Definition: In support of The Lamplighter School’s mission to encourage all children to reach their potential, we commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community where all members are treated with dignity and respect.
Purpose: In line with our core commitment to develop character, confidence, and collaborative skills, we understand the practice of inclusivity to be an essential responsibility. Understanding and respecting differences inspires compassion and empathy, and fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity.
Action: Inspiring students to seek a broader understanding of the world, we celebrate the many positive experiences and viewpoints that diversity, in all its forms, brings to our school community. The School’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our curriculum, collections, programming and services, manner of instruction, and in the physical and virtual spaces we provide. Members of our community are charged with the responsibility to act with integrity, empathy, honesty, and compassion, ensuring that all constituents feel welcomed, accepted, respected, and valued.
Our Mission
Dedicated to igniting the potential of each child, Lamplighter engages children in the joy of learning through intellectual discovery in a creative, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
ART | DESIGN
Ana Bohanan, Creative Director
EDITOR
Landy Fox, Director of Marketing & Communications
CONTRIBUTORS
Elizabeth L. Selzer, Chief Advancement Officer
Cindy Connolly, Advancement Office
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
Danny Fulgencio Gittings Photography Dallas Larry Sengbush
CONTACT US
Send story ideas to Landy Fox lfox@thelamplighterschool.org
Deadline for articles, photographs, and news for the Fall 2026 issue is October 1, 2026.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Lamplighter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid program, athletic and other schooladministered programs, or the employment of staff.
HEAD LINES
Dear Lamplighter Community,
During my time as your Catherine M. Rose Head of School, every aspect of the Lamplighter experience has been important to me. From the daily greetings, to every special event, conference, joyful celebration, and even the challenges we navigated together, each moment has mattered profoundly.
There is no greater privilege than being invited into a family’s educational journey during one of the most formative periods in a child’s life, between the ages of 3 and 10. Parents entrust schools with their precious children, expecting that they will be nurtured academically, emotionally, and personally.
What makes Lamplighter extraordinary is its people. It is the faculty, staff, and parents who believe deeply in protecting childhood and ensuring that children do not grow up too quickly. It is the families who value equal parts curiosity and kindness, creativity and structure. It is the partnership between home and school that creates something truly rare and beautiful.
I am especially grateful for the grace and support you have shown me through the years. Thank you for believing in and supporting the Lamplighter mission, for championing our faculty, and for encouraging one another. Education is, in many ways, an act of trust. It is the belief that each generation will guide the next to a higher plane of life and elevate the human experience through continuous growth.
As I prepare for this next chapter, I leave with a heart full of gratitude. The founders of The Lamplighter School, Natalie Murray and Sandy Swain, envisioned a place where every child could experience childhood in a caring and supportive environment. I will always remember the laughter echoing through the hallways, the handwritten notes, and the pride on parents’ faces. Those memories will forever remind me why this work matters.
One final story:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu once shared a story about an anthropologist visiting a village. While spending time with the children, he proposed a game. He placed a basket of fruit beneath a tree some distance away and told the children, “Whoever reaches the tree first wins all of the fruit.”
When he said, “Go!” something remarkable happened.
Instead of racing against one another, the children held hands and ran together toward the tree. When they arrived, they sat down together and shared the fruit.
The anthropologist asked why they had done that. One child replied, “How can one of us be happy if all the others are sad?”
Those children understood something important:
• Our well-being is tied to one another’s A community flourishes when everyone shares Human dignity grows through relationships, not competition
This idea is often summarized as: “I am because you are.”
Thank you for giving me 15 wonderful years filled with meaning, purpose, and love. I will always carry Lamplighter with me.
With deep gratitude and love,
Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill Catherine
M. Rose Head of School
Thank you
NEWLY ESTABLISHED FUNDS
Jack ’15, Caroline ’17, and Sophia ’17 Cohen Endowed Fund for Mathematics
Thor ’28 and Sage ’31 Hanson and Hartrick General Endowed Fund
Joan Buchanan Hill Endowed Fund for Cultural Activities
The Hirsch Family General Endowed Fund
June ’28 and Quentin ’31 Perlmeter General Endowed Fund
GROWN FUNDS
Alumni Faculty Salary Support Endowed Fund
Griffin ’12 and Jackson ’15 Benners Financial Aid Endowed Fund
Bovard Family Endowed Fund
Clarence B. Brown III Endowed Fund
Maggie Corrigan Visiting Artist Endowed Fund
Erik Jonsson Endowment for Teacher Development
Jerry R. Junkins Family Foundation General Endowed Fund
Krakow/Rushton Technology Endowed Fund
The Kraus Family General Endowed Fund
Lamplighter Faculty Salary Support Endowed Fund
Lamplighter General Endowed Fund
LPA Faculty Salary Support Endowed Fund
Eugene McDermott Financial Aid Endowed Fund
The Patty and David Miller General Endowed Fund
The Kate ’04 and Michael ’08 Mosle General Endowed Fund
Carrie ’00 and Cody ’08 Thoma Patterson Environmental Science Endowed Fund
The Katie ’06 and Whit ’09 Payne General Endowed Fund
Katherine ’10 and Matthew ’11 Pollock Financial Aid Endowed Fund
The Pollock Family Faculty Development Endowed Fund
Charles H. Rose Environmental Science Endowed Fund
Edward Alexander Rose Technology Endowed Fund
John W. Rose Media Center Endowed Fund
Sharma Family General Endowed Fund
Thank you to the donors who generously supported one of Dr. Hill’s earliest goals — to grow Lamplighter’s endowment beyond $20 million. This historic Endowment Campaign created five new endowed funds and grew 23 existing endowed funds. A complete list of endowment donors during the 2025-2026 school year, as of March 31, 2026, can be viewed online using the QR Code. A comprehensive donor list will be published in the Fall 2026 LampPost
Since her appointment as Head of School in 2011, Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill has led The Lamplighter School with vision, determination, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Over the course of 15 remarkable years, her leadership has shaped not only the physical campus, but also the spirit, programming, and future trajectory of the School.
DR. JOAN BUCHANAN HILL
A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Heart
Dr. Hill’s path to Lamplighter was anything but conventional. She began her career in the corporate world, working for Ohio Bell in communications sales. Yet, despite her success, she found herself drawn to a more meaningful calling. Determined to pursue education, she returned to school at John Carroll University, earning a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and launching what would become a lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.
Her early years in independent schools laid a strong foundation for her leadership philosophy. At University School in Northeast Ohio, she gained formative insights into how boys learn and develop, lessons that would stay with her throughout her career. She later joined Hawken School, where she taught Kindergarten and second grade and experienced firsthand the joy of nurturing young learners. It was also there that she built lasting professional connections, some of which would come full circle at Lamplighter.
Dr. Hill’s leadership journey deepened at Columbus School for Girls, where she rose to become Lower School Head. Eager to innovate, she introduced creative programming that reflected her belief in experiential learning, from showcasing the arts through school-wide events to launching “Tinker Time,” where students explored curiosity and creativity by deconstructing everyday objects. She also piloted new academic approaches, including the introduction of Singapore Math, demonstrating an early commitment to forward-thinking curriculum design.
Mentored by respected leaders in independent education, Dr. Hill was encouraged to pursue headship. When the opportunity at Lamplighter arose, she stepped forward, bringing with her not only experience, but a bold vision for the School’s future. This opportunity came at a time when she was completing her Ivy League doctorate in Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
From her earliest days on campus, Dr. Hill focused on enhancing both the student experience and the School’s long-term
sustainability. She expanded after-school offerings into what would become the robust NightLight program, creating opportunities for enrichment and innovation beyond the traditional classroom. She also prioritized character education, introducing manners instruction as an afterschool class, an extension of Lamplighter’s emphasis on integrity and kindness.
A defining hallmark of Dr. Hill’s tenure has been her commitment to experiential, hands-on learning, particularly in the sciences. What began as a simple observation about the limitations of a classroom without a sink ultimately led to the creation of the Eastin Family Innovation Lab. This transformative space, opened in 2017, stands as a testament to her persistence and her belief that students learn best by doing. That same spirit of innovation extended across campus, with the addition of the LPA Barn, Peak Playground, the Connelly Family Theater Arts Lab, and the Alumni & Student Services Building, all of which have enriched the student experience in meaningful ways.
Beyond the campus itself, Dr. Hill strengthened Lamplighter’s academic and community partnerships, connecting students and faculty with institutions across the Metroplex such as the Dallas Arboretum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Southern Methodist University, and United to Learn. These collaborations expanded learning beyond the classroom and reinforced the School’s commitment to a dynamic, outwardlooking education.
Alongside her work as Catherine M. Rose Head of School, Dr. Hill has been an active and influential leader in independent school and nonprofit governance. She served on the national boards of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and The Head’s Network, contributing to conversations that shape independent education across the country. Locally, her board service has extended to a wide range of organizations, including Austin College, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas Theater Center, Greenhill School, the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), KIPP Dallas, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Southwestern Medical Foundation, and The Winston School. Reflecting on her service, Nancy Best, who worked alongside Dr. Hill on two Dallas-area boards, shared, “I admired Joan’s professionalism, her absolute passion for children, her positive attitude, enthusiasm and joy, and her willingness to jump in and get involved.”
Equally impactful has been her focus on developing people. Dr. Hill championed professional growth for faculty and staff, supporting advanced degrees and leadership development that have shaped the careers of many educators. She also fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supporting initiatives such as the JEDI Committee and strengthening connections within the parent community through expanded programming and engagement opportunities.
Lamplighter Class of 2012 The first graduating class during Dr. Hill’s tenure
Dr. Hill and students with the Perot Tech Truck in early 2020
Dr. Hill with faculty and staff at a team-building event
While her accomplishments are numerous, Dr. Hill’s greatest pride has always been the students. Each year, as she watched graduates cross the stage, many of whom she had known since their earliest days, she was reminded of the profound impact of a Lamplighter education. Whether witnessing a once-shy child perform with confidence in the Senior Opera or sharing a joyful moment reading to a Pre-K class, these experiences affirmed her life’s work.
