January Falcon Wings Awarded

FWCD’s Parent Faculty Association awarded Natalie Bracken ’05 and Carrie Cheng with the Falcon Wings honor. Falcon Wings recognize PFA volunteers, FWCD teachers or staff who soar above and beyond the call of duty to enhance PFA programs or events, or have improved the greater FWCD community through their dedication and enthusiasm. A book is donated to the library in their honor. 

Mary Carolyn Gatzke ’93 made this announcement at the January PFA Meeting: 

Today, it is my pleasure to honor our January recipients of Falcon Wings, Carrie Cheng and Natalie Bracken ’05. Of course, they exemplify unparalleled qualities of excellence in traditional measures. But, as FWCD Arts Director Chelsy Beninate said, “Carrie and Natalie consistently go above and beyond for their students and genuinely care for each and every one of their dancers”

• The pair can be found on campus on a typical day until late in the evening and on weekends dedicating their time and efforts.
• They meet dancers at the dance shop to ensure they purchase the correct items for class.
• They celebrate student victories, large and small, e.g., each dancer moving to pointe shoes gets a celebration. 
• They sew and adjust costumes for individual dancers and accept all into their program so that each one feels beautiful on stage.
• They hold dancers to a high standard, and it is evident in the interactions between teachers there is a mutual respect.
• They provide classes to students who sometimes could not afford lessons and do this on their own without question. 
• They support students through injuries and difficult family situations.  
• They provide opportunities for dancers to see productions outside FWCD and bring guest artists to campus with support from CAST.

On October 7, Mrs. Cheng and Miss Bracken chaperoned nearly 80 ballet students to the Bass Performance Hall for the Texas Ballet Theater performance of Dracula. The experience was generously sponsored by Supporting CAST. Mrs. Cheng and Miss Bracken successfully applied for the grant and organized the ticket purchase, transportation, and all logistics to make the trip possible. Their support ensured all students had access to the professional production, regardless of their family's ability to attend and/or afford a Bass Hall show.  

When nominating these two, Erinn Anderson, said “Mrs. Cheng and Miss Bracken graciously took time out of their weekend to host the ballet students, without requiring parent attendance.  The show was a great opportunity for ballet students to enjoy and understand their craft on a larger scale.”