The courage to lead, the commitment to serve

Bill Arnold 86 Named Upper School Division Head

CONNALL MCCORMACK
copy editor
L
eading the Upper School is an incredible task that requires
skill, dedication and experience. Fortunately, through the
appointment of Bill Arnold as Division Head, the Upper
School has gained a leader that is up to the challenge.
I certainly couldnt have imagined being head of the Upper
School when I graduated here as a senior, Arnold said. And when
I joined the faculty in 1994, my first couple years were devoted to
learning how to teach. But when I returned from Iraq I did serve
one year as interim head, and that whet my appetite for administra-
tion. However, Arnold understands that the job does not come
without challenges.
I think the biggest challenges will be curriculum and student
health: physical, emotional and spiritual health, Arnold said, while
emphasizing that these concerns originate not from Country Day
itself but from the world young people are growing up in. This vola-
tile world we live in affirms Arnolds belief in the mission Country
Day serves to prepare students for college success and to become
leaders in society. We have to prepare you for university life,
but do so in a way that doesnt prevent you from having a happy,
healthy childhood, Arnold said. Accomplishing this mission of
laying a foundation for future success requires the creation of an
atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.
Were trying to create an academic village, so to speak, where
students talents and aspirations can be cultivated, Arnold said.
We dont want to beat the fun out of education. Arnold admires
Thomas Jeffersons early vision for the University of Virginia as an
academic village. Jeffersons vision features a learning environment
with beautiful surroundings, students that are naturally curious,
talented, possess a love of learning, and understand their responsi-
bilities. The academic village contains teachers that are experts in
their field and are committed to the mission of the school as well
as their students. The leaders and administrators of the academic
village serve as problem solvers that keep students and teachers
free from unnecessary distraction. Such an environment would be
rewarding not only for the student body, but for Arnold himself.
Ive thoroughly enjoyed spending my days with students, but I look
forward to articulating and executing the mission, goals and expecta-
tions of the school, Arnold said. Instead of moving my classroom
forward Ill be moving the institution forward, and thats a challenge
I look forward to. However, leaving the classroom wont be easy
after years spent as one of Country Days most beloved teachers.
Most of my energy is derived from spending time with great kids.
Thats why you get in the business, to spend time with kids like you
guys who are smart, fascinating and provide an uncertain environ-
ment on a daily basis. Im going to miss that, Arnold said. Despite
the transition from teacher to administrator, the student body will
still benefit from Mr. Arnolds leadership in the community.
The important thing I want students to learn is that learning is
exciting, and its a wonderful experience. But I also hope they learn
that whatever dreams they have, they cant achieve them alone,
Arnold said. There are adults and other students here that want to
help them achieve their goals. Arnold hopes that students will ask
and engage him for help and mentorship in their journey to achieve
dreams and goals. He views students seeking guidance as one of the
most rewarding experiences of educating, as it provides proof that
a difference is really being made by the efforts of the faculty. His
transition to administration will allow for the continued fostering of
this academic and personal growth, and he feels that he is up to the
challenge.
I think Im a pretty keen observer of the school. Ive been here
20 years, Arnold said. I think I understand the strengths and
weaknesses of the school and the way it operates. Aside from his
Top Lef: Bill Arnold served in Iraq with the Marine Corps in 2004. Top Right: Arnold with his daughter Allie 18. Botom
Lef: JR Torres 15 represents Arnolds transition to administration. Botom Right: Arnold with his son Robert 14 following a
football game during Arnolds coaching tenure. Photos courtesy of Bill Arnold; illustration by JR Torres 15
experiences at the school, Arnolds service in the Marine Corps
instilled leadership skills that are difficult to come by in the civilian
world.
I think my service in the military, both in the United States and
in combat has both good and bad aspects to it. But I think some of
the best things I learned through those experiences are the power
of collective effort, the importance of inspirational leadership, the
difference one person can Arnold hopes that students will ask and
engage him for help and mentorship in their journey to achieve
dreams and goals. He views students seeking guidance as one of the
most rewarding experiences of educating, as it provides proof that
a difference is really being made by the efforts of the faculty. His
transition to administration will allow for the continued fostering of
this academic and personal growth, and he feels that he is up to the
challenge.
I think Im a pretty keen observer of the school. Ive been here
20 years, Arnold said. I think I understand the strengths and
weaknesses of the school and the way it operates. Aside from his
experiences at the school, Arnolds service in the Marine Corps
instilled leadership skills that are difficult to come by in the civilian
world.
I think my service in the military, both in the United States and
in combat has both good and bad aspects to it. But I think some of
the best things I learned through those experiences are the power
of collective effort, the importance of inspirational leadership, the
difference one person can make, and the importance of prepara-
tion, Arnold said. The consequences of decisions, both good and
bad, also took on a new meaning for Arnold during his time in
the military. Although the stakes at Country Day are not nearly as
high as they are in combat, his ability to teach the consequences of
decision-making will be an asset during Mr. Arnolds tenure.
Arnolds appointment as Division Head is an exciting and encour-
aging development during a time of transition for the Country Day
community. It gives me a great sense of pride and accomplishment
to be able to serve in this capacity, Arnold said. I love the school,
I love what it stands for and I love that my children have been
here.
FWCD Mourns Loss of Beloved
US teacher, Dr. James Aldridge
F
or 31 years, Dr. James Jim Aldridge was a teacher,
mentor, colleague, botanist, chemist, motorcycle enthusi-
ast, poet, photographer... and friend, to members of the
Fort Worth Country Day community.
Aldridge collapsed from a heart attack on Saturday, April
26, while conducting a Duke TIP course in his classroom in
the Upper School Science Building. He received immediate
attention from FWCD staff members and medical profession-
als. He was transported to Harris Southwest Hospital, where
he passed away.
A faculty member at FWCD since 1983, he first started as
a Middle School science teacher and moved to Upper School
to teach honors chemistry, AP Chemistry, and AP Computer
Science more than 20 years ago. His ideas to study native flora
and fauna with students sparked the annual Big Bend Trip for
eighth graders; this years group left early Monday morning.
Students, faculty and staff have all consoled themselves a bit
knowing Aldridge died doing what he loved: sparking a love for
science in students. His Duke TIP course, Building Arduino
Boards, was a workshop on excited electrons designed for
fifth and sixth graders; he was of course dressed in his trade-
mark blue labcoat, business as usual.
To be an adult who will just listen to [students] is pretty
cool, Aldridge said in the 2007 Flight yearbook. Id like to
believe my extra time with them makes a difference.
And that it has. Please turn to the back page of this issue for
just a sampling of the many tributes to our Dr. A via Face-
book, Twitter and bulletin boards posted outside his classroom
and the counseling office. Travel well, Dr. A.

Fort Worth Country Day May 2014 Volume 50 Issue 4
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Q
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Editor in Chief
Zane Lincoln
Managing Editor
Tyler Steele
Copy Editor
Connall McCormack
Advertising/Business Editor
Katie Anderson
Sections Editor
Mimi Ryan
Photography Editor
Alex Doswell
Online Editor
Garret Podell
Reporters
Ross Biggs
Olivia Lincoln
William Newton
Kate Nolan
Brianna Ordoez
Natalie Rosenthal
Abby Steinsieck
Adviser
Lisa Wallace
Fort Worth Country Day
4200 Country Day Lane
Fort Worth, TX 76109
(817) 732-7718 ext. 411
quill@fwcd.org
The Falcon Quill Online
www.falconquill.org
The Quill is published ve times a year by
the Upper School journalism class. The
opinions expressed herein are those of the
sta and do not necessarily reect that of
the student body, adviser, faculty or sta.
Guest columns, leters to the editor and
articles are welcome, but submissions are
subject to editing and submission does not
guarantee publication.
The Quill accepts advertising from
public and private enterprises, given its
appropriateness for young audiences. The
Quill reserves the right to either accept or
deny any advertisement.