Underlying all of this work was a deep commitment to stewardship. Through thoughtful planning and strong partnerships with the Board of Trustees, Dr. Hill ensured the School’s financial health, growing the endowment from $6 million to more than $20 million while maintaining a debt-free position. This careful stewardship has secured Lamplighter’s ability to thrive for generations to come. Alex Sharma, Life Trustee and Chair of the search committee that brought Dr. Hill to Lamplighter, noted, “Since the beginning, Joan has been steadfast in her determination to keep Lamplighter financially healthy while simultaneously growing the endowment.”
While her accomplishments are numerous, Dr. Hill’s greatest pride has always been the students. Each year, as she watched graduates cross the stage, many of whom she had known since their earliest days, she was reminded of the profound impact of a Lamplighter education. Whether witnessing a once-shy child perform with confidence in the Senior Opera or sharing a joyful moment reading to a Pre-K class, these experiences affirmed her life’s work.
Though she did not initially expect to remain at Lamplighter for 15 years, Dr. Hill found herself continually inspired by the School’s mission, the generosity of its community, and the meaningful progress unfolding around her. Her leadership was marked not only by vision and determination, but also by genuine joy, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.
In 2018, the Head of School position at Lamplighter was named in honor of Life Trustee Catherine M. Rose, who served as Board Chair from 2014-2016.
As she looks ahead to retirement, Dr. Hill does so with characteristic warmth and humor, “head up, toes down” by the beach, while leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape Lamplighter for years to come.
Her impact is lasting. Her leadership, transformative. And her years at Lamplighter, in her own words, simply “amazing.”
Life Trustee Karen Sheinberg Pollock ’76 served as Board Chair during Dr. Hill’s first year at Lamplighter.
Mrs. Liza Lee, former Head of School at The Hockaday School, played an instrumental role in encouraging Dr. Hill to pursue the Head of School opportunity at Lamplighter. More than 15 years later, the two remain dear friends.
Dr. Hill at the Head of School installation in 2011
Honoring
THE VISIONARY LEADERSHIP OF
Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill
Catherine M. Rose Head of
School
On April 21, more than 400 members of the Lamplighter community gathered for a memorable celebration honoring Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill, her visionary leadership, and her extraordinary 15 years of service to The Lamplighter School. The special program and reception paid tribute to her lasting impact as she prepares to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.
The event began with welcome remarks from Life Trustees Catherine M. Rose and David Corrigan ’68. Rose, who served as Board Chair from 2014 to 2016 during Dr. Hill’s tenure, holds a special place in the School’s history, as the Head of School position was later named in her honor. Corrigan, a Lamplighter alumnus from the 1960s, reflected on the School’s early days and its enduring mission. He shared, “At 73 years old, Lamplighter is shining brightly as a place where every day the youngest learners are nurtured and encouraged to wonder,” adding, “When I was a student, we were encouraged to explore and wonder, and I am proud that the School continues to be a place where children can be children.”
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Lamplighter Spirit Award, an honor bestowed annually by the Alumni Association upon an individual or group who embodies the School’s values of lifelong learning, creativity, and thoughtful risk-taking. This year, Alumni Association President Joe Firth ’03 presented the award to Dr. Hill. In his remarks, Firth noted, “Dr. Hill has spent years
cultivating a culture where curiosity is encouraged, where creativity is celebrated, and where taking thoughtful risks is seen as essential to learning.” He added that she “not only led with vision, but also with authenticity, truly modeling the very qualities the award was created to recognize.”
As part of the award presentation, Dr. Hill was honored by members of the broader independent school and Dallas community. Nancy Best, who served alongside Dr. Hill on the boards of The Winston School and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, reflected on her leadership and passion for education, sharing, “Thank you for being a beacon of light shining on all children. Your influence is not just significant, it is transformative, giving direction and hope to all learners as they reach for their dreams.”
Tributes continued from leaders across the independent school landscape. Debra Wilson, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), offered a video message highlighting Dr. Hill’s national leadership and their time working together during Dr. Hill’s service as NAIS Board Chair. Wilson remarked that Dr. Hill “leads with deep humanity, intellectual curiosity, courage, and joy,” and noted her ability to bring people together in meaningful ways.
Scott Griggs, former Head of School at Greenhill School and Executive Director of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), followed with reflections on Dr. Hill’s leadership, describing it as marked by “a rare strategic clarity.” He emphasized that her understanding of excellence extended beyond facilities or metrics, noting that it is best measured “in the confidence of teachers and the joy of students.”
Two former Lamplighter Spirit Award recipients, as well as Board Chairs who served during the early years of Dr. Hill’s tenure, also offered remarks. Life Trustee Alex Sharma, who led the Head of School search that brought Dr. Hill to Lamplighter, reflected on her early impact and enduring intellectual curiosity. “Her inexhaustible pursuit of knowledge is probably my favorite thing about her,” he shared, noting the collaborative spirit that defined those early years.
Fellow Life Trustee and Spirit Award recipient Karen Sheinberg Pollock ’76, Board Chair during Dr. Hill’s first year, highlighted the breadth of Dr. Hill’s accomplishments from curricular enhancements and strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Dallas Arboretum, Perot Museum, Southern Methodist University, and United to Learn, to her success in fundraising and financial stewardship. She announced that the School’s most recent endowment initiative had surpassed expectations, raising more than $3.5 million in just a few months and pushing the endowment beyond $20 million, one of Dr. Hill’s earliest goals upon her arrival.
The program reached a particularly meaningful moment when current Board Chair Margaret Johansen Hirsch ’89 shared exciting news honoring Dr. Hill’s enduring legacy. Reflecting on Lamplighter’s architectural history and its tradition of thoughtful campus design, Hirsch announced that the Alumni & Student Services Building will be renamed in Dr. Hill’s honor. “We do this in recognition of her leadership, her devotion, her unwavering standard of excellence, and the joy she has brought to this campus each and every day,” she said.
In addition, Hirsch announced the establishment of the Joan Buchanan Hill Endowed Fund for Cultural Activities, made possible through the generosity of Carol and Don Glendenning and in honor of the Rose family. This fund will provide faculty and staff with opportunities to engage in
cultural and artistic experiences throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth community, an extension of Dr. Hill’s belief in lifelong learning and care for educators.
The program concluded with a heartfelt surprise appearance by Dr. Hill’s husband, Zachary Hill, who expressed his gratitude to the Lamplighter community for their support and shared belief in the School’s guiding philosophy: “A student is not a vessel to be filled, but a lamp to be lighted.”
The celebration continued into the evening with a lively reception featuring music by DJ Lucy, Lamplighter alumna Lucy Reeves Wrubel ’78, and a special toast led by former Trustee and Endowment Campaign Committee member Jennifer Karol. It was a fitting close to an afternoon filled with reflection, gratitude, and celebration of a remarkable leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Former Board member and Endowment Campaign Committee member Jennifer Karol kicked off the reception with a special toast to Dr. Hill, while alumna Lucy Reeves Wrubel ’78 provided entertainment with a signature Lamplighter playlist.
L-R: Alex Sharma, Catherine M. Rose, Joan Buchanan Hill, Karen Sheinberg Pollock ’76, and Margaret Johansen Hirsch ’89 Life Trustees and former Spirit Award recipients with Catherine M. Rose Head of School Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill and Board Chair Margaret Johansen Hirsch ’89
L-R: Former Spirit Award recipients Lucy Reeves Wrubel ’78 and Jennifer Karol
The
Lamplighter Spirit Award was established in 2003 by the Alumni Council during the School’s 50th anniversary. This award is presented to a person or group who embodies the spirit of Lamplighter. This person or group must have the qualities of a lifelong learner, be willing to take risks in his or her field, and display creativity in his or her chosen path of life.
David Corrigan ’68 “
At 73 years old, Lamplighter is shining brightly as a place where every day the youngest learners are nurtured and encouraged to wonder.”
Pat Mattingly, Lamplighter’s Former Head of School, 1975 - 2000
Judy Gass, Lamplighter’s Interim Head of School, 2010-2011, with Bob Gass
L-R: Zachary Hill, Leslie Whitfield, Zach Hill, Lily Whitfield ’23, Joan Buchanan Hill
2025-2026 Alumni Association President Joe Firth ’03 presents the Spirit Award to Dr. Hill
Life Trustee David Corrigan ’68
The Lamplighter School is fortunate to have several strategic partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions across the Dallas area. These collaborations provide meaningful learning opportunities and enriching experiences for students. One of the many ways these partnerships come to life is through the School’s annual K–2 Family STEM Night, a campus event that brings hands-on learning to students and families through the expertise of Lamplighter’s community partners.
This year’s K–2 Family STEM Night, held on February 19, featured a theme centered on the human body and animal anatomy. The concept was brought to life through 15 interactive activity stations hosted by five partner organizations: Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Trinity River Audubon Center, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Kindergarten through second grade students, alongside their parents, explored engaging, hands-on learning experiences led by educators from each organization.
Perot Museum stations included “The Color of Smell,” “Puzzling Out Bone Positions,” “Under the Microscope,” “Track Your Digestive Tract,” and more. At the Dallas Arboretum station,
students explored food webs through owl pellet investigations. The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center featured live raptor encounters and educational displays, offering students the opportunity for close-up observations and photographs.
Wildlife exploration continued at the Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) station, where students examined turtle anatomy and habitats. Sheldon, a three-toed box turtle from TRAC, joined Franklin, Early Childhood Science Teacher Debra Moore’s turtle, in helping students learn about shells, bones, and protective adaptations.
A new partner this year, UT Southwestern Medical Center, provided interactive sessions focused on caring for ourselves and others. Lamplighter
parent Dr. Anna Silberman and her colleague led engaging demonstrations on preventative health and safety, including basic CPR and guidance on how to call for help in an emergency.
The School extends its sincere gratitude to this year’s partner organizations for bringing such dynamic, handson learning experiences to campus, and to Lamplighter’s science faculty, Anita Orozco and Debra Moore, for organizing this meaningful event for families. Together, these collaborations continue to enrich the K–2 experience and reflect Lamplighter’s commitment to joyful, inquiry-based learning that extends beyond the classroom.
