Prep Wrestling Championships at Lehigh University, having amassed 122 career wins. He placed in the Top 12 wrestlers nationally.
“Joseph’s success extends beyond his athletic achievements,” said Head Wrestling Coach Hugo Muñoz. “When he broke the FWCD win record this year, it could not have been broken by a more deserving wrestler. Joseph is a great leader and teammate who
constantly tries to push all the athletes around him to do better.”
Brunson has well surpassed the record, ending his FWCD wrestling career with 124 wins, further cementing his legacy in FWCD wrestling history.
Swimmer Dominates Record Board
Emily Nelson ’27 had a recordbreaking winter season, solidifying her place as one of FWCD’s top all-time swimmers. Nelson’s dominance in the pool started at the first meet of the season when she broke two of her own records in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. She went on to shatter her own 200 IM record. Her streak continued with a new record in the 50 freestyle, surpassing a decade-old mark held by Melody Rodriguez ’15. At the final regular season meet, Nelson set her fifth individual record in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:23.28, breaking a record that had stood for 23
years. At SPC in February, she broke her own 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly records and then proceeded to break the 100 freestyle record, which was held by Rodriguez.
Nelson now holds six of FWCD’s eight individual records. She also teamed up with Ellie Cady ’25, Chloe Nelson ’27 and Courtney Comeaux ’26 to become the first FWCD girls relay team to break the two-minute mark in the 200 medley relay. The same group then lowered their own mark at the SPC Championships.
Falcons Soar through Fall and Winter
The Falcons delivered action-packed fall and winter seasons, showcasing grit, teamwork, and record-breaking achievements.
Fall Highlights
The Falcons capped off an exciting season at the SPC Tournament, where boys cross country and field hockey secured third straight Top 3 finishes, and football posted its best record in nearly a decade. Boys volleyball also notched a 20-win season.
Cross Country: Boys finished third overall, led by Ty Williams ’27 (eighth place), while the girls were fifth, with Chloe Nelson ’27 (third) and Murphy Hoefer ’25 (ninth) earning medals.
Field Hockey: The Falcons finished third with key wins over The Awty International School (3-1) and Holland Hall (4-3).
Volleyball: The boys team finished fifth, defeating The Kinkaid School (31) and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (3-1). The girls team fought hard but fell in their tournament matchups.
Winter Highlights
The Falcons carried their momentum into Winter SPC, with basketball, soccer, swimming and wrestling delivering standout performances.
Basketball: The girls basketball team finished as Runner-Up in the tournament, marking their second straight year playing for the title, while the boys team finished third, closing
The girls basketball team finished as Runner-Up in the SPC Tournament, marking their second straight year playing for the title.
The girls swim team finished second, breaking multiple school records.
Seasons
the season with an 18-10 record. Key performances included Wyatt Stewart ’25 (23 points vs. Awty) and Canaan Factor ’26 (27 points vs. ESD and a double-double vs. Cistercian Preparatory School).
Soccer: The girls finished fourth, highlighted by a hat trick by Finleigh Ashburn ’25 against St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and a first varsity goal for Georgia Grace Hoover ’28 against ESD. The team closed the season at 7-8-3. The boys claimed third, finishing 11-6-3. The Falcons displayed grit in a penalty shootout victory over ESD, with a clutch goal from Luke Vincent ’26 that forced extra time before Vincent, Cannon Black ’26, William Runyon ’26 and Henry Harrington ’25 sealed the win in PKs.
Swimming: The girls finished second, breaking multiple school records, including the 200 medley relay (Ellie Cady ’25, Courtney Comeaux ’26, Emily Nelson ’27 and Chloe Nelson ’27) and the 200 and 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly (E. Nelson). The boys finished fourth, with Lucas Rothenberg ’26, Adam Rafati ’26, Sean Hong ’26 and Braden Baker ’25 earning a third-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay.
Wrestling: The Falcons took second place, led by Joseph Brunson ’25, who won his third consecutive SPC title. Andrew Bleich ’28, Aiden Alband ’27, Chappell Carter ’25, Esteban Gomez ’26, and William Knight ’28 finished as Runners-Up, and Alex Parsons ’26 took third place.
With incredible performances and unforgettable moments, the Falcons have plenty to celebrate as they look ahead to what’s next!
Boys cross country finished third overall, led by Ty Williams ’27 (eighth place), while the girls were fifth, with Chloe Nelson ’27 (third) and Murphy Hoefer ’25 (ninth) earning medals.
Boys soccer claimed third place in SPC, finishing 11-6-3.
The Falcon field hockey team finished third with key wins over The Awty International School (3-1) and Holland Hall (4-3).
Scholar-Athletes Recognized in Local Magazine
Jayda Fulp ’25 and Jackson Bloemendal ’25 were featured as American National Bank & Trust Outstanding Scholar-Athletes of the Month in West Fort Worth Lifestyle Magazine. These Q&A-style articles provide readers with a closer look at how student-athletes excel in sports and academics while managing their demanding schedules.
Fulp, a varsity wrestling standout, was featured in October 2024. An eight-time All-American and 2024 Cadet Pan American Champion, she has dominated in wrestling and judo, earning titles at the Texas Woman’s Classic, Prep State, and National Prep Championships. Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in Cadets 63kg, Fulp balances her rigorous training with academics through discipline and time management. Beyond competition, she runs martial arts camps, volunteers locally, and was recently baptized, deepening her faith. She plans to wrestle in college and work toward a spot on the 2028 Olympic judo team. Prior to publication, Fulp earned her second-consecutive National Prep Wrestling Championship title.
“Seeing Jayda grow up to be an exceptional student-athlete has been a gift,” said Hugo Muñoz, Varsity Wrestling Coach. “She is a great teammate who is always trying to find ways for her peers to improve. Jayda has made an impact on the wrestling community not just in Fort Worth but in all of Texas. She is strong, respectful and resilient. I cannot wait to see what she will accomplish after high school!”
Bloemendal, a three-sport athlete, was featured in December 2024. He has been awarded the Outstanding Boy Athlete Award at FWCD each year since his freshman season. “Jackson
is clearly a gifted athlete, but more importantly, he’s a great human who is an outstanding teammate, said Michael Settle ’99, Varsity Baseball Head Coach and Program Director.
As captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams in his junior year, he led with skill and determination. Bloemendal’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive, with recognition for his excellence in history and consistent placement on the High Honor Roll. Beyond sports, he is a member of FWCD’s Orchestra and has organized a hoodie drive for The Center for Transforming Lives.
“Jayda and Jackson are model studentathletes,” said Director of Athletics Leigh Block. “They contribute so much to our school community, and we are so fortunate to have them here. This honor is well-deserved!”
Jayda Fulp ’25 takes down an opponent.
Jackson Bloemendal ’25
King Commits to Play Field Hockey at Davidson College
Senior Caroline King announced in November 2024 her commitment to continue her field hockey career at Davidson College. She will join the roster in Fall 2026. She is taking a gap year to compete with the Wimbledon Hockey Club (London) and studying to take level one of the Chartered Financial Analyst exam. She also plans to have an internship with a private investment firm in London.
“Seeing Caroline sign her National Letter of Intent to play field hockey was an emotional day,” said Field Hockey Head Coach Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 “Knowing how hard she worked to earn this opportunity made it incredibly special. When Caroline makes a commitment, you can count on her to put everything she has into the process to reach that goal. I love it when hard work is rewarded. I can't wait to watch her carry her game to the next level.”
Davidson College, located in Davidson, North Carolina, competes in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. According to sportsrecruits.com, King’s addition to the Wildcats' roster is anticipated to bolster the team’s defense in the upcoming seasons.
FWCD Earns Fourth Consecutive NATA Safe Sports School 1st Team Award
Fort Worth Country Day received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School 1st Team Award. This is the fourth consecutive time FWCD has earned this prestigious award since its inaugural year in 2013. The honor champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for their student-athletes and reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment. Schools must submit an application every three years for this distinction. FWCD’s Athletic Trainers are Ed Chisholm, K’iara Williams and Stacy Bourne ’02
“We are very proud of our outstanding Athletic Trainers and our StudentAthletic Trainers. The Safe Sports Award is quite an honor and very welldeserved,” said Director of Athletics Leigh Block. “We’re very fortunate at FWCD – our student-athletes receive exceptional care.”
Caroline King ’25 signed her National Letter of Intent to play field hockey at Davidson College as coaches Tara Gordon ’12 and Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 look on.
Beyond the Page: The Upper School
Broadway energy electrified the Fort Worth Country Day campus this past September as students gathered for an unforgettable book discussion –one that went beyond the page and onto the stage. The summer 2024 Upper School Universal Read was Hamilton: An Exploration of History, Art and Democracy, a self-published creation guided by Upper School Librarian Sarah Blan It became more than a book when Stephanie Klemons, the original dance captain and Associate Choreographer for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, brought her firsthand experience to the conversation.
The 2024 Universal Book was a departure from the traditional book selections of the past because, while referred to as a book, it was a compilation of lyrics from Hamilton: The Musical, primary source documents, and videos providing background information.
The Upper School Reading Committee, comprising 15 teachers from all academic, athletic and fine arts departments, spends hours each year reading and discussing books in search
of the next universal book. With 2024 being an election year and the School planning Democracy Day, the committee began thinking about how the universal book could support the Democracy Day initiative. In the book’s Note to the Reader, the following is stated: “Everyone in the room laughed at the first mention of Hamilton as the universal book. Why would we replace a book with a musical? But once the seed was planted, a series of unlikely coincidences made us think that reading Hamilton (not viewing) was a real possibility. Not only was it a real possibility, but it had the potential to bring energy to our Upper School students and faculty and be the ‘fun’ universal book students have been asking for.”
Focusing on Hamilton: The Musical allowed for two stories to be told – how the U.S. became the first democratic republic following the American Revolution and how Hamilton, a groundbreaking musical, came to be. The Notes to the Reader further defined the goal of the Universal Read: “The comparison between these two revolutions may seem bizarre. What does a musical have to do with the
founding of our democracy? Just as Lin-Manuel Miranda and a group of people from all different backgrounds came together to create one very big play, a group of American colonists from all different backgrounds came together and worked to form a nation in the face of incredible adversity. What an unlikely story – the story of our American democracy.”