FALCON QUILL
Sophomore
Washington, DC Trip
Sophomores to study American government and history
on trip to DC in May
Mimi Ryan
section editor
Monday, May 5
Arrive in Washington, DC
Domestic Issues Debate
Tuesday, May 6
War Memorials: Politics of Public
Memory:
Lunch at National Place
National Archives
National Portrait Gallery
Evening Monument Tour:
Lincoln Memorial
White House
US Marine Corps Memorial
Pentagon Memorial
Air Force Memorial
Wednesday, May 7
Politics of Public Memory:
Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
American History Museum
Arlington National Cemetery
Dinner in Georgetown
Thursday, May 8
Capitol Hill Visit:
Congressional Meeting
Policy Briefngs
Supreme Court
Library of Congress
Congressional Visitor Center
Group photo
Embassy Study Visit
Air and Space Museum
Dinner in Old Town Alexandria
Friday, May 9
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Newseum
Media Seminar
Watergate Hotel
Evening on Potomac Dinner Cruise
Saturday, May 10
Depart for DFW airport
Last years sophomore students paused to take a group
photo on Capitol Hill. Being in DC for a week made
us closer as a class, Kennedy Stovall 15 said. Photo
courtesy of Lisa Wallace
Junior Alexis Palko 15 instagrams a picture of her
grandfathers grave at the Arlington National Cem-
etery. Photo by Alexis Palko 15
Sophomores sailed along the Potomac River, looking
at the countrys greatest monuments. Duncan Lee,
Sydney Phillips 15, and Cole Vick 15 enjoy an evening
dinner cruise. . Photo courtesy of Sydney Phillips 17
Sophomores last year visited the War Memorials and
National Archives on their rst day of the trip. Sydney
Phillips 15 took pictures at the World War II part of
the exhibit. Photo courtesy of Sydney Phillips 17
From the editors:
Our most recent issue in March highlighted a story on
Texas gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis, a former
FWCD parent and local Fort Worth native. This story was
about her connection to the school and the city and was in
no way an endorsement of her political views or her
candidacy. We made several attempts to reach Greg Ab-
botts campaign as well, but were unable to schedule an
interview by our deadline. We did include highlights of
both candidates platforms.
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Falcon
Summer
Reading
Universal Book
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
August Pullman was born with a facial
deformity that, up until now, has pre-
vented him from going to a mainstream
school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher
Prep, he wants nothing more than to be
treated as an ordinary kidbut his new
classmates cant get past Auggies
extraordinary face.
Grade Level Books
Freshman:
To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
Sophomore:
The Odyssey by Homer
Junior:
Being Logical: A Guide
to Good Thinking by D.Q.
Mclnerny
AP English Literature:
The King James Bible
with The Apocrypha
AP English Language:
What the Dog Saw: and
Other Adventures by
Malcolm Gladwell
Choice Books
47 Ronin by A.B. Mitford
Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
All The Way To Berlin by James Megellas
The Bear by Claire Cameron
Calico Joe by John Grisham
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
Defant by Alvin Townley
The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson
Dune by Frank Herbert
The Elegance of Hedgehogs by Muriel Barbery
Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keys
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Ill Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
Inferno by Dan Brown
Its Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Katchatka by Marcelo Figueras
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Loves Music, Loves to Dance by Mary Higgins Clark
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Middlemarch by George Elliot
Miss Peregines Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Mole People by Jennifer Toth
My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Period 8 by Chris Crutcher
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Riechsblood by Jon Shipley
S by JJ Abrams and Doug Dorst
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Shelter: A Mickey Bolitar Novel by Harlan Coben
The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp
Suzannes Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
Then I Met My Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Warriors Heart by Eric Greitens
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Logo design by Aaron Lax 16
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ZAne lincoln
editor in chief
THANKS FOR THE BEST
It all started in 2001, our debut on
campus. It was a year of frsts. We
were the new kids on the playground,
even though we had our own. We
had Splash Day, complete with blow
up pools and water guns, on the play-
ground to kick off the school year.
New to the whole school thing, we
made friends, made the most of re-
cess, and tried to make even more
out of nap time. When the teacher
called for us to bring out the mats, we
all knew what was coming: 45 min-
utes of quiet and a small snack. For us, it meant not shutting
our eyes for a moment, not wanting to miss a waking mo-
ment of the seemingly short time we had together for the
day. All we wanted to do was have fun. We made leprechaun
traps in the hope for scoring some gold; we all thankfully got
some, but the legend goes that it was probably Mrs. Buis that
tricked us into thinking we actually caught a leprechaun. I
remember taking our frst ever feld trip to the apple farm;
we got to spend the day drinking fresh apple juice, playing
in the barn, and learning about how apples make it from the
farm to the grocery store. We were wild, we were crazy, but
we were unique. We had a successful year at establishing our-
selves as the class of 2014...which was then 12 years away.
Second grade was flled with lots
of learning and memorizing, but
also lots of fun. We took a crash
course in how to write in cursive,
something I still cant do even to
this day as a graduating senior. I
had to revert back to basics and
stick with regular handwriting; it
may or may not have been because
I failed many of my assignments
for writing letters incorrectly. In
Mrs. Robinsons class, we were put
to the test of memorizing a poem
every week and reciting back to
her every Friday. Every week, I would walk up to her desk
and butcher the poem because I hadnt memorized it. I
didnt memorize a single poem that year, except for the lon-
gest one, ironically: Timothy Tompkins. We read Small
Steps, about Peg Kerhet and her battle with polio. I re-
member being so interested in it that I made a deal with
my mom: if she drove me to the Barnes & Noble on Uni-
versity and bought it for me so I could fnish it before Mrs.
Robinson did, I would let her shop in Pottery Barn. That
day, I sat on one of the couches in the store for probably
an hour and a half or two and read the book from cover
to cover. Its the only book Ive ever fnished in one sitting.
One last thing I remember from my second grade class was
a day dedicated to board games and candy; Mrs. Robinson
promised us that one day, she would go out and buy all of
our favorite candy and let us each bring our favorite board
game, and we would spend the day playing and eating can-
dy. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Sec-
ond grade proved to be a challenging one, but it couldnt
have allowed us to enjoy third grade any more than it did.
Being our third year in lower
school, we grew accustomed to
reading books, studying for vocabu-
lary quizzes, and learning about
other cultures through quarterly
projects. Another aspect of lower
school that we had gotten used to
was the monthly meetings with
our families, composed of mem-
bers from grades K-4. We wrote
letters to the elderly and soldiers
fghting overseas, we even wrote
letters to each other. We became
even closer. We dressed up in costumes on Halloween and
paraded through campus, hidden behind masks that con-
cealed our fear of the middle and upper schoolers. I was in
Mrs. Williams class, one of my favorite classes in my time
here at Country Day. Sometimes, she would read us scary
stories in the dark, sometimes she would bring her dog Sassy
for us to play with and pet, and every Friday, she would
give us a playful quiz over recent popular movies, the score
of the most recent Cowboys game, and who got eliminated
from American Idol. Not a day went by that she didnt have
a smile on her face. She taught us how to love one another,
how to make learning fun, and how to prepare ourselves for
the last year of our lower school career. Third grade was
a memorable one, but it was our turn to be the big kids.
Fifth grade was an adjustment period.
Plain and simple. We got our essays butch-
ered, being held to a higher standard. We
werent little kids anymore, and we had to
learn how to grow into our confusing new
roles: being big kids, however, at the same
time being the youngest in middle school.
These were the glory years. Braces. The
beginnings of acne. Glasses. We slept
in front of our very own lockers, played
games with Mrs. Lincoln and Mr. Ste-
phens, and watched movies at the Howdy
Overnight. Middle school was also a time
of big-time feld trips. None of the day
trips to the Dallas Aquarium or the Log Cabin Village. Were
talking overnight trips to Sky Ranch, Austin, Vicksburg, and
fnally Big Bend. In hindsight, Sky Ranch was really a trip dedi-
cated to team building. We completed activities in small groups
that showed us what we could do if we just worked together.
We also had opportunities for individual success throughout
the year as well. Mouse trap cars, spaghetti towers, and dis-
secting a real-life lambs heart were some of the most popular
projects in our debut year as the freshmen of middle school.
Sixth grade was probably the most
diffcult in middle school for me. I had
to confront my diffculty with math and
learn how to balance all the different
facets of Country Day life. It was also
a very rewarding year, though. Right
after winter break, we learned how to
make origami with Mr. Jones. We got a
whole day dedicated to dressing up like
gods and goddesses, complete with au-
thentic Greek food from Pak-a-Pocket,
during Greek day. We also had our
volcano projects, our rock cycle proj-
ects, and our studies of the risks of smoking and drugs on our
body. We made time capsules about making the right choices
which we would open our sophomore year of high school, and
even got to feel the difference between healthy lungs and dis-
eased lungs. We also had an unforgettable year in Texas his-
tory with Mr. Maddux, which culminated in a trip to Austin,
where we saw frst-hand much of what we had studied ear-
lier in the year. Becoming more established in middle school
at this point and adapting to the newer and larger workload,
we were ready to move to the second foor of the building.
