FWCD Celebrates 63rd Birthday 

March 6 was FWCD’s 63rd birthday, and it was a grand celebration! A drumline led students, faculty and staff to the program in the Sid W. Richardson Round Gym, where the entire school gathered to commemorate the day.

Student Body President Jack Wegman ’26 and his Kindergarten Buddy Jay Michael Warren ’38 kicked off the festivities with Warren proudly saying, “Happy Birthday, Fort Worth Country Day!” Wegman reflected on how the School began with a simple idea: to create a community where students are challenged, supported and inspired. He encouraged students to honor that vision by living out FWCD’s Core Values: Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarship and Courage. “Those values show up in the small moments: when you include someone new, when you choose to do the right thing, or when you support a teammate or classmate,” he said. “One thing I’ve realized is how quickly this time goes. So my advice is simple: be present. Take advantage of opportunities, even the ones that seem intimidating. Push yourself to grow, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

“And just as importantly, be someone who makes this place better for others. The way you treat people, the respect and kindness you show, that’s what lasts,” Wegman continued. “Founders Day reminds us that something meaningful can begin with a single idea, and continue because of the people who choose to build on it. So let’s keep building together.”

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the Alma Mater, FWCD Cheerleaders led the crowd in a cheer: Red, Blue, Go, Falcons. Each Quad had a word. The first round was a whisper, the second round was a regular voice, and the third round was as loud as possible. There was a ton of spirit displayed!

Head of School Eric Lombardi touched on the history of FWCD, its community and faculty/staff milestones. This year’s Founders’ Day donation drive benefited Breakthrough Fort Worth. Lombardi thanked the Student Council for their efforts in collecting school supplies for the 296 students who are in this summer program hosted on the FWCD campus.  

He also paid homage to FWCD’s growth from 211 students and three buildings in 1963 to today’s campus with 14 buildings and multiple gyms and fields. Lombardi also shared that he had a special 60th reunion with John Robinett ’66, the only graduate in his class, and he recognizedCarol Garvey Sweat ’70, Richard Garvey ’72 and Claire Lise Knecht H’06, a Founding Faculty Member, as Plankholders (individuals who were part of the FWCD from its very beginning).

Gratitude took top billing, as Lombardi welcomed students, faculty and staff from every division to the stage to share appreciation for the School for 63 Seconds of Gratitude. This portion of the program was a reminder that FWCD’s milestones aren’t measured only in years, buildings or programs. Instead, they are measured in people and daily acts of support, kindness and encouragement. 

Gratitude, Lombardi emphasized, is a way to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. In approximately 63 seconds, the speakers shared their messages demonstrating that sometimes the simplest gestures, like a thank-you or a shared moment, can be exceptionally meaningful. Students and faculty who spoke were Gemma Bates ’38, James Cantu ’34, Kate Stovall ’33, Eloise Wallace ’26, Brooke Beaster and DeAnn Hall. Each voice added to a collective story of appreciation.

Faculty and staff service milestones were honored, with those in Club Viginti receiving special recognition for their 20 years of service. Each inductee was escorted to the stage by a student who shared inspirational words: Lyla Pekerol ’30 spoke about Angeles Casanova; Nolan Hightower was introduced by Nolan Maas ’32; Emma Settle ’34 shared her feelings about Sara McCullough; Clovis Murphree was honored by Henry Sellers ’27; Natalie Burdman ’30 shared heartfelt words about Jackie Rains; and Maddie O’Neill ’26 shared her thoughts about Dr. Steve Uhr. 

In addition to Club V recognition, Stephen Dickey ’89 (escorted by his son, Blake Dickey ’26) and Beverly Michael (escorted by Cecilia Montgomery ’35) were acknowledged for their 25 years of service, Sheri Fuller (escorted by George Ravnaas ’36) was celebrated for her 35 years of service, and Cindy Allen (escorted by Marsland Condrey ’27) and Joe Breedlove ’78 (escorted by Haralson Condrey ’26) were honored for their 40 years of service.  

The program ended with a good old-fashioned game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with four people from each Quad competing until just two were standing for the championship. Quad D won the Founders’ Day Quad Cup Challenge this year! It was a great day of celebration, kindness and care.