On September 4, 2024, students gathered in the Scott Theater, where Klemons joined FWCD Technical Director Eric Tysinger for an engaging onstage discussion. Their conversation traced their shared history of working on Hamilton (he was the Stage Manager for the national tour), offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the production’s creative process. Midway through the presentation, Upper School English Teacher Catherine CollinsVecino asked Klemons to demonstrate some choreography. Ava Vanderpoel ’26 volunteered to sing “The Room Where It Happens,” and Klemons seamlessly transitioned into song and movement, bringing a Broadway moment to life on the FWCD stage.
“One thing that stood out from the
Universal Read
conversation was how Stephanie talked about Hamilton and democracy,” said Upper School Librarian Sarah Blan. “She shared that on the stage of Hamilton, things were not always as wonderful as they were portrayed in the media. She talked about the juxtaposition between something being so incredible and successful yet filled with struggle and difficulty, just like our own democracy.”
Aero McCormack ’25 posed an excellent question to Klemons to end the discussion, asking how Hamilton relates to the United States’ current political state. Her response: “You all are the ones that are going to have to fix this. You are the next group of fighters for democracy.”
Following the onstage conversation, students broke into small discussion groups to further explore themes from their reading. Topics included ambition and power, character development through music, critical reception, diversity in theater, The Federalist Papers and public discourse, Hamilton and Burr, Hamilton and Jefferson, Hamilton’s views on education and the press, immigration and the American
Dream, musical styles and influences, slavery and abolition, song analysis, the role of informed citizens in a democracy, and women in Hamilton
Klemons’s time on campus extended beyond the literary conversation – she also engaged with students in the fine arts and athletics programs, leading workshops for the cheerleading team, ballet class, and Acting and Musical Theatre students.
Students tackled challenging original choreography from Hamilton, In the Heights, and Bring It On: The Musical, a production that featured FWCD alumna Courtney Corbeille Krauss ’06. Krauss, FWCD Fourth Grade Teacher and Varsity Cheer Coach, has an extensive background in performance and coaching. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, where she cheered for major sports and the competition squad, she was cast as an original member of both the touring and Broadway companies of Bring It On: The Musical
“Although our cheerleaders and ballerinas are not used to moving like they do in Hamilton, they stretched
Broadway Performer and Choreographer
Stephanie Klemons spoke with Upper School students about her experience as the Original Dance Captain and Associate Choreographer for the hit musical Hamilton. This program was part of the Upper School’s Universal Summer Read (2024) Hamilton: An Exploration of History, Art and Democracy. Klemons spoke with Eric Tysinger on the Scott Theater stage. The conversation traced their shared history of working on Hamilton, offering students a behind-thescenes look at the production’s creative process. McCartie McPadden ’27, Ava Vanderpoel ’26, and Kerri Tsai ’26 pose with Stephanie Klemons.
their comfort zones and did an amazing job learning a difficult style from an industry expert,” Krauss said. “Stephanie also taught them a combination from Bring It On, the show we were in together many years ago! It was also neat witnessing a collaboration between our Fine Arts and Athletics Departments.”
Director of Fine Arts Lindy Heath emphasized the value of bringing working professionals to campus. “Our students benefit so much when they hear and learn from artists with realworld experience,” she said. “Stephanie brought motivational energy like no other to our campus. Her connection with students was a confidence booster to all of our artists, athletes and scholars. To hear real-life stories of the creative development, persistence, and smarts that make a dream become a reality – and then a huge success – is sometimes just the thing a student needs to move their dream forward.”
Klemons’s visit transformed the 202425 academic year’s book discussion into something more – a lesson in history, artistry, and the power of perseverance.
A New Legacy Begins
The Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building at Fort Worth Country Day is a remarkable blend of innovation, sustainability, and connection to nature. It is a reimagined learning environment designed to inspire young Falcons. With its thoughtful design and community-centered vision, the building sets a high standard for educational spaces.
Exterior: Where Legacy Meets Modernity
The building’s exterior harmoniously ties the past to the future. Crafted from 50% wood siding, 30% brick and 20% glazing, it reflects a balance of tradition and progress. The brickwork, a blend of three colors, roots the new Lower School in FWCD's history while creating a blueprint for future campus projects. The wood siding, matching the metal panel color found elsewhere on campus, introduces a natural, softer element suited to its younger occupants. The pattern of the siding is a subtle nod to the intricate stonework of the Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center, ensuring the campus feels cohesive and interconnected.
Natural light floods classrooms through strategically placed windows and skylights, blurring the line between interior
and exterior. Large doors open the Carolyn W. Fierer Library to a gathering courtyard, replacing the internal, windowless commons of the old building with an inviting outdoor “living room.” Around the east side of the building’s entry, the School preserved 85% of the mature trees, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and respect for the natural world. For every tree removed, a new one now stands, along with several smaller ornamental trees that were added.
Every classroom has a view of the outdoors with easily opened windows to let in fresh air while offering views of the campus. Dedicated outdoor classrooms and the central gathering courtyard encourage students to learn, collaborate and play in harmony with their environment.
Clockwise from top left: John Holt Smith ’87 used an oak tree and its colors to create a painting for the third and fourth grade hallway; Smith’s second painting (in the first and second grade hallway) draws from a mosaic that was on the old Lower School building; wide hallways feature magnet boards for art and coat knobs for easy jacket-hanging; the Carolyn W. Fierer Library is a sprawling space for FWCD readers; a double fireplace creates a cozy ambiance, visible from a nearby sitting area while also providing a warm spot for the library team to read aloud to students; Barbara Meyers’ science classroom is bright and happy; the new Lower School building features two open learning porches.
A Storybook Landing
It’s a bird, it’s a plane … it’s a flying tree? Yes, that’s right! At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, students and faculty gathered around the new Lower School, eyes fixed on the sky, to watch as a 500-ton hydraulic crane moved the 22,000-pound Lower School Storybook tree from the kindergarten parking lot over the first and second grade wing of the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building, landing in its new home in the courtyard outside the Carolyn W. Fierer Library. Fourth graders led impromptu cheers about the tree as they witnessed this unique event.
The Chinkapin Oak – 25 feet tall and with the potential to reach 70 feet – will grow to shade readers and passersby in the years to come. The tree hails from Twin Lakes Nursery in Canton, where it had been growing in a box for 30-40 years. Chinkapin Oaks have been known to live for over 250 years, with the oldest, the Sacred Oak, located in Oley Valley, Pennsylvania, being an estimated 500 years old.
“The storybook tree will be a focal point of the new building and a gathering location for Lower School students,” said Trey Blair, Head of Lower School. “Imagine morning meetings, assemblies, book clubs or K-4 families taking place around the tree throughout the year. We can't wait to see students gathering around the tree in 2025!”
Interior: A Canvas for Growth
The vibrant interior design creates a sense of identity for each grade level, with colors reminiscent of a Crayola crayon box, anchored by FWCD's iconic red and blue. Two layers of drywall help minimize sound transfer, creating a quieter learning environment. In addition to the Harrison Commons, Carolyn W. Fierer Library and classrooms, the new Lower School includes learning specialist offices, an administrative suite, dedicated breakout rooms, outdoor classrooms, and a gathering courtyard, enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the building. The Harrison Commons doubles as a fortified storm shelter designed to withstand the impact of wind-borne debris (a 15-pound 2x4) traveling at 100 miles per hour during a tornado event.
The classrooms themselves are a leap forward in design. Sculpted skylights illuminate the spaces, transforming them into bright, inspiring areas where students are encouraged to explore, dream and grow. High-quality, natural materials create a welcoming environment, while flexible lighting and maximized daylight ensure each space is practical and uplifting.
Sustainability: A Model for the Future
The Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building is as forward-thinking as it is beautiful. Its 20% improvement in energy efficiency compared to similar educational buildings reflects FWCD’s dedication to environmental stewardship. The building’s design team prioritized health and wellbeing, incorporating sustainable materials and innovative technologies to craft a space that is as nurturing as it is inspiring.
In this new building, the legacy of FWCD’s Lower School lives on, reimagined for a brighter future. Here, students can embrace their creativity, connect with nature, and build a foundation for lifelong learning.
A Legacy in Lines
Fort Worth native and accomplished artist John Holt Smith ’87 made a significant contribution to the new Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building with two original paintings that encapsulate the School's environment and history.
Smith's artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by the School and influential mentors, most notably Art Teachers Evelyn Siegel H’99 and Lelia Koeppe. Siegel, in particular, instilled in Smith a relentless curiosity and the tools to continually evolve as an artist. “A really good teacher instructs and conveys information and inspires curiosity,” Smith said. “A great teacher gives you the tools and insights to continue your exploration and learning even when they are no longer physically there for you.
“Evelyn helped her students to figure out that they could always grow as an artist. There was always something to learn and build upon,” Smith continued. “She would give you praise for the piece, but then ask you, ‘What else can we do here?’ ‘How can you make it better next time?’ I carry this with me.”
The opportunity to contribute to the new Lower School arose when Head of School Eric Lombardi asked Smith to walk the new building with him. Lombardi emphasized the architectural intent to harmonize indoor and outdoor spaces, highlighting features like the integration of exterior wood into the interior and expansive glass windows that invite natural light and views of the outdoors. They discussed the design elements and the desired impact of the artworks, focusing on a continuation of the theme of nature.
The live oak trees on campus became a focal point for Smith. He was inspired by the trees and their significance, which led to Smith’s inspiration to create a painting that captures the vibrant greens of the oak and the blues of the sky and water, reflecting the natural beauty surrounding the School. The second artwork draws from FWCD’s history. Smith incorporated elements from a beloved mosaic that adorned the old Lower School building.
Smith's creative process is meticulous and instinctual. He begins by selecting photographs that resonate with the desired theme, focusing on achieving a harmonious balance of colors. For these large-scale paintings, each measuring 6 feet by 8 feet, Smith chose linen canvases to accommodate the extensive vertical lines characteristic of his style.
Using a sliding angle iron as a guide to paint straight lines, each spanning the entire width of the canvas, Smith spent hundreds of hours in front of the canvas creating in his Fort Worth studio. Each painting comprises between 1,000 to 1,200 individual lines, each line receiving eight to nine coats of paint to capture the right color. This layering technique imparts a vibrant intensity to the colors, creating a dynamic visual experience.
