2014 Spring Falconer

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features 26

FWCD’s Duke Tip Program Thriving

Fort Worth Country Day’s Duke TIP Academic Adventures Program inspires students in grades 5 and 6 to higher-level thinking through a variety of dynamic courses.

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New Schedules to Roll Out Next Year

Learning is enhanced at Fort Worth Country Day as a result of new schedules in each division of the School.

32 Making an Impact: Class of 2014

The 107-member Class of 2014 remembers Dr. James Aldridge in a class gift legacy that will live on forever.

37 A Family Affair

Fort Worth Country Day is a family affair for Jean and John Roach, a tradition carried on by their children and grandchildren.

40 50th Anniversary Celebration Closes

Fort Worth Country Day’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration closes with great fanfare.

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Message from the Head of School Greetings FWCD Community, It’s hard to believe we have closed the book on another school year. This year was rich in activities that celebrated our 50 years as the best school in the country. Our anniversary provided a tremendous opportunity to reconnect with alumni, former faculty, and many of the families and community leaders that had a hand in elevating Country Day to the level of excellence it is today. A heartfelt thank you goes to Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87, 50th anniversary co-chairs.

In 2002, I never imagined that I would spend 13 wonderful years as the Head of School for Fort Worth Country Day. I have said often that it is my honor and privilege to serve as your Head of School.

As many of you already know, the 2014-15 school year will be my last as your Head of School. I am proud of what we have accomplished over these dozen years.

We added the new north entrance, enhanced campus facilities, increased student enrollment, expanded and improved the curriculum, and we lead the way in blended and virtual classrooms. We increased our endowment by $27 million. We successfully completed the School’s first major capital campaign to raise faculty salaries and increased our endowment for financial aid to new heights. We built the Fischer Dining Pavilion, the Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center, the Sid W. Richardson Visual Arts Center, gave the Peter A. Schwartz Administration Building a new look, and expanded the Mason Middle School. Most importantly, we prepared young women and men to be productive and successful members of society.

This year’s class of 107 seniors is no different. They will attend 50 different colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and in Scotland, and earned more than $8 million in merit-based scholarships and awards. More than that, they are thoughtful and academically prepared young men and women who will succeed in college and beyond. Graduation was one of the most memorable events in my time here, as each student presented me with a donation in the late Dr. Jim Aldridge’s name as they came forward for their diplomas. As a class, they raised more than $4,000. You can read more about their remarkable gift on page 32.

I have every expectation that my final year will be as rewarding and challenging as the last dozen years have been. The Board and I will work just as hard on behalf of our students and faculty as we have in the past. I will cherish the wonderful years I have spent here. Gayle and I leave knowing we ran a good race and that it is the right time to pass the baton as Fort Worth Country Day continues to lead and to grow.

Sincerely,

Evan D. Peterson Head of School

Volume 5, Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2014 Administrative Team Evan D. Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head of School Steve Stackhouse . . . . . . . Assistant Head of School Tom Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . Chief Financial Officer Joe Breedlove ’78 . . . . . . . . Director of Breakthrough Frank Gendusa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athletic Director Rob Hereford . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head of Upper School Barbara Jiongo. . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Admission Shari Lincoln. . . . . . . . . . . . Head of Lower School John Stephens. . . . . . . . . . . . Head of Middle School Robert Stovall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Fine Arts Sandra Tuomey. . . . . . . . . . Director of Advancement Steve Uhr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Technology Shannon Rossman Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Lisa Koger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Director Contributors Shannon Allen Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 Karen Berlin Cooperstein Rachel Donahue Yolanda Espinoza Mary Lou Hilliard Mel Hurst Shilo Mancini Renee Pierce Garrett Podell ’15 Sandra Tuomey The Falconer is published biannually for Fort Worth Country Day families and friends by the Advancement Team. 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, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin in admissions, the administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletics and other school-administered programs.

Send Falconer comments to shannon.allen@fwcd.org or 817.302.3244.

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

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© FWCD

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Message from the Board of Trustees President Dear Fort Worth Country Day Family, Our 50th anniversary celebration wrapped up in early spring. The entire School community has been fully engaged in helping us mark this milestone achievement!

I extend special thanks to each of you for your participation in making this such a memorable year!

It is undeniable how far Country Day has come, thanks to the vision of our original founders. But with education constantly evolving to keep up with an ever-changing global society, we know that we will have to be equally diligent as we move forward.

A strategic focus on the future will allow Fort Worth Country Day to continue to raise the bar and set a high standard for college-preparatory education. Whether in updating the campus master plan or creating programs that better prepare our students for their next journey in life, the School’s leadership is always focused on opportunities to enhance our students’ total educational experiences.

As many of you know, next year Evan D. Peterson will retire as our Head of School. In June 2015, Evan will have completed 13 years as Head of School, preceded by an earlier six-year tenure as Head of Upper School. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are so grateful for Evan’s leadership during a period of exceptional growth at Fort Worth Country Day. As we look forward, Country Day is well positioned to continue the work necessary to fulfill our lofty goals for the future.

The Board has initiated the first steps to search for and identify Fort Worth Country Day’s sixth Head of School. During the coming weeks and subsequent months, the search process will be underway. Our goal will be to name Evan’s replacement by year-end 2014, allowing for the new Head of School to visit campus several times during the spring to meet members of our Country Day community. We are committed to keeping you updated throughout our search process. We welcome your thoughts and feedback. The Board email address is bot@fwcd.org.

2013-14 Board of Trustees Shannon Young Ray ’80 President David Ekstrom ’75 Vice President, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair Jane C. Nober Secretary Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88 Richard Barajas Marshall Boyd ’85 Stephen Butt Brent Clum Michael Dike ’88 Randy Eisenman ’93 Rosalind Evans Ann Barksdale House ’82 Jim Hubbard L. Russell Laughlin Scotty MacLean Louella Martin Stuart McDonald, MD, FCCP Dorris Ann Morrissette, MD Laura O’Brien Bonnie Petsche Tom Purvis ’77

With the 2013-14 year behind us, we bid farewell to an incredibly talented group of graduating seniors, all of whom are now embarking on new paths. Several Board members are also completing their service to Country Day, including Marshall Boyd ’85, L. Russell Laughlin, Dorris Morrissette and Tom Purvis ’77. It requires significant commitment, hard work, and dedication to ensure we fulfill Country Day’s mission each and every day.

I am so grateful for all that they have done––and will continue to do––on behalf of our School. It is my pleasure to welcome the following new members to our Board: R. Gantt Bumstead, Anne Carvalho, Gynna Harlin and Todd Kelly ’81.

Ex Officio Members

It has been a tremendous honor and privilege, as an alumna, past parent and Board president, to serve the Fort Worth Country Day community this past year, and I thank you for your continued support as we now look forward to the coming year.

Evan D. Peterson Head of School

Sincerely,

Scott Sankary ’86

John R. Thompson III ’93 Alumni Association President Tamara Reese PFA President

Honorary Members The Late Perry Bass The Late Robert W. Decker Sid R. Bass

Shannon Young Ray ’80 President, Board of Trustees

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PARENT FACULTY

Association

Peace, Love & Bingo More than 600 members of the Fort Worth Country Day community participated in radical games and groovy Bingo as part of the Parent Faculty Association’s Peace, Love & Bingo event in January.

The evening event began in the Square Gym with various games, including a limbo contest, Twister, musical chairs and a hula hoop challenge. Attendees then headed to the Round Gym for dinner and the main event. SAGE Dining Services provided boxed dinners with wraps and sandwiches. Bingo callers were Shari Lincoln, head of Lower School, and John Stephens, head of Middle School.

It was a profitable evening for a number of FWCD students as their names were drawn as raffle winners. Crazy Hat Awards were also presented.

Bingo is a standing tradition for FWCD families. Chaired this year by Jennifer Baine and Kristin Carmichael, the funfilled event was a great success!

Sixth-graders Parker Karpel and Grayson Uhr

Sixth-grader Harris Todora with his winnings

Fifth-graders Ivana Moya, Julia Hanson and Connor Brown

Tuition Raffle Winners Deanna and Brian Howell are the 2014 PFA Tuition Raffle winners. They have two children at Fort Worth Country Day: Lauren ’25 and Brendan ’20. 2013-14 PFA President Tamara Reese presented the check to the couple in April.

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PARENT FACULTY Association

New Ride to Campus FWCD students on the morning Westside route through the Monticello area enjoyed a new ride thanks to Fort Worth Country Day’s Parent Faculty Association. A new 65-seat passenger bus with threepoint safety belts, air-conditioning and undercarriage storage was purchased for the School by the PFA in December and began running routes in the spring semester.

Gynna Harlin, 2012-13 PFA president, said, “When the ‘ask’ was made to the PFA last spring, it was at the top of our list to grant!”

The PFA likes to allocate its funds to projects that are beneficial to the entire School community. A bus serving grades K-12—by making the morning transportation route to School, as well as taking various classes on field trips and transporting them to and from athletics events and other extra-curricular activities—was the perfect way to give back to the School, Harlin noted.

Last year, the PFA voted to move some contingency money to its operating account that had been in a “rainy-day” fund since the days of The SALE (one of the PFA’s early fundraising events). “With this money and the funds raised through last year’s outstanding events, such as Carnival, the holiday sale, the Pumpkin Patch, Boots Barrels and Blue Jeans, as well as the inaugural year of the tuition-credit raffle, the PFA was able to purchase this bus in addition to funding other needs on campus,” said Tamara Reese, 2013-14 PFA president.

In order to make the bus a reality, many people worked a great number of hours to fundraise for the amount of money to make the purchase. The PFA has more than 90 volunteer positions between the board and room representatives, and many of those positions (Carnival, Bingo, Falcon Fest, etc.) require even more manpower.

Hundreds of volunteers each year are required to make the many PFA functions come to life. In addition to parents, the PFA also has Middle School students and teachers who volunteer to help out with

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events. “It is amazing to see every year how this community works together with some of the best volunteers I have ever worked with,” Harlin added.

Reese and Harlin are happy to see the bus tooling around town. “We are both so pleased to have been able to serve the

School in our roles as PFA presidents and to work with such an amazing group of parent and faculty volunteers,” Reese said.

“Without everyone’s support, this donation would not have been possible. It also gives a very visible picture to our community as to where PFA funds are used. We do make a difference.”

The PFA plays a vital role in the life of Fort Worth Country Day and its community.

In addition to purchasing the bus this year, the PFA provided funds for the following endeavors: PFA Allocations for 2013-14 (funded through 2012-13 fundraisers) Lower School iPads and computer purchases Middle School educational workshops for teacher training Fine Arts Department studio equipment Falcon Quill cameras Upper School Science Building computers and study carrels PFA Allocations for 2014-15 (funded through 2013-14 fundraisers) Lower School iPads and Promethean boards Upper School engineering elective curriculum, software and professional development Technology: 3-D printer, Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center replacement monitors Performing arts classroom audio visual equipment ISAS Festival needs Then, Now, Forever. capital campaign pledge (to be paid over four years) Breakthrough Fort Worth iPads, summer program and College Bound program needs

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LOWER

School

BLUE Breakfast Six fourth-graders were treated to a Blue Breakfast in February in honor of their reading prowess! Isabella Gutierrez, Vigna Lavu, Kendall Lehman, Madeleine Milliorn, Malinda Murphey and Michelle Pham each read 15 titles from the 2013-14 Bluebonnet Reading List. Foluke Fabuyi also read the required books, but was unable to attend.

The yummy foods, including blueberry muffins, Pop-Tarts and waffles, were served on blue plates. Blue Gatorade and even blue popcorn was enjoyed by all. This new event will become an annual Lower School Library tradition. Check out the new Bluebonnet List for 2014-15 and start reading now to be ready to participate next year. The books are available in the Lower School Library.

Perfect Attendance Fourth-grader Femi Adedokun was honored for five years of perfect attendance at the Lower School Closing Ceremony on May 21. Head of School Evan D. Peterson presented him with a certificate and commended him on such a fine accomplishment.

Giving Back in 450 Ways Traditionally, first-graders have collected 100 things for their 100th day of school math project. This year, the team collected more than 100 cans per classroom—and the first-graders proudly donated 450 cans to the Middle School Canned Food Drive during its very first week. The students used the collected cans to practice their math skills while demonstrating kindness by making the donation. “The kids definitely modeled the Lower School PRIDE value of excellence through this project,” said Sheri Fuller, first-grade teacher.

Collected food items for the Middle School Canned Food Drive were donated to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

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LOWER SCHOOL

Community Heroes Honored

Kindness with a Twist Each February, Theresa Fuss’s guidance lessons in the Lower School involve teaching students about the importance of kindness and making this characteristic a part of their personality. One thing she always encourages is the sharing of ideas.

For fourth-grader Femi Adedokun, creating new and fun activities for the Lower School student body was a mission.

“As a second-grade Student Council representative, Femi desperately wanted to have a bookmark contest for Kindness Month,” Fuss said. “When he presented it to me in early April two years ago, I had already implemented other programs.”

Femi made sample bookmarks, and the Lower School counselor filed them away for the future.

Adedokun was tenacious in his quest to begin a new Lower School tradition and continued to visit Fuss’s office periodically during his third- and fourth-grade years to remind her of his bookmark idea. This past December, Adedokun and Fuss began working together after school to finalize plans. “If my light was on after 5 p.m., Femi would pop in to talk about his idea,” she said with a smile. “On January 17, Femi and I announced the contest during our Friday morning assembly.”

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Theresa Fuss and Femi Adedokun ’22

The contest was open to every student in grades K-4. The rules were simple: Interested participants created or found kindness slogans that they were willing to live by or practice in their daily lives.

They then designed colorful and unique bookmarks to exemplify the slogan.

The top finalists in each grade were chosen

by Adedokun and Fuss, and a panel of judges voted on the winning bookmarks, one per grade level. The ultimate prize: an ice cream sundae party for the winner’s class. The winning bookmarks were also printed and distributed to the winner’s entire grade.

This year’s winners were Luke Wroten ’22, Caroline Sanders ’23, Ward Butler ’24, Alexis Del Pozzo ’25 and Avery Bleich ’26.

Lisa Koger

Luke Wroten ’22, Caroline Sanders ’23, Ward Butler ’24, Alexis Del Pozzo ’25 and Avery Bleich ’26 display their winning Kindness bookmarks.

FWCD second-graders celebrated their community heroes—teachers, doctors, coaches, caregivers, cafeteria workers, nurses, restaurant servers, police officers, firefighters, garbage and recycling collectors, landscapers, postal workers, engineers, pastors and more—through an interdisciplinary project that helps students understand what makes their community thrive.

Created by Holly Clifford when she served as the Lower School art teacher, the annual Community Heroes project celebrates the many people who make up a community.

Rebecca Bell, Lower School art teacher, carries on the tradition of the program, guiding second-graders through a series of project steps.

The project’s process is equally important as the finished product. Students first choose a community member to highlight. They set up interviews and snap photographs of their community heroes in action. The interview provides students with insight into their heroes’ jobs and gives them a chance to connect. The photographs are used as visual references, as the students draw and paint their heroes for the final program.

Truman Roth ’24 with his community hero, a cattle driver with the Fort Worth Herd.

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Amelia Dickerson

Madison Morgan

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For 45 of Fort Worth Country Day’s 50 years, kindergarten students have performed in the annual Kindergarten Rodeo each and every January. In this beloved program, the Butler Kindergarten Building is overtaken by fully outfitted cowboys and cowgirls riding stick horses, colorful rodeo clowns, cows, calves, steers and more for the annual reenactment of the actual Fort Worth Rodeo.

About halfway through the events, there’s a musical intermission, and the children sing patriotic Texas songs, such as “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “I’m a Texas Star.” Christine Derber, Thomas M. Ryan Distinguished Teaching Chair in Lower School, serves as pianist, and Dan Bloch H’06, Middle School science teacher, plays the banjo—a role he embraced 45 years ago when he started as an FWCD teacher.

The Class of 2026 entertained family members, FWCD seniors and their classmates with rousing performances on January 22, 23 and 24 in the Lower School Atrium. This performance coincides with their studies on the Lone Star State.

“It was the banjo that got me involved with the Kindergarten Rodeo all those years ago,” Bloch said. “Melinda Miller saw me playing for my class one day, and asked if I would accompany the kindergarten for ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas’ for that first rodeo in 1969.

Over the years, the K-Rodeo, as it’s affectionately known, has evolved to be more and more authentic. It’s a tradition for kindergarten teachers, students and alumni. The Classes of 2014 and 2022 (fourth-graders) were treated to a special performance. The School’s oldest students and “Originals” really enjoyed it, and many reminisced about their roles. It completes their circle of life at Fort Worth Country Day. For fourth-graders, the viewing of the rodeo symbolizes their growth as they ready themselves to graduate from the Lower School.

The event begins with a Grand Entry Performance and the “Star-Spangled Banner.” The emcee for the event (one of the kindergarten teachers) then shouts: “Let’s Go, Let’s Show, Let’s Rodeo!” and the kindergarteners are off—and running!

During the approximately 40-minute production, students take part in typical rodeo events.

“Who knew in 1969 that the students would be performing in the Kindergarten Rodeo 45 years later?” he continued. “Mrs. Miller’s idea has become a unique and treasured part of Country Day life, and I am proud to continue to be part of it.”

The students really get into the spirit of the rodeo, with many wearing authentic outfits—boots, chaps, Stetson hats, the full regalia. The audience also gets involved and caught up in the lingo, cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls in their events.

For some students, the roles they play take on a family legacy. Many FWCD parents are alumni, and their kindergartener is performing the very same role that a parent played all those years ago. For new families, Kindergarten Rodeo is the start of a memorable tradition.

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Marietta Anton, John Hereford, Amelia Dickerson and Emily Davis

Barrel racer Tinsley Thompson performs for the senior class.

Haralson Condrey with his great-aunt, Kit Moncrief

Alex Parsons shows off his roping skills.

Kindergarten Rodeo Recognized for 45 Years Past parent Charlie Moncrief (left), secretary of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, presented a resolution on behalf of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in honor of Fort Worth Country Day’s Kindergarten Rodeo and its longevity. The resolution was presented to the Lower School; Dan Bloch H’06, banjo player extraordinaire for 45 years running; and former faculty member Melinda Miller, who came up with the creative K-Rodeo idea.

Four kindergarteners accepted the resolution on behalf of the Lower School: Avery Bleich, Emily Davis, Paxtyn McPeak and Alex Parsons. Charlie and his wife, Kit ’70, are one of Fort Worth Country Day’s Founding Families. Their three children are Falcons as well: Gloria Moncrief Holmsten ’00, Adelaide Moncrief Royer ’02 and Celia Moncrief Browning ’02.

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MIDDLE

School

Falcons for Fort Worth Eighth-graders gave back to the Fort Worth community in a big way by dispersing nearly $10,000 to eight local nonprofit organizations. The check presentation ceremony in March concluded the Falcons for Fort Worth program, a community service and philanthropy learning project developed to instill the values of philanthropy in today’s students. The program focuses on the values of generosity, involvement and responsibility—all character qualities that students will carry with them throughout their lives.