The walk up the stairs every morn-
ing was satisfying at frst, but as we got
past the excitement of being over half-
way done with middle school, we quickly
realized that it was more of an inconve-
nience than anything else. Seventh grade
was marked by countless dissections in life
science with Mrs. Whalen, pre-algebra
and pre-requisite skills with Mrs. Dorsey,
roots quizzes with Mrs. Rains, the geog-
raphy question of the day with Mrs. For-
rest, and learning Latin American songs
in Spanish with Mrs. Montgomery. We
took a trip back in time to Civil War
America when we traveled to Vicksburg, where we put together
everything wed been working on in history to life, with trips to
plantations, a mock trial, and presentations as members of the
Confederacy and the Union. Part of seventh grade was simply
getting ready for our last year of middle school: eighth grade. We
had had it on our radar for a long time, but it was fnally here.
Eighth grade was defnitely the most
memorable. Mr. Hoover. Mrs. Burle-
son. Mrs. Romero. Mr. Coffee. Mrs.
Willis. All these teachers worked night
and day to make sure we had the most
memorable time, one that we could
look back on and think of how much
fun we really had. Our science safety
videos really caught us in our prime,
revealing how truly awkward and fun-
ny we were. I sit here laughing about
how random we were back then. We
had really become a very defned class
here at Country Day, and we had continued making a name
for ourselves through our endless energy, sense of humor, and
dedication to learning. Big Bend was the peak of our middle
school career, both literally and fguratively. We hiked to the
top of the Chisos mountains, had lunch halfway through, and
then hiked back down only to be greeted by fresh lemonade. We
had reached the top of the mountain and our middle school
career, but the most important thing is that we had all done it
together. We crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico, represent-
ing our imminent passage into the foreign upper school. The
trip culminated in our last, and probably most awkward, mid-
dle school dance. Feeling a little too good for eighth grade, we
were all pretty ready to make the transition into high school.
Next was lower school, frst grade to
be exact. The trademark of our frst year
in lower school was the rice babies. We
laughed at how fat some of our friends
were when they were born, we came to
terms with the fact that it wasnt that
long ago that we were that size, and we
learned how to take care of something.
I remember pushing my rice baby in a
stroller that the moms had brought for us
to use. I thought it was the coolest thing at
the time. It was the frst time we truly felt
older. We had Camp Write Along, with
daily care packages from parents containing anything from
food to new school supplies. It was a week flled with camp-like
activities that gave us a sort of break from the stress of frst
grade. We had Zero the Hero, that would mysteriously visit
us sporadically throughout the year to bring special gifts like
candy or toys. Everyone that wasnt in Mrs. Hills class was im-
mensely jealous because that meant we didnt get lockers. We
had our 4th grade friend, who would visit us on the opposite
side of the building every once in a while to check in on us, see
how we were doing, and offer some time for us to play with
the big kids before they went off to middle school. To end the
year, we all got to wash our desks with shaving cream. Proving
to be a little bit messy, it allowed us to not only disinfect the
desks for the next years 1st graders, but it also let us give our-
selves a blank slate and it signifed our passage into 2nd grade.
Fourth grade. We had fnally
made it to the top of the food
chain. We got to sit at the top of
the atrium during assembly, be
dismissed frst at many events, and
be recognized as the leaders of the
lower school. Although 4th grade
was a year of lasts, it was also a
year of frsts. It was our last year
of Starlab, our last year of com-
puter class with Mrs. Holland, our
last year of Fried Food Fridays at
the cafeteria, our last year of lower
school altogether. But, it was our
frst year as the oldest kids, our frst year to really understand
how grown up we were compared to frst grade, our frst
year to really showcase everything we learned for the past
three years. We slowly started reading those red dot books,
formed our friend groups, and enjoyed our last year with
a playground. Kickball and wall ball were always favorites,
with everyone trying to punt the soccer ball over Mrs. Har-
lins room into the small soccer feld behind Mrs. Robinsons
room. We took advantage of the zip-line that was going to
be removed the next year due to too many injuries. Woops.
By the end of May, I didnt really know what middle school
would be like. I just knew it was in the near future; little did I
know, it would be a lot different from what I initially guessed.
T
o be completely honest, I dont really know
how to start. In fact, I dont even want to write
this right now, in a little bit, or ever. I dont want
to say goodbye.
College sounds pretty nice around this time of year for
us. Weve all heard that its the best 4 years of your life,
that its where you make your best friends, where youll
make memories youll remember for the rest of your life.
We cant wait because its so close. Im not here to tell you
otherwise, but having been here for so long and this being
my fnal year as editor in chief of the Falcon Quill, I think
its a great opportunity to share my last story with you
guys, the Class of 2014.
For 13 years, I have woken up at 7 am, put on my
uniform, and passed through the gates into Country Day.
Its hard to believe that 13 years in the same community is
suddenly beginning to feel like a couple of hours.
With every acceptance, denial, or waitlist letter, were
continuously being confronted with the future and what
it holds. As the year is quickly coming to a close and all
of our countdowns to graduation are making their way
towards 0, I cant help but think about everything that I
have done here, what this environment has done for me
and allowed me to do, and what all of you guys mean to
me. Call me sentimental, and Ill counter with nothing.
Youre right.
I think being an original makes things a little harder;
after all, over half of our grade has stuck together since
kindergarten. Thats 4748 days.
Here is a good summary of what this rollercoaster of a
ride has been for me, and maybe even some of you.
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13-YEAR RODEO
EVER
B
efore we knew it we were seniors. We would
graduate next year. It happened incredibly fast,
too fast. I could write for days about my experi-
ences here at Country Day, but I have neither the time nor
the space to do that. Senior year was the best I couldve
asked for.
It was because of all of you guys. I remember when I
was a freshman, I couldnt wait to be a senior and head off
to college; now, at times I feel the opposite. I wish I could
go back and relive the good times Ive had in this place we
all call our second home.
The class of 2014 means the world to me, and I know
that are all bound to do great things. We have been
through thick and thin together, and we have all made
countless memories with each other that will last a lifetime.
I know that we are getting to that point where we just
want high school to be over, but I just wanted to provide
one last look back for all of us. Im sitting here writing in
Mrs. Wallaces room remembering that this is my last story,
this is my last chance to put something in the Quill for all
of you guys to see. Class of 2014, you guys were my rock
when I felt like I was caught in a hurricane, you were my
joke on a bad day, you were my good luck on AP tests, you
were my foundation when I tried to climb the mountain of
applying to college. Words cant describe how much you
all mean to me. I can tell that Im starting to ramble, so Ill
just leave it with this: you guys gave me the best last rodeo
I couldve asked for, and I cant wait to see where the next
one is going to take us all.

2001
to
2014
I
m going to cover high school a little dierently
than Ive been covering the other grades. It all
happened so quickly, so Im just going to talk
about all the years together. Before high school,
I always heard seniors telling us to really soak in
every moment because it will ash before your
eyes. Being a typical 14-year-old, I cast aside any
sort of advice from a superior. Its now April of my
senior year and I couldnt agree more with what I
heard that summer before my freshman year. The
class of 2014 had some of the best seniors to look
up to. They were united, loud, hilarious, smart,
athletic, prideful, you name it. They made our rst
year incredibly easy and almost inspiring. That
year, we won the DII championship in football. I
still remember sitting on the sidelines at Amon
G. Carter Stadium with all the other sh and
watching the clock hit 0. It was unreal. It was the
best start to high school I think any of us couldve
asked for. Still, ninth grade was a little intimidat-
ing, learning how to navigate through upper school
socially, athletically, and academically. Trying to
balance these three proved to be the most dicult
and wouldnt be learned until about sophomore
or junior year for me. It was devoted to getting
to know kids across all grade levels, especially
through ne arts like any one of the publications.
For me, it was Quill. I met a lot of upperclassmen
through writing for the newspaper during my rst
year of high school. Sophomore year was de-
nitely the most dicult for me. Honors Algebra II
and Honors Chemistry really gave me a run for
my money, and I was forced to use my free time
wisely in order to be on top of everything that was
being thrown at me. There was a lot of change
sophomore year. People shifting friend groups.
New friend groups being formed. Slowly starting
to think about college and everything we had to
do to prepare for it. We took the PSAT, and were
defeated to nd out that that was only a primer.
The real SAT was much longer. There was even
another test called the ACT that we could take.
Come junior year, we were allowed to take APs,
we started college counseling, we took SATs and
ACTs, trying to get the best score possible, and
nally got to go to Prom.
day, she stays behind with sick and injured
kids to make sure they are alright while the
rest of the class hikes. She loves this experi-
ence because it gives her an opportunity to
see her students outside the classroom and
engage and get to know them in a completely
different way.