The two pieces were installed on January 13, 2025, for the building's dedication. One piece is prominently displayed outside the classroom of his wife, First Grade Teacher Sarah Akhtar Smith ’91.
Reflecting on his journey, Smith expresses deep gratitude for the education and support he received at FWCD. Having his art now grace the halls of the school that played a pivotal role in his development is an honor and a testament to the enduring impact of dedicated educators and a supportive community.
FWCD Dedicates Annie Richardson
The Annie Richardson Bass Lower School Dedication was a “red letter” day for Fort Worth Country Day, a celebration of vision, generosity and community. The official dedication and ribbon-cutting on Monday, January 13, 2025, honored the building itself and the over 300 families, foundations, alumni, faculty, staff, grandparents and Trustees who made the facility possible.
Designed by nationally acclaimed architecture firm Lake|Flato, with Hocker Design handling landscape architecture and Linbeck as the general contractor, the Lower School represents an era of progress and innovation for the FWCD community. Constructed as part of the School’s historic Forward Together Comprehensive Campaign and completed after just one year of construction, FWCD’s new 32,720-square-foot Lower School provides an inspiring, modern, light-filled, indoor-outdoor learning environment for 325 students in grades 1 through 4. The building, which replaced FWCD’s 1964 original Lower School building, integrates groundbreaking designs and sustainable elements that prioritize modern educational needs while preserving FWCD’s rich environmental legacy.
The dedication program took place at 5 p.m. on the same day that Lower School Falcons walked into their classrooms for their milestone first day of school in their new nest. It was standing-room-only in the Harrison Commons (new
Richardson Bass Lower School Building
Lower School gathering and performance space) as over 300 members of the community were on hand to celebrate. The program’s speakers included Board of Trustees President Brian Crumley ’92, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Head of School Eric Lombardi, Campaign Volunteer Mary Hallman Smith ’03, and Forward Together Campaign Co-chair William Butler ’96
Crumley opened the program by acknowledging the many trailblazers who came before to create a school of excellence. “Isaac Newton once stated, ‘If I have seen further, it’s by standing on the shoulders of giants,’” he noted. “For the last 60 years, thousands of Country Day students and faculty were able to see further standing on the shoulders of the visionary giants that built that original Lower School [in 1964] right here on this property at what was, at that time, just a field of wildflowers. And now, thousands more students and faculty here at the School will be able to see further standing on the shoulders of the generous giants gathered here today that have
made possible such an enormous drive forward to enhance the educational experience of the school. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you all for being those giants.”
Crumley’s sentiments set the tone for an evening steeped in pride and gratitude. “This place is special,” Mayor Parker said as she addressed the crowd. “ … don’t take it for granted. You’re educating tomorrow’s leaders.” She acknowledged Fort Worth Country Day’s legacy and its impact beyond campus boundaries, shaping not just individuals but the city itself. “Fort Worth continues to be the largest, fastest-growing city in the
Building Dedication: Randy Eisenman ’93, Eric Lombardi, Brian Crumley ’92, Trey Blair, William Butler ’96, Gloria Moncrief Holmsten ’00, Mayor Mattie Parker, Brandi Rickels (Lake|Flato), Trey Silva (Linbeck), Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88, Lee Bass ’74, Ryan Senter, Heather Senter, Wylie Dailey (The Projects Group)
“ This place is special … don’t take it for granted. You’re educating tomorrow’s leaders.”
~Mayor Mattie Parker
Declan Cumming ’33
Campaign Volunteer Mary Hallman Smith ’03
Bella Garcia ’33
Head of School Eric Lombardi
Board of Trustees President Brian Crumley ’92
Forward Together Campaign Co-chair William Butler ’96
country,” she said. “With that comes a tremendous amount of responsibility, especially as you think about the future of our city, which, of course, is our young people – those that we’re educating across every single zip code in the city of Fort Worth.
“I’ve gotten to enjoy myself on this campus many times over for different events,” Mayor Parker continued. “I'm always impressed by particular initiatives that reach out to the community, probably most notably your Breakthrough [Fort Worth] program, of course, led by Coach [Joe] Breedlove [’78], and the students that really understand the importance of giving back and making opportunities more available to all students.”
With words that captured the academic excellence that has been the hallmark of FWCD since its first days, Lombardi said: “Today, we went from having a beautiful building to now being inside a tremendous school. Fort Worth Country Day has never been just about the buildings. We’re about the people. This building came to life this morning when the children started arriving.” He described the energy that filled the new spaces as students and teachers walked into the building, kicking off a new era of teaching, learning and community.
“A building, of course, does not create community. The students and the teachers in the building are what let us know we are in the Fort Worth Country Day community. That sense of community is the stuff of legend,” Lombardi said. “The legend is based on experiences like this one today. We’re here with hundreds of people who chose to put incredible time, effort and thought into furthering the particular community of our Lower School by finding a way to contribute to this cause. The cause of first knocking down a truly remarkable and much-loved building and then starting from scratch to create a second edition of a Lower School building that will serve our school for at least its second 60 years. January 13, 2025, now becomes another red letter date in the history of our school as we open the second edition of the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School, so appropriately in the presence of one of Annie Richardson Bass’s grandsons, Lee [’74].”
Reflecting on the role of faculty and with gratitude and applause for the Lower School faculty, Lombardi said, “You'll see they've [the teachers] transformed this from a beautiful architectural space, shiny and new, into a more comfortable, already familiar new home. This morning's icing on the cake was the installation of two paintings by Fort Worth Country
Carolyn W. Fierer Library: (Back row) Ashley Fierer, Laura Fierer, Carolyn W. Fierer-Brown, Mark Fierer, Bob Brown, John Michael Fierer, (front row) Cooper ’31, Joshua ’33, Zach ’35, Rachel ’39, Leighton ’35, Lincoln ’37 and Daniel ’37 Fierer
Day Class of 1987 alum John Holt Smith. In the first and second grade hall, you'll see an abstraction of the wonderful Texas mosaic. Remember it from the old building down by the library at the south end? He took a picture from that and abstracted it. In the third and fourth grade hall on the other side, you'll see John Holt's abstraction of a wonderful live oak tree. A tree that so defines our campus.”
As she stepped up to the podium, Smith, another Falcon alum, reflected on her connection to the campus. “I’ve been a member of the Fort Worth Country Day community since I started kindergarten here in 1990. At that time, the Butler Kindergarten building had just been completed. And my class, the Class of 2003, was the first to inhabit those magical classrooms,” she said. “I will never forget the excitement of walking into a brand new building on the first day of school. Of course, being 5 years old, it didn't occur to me to notice how excited the parents and the teachers were. But judging by the size of tonight's audience, I have to assume that they were.”
Paying homage to her early education, Smith added, “The building that stood here before was my early education. My entry into the 3A’s and my introduction to the values, traditions, expectations and opportunities that make our school so special. But improvements were needed badly. This building, with its light-filled classrooms, tall ceilings, outdoor learning spaces, and inviting expansive library, will be that home for our children and our grandchildren. This will be the place where they sprout their Falcon wings and the place that they visit long after they've graduated to reminisce and give thanks. I hope that sitting here today in our brand new Lower
School, you can appreciate the significance of this moment, even without the benefit of hindsight.
“I hope that you can see what a gift this building is to our community, to the teachers and administrators who will work here, and to the lower schoolers who get to learn and grow and play in these spaces for years to come,” she continued. “And I hope you know that it wouldn't have been possible without all of your support. The School had a vision for what the Lower School could be, and this community once again showed up and gave generously to make that vision a reality.”
The new building, with its light-filled classrooms, innovative STEM spaces, and outdoor learning porches, embodies a new legacy. Butler, also a fellow alum, spoke about a Country Day history that includes his parents, in-laws, wife, children, and nieces and nephews. “We, as a family, benefited so much in terms of our education and experiences with the community of Country Day that I was naturally motivated to step in and co-chair this campaign; it was a no-brainer,” he said. “What I'm really excited about is all the first-generation Falcon families that stepped up [to make this building happen].”
Butler also announced that the Forward Together Campaign, a historic campaign for the School, had officially crossed the $40 million finish line. “One of our overarching goals as a Board has been to maintain Country Day’s status as a flagship school in the city,” he said. “This Lower School will only enhance that future pipeline for our admissions and really help fortify the base of our student body going forward.”
Before introducing student speakers Declan Cumming ’33 and Bella Garcia ’33, and the Falcon Flyers choir, Head of Lower School Trey Blair spoke briefly. “I want to give you a very simple and sincere thank you. This is transformational,” he said. “It is hard to describe what it was like this morning. The best thing I can tell you is that our teachers have worked so hard to prepare for this.”
For many, the best part of the program came with Cumming and Garcia reciting a meaningful poem titled “This is a Place,” written for the occasion by Director of Fine Arts Lindy Heath, and the singing of the alma mater by third and fourth grade Falcon Flyers choir students.
Following the ceremony, the official ribbon-cutting of the building took place, as well as 23 individual ribbon-cuttings for named spaces within the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School Building.
The Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building is a stunning facility in which FWCD will continue to build and celebrate community. “I'd love to congratulate all of the Fort Worth Country Day community, from the Plankholders who started here in 1963 to kids who just learned of their acceptance for the Class of 2039,” Lombardi said. “And ultimately, let's go ahead and extend the congratulations to all of those not even yet born who will be in this building in the years to come. Congratulations to us all on being fortunate enough to be a part of a community that rallies to a cause like the building of this building. We are, indeed, so fortunate to be a part of Fort Worth Country Day.”
“ The School had a vision for what the Lower School could be, and this community once again showed up and gave generously to make that vision a reality.”
~Mary Hallman Smith ’03
May This Be a Place …
By Lindy Heath, Director of Fine Arts
May this be a place filled with laughter and song, Where friendships are made, and children belong.
May this be a place where minds start to soar, Where a longing for learning is behind every door.
May kindness be present, each hour, each day In the things that we do, that we think and we say.
May we learn about courage in each challenge we face And integrity guide us each day in this place.
May this be a place filled with music and art That all we create truly comes from the heart.