The Once Upon a Time Foundation granted $100 per student for disbursement in the Falcons for Fort Worth program. The students learned about the local nonprofits through representatives who visited campus. Students then posed questions to better understand the inner-workings of the various agencies.

Eight-graders present Gill Children’s Services with $3,800.

This is the third year FWCD eighth-graders have participated in this program.

“I am so proud of this year’s eighthgraders,” said Rita Wilson, Middle School science teacher and program coordinator, “They listened closely to the presentations and were very deliberate about how they assigned their funds. I think these students learned a great deal about the needs in our community, and how they can have a positive impact.”

This year, the eighth-graders awarded the following agencies: Gill Children’s Services: $3,800 A Wish with Wings: $1,300 Union Gospel Mission: $967 Safe Haven: $900 Boys and Girls Clubs: $900 Recovery Resources Council: $700 Catholic Charities: $433 Alzheimer’s Association: $400

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Canned Food Drive The Middle School Canned Food Drive collected 5,144 cans—nearly 1,500 more than last year! The Tarrant Area Food Bank weighed all the donations and the total came to 4,721 pounds of food!

This year’s theme was Feed Kate: the girl with a belly ache. The Middle School received a huge donation from the first-graders as they collected cans as part of their 100th day of school math project. The students donated 450 cans to the Middle School during the Canned Food Drive’s first week.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grand Champion No need to own an animal to show at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo! This year, Fort Worth Country Day’s Mason Middle School was honored as Middle School Grand Champion in the Stock Show Art Contest.

Students honored for their work were seventh-graders Elena Casement, Katherine Faulkner, Peri Huling, Thomas Marlow, William Rattikin, Campbell Robinson, Abby Shaffer and Jafer Shah. Art teacher Holly Clifford accepted a $1,000 check for FWCD’s art program on behalf of the students at the annual Stock Show Art Contest reception sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

The contest, open to students ages 5-19 enrolled in a Texas public, private or accredited home school, presents an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic abilities.

In October, Clifford assigned her two seventh-grade art classes to create pieces that fit into the category of “Western Art,” this year’s theme. “We studied David Bates, a Dallas artist, and his attention to detail and his perspective,” Clifford said. “We spent a lot of time on composition.”

Students then conducted research to create artistic pieces that exemplified Western

Art. “They choose their own mediums: pencil, watercolor or acrylic on canvas,” Clifford said. “This freedom of choice allowed them to work in their favorite medium or explore a new one.”

Clifford submitted the eight images that best represented the FWCD program and the art show’s theme. A panel of local art professionals judged the competition.

Clifford was notified in December that the students’ artwork was a classroom division finalist—placing in the top 7 of 60 entries in this category. She was invited to the January awards ceremony. “I had no idea that we won,” Clifford noted. “It was a complete and utter surprise.”

Shelby McCarty, Stock Show Art Contest assistant coordinator, shared a judge’s comment: “The ambitious compositions were a big factor along with good skill and imagination.”

Clifford and the Lower School were honored as Grand Champions in 2002, and Rebecca Bell, Lower School art teacher, and the Lower School received the same honor in 2012. The Lower School also had two students individually place within the art contest last year. FWCD artists are certainly a force to be reckoned with!

Art teacher Holly Clifford with seventh-graders Katherine Faulkner, Jafer Shah, Abby Shaffer, Peri Huling, Elena Casement, Campbell Robinson, Thomas Marlow and William Rattikin

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Perfect Attendance A handful of students may end a school year with perfect attendance. Not so for Meredith Thomas (above). She has had perfect attendance at Fort Worth Country Day for nine years.

As a kindergartener, Thomas said she made it a goal to be at school each and every day.

When she achieved that goal, she tried to repeat it year after year.

She was recently honored by Head of School Evan D. Peterson for her commitment. “You’re here more than me,” he quipped. “How do you do it?”

Thomas couldn’t really answer that—she just likes to be in school and obviously has a pretty strong immune system!

Peterson presented Thomas with a Falcon pin, which is reserved for major School honors. He felt that nine straight years of perfect attendance fit the bill. “The school year is roughly 175 days per year,” he said, “and she’s been here consistently for nine years. That is remarkable.”

With Upper School on the horizon, Thomas plans to continue with her perfect attendance goal. She is looking forward to more freedom as a high school student and to classes and extracurricular activity options. “My favorite subject is Spanish,” she said. “I’ve been taking it since kindergarten, and I really like drawing and painting. I’m excited to continue learning and to get involved.”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mythology Bee Twenty sixth-graders participated in the first Mythology Bee in April. They were Solana Adedokun, Ben Alexander, Claire Barker, Olivia Barnard, Ainsley Bescher, Merrill Bumstead, Katie Bynum, Grace Elizabeth Cauble, Claire Cooper, Thomas Dickerson, Anna Gerrish, Claire Guthrie, Henry Harveson, Sam Kollmeier, Mia Kovachev, Lily Melcher, Allison Moore, Grant O’Neal, Julia Petsche and Andrew Porter.

Upper School Latin Club students Riley Hamburg ’17 and Samanna Maberry ’17 helped to prepare the Mythology Anne-Lise Woods ’85, Julia Petsche, Solana Adedokun, Andrew Porter and Tara Finn Bee questions and participated in the moderation of the contest.

In an interesting turn of events, Thomas School,” Carlson said. “We also hope that

Dickerson competed in the Mythology the Mythology Bee made the day even Bryan Carlson, Middle and Upper School Bee virtually from his iPad. Dickerson fell more memorable and exciting for the Latin teacher, oversaw this event. “It is an ill, but so badly wanted to compete after Middle School students.” opportunity for the Upper School Latin all the hard work he put in. “Although our

kids to give back to the School and say virtual student made it to the knock-out The bee consisted of three rounds and a thank you to Ms. [Anne-Lise] Woods round, he was not able to compete with the final knock-out round. Solana Adedokun [’85] for the fun they had learning about heavy hitters, so his iPad was left without a earned first place. Andrew Porter came in mythology in her class and participating laurel crown this year,” Carlson said. second, and Julia Petsche was third. in Greek Fest when they were in Middle

NJHS Inductees The Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) welcomed 43 new members in April. They join 54 seventh- and eighth-grade members who were inducted last spring.

Established in 1929, NJHS recognizes outstanding middle-level students. NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship. This year’s candidates are: Eighth Grade Ana Katarina Stein Vrbanic and Turner Symonds Seventh Grade Turner Anderson, Drew Chilcoat, Meg Fischer, Riley Hammett, Alex Khammar, Greg Khammar, Meredith Mitchell, Carlotta Murrin, Jacob Raynor and Josey Reed

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Alex Gibbs ’18 presents Ned Newton ’20 and Mitch Overton ’20 with their pins.

Sixth Grade Solana Adedokun, Reena Alame, Ben Alexander, Claire Barker, Ainsley Bescher, William Burnette, Santiago Del Pozzo, Thomas Dickerson, Christopher Edwards, Mia Fleischer, Ozzie Fleischer, Spencer Grubbs, Claire Guthrie, Ryan Hamburg, Sarah Hillebrecht, Ainsley Hilliard, Adena Hoxha, Sam Jones, Parker Karpel, Sam Kollmeier, Lily Melcher, Bailey Melton, Ned Newton, Mitch Overton, Steffen Palko, Riya Patel, Andrew Porter, Madison Smith, Eliza Turner, Aly Uhr and Alex Wilkinson

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Learning Outside of Class

National History Day

The school field trip has a storied history in American education. For years, students have taken buses to visit zoos; theaters; historical monuments; science, art and natural history museums; and other robust educational places. Learning away from the classroom is a cornerstone of a Fort Worth Country Day education. The Middle School’s grade-level field trips are also a rite of passage. This spring, the sixth-, seventhand eighth-graders took their annual trips.

Sixty Middle School students in history classes taught by Zach Reimer ’03 pondered the National History Day (NHD) theme, “Rights and Responsibilities,” to create a culminating paper, exhibit, performance, documentary or website.

National History Day is a highly regarded academic program for elementary and secondary school students. Students choose historical topics related to a theme and conduct extensive primary and secondary research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews and historic sites. After analyzing and interpreting their sources and drawing conclusions about their topics’ significance in history, students present their work.

The sixth-graders enjoyed their annual class trip to Austin to tour the University of Texas, the Texas State Capitol and the Texas State History Museum.

Seventh-graders spent four days in Vicksburg, Mississippi, learning about the Battle of Vicksburg. Prior to the trip, students enjoyed a reenactment of the battle with TCU Professor Steven Woodworth.

Named one of the top 300 professors in the country by The Princeton Review, Woodworth shared his love of history with the students. He divided the approximately 80 seventh-graders into “Federals” and “Confederates” and coached them through the history lesson.

Using a portion of a practice field, which was marked off to show in schematic form the course of the Mississippi River and the towns of Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi, Woodward directed students

TCU Professor Steven Woodworth

around the giant “map” (the field). He showed them how Grant outmaneuvered Confederate generals John C. Pemberton and Joseph E. Johnston, trapping Pemberton’s army inside Vicksburg and sealing Johnston’s forces outside it.

Eighth-graders took their traditional Big Bend Trip—which signifies the end of their Middle School days and the beginning of their lives as Upper School students. Since 1968, eighth-grade students have hiked and explored the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas. This year’s trip marked the School’s 46th trek. The itinerary has changed very little since the trip’s inception and includes a 14-mile hike after which students feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

Eighth-graders enjoyed their traditional Big Bend Trip.

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Reimer chose to use the contest as a springboard for a classroom project. “This year’s theme was broad, giving students an opportunity to explore their own interests and pursue topics that are of personal interest to them,” Reimer said.

“A project like this encourages students to think like historians and become more active learners.” His ultimate goal was to personally engage students and inspire a greater enjoyment of history.

Students worked individually, in pairs and groups on selections ranging from Henry Ford to ancient Rome. Using iPads and an app called NoodleTools, they created a digital bibliography and typed in their notes. “Too often we make students write, but some students are more skilled in the visual arts and technology,” Reimer said. “This project had something for every student.”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Rachel’s Challenge “I have this theory that if one person will go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.” ~ Rachel Joy Scott

Rachel Scott was a typical 17-year-old girl. Her story is anything but typical. Rachel was the first fatality of the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. She was killed as she was eating lunch outside of her school.

Rachel kept a diary that included written entries and drawings— and a Code of Ethics essay that stated a simple act of compassion could start a chain reaction of something greater. Her father, Darrell Scott, began touring as a motivational speaker using his daughter’s work. The Scott family started Rachel’s Challenge, a series of student empowerment programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the insightful writings and life of Rachel.

following message on the back of her dresser with a tracing of her hands in honor of Anne: “These hands belong to Rachel J. Scott and will someday touch millions of people.”

Dream Big: Cody encouraged students to not let someone else

determine their dreams. “Your dream is your dream,” he said. “Go after it.” He challenged students to keep a journal and write their goals in it. “There is power in what you write,” he said. Rachel, herself, left six diaries. One quote within it: “I won’t be labeled as average.”

Choose Positive Influences: Rachel committed herself

to helping others. She regularly befriended students with special needs, new students and those students who were being picked on.

Rachel made it a point to make a difference in others’ lives.

Prior to spring break, Mason Middle School students in grades 7 and 8 attended a Rachel’s Challenge assembly in the FWCD Scott Theater, and all eighth-graders and select seventh-graders participated in a special student training session. The session provided instruction on how to start the FOR (Friends of Rachel) Club on campus and plan initial club activities to sustain the formation of the club.

Speak with Kindness: Words can build a person up or tear

Cody Hodges, 2005 season quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, former NFL football player and a friend of the Scott family, is a Rachel’s Challenge motivational speaker. He shared Rachel’s story and imparted her five challenges:

exists because of Rachel’s legacy left to the world in six personal journals. “Your story starts today,” Cody said. “Each and every day, we write our own stories. What does your story say about you?”

Eliminate Prejudice: Cody shared that Rachel’s brother,

Craig, suffered greatly in the aftermath of the shooting. His best friend died in the Columbine shootings because of the color of his skin. Craig was with his friend, huddled under a table in the library, when he was shot. “We must look for the best in others,” Cody stressed. “We are good at judging, but it is wrong.” He shared that one of Rachel’s role models was Anne Frank. Rachel wrote the

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them down. “Words have power,” Cody said. “Kindness can save a life.” Cody also shared that Rachel believed she would die at a young age: She wrote it in her journal at the age of 16. “Rachel’s last words to a teacher prior to her death were ‘I’m going to have an impact on the world,’” Cody shared.

Start Your Own Chain Reaction: Rachel’s Challenge

Rachel’s story challenges people to deliberately reach out to others with kindness. It shows the profound positive impact students can have on those around them by simply paying attention to the little things they do and say every day. Following Cody’s presentation, students signed the Rachel’s Challenge banner, pledging to take part in a purpose-driven life and to use words and actions that have the power to lift one another up and heal.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School Awards & Recognition Grade-Level Top Scholars Outstanding Scholar in Fifth Grade: Paloma Casanova Outstanding Scholar in Sixth Grade: Bailey Melton Outstanding Scholar in Seventh Grade: Alexandra Galloway Distinguished Scholar in Eighth Grade and Top Scholar in the Middle School: Ana Katarina Stein Vrbanic

Assistant Head of Middle School Chaka Cummings with Paloma Casanova ’21, Bailey Melton ’20, Alexandra Galloway ’19, Ana Katarina Stein Vrbanic ’18 and Head of Middle School John Stephens

Kathryn Kibbie Citizenship Award The Kathryn Kibbie Citizenship award was presented to Grace Goldman ’18. This award is presented annually to the student who is chosen by the faculty as the Middle School outstanding citizen. It is the most distinguished award given by the Middle School because it represents the highest values of honesty, trustworthiness and concern for others. The Kathryn Kibbie Citizenship Plaque hangs in the Middle School and will carry the name of this year’s winner.

Pictured left: Middle School teacher Melisa Dorsey, Head of Middle School John Stephens, Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87 and Grace Goldman ’18

Dr. Collins, Kenzi Carter ’20 and Karen Collins

Rosacker Athletic Award Head of Middle School John Stephens and Middle School Athletic Coordinator James Rains presented the Rosacker Athletic Award to Samantha Burke ’18, Cedrina Landrum ’18 and Gregory Sholars ’18, along with Assistant Head of Middle School Chaka Cummings.

The Rosacker Athletic Award is named in honor of Colonel R.C. “Rocky” Rosacker H’00, former FWCD athletic director. This award is given annually to the most outstanding Middle School boy and girl athletes who display character, sportsmanship, leadership and athletic excellence.

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Christine Collins Memorial Award This annual award was presented to Kenzi Carter ’20 in memory of Christine Collins, who began Fort Worth Country Day as a kindergartener in 1993. She loved school and all it had to offer. Christine died from a brain tumor as a sixth-grade student.

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A Showcase of Talent Hide not your talents, they for use were made.

What’s a sundial in the shade? ~ Benjamin Franklin Lower and Middle School students took the stage by storm for their respective variety and talent shows. The Lower School Variety Show highlighted 25 acts, while the Middle School Talent Show featured 19. Students displayed their talents through song, dance, musical instrument, athletic performance and more. These end-of-the-year talent shows are always a highlight for students as they get to show their passion for the performing arts.

Paloma Casanova ’21 sang “The Cup Song”

Allie Arnold ’18 sang “Someone Like You”

Riley Hammett ’19 tapped to “Dibity Dop”

Joaquin Castro-Balbi ’22 performed “Das Spinnrad” by Anton Rubinstein.

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fwcd.org

Westen Mulqueen ’18 and Brenden McCormack ’18 played “The Cup Song” Rocco Leoni ’23

Third-graders Lauren Ingram, Lola Barajas, Mary Caroline Warrick and Madelyn Warren performed “Fifth Harmony, Me and My Girls” Jazmine Gomez ’22 sang Ariana Grande’s “Piano”

Seventh-graders Noah Woods and Jafer Shah

Fourth-graders Gracie Cross and Lauren Thompson

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UPPER

School Texas State Representative Visit Texas State Representative Craig Goldman talked with FWCD seniors in Andrew Thomas’s AP Government and Politics class. He spoke about the Texas legislature, committee work, elections, and working with both the executive and judicial branches in the Texas state government.

“The value of this interaction is priceless,” Thomas said. “Any opportunities that make government come alive and relevant to the curriculum are hard to ignore.” Thomas said the event would not have been possible without Judge Melody Wilkinson and her daughters, Emily ’14 and Elizabeth ’14. “They were instrumental in helping to orchestrate the visit,” he said.

For approximately 30 minutes, Goldman shared his experiences working in Austin, as well as his thoughts on the state of government and Washington, D.C.

Giving Back with Heart With a little more care in their hearts because it was Valentine’s Day, 175 Upper School students and 39 faculty/staff participated in Community Service Day. Students and adults gave of themselves at 20 sites across Tarrant County and exhibited Fort Worth Country Day’s core values in all their endeavors.

“Community Service Day gives our students another opportunity to do hands-on service,” said Rita Zawalnicki, community service coordinator. “It’s a positive experience for our students, as well as for the organizations we partner with.

The smiles on the faces of the students as they return from their sites and the positive feedback I receive from the site coordinators are proof of that!”

Each year, the day incorporates some new locations, but across the board, the sites are always excited to have FWCD partner with them. “Our students are unique in that they have developed a ‘reputation’ in the Fort Worth community,” Zawalnicki said. “They work hard, aren’t afraid to get dirty and have a positive attitude about the work they are doing.

The fact that the master gardeners at the Botanic Garden ask to have our group help them out speaks volumes about our students.”

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Students played water volleyball with the residents at Ridgmar’s Town Village.

fwcd.org

UPPER SCHOOL

Debby and Bill Arnold ’86

Arnold Named Upper School Head Bill Arnold ’86 was named Fort Worth Country Day’s next head of Upper School. He will replace Rob Hereford who accepted a head of school position at Laguna Blanca School in Santa Barbara, California. Arnold is the ninth head of Upper School in FWCD’s 50-year history and will begin his role in the 2014-15 academic year.

“Bill Arnold garners the respect of parents, students, faculty, administration and the greater Fort Worth community,” said Evan D. Peterson, head of School.

“He knows Country Day as well—or better—than anyone else. He is a leader our students respect.”

Arnold was appointed following a nationwide search that incorporated the services of Educators Collaborative, a firm that surveyed FWCD Upper School families and faculty, read resumes and interviewed candidates.

“I am thrilled and honored to become FWCD’s ninth head of Upper School. I look forward to serving Country Day and working on behalf of our great families,” Arnold said. “I am optimistic for the future

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because we are blessed with an honorable mission, we have first-rate capital resources, and we have talented students and teachers.”

A Class of 1986 graduate, Arnold served on the Upper School faculty and was involved in the conversations that led to the School’s new Upper School schedule, which launches next academic year. He is a coach and sees the importance of the School’s co-curricular programs. He was the driving force behind the Upper School’s leadership program, which invites city and national leaders to campus. A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Arnold is a combat veteran and knows the importance of commitment and courage— he lives the FWCD core values of integrity, kindness, courage, respect, responsibility and scholarship.

Commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marines, Arnold trained at Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms bases in California for four years before leaving the service as a captain. Arnold left the military to teach history and coach at his alma mater and raise a family with his wife, Debby, in 1994. Feeling a passion to serve his country once again, Arnold joined the

Marine Reserves in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. In 2004, he took a seven-month sabbatical from Fort Worth Country Day to command a Marine Scout platoon fighting to retake the city of Fallujah, Iraq, in Operation Phantom Fury.

He returned to civilian life and his role as history teacher in 2005.

Arnold has received several education and service awards, most recently the Bayard H. Friedman HERO Award for the most outstanding North Texas history teacher.

He also held the James S. Garvey Chair in History. Over 20 years, Arnold has coached four sports, taught eight different history classes, led history and service trips to France and Ecuador, and worked short stints in admissions and advancement.

Throughout his teaching career, Arnold has been committed to students. He believes his Marine service has enhanced his sense of responsibility for his students’ success or failure. “We as teachers have a responsibility to have energy, intellect and enthusiasm,” he said. “If I give 100 percent to motivate the kids, they’ll succeed. I learned that in the Marines.”

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UPPER SCHOOL

Year Two for MSON

The traditional education model has been transformed by changes in technology, and Fort Worth Country Day is capitalizing on the virtual classroom to enhance its rigorous college-preparatory education.

The 2013-14 academic year marked FWCD’s first year as a leader in online education through the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON), which provides independent schools access to new online classes through Stanford University. The only Texas Malone Foundation School, Fort Worth Country Day was one of eight schools during the 2013-14 academic year to offer virtual, real-time college courses onsite through this MSON collaborative.

The MSON program was established by a steering committee of six heads of school that are part of the Malone Consortium.

Evan D. Peterson, head of School, is a member of this committee. For upper-level students at registered Malone Schools, MSON provides a variety of superior online courses offered in a virtual classroom that enhances each member school’s existing curriculum.

In this inaugural year, 12 FWCD students were enrolled in six MSON classes, ranging from Arabic and Chinese; to Advanced Abstract Math, Organic Chemistry and Meteorology; to Democracy, Freedom and the Rule of Law. A total of 10 courses

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were offered, and 88 students from the eight schools participated. For the 2014-15 academic year, 15 schools will participate and 18 courses will be offered. Two faculty members will hail from Fort Worth Country Day: Lauren Cunningham, Upper School art/art history teacher, will teach Art History: From Venus to Vera; Dr. Chuck Kraus, director of bands, will teach Contemporary Topics in Music History.

Students must make an application and be accepted into an MSON course. MSON courses serve as a high school enrichment elective course (fifth academic) in the FWCD program, and the course counts in a student’s GPA. Those students who take MSON courses work closely with the Upper School administration to create a more individualized schedule that accommodates the designated MSON class. Each course has a minimum of six students and a maximum of 16.

The result is a virtual discussion seminar that is delivered in high-definition classroom setups. State-of-the-art technology links students with their peers and faculty: High-definition LCD displays and two high-definition cameras, in conjunction with touch-screen speaker phones, facilitate distance-learning activities among the participating schools—all at once. Stanford University maintains the

2014-15 MSON Courses Advanced Abstract Math Advanced Computer Programming Advanced Topics in Chemistry Ancient Greek Arabic I and II Art History: From Venus to Vera BioEthics Chinese V Contemporary Topics in Music Education Critical Reading and Argumentation Etymology of Scientific Terms Introduction to Organic Chemistry Introduction to Linear Algebra Island of Misfit Texts: Studies in the Sui Generis Meteorology Modern Physics Multivariable Calculus Topics in Ottoman History connective technology, and all MSON schools have access to both live and recorded content, as well as software that allows for student participation when away from the dedicated distance-learning lab.

Classes take place twice a week during the school day for live, synchronous instruction that utilizes multiple-line, high-definition distance learning.

Courses are taught by Stanford University professors and faculty from the participating independent schools. fwcd.org

UPPER SCHOOL

Cum Laude Inducts 21 New Members Fort Worth Country Day’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society welcomed 11 seniors and 10 juniors into its fold. New members were presented with certificates and pins during the ceremony in April.

Math Minds In February, 70 Fort Worth Country Day students enrolled in Honors Algebra II through AP Calculus BC courses took the American Mathematics Competition 10 or 12 (AMC) Exam. These tests, sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, were the first round in a series of tests that can lead students to the Math Olympiad team.

The new members are seniors (above) Alexandra Barber, JR Gideon, Beth Ann Herd, Emily Jackson, Matt Leonard, Zane Lincoln, Krista Madrid, Catherine Murray, Salik Naqvi, Will Waltrip and Elizabeth Wilkinson. The junior inductees (below) are Emily Fischer, Isabelle Goetz, Katherine Haley, Elizabeth Kerrigan, William Kleinheinz, Kenzie Knox, Megan Meadows, Sydney Mulqueen, Melody Rodriguez and Shelby Sanford.

Senior John Callaway advanced to the second round of the competition.

He scored in the top 5 percent of all students taking the AMC 12 exam.

He took the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) in late March.

“The main purpose of the AMC 10/12 is to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through the excitement of solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format,” said David Hoppe, Upper School math teacher. “The problems range from the very easy to the extremely difficult.”

The Cum Laude Society is an honorary organization that stresses excellence, justice and honor. Selection is limited to 10 percent of the junior class and 20 percent of the senior class, elected over two years, based on their high academic standing and rigorous course loads. Elected students also demonstrate good character, honor and integrity in all aspects of School life.

The following members, all seniors, earned membership during the 2012-13 academic year: Hannah Fowler, Sarah Harrison, Hannah Kelly, Elizabeth Lindsey, Jack Livingston, Malcolm McDonald, William Nober, Ricky Rodriguez, Robbie Stackhouse, Haley Wall and Emily Wilkinson.

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FWCD’s top AMC 10 scorers were: Nicholas Epperson ’18, Kinsey McGlasson ’16, Ben Nober ’17, Ketrick Karsten ’16, Samuel Kim ’16, Teddy Margo ’17, John Fredian ’16, Eric Petsche ’16, Conner Williams ’17, Matthew Lee ’16 and Reagan Mulqueen ’16.

FWCD’s top AMC 12 scorers were: John Callaway ’14, Matt Leonard ’14, William Newton ’16, William Nober ’14, Jack Livingston ’14, Jesse Tipton ’14, Dan Sun ’14, Hannah Fowler ’14, Coleman Walker ’15 and Gustavo Torres ’16.

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Upper School Scholars National Merit Finalists Seniors Jack Livingston, William Nober, Hannah Kelly and John Callaway were named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Callaway, Livingston and Nober were each named National Merit Jack Livingston William Nober Scholars. National Merit Scholars are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. As stated on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s (NMSC) website, “a variety of information is available Hannah Kelly John Callaway for NMSC selectors to evaluate: the Finalist’s academic record, information about the school’s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, the high school official’s written recommendation, information about the student’s activities and leadership, and the Finalist’s own essay.”

In order to achieve National Merit Scholar status, a student must receive a Merit Scholarship award from one of the three funding sources—the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or through a corporate-sponsored or a college-sponsored scholarship award.

Both Livingston and Nober are recipients of the National Merit Corporation’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship, a single payment award, presented on a state representational basis. Winners are selected without consideration of family financial circumstances, college choice, or major and career plans. Callaway is the recipient of a college-sponsored scholarship award at Texas Christian University, receiving the National Merit TCU Scholarship.

U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidates John Callaway ’14 and William Nober ’14 were named candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Each year more than 3,000 candidates are identified for the academic component of the recognition program, having scored exceptionally well on the SAT or the ACT.

National Spanish Exam Scholar Senior William Nober was awarded a full scholarship to study in Salamanca, Spain, this summer from June 28 to July 16. He earned this honor as a result of his outstanding performance on the National Spanish Exam last year, which made him eligible to compete for the award. The scholarship is made possible through the Lone Star Chapter of The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must score a 99 percent on the NSE in the spring and apply for a full scholarship to study abroad in the following summer. Nober scored in the 99 percentile last spring.

Forty Acres Scholar Selected for the program based on her exceptional academic achievement, effective leadership, strong commitment to community service, initiative and perseverance, Hannah Kelly ’14 is a member of the University of Texas at Austin’s fourth-ever class of Forty Acres Scholars.

The Forty Acres Scholars Program, modeled on the Morehead-Cain at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Jefferson Scholars at the University of Virginia, is like no other program at UT. Kelly is one of 17 outstanding high school seniors selected for this premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship.

In addition to the scholarship, Kelly will also receive financial support for enrichment activities, including community service projects, an internship or a global experience—or a combination of each.

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fwcd.org

UPPER SCHOOL

Colloquium Highlights College Admission The College Counseling Office’s College Colloquium event, which brings admission decision-makers from colleges and universities across the country onto Fort Worth Country Day’s campus, is a longstanding tradition for the School. The event allows FWCD to showcase its campus in addition to providing students, parents and faculty with the opportunity to learn from the wisdom shared by visiting college deans and directors of admission.

This year’s program featured: • Stephanie Balmer, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications and dean of admissions at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; • Lynn Barnes, Jr., director of recruitment at Texas A&M University in College Station; and • Debra Johns, associate director of admission at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

The purpose of the College Colloquium event is to move beyond the conversation about the guests’ respective schools and engage in a broader discussion about the current state of college admission.

“Our graduates go out into the world and make a name for themselves and this school,” said Kristin Vaughn, director of College Counseling. “What this event does is bring admission decision-makers to our campus to get to know FWCD on a more in-depth level.”

Debra Johns, associate director of admission at Yale University; Stephanie Balmer, vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications and dean of admissions at Dickinson College; and Lynn Barnes, Jr., director of recruitment at Texas A&M University

The broader message of the program is ultimately about the sharing of information. “Our parents and students glean the expertise of these admission professionals, and these admission decision-makers get to see our school and meet our students up-close and personal,” she added.

This signature program has been a staple for the College Counseling Office for more than nine years. It was Vaughn who instituted the panel discussion format with the range of colleges seven years ago. “This format provides more visibility for the School, as well as a richer experience for our students and families,” she said. “Our job [in College Counseling] is about relationship building. This access to such high-level professionals is unique.”

FWCD’s sophomore class takes on Washington, D.C.

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UPPER SCHOOL

2013-14 Scholarship Recipients Vicki and Edward P. Bass Scholarship Kinsey McGlasson ’16 Isaac Narrett ’17 Beverly Anne Robinson Faculty Endowed Scholarship Beatriz Manrique ’15 Westen Mulqueen ’18 Kelly Pham ’21 Malone Scholars Program Jeffrey Avena ’15 Matthew Frantz ’16 Krista Madrid ’14 Ricky Rodriguez ’14 Nate Wallace ’18 Joanne Wu ’17 Peter A. Schwartz Scholarship John Fredian ’16 Captain David Herr Memorial Scholarship Matthew Leonard ’14 Reilly Family Foundation/ Breakthrough Fort Worth Scholarship Gustavo Torres ’16 Alumni Endowed Scholarship Sarah Harrison ’14 Emily Jackson ’14 Bailee Wallace ’14 Ella C. McFadden Scholars Reign Parker ’14 Brandon Rosales ’14 Jillian C. Thompson Scholarship Akeira Warner ’14 Moritz Scholarship at FWCD Samuel Kim ’16 Joey Pollard Memorial Scholarship Nicholas Epperson ’18 Betty Reese Memorial Scholarship Jacob Rains ’16

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Senior Awards & Recognition Senior English Student Alexandra Barber

Richie Garvey ’07 Technical Theater Award Shane Markwardt, Ryan Hunt

Writing Beyond the Classroom Award Arden Terry

Performing Arts Award Michael Wittman

Senior French Student Alexandra Barber Senior Latin Student John Callaway

Varsity Awards John Callaway, John Randall Gideon, Madelyn Stripling, Elizabeth Wilkinson

Senior Spanish Student Zane Lincoln

Class of ’72 Award Robert Stackhouse

Senior History Student Adam Sanchez

Don Welch Memorial Award Madison Nelson

Dr. Suzanne Lewis Outstanding History Students Kyle O’Brien, Robert Arnold Robert Stackhouse

William A. Landreth, Jr. ’67 Award Caleb Rooker

Senior Mathematics Student Malcolm McDonald

Lawrence P. Kleuser Award McKenna Breedlove, Robert Arnold

Mathematics Chairman’s Award Jack Livingston

Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Award Emily Wilkinson, Elizabeth Wilkinson, John Randall Gideon

Class of ’70 Award Madelyn Stripling

Outstanding Students of the Sciences Ryan Hunt, Malcolm McDonald, Salik Naqvi, Enrique Rodriguez, Daniel Sun

Quill Editor’s Award Robert Stackhouse

Senior Art Students Samantha Sawyer, Daniel Sun Siegel Art Award for Art History Emily Wilkinson

Falcon Quill Award Zane Lincoln, Kyle O’Brien

Flight Most Valuable Award Alden Griffin

Siegel Art Award for Ceramics Caleb Rooker

Flight Editors Award Samantha Hubbard, Claudia Boyd

Photography Award Reign Parker

Flight Award Akeira Warner

Koeppe Award for Painting Hannah Kelly

Class of ’75 You Make Me Smile Award Richard Tatum

Rhode Island School of Design Book Award Bailee Wallace

Andrew Cordell Community Service Award Reign Parker

Ted Sanford Award Hannah Fowler Gayle Corkery Award Alexandra Barber, Hannah Fowler, Sarah Massingill, Samantha Sawyer

R.D. Varnell ’88 National Merit Award Jack Livingston Headmaster Heart and Hustle Award Akeira Warner Humanitas Per Disciplinam Award Hannah Kelly, Jack Livingston

Outstanding Instrumentalist Award–Band Thomas Patrick Gordon

Alumni Association Award Madeline Jiongo

FWCD Leadership and Musicianship Award–Choral Jazmine Monreal

Campus Award Mary Claire Ekstrom

Outstanding Senior Theatre Award Mary Claire Ekstrom

Falcon Award Akeira Warner

Theatre Department Core Values Award Madeline Jiongo

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Congratulates the Class of 2014!

College Acceptances for the Class of 2014 The Class of 2014 was awarded more than $8 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.

Abilene Christian University American University The American University of Paris Appalachian State University Auburn University Austin College Bard College Bates College Baylor University Belmont University Biola University Boston University Brown University Butler University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Dartmouth College Davidson College DePaul University Drexel University Duke University Elon University Emory University Fairfield University Fordham University Georgetown University The George Washington University Hampden-Sydney College Harvard University Haverford College

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Hendrix College Indiana University Kansas State University The King’s College Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Miami University Midwestern State University Mississippi State University New York University Oklahoma Christian University Oklahoma State University Olin College of Engineering Pepperdine University Providence College Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Richmond: The American International

College in London Roger Williams University Rollins College Saint Joseph’s University Salve Regina University Sam Houston State University Samford University Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University

Southwestern University St. Edward’s University State University of New York at Albany Stephen F. Austin State University Tarleton State University Tarrant County College Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University Trinity University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of California, Los Angeles University of Central Arkansas University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Dallas University of Denver University of Edinburgh University of Georgia University of Houston University of Kansas University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Missouri – Columbia University of New Hampshire

University of North Carolina

at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Texas University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Alabama University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of St Andrews University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas at Tyler University of Tulsa University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University Western Carolina University Whittier College Wofford College

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FWCD’s Duke TIP Program Thriving 26

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fwcd.org

For three years, Fort Worth Country Day has been connecting with fifth- and sixth-graders in Texas and inspiring them to higher-level thinking through the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) Academic Adventures course. In April, FWCD hosted its sixth course, drawing 100 students to campus to participate in seven fun and thought-provoking programs.

Duke TIP Academic Adventures programs are hosted on FWCD’s campus on one Saturday in the fall and one Saturday in the spring. The School’s first offering was in fall 2011 with six courses attracting 92 students. Duke will allow FWCD to grow its program as large as it wants, but class sizes must remain at 17 students to allow for personal interaction between students and faculty. FWCD has the distinction of being the North Texas site for the Duke TIP program.

Adventuring to FWCD The idea to bring Duke TIP to FWCD came from meetings the Admission Office had with department chairs, College Counseling and athletics to discuss new ideas for recruitment and marketing. Really liking the idea of FWCD as a host site, Kathy Lott, now director of admission, contacted Duke TIP. Soon she was on a plane to Durham, North Carolina, to see an Academic Adventures course in action and, later, hosted a Duke representative at FWCD for a site visit.

“It was a two-year process for Fort Worth Country Day to gain Duke TIP recognition,” Lott said. “It’s hard to believe we just finished our third year and sixth session.” This year, the Duke TIP administrative team grew and gained the expertise of Aimee Jenkins, director of summer and enrichment programs.

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Duke TIP is a global leader in identifying academically gifted students and providing them with opportunities to support their development. Students in grades 5 and 6 attend the Academic Adventures programs.

They are identified by Duke University in fourth or fifth grade. Students must score in the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level standardized achievement test, aptitude test, mental-ability test, approved state criterion-referenced test, or at 125 or above on an IQ test to be accepted into the program and eligible to attend the Academic Adventures course.

Hosting such high-achieving students at FWCD provides opportunities to both the students and the School. “We love having the Duke TIP students on campus,” Lott said. “It gives us the opportunity to show off our great campus. It also gives our teachers, who serve as Duke TIP instructors, an opportunity to try out a new program and see how the course might

work in their own classroom. The students enrolled in Duke TIP match our FWCD student profile.”

Since FWCD is the only Duke TIP school in a 150-mile radius, participants from the Dallas/Fort Worth area may be interested in attending Fort Worth Country Day. Students come from Plano, Waxahachie, Waco, Mesquite, and towns throughout Tarrant and Dallas counties.

“Since the Academic Adventures program started on campus in 2011, FWCD has admitted a Duke TIP student each year,” Lott shared. “For the 2014-15 academic year, we admitted three!”

The next closest Duke TIP site is in Houston at the Houston Medical Center.

“We actually had a family drive up from Houston in the fall because they liked our offerings better,” Lott said.

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Making the Journey Fun April’s course offerings were (see sidebar for descriptions): Into the Wardrobe Who Dun It? Arduino is Italian for Exciting Electronics Engineering!

ANIMAZING Mystère a Paris (Mystery in Paris) Engineering and Physics Too! What a Tangled Web We Weave: Web Page Programming Lott and Jenkins were actively looking for an engineering course for the spring in order to provide students new options.

“We brainstormed based on what families were requesting,” Lott said. “We are always looking to expand.”

What makes the courses special is the dynamic faculty who teach them. Dorrine DeChant, Fine Arts Chair and visual arts teacher, is a Duke TIP “original,” meaning she’s taught her course, ANIMAZING, at all six Academic Adventure programs.

“It always fills and it always has a waiting list,” Lott says. “Every year, Dorrine tweaks the course and adds to it. This year, she included the iPad component.”

DeChant’s approach to the course is to keep the process simple. “It is my goal that the students take the knowledge that they

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learn at Duke TIP and do it at home,” she said. “After the course, they have the ability to create a film using objects and props that they have in their living rooms. Some of the students don’t have personal iPads, so I explain the digital camera and tripod approach. A few students have been so inspired that they’ve created stop-motion films on their way home from Duke TIP using their parents’ iPhones!”