To occupy her time when she departs
FWCD for the last time for summer vacation,
she plans to be busy planning her sons wed-
ding in June. She is excited for both families
to arrive and be to-
gether to celebrate
the momentous oc-
casion. Reading is
one of her favorite
pastimes, especially
fction novels.
I mostly read
fction, but I will
read just about
everything, all
across the board,
Wilson said. Wilson
also plans to buy
a new dog and get
back to needlepoint
and crochet, since
she hasnt had the
time to do it since
returning to teach
at FWCD.
Wilson had a
few last words
for her students,
saying that, Their
education is in their
hands, Wilson
said, They can decide to degrade things or
fritter their time away, its up to them. They
all have amazing potential just have to decide
to do it.
was untouched (which I could tell was a
little puzzling to Angie). Day two she
noticed another petal was gone from the
big fower cookie, but so carefully taken out
of the wrapper as if someone hoped she
wouldnt notice. A bit confused that some-
one had the nerve to take hers and not
tell herwhen
mine was still
untouched was
a bit frustrating
(especially since
she is always
willing to share).
She almost took
it home that
day but decided
to leave it one
more day. Day
three my
bouquet was
still perfect, but
most of hers
was gone. This
time, however, a
trail of crumbs
led to the chair
in front of her
desk along with
*evidence* of
a little mouse
party! Needless to say, she was glad she did
not eat the rest of the cookie on day two.
Since that incident, Angie is quick to enjoy
edible treats before the day is over!
Goin is excited about her new house,
which she just bought with her husband,
and spending more time with her two
grandchildren. Shes is also planning some
road trips, out west and to the northeast.
Were excited, Goin said, to plan
where we dont have to be back in so many
days to start school.
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Abby Steinsieck
reporter
Natalie Rosenthal
reporter
Rubin is sad about leaving her cheerful kindergarten classes behind, but she
is optimistic about her future in Philadelphia. She plans to open a Spanish
school with her daughter and give homeless children birthday parties. Photo
by Glamourcraf
Since moving here, Whalen has been neighbors
with Katherine 17 and Madeline Walters 16 who
have loved seeing her family when they are
out and about in the neighborhood. I always
see Whalen walking with her two boys and its
always fun geting to talk to her out of a school
seting, Walters said. Photo by Alex Doswell 16
mimi ryan
section editor
Katie Anderson
ads editor
Wilson lled the eighth grade science teacher
positions in the middle of the 2011-2012 school year.
Although she will be leaving afer three short years,
she has made a big impact in the Middle School.
Mrs. Wilson came in the middle of the school year
and became my advisor. My school year went so
smoothly and prepared me for high school, said
Alex Doswell 16. Photo by Alex Doswell 16
Mrs. Goin works in the Mason Middle School
alongside her colleague and dear friend Deb
Lawson. The last three years have been great
with Goin. Ill be sad not to have her with me next
year, Lawson said. Photo by Alex Doswell 16
Falcon Favorites
I
can tell she holds Fort Worth close to
her heart. Amanda Whalen and Rob
Hereford
moved here
from New
Orleans,
Louisiana after
Hurricane
Katrina.
The people
here were so
kind after the
chaos, and I
will miss all the
teachers, kids,
and faculty,
Whalen said.
After
graduating
from Texas
A&M Univer-
sity, where she
played softball,
MS Science
teacher Aman-
da Whalen
taught in Metairie, Louisiana at Metairie
Park Country Day School, teaching 3rd
and 4th graders. She then began at Epis-
copal High School in Houston, TX. Eight
years ago she started at FWCD in 7th
grade Life Science and coaching middle
school softball. But she is remembered the
most by her Sexual Education class at the
end of the year.
Its funny how that class is the most
remembered, but I taught it for the least
amount of time, Whalen said.
Next year, she will be moving to Santa
Barbara, California with her family since
her husband,
US Division
Head Rob
Hereford, will
become the
Headmaster of
Laguna Blanca
School. She
plans to take
it slow to get
in the habit of
being in the
West coast. She
is excited for
the more time
she will get to
spend with her
children, John
and Joseph, and
really being a
mom. Whalen
is also look-
ing forward to
being outside
all the time, walking on the beach, and
also taking surf lessons. After settling in,
Whalen is thinking about working on her
Masters, maybe in educational leadership
or another science.
Whalen and Hereford are most excited
for the change because they love the new
cultures and new experiences.
I have emotional ties with Fort Worth,
but Im looking forward to a slower
pace in California, Whalen said.
T
he kindergarten building is all hap-
piness and smiles, and so was Meg
Rubin when refecting on the past
nine years shes spent at Fort Worth Country
Day. Rubins annual May event, Mrs. Spiders
Tea Party, is her favorite event of the year,
and has been a tradition of hers for the past
24 years she has been a teacher.
I love having Mrs. Spiders Tea Party be-
cause it teaches the kids good manners, and
how to entertain and serve their community,
Rubin said.
The students make their own costumes and
invite their parents to come to a party that
they have planned for weeks. Decorations are
everywhere, from fowers all over the room to
a giant spider hanging on the ceiling. Rubin
loves this day because it teaches her students
how to host a party, and entertain and serve
their guests. Before the event, all students
are given a paper to write down good deeds
they perform around their house in order to
be picked for a job at the party. Rubin and
Sheree Kinnards kindergarten classes have
enjoyed this special day that is solely for
their classes.
Rubin is excited for the future and still
plans to revolve her life around kids. She
plans on moving to Philadelphia to help her
daughter open a Spanish school, and she
is also excited to provide homeless children
with birthday parties. Shes kept all of her
books over the years and wants to read
them to sick children in hospitals. Though
Rubin is leaving the south and her wonder-
ful friends in Fort Worth, her students and
friends at Country Day will always be in her
heart.
T
he middle schools admission
offce has been in four different
places in 23 years, four offces that
MS Administrative Assistant Angie Goin
has seen in her time at FWCD. Before
coming to FWCD Goin worked at All
Saints for seven years in the pre-school.
When asked
about her favorite
memory at
FWCD Goins
frst response
was, My
favorite memory,
oh gosh. Soon
she concluded
that at least one
of hers had to
be the moves.
Thats excit-
ing, Goin said.
Memorable
times.
MS Adminis-
trative Assistant
Deb Lawson,
who has been
working with
Goin for three
years had a
story about one
of her favorite moments with Goin.
Back when we were in the old of-
fce, someone gave Angie and me each
a cookie bouquet shaped like fowers.
Angie thought it was too pretty to eat, so
she decided to leave it all wrapped up in
plastic on her desk for a few days. After
day one, she noticed a petal from the
big cookie was gone (but the plastic was
almost intact). She was at least glad they
didnt take the entire cookie but was
surprised someone didnt just ask for a
bite. I had a bouquet just like it and mine
F
rom the moment MS Science teacher
Rita Wilson walked into FWCD to
start a full time teaching job for 8th
graders, she loved everything about her new
community. Being a teacher at Trinity Valley
in many years past, Wilsons experience level
and love for teaching carried on with her
as she started her journey teaching here at
FWCD. She has taught 2 full years and one
part time year, as she began teaching the
class of 2016 in their 8th grade year about
on third into
the school
year.
She has
made many
close friend-
ships with
teachers
thus far
and looks
forward to
the future,
but is also
saddened to
be parting
with other
teachers, es-
pecially the
8th grade
team.
The 8th
grade team
works very
well togeth-
er, and each
of them are
special and
great at what they do, Wilson said.
One of her most treasured memories that
she has made in her years here has consis-
tently been the Big Bend trip that 8th grad-
ers take annually in April. Although Wilson
doesnt participate in the hikes during the
W
hat Ill really miss about working
at Country Day is the view out
my window, which overlooks the
Habitat Garden, Kay Cody said. Its so
peaceful, as most schools and workplaces are
so industrial.
Cody has taught in the Lower School
as a third grade teacher who specializes
in science, as she has a degree in medical
technology. As for her plans after Country
Day, Codys still in the process of fguring
out what she wants to do.
Her ideal pipe-dream occupation after
FWCD life would be: opening up a bakery.
Ive always said that Southwest Fort
Worth needs a tasty pastry shop, Cody said.
Her specialties are her breakfast cinnamon
rolls and anything with chocolate chips.
Whether its cookies, scones, or muffns,
Cody prepares delectable desserts.
Ultimately, the fun memories of teaching
these third graders what she will miss the
most,
Just their natural kindness and desire to
do their best in anything and everything
really sets them apart, every class just makes
me smile! she said.