PARTNER PROFILE
Perot Museum
Welcomes Lamplighter Students in After-Hours Event
The Lamplighter School’s partnership with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science provides students with unique opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. One highlight of this collaboration is the School’s annual Kindergarten Night at the Museum, an after-hours event exclusively for Lamplighter families.
This year’s event, held on March 3, offered Kindergarten students and their parents an unforgettable evening of exploration. With the Museum closed to the public, families enjoyed private access to exhibits and hands-on activity stations across all floors, including the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall featuring dinosaur life, the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, and the recently updated Moody Family Children’s Museum, among others.
The evening sparked curiosity, encouraged discovery, and created lasting memories for Lamplighter families, bringing learning to life in a truly special way.
The
Light Year
HONORED BY WALTERS MEDIA
The Lamplighter School’s 2024–2025 edition of the yearbook, The Light Year, was recently recognized on the International Yearbook Honor Roll by Walters Media. Of the more than 6,000 school yearbooks the company produces annually, Lamplighter was among just 100 schools selected for this distinction.
The development of The Light Year is led by Jennifer Heiss, Yearbook Coordinator & Art Installer, who has overseen the yearbook since 2015 the second year Lamplighter published a full-scale edition. Each year, she partners with parent volunteers from the fourth grade class to provide input on select Senior pages, including the Senior Tributes and “Who’s That Baby?” sections. During the 2024–2025 school year, Christina Casey and Olivia Eklund served as yearbook coordinators for the Class of 2025, a role that is part of the Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA) Board. Additional support is provided by members of the Communications team, Ana Bohanan and Landy Fox, along with school photographer Larry Sengbush, who serves as Lamplighter’s customer service liaison with Walters Media.
The team recently gathered to celebrate this exciting recognition congratulations to the Lamplighter yearbook team!
2024-2025 Yearbook Team
L-R: Landy Fox, Christina Casey, Larry Sengbush, Jennifer Heiss, Olivia Eklund, Ana Bohanan
25 YEARS
FACULTY & STAFF STORIES
20 YEARS YEA
LAMPLIGHTER MILESTONES
The Lamplighter School honors the following members of the faculty and staff who have reached service milestones at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. Thank you for your dedication to Lamplighter!
Joan Buchanan Hill Catherine M. Rose Head of School
Joan Buchanan Hill Catherine M. Rose Head of School
Ana Casanova Literacy Specialist, Faculty Advisor to Student Literary Magazine
Ana Bohanan Creative Director
Anative Texan, Casanova came to Lamplighter in 2011 after teaching third grade at Hancock Day School, a Pre-K–8 independent school in Savannah, Georgia. She holds both a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia, along with certifications in English as a Second Language and Gifted and Talented Education. From the beginning, she brought with her a deep commitment to literacy, curiosity, and young learners.
Her introduction to Lamplighter came during a particularly memorable hiring season. A snowstorm delayed her initial visit, and her first-round interview was conducted over Skype, with interviewers dressed in jeans and red shirts, setting an early tone of warmth and authenticity that she would come to associate with Lamplighter. Casanova was interviewed by Vicki Raney, former Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning - Lower School, and hired by thenInterim Head of School Judy Gass, whom she remembers fondly for her kindness and encouragement.
From her earliest days on campus, Casanova was drawn to Lamplighter’s mission and its focus on young children. “The campus looked beautiful, the reputation was strong, and I loved that it was focused on little kids,” she said. After meeting the teachers and staff at Lamplighter, the conversations further affirmed her decision to pursue the role.
Casanova began her Lamplighter journey teaching second grade literacy, a role she held for eight years. She then moved to the first grade team for four years, continuing to deepen her work in early literacy and classroom instruction. Stephen Scott, Lamplighter’s current Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning – Lower School, shared, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Ms. Casanova for six years, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the conscientious and hard-working approach she has brought to a number of different roles.” He went on to note,
ANA CASANOVA Lower School Faculty
Celebrating 15 Years of Service to Lamplighter
When Ana Casanova first discovered The Lamplighter School, it was not through an elaborate search or a long-standing connection, but through a simple online search sparked by a desire to return to her home state of Texas. What she found was a school whose mission and spirit immediately resonated with her, and a community that would soon become her professional home for the next 15 years.
“First grade is such an important year for our students, and as a member of that team, Ms. Casanova excelled in building the important foundational literacy and math skills within her students.”
In recent years, Casanova helped shape and lead one of the School’s most innovative academic programs. In collaboration with Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill and former School Counselor Jill Wiedman, she helped design the Literacy Specialist role for students ready for additional challenge and extension. This work also expanded to include the Barn & Gardens student literary magazine for Lamplighter Seniors, a project she shepherded with great pride and care. For the past three years, she has served in this role, supporting students as a literacy specialist and creative mentor. Scott also shared, “I appreciate that Ms. Casanova has been the type of community member who is always willing to go beyond the stated expectations and help out when there is a need. She has also been open to her position evolving to best support the needs of the students. Her commitment to her students has been on continual display, regardless of the role or team she serves on.”
Ana Casanova leads with heart, teaches with purpose, and inspires everyone around her, earning the admiration of both students and colleagues. Having worked alongside her for 15 years, through many laughs and tears, I can say her impact is truly extraordinary.
– Anne Yarbrough ’81, Third Grade Teacher
Across her many roles, Casanova also contributed widely to the Lamplighter community beyond the classroom. She led the Mentor/Mentee program, served on the Green Team and Admissions Committee, and was a Lamplighter Fund faculty volunteer, reflecting a deep commitment to many dimensions of school life.
When asked about traditions that stand out most, Casanova joyfully shares with a smile, “Hootenannies because you don’t see that at any other school.” She also fondly recalls teaching first graders through the Flat Stanley project and guiding second graders in knitting during the Pioneer unit, moments that blended creativity, hands-on learning, and connection.
It has been such a joy to know and work with Ana over the past 15 years. She brings such energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity to everything she does. I have especially loved collaborating with her on the student literary magazine, Barn & Gardens, over the past several issues. Ana approaches every creative idea with a “why-not?” spirit and we always find a way to make it happen! – Ana Bohanan,
Creative Director
Of all her accomplishments, Casanova is especially proud of her work on Barn & Gardens magazine, a capstone project for Lamplighter Seniors. Just as meaningful, however, is the way she describes her role as a colleague. “I’m proud of being a good teammate,” she said. “I always took care of the people on my team and supported them.”
As she prepares to leave Lamplighter, Casanova will step into a new leadership role as Lower School Director at Kentucky Country Day School in Louisville, Kentucky. The transition, she says, was shaped in many ways by her years at Lamplighter. “Wearing a lot of different hats here helped me make this move,” she reflected. Her experience stepping outside the traditional classroom, especially in publishing and program development, gave her a broader perspective on school leadership.
Professional growth opportunities also played a significant role, including participation in the Klingenstein Summer Institute for Independent School Leadership at Columbia University and the Women’s Leadership Seminar through The Heads Network, both experiences that helped her envision what was possible. “Being surrounded by women in leadership really opened my perspective and changed my life,” she said.
Throughout her time at Lamplighter, Casanova credits Dr. Hill as a defining influence. “She believed in me before I believed in myself,” Casanova shared. “She pushed me in a good way to do things I didn’t think I was ready for but I was.” Dr. Hill’s encouragement, she added, has been steady and unwavering. “Every week she tells me, ‘You’re ready for this next step, and I’m so excited for you.’”
When reflecting on her 15 years, Casanova resists choosing a single defining memory. Instead, she points to the accumulation of small, everyday moments. “It’s all of the little moments you take with you,” she said. “It’s laughing at carpool, laughing in the classroom, and being able to find joy in the silly things that happen when you work with children.”
What she will miss most is the people. “The people here have really been my family,” she said. “We take turns supporting each other and lifting each other up. I know I can come back and visit, but it won’t be the same as seeing everyone every day.”
A message from the 2025-2026 Lamplighter Parents’ Association President
Dear Lamplighter Family,
It has been an absolute privilege to serve as the LPA President for the 2025–2026 school year. As many of you know, we have two girls, Cameron, a Lamplighter Senior, and Connelly, in Kindergarten. As our older daughter’s final year comes to a close, so does my time serving alongside you all, making this a truly bittersweet moment.
The LPA stands at the heart of Lamplighter’s community, and as we near the end of this school year, I am filled with immense gratitude and admiration for all we have accomplished. This year’s LPA Board has worked tirelessly to make a meaningful impact on our community and the lives of all our children. The credit goes out to each and every one of you for any amount of time you gave to our amazing school.
We once again focused on commitment, belonging, and inclusion this year, and we certainly delivered on those fronts! Before we even returned for the year, our New Family Coordinators personally welcomed incoming families and established peer buddy systems, helping them feel instantly connected to our community. Our Faculty and Staff Appreciation team went above and beyond, from themed treats at community meetings to thoughtful firstday-of-school packaged dinners.
Our incredible Executive Board led behind the scenes, keeping our budget on track and ensuring every activity was well communicated and seamlessly staffed with dedicated parent volunteers. The State Fair of Lamplighter Carnival was an incredible success, filled with exciting attractions, sweet treats, and charming decor. It was once again one of the most cherished days of the year. Meanwhile, our Community Outreach team led meaningful efforts, including donations of laundry pods, Halloween costumes, cereal boxes, and snack bags to Family Gateway, along with support of our partner school Withers Elementary through teachers treats!
The Spirit Store introduced the cutest new merchandise and gave us many matching moments. Our own closets certainly grew from this year’s selection. The Erik Jonsson Media Center Open House added new books to our growing collection and brought the holiday spirit to life with joyful student performances.
The Cultural Awareness Committee curated rich and educational programming around global celebrations such as Diwali, Native American Heritage Month, Lunar New Year, and most recently, a beautiful International Night that celebrated the diversity of our community.