The camaraderie in this course is what DeChant enjoys. “The students are assigned in teams to create their stopmotion object animation. Within 30 minutes of meeting their teammate, they are collaborating on ideas, storyboarding filming and editing their production,” DeChant said. “It always amazes me that although the students just met, some of their productions are quite clever, as they infuse their personalities.”

John Cordell, Upper School physics teacher, has taught different STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) courses through FWCD’s Academic Adventures program and is an “original” as well. “I believe that programs like Duke TIP are important because they can inspire young students to pursue science and engineering careers,” he said.

“Our nation and our world will have a strong need for scientists and engineers in the future to help solve challenges and problems that are sure to arise in the future.

“In addition to solving problems, these students may find ways of increasing quality of life and happiness in ways that no one can foresee,” Cordell added.

“Adding a little excitement to the study of math, science and technology may just help students through the hard work endemic to a productive career in those disciplines.”

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Explorer’s Trivia The most popular classes every year center on computer programming, the sciences, math—anything STEM oriented—and they always fill quickly. There are 17 students in each class, and financial aid is available to students. The courses are $150 and include lunch on campus. The sessions run 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; students register online through FWCD’s website.

Each faculty member who teaches receives a stipend for the day and Upper School students serve as teaching assistants, earning community service hours.

FWCD’s School nurse is on staff at every Duke TIP as well in case of an emergency.

This is something that the Duke TIP program “copies” from FWCD. “We hire Nurse Laurie [McCormack] for every session as a precautionary measure,” Lott said.

All in all, the Duke TIP program is a wonderful admission opportunity for Fort Worth Country Day and the students attending. Lott is currently working to expand the program to include a Duke TIP Scholars Weekend for grades 8-10. To learn more about the Duke TIP program on Fort Worth Country Day’s campus, visit fwcd.org/DukeTIP.

For the April session, the following seven courses were offered: Into the Wardrobe: Students took a fun-filled journey through the magical land of Narnia via a “real” wardrobe. Drawing from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, students created their own “Narnia,” complete with a travel brochure and a vivid description of their new world.

Who Dun It?: Students embarked on a forensic science exploration of fingerprints, trace evidence and blood spatter, learning analysis techniques that allowed them to process a crime scene.

Arduino is Italian for Exciting Electronics Engineering!: Students explored the basics of electricity, electronics and hardware programming using an Arduino experimenter’s board, an easy-to-wire breadboard and a variety of smaller electronics components.

Students experienced an introduction to the exciting world of modern electronics and computer coding.

ANIMAZING: Young animators created several motion art creations. From the basic techniques of traditional animation— flipbooks, zoetropes and stop motion—to the exciting world of computer animation utilizing iPad applications and editing on iMovie, students were immersed in several different original productions.

Mystère a Paris (Mystery in Paris): Students took on the role of secret agent working for the U.S. government and learned French to solve an ancient mystery in and under the streets of Paris!

Engineering and Physics Too!: While designing, constructing and testing their own marble-drop structures, students learned about the concepts of potential and kinetic energy.

What a Tangled Web We Weave: Web Page Programming: Students became a Web developer for the day and built their own website as they learned HTML and JavaScript programming, the building blocks of Web design, and skills that can be continued on any computer without special software.

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New Schedules to Roll Out Next Year In 2011, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Visiting Accreditation Team made a recommendation in regard to Fort Worth Country Day’s class schedules:

“The school should continue to evaluate the most efficient use of its most treasured resource—time. The yearly calendar and daily schedules in each division should be evaluated against the measure of what leads to the definition of success.”

Since then, all three divisions have been involved in researching schedule options that meet the needs of FWCD students. Next year, each division will launch new daily schedules.

The Upper and Middle School divisions enlisted the help of Independent School Management (ISM), a consulting company dedicated to the advancement of school management, which provides creative strategies to 21st-century school issues. The two divisions worked closely with ISM to build schedules that best fit the needs of the students and the faculty and that move the School and its educational philosophy in a forward trajectory. After years of research and discussion, the new schedules debut in the 2014-15 academic year.

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Upper School Schedule Upper School will use a seven-day block schedule that incorporates four 75-minute class periods over the course of the day. The new start time will be 8:45 a.m. with an ending time of 3:45 p.m. This new schedule incorporates announcements daily from 10:10-11:05 a.m., a 40-minute lunch period and a short 15-minute break between students’ final two classes in the afternoon.

“It became important to look at how we use time as a school when embarking on this scheduling journey,” said Rob Hereford, head of Upper School. “Last March and April, we provided ISM with huge amounts of data—how we use our buildings, what rooms are used for teaching, what faculty teach when, what courses are taught and more—in order to build some sample schedules.”

Several models were submitted, most of them including the extended class period. The administration, with faculty input, ultimately decided on a schedule that accommodates four classes a day over a seven-day cycle.

The Upper School sees great value in this block schedule. Classes that last 75 minutes allow faculty to use their classroom time in a fwcd.org

different way. The nature of the work in a 75-minute class allows faculty to go into greater depth with students. Technology, different teaching methods and extended science labs also allow students to become more engaged in their learning.

Moving to an 8:45 a.m. start time (from the current 8:05 a.m. start) also supports current research on students. Upper School students stay up late—that’s a fact. They are involved in activities that take place well into the evening hours, and they have homework to complete following these activities. With a later start, students can get a bit more sleep, and the School can still accommodate 8 a.m. club/organization and faculty meetings.

With this schedule, no day feels exactly the same. The rhythm of the day is different, and students get to attend their classes in different time blocks over the course of the week, which allows all faculty to capture the attention of their students during peak learning times.

Two important components to the Upper School schedule is the preservation of announcements each day, which builds community among the classes, and a break from 2:15-2:30 p.m. that allows students to switch gears before delving into their final 75-minute class. Free periods are preserved as well, but students will have one every two to three days, rather than every day.

The Upper School has been using its existing schedule, a five-period rotation schedule, since the 2000-01 academic year.

Middle School Schedule

The Middle School will use a six-day schedule cycle that incorporates seven 45-minute periods each day for fifth- and sixthgraders and six 45-minute periods for seventh- and eighth-graders.

In grades 5 and 6, G period will remain a fixed class time from 2:25-3:10 p.m., which allows students to take a course above their grade level if appropriate, while students in grades 7 and 8 will have athletics from 2:15-3:45 p.m. each day. Two classes will meet backto-back, followed by a break (advisory, lunch/recess, athletics or a scheduled break) from academics.

“Our key question in assessing the Middle School’s existing schedule was ‘Does the daily schedule we are following allow for the best possible experience for our students?” said John Stephens, head of Middle School. “What we found is that there is a better way to use time and maximize student learning.”

The Middle School will continue to begin its day at 8:05 a.m. with a five-minute homeroom period to provide a time at the beginning of the day to ground students, discuss schedule changes, take attendance and get students into an academic mindset.

The schedule of classes will rotate over a six-day cycle so that students enjoy variability in their day. “Students have peak performance times and variability allows for different classes to fall during those peak learning hours,” Stephens noted. By rotating the SPrinG/SUMMER 2014

schedule, students will experience all classes at some point during these peak learning hours.

One change in the schedule involves eliminating transition time for students and redistributing those minutes to provide significant breaks in the day. The breaks are important to the overall wellbeing of the students. Middle schoolers will have their first break from 9:40 to 10:25 a.m. for advisory, which could include announcements, club/organization meetings or serve as a study hall, and a second break for lunch from noon-12:40 p.m. A third break for grades 5 and 6 is set for 2:15-2:25 p.m. before G period, while seventh- and eighth-graders will end their day with athletics.

“Our goal was to ensure that students get a ‘brain break’ and do not have more than two academic periods consecutively,” Stephens said.

Lower School Schedule The internal scheduling survey and ensuing dialogues identified two major concerns for the Lower School to address, while tweaking a few other aspects of the daily schedule. The Lower School’s biggest issue with the current five-day schedule is how Monday and Friday holidays and/or assemblies and performances greatly impact the special classes scheduled on those days.

These holidays result in some classes losing significantly more instructional time. Sometimes the classes can be re-scheduled and made up, but often they cannot.

To best address this problem, the Lower School will move from a five-day to a six-day scheduling cycle. A six-day cycle ensures that days off from school will not consistently impact the same classes throughout the year. The Lower School will follow the same six-day cycle as the Middle School, which enables the two schools to share their cross-divisional teachers and common spaces, such as the gymnasiums and art studios, without a scheduling collision.

The second divisional concern relates to what Shari Lincoln, head of Lower School, refers to as “chunklets” of time—10 to 15 minutes of time that periodically occur in a schedule—typically due to how specials classes are scheduled. “Over the course of five days, the ‘chunklets’ can add up to nearly an hour of lost instructional time,” Lincoln said. “Because our students travel to classes, we will never be able to completely eliminate these small chunks of time; we would, however, like to reduce the number of times they occur.”

Lincoln also shared that the Lower School lunch schedules will remain essentially the same, and the daily start and end times (8:20 a.m.-3:10 p.m.) will remain unchanged for the upcoming year.

While all divisions are excited and optimistic about the new schedule launch, the division heads know that change affects people in different ways. “Our goal is to be as supportive as possible to our faculty, students and families as they navigate this change,” they shared. “For some, it will be seamless. But for others, it will seem like a big shift. Ultimately, we know these new schedules represent the very best we can offer FWCD students.”

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Making an Impact: Class of 2014

By Renee Pierce Photos by Glen E. Ellman On May 16, the 107 seniors in the Class of 2014 made a profound impact on Fort Worth Country Day, beginning what Head of School Evan D. Peterson hopes is a new class gift legacy.

Focusing on life as a journey, valedictorian Malcolm McDonald talked about the students’ time at Country Day. “This has been a journey for each of us, and this occasion encourages reflection,” McDonald said. He spoke about the students’ developing leadership role in the School community and proudly described their supportive response to the untimely death of one of their most beloved teachers, Dr. Jim Aldridge.

“Each year, the seniors honor their time at Country Day with a themed token gift during the ceremony to the head of School. Whether it is rocks or light bulbs, the theme is a gag that depicts something specific about their time at the School,” McDonald related. “This year, I am very proud to announce that the senior class has voted to forego the usual pranks and instead honor the life of Dr. Aldridge. We will be giving donations with the intent to establish a memorial in Dr. Aldridge’s name.”

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Peterson was touched beyond belief.

“In my 12 years at FWCD, I have been presented with bottle caps, rocks, balloons, tools, ping pong balls, golf tees and other assorted items," Peterson said. “When Malcolm McDonald announced that the class wanted to give money to start a fund in honor of Dr. Aldridge, I was so caught off guard and so pleased!”

The class gave $4,270 to start what the School will call the Class of 2014 Dr. Aldridge Award. The first award will be presented at next year’s Upper School Awards Cermony to a junior or senior who shows the most intellectual curiosity, love for learning and has demonstrated good

character. The School’s new memorial bridge will also have a plaque in Dr. Aldridge’s name as a result of the class’s inspiring gift.

For the Class of 2014, the evening at McKinney Memorial Bible Church was filled with long-awaited moments, the applause of proud families and friends, and speakers who honored the students. The class will attend 50 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and in Scotland, and was awarded more than $8 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.

The class’s salutatorian Enrique “Ricky” Rodriguez III engaged the audience fwcd.org

and classmates with an invocation that teased and inspired. He thanked families and School leaders. He apologized for memorable class antics like stacking tubes at NRH2O and building a pyramid of waterfilled cups at Joe T. Garcia’s that ultimately collapsed. He challenged classmates to embrace their spirit of exploration, seek diversity and celebrate life.

“When in Rome, when in Shanghai, when in Burleson, let us recall what we have learned about citizenship from Fort Worth Country Day,” Ricky charged, “considering others and their needs while pursuing successful and happy lives. Tonight, let’s celebrate the culmination of our high SPrinG/SUMMER 2014

school careers and the highway of life that lies ahead.”

The FWCD choir provided a special performance of Dream, a song written in celebration of FWCD’s 50th anniversary.

It was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Aldridge.

Board of Trustees President Shannon Young Ray ’80 offered pearls of wisdom from her own experiences as an FWCD alumna and parent to five graduates.

To the students, she encouraged giving back to their community and using the Country Day core values as guiding lights for their journey ahead. To the parents, she

imparted: “As an empty nester this year, I can affirm two truths. First, a Country Day education was the greatest gift my husband and I could ever give our children. Second, they WILL come back home, and when they do, they will bring more laundry than you ever thought possible!”

Gordon Johndroe ’93 did not disappoint as the keynote speaker. A longtime staff member of President George W. Bush, he began his political career at the University of Texas at Austin interning in the then governor’s office. Johndroe’s service spanned the entire eight-year Bush presidency in positions that included director of strategic communications FALCONER

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for the U.S. Department of State, deputy White House press secretary and National Security Council spokesman. Since leaving politics, he has served as vice president for an independent communications consulting company and is currently the vice president of media relations and international communications at Lockheed Martin Corporation––a position he credits having because of his ongoing friendships with Country Day alumni.

Johndroe admitted to preparing for his speaking role by researching graduation speeches. He learned that no one remembers their graduation speaker and discovered a common theme: “Life is a series of events that you think you plan, but do not really,” he told the students.

“There’s a little bit of timing, a little bit of luck, all mixed with hard work.”

He talked about dates he could not forget, like moving to Washington with other staffers and their roaming pets aboard a U.S. Air Force jet in January 2001. He touched on the dreaded day eight months later when, flying the country on Air Force One, he was forced to realize, along with the rest of the nation, that there are situations you are never fully prepared to handle and moments when you just have to go with the flow.

Crediting Country Day for readying him for the world, Johndroe stated, “The Kindergarten Rodeo taught me everything I need to know in life. You learn you have

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to work and play well with others. You learn to try your hardest and give it your best, even if you’re not exactly sure what you are doing or what is actually going on,” he laughed with the crowd. “You learn you should be nice to someone even if they win and you don’t. You learn to be modest when you are the winner and that it’s okay to make fun of yourself.”

Student-elected faculty speaker Colin Douglas ’06 provided graduates a final history-based lesson on life perspectives.

Citing a favorite quote on his classroom door, “Until lions get their own historians, tales of hunting will only glorify the hunters,” Douglas explained the importance of asking ‘why’ and encouraged the students to always, “Think of the opposite, inquire about the differing and consider the lion.”

Senior class president Hannah Kelly delivered a poetry-like comparative of life moments defined by popular music.

“When I think of high school, I think in songs,” Kelly said. “Memories are captured in music. Songs transport you.”

Walking them down memory lane with the names of signature bands and familiar song titles, she encouraged her peers to replay their favorites, listen, reminisce, smile, remember being 16, celebrate being 18 and know there will always be music that connects them. “Cry and sing and live,” she told her classmates, “Create the soundtrack to your life. We made it. We’ll

never run out of music. We’ll never forget Country Day.”

As the graduates prepared to receive their diplomas, departing Head of Upper School Rob Hereford addressed them. He thanked the FWCD family for warmly welcoming him and wife, Amanda Whalen (Middle School science teacher), when they arrived eight years ago. He applauded the amazing faculty, thanked the parents for their support and complimented the School’s close-knit community. “As I go from here, I hope to find a student body that I hold in the same esteem as I do you,” Hereford said.

When the Class of 2014 took the stage for the presentation of diplomas, it was not without its light-hearted moments.

Braquece Smith snapped a “selfie” with Peterson. Robbie Stackhouse’s embrace with his father, Steve Stackhouse, assistant head of School, brought heartfelt “ahs” and applause. Akeira Warner presented her Dr. Aldridge donation by raining money over Peterson’s head.

Closing the evening, Peterson commended the students for their parting gift. “Your gift was exceptional,” he remarked. “I extend you a heartfelt thank you from the entire faculty for this gesture. You will be remembered for it for years to come.”

To view graduation photos and the list of colleges to which the Class of 2014 was accepted, visit fwcd.org/graduation.

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Valedictorian – Malcolm McDonald Malcolm McDonald ’14 spent 13 years on the Fort Worth Country Day campus.

An FWCD “Original” (K-12 student), he credits the School, its teachers, its administrators and his classmates with helping to develop him intellectually and socially, as well as with providing him the self-confidence to try new things and persevere.

doctors within the family. I guess I’m just pre-disposed to science.”

Though passionate about his studies, Malcolm strikes a balance and has thoroughly lived FWCD’s 3 A’s. He played tenor saxophone and clarinet at Country Day since fifth grade and personally enjoys playing drums and guitar. He played football as a freshman and sophomore and ran cross country as a junior and senior.

He also served as the team’s captain this year. Malcolm was a four-year member of the lacrosse team and served as one of five senior captains this year. “Cross country taught me about pushing myself to achieve a personal goal, while being a member of the lacrosse team taught me how to work together with others,” he said.

Throughout Upper School, Malcolm was on a quest for knowledge. Beginning in his freshman year, he challenged himself and took FWCD’s most rigorous courses.

Malcolm graduated with an impressive nine Honors-level courses and eight Advanced Placement classes. In the fall, he will attend Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

During his senior year, he enrolled in five AP courses and took a Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) course— Introduction to Organic Chemistry— during the fall semester.

The MSON course was the equivalent of a college sophomore class and was taught by a chemistry teacher from Maret School in Washington, D.C. Combining synchronous instruction and real-time video conferencing seminars, the class provided Malcolm with the opportunity to take a college course in a unique setting and meet students from across the country.

“One student was from Switzerland,” he noted. “I’ve even kept up with a classmate who is planning to attend the University of North Carolina. We are talking about meeting in person. I made friends through this course and learned a great deal. Thanks to this class and my Honors and AP courses, I feel confident in my ability to succeed in college.”

Malcolm is described as a young man who will help those in need, regardless of what he is doing or has on his own plate. Many of his peers are thankful for his dedicated study skills. He regularly created study guides for his courses—and shared them

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with his classmates. “Through the creation of these study guides, I better learned the material,” he said. “By sharing the study guides, I was able to help others focus on their studies and perform well on tests.”

Many teachers have ignited Malcolm’s passion for learning and his interest in science—including the late Dr. Jim Aldridge, John Cordell and Sharon Hamilton. “I’ve always been more science and mathematics oriented,” he shared, “and I feel so lucky to have been taught by the science teachers here.

They teach science in a way that makes you consider how and why things work.

It’s a discovery-based, problem-solving educational atmosphere. I really like to learn the concepts and then find realworld applications. This type of teaching and learning brings science to life.”

Malcolm’s love of science is leading him to major in biophysics or chemistry—with an ultimate plan to attend medical school.

“Doctors run in my family,” he said. “My dad is a pulmonologist, and there are other

A Link Crew leader his junior year, Malcolm took his mentorship of a group of freshman students very seriously. He was one of 11 seniors who returned to the position as a senior. He was also a member of the Cum Laude Society his junior and senior years.

An exceptional student, Malcolm has been honored by the Upper School faculty for his commitment to academics. He earned the Mathematics Undergraduate Award in grades 10 and 11. In his junior year, Malcolm received the Sewanee Award for Excellence in Writing, the University Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, and Harvard Prize Book Award.