Cody will missed in the Falcon community,
as she leaves behind a legacy of sweetness.
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Z
ach Reimer, or Reimdog as he is
known to his students, graduated
from Country Day in 2003 and
returned to Country Day in 2012 to teach
seventh and eighth grade history. Before
he came to Country Day he taught at
Polytechnic High School for three years
and coached baseball for four years. His
favorite memory at Country Day was last
years trip to Vicksburg that the seventh
grade goes on every year where he enjoyed
a tour of the battlefeld, putting on plays
and bonding with his students. Sometime
on the trip he was given the nickname,
Reimdog, as he is now referred to by his
students.
I have enjoyed my time at Country Day
and I loved getting to know the kids and
helping them grow and succeed.
Reimer has loved getting to know the
students over the past few years and
helping them grow and expand their
knowledge. Reimer has enjoyed teaching
at Country Day and next year although he
will not be at Country Day, Reimer hopes
to continue teaching history.
Say Farewell
Kate nolan
reporter
S
itting in Middle
School Spanish
teacher Amy Roes
classroom, the atmosphere
is full of culture. The walls
are covered in posters of
Machu Picchu and other
South American landmarks,
mostly found in Peru. There
are small artifacts all around
the room as well that Roe
collected from her travels to
Central and South America
throughout her lifetime. She
used to spend her summers
there in Iquitos, a small
village on the Amazon
River, teaching students and
immersing herself in the cul-
ture that has become second
nature to her. She laments
that she hasnt been back to
Peru in the past two years,
but instead most recently
visited Mexico over Thanks-
giving break. It makes sense
for a Spanish teacher to visit
and teach in all of these lo-
cations, but the unique thing
about Roe is that she is from
a place nowhere near them: Minnesota.
Sadly after her four-year run at FWCD,
Roe will be returning to her home state of
Minnesota this summer so she can spend
more time with her parents, specifcally her
mother who will be having two surgeries in
the future. Roe is excited to return to Minne-
sota, a complete polar opposite from Texas.
An average day in late March in Texas is
a sunny, 75-degree day, but in Minnesota,
there is still a chance of snow on the ground
and temperatures that average in the 20s and
30s. Another geological difference that Roe
is looking forward to is the lakes.
I love kayaking so itll be great to get back
to all of the lakes in Minnesota. I can still
kayak a bit here, but its nothing like in Min-
nesota, especially at sunset, Roe said.
These lakes also provide a special place
for Roe to kayak to. Her family owns a
small island off the coast of a lake near her
hometown. The island used to be full of
eagles and loons, but the birds have left the
island. Roe particularly liked watching the
baby eagles learn how to fy. Now that the
eagles are gone, her favorite part is taking
friends to visit the island. Since there are no
buildings, Roe and family and friends camp
on the island and do all of the traditional
camping activities like roasting smores over
a campfre at night.
However, one geological difference that
Roe is going to miss about Texas is Big Bend.
The annual eighth grade trip is her favorite
memory about FWCD, and she is sad that
this will be her last year to go on the trip.
Fellow eighth grade team member, Aaron
Hoover, is going to miss having Roe on the
trip, too.
Roe is a great teammate to hike with. Ill
miss having her and her Minnesotan accent
around, Hoover said.
When she is in Texas, she misses Minneso-
ta, and when she is in Minnesota, she misses
Texas. The only solution Roe has to this
problem is to come back and visit the town,
her old friends in the Spanish Department
and the Eighth Grade Team, and former
students. She also encourages her old stu-
dents to visit her before the school year ends
because it is one of the things she enjoys
most about being a teacher at FWCD.
One of Amy Roes favorite vacation spots is Peru. Her
classroom is lled with pictures and artifacts that she
has collected over the years from her visits there and
she hopes to return again soon. Peru holds a very
special place in my heart, Roe said. Photo by Alex
Doswell 16
Alex Doswell
photo editor
Zach Reimdog Reimer graduated
from FWCD in 2003. He only spent his
senior year at FWCD, but the school
made a big enough impact on him that
he applied for a job here. He is sad to
leave, but has enjoyed his time here.
Photo by Alex Doswell 16
S
tacy Sanford, Lower School Science
teacher, has taught at FWCD for 16
years. Over the years, she has made
many traditions possible such as Starlab, the
portable planetarium system. Starlab allows
all Lower School students to learn about
ancient cultures and constellations. Also, in
1999 Sanford created the Bubble Festival, a
fun activity that happens at the end of each
school year.
Students agree that Star Lab was one of
the most memorable things from their lower
school career.
Star Lab is one of my most memora-
ble experiences from being in Mrs. Sanfords
lower school class. My favorite part was get-
ting to take my shoes off and crawl into the
dome to see all of the stars, Jack Mock17
said.
Some of Sanfords best memories from
being a Lower School teacher are Edward
Hudsons turkey calls and embarrassing
Shelby Sanford, her daughter, when she
taught her.
After she leaves Country Day, Sanford
plans on enjoying Shelbys senior year. She
also has plans to pursue student-led travel
groups and catering.
Sanford started a travel group called Camp
Aspen when her daughter Shelby was in
second grade. Every summer she travels to
Aspen, CO with several students to explore
the fora and fauna. Sanford hopes to one
day offer other trips to different places such
as New York, Paris, and Italy.
It has been a pleasure getting to know the
students and I hold many special memories
in my heart, Sanford said.
Even though Sanford will be leaving Coun-
try Day, she plans on traveling. In addition to
taking trips around the world, Sanford will
continue her casserole and catering business.
She also has a passion for Vinyasa Yoga and
hopes to pursue that in her free time.
Stacy Sanford has taught at FWCD for 16 years, and her daughter Shelby Sanford
15 is a rising senior. Sanford looks forward to having free time during her daugh-
ters senior year so that they can spend as much time as possible together before
Shelby departs for college. Photo by Alex Doswell 16
Olivia Lincoln
reporter
Garrett PoDell
online editor
Although Cody will be leaving this
year, this is not the end of her relation-
ship with FWCD. Her son, Noah Cody
16, still has two more years at FWCD.
Photo by Glamourcraf
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K
evin Ford, known for his ability to
effectively teach diffcult and chal-
lenging math concepts, his hilarious
daily puns, and his knack for making clever
jokes in the middle of his
math lessons, will be leaving
FWCD after eleven years of
teaching.
Ford frst became inter-
ested in teaching while
studying abroad in Austria,
working as a teaching as-
sistant at a college prep high
school. After returning from
Austria, Ford pursued his
masters degree in German,
in hopes of teaching this
language at the college level.
A
fter nine years of teaching and three
years spent at Fort Worth Country
Day, Ashley Weeg, Upper School
and Middle School Latin teacher, will be
taking a break from teaching. She is admired
by students, including Christine Bessant.
She is one of the best teachers I have ever
had, Bessant said.
Weeg has coached girls JV soccer for the
past years that she has been at FWCD and
this year was promoted to be assistant coach
to the girls Varsity team. As I did have Mrs.
Weeg as a coach this year I can say that
she was defnitely a positive addition to the
team. She always had a way to make us
smile even after we had a bad loss, by telling
us short anecdotes about her children or
even her high school experience, going to
both Nolan Catholic High School as well as
Trinity Valley School. As a coach she was
Halfway through his masters degree pro-
gram, however, Ford decided that he would
rather teach at the high school level, and he
knew that to do this he would need a second
also a prominent factor in our win of District
Two Champions. On our journey to victory,
Coach Weeg instilled determination in each
and every one of us, as players as well as
students.
Now that Weegs time at Country Day is
coming to an end, she plans on being a stay
at home mother for her four kids: Blake, 6,
who is going to Southwest Christian; Aislinn,
5, who was just admitted to FWCDs kinder-
garten program and already a soccer star;
Alexa, 14 months; and fnally Brock, who is
due in July.
When asked about her favorite memory at
Fort Worth Country Day, she it said it would
be meeting all the students at Country Day
and having the opportunity to coach Varsity
soccer. Although she will not be teaching
next year she does still plan on helping to
coach the varsity team.
S
he manages a farm she recently inher-
ited in Virginia. She is an avid hiker in
Taos, New Mexico. She is a seasoned
poet and has
taught for a
whopping
46 years.
And who is
this mysteri-
ous woman
you ask? Is
it Wonder
Woman?
Mother Te-
resa? Oprah?