May this be a place warm with comfort and joy Where all will feel welcomed, each girl and each boy.
May we feel the pride every time we walk in Of being a Falcon, of being a friend.
May we know we’re loved by teachers who care And be ready to go from here….anywhere.
And when the time comes we have outgrown this place, When we’ve learned all the lessons and quickened our pace. When we know every corner and have been through each door And know we are ready for a little bit more.
May this be the place that we walk past each day And remember the friends and the places we played. This WILL be the place that we’re proud to say Taught us to fly and showed us the way.
Sciuto Counselor Office: (Front row) Holt ’33 and Tripp ’31 Sciuto, (back row) DeMar (McGuire) ’99 and Frank Sciuto
The Moritz Family Fourth Grade Classrooms: John David, Anna ’20, Meg ’15 and Leslie Moritz
Walsh Administrative Suite: Jon Bonnell ’89, Howard Walsh ’92, Lindsey Walsh Dickerson ’96, Eric Lombardi
Sid W. Richardson Foundation Third Grade Classrooms: Pete Geren ’70, Lee Bass ’74, Eric Lombardi
Harrison Commons: Michael Philpott ’08, Elizabeth Philpott, Harper Bartolomei, Tina Harrison Gorski ’69, Marsha Harrison Kleinheinz ’79, John Kleinheinz, Anna Melissa Harrison Philpott ’77, Tamara Gorski, Peter Philpott, Colin Philpott ’38, Marguerite Kleinheinz Stoner ’08, James Harrison, Jr. ’75, William Kleinheinz ’15, Jack Kleinheinz (baby), Kelly Kleinheinz, Susanna Gorski Bartolomei ’01, Teddy Bartolomei ’36
Lacy Butterfly Garden: Taylor (Luskey) ’04, Thomas Lacy
PFA Academic Support Office: Lizzie Sell, Robyn Hatfield, Bridget Wysong, Courtney Holm, Katie Semple, Haddy Manuel, Meggan Morrison, Blair Taylor Walker ’99
Warren Conference Room: Tara and Robert Warren, Michael Warren, Leslie Warren, Debbie Steckler
Rodgers Head of Lower School Office: Cass Rodgers, Christina Rodgers
Democracy in Action FWCD Unites for Civic Engagement
On September 25, Democracy Day united the School community in fostering democracy, promoting civility, and empowering future citizens. Through a variety of ageappropriate activities and speakers, students across all divisions engaged in an immersive experience designed to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and democratic participation.
A key focus of the day was on the practice of civil discourse, which the School believes is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Students learned and applied the principles of civil dialogue:
Respect: Acknowledging the equal dignity of all participants
Authenticity: Expressing genuine views without masking or pretending
Curiosity: Seeking to understand others' perspectives, not just advocating one's own
Each division created community norms to honor throughout the day and beyond in their activities. These norms, which reflect FWCD’s core values, guided interactions and discussions, fostering an environment of respect, understanding and collaboration throughout their activities.
E Pluribus Unum in Action
Lower School’s Democracy Day kicked off with a lively assembly in the Scott Theater, inspired by The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder. Percival, the King Penguin (played by Meredith Hudgens Cunningham ’04), enforces the rules because she’s the king. But the other penguins (played by Tammy Wolford, Katy Thompson Hobbs ’97, Rachel Fineman, Barbara Meyers, Aimee Jenkins and Heather Goldman) aren’t feeling it. Tired of the pushback, Percival sets off in search of more obedient subjects. Spoiler: His journey teaches him that living in a community means compromise and flexibility, thanks to meeting the Emperor Penguin (played by Trey Blair). The book and assembly emphasized this year’s theme, E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One).
Following the assembly, students dove into classroom activities centered on democracy and conflict resolution. They learned the seven steps of democracy (listen, learn, choose, join, speak, act, lead), played a game of telephone, and discussed the power of listening as the foundation of good citizenship. In the “This or That” game, students made choices (recycling vs. electric cars? bike lanes vs. sidewalks? integrity vs. respect?) and shared their reasons, with the opportunity to change their answer after hearing others out.
Following the convention kick-off, the students attended three of four sessions. All sessions focused on the concept of democracy in unique ways. The Gallery Walk challenged students to study pieces of art, write responses in a variety of ways to the art, and then participate in a discussion about their interpretations. In Quilt-It, students were given a square to decorate after watching a video and participating in a discussion. All the squares from each grade were put together to create a larger quilt. The Scavenger Hunt sent students all over campus as they solved riddles to make it to their next stop. In Democracy Jeopardy, students worked as teams to answer questions to score points. Each session had its own way of presenting the same ideas involving democracy. H H H H H H H H H H H H
“Lead by Example” had students writing persuasive journal entries on how they can lead by doing. They also explored citizenship with “The Citizen Tango” and tested their knowledge with a few U.S. citizenship questions using Kahoot.
In PE, teamwork took the spotlight. The lesson: just like in democracy, success means everyone working together toward a common goal, whether or not you're keeping score. They played games where cooperation was key, moving as a team to accomplish tasks.
In science, students tackled group projects inspired by Sophia Valdez for Prez, designing inclusive playgrounds. They brainstormed, sketched, and created models with inclusion in mind. Music brought patriotic vibes with a parachute activity to “You're a Grand Old Flag,” rhythm instruments to “Stars and Stripes,” and steady beat games to Sousa marches. French and Spanish teachers discussed how elections work in other countries. Art students (grades JK-2) continued their projects, with third graders diving into American artist Jen Stark’s work. Fourth graders designed graphic T-shirts based on the theme, Out of Many, One.
And there's more: Lower School students have continued their exploration of E Pluribus Unum throughout the year in their Families sessions, connecting what they learned about democracy to the School’s core values.
From Convention to Election
Middle School’s Democracy Day centered on the year 1888. Students began their day with a convention that highlighted pride among the U.S. and the 38 states in existence that year. Carrying brightly colored signs, Middle School students marched into the Amon G. Carter Foundation Commons to learn more about the goal of the day – to foster democracy, promote civility, and empower future citizens – and to hear from the presidential candidates, incumbent Grover Cleveland (portrayed by Morgan Gatzke ’29) and Benjamin Harrison (portrayed by Mars McWaters ’29).
(Above from left) Democracy Day activities for Lower School students centered on the seven steps of democracy. Lower School administrators, faculty and staff performed The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder to kick off the day. (Top of page 49) FWCD Parent Fabian Serralta shared his story of coming to America when he was 9 years old with Middle School students.
FWCD parent Fabian Serralta shared his story of coming to America. Serralta lived in Cuba until he was 9 years old. His family tried 19 times to leave and go to the United States. During one of the trips on a speedboat, they were stopped, and his dad was put in prison. As a result, his family went from being a wealthy family that owned multiple properties and houses to having a single home and belongings. One day, his dad was working on a collection of old cars when a general stopped by and asked if he would work on his cars to get them running again. When the vehicles were repaired, the general offered his family a place to live and would pay for his children to go to private school. Serralta’s father denied his offer and said he wanted out of Cuba, so the entire family was flown to Miami in the middle of the night. His father worked hard to get their family back to their previous lifestyle, and now the Serraltas reside in Texas.
Next, Harrison and Cleveland debated, and students then broke into their state rooms (advisories) to discuss the candidate options and practice civil discourse to begin deciding how to vote. They took a lunch break and returned to their state rooms to further discuss the candidates and ultimately cast their electoral vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. The day ended with grade-level democracy trivia challenges using Kahoot, featuring questions from a U.S. citizenship test.
The states then returned to the Carter Commons to learn the results of their kahoot and the election, with additional student reflection about what they learned throughout the day. And the winner was Benjamin Harrison, just like in the actual election.
Leadership and Discourse
Upper School’s Democracy Day was filled with special guests and group discussions. The day began in the Commons with History Department Chair Colin Douglas ’06 talking to the students about what to expect throughout the day
put on their “story hats,” one for Lower School, one for Middle School, and one for Upper School. Each story had a theme of democracy, including the fundamental principles (all humans are created equal, a government of explicitly limited powers and separation of those powers), three tenets (consent, majority rule and rule of law), and protective tools (citizenship, elections and discussions).
After the introduction, students moved into the activity groups. They chose from 26 options, including The TikTok Ban Bill, led by multiple faculty and students; Women and Democracy: A Global Perspective, led by Dr. Carrie Currier, Associate Professor at TCU; Texas Politics in Motion, led by Dr. James Riddlesperger, Professor at TCU; City Challenge: Civic Leadership in Action, led by Jack Carvalho ’17, City of Fort Worth District Director and Cornell Woolridge ’96, Voter Registration Specialist for Texas Freedom Network; A Republic, If You Can Keep It, led by former FWCD History Teacher Bill Arnold ’86 and many more. Carvalho and Woolridge also had a voter registration table where eligible students, faculty and staff could register to vote.
Following lunch, Upper School students, faculty and staff returned to the Commons for a Town Hall discussion with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and 2021 mayoral opponent Deborah Peoples. The 45-minute student-led session provided an opportunity for students to put their
Hdemocratic skills into practice and observe civil discourse in action. Some of the questions asked were about making Fort Worth litter-free; the literacy crisis; if they could enact one policy, what it would be; and more. Parker’s and Peoples’s explanations shared insight on some things the students could do now and in the future to help the city of Fort Worth. To close the day, the students thanked our guests and reflected on the day and what they learned about democracy.
From Lower to Upper School, FWCD students engaged with the principles of democracy, learning how history, leadership, and civic responsibility shape the world around them. Democracy Day not only connected students to the past but also empowered them to be active participants in their communities – now and in the future.
Thank you to the following faculty and staff who worked on creating this day for the past two summers as part of Summer Fellows: Debby Arnold, Sarah Blan, Tammy Craddock, Colin Douglas ’06, Jennifer Giroir, Sarah Hollingshead, David Hoppe, Shari Lincoln, Samantha McMillan, Sara Teegarden, Tammy Wolford, Catherine CollinsVecino, Mark Lichaj, Nicole Masole-Rose, Lisa Wallace, Aaron Hoover, John Long, Rob Napier, Lisa Dickerson Davenport ’87, Rachel Fineman, Theresa Fuss, Heather Goldman, Melissa Hickman, Katy Thompson Hobbs ’97, Aimee Jenkins, Barbara Meyers and Callie Spradley.