He will miss his Country Day family, but leaves with fond memories. This year’s Homecoming pep rally with the senior boys’ “cheer routine,” the football win over Trinity Valley School topped off with the 50th anniversary fireworks display, and seniors’ off-campus lunch privileges stand out in his mind. “It is very surreal,” Malcolm said about graduating. “It came way too quickly, but it’s also exciting to be starting out on a new journey.”

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Salutatorian – Enrique “Ricky” Rodriguez III Enrique “Ricky” Rodriguez III ’14 has been part of the Fort Worth Country Day community since seventh grade, yet he feels as if his life began here. It was Father Richard Flores at Saint Rita Catholic School who directed Ricky and his parents to search out a rigorous college-preparatory school where Ricky could be challenged academically. Their pursuit led him to Country Day.

has friends across the globe— in China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Swaziland. His desire is to be a citizen of the world. “I’ve realized through my trips and involvement with these organizations that I want to broaden my horizons,” he said.

“There are a lot of opinions out there, and I want to foster respect for others.”

“I’ve always been dedicated to my work and wanted to perform well in school,” Ricky said. “My parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility: If you’re going to do something, do it well.” Ricky will attend Harvard University in the fall, where he plans to major in economics.

Harvard has been Ricky’s dream since third grade, when he learned his father, a Texas Wesleyan University graduate, had not been accepted at Princeton University. “I made some comment about making things right,” Ricky said. In seventh or eighth grade, he wore a Harvard hat and T-shirt to a School event. “When I think back on that, I wonder what I was even thinking,” he shared, “but after ninth grade, I started to think I might actually have a shot.”

Ricky’s FWCD journey began when he was named a Malone Scholar, receiving a six-year, full-tuition scholarship that also covers books. Ricky is one of just six Malone Scholars in the entire school.

Funded by a $2 million endowment grant from The Malone Family Foundation, new or returning students entering grades 7-12 who are in the top 5 percent of their class and qualify for at least 30 percent financial need based on FWCD’s financial guidelines may apply to be a Malone Scholar.

Ricky flourished in his FWCD studies.

While it is rare for FWCD students to study more than one foreign language in high school, Ricky is an exception.

Advanced in his French language ability, he took AP French Language as a sophomore—a class that is typically a junior-level course. Due to the College

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Board’s discontinuation of AP French Literature, Ricky essentially completed the same curriculum during his junior year in FWCD’s Advanced French Literature course without receiving the AP designation on his transcript. As a heritage speaker, Ricky performed well in AP Spanish. He even studies Italian on his own and has a desire to learn Portuguese and Mandarin. He was enrolled in all AP courses his senior year.

With a great interest in people, their cultures, religions and political systems, Ricky wants to make a difference in the world far beyond Fort Worth Country Day. After visiting Italy on a Fort Worth Sister Cities trip as a sophomore, Ricky returned home eager to continue the friendships he’d forged. He also traveled to Japan last summer where he stayed with a host family for a week-and-a-half and then hosted a student in his home. Ricky currently serves the Fort Worth Sister Cities organization as cultural orientations officer and Youth Board president.

As a result of his involvement with Sister Cities and his participation in the International Leadership Academy, Ricky

Ricky was busy on campus and off. He ran cross country as a freshman, sophomore and junior, and served as the team manager as a senior. “Running is invigorating,” he said. “I love that it combines the physical with the mental. It’s always a challenge to set out on a run, but there’s an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.” He’s also run track since his sophomore year.

A student ambassador, Ricky loved to share the School with prospective students.

“There are so many possibilities at Fort Worth Country Day,” he said. “I am convinced that new students will find their passion here.” Ricky was a member of the Diversity Club for three years and served as president this year. As a result, he traveled to student diversity leadership conferences in Washington, D.C. and Houston.

He is a two-year member of the Cum Laude Society, and was named a National Hispanic Scholar and a National Merit Commended Student this year.

Ricky has been honored by the Upper School faculty with the Le Grand Concours Laureate National Silver and Bronze awards in grades 9, 10 and 11 and the Dr. Suzanne Lewis Award for Outstanding History Students as a junior.

He earned the French Undergraduate Award as a sophomore.

Ricky leaves Country Day feeling like he’s made forever friends. “I’m going to miss my friends, teachers and coaches,” he said.

“We are a close-knit family.”

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A Family Affair

By Karen Berlin Cooperstein

Fort Worth Country Day is a family affair for Jean and John Roach, a tradition carried on by their children and grandchildren: three generations of Roach family members who are committed to excellence in education, who are passionate about Country Day, and who are devoted to serving both the School community and the larger Fort Worth community.

Photo courtesy of Gittings

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Fort Worth is in the blood of Jean and John: Jean was born and raised in Fort Worth, and John grew up in Fort Worth from age 3. Both attended public high school in Fort Worth, then went on to Texas Christian University for college.

When it was time to look at schools for their daughters, the couple talked to friends and neighbors, most of whom had children who attended Fort Worth Country Day or Trinity Valley School. It was the “neighborhood concept” of the School and its academic reputation that won them over to Country Day and thus began a nearly 40-year family history with the School.

Amy Roach Bailey ’85

Lori Roach Davis ’91

Dylan Davis ’24, John Callaway ’14 and Emily Davis ’26

Jean and John Roach with their granddaughter Hannah Bailey ’18

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Once their daughters (Amy Roach Bailey ’85 and Lori Roach Davis ’91) started school, Jean and John immediately recognized the advantages that Country Day offered. “Country Day is a tremendous asset to Fort Worth. It offers families—both those with a history in Fort Worth and new families moving to the community—the best college-preparatory education around,” John said. This is a defining characteristic that is “more important today than ever before,” he added, as students need to distinguish themselves from their peers, prepare for a highly competitive global environment, and succeed in college and beyond.

The opportunities for their children—and now grandchildren—to excel, following their own paths and interests is one of the most significant benefits of a Country Day education. “The School has always had a well-rounded program that has focused on academics, arts and athletics. It is a very real strength that sets the School apart,” Jean said. From the Kindergarten Rodeo, daily Show and Tell, and Poetry Explosion, to the annual Big Bend Trip for eighthgraders and a robust foreign study program, students can pursue their passions in whatever direction it takes them. “It is so exciting to see the kids exploring different areas and trying new things,” Jean said of her grandchildren John Callaway ’14, Hannah Bailey ’18, Dylan Davis ’24 and Emily Davis ’26.

Jean and John Roach with their granddaughter Emily Davis ’26

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Giving Back An equally important part of the Country Day culture is community service, which was embraced early on by Jean and John and subsequently their daughters and grandchildren. Jean started giving back to the community as a high schooler, serving as a volunteer at the hospital and at her school: “This country was built on volunteerism, so it’s essential that we all do our part,” she said.

Amy remembers her mom’s active involvement at Country Day in The SALE, an annual PFA fundraiser that required a year-round volunteer effort to gather and price donated items for sale and a 24/7, all-hands-on-deck effort during the actual sale week. Lori recalls her dad’s service as a Board Trustee and Board chair, and a huge supporter: “He always attended all of my programs and games on campus,” Lori said.

With one grandchild recently graduated and three others now enrolled, Jean and John have certainly not cut back on their service to Country Day, this year serving as the grandparent chairs of the FWCD Fund. “With grandkids in all three divisions at Country Day now, we know how important this school is at every stage of a child’s education,” Jean said. For better or worse, she added, much of the world has turned to private school education. As a result, it’s critical to inform families that Country Day is an important investment that ensures students will have the highest-quality education available to them. “We all want our grandkids to get an outstanding, comprehensive education and preparation so that they can go to the college of their choice,” Jean said. “We know that is happening every day at Country Day.”

New Teaching Methods The world has certainly changed since Jean and John enrolled Amy and Lori at Country Day. “The kids are smarter today, and they are ‘on’ 24/7 in a way that we weren’t in our era,” John said.

Technology plays a part in this evolution. Today, every student in Middle and Upper School at Fort Worth Country Day has a tablet or laptop computer readily available, and Lower School students have access to both in their classrooms. This access to technology is an important key to student success in a global marketplace.

The myriad extracurricular activities available to students also keeps them highly engaged—and their grandparents busy. “It seems like we have five or six sporting events a week, along with dance recitals, concerts and plays,” Jean said. (A side note: With grandson John ’14 graduated, Jean is sad to miss out on Friday night football games—a Country Day and Roach family tradition.)

What hasn’t changed, in the minds of Jean and John, is the quality of teaching at Country Day. “These teachers take a personal interest in every child and encourage each and every one of them,” they said. A smaller environment lends itself to more individualized education for each student. They note that the faculty and staff are committed to students’ education and to excellence. “They SPrinG/SUMMER 2014

Dylan Davis ’24 and John Roach

[faculty] have the best interest of Country Day students at heart, and they know how to make it exciting for these kids to learn,” they added. “It’s a first-class educational opportunity that you can’t find anywhere else.”

A Commitment to Fort Worth Outside of Country Day, Jean and John’s community service extends far beyond the reaches of the campus. Both Jean and John are tried and true TCU supporters, another family affair embraced

by Amy and her husband, Tull, and Lori and her husband, Craig, who all are TCU graduates. And now their oldest grandson, John, will attend TCU this fall as a Chancellor’s Scholar. In fact, a beautiful family portrait of the entire family decked out in Horned Frog purple is proudly displayed in their living room.

John served as TCU Board of Trustees chair for 15 years and has touched nearly every facet of the university (and even took young John to his first TCU football game when he was nine days old).

Beyond TCU, they have been involved in nearly every major Fort Worth community organization, from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Van Cliburn Foundation to Cook Children’s Medical Center and KinderFrogs, an organization Jean founded in 2000 to provide onsite, comprehensive therapy, nursing and education for Down syndrome children.

But, as their world revolves around family, the conversations often come back to Fort Worth Country Day, which holds a special place in their hearts. “It was a memorable educational experience for our daughters, which continues today for our grandchildren. We have made friends for life; the sense of community at Country Day is just like family,” John said. Added Jean: “We truly love Country Day and are proud of our children and grandchildren for their relationships with the School and for achieving all that they have.

It has been a great opportunity for them to attend a school with so much to offer young people. We are blessed.”

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50th Anniversary Celebration Closes Fort Worth Country Day closed its monumental yearlong 50th anniversary celebration at the School’s annual Founders’ Day event on Thursday, March 6. Evan D. Peterson, head of School, kicked off the festivities in the Round Gym. “A year ago, we gathered in this gym to celebrate Country Day,” he noted. “What a year it has been. This anniversary has allowed us to look back on 50 wonderful years of FWCD.”

More than 50 years ago, young mothers came together to discuss how they might create a strong alternative to an East Coast boarding school. The Fort Worth Country Day of 1963 opened its doors to 210 students and 17 faculty members with three buildings on one acre of land. Today, FWCD has 1,117 students, 237 employees and facilities on 104 acres of land.

Then and now, this School provides a quality education like no other in the country.

Shannon Young Ray ’80, 201315 Board president, reminded students and faculty of the full year of fun. “Hundreds of Country Day alumni, former headmasters, former faculty and staff, former Trustees and members of several of our Founding Families returned to our campus for special arts

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performances, lectures, receptions and our awesome Homecoming game,” she said. “I am so proud of what we accomplished, not just in the last year, but in the last 50 years.”

To commemorate the closing of the School’s golden anniversary, Ray presented a resolution to 50th Anniversary Co-chairs Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87.

“They are two very special people who started planning our 50th several years ago and spent the entire last year—day and night— helping us reignite the Falcon spirit among people from Country Day’s past,” Ray said. “Their goal— which they have achieved—was to help these people become part of our school’s future as well.” This is only the second time the Board has issued a resolution.

The featured Founders’ Day speaker was Jim Fleming ’80, partner, Columbia Capital.

Fleming joined the venture capital firm based in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1994 and has been a managing partner since 1998. Columbia Capital manages more than $2.5 billion in capital and focuses on investments in communications, information technology, media and cyber security. Fleming has led investments in more than 20

companies that have successfully completed public offerings or mergers. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the National Venture Capital Association from 2008-12.

Outside of work, he serves on the Board of Trustees of The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia; The Nature Conservancy; and the U.S. Advisory Council of African Leadership Academy. Fleming received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University in 1984. He has been married to Sheila Onsrud for 25 years, and they have three boys.

Fleming shared his business history with the audience, and then posed this question: “So how did I get invited to speak at Founders’ Day, you ask?”

Fleming’s family moved to Fort Worth 40 years ago. It was a hard time for the family, as his parents had recently divorced. “Mom [Nancy] decided that public school was not good enough for her children, and she marched down to Peter Schwartz’s office at Fort Worth Country Day.”

Fleming indicated that Nancy somehow convinced Schwartz that the Fleming children “walked on water,” and the three

fwcd.org

Jim Fleming ’80 shared his FWCD story as the featured Founders’ Day speaker.

50th Anniversary Co-chairs Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87 were celebrated with a resolution presented by Evan D. Peterson, head of School, and Shannon Young Ray ’80, Board of Trustees president.

children, Ned ’78, Jim and Sidney ’85 were admitted to FWCD. “We were all scholarship kids, and Mom volunteered in the cafeteria and the concession stands regularly,” Fleming remembered. “My FWCD education ultimately changed my life; it changed my outlook on what I could do, and for that I am indebted to Country Day.”

Fleming shared his thoughts on the future of education, encouraging students to learn inside and outside of the classroom.

He touted the fine faculty and encouraged students to thank their parents for the gift of an FWCD education. “FWCD can change your life and those around you,” he said.

The reason FWCD is here and can change students’ lives is because of the Founding Trustees, faculty/staff and families from 1963. The inaugural Wall of Honor recipients are all members of a “founding” or “original” group: Peter A. Schwartz H’98, founding headmaster; Perry R. Bass H’98, founding Board chairman; and Claire-Lise Knecht H’06, original faculty member (read the sidebar article on page 42).

by Barry Talley. Fusing together the fine arts at FWCD, the piece was performed by the Upper School band, Upper School choir and advanced theatre students, Upper School strings, and faculty/staff singers. It pays tribute to the School’s founders and their dreams for Fort Worth Country Day (read the sidebar article on page 44).

Many of the youngest Falcons were excited for the return of Pergande and Prince as they shared some of the contents of the 50th anniversary time capsules—one for each division—and reminded students of the contents of the 25th anniversary time capsules, which will be reburied as well.

“Remember this?” Rimmer said, as she pulled out a stuffed rat. “I am so ready to bury this again!”

The 50th anniversary time capsules will include such items as a Rainbow Loom bracelet, a peace sign necklace made at the September 9 “Looking Back” Day event, a tie-dye T-shirt, an FWCD jumper, a Homecoming T-shirt, a 50th anniversary pom-pom and Frisbee, a T-I calculator, Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, a list of social media and popular apps, copies of the Falcon Quill and Falconer, a menu from SAGE Dining Services and more.

Robert Stovall, director of fine arts, introduced the day’s musical selection.

“Dream,” a special 50th anniversary commissioned musical selection composed

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Pergande and Prince thanked everyone for celebrating the School’s golden

anniversary and encouraged them to hang on to FWCD mementos for the 75th anniversary.

The core of Founders’ Day has always been to celebrate employee service to the School. This year was no different. Thirtytwo members of the community were celebrated for their service of five, 10, 15, 20, 35 and 45 years. Seven members of the FWCD community were inducted into Club Viginti this year—Bill Arnold ’86, Tricia Franks, Shari Lincoln, Alison Robinson, Debbie Schofield, Mary Kay Varley and Peggy Wakeland. This year, Butch Traeder was honored for 35 years of service, and Dan Bloch H’06 was celebrated for his 45 years of service. A bench will be installed by the duck pond with a plaque commemorating Bloch’s impeccable tenure.

The School’s golden anniversary provided the FWCD community an opportune time to look back and recognize its accomplishments, as well as dream about the future. As the School’s campus footprint and student population grow, so do the School’s aspirations. Five decades of dedicated leadership have ensured a continuity of vision and a roadmap for a bold future that will continue to meet evolving needs of FWCD students.

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FWCD Unveils Wall of Honor and Inaugural Recipients The Wall of Honor was unveiled at Founders’ Day festivities.

“This Wall of Honor was created to pay tribute to those who came before us—to recognize those extraordinary people who’ve done extraordinary things for Fort Worth Country Day,” said Evan D. Peterson, head of School. Shannon Young Ray ’80, Board of Trustees president, announced the three inaugural recipients, reading the text of their plaques, which were then revealed to the School community.

Peter A. Schwartz H’98 Founding Headmaster An accomplished school administrator with a distinguished career, Peter Schwartz joined the FWCD community in 1962 as its founding headmaster, a role he served in for 13 years. Much of the credit for the School’s success can be attributed to him: Tasked with the difficult challenge of starting a school from the ground up, he hired an outstanding faculty, ensured a sustainable enrollment, began laying the foundation for an expanding campus and set a bold vision for the future that has carried through today.

Perry R. Bass H’98 Founding Board Chairman As founding Board chairman, Perry Bass left a tremendous legacy.

He was one of the principal driving forces behind FWCD—a passionate advocate, ambassador and community-builder. He saw the need for a rigorous, college-preparatory independent school and then went about raising the funds and bringing in the leadership necessary to help that vision become a reality. He was a true visionary, an insightful, yet humble, leader and a masterful fundraiser.

Claire-Lise Knecht H’06 Founding Faculty Member Claire-Lise Knecht was an original founding faculty member and has served the FWCD community unselfishly for five decades as a teacher, parent, grandparent, honorary alumna, substitute teacher, founding member of the School’s Archives and founder of the American Field Service student exchange program. She opened her heart and arms to students, inspired a love and appreciation of learning, and encouraged students to aspire to high standards, leaving a lasting legacy at FWCD. Ed Bass, son of Nancy and Perry Bass, accepted the honor on his late-father’s behalf. “The family used to joke that Mom had Dad found this School so her youngest son didn’t have to leave Fort Worth and attend boarding school,” Bass quipped. “This School means a great deal to me and my family.”

Bass shared that his daughter, Maddie ’13, a student at New York University, has not had any problems adjusting to the rigor of college academics—thanks to her Fort Worth Country Day education. “She has handled the transition well and that is because of Country Day,” he said.

“This is truly a great school,” Bass continued, “and I am both proud and grateful to my parents for their involvement in founding Fort Worth Country Day.” Claire-Lise Knecht H’06 humbly accepted her award. “I am deeply honored and overwhelmed,” Madame Knecht said. “I have had a wonderful life at this institution. I love what I do, and I may never leave this place!”

The Wall of Honor is housed in the foyer of the Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center.

Club Viginti Induction and Service Awards 45 Years of Service Dan Bloch H’06

35 Years of Service Butch Traeder

20 Years of Service Bill Arnold ’86 Tricia Franks Shari Lincoln Alison Robinson Debbie Schofield Mary Kay Varley Peggy Wakeland Dan Bloch H’06 was honored for 45 years of service

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15 Years of Service Kim Buck Janie Garrett Sherrilan Gilley Chris Hulce Sheree Kinnaird Leova Martinez Tony Moreno Michael Parker Shelley Rains

10 Years of Service Christy Alvear Catherine Collins Karen Davis

10 Years of Service Yolanda Espinoza David Hoppe Chuck Mooneyham Melissa Williams

5 Years of Service Stacey Hardwick Mel Hurst Robert Holbert Lisa Koger Lisa Parker James Rains Alee Sable

fwcd.org

Ed Bass, son of Nancy and Perry Bass, accepted the Wall of Honor award on his late-father’s behalf. “The family used to joke that Mom had Dad found this School so her youngest son didn’t have to leave Fort Worth and attend boarding school,” Bass quipped.