Our Student Activity Coordinators ensured that every child, regardless of team size, felt included and valued. Our Grade Level Coordinators kept us organized and connected, while our Friday Lunch leaders and helpers made each week a little more special.
Of course, our Auction, Out of This World, was an absolute blast! Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our Auction Committee and the overwhelming generosity of our community, we raised an exceptional amount in support of our amazing school.
Through your passion and unwavering commitment, we have made a real and lasting difference. I am particularly delighted to share that we have successfully fulfilled our pledge of $350,000 to the LPA Faculty Salary Support Endowed Fund. This generous gift will contribute to the growth of Lamplighter’s endowment and provide annual support to ensure that our faculty compensation remains competitive. This achievement would not have been possible without the groundwork laid by last year’s Board.
To each member of the 2025–2026 LPA Board, I express my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support, hard work, and dedication have been instrumental in this year’s success and have created countless magical moments for our community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our incoming LPA President, Abby Hoak-Morton. I am confident that she will lead us to another fantastic year. Additionally, I am thrilled about Leah Sultan, the LPA President-Elect, who will bring her expertise from leading the Auction to leading the LPA alongside Abby.
Of course, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Elizabeth Selzer, Christine Heskes, and the entire Lamplighter Leadership Team for their steadfast support and partnership. Christine, in particular, collaborates closely with every committee to ensure that no detail is overlooked. We could not have accomplished all of this without your invaluable contributions.
Finally, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Hill for her enduring support and leadership. Dr. Hill, you have undoubtedly left a significant impact on Lamplighter, and we will all miss your guidance dearly. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had your mentorship over the past 15 years and are excited for all that the future will bring.
In Lamplighter Spirit,
Courtney Hodges LPA President, 2025–2026
LAMPLIGHTER
EXECUTIVE
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION 2025–2026 BOARD
President | Courtney Hodges
President-Elect | Abby Hoak-Morton
President Advisor | Barrell Jones
Secretary | Tiffany Armstrong
Treasurer | Nikki Ramji
Treasurer-Elect | Bob Gates
VP Communications | Jen Wallace ’94
VP Volunteers | Quint Brown
VP Volunteers-Elect | Kristin Fay
VP Auction Co-Chairs | Shayan Ismail, Leah Sultan
VP Carnival Chair | Missy Wehnes
VP Carnival Chair-Elect | Amanda Mahoney
STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Auction - Data |
Nicole Nale
Auction - Data-Elect |
Natasha Lalani
Auction - Event |
Lauren Feiler
Nicole Glass
Auction - School Projects |
Laura McCullough
Emily Perlmeter
Andrea Welsh
Auction - Socials |
Shawn Klein
Brielle Pollack
Lindsay Shipp
Whitney Turner
Auction - Solicitations |
Jacqueline Siegel Nelson ’94
Esther Nguyen
Caroline Thicksten
Auction - Underwriting |
Mina Fisher
Beth Huddleston
Community Outreach |
Kristi Covey
Sarah Henry
Allie Robinson
Mallory Tonick
Cultural Awareness |
Tiffany Hamil
Caroline Olson
Shivna Vasavada
Dads’ Program Coordinators |
Faisal Lalani
Jeb Rendall
Faculty and Staff
Appreciation |
Rachel Aronson
Jennifer Bovard
Jessica Fresch
Lea Sherstad
Fourth Grade Yearbook |
Kimberly Stone
Rachel Walsh
Taylor Wiesner
Friday Lunch |
Alex Hanson
Allison Williams
International Night |
Carson Castellaw
Linda Juma
Erik Jonsson
Media Center Open House |
Jenny Birnbrey
Mary Catherine Unis
GRADE LEVEL COORDINATORS
Fourth Grade | Dawn Blankenship, Lizzy Parsons
Third Grade | Parul Purwar
Second Grade | Lindsay Wallace
First Grade | Andrea Gregg
Transitional First (T1) | Melissa Mauskar
Kindergarten | Camner Rubin
Pre-K All Day 4s | Allison Mickey
Pre-K All Day 3s | Reegan Busby
Pre-K Half Day | Dianne Irwin
New Family Coordinators |
Sarah Hasenauer
Michael Lu
Jia Maan
Whitney Neil Bukky Olajide
Suma Singh
Spirit Store - Co-Chair |
Meaghan Johnston
Sydney Seid-Davis
Spirit Store - Inventory |
Judy Kim
Priya Rahela
Spirit Store - Marketing and Communications |
Jane Rozelle Humphrey ’95
Spirit Store - Orders & Fulfillment |
Molly Bruder
Spirit Store - Technology |
Taylor Rhyne
Student Activities Coordinators |
Erin Dobbs
Jamie Pederson
Social Media & Graphics |
Gina Gendron
Jessica Khan
Each year, the Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA) Auction provides a special moment for our community, a time to come together in celebration and support of Lamplighter. This year’s Auction, themed OUT OF THIS WORLD: Little Lights, Big Futures, Infinite Wonder, celebrated the imagination, community, and bright futures we are building together at Lamplighter. According to Auction Co-Chairs Shayan Ismail and Leah Sultan, the theme was inspired by the curiosity and wonder our children bring into the world each day.
The main Auction event took place on Saturday, February 28, at South Side Music Hall at Gilley’s Dallas, where hundreds of Lamplighter guests gathered for an evening of imagination, connection, and community-building. The venue was transformed into a modern spacethemed atmosphere, and guests arrived in creative Out of This World costumes from NASA attire and space travel suits, to television and film-inspired looks like Men in Black and Star Trek
Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill, Catherine M. Rose Head of School, opened the evening by welcoming guests and expressing her gratitude for the Lamplighter community’s continued support. LPA President Courtney Hodges followed with the announcement of this year’s raffle winner, a $5,000 tuition credit, sending one lucky family into savings for the upcoming school year. Guests were also treated to a special video tribute featuring all 456 students, who shared their gratitude for Lamplighter teachers and for Dr. Hill.
Lamplighter parent Charlie Adamski Caulkins returned once again as auctioneer, helping to build excitement throughout the Live Auction. Items up for bid included a range of unique experiences such as travel packages, specialty dinners with notable chefs, sportsthemed adventures, and distinctive school experiences like Head of School for the Day. The Live Auction was complemented by a strong Big Board lineup, featured items, school offerings, and Class Pets available through the online Silent Auction. In addition, families had the opportunity to purchase Class Projects, highlighting each student’s unique spirit and capturing the charm that is distinctly Lamplighter. The evening concluded with lively entertainment from the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, filling the dance floor with music and celebration.
Beyond the main event, this year’s Auction was supported by five Auction Socials, offering additional opportunities for families to connect and contribute. Events included Trivia Night for parents at Saint Valentine, Movie Night for families on campus, Dads’ Poker Night at Mesero, Mom’s Sunday Reset at Claremont Neighborhood Grill, and a festive Snow Day for families on the Peak Playground.
Proceeds from this year’s Auction benefit the LPA Faculty Salary Support Endowed Fund, helping Lamplighter remain a leader in attracting and retaining top talent. The School extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this year’s Auction through underwriting, volunteering, donations, bidding, and attendance at the gala on February 28 and the Auction Socials throughout the year. Your generosity and enthusiasm make this cherished tradition possible.
Out of This World 2026 Auction Committee
LITTLE LIGHTS
BIG FUTURES
INFINITE WONDER
Auctioneer Charlie Adamski Caulkins
Spring is a season when the Lamplighter community celebrates several cherished traditions, including our beloved Grandest Friends’ Days. This year, the School welcomed hundreds of grandparents and grandfriends to campus on March 26 and 27 for two days filled with joy, connection, and celebration.
Guests were welcomed by Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill and enjoyed a musical performance featuring handbells, xylophones, recorders, and singing. The selections were chosen with our special audience in mind and included a lively sing-along of “Sweet Caroline,” followed by the school song, “Lamplighter Spirit.”
During their visits, grandfriends spent time in classrooms participating in activities unique to each grade level, offering a meaningful glimpse into students’ daily learning experiences. New this year, a luncheon was added for third and fourth grade students and their guests, allowing older students additional time on campus to connect with their grandfriends during the school day.
Lamplighter extends heartfelt thanks to the many grandparents and grandfriends who support our students and school throughout the year in countless ways. Your kindness and presence enrich our community, and we are grateful to have you as part of the Lamplighter family.
The School is also grateful to the LPA Board and members of the LPA for volunteering to support several aspects of these special days!
LAMPLIGHTER GIVES BACK
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Throughout the school year, Lamplighter partners with the Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA) and the Green Team to inspire students and families to make a meaningful impact in the local community. Together, these groups lead a variety of service initiatives that support non-profit organizations and foster a spirit of generosity and connection. This year’s efforts included the following projects.
We extend our sincere thanks to LPA Community Outreach Co-Chairs Kristi Covey, Sarah Henry, Allie Robinson, and Mallory Tonick as well as the dedicated members of the Lamplighter Green Team, for their leadership and commitment.
SNACK BAG ASSEMBLY Third and fourth grade students each came together for a before-school service project, assembling 200 snack bags for Family Gateway. This annual initiative gives students the opportunity to collaborate in support of local children experiencing homelessness, fostering both teamwork and empathy. Lamplighter families generously donated the food items, while LPA volunteers helped organize and bring the project to life.
THIRD & FOURTH GRADERS ASSEMBLED 200 SNACK BAGS
LAUNDRY POD DRIVE
In conjunction with the annual Donuts with Dads event, the LPA organized a laundry pod drive benefiting Family Gateway. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, 8,302 laundry pods were collected, providing meaningful support to families in need.
8,302 LAUNDRY PODS WERE COLLECTED AT DONUTS WITH DADS — OCTOBER 2025
FOOD DRIVE
The Green Team led its annual food drive throughout the month of December this school year. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Lamplighter community, 3,791 pounds of food were collected equaling 3,159 meals for those in need.
3,791 POUNDS OF FOOD WERE DONATED TO THE NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK
HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE During the early fall, the LPA organized a Halloween Costume Drive for Family Gateway, collecting 108 new and gently used costumes. This initiative helps support the organization’s annual Boo Bash, bringing joy and a sense of celebration to the children and families they serve.