No, its Claire
Robin. Robin
has been
teaching
freshmen and
some sopho-
more English
classes at
FWCD for
eleven years,
as well as
sponsoring
Link Crew for
her frst fve years. When I asked her what
her favorite moment was in her eleven years
at FWCD, she smiled and skimmed over
several fond memories she has made over the
years.
My favorite memory a Country Day is
when the freshmen (the current seniors)
threw me a surprise birthday party for my
66th birthday. I was so surprised when I
walked in but it was so cheerful and fun,
Robin said.
Robins love for literature and teaching of
the subject has impacted students and has
refned their writings.
I used to feel uncomfortable writing- like I
had the feeling that I was missing something.
Ms. Robin has taught us really how to put
our feelings on the paper, and being able to
express those feelings has helped take off
Falcon Faculty
Ashley Weeg celebrates with girls varsity soccer team afer winning D2 champion-
ship. She has coached soccer at FWCD for three years. Photo courtesy of Lisa
Wallace
Ford oers a student extra assistance afer one of his classes. Photo by Alex Do-
swell
Brianna ordoez
reporter
a lot of pressure that freshman year has to
bring, Robert Patton 17 said.
When most teachers retire, you would
assume that they would fll their leisure time
with relaxation, but not Robin.
Well I recently inherited a farm in Vir-
ginia, so I will need to be up there most of
the time to manage it. I love to landscape
and work on my yard so I will do that, too.
I really am also trying to continue writing
poetry and connect with some of my old
college and past friends that I havent seen in
a while- oh and I cant forget about going to
Taos, New Mexico and hiking. And I would
love to go to Vienna, Austria more, Robin
said.
With all of her past accomplishments, her
astounding amount of teaching years, and
the plans she has scheduled to fulfll after
she retires, Claire Robin really is the most
interesting woman in the world.
Ross Biggs
reporter
William newton
reporter
Ashley weeg
US & MS Latin
CLAIRE ROBIN
US English
KEVIN FORD
US Math
subject. Ford chose math.
My strength in the subject and my love
for problem solving made mathematics a
natural choice, Ford said.
While the majority of the FWCD commu-
nity knows of Fords strong teaching ability,
many students dont know about one of
Fords more lesser-known talents: his musi-
cal ability. Ford has a long history in music,
dating back to his high school years where
he performed in both his schools band and
choir. By his senior year, Ford was named
drum major for his schools marching band,
a sizeable feat in a large public high school.
Ford continued singing in various choirs
throughout his time in college and sang in a
semi-professional group, called Paradigm Vo-
cal Ensemble, for several years as well.
Ford has continued his interest in music,
and he contributed his talents to the FWCD
Theater Department this past spring. In
the performance Bye, Bye Birdie, Ford
performed as a special guest actor, playing
the role of the mayor.
Being in the musical was the most fun Ive
had here at Country Day in a long time,
Ford said.
While he enjoyed his time at FWCD, Ford
is looking forward to his opportunity to teach
college-level math at Tarrant
County College next year as well
as pursuing his doctorate degree
in mathematics at the University
of Texas at Arlington.
I am excited to pursue a goal
that Ive had for years which is to
teach at the college level, Ford
said.
Robin celebrates her 66th birthday with one of her freshman classes,
who are now seniors. Photo courtesy of Claire Robin
Judith
Garrett
US Spanish
U
S Spanish teacher Judy Garrett,
commonly known as just Judith,
by her students, was greatly missed
by her students during her three-month
absence this year for foot surgery. Through-
out her 12 years, Garrett entertained her
students with her unorthodox methods
-- such as songs and games, and making up
her own acronyms
-- and shared with
FWCD Upper
School students her
vast knowledge of
Spanish.
As for what shell
miss most about
Country Day, Gar-
rett said, Its obvi-
ously the students,
just their energy and ability to fnd humor in
everything, is just unique and wonderful.
With her newfound spare time, Garrett
plans to spend more time with her grandchil-
dren, travel, and fnally clean her house.
Its something thats been needing to be
done for awhile, Garrett said.
Her work with the Diversity Club was also
greatly admired by the students and faculty
alike.
Mrs. Garrett always comes in with a smile
on her face, and is always a fun person to
be in class with, Tyler Steele 14 said.
Garrett Podell
online editor

I tried some bear stew.

It was a little grizzly.
-- one of many puns found on
Kevin Fords classroom board
California.
Its a great school, and Im thrilled to
have been named head of it, Hereford
said. I also have lots of friends out there [in
California].
Having become a very established fgure
on campus, Hereford has been able to see
Country Day through many different lenses.
Hes the husband of a teacher, allowing him
to witness individual students growth; hes
head of the upper school, allowing him to
see familiar faces everyday and offer guid-
ance; and just recently, hes been able to view
Country from the perspective of a parent.
Weve enjoyed having him as a mentor, a
leader, and most importantly, a friend. We
know hell do great things for the students at
Laguna Beach, and we wish him the best of
luck in the future.
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counselor have the opportunity to lead such
a great organization.
Another woman that Robinson uncondition-
ally loves is Lower School counselor Teresa
Fuss, the woman who convinced Ginger to
take the job after hesitations. Fuss, along with
Middle School counselor Kellie McLarty,
have been her confdantes and support team
for eleven years, so leaving them will be hard
for Robinson. However, having such great
friends and students here at FWCD gives
Robinson more of a reason to come back
and visit frequently.
As for Robinsons post-retirement plans, she
is going to be a busy woman. She wants to
continue her career in motivational speaking
but more often. When Robinson isnt speak-
ing, she plans to spend her time surrounded
by family. Between her father, her husband,
her daughter and son-in-law, and her seven,
soon-to-be eight, grandchildren, she is going
to have her hands full in the best way pos-
sible. And whenever her schedule allows it,
she is going to kayak as often as she can.
Robinson will still miss FWCD though, and
FWCD will miss her in return. She says that
the 11 years at FWCD are the best of her 39
years in education. She has helped FWCD
in so many ways; creating a safer community
that protects against eating disorders, estab-
lishing a stronger Link Crew system, and
boosting the spirits of the many students that
have come into her offce feeling down.
Ginger has been a huge presence in my life,
as shes always helped me whenever Ive had
questions about anything, from helping me
adjust to a new school to leading by example.
Overall, shes been an incredible positive
infuence in my frst three years of high
school, Garrett Podell 15, a current Link
Crew leader, said.
Podell is not the only student that Robinson
has positively affected during her eleven
years at FWCD. She will be greatly missed,
and we will always have a smile on our
faces when we think of her.
T
he most noticeable thing in Upper
School counselor Ginger Robinsons
cozy offce is the bulletin board that
is fooded with pictures and notes from stu-
dents. There are so many notes and pictures
that its obvious that Robinson, known to
students and faculty members as Ginger, is
loved deeply by all of her students, current
and former. The pictures never make her
smile, for seeing pictures of students remind
her of moments shared together. However,
the notes are what Robinson especially loves.
Sometimes, the notes are just a quick thank
you for helping out with something small.
Other times, the notes have deep meanings
from situations that Robinson has helped
students get through. These are the notes
that Robinson will remember for the rest
of her life because they remind her that her
time as a guidance counselor wasnt fruitless.
She made an impact on each and every one
of these students and many more.
Rewind to 2003 and Robinson came to
FWCD after being a guidance counselor at
an elementary school. The change was a
complete 180, but she was determined to do
the best job possible. Robinson decided that
the best way to get kids to come in and talk
to her was to have an open door policy. Kids
didnt have to get permission to visit Robin-
sons offce, they simply just had to go inside
and ask if she was available to talk.
The kids had to self-refer themselves to
me and then tell me what their problem
was. From then on, I did all of the work of
listening and validating their feelings and
then solving the problems. To be able to say
that I helped those kids work through those
problems is a great feeling, Robinson said.
Robinson didnt just affect the lives of stu-
dents either. She became close friends with
her professional colleagues, especially Upper
School Mathematics teacher Paula Weath-
erholt who was also her assistant in Link
Crew. It will be hard for Robinson to leave
Weatherholt and the Link Crew community,
but shes excited to let the new guidance
Ginger Robinson entertains the freshman class at Freshman Orientation. Robinson
has been the guidance counselor at Fort Worth Country Day since 2003. Photo
courtesy of FWCD
Alex Doswell
photo editor
Connall McCormack
copy editor
S
tep inside the FWCD admissions
building and youll fnd perhaps the
busiest group of people on campus.
However, under the leadership of Barbara
Jiongo, they are perhaps the most welcom-
ing.
We are the frst face of welcome for
FWCD and we
must always treat
a prospective fam-
ily the way that we
would want to be
treated, Jiongo
said.