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Big “Dream” for FWCD Founders’ Day While FWCD’s anniversary celebration officially ended on March 6, it lives on through a musical composition written to celebrate the School’s milestone.

Robert Stovall, director of fine arts; Dr. Chuck Kraus, director of bands; and Rex Bozarth, director of orchestras, wanted to incorporate a musical piece into the Founders’ Day festivities that featured the School’s fine arts: band, strings and voices.

They chose to commission a song and reached out to Stovall’s longtime friend and colleague, Barry Talley, to do the honors.

“We had a rough copy of the music in November,” Stovall said, “and then sent Barry information about the School’s history, our core values, our commitment to the 3 A’s.”

Over winter break, Talley poured over the documents; reflected on his days as a student; and used his own son, a high school junior, as inspiration. He submitted text immediately following the break.

“The orchestra began rehearsing in February. Bowings and articulations were added along with alto clef transpositions to accommodate the viola section,” Bozarth

shared. “The composition includes several key signature modulations, adding a sense of motion and excitement. Overall, it has been a fun learning experience bringing choir, orchestra and band students together into the creative process.”

Stovall added: “‘Dream’ is about pursuing your dreams, about moving forward in your life toward your goals. It is

meaningful text for us all and fitting for students who are beginning to dream of their own possibilities.”

“Dream” premiered at Founders’ Day and featured the talents of the Upper School band, Upper School orchestra, Upper School choir and advanced theatre students, and faculty/staff singers.

“Dream” Lyrics What shall we dream with our heart’s eye?

What vision can be worthy of chase?

What heights of greatness can we soar to?

What shall we dream?

What shall we dream?

Dreams are dreamed by those young minds at heart.

Whose taste of life is shielded from the world.

Yet dreams become foundations for pushing on reaching to the highest heav’n embracing it with joy and love.

So dream with your whole heart.

See as far as eye can see.

Taste the life that feeds your very soul.

Simply choose now to believe and dream with all your heart.

Look beyond your quiet fears.

Now’s your time to take the chance and be all you can be, So Dream, yes dream

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Day by day and year by year we move along life’s way.

Learning to learn, learning to give learning to work and how to play.

Standing before us with outstretched arms our future bids us choose our path beckoning us forward to a world unknown a world one day we’ll call our own.

So dream with your whole heart.

See as far as eye can see.

Taste the life that feeds your very soul.

Simply choose now to believe and dream with all your heart.

Look beyond your quiet fears.

Now’s your time to take the chance and be all you can be, So dream, yes dream just dream.

fwcd.org

Trustees Celebrate Current and former Trustees came together to celebrate the School’s 50th anniversary one final time on the evening of March 6. The event honored Trustee leaders, as well as Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87 for their exemplary service as co-chairs of the yearlong anniversary celebration. Evan D. Peterson, head of School, presented Pergande and Prince with a gift and thanked them for their service as alumnae and parents.

The duo began planning the golden anniversary several years ago and they achieved, beyond all expectations, their goal to re-engage and honor the entire FWCD community. Their dedication, enthusiasm and passion made the School’s 50th anniversary beyond special.

Shannon Young Ray ’80, 2013-15 Trustee president, reminded fellow Trustees, past and present, that they play a vital role in the School’s future accomplishments as well.

Jane Anthony, Barbara Tatum and Patricia Schutts H’13

“We are focused intently on providing the best possible education for our children today, so that they can follow in our footsteps as the leaders in our community and our country tomorrow,” she said. “We embrace the many successes of yesterday, and today, and we look forward to the many successes to come—and the next 50 years of Country Day.” The Sankary Family—Michelle and Scott ’86 and Lynny and Eddie—served as chairs of the Trustees Reception, which was hosted in the Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center.

Eddie, Lynny, Michelle and Scott ’86 Sankary

Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88 and Jeff Alexander

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L. Russell Laughlin, Scott Kleberg, Bill Landreth, Kathy Stevens, Jim Anthony, Tori Adams H’10, John Roach and Shannon Young Ray ’80

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Photo by Sharon Ellman

Fort Worth Country Day: Destined to Flourish “It began as an idea on a vacant plot of land on the outskirts of Fort Worth.

Fifty years later, that idea has evolved into Fort Worth Country Day, one of the premier independent schools in the country.”

And so begins Fort Worth Country Day’s 50th anniversary commemorative book, Destined to Flourish, a book commissioned to tell the story of Country Day’s first 50 years. Over the course of nearly two years, a committee of individuals worked with Bookhouse Group to create a custom commemorative book.

Freelance writer Nick Schinker penned the book based on hours upon hours of interviews with members of the FWCD community during Homecoming Week 2012 and via phone. Archival resources from the FWCD Archives were also key for collecting factual information, as well as graphics in the final printed piece. Jean Webb H’01, Claire-Lise Knecht H’06 and Jody Price were instrumental to the factcollecting stage, as were Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87, 50th anniversary co-chairs.

“Together, these five women could put their fingers on just about anything that was needed to shape this book,” said Evan D. Peterson, head of School.

Divided into three chapters, the 82-page book highlights the School’s past, its present and its future. It was released to the community on March 6—Founders’ Day 2014.

“As a historian and student of history, I am aware of the importance of group and family histories that are passed from each generation to the next,” said Bill Baker H’12, a member of the Commemorative

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Book Committee. “Our alumni always serve as conduits to their children, and the process is especially served if their children attend FWCD. If a student has no past connection to his/her school then a written history can serve the human need for continuity and tradition, both of which alleviate isolation and instill a sense of belonging.”

Chapter One, “A School of Real Academic Excellence,” delves into how Fort Worth Country Day was formed—and why. The chapter begins: “After months of talking among themselves about starting a school, a group of determined women decided it was time for a formal meeting. So on November 4, 1961, Mrs. Robert (Betty Claire) Dupree (McKnight), Mrs. Jack (Patricia) Schutts, Mrs. Amon G. (George Ann) Carter Jr. (Bahan), and eighteen others gathered at the Rowan Building in downtown Fort Worth.”

Founding Headmaster Peter A. Schwartz and his zeal to form “a school of real academic excellence” figures prominently in this chapter as does the founding Board of Trustees and the intense vigor with which they built the School—from the ground up.

Sidebars within this chapter highlight Dan Bloch H’06 as an original faculty member, how FWCD became known as the Falcons and the first freshman class.

Chapter Two, “Lessons for Life,” fwcd.org

chronicles Country Day’s present, which is built on its commitment to the 3 A’s—academics, the arts and athletics.

“Education comes alive in the FWCD environment, and a desire to learn takes hold and becomes contagious. That first day of school, September 9, 1963, was historic, but it was just the beginning of an exceptional education experience” now 50 years strong. Along with the 3 A’s, this chapter highlights FWCD’s subsequent headmasters and their contributions to the School, as well as many of Country Day’s beloved traditions.

A peek at the future is what chapter three offers. In “Always Moving Forward,” Fort Worth Country Day looks toward its next

50 years. “‘We are proud of where we have been and who we are today’, says Evan D. Peterson, head of school. ‘But we also have to continue to set and live up to some very high expectations. Fort Worth Country Day has a responsibility to be the academic leader in our city and our region.’”

Employing the newest technologies, updating the School’s campus master plan and digital citizenship are all topics that factor prominently.

Sprinkled with alumni quotes and “Then/ Now” facts, the book is rich in text and filled with images that depict the School’s 50-year journey. Alumni and current and past families will want this conversation

piece that celebrates Fort Worth Country Day’s first 50 years.

To purchase your copy, visit fwcd.org/book today and place your order. Books are $25 plus applicable sale tax and shipping.

Commemorative Book Committee Shannon Rossman Allen Project Coordinator Bill Baker H’12 Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 Evan D. Peterson Patricia Schutts H’13 John Thompson III ’93 Sandra Tuomey Jean Webb H’10

Fort Worth Country Day’s 50th Anniversary Was a Grand Celebration!

Thank you to the many people who volunteered to make this year the very best it could be!

We couldn’t have done it without you all!

Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87 50th Anniversary Co-Chairs Cindy Allen Shannon Allen Lauren Meekins Anton ’93 and David Anton Tasa Lefler Anderson ’88 Chloe Bade Anderson ’05 Jennifer Berry Anderson ’87 Andréanne Annis Laura Bonnell Alexander ’88 and Jeff Alexander Bill Arnold ’86 George Ann Carter Bahan H’13 and Bill Bahan Suzanne Bahan ’86 Bill Baker H’06 Bob Balch Brandon Barnes Cindy Kelly Barnes ’75 Eliot Barnett ’69 Mimi Ward Benoist ’75 Janie Beggs ’70 Julie Behr Rebecca Bell Lauri McKay ’81 Amy and Byron Biggs Dan Bloch H’06 John Boswell ’78 Rex Bozarth Joe Breedlove ’78 Lori Brumley Lynnette Burleson Anjie Landreth Butler ’94 and William Butler ’96

Joanne Cassullo ’73 Ed Chisholm Sue Cutler Christie ’84 Mary Schutts Clements ’75 Holly Clifford Andi and Bill Cowan ’80 Tiffini Crum Tyler and Brian Crumley ’92 Chaka Cummings Bill Curtis ’67 Kim Williamson Darden ’75 and Glenn Darden Kendall Davis Dorrine DeChant Christine Derber Julie Diamond Stephen Dickey ’89 Stephanie Dike Rachel Donahue Melisa Dorsey Susy Laughlin Duggins ’70 Emily Schutts Dunleavy ’71 Gail Connell Dyess ’67 Jim Fleming ’80 Tara Forrest Jeff Fraley ’87 Courtney Franks ’87 Sheri Fuller Theresa Fuss Richard Garvey ’72 Frank Gendusa Nancy and Bob Ginsburg Josh Goodman Susanna Gorski ’01 Tina Harrison Gorski ’69 and Ted Gorski Melodee Halbach Sharon Hamilton

Gynna Harlin Caroline Harper ’01 Margaret Harper ’09 Priscilla Harrier H’11 Kirk Henckels ’70 Marcee Henderson Rob Hereford Nolan Hightower Mary Lou Hilliard Jonathan Hinton Teresa Hoppe Carolyn Tarride Hudson ’77 and Randall Hudson Mel Hurst Terri Hutton Darlene Ignagni Debby Jennings Barbara Jiongo Elizabeth Murphy Jones ’88 and Mark Jones Jon Kelly ’69 Barb Klein Marsha Harrison Kleinheinz ’79 and John Kleinheinz Claire-Lise Knecht H’06 Lisa Koger Chuck Kraus Gail Widmer Landreth ’69 and Bill Landreth ’67 Regan and W.A. Landreth ’01 Edward Landreth ’03 L. Russell Laughlin Shari Lincoln Amanda Lofquist Kathy Lott Jerry Mahle Shilo Mancini John McClung ’73

Elizabeth and Jim McCoy Tom Medary ’80 Tom Mitchell Kit Tennison Moncrief ’70 Denise Mullins Clovis Murphree Pamela Corbett Murrin ’83 Killian Naylor Kristi Howard Newton ’72 Debbie Conner Norris ’74 Michael Parker Dina Paul Olive Pelich Morgan Pergande ’13 Evan D. Peterson Sydney Phillips ’15 Anna Melissa Harrison Philpott ’77 and Peter Philpott Renee Pierce Dana and David Porter Jody Price Mayor Betsy Price Michelle Miteff Purvis ’78 Jackie Rains Marsha Ghormley Rapfogel ’71 Shannon Young Ray ’80 Tamara Reese Shannon Ricca Alison Robinson Alann Bedford Sampson Jack Sankary ’16 Lynny and Eddie Sankary Michelle and Scott Sankary ’86 Brett Schauermann Patricia Schutts H’13 Jon Shipley Cynthia Courtney Siegel ’71 Evelyn Siegel

Terry Siegel ’71 Craig Slayton Blaine Smith ’80 Robbie Stackhouse ’14 Steve Stackhouse John Stephens Alexandra Stevens ’85 Fred Stewart Paul Stouffer ’68 Robert Stovall Kennedy Stovall ’15 Carol Garvey Sweat ’70 Dan Tatum ’81 Nenetta Carter Tatum ’72 and Steve Tatum ’72 John Thompson ’93 Katelyn Tierney ’15 Sandra Tuomey Steve Uhr Callie Vincent Peggy Wakeland Lisa Wallace Jean Webb H’01 Mary Weir Jenny Westermann Amanda Whalen Jack Nobel White Norma Wilkerson H’07 Martha Schutts Williams ’70 and J.R. Williams Robin Willis Vivienne Wilson Tammy Wolford Susan and Marshall Young ’81

Every effort was made to ensure this listing is accurate. We apologize for any omissions or errors.

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Gayle and Evan Peterson and Laura Stackhouse

Hiliary Decker, Robin Bumstead, Gantt Bumstead, Jay Decker ’89, Darron Collins, Mary Collins ’83

Mitzi and Bill Davis

Gail Widmer Landreth ’69 and Martha Schutts Williams ’70

Lorenzo Evans, James Rains, Rosalind Evans, Jackie Rains

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Peter Philpott, Ted Gorski, Anna Melissa Harrison Philpott ’77, Marsha Harrison Kleinheinz ’79

Brodie Hyde ’81, Marshall Young ’81, James Davis ’81

fwcd.org

Party for the

Photos courtesy of Flash Photography

More than 500 members of the FWCD community turned out for the final event in Fort Worth Country Day’s whirlwind anniversary celebration. A Party for the Decades—Relive or Rewrite: Who Will You Be?— closed out the School’s golden anniversary in true ’60s style. Guests were encouraged to “come as you were or who you wanted to be in high school.”

When Frasher Hudson Pergande ’81 and Cynthia Rimmer Prince ’87, 50th anniversary co-chairs, asked Marsha Harrison Kleinheinz ’79 to chair the party, the guidelines were to make the party inclusive, affordable and fun. “I think we were all tired of dressy parties with auctions. Their flexibility allowed us to do something totally different,” Kleinheinz said.

The first course of action was to make the party as inclusive as possible.

Kleinheinz formed a committee that included Founders, alumni and current parents. “Our committee ranged in age from the 80s to mid-20s, spanning three generations,” Kleinheinz said. “At our first meeting, the ideas started flowing. We wanted the alumni to really relive their experiences at Country Day, but we also wanted to include the current parents who may or may not be alumni. We have all ‘survived’ high school, so that became the theme, our common thread.

“This party was a true community-wide event spanning the generations and celebrating our great school and its great people, past and present,” she continued.

“The committee really encouraged all SPrinG/SUMMER 2014

Decades

members of the FWCD family to come out and celebrate this major milestone because it’s not likely to happen again soon!”

When party planning began a year ago, Kleinheinz read an article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about the refurbishment of the American Aero Hangar at Meacham Field. She contacted Robert Bass, the hangar’s owner, to see if he would consider letting the School host the gala in the new space. Bass agreed straight away. “He and his staff at the hangar were extremely accommodating and generous,” Kleinheinz said. “It is a beautiful art deco building done over flawlessly. It was the perfect spot for us.”

The refurbished hangar drew guests in immediately. The road leading to it is uplit, and the building rises majestically off the tarmac. The inside was transformed into a high school gym, where guests saw familiar FWCD touches like the School’s scoreboards and other athletics paraphernalia.

To make the evening festive, the committee asked Marshall Young ’81 and his band to play. Not only did he agree, he also reached out to other talented alumni and faculty/staff who are members of bands as well. Young lined up four bands to entertain throughout the evening. FWCD musicians were Andréanne Annis, Joe Breedlove ’78, Rex Bozarth, James Davis ’81, Richard Garvey ’72, John Hinton, Brodie Hyde ’81, Chuck Kraus, Dave Lincoln, Chuck Maddux, Scott Miller ’80, Michael Parker, Tom Shields ’71, Robert Stovall, Steve Tatum ’72 and

Young. They played favorite songs from the past five decades, with a DJ spinning tunes between the bands’ sets. The dance floor was never empty! Even the Falcon mascot took a turn!

The attire for the evening added a festive touch. “By making it a costume party, we left the door wide open for guests to come dressed however they’d like,” Kleinheinz said. “They came decked out as homecoming queens, others threw on a pair of old jeans and their high school letter jackets. We saw a bit of everything! Our goal was for people to have fun with it.”

The servers for the evening were in the Country Day spirit and all decked out in uniforms—athletics uniforms from past and present, as well as School uniforms.

The food was fun and something to snack on throughout the night. The theme was retro cafeteria, and five tented areas with kitschy names featured finger foods that harken back to those high school days: Manic Monday Frito Pie Taquito Tuesday Hump Day Sundaes (with fun mix ins!)

Throwback Thursday (grilled cheese and tomato soup) Fish Stick Friday Guests left the event with cool Country Day swag. Fun takeaways included FWCD coolers, custom bottle/wine openers, custom FWCD cups and big plastic stadium cups.

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PERFORMING

Glen E. Ellman

Arts

Bye Bye Birdie Draws Big Audiences and Alumni

By Mel Hurst To celebrate Fort Worth Country Day’s 50th anniversary, the Performing Arts Department presented Bye Bye Birdie, the very first musical production by the Theatre Department in 1970. Since then, it has been performed four additional times: in 1975, 1983, 1992 and 2002.

Originally titled Let's Go Steady and inspired by Elvis Presley, Bye Bye Birdie is set in a small Ohio town in 1959. Albert Peterson, played by Michael Wittman ’14, is an agent for famous rock-androll star Conrad Birdie, played by Coleman Walker ’15. Albert is going to lose business when Conrad leaves for the Army. Albert’s girlfriend and assistant, Rosie Alvarez, played by Mary Claire Ekstrom ’14, devises a publicity stunt to have Conrad give “One Last Kiss” to a lucky girl from his fan club on The Ed Sullivan Show before he departs. That lucky girl is Kim MacAfee, played by Katherine Haley ’15. Kim has just been pinned to Hugo Peabody, played by Bryan Garvey ’14.

The cast and crew enjoyed the creative process and their performances. Throughout rehearsals, students learned some fun and interesting facts about past Bye Bye Birdie performances.

Garvey’s dad, Richard ’72, had the very same role as his son in the 1970 version. Samanna Maberry ’17 made her debut performance in the ensemble. Her father, Stephen ’84, was a member of the orchestra for the 1983 performance. There were four special appearances in the 2014 version: Kevin Ford, Upper School

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math teacher, played the part of the mayor; Natalie Bracken ’05, Upper and Middle School dance and Middle School theatre teacher, played the mayor’s wife; Les Cargo Hofheinz, 1993-2002 Theatre Department chair and technical director, reprised his role as Ed Sullivan (he played the part in 2002); and Steven Alan McGaw, Upper School improv coach since 1996, was Claude F. Maude. Bracken is an alumna of the 2002 performance: She was in the ensemble and, this year, was responsible for the musical’s choreography and also designed the program cover.