108 HALLOWEEN COSTUMES WERE DONATED TO THIS YEAR’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE — FALL 2025
SHOE DRIVE The Green Team also led a shoe drive this year, collecting new and gently used shoes for Shelter Aid Texas. Through this effort, the Lamplighter community donated 333 pairs of shoes, with fourth grade students assisting in sorting and counting the contributions.
333 PAIRS OF SHOES WERE COLLECTED
CEREAL DRIVE The LPA also coordinated a cereal drive in conjunction with the annual Muffins with Moms event. Thanks to the support of the community, Lamplighter collected 200 full-size boxes of cereal which were donated to Family Gateway.
200 BOXES OF CEREAL WERE COLLECTED AT MUFFINS WITH MOMS — APRIL 2025
HALF DAY OF SERVICE
FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, all Lamplighter students participated in learning and service projects in January as part of the School’s annual Half Day of Service. This meaningful initiative supports Lamplighter’s social-emotional curriculum while providing hands-on opportunities for students to make a positive impact through partnerships with local non-profit organizations.
Early Childhood students supported Feed the City and the SPCA of Texas, while Lower School students focused their efforts on Visiting Nurses Association — Meals on Wheels. A special thank you to guest speaker Jordan Brainerd for sharing insights about VNA — Meals on Wheels and helping students better understand the organization’s mission and impact.
FOLLOWING THE ON-CAMPUS PROJECTS, a small group of Lamplighter Seniors visited the Meals on Wheels facility near downtown Dallas, delivering items created by first through fourth grade students during the Half Day of Service. These projects included placemats, “ouch pouches,” appreciation posters for kitchen staff, and senior-to-senior cards.
During their visit, students toured the facility, learned more about the organization’s work, and saw firsthand how meals are prepared and delivered to clients. Their experience was later featured on a Flash broadcast for all Lamplighter students to enjoy.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ACROSS GRADE LEVELS
The end of the school year was filled with enriching programs and projects across every grade level at Lamplighter. Students participated in culminating experiences that reflected months of learning and exploration within the academic curriculum. These special events celebrated both learning and community, with many shared alongside classmates, parents, and special guests.
PRE-K HONEYBEES
Pre-K students buzzed into the fascinating world of honeybees with guests from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program. Through handson activities, students learned about the important role bees play in our environment, practiced honeybee movements, observed bees at work, and discovered the responsibilities of beekeepers. They even had the opportunity to taste fresh honey!
FARMER’S MARKET
Students in all Pre-K classes also participated in the annual Pre-K Farmer’s Market as part of their Science and Environmental Science curriculum. In preparation for the event, students harvested vegetables they had planted earlier in the year and created a variety of handmade crafts to sell at the market. Wearing custom aprons and carrying shopping bags, students enjoyed the experience from both perspectives as sellers and buyers while putting real-world skills into practice.
KINDERGARTEN & T1
ICE CREAM PARLOR
Each Kindergarten and T1 classroom also hosted its own ice cream parlor, welcoming parents and special guests into uniquely themed “shoppes.” This sweet tradition gives students the opportunity to apply their math and money skills in a fun, hands-on setting while enjoying time with family and friends.
KINDERGARTEN SQUARE DANCING
Kindergarten students proudly presented Lamplighter’s oldest tradition Square Dancing! Students enthusiastically performed square dances and line dances for parents and special guests, marking the culmination of a months-long unit of study in Early Childhood P.E.
SECOND GRADE STATE FAIR
Second graders hosted the annual State Fair following an in-depth study of the United States. After researching their selected states, students prepared written and oral presentations to share with parents, classmates, and special guests. From Hawaii to New York and everywhere in between, families enjoyed learning about state landmarks, traditions, history, and fun facts.
FOURTH GRADE AUSTIN TRIP
BARNYARD BUZZ
FIRST GRADE BUTTERFLY RELEASE
After studying the life cycle of butterflies and observing caterpillars and chrysalises in their classrooms for several weeks, first graders celebrated with their annual butterfly release. Gathered near the garden beds, students watched in wonder as the butterflies spread their wings and took flight.
Lamplighter Seniors embarked on their signature trip to Austin, visiting many of the historically significant sites in Texas’s capital city. Highlights included touring the State Capitol building, singing Texas songs in the rotunda, dining at the Capitol Grill, visiting the Texas State Cemetery, and concluding the experience at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
THIRD GRADE BIOGRAPHY DAY
Third graders showcased their research projects during the annual Biography Day celebration. Dressed as their chosen historical figures or notable individuals, students delivered oral presentations before sharing gallery displays featuring portraits created in Art, timelines developed in Technology, constellations designed in Science, and written reports completed in Literacy. The event highlighted a truly crosscurricular learning experience.
CELEBRATING CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD
International Night is a beloved Lamplighter tradition that celebrates the many cultures represented within our community and brings global learning to life. Students and families have the opportunity to “tour the world” by visiting hosted tables and experiencing live entertainment and cultural activities.
This year’s event took place on April 16 and featured 25 tables hosted by 37 families from the Lamplighter community. The evening began with a festive opening parade led by bagpiper Don Shannon and the Class of 2026, setting a celebratory tone as students and families made their way into the event. With “world traveler” tickets in hand, students visited each table to sample foods and learn about cultures from around the globe.
The evening also featured lively performances in music and dance that entertained and inspired. This year’s lineup included steel drumming with Sweet Steel; a Bollywood dance performance featuring Lamplighter Seniors Maya Gumpalli and Amara Thomas; Peruvian song performed by alumna Hannah Hager ’25; Mexican dance by Ballet Folklórico; and Brazilian martial arts with Dallas Capoeira and several Lamplighter students. The performances were hosted by this year’s Master of Ceremonies, Lamplighter parent and Dads’ Program Chair, Jeb Rendall.
Additional highlights included hands-on cultural activities such as henna art with Sanober’s Henna Creations and a hula dance tutorial with Grace Hula Dance Company. The evening was rounded out with the World Café, offering a delicious selection of international cuisine.
BARNYARD BUZZ
The School extends a heartfelt thank you to this year’s LPA International Night Co-Chairs, Carson Castellaw and Linda Juma, LPA President Courtney Hodges, and the many table host families who made this vibrant and meaningful event possible.
Mexican dance by Ballet Folklórico Lamplighter Seniors Maya Gumpalli and Amara Thomas perform a Bollywood dance
Dallas Capoeira performs Brazilian martial arts, featuring Lamplighter alumna Katie Helfrich ’21 and current students, third grader Emmie Fallick, and Kindergarteners Olivia Fallick and Bennett Reidy
DOOLEY AUTHOR SERIES
Erik Jonsson Media Center Welcomed Illustrator and Artist Rafael López
The Dooley Author Series is a beloved Lamplighter tradition that brings acclaimed authors and illustrators to campus, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the creative process and connect with artists from around the world. This fall, the Erik Jonsson Media Center welcomed illustrator and artist Rafael López as this year’s featured guest.
An internationally recognized artist from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, López is known for his vibrant, culturally rich work. His notable titles include Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, a collaboration with Sonia Sotomayor; The Day You Begin, a #1 New York Times bestseller and recipient of the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award; and The Year We Learned to Fly, also a New York Times bestseller. His most recent release, And They Walked On, is a collaboration with Native American author Kevin Maillard.
During his visit to Lamplighter, López led three sessions with students across all grade levels, sharing how stories come to life through illustration and community art. He spoke about his journey as an artist, noting that he began his career as an illustrator later in life. In addition to his work in children’s literature, López highlighted several of his large-scale mural projects in cities around the world, where he has transformed urban spaces, public schools, children’s hospitals, and farmers markets into vibrant works of art.
Reflecting on his work, López shared, “The biggest satisfaction is seeing the faces of the children who come together to create these community murals.”
In addition to Mr. López’s visit, the Erik Jonsson Media Center also welcomed the return of two former Dooley Author Series guests, Erika Lynne Jones and Patricia Vermillion.
Local author and illustrator Erika Lynne Jones visited Lamplighter in February in honor of Black History Month. She shared her newest book, Black Girls: A Celebration of You, and engaged students with an interactive trivia game highlighting notable Black women in history, including Bessie Coleman, Ruby Bridges, Mae Jemison, Shirley Chisholm, and Madam C.J. Walker.
Former Lamplighter librarian and past Dooley Author Series guest Patricia Vermillion also returned to campus in February to share her recently published children’s book, Dear Ms. Guadalupe She met with second grade students, leading engaging letterwriting and fact-or-fiction activities that brought her work to life in the classroom. Mrs. Vermillion served as librarian in the Erik Jonsson Media Center for 19 years and is the author of four children’s books, including Hound Dawg, Texas Chili? Oh My!, and A Reading Partner for Emerald. It was a joy to welcome her back to Lamplighter.
The Lamplighter School
DOLORES EVANS Speaker Series
Bringing Thought Leaders to Our Community
For more than 20 years, the Dolores Evans Speaker Series has brought thought leaders to The Lamplighter School for the benefit of parents, educators, and the broader Dallas community. This year, the Series hosted two events, welcoming authors Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and SC Perot to campus in November and January, respectively. Each event featured engaging and educational topics, along with opportunities for audience members to connect with the speakers through Q&A sessions and book signings.
The fall event featured a formal evening presentation with New York Times bestselling author Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, best known for The Whole-Brain Child and The Way of Play, which served as focal points for her talk at Lamplighter. She is also the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers No-Drama Discipline, The Bottom Line for Baby, The Power of Showing Up, and The Yes Brain. Her books have sold more than three million copies combined.
During her presentation, Dr. Bryson shared insights with families and educators on child development and parenting. Her engaging talk, infused with humor and storytelling, left guests both entertained and inspired, encouraging them to apply the principles from her work in their homes and classrooms.