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
(Clockwise from page 50) Jordan Jones ’25 and Vianey Frias ’25 explore the importance of media literacy. Morgan Gatzke ’29 (Grover Cleveland) and Mars McWaters ’29 (Benjamin Harrison) face off in a Democracy Day debate. Upper School students participated in a Town Hall discussion featuring Deborah Peoples and Mayor Mattie Parker. Jack Semple ’27 and Alonzo Del Pozzo ’25 discuss the first amendment’s impact on democracy. Jonty Lightbound ’32 casts his vote. Colin Douglas ’06 speaks to Upper School students about the three tenents of democracy.
Winter Family Fun
Alumni celebrated winter holidays with a joyful and festive alumni family event that offered something for everyone! Attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and doughnuts while participating in a range of activities. Guests had the opportunity to make Christmas and Hanukkah-themed crafts and decorate holiday cookies. The highlight of the event was a special visit from Santa, who delighted children and adults alike with his festive spirit and cheerful presence. The celebration brought together alumni and their families, fostering a sense of community and creating lasting holiday memories for all who participated.
Fall Alumni Happy Hour
Falcons from near and far gathered at Rogers Roundhouse in Fort Worth before the Thanksgiving holiday. Seeing so many alumni from out of town home to visit was great fun. We even had alumni families representing multiple generations of Falcons present!
Pictured are (front row) Paige Cole Cropper ’03, Mary Hallman Smith ’03, Mary Elizabeth Levy Van Meter ’03, Whitney Baggett Creel ’04, (back row) Chloe Bade Anderson ’05, Kate Strickland Jennings ’04, Carly Mills Tatum ’00, Sarah Watson Ofner ’00, Keri DeVos Hickman ’04, Ashton Burk ’05 and Thomas Anderson ’05
(Above) Sara Parker, Brooke Reeb, Francie Parker, Charlotte Reeb
(Left) George Wheeler, Cole Wheeler, Dina McKenney ’05, Eloise Wheeler
(Photo page 52) Bennett Bartolomei and Susanna Gorski Bartolomei ’01
Falcons on the Road
Chicago
Falcon alumni from the Windy City got together in November for dinner with Head of School Eric Lombardi. Pictured (above) are Garrison Taylor ’06, Phoebe Noce ’06, Ben Nober ’17, Eric Lombardi, Todd Gallagher ’94 and Chris Gallagher ’91.
Shree Bose ’12 and Head of School Eric Lombardi also connected in Chicago (right). He caught Shree up on all things Fort Worth Country Day.
Denver
Colorado alumni gathered in Denver in December. They shared stories and made great connections, including some networking that led to a new job. Pictured (above) are Haley Stratton Ritter ’12, Alex Morrissette ’12, Macy Pigman ’11, Eric Lombardi, Storey Wilson ’94, Gravely Wilson and Erick Ritter ’12.
Tailgate & Tours
At Homecoming, alumni and their families gathered as J Mack Slaughter ’02 and his family played music, faces were painted, caricatures were drawn and balloon animals were made. Former faculty including Susan Crummel, Sharon Foster H’05, Joe Murph, Dan Foust and Chuck Maddux enjoyed the show while reconnecting with alumni and their families. Meanwhile, Head of School Eric Lombardi led hard hat tours of the new Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building.
Alumni Athletes
At halftime of the Homecoming football game, the Alumni Association celebrated Class of 2019 athletes who went on to play college athletics. Honorees were Jackson Norman and Kaitlyn Johnson. Norman played baseball throughout Upper School at FWCD and went on to play Division 3 baseball at Trinity University. Johnson ran track throughout Upper School at FWCD and went on to run indoor and outdoor track as a sprinter at the University of Tulsa.
Alumni Cheerleaders
No alumni game? No problem! Alumni cheerleaders got in on the Homecoming Pep Rally fun. Pictured are Leslie Steele Edwards ’92, Tracy Carrington ’95, Mackenzie Medaris ’19, Erin Fishman ’21, Shannon Taylor Lange ’92, Alison McManus ’95, Susan Crummel, Blair Taylor Walker ’99, Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99, Courtney Corbeille Krauss ’06 and Hannah Stinson Head ’94.
Class Reunions
Class of 2014
(Back row) Bryan Garvey, Nic Klein, Graham Baker, Caleb Rooker, Michael Wittman, Matthew Leonard, Zane Lincoln, Isabelle Potts; (middle row) Mary Claire Ekstrom, Emily Wilkinson, Elizabeth Wilkinson, Heather Harvison, Samantha Hubbard, Alden Griffin, Will Kirtley, Caroline Carvalho Kirtley, Aria Sanders; (bottom row) Samantha Sawyer Rod, Darby Loth, Elizabeth Lindsey Rooker, Olivia Buis Prince, McKenna Breedlove Hill
Class of 2019
(Back row) Alexandra Galloway, Thomas Marlow, Viraj Gandhi, Conor Flynn, Rachel Ellman, Jessica Schaffer, Sarah Clark, Julia Atkinson, Abby Shaffer, Chloe Gilpin, Meg Fischer, Kirsten Pruitt, Jackson Norman, Merrick Decker, Sean Nolan, Jack McGehee, Lauren Hughes, Adriana Barker, Grace Wagner, Greg Khammar, Will Thomas, Joe Atkinson, Bass Bumstead, Sadie Johnson, Payton Childress, Virginia Sanders, Alli Engfer; (front row) Jackson Disney, Diego Casanova, Katey Franks, Sam Sturns, Mattye Richardson, Jordan Klein, Campbell Robinson, Farris Chisholm, Elena Casement, JaneAnn Disney, Megan-Marie Lammons, Carlotta Murrin, Alyssa Cole, Luke Walker, Grace Baker, Ben Dike
Class of 1999
The Class of 1999 was feeling fine as they celebrated their 25th reunion at Wild Acre Brewing. (First row) Ava Zimpelman, Hannah Dickerson, George Louden ’32, Franklin Louden ’35; (second row) Leah Dickerson, Margery Motheral ’33, Caroline Stovall ’34, Eden Ferguson, Zoe Ferguson; (third row) Martha Oswald Motheral, Rebecca Coomer Dickerson, Lisa Slaughter Stovall, Leslie Turner Zimpelman, Laurin Cummins, Caroline Corpening Lamsens, Tela Thornton, Dawn Ferguson, Courtney Crummel Summers, Gif Summers; (fourth row) Julian Valadez, Michael Zimpelman, Edward Phillips, Taylor Ferguson, Malcolm Louden
Class of 1994
The Class of 1994 celebrated their 30th reunion at the home of Anjie Landreth Butler. (Front row) Wesley Van Wyk Snyder, Amy Knight Brown, Rebecca Hove, Becca Stovall Cheng, Hannah Stinson Head, McKenna Keller Michel, Endyia Kinney-Sterns; (second row) Laura Rogers Denniston, Tejal Dave Wible, Alex Johnson, Anne Meals Weiskittel, Anjie Landreth Butler, Katherine Bloemendal Coughlin, Allison Morris Parkey, Cameron Swindle McClure, Ali Robinson Rogers, Tyler Head, Elyse Stoltz Dickerson, Eric Lombardi; (back row) Sean Gebhardt, Tiffany Thomas Gebhardt, John Bartlett, David Riener, Ashley Newell Bartlett, Doug Michel, Jason Wible, Dax Petty, Lindsey Petty, Valerie Newell Riener, Catherine Wall Langley, Adam Weiskittel, Ryan Harrington, Nissa Harrington, Julie Johns Schmidt, Jason Brown, Jeff Rogers, Marc Schmidt, C.D. Dickerson, Ben Parkey, Darren McClure
Class of 1974
The Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion at The Original! (Front row) Debbie Conner Norris, Jean Morgan Hagedorn, Sarah Harris; (back row) Adam Fried, Melissa Garrett Thompson, Mary Ann McBride Huston, Adelaide Kline Liedtke, Ora Beth McMullen, Margaret Thompson Ladd
Class of 1974
Webster Dean, Mary Stouffer Cole, Douglas Arnoult, Lisa Williams Diffley, Lisanne Purvis Davidson, Bo Butz, Tom Hanley
Class of 2004 Dinner
The Class of 2004 celebrated their 20th reunion at Hotel Drover in the Stockyards. (Front row) Samantha Siegel, Kate Scully Wells, Keri DeVos Hickman, Frances Benoist Compton; (second row) Morgan Mallick West, Courtney Tennison McGrail, Kate Thompson Crane, Kaitlan Moczulski, Lillian Anderson Davis, Ashley Allen Carr, Whitney Baggett Creel, Taylor Luskey Lacy, Annie Libonati Schacht; (back row) Peter More, Jacob Tripplehorn, Cole Hull, Joe Harrison, Greg Smith, Patrick Polenz, Chris Stephenson, Hunter Brous, Kate Strickland Jennings, David Brigati, Austin Reilly, Jonathan Burk, Ryan Hillard
Class of 1984
The Class of 1984 celebrated their 40th Reunion at the home of Trish McMackin Doswell. (Front row) Kim Bugg Koirtyohann, Stephen Maberry, Mary Bruner Ayers, Sue Cutler Christie, Kelly Cranz, Marissa Tilley Hammond; (second row under stairs) Victoria Webb Walker, Shep Sands, Trish McMackin Doswell, Jack Armstrong; (heading up the stairs) Mariyln Lamensdorf, Georgia Griffith Fulenwider, Beverly Gardner Smith, Sarah Medary, Jonathan Garner, Alison Barker Wise, Jeff Holland, Stephanie Sumner Brentlinger, Dede Stevens Woodman, John McKay, Mike Sankary, Robin Britain Butler, Craig Deen, Kenny Fischer, Amy Walker Rea, Cathy Miley Fredian, Kim Fisher Jarvis, Jack Belton, Todd Hodnett, Kelley McClean, Devon Gilbert Vrana, Rachel Ryan, Monica Yandell, Samantha Over, Susan Siegmund, Emily Minton Redfield
Class of 1979
The Class of 1979 celebrated with a family friendly lunch at Angelo’s that included their parents, children, grandchildren, and other Falcon friends. Jay Herd ’79, Joe Breedlove ’78, Bill Orr ’79, Alex Herd ’15, Eric Lombardi, Julie Parker McBride ’79, Shepherd Campbell ’36, Hayes Campbell, Natalie Campbell, Wyatt Campbell, Bryan Wagner ’79, Lou Martin, Jim Herd, Sharon Foster H’05, Russell Mischel ’79, Martha Anthony Prioleau ’79, Sarah Pumphrey McCabe ’79, Jody Stasney Corcoran ’79, Sarah Medary ’84
Make a Forever Gift
The Forward Together Campaign’s third component is endowment, with a goal of raising $8 million to ensure FWCD’s financial stability. The Forever Falcons Endowment provides unrestricted support of the annual budget, allowing FWCD to seize new opportunities and meet ongoing needs.