Director Melodee Halbach put out an all-call to Bye Bye Birdie alumni and gave them a “shout-out” if they attended one of this spring’s performances. Alumni who attended included: Richard Garvey ’72 (1970 Hugo Peabody) George Lebus ’77 (1970 Randolph ) Peggy Beasley Rush ’70 (1970 Gloria Rasputin) Kelly Ann Ewin ’75 (1975 Kim McAfee) Bari Buckner Brookman ’83 (1983 Mrs. MacAfee) Stephen Maberry ’84 (1983 Orchestra) Rob Hunnicut ’94 (1992 Hugo F. Peabody) Alice Kelly Linker ’95 (1992 Ensemble) Jeffrey Wooten ’92 (1992 Albert Peterson) Karen Newton Wright ’93 (1992 Reporter) Mary Hallman Smith ’02 (2002 Doris MacAfee) Emily Hall O’Brien ’02 (2002 Kim MacAfee) Kathryn Garvey Cain ’03 (2002 Penelope Ann) Kate Scully Wells ’04 (2002 Ursula Merkle) fwcd.org

PERFORMING ARTS

Senior Playwright Gains Recognition

Glen E. Ellman

Glen E. Ellman

Emily Jackson ’14 represented Fort Worth Country Day in the 2014 High School Playwriting Project at the Circle Theatre in May, where there was a public reading of her script, Here or There.

Kevin Ford, Upper School math teacher, played the part of the mayor; Natalie Bracken ’05, Upper and Middle School dance and Middle School theatre teacher, played the mayor’s wife.

Les Cargo Hofheinz, 1993-2002 Theatre Department chair and technical director, reprised his role as Ed Sullivan. He played the part in 2002.

FWCD Play, Students Nominated for Buckley Awards

Mary Geren ’15 was nominated for Best Supporting Female Actor in a Musical: as “Ursula” in Bye Bye Birdie.

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Emily’s script was one of four chosen as a finalist for this year’s playwriting project. Although not selected as finalists or semifinalists, Arden Terry ’14, Mary Geren ’15 and Riley Hamburg ’17 were among the 20 highest ranked entries submitted for consideration.

Emily’s win and the high rankings of Terry, Geren and Hamburg show the strength of the playwriting curriculum at Fort Worth Country Day.

Save the Date!

FWCD will present the play Pygmalion.

The show is scheduled for October 16, 18 and 19, 2014.

Glen E. Ellman

Fort Worth Country Day was a 2013-14 Betty Buckley Award nominee in the following categories:

Best Play: Almost, Maine Best Male Actor in a Play: Sawyer Stratton ’15, “Chad” in Almost, Maine Best Female Actor in a Play: Katherine D’Souza ’16, “Rhonda” in Almost, Maine Best Supporting Female Actor in a Musical: Mary Geren ’15, “Ursula” in Bye Bye Birdie

Named after Fort Worth’s own Tony Award-winning Best Actress, Fort Worth ISD and Casa Mañana alumna Betty Lynn Buckley, this program promotes and celebrates excellence in high school musical theater. The awards are open to high school students in Denton, Wise, Parker, Hood, Johnson and Tarrant counties. A panel of distinguished judges, comprising local theater professionals and educators, vote for a winner in each of 14 categories. Nominees and their families walked the “red carpet” at a Tony Awardsstyle ceremony on May 22 at Casa Mañana Theatre.

A panel read entries and recommended 20 scripts to Professor Connie Whitt-Lambert and her playwriting class at Texas Wesleyan University for further consideration.

The Spring musical for 2015 is Seussical. The show is scheduled for February 19-22, 2015.

All performances will take place in the FWCD Scott Theater.

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ATHLETIC

News

Spring SPC News Baseball Congratulations to the varsity baseball team for its Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Division 1 Runner-Up finish in Dallas. The team began the tournament by pulling off an upset against Episcopal High School, the four-time defending champion. Game highlights included senior Reed Simpson throwing a complete game and sophomore James Ferguson hitting a 2nd-inning grand slam. The Falcons won easily, 9-5. In the semifinals, the Falcons defeated St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin in 8 innings with a score of 7-6. Seniors Clinton Carter and Crosby Lipscomb combined to hold St. Andrew’s to 3 runs over the final 7 innings after giving up 3 runs in the first. In the championship game, the Falcons fell 5-1 to Houston Christian High School, who ran their overall record to 27-1 with the win. Ferguson pitched 5 1/3 innings while allowing only 2 earned runs for the Falcons. Though the Falcons fell short of the title, it was a great run and something that the boys will always remember.

National Signing Day Senior Bailee Wallace committed to play field hockey at Hendrix College in Arkansas. Fort Worth Country Day celebrated on April 24 with Bailee, her family, teammates, friends and faculty members. Good luck to Bailee as she continues her field hockey career as a Warrior.

Chisholm Named West Region Coach of the Year

Track and Field Sophomore Brandon Evans won the long jump and triple jump at the SPC Championship Track Meet. Along with being crowned SPC Champion in both events, he broke the FWCD record in the triple jump. Evans jumped 45’00.75” beating the old record he set in 2013 at 44’3.75”.

Junior Cooper Baird was crowned SPC Champion in the 1600m run.

His time of 4:29.81 broke the FWCD record set in 1983 by Billy Nowlin ’83 with a 4:31.5. Baird finished second in the 3200m, but his time of 9:37.49 beat his old FWCD record of 9:44.20.

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The National Field Hockey Coaches Association announced its 2013 4U Sports/ NFHCA High School Regional Coaches of the Year. Fort Worth Country Day’s Paige Farris Chisholm ’87 was named the 2013 4U Sports/NFHCA West Region Coach of the Year. Visit nfhca.org and click on NFHCA Honors & Awards for the complete listing.

The NFHCA is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to stimulate the professional development of coaching leadership within the sport of field hockey.

The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs. fwcd.org

Athletic News

Baseball Legend Rallies FWCD’s Baseball Teams Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda spoke to Middle and Upper School baseball players on campus. He shared the importance of education and hard work to achieve one’s goals. Lasorda is the former baseball manager who led the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series championships in the 1980s.

“I came to deliver a message that I hope you will listen to and understand,” Lasorda began. “You are on the verge of something special. You can be whatever you want to be. Take it and make it happen.”

Lasorda shared the acronym COP, which stands for conversation, observation and participation, three words to live by. He also stressed the importance of love and respect for one’s parents.

He encouraged students to make their dreams come true. “As a young boy, I dreamed of pitching in Yankee Stadium,” he said. “When I was 16 years old, I signed a professional baseball contract and have been involved in baseball ever since. My life has been fulfilled.”

Lasorda’s visit was arranged by Bobby, Sherri, Rachel ’19 and Robert ’17 Patton.

Senior Field Hockey Players Honored Senior field hockey players Claudia Boyd, Mary Claire Ekstrom, Alden Griffin, Madison Nelson, Reign Parker, Eliza Wagner, Lauren Wagner, Bailee Wallace, Elizabeth Wilkinson and Emily Wilkinson were named to the 2013 Gladiator by SGI/ NFHCA High School National Academic Squad.

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FWCD Receives Safe Sports School Award Fort Worth Country Day received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Safe Sports School award. The award 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.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NATA, and we remain committed to keeping our studentathletes safe during physical education classes, team practices and games so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship and good health,” said Ed Chisholm, FWCD head athletic trainer. “Our goal is to lead our athletics program to the highest safety standards for our players.”

To achieve Safe Sport School status, athletic programs must: • Create a positive athletic health care administrative system • Provide or coordinate preparticipation physical examinations • Promote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities • Plan for selection, fit function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment • Provide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes • Develop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions • Provide or facilitate injury intervention • Create and rehearse a venuespecific Emergency Action Plan • Provide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education • Be sure athletes and parents are educated of the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities.

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Hey Breakthrough!

Hey What?

By Renee Pierce

Recruited from middle schools in the Fort Worth ISD (FWISD), 150 highly capable students from underrepresented areas across the city come here to learn what it takes to be students on a track to college achievement. The older high school and college youth who lead them–– some recruited from FWCD’s Upper School––use their talents to teach and mentor the middle school students eager to follow their example.

Structured similar to an FWCD Upper or Middle School assembly, a favorite daily activity of the Breakthrough students is the All-School Meeting.

Students convene in the commons area and the teaching leaders begin a fun session of presentations and announcements with two rounds of the program’s call to attention: “Hey Breakthrough!” The students respond in unison, “Hey what?” and so begin the lively notices.

A lot has occurred in the Breakthrough program since last summer, so in keeping with the spirit of the program and its students: Hey Falcons!

Hey what? Breakthrough has great highlights to share with you.

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New Team Faces As FWCD kicked off its 50th anniversary school year, three new Breakthrough team members were officially welcomed to the Falcon community and took a turn in volunteer spots for the September 9 activities. “I could not be more pleased with the top-notch jewels we have in Nicole Masole, Rudi Flores and Jasmine Quezada,” remarked the program’s executive director Joe Breedlove ’78. “Like the team before them, they do not hesitate to help wherever they can, and their joint efforts are already enhancing the great work that over the past 20 years has made Breakthrough Fort Worth the rich and amazing program it is today.”

A homegrown Breakthrough success story, Rudi Flores returned to Breakthrough Fort Worth in the permanent role of middle school coordinator. He started as a student and stayed active as a teacher in the Breakthrough summer program from 2005 to 2010, during which time his peers chose him to receive the Jessica Slade Award for congeniality, teamwork and respect. Flores served as a corps member and team leader for City Year (a member of AmeriCorps national service network) in San Antonio, Texas, where he completed 4,400 hours of service at S.J. Davis Middle School working with sixth-grade math classes. A first-generation college graduate, Flores holds a BA in Electronic Media with a minor in Spanish from The University of Texas at El Paso.

Nicole Masole took on the role of Breakthrough program director. Masole received a BA in Plan II Honors and Government from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She previously served as a team leader in FWCD’s Breakthrough program and as a campus recruiter for the national office in Austin.

Previous summer experiences have included the position of summer analyst for Goldman Sachs in New York and as a corps member adviser for Teach for America. She most recently served as a seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Westview Middle School in St. Louis, giving her two years of classroom experience. Masole was recently named to the Breakthrough National Director’s Council. fwcd.org

In the summertime, a lot continues to happen on the Fort Worth Country Day campus. The fun summer enrichment camps kick off, construction projects begin, and nearly 200 young people in the School’s extended student family known as Breakthrough Fort Worth arrive on campus for six weeks of intensive and fun learning experiences.

Jasmine Quezada joined the Breakthrough team as the College Bound coordinator.

She received a BS in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Psychology and an MEd in CounselingStudent Affairs from Texas Christian University. She served as a college adviser through Advise TX College Advising Corp and Haltom High School. She is a member of the Texas Counseling Association and TCU Higher Education Leadership Organization. Quezada received recognition awards from TCU and Haltom High School for her dedication, commitment and service.

New Student Services With a successful middle school program going strong, expanding readiness training for high school students continues to be a top focus for the Breakthrough program. The CREW (College Readiness in Every Way) series for ninth- and 10th-graders was expanded to a year-round segment to offer more in-depth training sessions to young high school students learning about the college admissions process. The Keys to College series for 11th- and 12th-graders was lengthened as well to provide additional handson sessions to students researching opportunities and submitting applications. To further enhance the effectiveness of the Keys series, the Breakthrough team has implemented new Junior Conferences with students and their parents, and the team will soon introduce and host the first annual Senior Leadership Summit, an intense two-day college application workshop for rising seniors.

Career exploration is another high school growth area. This spring, several Breakthrough students had the chance to shadow FWCD alumnus C.D. Dickerson ’94, current curator of European art for the Kimbell Art Museum. “It was an awesome activity for the students,” Masole shared. “This particular experience allowed them to gain a real-world understanding of career opportunities beyond the scope of customary business examples, although we hope to eventually offer a full range of options to explore that include strong traditional professions in fields like accounting, health care, the legal system, etc.”

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Student Successes Of course, student achievement is the ultimate goal for all efforts and services in the program. “With the support and enrichment they receive in Breakthrough, students with standardly high academic potential excel in accelerated programs and are committed to accomplishment—much like their peers at Country Day,” Breedlove related. “Thus, it is not surprising to hear success stories similar to those in our Falcon student family, and we love that! As of late April, we had already received reports that Breakthrough seniors received college acceptances to Texas A&M University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Woman’s University, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Henderson State [Arkansas] and more.”

This year, rising senior Rio Velasquez, a Breakthrough student at FWISD’s Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Prep high school, was admitted to Texas Tech University’s Camp L.E.A.D. (Leadership Education and Development). Designed for students entering their senior year of high school, the camp offers growth opportunity for top students with demonstrated leadership potential.“I am very excited to be selected for this wonderful opportunity, yet I am a bit nervous as well,” Velaquez said. “Like Breakthrough, I know this development program will help me greatly in the years to come.”

Breedlove added: “The success of our Breakthrough students is a testament both to their strengths and the empowering environment that FWCD and its student community generate for them. The campus promotes a reflective setting with classrooms centered on curiosity and accelerated subjects. Breakthrough youth are often mentored and led by FWCD students dedicated to the same learning goals that the program students begin internalizing while they’re here. Students also reap the benefit of ideas and advice offered by FWCD students, faculty and parents “Collectively, it fosters an inspiring, goal-oriented atmosphere that would be hard to replicate apart from the School,” Breedlove continued. “I cannot imagine a greater compliment to our School and the family we are. Hey Falcons! Hey what!”

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Faculty/Staff Honored for 100% Participation Fort Worth Country Day’s Board of Trustees honored the School’s faculty and staff with a resolution for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the School through their 100 percent participation in the FWCD Fund and the Then, Now, Forever. capital campaign.

Barbara Jiongo, director of admission, and Darlene Ignagni, Middle School humanities teacher, who serve as faculty/staff cochairs of the FWCD Fund and capital campaign, accepted the award.

Shannon Young Ray ’80, Board president; Jeff and Laura (Bonnell ’88) Alexander, Then, Now, Forever. capital campaign chairs; Jim Hubbard, Advancement chair; and Evan D. Peterson, head of School, presented the resolution to Jiongo and Ignagni to formally recognize the faculty and staff who so graciously pledged to support this great school. Framed resolutions were placed within the faculty lounges of each division, as well as within the Plant Ops Office and the Peter A. Schwartz Administration Building.

“This is the second time in history the faculty and staff have reached 100 percent participation in the annual fund,” Ray noted, “but what makes this year’s feat so special is the dual participation in both the FWCD Fund and the Then, Now, Forever. capital campaign.”

With the goal of 100 percent participation set, the faculty and staff were provided with some fun incentives to get their gifts in early.

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Jiongo and Ignagni, along with Rachel Donahue, annual giving manager, instituted weekly “hump” day drawings that played off the popular TV commercials. Those who gave were eligible to win: • Bonnell’s gift card • Pacific Table gift card • Central Market gift card • Club Level TCU vs. Baylor football tickets and parking pass • Box seats at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo “We just wanted to do something fun to get the entire campus involved in the FWCD Fund and capital campaign,” Donahue said. “Our hope was to offer some incentives that would appeal to everyone on campus. We had some very generous donations of prizes and that made the things we offered even better to our faculty and staff. We are very appreciative to everyone who made this year’s campaign a success.”

The faculty/staff participation level has provided the Board with an energizing focus to share with others as the capital campaign moves through the initial planning stages, Jeff noted.

Jiongo and Ignagni concurred that it was easy to talk about Country Day to their colleagues. “Everyone wanted to give and support this amazing school,” they shared. “We really didn’t have to convince anyone.”

fwcd.org

ALUMNI

News

Alumni Chat with Seniors The transition from high school to college is foremost on FWCD seniors’ minds, especially as they start their final semester as Falcons. To offer some guidance related to transition, academic preparation and college social life, College Counseling invited seven FWCD alumni immersed in college life to speak to seniors at the annual College Chat event. Returning to their old stomping ground to speak with the 107-member Class of 2014 were:

Shree Bose ’12 Participates in CGI U Shree Bose ’12 was invited by former President Bill Clinton to participate in a panel discussion on March 21 as part of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U). Moderated by the 42nd president of the United States, the panel discussion was titled The Age of Participation.

Former U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Senator from New York Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, gave opening remarks. In addition to Bose, a student at Harvard University, the panelists were U.S. Senator from Arizona John McCain and Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia. The panelists were asked how young people can most effectively address global challenges in this age of participation.

Building on the successful model of the Clinton Global Initiative, which brings together world leaders to take action on global challenges, President Clinton launched the CGI U in 2007 to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world.

Each year, CGI U hosts a meeting where students, youth organizations, topic experts and celebrities come together to discuss and develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. CGI U 2014 took place at Arizona State University in Phoenix from March 2123. The meeting brought together nearly 1,200 attendees to make a difference in CGI U’s five focus areas: Education, Environment and Climate Change, Peace and Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Public Health.

Welcome to the Alumni Association John Thompson III ’93, Alumni Association president, welcomed the Class of 2014 into the Alumni Association’s fold at a special senior breakfast on May 1. The seniors learned a little bit about the School’s Alumni Association, as well as how to stay connected with their alma mater. This year’s seniors will attend 50 different colleges and universities across the U.S. and in Scotland.

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Peter Bowden ’12 Brown University Stanley Brown ’13 Columbia University Ashley Escobedo ’12 Texas A&M University Riley Genua ’12 Texas Christian University Meghann Kasal ’13 Swarthmore College Ethan Rohrbach ’13, University of Pennsylvania Jennifer Truong ’12 Southwestern University

The goal in hosting the panel was to allow FWCD students to hear directly from college students so they feel more confident about their own high school-to-college transition, alleviating some of the fears about making new friends and finding a comfortable niche at their future college campus.

During the short program, Abby Noel, associate director of College Counseling, posed questions related to academics, advising, a typical weekend and the social scene, the biggest surprises of college and more.

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CLASS

Notes

To submit information for Class Notes and Alumni News, contact Mary Lou Hilliard, alumni relations coordinator, at marylou.hilliard@fwcd.org or 817.302.3292.

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1980s Dr. Robin Blumberg Selinger ’80 was the featured speaker at the Upper School Cum Laude Society induction in April.

Dr. Selinger is a physicist whose research focuses on liquid crystals, lipids and polymers. She holds bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Harvard University. She joined the Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University as a professor in the Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program in 2005. Her research interests lie in theoretical/ computational studies in liquid crystals and other soft materials. Dr. Selinger works with molecular scale and mesoscale simulation techniques, and a major unifying theme throughout her research is the study of topological defects and their role in transport and microstructure.

Marie Olson ’84 completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Arizona in 2013. She has accepted a position with the university as assistant professor of pediatrics. Marie is a hospitalist and pediatric emergency physician.

Eric Jacobson ’89 lends his voice to four characters in the movie Muppets Most Wanted: Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and Sam Eagle.

Eric performs several of Frank Oz’s Muppet characters on Sesame Street and in other projects, and has been doing so since 2000.

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1990s

Chris Semple ’97 and wife Lucy Semple welcomed their second child, a daughter. Ivy James Semple was born on September 26, 2013, weighing 8 pounds 14 ounces and measuring 20 inches.