The winter event in the Series featured a more intimate daytime gathering with author and educator SC Perot, an Adjunct Faculty member at Vanderbilt University, her alma mater. She spoke about her recent book, Styles of Joy, sharing her whimsical journey to discovering joy through storytelling and offering a feel-good framework for cultivating joy in everyday life. Guests left not only with small tokens designed to spark joy, but also with meaningful ideas for incorporating joy into daily moments.
Thank you to members of the Lamplighter community for supporting the Dolores Evans Speaker Series through your attendance at these events. The Series continues to bring engaging and timely topics to parents, faculty, staff, and the broader DFW community.
for whom the Series is named.
SC Perot, author of Styles of Joy
LAMPLIGHTER LEGACY
GENERATIONS OF LAMPLIGHTERS
As we welcome the newest members of the Lamplighter Alumni Association, LampPost celebrates our multigenerational families with a student in the Class of 2026. Even more exciting this year is the recognition of our two three-generation Lamplighter families! Learn more about what our parents and grandparents remember most about their Lamplighter experience.
I remember a steady sound of the animals’ chatter, children’s laughter, song and play that filled the rooms of this happy place.
BETH BALISTERI UNIS ’68
JOE UNIS ’96
JOSEPH UNIS ’26
MARY FRANCES UNIS ’26
“When I was asked to reflect on my memories of Lamplighter, so many came flooding back to me. There are the obvious ones that still excite children today: the barn full of animals, feeding the chickens, Hootenannies, square dancing, the Halloween Parade, just to name a few.
My memories go back to the original school that was in a house on Churchill Way on a dirt road on a large piece of land with a barn full of hay and animals. Mrs. Murray and Ms. Swain lived in the house right next door. Peacocks roamed the property along with chickens and a cat named Perdu who quite often came through an open window and landed on your desk. No one shooed him away. He just curled up and took a nap.
Art was finger painting, drawing with pastels, and making murals and sets for plays we were performing. My fourth grade Senior play was done completely in French, which was the foreign language we were learning at that time. We memorized the French national anthem and sang it every day.
I loved playing in the barn at recess swinging on the rope swing, landing in a big pile of hay, and playing dodgeball or kickball. I remember a steady sound of the animals’ chatter, children’s laughter, song and play that filled the rooms of this happy place.
Children were hugged in and out each school day. I was one of the lucky ones to be able to attend this magical school. I have watched my son and my three grandchildren experience so many of the wonderful traditions that were started so many years ago and continue on to this day. I am so grateful to my parents for making the decision to send me to Lamplighter which sparked the flame, and it continues to stay lit through my son and grandchildren.” Beth Balisteri Unis ’68
“Experiencing Lamplighter through the lens of my children evokes a certain nostalgia. I recently overheard our twins telling their little brother Teddy, who is in Pre-K 3: ‘you have to go to Lamplighter for fourth grade. It’s awesome!’ I wholeheartedly agree, and fondly remember the culmination of my seven-year experience, specifically, those fourth grade traditions that are so uniquely ‘Lamplighter’ from Senior jackets, to Lamplighter Layers, to the Opera none of which can be experienced anywhere else. For me, ‘Senior Year’ is what truly sets Lamplighter apart.” Joe Unis ’96
CHIP FAGADAU ’61
FLAUREN FAGADAU BENDER ’90
SALLY BENDER ’26
“Lamplighter’s approach to education remains the same as it was when I was a student. The loving commitment to unlocking the potential of every child has not changed over the decades. The remarkable leaders administrators, teachers, and parents have nurtured and sustained the vision of the founders, Mrs. Murray and Ms. Swain.”
Chip Fagadau ’61
“Some of my favorite Lamplighter memories are Hootenannies, Carnivals, and Lamplighter Layers, traditions that continue to contribute to the magic of the Lamplighter experience. The best part of Lamplighter though when I was a student and today is the incredible teachers who inspire a lifelong love of learning!”
Flauren Fagadau Bender ’90
AARON
BROWN ’93
MARCUS BROWN ’26
“Looking back on my time at Lamplighter, the memories that stand out most are the annual traditions, like Carnival and the Halloween Parade. Those moments, among others, capture the spirit of the school: imaginative, community-building, and centered around the kids. What I didn’t appreciate then, but deeply value now, is how enduring those traditions are. Watching my own children experience that same excitement, in the same spaces, has been incredibly meaningful.”
Aaron Brown ’93
The loving commitment to unlocking the potential of every child has not changed over the decades.
MARGARET JOHANSEN HIRSCH ’89
CHARLOTTE HIRSCH
’26
“It’s impossible to say what I remember most about my Lamplighter experience as a student since there are so many vivid memories reading Chronicles of Narnia in the well with Mrs. Levy, swinging from the ropes in the barn’s hayloft, recreating the flooding of the Nile with a saltclay model, racing up and down the hill! But the overall sentiment is pure joy in learning, in friendships, in being nurtured by Mrs. Mattingly and every teacher in her care. It truly exemplified a serious education wrapped in the wonder of childhood.”
Margaret Johansen Hirsch ’89
LAMPLIGHTER
LAMPLIGHTER LEGACY
JUSTIN TONICK ’90
EMERSON TONICK ’26
“What I remember most about being a Lamplighter student is how much fun I had at school. Each day was a joy, whether I was feeding chickens, running through the tunnel in the hill, or even creating code on computers to do colorful geometric designs! I also remember how proud I was to show off what I had learned to my parents during open house events. My time at Lamplighter was truly memorable and formative and I am so glad to be able to give my children a similar experience.” Justin Tonick ’90
JACQUELINE SIEGEL NELSON ’94
HENRY NELSON ’26
“When I was a Lamplighter student, I remember loving the greenhouse and the playground hill. I was so happy that the School kept the tunnel under the hill when the new Peak Playground was constructed!”
Jacqueline Siegel Nelson ’94
What I remember most about being a Lamplighter student is how much fun I had at school.
BRAD WALLACE ’93
BROOKS WALLACE ’26
“My favorite memory of my time as a Lamplighter student was running around in the bamboo forest that used to be on the playground!” Brad Wallace ’93
Iam the baby of four siblings, all of whom went to Lamplighter except for me. In spite of that fact, I somehow managed to have a happy childhood. So I never thought much about it until Traci and I toured the campus when we were considering schools for our oldest daughter, Isabel. All of a sudden I had new reasons to be jealous of my older siblings.
I didn’t know a school could be such a joyful place: the animals, the wells, the Hootenannies, the playground, the teachers the word “magical” kept coming to mind. And then there was the new Head of School, Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill, who was so welcoming, engaging, and energizing. It was one of the easiest decisions we’ve ever made.
That was 14 years ago, and every day since then we have been a Lamplighter family. Isabel was followed two years later by her sister Blythe, and five years after that by Laurel. Laurel practically grew up at Lamplighter. As soon as she could talk, she told us how much she wanted to go to Lamplighter with her sisters. As soon as she figured out how to unbuckle her car seat, it was all we could do to keep her from jumping out of the car to get hugged in at South Carpool when we dropped her sisters off each day.
One of the great joys of our lives has been watching all three of our girls grow and bloom at Lamplighter. Maybe they would have become just as curious, confident, and joyful if they had gone to another school; and maybe it was just our “exceptional” parenting. But we’re pretty sure it was Lamplighter that allowed our girls to grow into the most fully expressed version of themselves.
SENIOR PARENT
Reflection
by Ham Lee, parent of graduating Senior Laurel Lee ’26 and two Lamplighter alumni, Isabel Lee ’20 and Blythe Lee ’22. Ham also served on the Lamplighter Board of Trustees from 2017 – 2023.
After 14 years of driving the Murray Swain Ring Road every morning, there are bound to be some tears when we drop Laurel off for her last day at Lamplighter (and I’m not saying whose tears...). However, while we might not be on campus nearly as much in the future, we’re comforted by the fact that we know we will take the Lamplighter community with us. Our girls have made lifelong friends at Lamplighter, and so have we. Once a Lamplighter family, always a Lamplighter family.
Back row: Ham Lee, Isabel Lee ’20, Blythe Lee ’22, Traci Lee Front row: Laurel Lee ’26
Laurel Lee ’26 with parents, Traci & Ham Lee, at the Kindergarten Playground Visit
THE CLASS OF 2026
Shares their personal reflections of The Lamplighter School!
All of the special privileges we have like crew, Flash, and carpool escorts.
How much you get to interact with the younger grades.
Getting to do crew because I love working with the chickens.
and being with my friends for one more year.
All of the privileges, like Flash, crew, and carpool escorts.
All of the privileges like the Senior Opera, Flash, crew, and more.
There are so many opportunities and milestones.
The ability to have so many fun responsibilities.
You
Being in the Parade and doing escorts because you get to be the leader.
Getting to work on the Senior Opera and receiving a Senior jacket.
Rishaan Singh
Charlotte Hirsch
Tristyn Green
Levi Dornin
Ames Stephenson Playing
Brooks Wallace
Eli Wiesner
Ayla Ayik
Blake Birnbrey Making bonds better than ever before, and not just with your little friend group, but with the whole grade.
Zach Johnson Getting a Senior jacket and taking care of the chickens.
Emerson Tonick Being able to take care of the chickens because it teaches us responsibility.
Reid McCullough
get to go on the Senior Trip to Austin.
Caroline Parsons
Naomi Brainerd
The Music room because I love learning new songs and playing instruments.
Graham Armstrong
The basketball court because I have a lot of memories there.
I love the Auditorium because we have Hootenannies there.
Selma Shalabi
The Barn because I love crew and getting to take care of the chickens. It’s like taking care of the school mascot!
I love the Pre-K and Kindergarten rooms because they are full of memories.
The
I
The library because it is a very quiet and relaxing environment.
The Drama room because when I step in, I am always ready for a good time.
Sawyer Johnson I love the Wondering Worm because it has lots of places to crawl and makes you feel tiny.
I love the Barn the most because inside you see history photos on the wall.
Pearce Hennessey
The Innovation Lab because we get to do so many cool things in Science.
The Jonsson Garden because it’s a place where people make friends and have fun.
Aaron Walsh I really like my advisory because it makes me feel at home.
Nathan Larsen
soccer field because
get to practice my soccer skills.