Please consider contributing as a group with family or friends for special recognition opportunities that honor everyone’s investment in FWCD’s future.
To learn more, contact Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement, at sandra.tuomey@fwcd.com or 817.302.3223.
Winter Alumni Games
Alumni flocked to campus to play in the Boys’ Alumni Soccer Game, where dozens of alumni soccer players from throughout the years took on Coach Mike Vincent’s varsity squad in a well-played game. Boys and Girls Alumni Basketball Games also carried on the fun in the Sid W. Richardson Round Gym and North (Square) Gym, where alumni played each other and recalled their days on the court with coaches Joe Breedlove ’78 and Shelley Rains. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this such a spectacular day!
Boys Basketball
(Front row) Ned Newton ’20, Joe Breedlove ’78, Luke Rollins ’23, Jack Carmichael ’22, Alex Espinoza ’11, Rush Olson ’86; (back row) Tommy Weaver ’23, Carson Lee ’23, Sam Jones ’20, Harrison Kemmer ’23, Nate Bowser ’13, Jack Livingston ’14, Caleb Rooker ’14, Jack Mock ’17, Josh Tipton ’17, Joseph Breedlove III ’17
Boys Soccer
Grady Roth ’27, Jesus (Chuy) Orozco ’25, Eddy Rodriguez ’25, Quinn Gibbons ’25, Dario Rosas ’25, Luke Vincent ’26, Ezra Alaniz ’28, Paxtyn McPeak ’26, Oliver Kelly ’26, Rayden Liddell ’27, William Runyon ’26, Henry Harrington ’25, Briggs Kelly ’21, Stephen Goodwin ’09, Brandon Tierney ’09, Marshall Jones ’09, Ryan Harrington ’94, Brodie Hyde ’17, David Yun ’24, Zach Willars ’24, Chris Edwards ’20, Davis Laker ’08, Richard Chu ’97, James Stein ’98, Andrew Geesbreght ’98, Peter More ’04, Thomas West ’05, Vincent Marquis ’15, William Marquis ’18, Peter Alcorn ’01, Thomas Cunningham ’10, Phillip Herd ’17, Jay Herd ’79, Cavan Vestal ’17, Sawyer Parker ’22, Jake Vinson ’12, Erick Ritter ’12, Truman Roth ’24, Justin Holt ’00
Girls Basketball
Courtney Reimer Arnold ’17 (Holding Willy Arnold, and standing in front of her, Rennie Arnold), Hannah Peeples ’18, Kenzi Carter ’20, Alex Peeples ’21, Shelley Rains (Holding Shelley Arnold), Naomi (Liz) Hazelton ’22, Katie Bruce ’24, Emily Klein ’24, Carden Kimball ’24, Kylie Carter ’24; (Kneeling): Breck Ray ’35, Meredith Nieswiadomy Ray ’06 (Holding Margo Ray), Maddie Ray ’36
Alumnus Inspires with Dr. King’s Message
On January 27, Ralph Emerson ’01 returned to campus for the first time in nearly 20 years to speak with Middle and Upper School students about the lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nicole Masole-Rose, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion, introduced Emerson, a Fort Worth faith leader and Falcon graduate. She also provided historical context, noting that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was signed into law as a federal holiday in 1983 and is the only federal holiday that is also a national day of service.
Emerson, who has extensive experience with Dr. King's words, having spent time reciting them for audiences across Fort Worth, spoke passionately about Dr. King’s message, emphasizing that charity, service and justice should serve as the blueprint for how we live. As he read excerpts from Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, his powerful delivery commanded the attention of every fifth through eighth grade student and faculty and staff member in the Amon G. Carter Foundation Commons, as well as ninth through 12th graders in the Upper School commons.
He underscored the importance of putting others first, telling students, “The greatest among us are those who give and put the needs of others above their own. This embodies Dr. King’s mission—a shining example of service as a way of life.”
by Eleanor Siff
Shree Bose ’12
Shree Bose ’12 is no stranger to hard work. As an FWCD student, she took learning beyond the classroom to pursue her passion, which led to her becoming the inaugural Google Global Science Fair Grand Prize Winner (2011) out of a field of 10,000 competitors from 90 countries. She even presented her winning cancer research project to President Barack Obama and National Institutes of Health Directors.
After graduating, Bose attended Harvard University and co-founded the EdTech company Piper to help break down barriers to computer science education. Then she enrolled in the Duke University School of Medicine M.D./Ph.D. program, where she recently completed her Ph.D. on understanding metabolic changes in ovarian cancer metastasis and her M.D. in May 2023. She was also named to the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Science list.
Before attending some of the most prestigious schools in the country, pursuing a career in cancer research, and becoming an award-winning scientist, Bose was inspired in Sharon Hamilton’s biology class. “She was one of the first people who taught me in a classroom what cancer is, and I remember having so many questions afterward,” she said. “I’m thankful to her for a lot of that early spark that led to what I am doing.”
Working on the Falcon Quill, eventually becoming Editorin-Chief, Bose learned to use Adobe InDesign and Illustrator thanks to Upper School Journalism Teacher Lisa Wallace “Because I learned those two things, I’m able to make the graphics that help me communicate science,” Bose said. “That’s one of the things that was unique about my science fairs in Upper School, but also everything I have done since. Even the graphics I was making for my Ph.D. defense. These are all tools I learned in Mrs. Wallace’s classroom.” Like biology with Hamilton, Wallace shaped Bose’s studies and career path.
Bose also participated in Prairie Restoration Day at FWCD, which helped her see how learning extends beyond the classroom. When she wanted to participate in the Google Global Science Fair, she felt empowered and prepared to pursue her interests beyond her assigned coursework. “Country Day is special in that way, in that it’s not just classroom work,” she said. “School prepares you, and then you can do anything you want outside these walls because you have the support to do it, which is something that’s carried into every single thing I’ve gone on to do.” Bose attributes her ability to get creative and break out of “the box” to her time at FWCD. Freedom from the traditional school structure created pathways to innovation, which has been a throughline of her education and career experiences.
It was also at FWCD that Bose first learned about M.D./ Ph.D. programs. “You can do research as an M.D., and you can do clinical-related stuff as a Ph.D., but as an M.D., you get a really strong basis in how cancer care is done in the real world, and that is something I really needed to know for any of the research I do to matter,” Bose said. “You can do the coolest research in the lab, but if it’s not in a way that a patient can actually experience, it doesn’t have the power I want my research to have. I need the Ph.D. to do the highest caliber of research and to understand the cuttingedge questions we are asking about cancer. Still, I need to understand exactly how that translates to a patient who has cancer for my research to matter.”
Beginning her Fellowship at the University of Chicago in June, Bose is considering what’s next. “I think taking my research and personalization of medicine and turning it into a company down the line is something I’m super interested in,” she said. However, Bose is quick to note that she doesn’t know what the future looks like, especially as she navigates the structured world of medicine. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that all that structure has her thinking about how she can break down some walls to think beyond what you “have to do to see what you can do.”
Retired Faculty –Where are They Now?
By Debby Jennings
Missi Kovachev ’89
US Athletics, Tennis and
Volleyball 2000-20
Missi’s fondest memories of her years at FWCD center around tournament trips with boys’ volleyball teams, where she was really able to bond with students and laugh a lot. She remembers a player who ate 34 pieces of pizza because it was his jersey number, one who could sing every word of every SpongeBob SquarePants song, and the guys who would rearrange their hotel room furniture to create some kind of game. “Tons of fun times,” is how she describes those trips.
Missi’s youngest, Eva, is a senior at Oakridge this year and plays tennis all over the metroplex so Missi does a lot of the “Mom” stuff with Eva. Next year, Eva will attend Trinity University in San Antonio and play on her college tennis team so Missi will expand her traveling south for those matches. Her older daughter, Mia ’20, graduated from UTA and is attending Boston University to earn a graduate degree in journalism.
Every year, Missi and her husband, Alex, travel to Bulgaria to see Alex’s family and friends. They are planning to keep their family property there so they can visit regularly as they really enjoy spending time in Alex’s home country. Missi also stays busy driving a Meals on Wheels route once a week and working in her garden, which she admits is an adventure in trial and error.
Missi always felt there was something energizing and hopeinspiring working in a school with young people. “When bad things happened, like 9/11 or deaths, it seemed like the hopefulness of the students made it easier to recover every time,” she said. Missi would love to say “thanks” to all the FWCD students she taught in her K-12 PE classes and
coached in tennis and volleyball. “To those students who were willing to open themselves up and create a relationship … that’s what made all my years rewarding and enjoyable,” she said.
Kathy Lott
Admission, Financial Aid, US Math 2001-21
Kathy still works part-time at FWCD, helping to process tuition assistance so that deserving and talented students are able to enroll. She feels this is so important that when asked to help, she came back out of retirement to do her part.
Kathy and her husband, Buddy, built a second home in Waller, so they could be close to daughter Anita, son-in-law, and three grandsons. They kept their home in Fort Worth so they could go back and forth as much as they wanted. Kathy and Buddy are avid golfers and so are the grandsons. The boys play on select golf teams, and Kathy loves traveling to watch them play and attend school functions.
Every year, the family takes a trip to Jamaica Beach to enjoy the sun and sand. Kathy says this is a wonderful experience with the boys. Recently, they took a family golf trip to Mansfield, Ohio to meet up with family in the Midwest.