Welcoming new
and prospective
students to the
school is a key facet
of the admissions
process that Jiongo
has successfully
guided throughout
her years at FWCD.
However, she has
little concern about
the well-being of the
department following
her retirement.
Jiongo feels blessed by the opportunity her
offce has had this year to transition into a
new era. Under the direction of Kathy Lott
and Yolanda Espinoza, theyre going to do
bigger and better things than I ever dreamed
of, Jiongo said. I wouldnt feel comfortable
leaving if it wasnt in better shape than when
I found it. With the admissions department
in good hands, Jiongo has plenty to look
forward to in the years to come. However,
not everything shes looking forward to is in
the distant future.
Jiongos favorite memory from her time at
Country Day, of the various happy memo-
ries she has accumulated, is graduation. This
year shell get to see her daughter Maddie
14 walk across the stage, just as her son John
12 did two years
ago. She enjoys
graduation be-
cause it represents
the culmination
of the transforma-
tive journey that is
spending 13 years
at Fort Worth
Country Day.
Although Jiongo
will no longer be
the friendly face
that welcomes
new students to
Country Day, the
legacy she has left
will carry on.
When people talk
about my legacy,
I hope they say she left it better than how
she found it, Jiongo said. Without a doubt,
Jiongo has left a lasting impact on the Coun-
try Day community by establishing an offce
in which the top priority is to help familes
help their children succeed.
Barbara Jiongo with her daughter Maddie
14. Photo courtesy of Maddie Jiongo
Zane Lincoln
editor in chief
Rob Hereford has enjoyed his time at Country
Day and is ready for a new adventure in CA.
Photo courtesy of Glamourcraf
A
s May 16th is fast ap-
proaching, For Worth
Country Day faculty, staff,
and students are already preparing
for the 2014-2015 school year with
course request forms, senior polo
orders, teacher training for the
new technology implementation
projects. The list goes on and on.
With that being said, as the class of
2014 graduates and leaves the nest,
so are some of the familiar faces
we see on campus every day.
Rob Hereford, head of the upper
school, will be graduating with this
years seniors to soar onto grander
heights. For 8 years, hes seen the
community grow up. Now its time
for us to seem him grow up in his
own way. Him and his wife, Aman-
da Whalen, middle school science
teacher, recall having discussions
at the dinner table about kids she
taught in 7th grade who are now
upper schoolers.
The most fun thing has been
seeing students that Amanda has
had in 7th grade growing up,
Hereford said.
Hereford will be the new Head of School
at Laguna Blanca in Santa Barbara, Cali-
fornia, where he, Whalen, and his two sons,
plan to start the next chapter of their lives.
Its a school much smaller than Country
Day, with only 305 students spread across
grades K-12. Their youngest son will begin
preschool while their oldest will go into 1st
grade. Hereford hopes that the smaller class
sizes will allow him to continue doing what
he does here: connect with the student body.
Because of the nature of the size of the
school, everyone is more involved, Hereford
said. Since its a much smaller community,
I will hopefully be able to form lasting rela-
tionships with all of the kids.
Knowing this, Hereford is a little relieved
at the move west, but hes still very excited
about whats in store in sunny southern
GINGER ROBINSON
US Counselor
TAKE FLIGHT
BARBARA JIONGO
Director of Admissions
ROB HEREFORD
US Division Head
EDWENA THOMPSON
Fourth Grade
Edwena Thompson has been a beloved fourth grade teacher for 22
years, beginning in the fall 1992. Even though shes been dubbed as the
hardest fourth grade teacher, her current and former students love her
class because it provides the perfect balance of different subjects. My
favorite part of Mrs. Thompsons class was defnitely her geography les-
sons, Alex Doswell 16 said.
SARAH BIBB
First Grade
Sarah Bibb began her frst grade teaching career at FWCD in the fall of
2010. We wish her well on her next adventure.
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EVERYBODY HAS A STORY:
HARRY THOMAS
D
uring the winter pep rally of last year, each student
awaited the class contest to see who would be
randomly drawn from
a hat to represent their grade in
a contest that could be anything
from wobbling or twerking to car-
rying oranges in a relay race from
one teammate to another. When
the contest was announced and
it was tumbling, the freshmen
immediately roared in hopes that
Harry Thomas would be chosen
to represent their grade due to his
years of experience in the area.
Sure enough, he was drawn and
the freshmen won easily, largely
due to his participation.

Harrison Brantley Thomas is
a freshman at FWCD and an
Original. He avidly participates
in gymnastics, and has since he
was just fve years old. He trains
at Lone Star Gym in Fort Worth
and competes on the gyms com-
petitive team.
I have gone as far as California
to compete with my team from
Lone Star, Thomas said.
Currently, Thomas is working
with his coaches and teammates
to perfect his double front fip
on the foor, as he has already
mastered his 1 fip. He can
also perform a double back fip
on the foor. These tricks dont
even begin to cover all of the tricks
Thomas performs in a competitive
atmosphere; these are just a few of
his most impressive ones. Thomas
favorite mastered trick thus far is
subject.
Gymnastics isnt Thomas only talent; he
also a practicing pianist. He takes lessons
from his teacher to improve his skill, learn
new material and get new songs. He plays ev-
erything from classical to jazz music, and he
enjoys all types. Thomas showcases his piano
skills every few months in recitals where he
performs the songs he has been practicing.
In bettering our community here at FWCD,
Thomas plays a large leadership role and
takes extreme pride in his school. He is set to
serve on the Honor Council as a sophomore
next year, and he couldnt be more excited
and honored.
I am so excited to be elected onto the
Honor Council because it is important and I
thought I was the best candidate for the job,
Thomas said.
Thomas said that he doesnt in fact have
any secret talents of unique qualities, but as
a close friend of Thomas, Brianna Ordoez
(9), said, Thomas, is such a good guy and
super nice. Hes really talented and one of
my really good friends.
As Thomas continues to excel at all of his
extracurricular activities, he strives to achieve
the best skill level he possibly can. He hopes
to compete in the Junior Olympics national
championships next year, and so far it looks
like he is headed onto the right track to ac-
complish this goal. Assuming he heals from
his injury as quickly as possible, he will con-
tinue to train for this big event. The location
of the championships hasnt been announced
yet, but this past year it was held in Califor-
nia. Wherever the elite competition is held,
it is almost guaranteed that one of our own,
Harry Thomas, will be there.
katie anderson
ads editor
his 2 twisting back fip, which is a back
fip in which you spin 2 times while in
mid-air. However, Thomas
is currently injured so his
practices at Lone Star have
sadly come to a temporary
halt. He has fractured
growth plates in his wrist,
and hopes to soon continue
training to complete the
tricks he has started learn-
ing.
Because Thomas spends
a whopping 22 hours a
week training at his gym, it
can sometimes be diffcult
for him to manage his time
with school, family, friends,
and training. He must make
smart use of his time in
school to get his work done
before he goes to practice at
night.
When I get home from
practice, I dont have any
time to mess around, and
I have to get started on my
homework. I also have to
take advantage of my free
period at school and extra
time at announcements,
Thomas said.
Thomas favorite subject
at school is history, and he
says that he owes a lot of his
enjoyment and success in
the subject to his teacher this
year, Brian Farda. The class
interests him and his teacher
adds to his interest in the
Thomas competed in the Metroplex Invitational at the Fort
Worth Convention Center recently. Here he preforms a routine
on the bar This was one of my more serious competitions,
Thomas said. Here he preforms a routine on the bar. Photo
courtesy of Harry Thomas 17
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Falcon Boys Tennis:
Heart + Hustle = Wins
The difference to me is defnitely com-
petitive spirit, Missi Kovachev 89 said.
Country Day Boys Tennis has been one of
the most puzzling sports in the school. Two
years ago, the team fnished third in Division
Two with a team flled with great athletic
Garrett Podell
online editor
talents such as Chris Man-
ning 12, Cameron Slife 12,
James Chilcoat 12, and Jay
Kurani 12. The expecta-
tions for that team were
sky-high going into the 2012
season; however, the talent
never quite equaled the
desired results.
In 2013, with almost
an entirely new, senior-
laden team, coming into the
season hoping just to win
one conference match, the
team ended up fnishing in
the same exact spot as the
year before, Division Two,
third place. Fast forward
to 2014, this years team
only returned three players
from the 2013 team: Gar-
rett Podell 15, Alexander
Cheiffalo 16, and Walker
Wade 15. This years team
is relying on more freshmen
(two), than sophomores and
seniors combined (1), and
somehow succeeding in ways
the teams of years past have not. For ex-
ample, the boys team beat Episcopal School
of Dallas three match wins-to two matches
for the frst time in fve or six years on March
20, a task that seemed nearly impossible just
a few months ago. To follow that up, the
team beat Nolan Catholic four match wins-
to their one.