Colette Michael
Sally Bender
Marcus Brown
Ari Rubin
Lucy Dowdy
Lucy Turner
Laurel Lee
THE CLASS OF 2026
Amara Thomas
The loving and caring community because not all schools are as special as Lamplighter.
Andrew Clarke
The teachers because I have known them my whole life.
The Carnival because it is where all the excitement and joy is.
Allie Karpidas
The playground because it is so big and fun and there is really nothing like it at other schools.
I will miss the teachers and that feeling of being loved.
I
Pizza Fridays and my friends.
The Barn because it feels like I have made a bond with the chickens.
The teachers because they have nurtured us to this point, and the Hoots because that’s when the whole school gathers.
All of the amazing teachers because they are all so nice and helpful.
Caroline Stone
The Hootenannies because I love that tradition and no other school does that.
Addy Simon
The pot-belly pigs because I love seeing them and they make the School unique.
All of the teachers because they have guided me throughout the years, and they have always been so special to me.
Dom Heskes
Ari Peters
Vrishank Suresh
Caroline Kaminsky
Camila Harrison
Jacob Kobrin
Riaan Mukhi
will miss the teachers the most because they guided us and helped us.
Ellery Gentry
Clifton Harper
Cherish your time at this place because it is so special.
Westyn Ryals
Always be kind to all the faculty and students
Cameron Hodges
Cherish every moment because time goes by when you are having fun.
Avaline Williams
You should have fun because your experience will be ten times better.
Maya Gumpalli
You matter and you should always be yourself.
Mary Frances Unis
Be kind, be yourself, and let your Lamplighter light shine on your teachers, friends, and community.
Live in the moment because you never know how much you love something until it’s gone.
Always try your hardest, and if you fail, you’ll get it next time.
Joseph Unis
Be yourself because there is only one of you and Lamplighter is a place where you can be yourself.
Taylor Haverhals
Enjoy every second of the Senior year and have fun while it lasts, but show that you are a responsible leader while you do it.
Enjoy Lamplighter, have fun, and be kind.
Enjoy every project, and be ready because in fourth grade there are tons of big projects.
Live in the moment because when you are a Senior, you won’t want to leave.
Work hard in school, plus never give up.
Celine Ionescu
Lane Menter
Caroline Dowdy
Olivia Lemmon
Winnie Snodgrass
Tiago Henry
Henry Nelson I would tell younger students to stay for their Senior year it’s great!
A WINNING EXPERIENCE FOR THE CLASS OF 2026
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA) Auction each year is the coveted Grade Level Adventure, an experience that offers one lucky Lower School grade the chance to share a truly memorable outing together.
This year, the Class of 2026 claimed that honor, setting off on a special excursion to Bolder Adventure Park in Grand Prairie on April 10. For an action-packed afternoon, the entire Senior class came together to enjoy a wide range of activities, including rock climbing, ropes courses, zip lines, jump pads, adventure nets, a blaster arena, bumper cars, tube slides, and more.
Beyond the excitement, the off-campus experience provided meaningful time for connection, allowing students to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories in the weeks leading up to their graduation in May.
This unforgettable Grade Level Adventure was made possible through the generosity of Class of 2026 parents and their support of this year’s LPA Auction, Out of This World
Spotlight on the All School Program Spotlight on the All School Program
In this continuing feature of LampPost, we highlight a Lamplighter tradition that brings the School’s mission to life, enhancing the student experience while fostering joy, creativity, and connection within the community. In this issue, we feature the All School Program (ASP), a beloved tradition that has been part of Lamplighter since its earliest years.
The All School Program began as a holiday production during the leadership of founders Natalie Murray and Sandy Swain. At the time, the performance reflected a traditional program centered largely around a Christmas theme.
As Lamplighter’s community grew more diverse and inclusive, the program evolved into what is now known as the All School Program. While the culminating event continues to take place just before the December holiday break, it is no longer tied to a specific religious celebration. Former Head of School Pat Mattingly, who served from 1975 to 2000, is credited with guiding this shift, introducing broader, yearto-year themes that reflect the School’s values and the spirit of its students. Today, many decades later, the program continues to celebrate learning, collaboration, and the performing arts through creative, non-holiday themes.
In its current format, the School hosts three ASP performances on the final day of the fall semester. All Lamplighter students, from Pre-K through fourth grade, participate and perform for parents and extended family. Students are divided into three groups to accommodate space in Klyde Warren Auditorium for both performers and audience members. Former Lower School P.E. teacher Kathy Ritz, who served the School for 40 years from 1983 to 2023, once described the program as “a gift back to our parents and community a way to say, ‘sit back, relax, and let us entertain you.’”
SATs Faculty Team
Since its early years, the ASP has been led by Lamplighter’s Special Area Teachers, known as the SATs, who teach the arts, sciences, physical education, and Spanish. This collaborative team coordinates every aspect of the production, from rehearsals to staging, bringing the program to life each year. Music Teacher Natalie Bittner leads the initiative, working closely with fellow SATs.
Lamplighter SATs Faculty: Drama Teacher Jeff Peck, Art Teacher Lizzie Bumpas, Music Teacher Natalie Bittner, with Lower School Science Teacher Anita Orozco
In today’s format, Drama Teacher Jeff Peck oversees sound and lighting, Art Teacher Lizzie Bumpas designs and creates the backdrop, and Lower School Science Teacher Anita Orozco assists with props, costumes, performance groupings, and logistics.
Theme and Music Selection
Music Teacher Natalie Bittner, who has led the All School Program since 2017, emphasizes the depth of the experience for students. “It has a vision, a lesson, and a celebration to it,” she shares, highlighting the program’s role in teaching meaningful life lessons alongside performance skills.
Each year, Bittner selects the program’s theme, drawing inspiration from Lamplighter’s curriculum and socialemotional learning goals. “I lean on the curriculum and the social-emotional lessons being taught at Lamplighter when choosing a theme,” she explains.
She also selects the music that brings each theme to life, a process she considers especially meaningful. “I love finding teachable songs that will have an impact on the kids something they will remember 20 years from now,” she says.
Over the years, Bittner has collaborated with former Lamplighter Music Teacher Claude White, who continues to lend his talents in composing and arranging music for the program. “Mr. White is a brilliant musician and has been so generous in sharing his time and skills,” Bittner notes. “He loves Lamplighter and wants to give back, and he has been an invaluable resource.” White served as Lamplighter’s Music Teacher for 18 years, from 1997 – 2015.
Rehearsals & Production
Students are introduced to the ASP theme in the fall and begin learning songs during music classes. In addition to music and lyrics, they explore the meaning behind each piece. After Thanksgiving break, classes are combined by grade level, allowing students to rehearse together and build both confidence and community.
In the week leading up to the performance, the School holds a “Tech Week,” during which lighting, sound, and props are incorporated into rehearsals. Months of preparation culminate in performances for families and community members on the final day before the December holiday break.
All School Program 2009
All School Program 2003
All School Program 2008
Former Lamplighter Music Teacher Claude White
TREASURED TRADITIONS
Costumes
Costumes play an important role in bringing each year’s theme to life. SATs guide costume design, often with the support of parent volunteers. In some years, students help create their own costumes during art or science classes, depending on the theme.
For example, during the 2024 program, themed “Science Spectacular,” students wore white lab coats decorated with the Lamplighter “L” flame adding a creative and personalized touch to the performance.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the All School Program is its emphasis on cross-grade collaboration. By working together in mixed-age groups, younger students learn from their older peers, while older students develop leadership skills. This shared experience not only strengthens community but also reinforces the values at the heart of a Lamplighter education.
Although Lamplighter did not host an All School Program in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tradition returned in 2021 with a creative, modified format. Students performed in smaller groups and wore colored masks that complemented their costumes, allowing the program to continue in a safe and thoughtful way. The School hosted six performances over three days during the week leading up to the holiday break.
Throughout Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill’s tenure as Catherine M. Rose Head of School, the All School Program has remained rooted in distinct, youthful themes that evolve from year to year. One notable change during her leadership was the shift in scheduling, from a traditional Saturday performance to a weekday program, typically held on a Friday, on the final day before the December holiday break. Themes that were celebrated during Dr. Hill’s tenure included:
2025 — Sing Me A Story
2024 — Science Spectacular
2023 — 70 Years of Lighting Lamps
2022 — The Colors of Our Days
2021 — Happy Together
2019 — Lamplighter on Broadway
2018 — It’s a Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood
2017 — Seasons of Change
2016 — Global Harmony
2015 — Building Our Future
2014 — This Pretty Planet
2013 — Singin’ in the Rain
2012 — The Sounds of Science
2011 — Decades
All School Program 2010
1971 2003
Laura Charlton Cole ’71 and her husband David recently moved to San Francisco, where they lived twice before and returned often for vacation. Laura worked at Good Shepherd Episcopal School in Dallas for 17 years and recently retired. Laura and David have three children. Anna Cole ’07 lives in San Francisco where she works with a real estate investment fund based in Boston. Kelly Cole ’03 is a teacher and is moving to San Francisco this summer where she will find a teaching position. Michael Cole lives in New York City and works with AI in banking.
1992
Carlyn Ray ’92 is participating in her first-ever museum exhibition, “Emergence: Transformation Through Glass and Light,” at The Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas through September 19, 2026.
2002
Dr. Caroline Brasch Noonan ’02 is a licensed psychologist and has built a practice in Dallas centered on trauma recovery and maternal mental health. Caroline was recently featured in The Episcopal School of Dallas’ (ESD) alumni spotlight for Women’s History Month. She also serves as an Eastin Family WORX Internship Program Partner by opening her practice for internships to current ESD students.
David Bayless, M.D. ’03 has been accepted for an Infectious Disease Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Coleman Walker ’07 hiked The Appalachian Trail, a 2,200mile footpath from Maine to Georgia last year. He began on June 11 and finished on November 25, totaling 167 days. The trail took him through two national parks, eight national forests, along exposed ridgelines and valley floors, in snow and tripledigit heat. Longtime friends hiked sections of the trail with him, and he formed new
relationships along the way. It was the adventure of a lifetime, and he is embracing the uncertainty of what is next.