Kathy loved working with families during the admission process. “By the time the admission process was complete, I felt like they were part of my family,” she said. Kathy felt that FWCD had a great working environment, so it was a pleasure to get involved with the activities on campus. Teaching Algebra II in the Upper School was a change of pace from admission that she really enjoyed. Kathy writes, “I enjoyed the students’ sense of humor, learning about their goals and aspirations, and I am so proud of all of them!”
Class Notes
Do you have great news to share with fellow FWCD alumni? Are you interested in becoming a class agent?
Please email alumnirelations@fwcd.com to submit a note or sign up today!
1960s
Class Agents
1967 Bill Curtis curtis@acm.org
1968 Needs Class Agent
1969 Steve Geis Geislaw@hotmail.com
1970s
Class Agents
1970 Needs Class Agent
1971 Terry Siegel htsiegel@bvc.com
1972 Richard Garvey richard@jagee.com
1973 Needs Class Agent
1974 Needs Class Agent
1975 Needs Class Agent
1976 Brad Nowlin brad@bradnowlin.com
1977 Needs Class Agent
1978 Needs Class Agent
1979 Needs Class Agent
Stephen Alton ’74 recently had a scholarship named in his honor. The Texas A&M Law Alumni Board established the Professor Emeritus Stephen Alton Endowed Scholarship. Stephen is one of the law school’s longest-serving professors. The scholarship will be awarded to qualified students who embody excellence and dedication to the law. An article published online by the Texas A&M University School of Law detailed Stephen’s career: “Alton’s career in legal education spanned over 30 years. In 1990, he joined Dallas-Fort Worth School of Law as a founding faculty member. Prior to his taking emeritus status in 2022, he taught Property, Constitutional Law, Real Estate Transactions, and Texas Land Titles,
among other courses. He also held numerous leadership roles, including twice serving as associate dean of the law school, and service as Admissions Committee chair, faculty advisor to the Student Bar Association, and a member of the Texas A&M University Faculty Senate.”
1980s
Class Agents
1980 Needs Class Agent
1981 Martha Cox marthaccox@yahoo.com
1981 - Dan Tatum danltatum@live.com
1982 Needs Class Agent
1983 Needs Class Agentt
1984 Needs Class Agent
1985 Needs Class Agent
1986 Needs Class Agent
1987 Needs Class Agent
1988 Needs Class Agent
1989 Needs Class Agent
After 20 weeks of intense training, Missy McAdams Huffman ’87 took on the Snowbasin 29029 Everesting Climb in Utah. Missy successfully completed
Lisa Carrington Voight ’92, a Fort Worth-based artist, painted murals in 20 exam rooms at Cook Children’s Pediatrics (Southwest) to make the doctor’s office a more welcoming space and offer a distraction from what can be a stressful environment for children. The mural themes range from jungle to Texas and safari. In an article in the Dallas Morning News featuring her mural project, Lisa shared, “It feels like magic to me, being able to go in there [the doctor’s office] every day and getting to see kids go into the rooms I’ve finished and hear their reaction, and then have them come up to me and ask questions.” You can find Lisa on Instagram @customartbylisa.
CLASS NOTES
four summits to reach Kosciuszko, the first of the seven summits located in Australia at 7,310 vertical feet. She proved that Parkinson’s disease doesn’t define her limits. “It’s about conquering fears and showing that we can push beyond what we think is possible,” Missy said in an NBC Channel 5 interview. “I may not reach the top, but I’m going to try.” Missy had 36 hours to tackle this challenge, which started in the morning on August 9, 2024, and ended in the evening on August 10.
Missy is the daughter of former faculty member Mona Goone McDaniel
Cornell Woolridge ’96 started a new position as Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Austin College. He and
Jack Carvalho ’17 were on campus in the fall to lead an activity for Upper School students during Democracy Day. The former Breakthrough Fort Worth teachers also took a minute to catch up with Director of Breakthrough Joe Breedlove ’78
Colonel Kurt Anderson ’97 was promoted to Deputy Wing Commander at the 136th Airlift Wing located at NAS Fort Worth JRB.
2000s
Class Agents
2000 Needs Class Agent
2001 Needs Class Agentt
2002 Needs Class Agent
2003 Needs Class Agent
2004 Kate Strickland Jennings kjennings610@gmail.com
Wendy S. Buckingham ’00 started a new position as Associate General Counsel at the University of Delaware. She was also selected for promotion to Colonel (O-6) in the United States Air Force Reserves and plans to pin in April 2025.
Lauren Hunt Brogdon ’05 was recently admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and is now licensed to practice law in both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Texas. Lauren is the Chair of the National Crisis Management Practice Group at Haynes Boone and specializes in immediate incident response and civil trials arising from personal injury/ wrongful death litigation.
Whitney G. Williamson ’07 was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Austin Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, which is the leading organization for developers, owners and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. She is Vice President, Market Officer for Austin and San Antonio at Prologis, the global leader in logistics real estate. Whitney also serves on the University of Texas Real Estate Center Advisory Council and the SMU Cox Folsom Institute Real Estate Advisory Board. In addition to her NAIOP appointment, she was recognized as a Bisnow 2024 Austin Women Leading Real Estate Honoree.
Noe Guevara ’07 was promoted to Business Development OfficerAcquisitions at UPS Capital. He also serves as a volunteer mentor with the JPMorgan Chase Inclusive Excellence Mentoring Program, an initiative focused on building meaningful connections and fostering the growth of the next generation of professionals. Noe is the only volunteer in the program who has served since its inception in 2021.
2010s
Class Agents
2010 Miles Bratton miles.e.bratton@gmail.com
2010 Ashley Uptegraft auptegraft10@gmail.com
2011 Nayelly Dominguez ndominguez@smu.edu
2012 Needs Class Agent
2013 Annabeth Reeb alreeb@me.com
2014 Needs Class Agent
2015 Needs Class Agent
2016 Jacob Rains jrains22@gmail.com
2017 Jack Carvalho joaquimacarvalho12@gmail.com
2018 Kathleen Clum kathleen.clum22@gmail.com
2019 Sarah Clark clarksarah160@gmail.com
Nayelly Dominguez ’11 was named one of the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Top Lawyers under 40. This year, only 20 HNBA members from around the country were selected for this recognition. Nayelly was also chosen as an inaugural member of the Callejo-Botello Foundation’s Latino Leadership Academy.
Jordan Scoville ’11 completed her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Katherine Brookman ’13 was promoted to Managing Supervisor on the health care communications team at FleishmanHillard in Austin, Texas, where she’s worked since 2021.
Imran Shah ’14 started a new position as Engagement Manager at Standish Management, LLC in Dallas, where he will lead client engagement related to fund accounting, financial reporting, capital activity, and business development.
Heather Harvison ’14 was promoted to Principal Talent Acquisition Partner at Templafy in New York City. Templafy is a Microsoft Partner, and Heather has contributed to the substantial growth of their team in New York since the company opened its doors there in 2020.
Beatriz Manrique ’15 started a new position as Product Engineer at Apogee Semiconductor in Plano. Apogee Semiconductor’s products and tech are
Olivia Lincoln ’17 and Zane Lincoln ’14 returned to the nest to visit their alma mater and say hello to faculty members before the Thanksgiving break. They connected with Upper School Student Media Teacher Lisa Wallace and took a tour of the new Lower School building.
Adele Elkind ’16 and Jacob Rains ’16 were married on November 16, 2024, at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, with a reception following at the City Club of Fort Worth. Falcons in the wedding included Matron of Honor Ryleigh Rains Smith ’17; Bridesmaids McKenna Breedlove Hill ’14, Reagan Mulqueen ’16, and Sarah Nolan ’16; and Groomsmen Sam Elkind ’19 and William Sheats ’16.
Welcome to the Nest!
Do rubber duckies dream of growing up to be FWCD Falcons? We think so. Please let us know when your family increases so that we can welcome another Falcon into the nest!
Meg and Geof LeBus ’02 welcomed a new Falcon to the nest. Gwen Elizabeth LeBus was born on February 19, 2024. Big sister June ’36 and big brother George are in love with their new baby sister.
Marshall Jones ’09 and his wife, Claire, welcomed Caroline Elise Jones into the world on July 18, 2024.
James Snyder ’10 and his wife, Erin, welcomed Scottie Marie Snyder into the world on October 24, 2024.
Sam Tall ’10 and his wife, Ashley, welcomed Amelia on December 28, 2024.
aimed at space and other applications in extreme environments. As a Product Engineer, Beatriz helps usher along products in development and sustain those that have already been released.
Sarai Dominguez ’15 married Alex Gray on September 21, 2024, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Stay connected with fellow Falcons, visit fwcdconnect.com
Savannah Grammer Lacefield ’17 opened May Flowers, a mobile bookstore to serve the DFW area and beyond. “My favorite days always include a trip to a bookstore so having the opportunity to be a part of someone’s favorite day is a blessing,” Lacefield said. You can follow her on Instagram @mayflowersbookstore and find her at events around Parker County, including Weatherford's First Monday Trade Days and Weatherford’s Second Saturday Market.
Robert Todora ’17 graduated from New York University with an M.S. in Cybersecurity and started a new position as an Information Technology Specialist at the FHFA OIG, which is based in Washington, D.C.
Julia Atkinson ’19 graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law with a master’s degree in legal studies in energy and natural resources law in December 2024. She was recently promoted to Senior Lease Analyst at Matador Resources Company in Dallas.
Adriana Barker ’19 was promoted to Marketing Manager at Fort Worth’s Casa Mañana Theatre, where she’s worked since 2023.
Kaitlyn Johnson ’19 recently moved to Oklahoma City to start a new job as Partnership Activation Account Manager for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team. She was previously living in Orlando and working for the Orlando Magic.
2020s
Class Agents
2020 Needs Class Agent
2021 Needs Class Agent
2022 Needs Class Agent
2023 Lillian Buchanan
lillianbuchanan0722@gmail.com
2023 Chelsey Etta chelseyetta@icloud.com
2024 Needs Class Agent
Rachel Lynch ’20 graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Christian
University with a B.B.A. in Finance and a B.S. in Political Science. She currently works for FTI Consulting in Dallas as a Forensic and Litigation Consultant, providing advisory support in IP litigation matters.