2000s

Hunter Semple ’01 and wife Denise Semple welcomed their second child, a son. William Rhodes Semple was born on October 15, 2013, weighing 8 pounds 7 ounces and measuring 21 inches.

Kathleen Ross Cammack ’02 and husband Alex Cammack welcomed their first child, a son. Porter Noble Cammack was born on December 4, 2013, weighing 6 pounds 6 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches.

Gloria Moncrief Holmsten ’00 and husband Erich Holmsten welcomed their second child, a daughter. Kit Fontaine Holmsten was born on September 26, 2013, and named in honor of her grandmother, Kit Tennison Moncrief ’70. Big sister, Monty Marie, was born November 4, 2011.

W.A. Landreth ’01 and wife Regan Landreth welcomed their first child, a son. William Henry Landreth was born on February 9, 2014, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and measuring 19.75 inches.

Kate Strickland ’04 is engaged to Andy Jennings of Wichita Falls, Texas. Andy graduated from Midwestern State University, and is a certified financial examiner for the Texas Department of Insurance. Kate attended the University of Texas at Austin and then earned her master’s degree in counseling at TCU. Kate is a clinical fwcd.org

CLASS NOTES therapist for the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department at Cook Children’s Medical Center. A wedding is planned for November at The Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

They will continue to reside in Fort Worth.

a son. Randall Weston Pinckard, “Weston,” was born on February 27, 2014, weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 19 inches.

Christa Ratcliff ’11 was named secretary of the Tuskegee University Collegiate Chapter of the NAACP, where she is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Whitney Baggett Creel ’04 and husband Todd Creel welcomed their first child, a son.

Kolt David Creel was born on September 22, 2013, weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces and measuring 22 inches.

Megan Hinshaw Schott ’04 defended her dissertation as a Ph.D. candidate in Medieval Literature at Southern Methodist University this spring.

Andrea Severin ’05 married Ryan Goins on November 9, 2013 in Dallas, Texas.

Ross Neuenfeldt ’07 recently performed in The Hillbarn Theatre’s production of Lend Me A Tenor, which was recognized as a Theatre Bay Area Awards Recommended Show. Ross has also performed the roles of Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Tommy in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Ethan Girard in The Full Monty, Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, and Mercutio in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Ross graduated magna cum laude from the Boston University School of Theatre in 2011 and spent a semester in classical training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Rachel Stepp Pinckard ’07 and husband Brooks Pinckard welcomed their first child, SPRING/SUMMER 2014

and unselfish and humble service. It is considered one of the highest honors a woman can receive at Furman University.

Ben Heinzelmann ’07 married Ann Bahner on December 31, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma. The couple’s wedding party included FWCD alumni Chip Caraway ’07, Michael Levy ’07, Stephen Lindsey ’07, Robby Reeb ’07, Patton Eagle ’08 and Annie Heinzelmann ’10.

2010s

Brittany Bollinger ’10 is engaged to Karl Lehmann ’10.

Courtney Reimer ’11 was selected for membership to Senior Order at Fuhrman University. Senior Order is an elite leadership honor society for Furman women, which was formed in 1937 at the Greenville Women’s College. Membership is limited to 15 rising senior women, all selected by the current Senior Order members. Selection is based on humility in leadership, exceptional character, emotional maturity, outstanding scholarship, dependability, integrity, cooperativeness,

Alex Manson ’11, currently a junior at Chapman University, is participating in a Semester at Sea in Asia.

Morgan Pergande ’13 will work this summer for the Amy Biehl Foundation, in partnership with the University of North Carolina, where he will be a sophomore next year.

Morgan’s work will supplement academic classes as well as athletics within one of the schools supported by the Foundation near Cape Town, South Africa. The Amy Biehl Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers programs to develop and empower youth living in the challenged and vulnerable communities within the Western Cape. The programs place a focus on the creative side of the child’s brain and supplement the shortcomings of the educational system in the townships of South Africa.

The Alumni Association welcomed the Class of 2013 home for the holidays with a dinner at The Original Mexican Eats Café on December 21. There was a great turnout, with approximately 75 graduates reuniting after their first semester at college. The dinner was funded by the FWCD Parent Faculty Association and will be continued as an annual celebration hosted by the Alumni Association.

Send in your news for Class Notes!

Contact Mary Lou Hilliard, alumni relations coordinator, at marylou.hilliard@fwcd.org or 817.302.3292.

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BOARD

Spotlight Marshall Boyd ’85 began his tenure on the Fort Worth Country Day Board of Trustees in 2008. An FWCD alumnus, Marshall is immersed in the Falcon family, with his wife, Kim, as current parents of Claudia ’14 and Charlie ’17.

While a Board member, Marshall began his service on the Trustee and Leadership Committee in 2008 and took on the role of chair from 2010 to 2014. He also served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee from 2006-08.

Marshall Boyd ’85 Trustee and Leadership Chair

Marshall is president of Southwest Bank Mortgage and a co-founder of Williams Trew Real Estate Services. Marshall founded BMC Mortgage Services in 1993, which was acquired by Southwest Bank in 2007. Southwest Bank is one of the leading mortgage banking companies in Tarrant County. In addition to his duties with the bank, Marshall serves as managing partner of Williams Trew Real Estate Services.

Tom Purvis ’77 joined the FWCD Board of Trustees in 2008. He and his wife, Michelle, are Falcons through and through: They are both alumni and have been active in the life of the School. They are the parents of two FWCD graduates, Melissa ’09 and Thompson ’07.

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Tom served as a member of Building and Grounds from 2003-06. He chaired the committee from 2012-14 and was an active member of the Executive Committee. Tom directed the ad hoc committee that helped to expand the athletic complex vision. Also during his tenure, Tom worked to restore the Trinity River water line in the midst of the River Hills development construction.

He guided the renovation of classrooms and performance spaces through the campus. This year, Tom has led the charge to vacate Bryan Henderson Road and Country Day Lane to make way for the

Using his experience as an industry leader, Marshall gives his time to other community endeavors. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and Habitat for Humanity, and supports Union Gospel Mission, Presbyterian Night Shelter and, of course, Fort Worth Country Day. “The absolute best part of my service to Fort Worth Country Day has been going to graduation every year and seeing the end product walk across that stage,” Marshall said. “It really brings things home for me: The hard work that the kids have put in, the sacrifices made by the families to send their kids to school here, and the pure joy and sense of accomplishment is truly moving. This year, my daughter walked across that stage, and to be there, in my final year as a Trustee, was a great moment for me.”

athletic complex construction and updated the master plan and facility audit.

Tom is president of Continental Real Estate, Inc., a real estate development firm.

His community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Zoo and Streams and Valleys.

“It is really an honor to serve on Fort Worth Country Day’s Board. As a Board entity, one of our primary duties is to anticipate changing needs of the School,” Tom said. “My tenure on the Buildings and Grounds Committee has been exciting and rewarding because of all of the new buildings completed recently, along with developing the vision for the upcoming projects such as the new athletic facility. It is an exciting time for Fort Worth Country Day!”

fwcd.org

BOARD SPOTLIGHT

L. Russell Laughlin was elected to the FWCD Board of Trustees in 2007.

Russell and his wife, Kathryn, have a deep appreciation for the School and its programs. They are proud parents of a current Falcon, Kate ’15, and an alumnus Russell ’08.

Russell is the immediate past president of the Board and served on the Executive Committee. He began his FWCD Board service on the Buildings and Grounds Committee in 2006 and has served continuously through this academic year, chairing it from 2008 to 2010. He was also a member of the Real Estate Subcommittee and served as Falcon Club president.

L. Russell Laughlin Immediate Past President

Dorris Morrissette, M.D.

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serves on the Region C Water Planning Board, the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition Board, the Tarrant County Groundwater Conservation District Board, NASCO (Tri-National Advocacy for Efficient, Secure and Environmentally Conscious Trade and Transportation) and the 35W Coalition Board.

Russell provides valuable expertise to the Board from his business and community experiences. As senior vice president of Hillwood Properties, Russell has been instrumental in the development of Alliance Texas and the North Fort Worth and Tarrant County areas in leading longterm regional planning initiatives. He

“As parents, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure our children’s education and prepare them to be good people, good citizens and leaders in their chosen professions. Fort Worth Country Day is successful in preparing its students for anything that awaits them,” Russell said. “Now 50 years old, that success is partly due to many Trustees, most are parents, whom dedicate their time, knowledge and financial resources to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to receive an exceptional education. It’s important that FWCD maintains a great Board of Trustees— to provide for many generations of opportunity.”

Dorris Morrissette, M.D., began her most recent tenure on the Fort Worth Country Day Board of Trustees in 2009. She and her husband, Curlee II, have a long-term commitment to FWCD. Their children— Curlee III ’06 and Alex ’12—are alumni, and Dorris is a returning Trustee, having previously served from 2001 through 2007.

ever Diversity Day in the Upper School.

This day is now held every other year and has included such topics as ethnicity, social economic class, physical abilities, religion, race and sexual orientation. Common Ground in the Lower School and Diversity Day in the Middle School were also spearheaded through the Diversity Committee.

During her time on the Board, she has served as co-chair of the Diversity Committee since its formation in 2003.

She has also served on the Program Services, Finance and Development, Student Scholarships, Trustee and Leadership, and Buildings and Grounds committees.

Dorris practices internal medicine and is a member of Texas Health Care, PLLC.

Dorris’s passion has been her work in issues of multiculturalism and inclusivity. She has participated in the People of Color Conference with students and staff. She was also instrumental in starting the first-

“During my tenure on the Board, I have tried to bring a different perspective,” Dorris noted. “As an African American, a medical professional and a parent of two African-American young men, it was my pleasure to serve and share my views. The entire student body has been a joy to work with and get to know, in the academic classroom, on the athletic field and in the artistic environment.

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Dr. James Aldridge, 1953-2014 Dr. Jim Aldridge left this world on Saturday, April 26, doing exactly what he loved and was called to do in life—he was teaching. While facilitating a Duke TIP Academic Adventures course in his classroom in the Upper School Science Building, Dr. Aldridge collapsed. He received immediate attention from FWCD staff members and medical professionals and was transported to Harris Southwest Hospital, where he passed away as the result of a heart attack.

Born in 1953 in Honolulu, Dr. Aldridge graduated from Lawrence D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas, in 1971. He was a great scholar with a true zest for learning. Dr. Aldridge attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where, in 1975, he earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He continued his education at UT Austin, where, in 1977, he earned an MA in Zoology with a concentration in Marine Science.

With an enthusiasm to gain even more knowledge, Dr. Aldridge moved to Ithaca, New York, to attend Cornell University, where he received his Ph.D. As a doctoral student, he concentrated in animal physiology, particularly the photochemistry of the eye, the neurobiology of mammalian sensory systems and the electrolyte physiology of the kidney. He also was particularly interested in environmental physiology—the ways in which an organism’s physical and chemical functioning uniquely suits it to its environment.

After earning his Ph.D., Dr. Aldridge returned to Texas to teach science in the Millsap ISD. He taught fifth- and sixth-grade general science, seventh-grade life science, eighth-grade earth science, ninth-grade physical science and sixth-grade reading.

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He came to Fort Worth Country Day to impart knowledge to Middle School students in 1983, teaching life and earth science. He has been an integral part of the Country Day family and a treasured teacher and colleague ever since. In notes from his interview, the following conclusion was drawn about Dr. Aldridge: “This young man is a hot prospect, a potential star—full of vitality, dedicated to the Middle School level, feels Middle School kids challenge his knowledge to the limit and is keenly aware of the importance of keeping abreast.”

A true Renaissance man, Dr. Aldridge was a writer, rock collector, nature buff, computer expert, pilot, meteorologist, photographer, astronomer, scuba diver, traveler and, more recently, motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed being part of FWCD photography field trips; was known to present on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in Bill Arnold’s Upper School history classes; performed in Upper School plays and musicals; would stay up all night “tinkering” on the computer; led study abroad marine biology trips to the Bahamas; traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, for professional development; knew the genus and species names of organisms; and, “indeed,” had an extensive vocabulary. In the Middle School faculty lounge, there was once a dictionary titled “Jim’s Big Words Book”—faculty used it regularly to build their own vocabulary as they conversed with Dr. Aldridge.

While he was proud of his own education, he was most proud of his students. He served the Middle School for eight years before being asked in 1991 by Evan D. Peterson, then Upper School division head, to teach in the Upper School. “He did not go willingly,” Peterson remembered, “but once he got there, he found that he had

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the same profound impact on students.” Dr. Aldridge was perfectly suited to challenge these students. In the Upper School, he taught chemistry, AP chemistry and computer science. Sharon Hamilton, Upper School biology teacher, taught across from Dr. Aldridge for 18 years. “For over 30 years at Fort Worth Country Day, Jim has been scientist, programmer, engineer, photographer, actor, writer, scholar, mentor, advisor, friend, and most of all, teacher,” Hamilton said. “He will be greatly missed.

He really loved the kids, maybe because he and Terry didn’t have any of their own, and he loved those students who were not always so easy to love.”

Dr. Aldridge impacted hundreds and hundreds of students’ lives over the course of his 31-year career at Fort Worth Country Day. His students, current and past, have expressed such gratitude toward his teaching, his methods and his overall giving nature. He and his wife, Terry, a longtime high school physics and chemistry teacher herself in the Aledo ISD, take great pride in their students and have lived as if they were their own. Dr. Aldridge went to athletic events, plays, performances—he was dedicated to his students.

“We are not here to be the ‘sage on the stage’” Dr. Aldridge said in Destined to Flourish. “Our kids can do the required reading outside of class. In class, we do interesting things to get them excited. I could be dead tired and have to drag myself out of bed, but when I get here I just ignite. These kids are wonderful. Every spring is a renewal with new tools. In three decades of being here, the word ‘repetitive’ has never entered my mind.”

Dr. Aldridge’s classroom and lab area was distinctly him. He valued hands-on education and regularly housed reptiles and fish In his online faculty profile Elizabeth Wilkinson ’14, Dr. Aldridge and Emily Wilkinson ’14 on the sophomore in his classroom. on the FWCD website, Dr. Washington, D.C. trip It is thought that Aldridge eloquently shared students going why he teaches: away to college would ask to leave their reptiles with him, and he always said yes. His favorite animals: the kiwi bird, the penguin “Why do I teach? Well, first I find it extremely enjoyable. Working and the lynx. He also purchased some of his own supplies and with teenagers is an unpredictable, high energy ride punctuated equipment to share with students to enhance and foster their by lots of smiles and just the occasional snarl. I’ve also been pretty learning. He was excited about a 3-D printer that he purchased a successful at it. There are a lot of things I can’t do well (dribbling while back; it delivered before the end of the year. He also loved a basketball and reading Joyce come immediately to mind), but nature, being outdoors and raising orchids—he has a greenhouse teaching comes very naturally to me. At the end of a long summer, full. It is hard to know what this great man did not know, he was so I’m truly ready to return; in fact, I need to return. full of knowledge and so willing to share it.

“Finally, and probably most importantly, I teach because I am In addition to his science background, Dr. Aldridge had a great certain that a quality education helps to ensure that children grow passion for electronics and computers that stemmed from his into healthy, happy and productive adults. It’s the surest path to high school days when he obtained his amateur radio license and equality and justice in the world. That’s a very fulfilling mission. began working avidly with communications electronics discrete As I often come to the end of a very long day, tired to the point of component circuit design. His initial interest in computers came exhaustion, and find that I can still smile, I know I’m doing the in 1976, when he was working on his master’s degree. During the right thing with my life.” process of developing computer simulation models of respiratory gas exchange processes in invertebrate animals, he taught himself A memorial took place on Saturday, May 3, at McKinney the general principles of computer programming. He pursued Memorial Bible Church in Fort Worth. Memorials can be made this passion further at Cornell. “Technology doesn’t replace to Fort Worth Country Day Scholarship Fund, 4200 Country teachers, but it does invite us to be even better teachers,” Dr. Day Lane, Fort Worth, Texas 76109, or an animal shelter of the Aldridge said in Destined to Flourish, FWCD’s 50th anniversary donor’s choice. commemorative book.

SPrinG/SUMMER 2014

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Dr. Aldridge: A Great Teacher, But an Even Better Man

By Garrett Podell ’15 Reprinted with permission from the Online Falcon Quill The first time I met Dr. Aldridge was in the Writing Center, freshman year. I had B period free, so that was the time I had to go in to get help with my papers. When I first saw him and he beckoned me to come in, I just knew he was one of those people who was larger than life. The first thing that popped into my head when I heard him talk was, “His voice sounds just like Darth Vader’s!”

And after that first Writing Center session, I thought, “Man, I’d love to have him as my teacher one day.” That day came last school year, my sophomore year, when I had the privilege of having Dr. Aldridge teach my honors chemistry class.

One of the things I appreciate in all people, not just my teachers, is a sense of humor, and Dr. Aldridge certainly had one. One day in class, Coleman Walker and Dr. A were having a friendly argument over some topic we were talking about in class. It had gone on for about two and half minutes, when Dr. Aldridge abruptly interrupted Coleman and said, “Ivy League P.H.D., end of story.” Coleman stopped in his tracks and everyone just broke out laughing. It was his usual dry sense of humor that the class had grown to love.

Science and math are two of my least favorite subjects, and his class heavily contained both of those elements. To my surprise, however, he was willing to work as much with me (a guy who had to fight through the year to receive a solid grade in the class), as he was with students like William Kleinheinz, who always just seemed to get it.

Despite his obvious displeasure with my affection for following sports, he still managed to put up talking to me about basketball every once in awhile. When I chose him to be my teacher for the annual Teacher Appreciation basketball game, he and I both knew

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that my jersey that I gave him to wear for the game would not fit him, as I am of much smaller stature than he was. However, Aldridge still found a way to wear the jersey to my game, cape-style, as he paper-clipped my jersey to his lab coat, going out of his way to make sure I could see him in my jersey when I looked up at the stands.

Even after sophomore year ended and he and I both knew there was no chance I’d ever have him as a teacher again because there was no way I was going to take AP Chemistry, Dr. A still made an effort to maintain a relationship with me. Any time he’d see me in the hallway, Aldridge would always say in his booming voice, “Hello there, Garrett!”

Since my locker in the Science Building is directly across from his room, I would make sure to stick my head in the door and talk to him for a little bit, about whatever: books, TV shows, just life in general. The day I told him I wouldn’t be back at Country Day next year, he walked up, gave me a hug and said, “The FWCD community will miss you.”

The last thing he ever said to me was, “Good luck in Oklahoma, stop by on Monday to tell me how you played.”

Sadly, I won’t be able to see him Monday because he passed away at the tender age of 60, the result of an unexpected heart attack, while teaching a Duke TIP class on Saturday in his classroom. Yes, he was the smartest human being I have ever known and was always wowing the class with his endless bank of knowledge—like the time he attempted to explain string theory to us—but the thing I loved the most about Dr. Aldridge was his caring nature, and how he made an effort to connect with each and every one of his students.

He made a profound, larger than life impact on each and every one of his students in his 31 years at Fort Worth Country Day, and he will be ubiquitously (a word he used frequently) missed by everyone who knew him. fwcd.org