2009
Jared Steinhart ’09 currently lives in Salzburg, Austria, where he is the Global Brand Manager for Red Bull.
2009|2010
Emma Siegel ’09 , Campbell Swango ’10, Katherine Pollock ’10 , and Amelia Brown ’10 gathered to celebrate Carolina Campbell’s ’09 wedding last October. They have remained best friends since they attended Lamplighter together. Amelia, Carolina, Emma, and Katherine all chose to become teachers because of how inspired they were by their Lamplighter teachers.
2011
Sarah Lochridge ’11 is graduating this month with a bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Elementary Education and a minor in American Sign Language, and graduating in December with a master’s in Special Education.
2012
Will Steinhart ’12 graduated with a master’s degree in Finance from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin and is a CPA for Deloitte. He currently lives in New York City.
2016
Seven Lamplighter alumnae and former students are members of the 2026 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutante class. Members are
Claire Bradshaw ’16, Ryan Brown ’16, Ellie Browne ’16, Kate Eastin ’16, Gigi Enrico ’16, Madelyn Neuhoff ’16, and Olivia Zambrano ’16.
2017
Griffin Buss ’17 just completed his freshman year at the University of South Florida in Orlando. He is majoring in Computer Science and Cyber Technology.
Cub Gerber ’17 is currently a first-year student at The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. He recently released an EP under the band name Barking Sparrows. Cub and his Cistercian Preparatory School classmate, Henry Folmnsbee, created the alternative folk guitar EP, which features four tracks. You can listen to their music on Spotify.
Maxwell Johnson ’17 is completing his freshman year at Claremont McKenna College and is studying Economics and Government. He is a member of the Mock Trial Team, Director of Performing Arts for the College Programming Board, and a member of the Claremont Club Lacrosse team.
2018
2019
Sam Morse ’19 is finishing his junior year at St. Mark’s School of Texas and was recently named the Editor of the Remarker, the School’s student newspaper.
2020
Sykes Lamensdorf ’20 recently finished #5 nationally in the U18 division, winning the USA Archery Indoor National Championships, and earning a spot on the 2026 USA Archery Team. This May, he will represent the United States at the Youth Pan American Games in Colombia, where he will compete in the men’s U18 Barebow category.
Allie Gerber ’18 was recently selected as one of The Hockaday School’s Founder’s Day recipients this year. This honor recognizes graduating seniors who embody the School’s Four Cornerstones of Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics. Recipients are selected by their classmates, teachers, advisors, and adminstrators. Another Lamplighter alumna, Helen Jury ’98, served as the guest speaker at the awards ceremony.
2024
Dixie Good ’24 recently took the stage as Winnie the Pooh in East Dallas Arts’ production of Winnie the Pooh The Musical, where she earned both the “Sweet as Honey” award and the top honor of “Outstanding Performer” a fitting recognition for a role that proves sometimes the smallest things (and a little bit of honey) can take up the most room in our hearts. She also delighted audiences as Grandma Georgina in Wonka, Jr. and is looking forward to upcoming performances in Seussical Jr. this spring. When she’s not on stage, Dixie stays active playing sports and enjoying time with her friends, including her friends from Lamplighter! She is having a wonderful sixth grade year at St. John’s Episcopal School.
2022
Last fall, Hockaday eighth graders presented The SpongeBob Musical. Nine Lamplighter alumnae (Lampadaisies) were a part of the production. Drama Teacher Mr. Jeff Peck attended the performance.
Back row L-R: Sally Gillikin ’22, Lulu Pinnell ’22, Susan Illich ’22, Avery Bloom ’22, Kiara Harper ’22, Sadie Ohler ’22, Lollie MacMahon ’22, Blythe Lee ’22, Lael Baggett ’22
Front row: Mr. Peck, Lamplighter Drama teacher.
ALUMNI SPIRIT
YOUR ENGAGEMENT COUNTS! STAY IN TOUCH!
Email alumni@thelamplighterschool.org by October 1, 2026, to submit entries for the Alumni in Action section of the Fall 2026 LampPost
THE LAMPLIGHTER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION launched a new tradition this year with a fall Alumni Picnic.
Alumni spanning seven decades gathered on campus one Saturday afternoon in early November to reconnect with former classmates, visit with families, hear the latest news from the School, and enjoy time on the iconic Peak Playground.
A special thank you to Alumni Association President Joe Firth ’03 and members of the 2025-2026 Alumni Council for spearheading this wonderful event!
CLASS OF 1975 REUNION
For the second consecutive year, Lamplighter alumni gathered to celebrate their 50th Reunion!
This new tradition, launched following the School’s 70th anniversary, offers a special opportunity for our “golden” alumni to return to their first alma mater.
This year, the Lamplighter Class of 1975 marked this significant milestone with a gathering at the home of Michelle Neuhoff Thomas ’75, followed by a day on campus featuring lunch, a school tour, and participation in a Lamplighter Hootenanny.
The School extends a heartfelt thank you to the Class of 1975 Reunion Co-Chairs, Eugenia King ’75 and Michael Hurst ’75, and to the Reunion Committee: Craig Budner ’75, Julie Ray Fields ’75, Emily Forman Jourdan ’75, Cary-Elisa Briggle Rubarts ’75, and Michelle Neuhoff Thomas ’75.
IN MEMORIAM
The Lamplighter School honors the following members of our community who have recently passed away:
Georgia Sue Black
December 29, 2025
Mother of Peggy Black Meyer ’73, Steve Black ’74, and David Black ’79; grandmother of Ben Meyer ’13 and Margot Meyer ’14
Keith Budner ’64
March 26, 2026
Alumnus; brother of Craig Budner ’65; father of Keith Budner, Jr. ’95 and Lee Budner ’98; uncle of Will Budner ’05 and Ben Budner ’09
Margaret Calfee
December 5, 2025
Grandmother of Vivi Sorrow ’24
Sarah Colanthia Rippon Carignan
February 17, 2026
Mother of former Board Chair Sarah Weinberg; grandmother of Sloane Castleman ’08, Shea Castleman ’11, and John Weinberg ’17
Linda Custard
January 22, 2026
Mother of Allen Custard ’72, Marla Custard ’75, and Laura Custard Hurt ’79; grandmother of George Hurt ’12 and Henry Hurt ’15
Chris Kirk
May 3, 2026
Father of Kirsten Kirk ’12, Jake Kirk ’15, and Declan Kirk ’18
Timothy Lindgren
April 9, 2026
Grandfather of Remi Bovard ’29
Stuart A. Morse
November 5, 2025
Father of Shannon Morse ’80 and Jed Morse ’82; grandfather of Will Clifford ’17, Sam Morse ’19, Josie Clifford ’20, and Meg Morse ’22
Cristeto A. Polvorosa, M.D.
January 5, 2026
Grandfather of Connor Adams ’25 and Claire Adams ’27
Joanne Ring
June 29, 2025
Grandmother of Aurora Ring ’31
Joyce Sporn Rutherford
March 5, 2026
Former faculty member; mother of Michelle Bova ’72; grandmother of Lindsey Bova ’98
Charles D. Ryder, Jr. ’82
November 26, 2025
Alumnus; brother of Margaret Ryder ’79
Ruth Seib
December 21, 2025
Grandmother of Dakoli Seib ’22, Arvin Seib ’24, and Darcy Seib ’28
Nicholous “Mark” Varel
November 23, 2025
Father of Ella Varel ’11
Dr. Steven Weisenburger
February 14, 2026
Father of Lamplighter faculty member Rachel Gutierrez
We regret any omissions from the acknowledgements. To honor a member of our community in a future LampPost magazine, please send an email to advancement@thelamplighterschool.org.
On Lighting Lamps: 70 years at The Lamplighter School
Last chance to reserve Lamplighter’s 70-year history book!
On Lighting Lamps: 70 Years at The Lamplighter School captures the story, spirit, and traditions that have defined our first seven decades. This limited-edition, coffee-table book is nearly sold out order before copies are gone!
Scan the QR code or visit: www.thelamplighterschool.org/historybook $70 per book shipping fees may apply
Funding for the printing of On Lighting Lamps: 70 Years at The Lamplighter School, was generously provided by the Eugene McDermott Foundation.
Spirit Store Designer
Carver Easley
Lamplighter Class of 2028
Carver was the lucky winner of the Spirit Store Designer item up for bid at this year’s LPA Auction, Out of This World
Look for Carver’s custom-designed item, launching August 2026 in the Spirit Store.
The School extends a heartfelt thank you to members of the Dr. Hill Hug Out team Flauren Fagadau Bender ’90, Jenney Gillikin, Margaret Johansen Hirsch ’89, Jennifer Karol, Karen Sheinberg Pollock ’76, and Catherine M. Rose, who not only spearheaded the Hug Out plan, but also led the Endowment Campaign effort. Lamplighter’s Board of Trustees, Leadership Team, and faculty and staff supported many memorable moments to celebrate this commemorative year.
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the Lamplighter community has been “hugging out” Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill as we celebrated her 15th and final year as our Catherine M. Rose Head of School. We celebrated her extraordinary service in the following ways:
• Luminary Reception at the home of Catherine M. Rose
• Endowment Campaign to grow Lamplighter’s endowment past $20 million
• Breakfast with past Presidents of the Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA)
• The inaugural all-Alumni Picnic in the fall
• Lunches with LPA Board members
• Video tribute and paddle raise at the LPA Auction, Out of This World
• Launch of a newly redesigned Lamplighter website
• Luncheon for third and fourth grade students and their grandfriends during Grandest Friends’ Day
• Cookout with young alumni after the Young Alumni Car Wash
• Lamplighter Spirit Award presentation and retirement celebration on April 21
• Board Dinner with all Trustees who served during Dr. Hill’s tenure
• Collection of written and video tributes for Dr. Hill
• Student video tribute at the Senior Opera dress rehearsal
• Class of 2026 Senior Opera dedication and Graduation tribute