Hank Toomey ’20 completed his master’s degree in accounting at the University of Georgia and passed the CPA exam. He’s moving to New York later this year where he’s accepted an offer with EY as an Audit Associate.
Will Tuomey ’20 graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in May and currently works as an Account Coordinator with BerlinRosen in New York City. He spearheads media relations initiatives for clients, including Brookfield Place, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
In January, Erin Fishman Hufalar ’21 started her role as the Public Relations Manager for Blue Team at Roxo, TCU’s student-run advertising and public relations agency. Erin is a senior at TCU and will graduate in May 2025.
Mary McGann ’22 was hired as a summer People eXperience (Human Resources) intern at Trimble Inc. in Denver, CO. She is in her junior year at the University of Denver, majoring in psychology.
Viktor Harrington ’23 was assigned a basic project in his requisite Fundamentals of Accounting class at TCU and decided to take things to the
next level by meeting with President Pullin for an interview to keep things interesting.
In Memorium
Grant “Clint” Boardman ’74
Terry Bryson
Mary Ann Gibbs
Thomas Lee Farris
Pat Ferchill
Bill Guthrie
James Holcomb
John Hook ’99
Stephen Kent
G. Malcolm Louden
Marion McClanahan
Jason Miers ’99
Isabelle Newberry
James Osborn
Ashlee Ranelle ’91
Jack Rattikin, Jr.
Jude Ryan
Larry Shackelford
Evelyn Siegel H’99
Ina Singer
Susan Smith
Will Stansbery H’08
Sug Steele
William M. Summers, Jr. ’70
Martha Taylor
William “Bill” Voss H’11
IN MEMORIAM
Malcolm Louden
A former Board of Trustees President, FWCD grandparent and past parent, G. Malcolm Louden passed away on October 15, 2024. Louden served on the Board of Trustees from 1989-95 and then again from 1996-2002. He was Board President (1990-92), Assistant Treasurer (1992-94) and Chair of the Athletic Committee (1998-2000). Malcolm’s sons, Malcolm Louden, Jr. ’99 and Taylor Louden ’03, graduated from FWCD; his daughter, Carey Louden ’16, attended the School from grades K-6; his daughter-in-law, Mary Powers Louden ’03, is an FWCD graduate; and many of his grandchildren are current Falcons.
As a Board member, Louden worked with two Heads of School: Geoffrey Butler H’98 (1987-96) and Graham Brown (1996-2001). During his Board tenure, the School achieved many milestones, including breaking ground on and completing the kindergarten building (named the Butler
Bill Voss H’11
An FWCD former faculty member and longtime friend of the School, Bill Voss H’11, passed away on November 13, 2024. As Curator of Science for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Voss was introduced to FWCD by Sharon Foster H’05. He served as science expert and chaperone for the eighth grade trip to Monahans Sandhills State Park and Big Bend National Park for decades, from the 1970s through the 2000s, teaching everyone –students and adults – on the trip about the natural heritage of West Texas. Voss could spot the perfect snake or lizard habitat at 100 yards and often caught an animal for all to observe up close, then gently returned it to its home. He engaged students with humor, encouragement, and genuine belief in their abilities to do things they thought they couldn’t do.
Kindergarten Building in 1996) and the state-of-the-art William A. and Elizabeth B. Moncrief Library and Technology Center. His service also coincided with the remodeling of FWCD’s original Building A (rededicated as the Upper School Science Center) and property acquisition along the north and eastern boundary, expanding the campus to its current 104 acres.
“While I did not have the pleasure of working with Mr. Louden myself, it is well-known that his impact reached far beyond our school, including significant work in Fort Worth,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “He served on our board during a time of tremendous growth and expansion for the School, and his leadership and guidance helped to shape many key developments across campus. We are grateful for Mr. Louden’s influence and enduring support and his role in creating a foundation for a thriving future at Fort Worth Country Day. Throughout my nearly 10 years at FWCD, I have said that we stand on the shoulders of giants. Malcolm Louden was one of those giants, and we will forever be grateful to him and his family for their dedication to our community.”
From 1983 until 2001, Voss chaperoned the annual AP Biology field trip to Port Aransas. He identified birds and reptiles, devised equipment on the spot for any need, changed flat tires, and even performed emergency plumbing repairs. After observing his diverse skills, Joe Kosek ’97 said, “Mr. Voss is my hero.”
In addition to his museum career, Voss taught Middle School Science (1982-83, 1985-87) and an Upper School elective, Herpetology, in the 1980s. He took FWCD students on road trips to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitats.
FWCD’s Alumni Association recognized Voss as an Honorary Alumnus for the Class of 2011. This is the highest honor bestowed by FWCD’s Alumni Association. Several alumni stayed in contact with Voss until the end, including Dr. Stephen Maberry ’84. Dr. Maberry credits Voss with influencing the livelihoods, life choices, and ethical principles of many FWCD alumni.
Will Stansbery H’08
Will Stansbery H’08 passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. During his FWCD tenure (1970-99), Stansbery held various roles at the school, including Upper School History Teacher, Athletic Director, and Football, Basketball and Tennis Coach.
The Alumni Association bestowed Stansbery the Honorary Alumnus Award, the association’s highest honor, making him an official alum of the Class of 2008. Stansbery’s 30 years of service to the School left an indelible impression on students. His history classes covered the lessons of the Roman Empire. His years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach brought eight championships. While an Assistant Football Coach, he coached two undefeated teams. He also coached the tennis team and served as the Athletic Director from 1990-96. He was an inspirational coach on the field and the court.
Evelyn Siegel H’99
On December 24, 2024, FWCD lost Evelyn Siegel H’99, a beloved community member, a devoted educator, and a true inspiration at the heart of FWCD’s legacy. In 1967, founding Head of School Peter Schwartz H’99 hired Siegel to create a comprehensive visual arts program for kindergarten through 12th grade students. She is one of nine people on FWCD’s Wall of Honor (2017) and was named an Honorary Alumna in 1999.
Siegel’s love for pottery grew from travels throughout the American Southwest with her husband, Martin. She was fascinated with native pottery workmanship and began a collection. In 1978, Siegel invited potter Blue Corn from the San Ildefonso Pueblo to FWCD. During her week here, Blue Corn taught students to shape clay pots using clay from her pueblo.
In 1981, the Siegels donated an extensive collection of Native American pottery to FWCD to honor the School that played a prominent role in the Siegel family. This exhibit is on permanent display in the Moncrief Library.
The Athletic Department created the Stansbery Award to pay tribute to his dedication to FWCD athletics. It is given annually to students who participate in three athletics seasons. Those students, like Stansbery, show great dedication to FWCD athletics. Over 1,500 student-athletes have been honored with the award. The Stansbery Trophy also was established during his first year at the School; it is given annually to the most improved member of the boys basketball team. Sixty-three young men have been awarded this trophy.
When FWCD’s 10-court tennis center was dedicated in 2016, a special presentation was made to honor Stansbery. Alumni and friends came together to name one of the courts, the Stansbery Championship Court, to recognize Stansbery’s nearly 30-year career in education and athletics at FWCD.
Associate Athletic Director and Head Athletic Trainer Ed Chisholm knew Stansbery for 38 years. “It is very hard to believe that such a ‘larger than life’ man has left us,” Chisholm said. “He was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was known simply as ‘Coach,’ with what seemed like a bionic left arm and remained a friend to countless in our community.”
After Siegel retired, she opened the Evelyn Siegel Gallery on West Seventh. She also taught ceramics to children at the Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, Colorado, where she developed the children’s program and, with Martin, contributed to the Anderson Ranch children’s art building. Siegel was a founder of the Sixty & Better organization, whose mission is to empower older adults to become and remain healthy, active and engaged in their communities. She was most recently on FWCD’s campus for a Homecoming art class. She also arranged “field trips” to FWCD’s Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center and the Ceramics Studio for her Sixty & Better friends. Siegel was dedicated to making art accessible to all.
Siegel and Martin had four sons who graduated from FWCD: Jeffrey ’70, Terry ’71, Jon ’75 and Aaron ’77. Nine Siegel grandchildren went on to graduate from the School, and two great-grandchildren are current Falcons.
“No one can do justice to all of the ways Evelyn impacted our community,” said Head of School Eric Lombardi. “But I know FWCD is better because of Evelyn’s passion for the visual arts and commitment to students. Her legacy is in the continued joy students find in the Ceramics Studio today and in our alumni who embrace and appreciate the arts in their lives.”
From the Archives
Murder Mystery Dinner
November 1997
Murder, mystery and a five-course meal set the scene for a fun evening in November 1997. Middle School faculty and staff hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner as a Parent Faculty Association auction item, featuring a mystery written by Upper School English Teacher Jon Shipley and performed by Middle School and Upper School faculty and staff at the Shipley residence. Students took on roles as both servers and actors, adding to the immersive experience.
Faculty actresses (above left) were Tad Sanders H’18 (Middle School History Teacher, 1967-70, 1986-2002), Norma Wilkerson H’07 (Upper School Science/English Department Chair, 1976-2011), and Mona Goone McDaniel (Middle School English Teacher and Department Chair, 1980-2005). The band (above right) comprised FWCD students Joel Nesvadba ’00, Jonathan Nesvadba ’00 and Ryan Murphy ’00. Student servers and actors (right) were James Arno ’00, Murphy and David Berthold ’99.
The event was a huge success!
Make a Forever Gift for generations to come
Increasing Fort Worth Country Day’s endowment is one of the top priorities of the Forward Together campaign. A strong endowment ensures financial stability, supports exceptional teaching, and enriches academic experiences for generations to come.
Gifts of any amount can be added to an established, existing endowed fund.
Recognition for establishing an endowed fund begins at $50,000, which can be pledged and paid over five years.
All endowment donors will be recognized as campaign contributors, whether making a gift to an existing fund or establishing a new fund.
Your investment :
Strengthens FWCD’s annual operating budget
• Supports key academic programs and personnel
• Provides tuition assistance for qualified students
• Enhances opportunities for all students to participate in arts, athletics, special programs, and travel programs Together, we can make a difference.
Opportunities to support the campaign are still available. To learn more, contact Sandra Tuomey, Director of Advancement, at sandra.tuomey@fwcd.com or 817.302.3223.