I really think our team just plays their
hearts out every time out there, which has led
to some solid success, Alexander Cheiffalo
16 said.
One theory for the successful start is the
intensity at which the team goes at each other
in practice. The two doubles lines of whoever
Coach chooses that day, and 15, Nicholas
Aufero 17, and Ben Nober 17 play matches
against each almost every practice to see who
gets to take the line one doubles spot for the
next match.
Really, all we do is play hard all the time,
theres not much else to it, Ben Nober 17
said.
When even the freshmen realize the ben-
efts of hard work and buy into the team
philosophy early, you just know this team
has the potential to be special. The team
closed out their last home match of the year
against Trinity Valley on April 23, defeat-
ing the Trojans three matches to two to
complete the season sweep of that other
school on Bryant Irvin.
It was a fun way to send Garrett Podell
and I out on a high way, winning our last
home matches, Chieffalo said.
The FWCD Boys Varsity tennis team is having an odds-defying, surprisingly successful season.
Photo courtesy of Garret Podell 15
Alexander Chiealo 16, the tennis teams
top player, rears back for a serve.
Photo by Auril Maxwell 17
Garret Podell 14, who is playing his last
tennis season with FWCD, backhands
the ball with intense concentration.
Photo by Auril Maxwell 17
SpRInG SpOrTs 2014
Brad Chilcoat 17 and Brian Evans 17
Photo courtesy of Jackie Rains
Anna Pu 17
Photo courtesy of Jackie Rains
Nick Auero 17
Photo by Auril Maxwell 17
Adele Elkind 16
Photo by Auril Maxwell 17
Reed Simpson 14
Photo courtesy of Meredith Mallick 17
Kate Laughlin 15
Photo by Bailee Wallace 14
David Burton 16
Photo by Bailee Wallace 14
Isabella Chiealo 14
Photo by Chloe Pyron 17
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Coming Soon: Album Releases for 2014
Connall McCormack
copy editor
Lana Del Rey: Ultraviolence
Del Reys highly anticipated follow-up to 2012s Born To Die does not yet have a release date,
but limited information is available. Ultraviolence was produced by Black Keys frontman Dan
Auerbach, and will likely show a more intense side of Del Rey if released track West Coast is
any indication. Its absolutely gorgeous, Del Rey said via Twitter. Darker than the frst.
Regardless, Del Rey will likely expand on the songwriting talents that propelled Born to Die
to unprecedented success.
Ed Sheeran: x (multiply)-June 23
If you were a fan of Sheerans infectious songwriting on his debut album, +, prepare for a
similarly substance-fueled follow-up: according to an interview with Rolling Stone, Sheeran
penned some of his new tracks while high on ecstasy. Judging by the radio success of released
single Sing, Sheeran will easily avoid a sophomore slump. However, its unlikely that Sings
upbeat nature will permeate throughout the album, as the heartbreak-laden tracks of + con-
tributed greatly to its success.
Lil Wayne: Tha Carter V- May 5
The ever-enigmatic Weezy returns to the game with the ffth installment of tha Carter series
in early May. Unlike Ultraviolence, Waynes new LP remains under wraps: no tracks have
been released, nor information about potential producers. However, expect Wayne to con-
tinue his traditionally offensive lyrical genius in what could be his fnal solo effort. Regardless
of his criticisms, Lil Wayne is undeniably unique in the rap community and any release of his
commands attention.
The Black Keys: Turn Blue-May 12
The Black Keys continue their odyssey to take blues-flled folk rock to the mainstream with
their new album Turn Blue. Pre-released title track Turn Blue indicates that their newest LP
will lean in a rather pessimistic direction (the chorus features the line I really dont think you
know, there could be hell below/I really do hope you know). Despite the assuredly negative
tone of their latest work, the Ohio duo will likely continue the success theyve built behind
2011s El Camino and 2010s Brothers and reach widespread popularity.
Rumored or
Unconrmed Albums
Kanye West (Rumored)
Kendrick Lamar-September
Release
U2 (Rumored)
Dr. Dre-Detox (Rumored)
Taylor Swift (Rumored)
Adele (Rumored)
FORT WORTH
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817.332.6372
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682.323.3050
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- Private and semi-private dining rooms in all locations
ORDER ONLINE
bluemesagrill.com
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Dentistry, like Falconry,
depends upon skill.
Your smile, like the
Falcons Quill,
needs tendering.
Hulen Family Dentistry
4900 Overton Ridge
817.370.0065
FEATURING
Zoom In-Ofce
Whitening System

JESSICA H. BRIGATI, D.D.S
Outdoor Activities:
Fort Worth Zoo (New: Asian elephants and jaguar cubs)
Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
Bike/Run/Walk the Trinity Trails
Fort Worth Water Gardens
Eagle Mountain Lake/Possum Kingdom/Lake Worth
Six Flags Over Texas or NRH20
Hawaiian Falls on White Settlement (Opens Memorial Day 2014)
Rollerland
Flight Deck
Rockwood GoKart Track
Wimberley Zip-Lining Adventures
Sundance Square
Stockyards
Kimbell Art Museum (Samurai Exhibit)
Modern Art Museum (FOCUS by Rirkrit Tiravanija
Museum of Science and History
Globe Life Park in Arlington (Rangers)


George Strait June 7, AT&T Stadium
Blake Shelton June 21, Gexa Energy Pavilion
Lady Gaga July 17, American Airlines Center
Matchbox Twenty July 31, American Airlines Center
Jonas Brothers August 6, Gexa Energy Pavilion
Tim McGraw August 8, Gexa Energy Pavilion
Check the Resource page on Country Day Website for sites to receive
community service hours
Sites include:
Meals on Wheels
Presbyterian Night Shelter
Tarrant Area Food Bank/Mobile Pantry
Volunteer at Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on May 10
Volunteer at Country Days Breakthrough Program
Most Popular Beach: Seaside, Florida
Coolest Weather: Telluride, Colorado
Closest Beach: Port Aransas, Texas
Best View: Grand Canyon, Arizona
Best Historical: Washington, D.C.
Visit Garrett (535 Fallswatch Circle, Johns Creek, Georgia)
College visits
Get a job!
Summer Preview
The Fort Worth Zoos jaguar cub, Sasha, poses next to its
mother, Xochi. Sasha was born in July 2013 and weighed
2 pounds. Sasha will be staying at the Fort Worth Zoo for
one more year, and then she will be moved to another area.
Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo
Six Flags Over Texas new thrill ride, Texas SkyScreamer, tow-
ers at 400 feet and swirls you around in a circle at 35 mph.
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus McClatchy-Tribune Infor-
mation Services
Jonas Brothers, Nick, Joe, and Kevin, jam out on stage
at a Florida concert back in 2009. The Jonas Brothers
initially split up as a band, but are geting back together
for a summer 2014 tour. Photo courtesy of MCT Cam-
pus
Staying in Town:
Parks:
Concerts:
Fort Worth Culture:
Travel:
Community Service:
Garret Podell 17 smiles for one of his last photos taken at
Country Day. Podell will be moving to Georgia for his senior year
because of his dads job promotion. Photo by Mimi Ryan 16
Globelife Park in Arlington is home to the Texas Rangers through-
out the summer. The park holds 49,155 seats, so theres always a
chance to get a ticket. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
Who doesnt love summer? Here are a couple of ideas to put on your agenda
Mimi Ryan and Natalie Rosenthal
section editor and reporter
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Dear Fort Worth,
Dear Fort Worth,
Well, this is diffcult. When I moved to Texas,
three years before I started, I had no idea
what my life would be like because I had
heard life in Texas is much different than
anywhere else. The scariest thing for me
was looking around and seeing the groups
of people chatting away about the frst day
of school, what teachers they had, who had
asked whom to homecoming (homecoming
was early that year, October to be exact), and
how their summers had been, typical stuff.
I had no idea how my years in high school
were going to pan out because I didnt know
anyone.. When I say didnt know people, I
mean, I knew NOBODY. Thats when the
beauty of Fort Worth hit me. Almost imme-
diately after I stepped in the Upper School
Commons, people ran up to me saying,
Hey, youre new Ive never talked to you
before. Before I knew it, I was in a circle of
people all-eager to welcome me and be some
of my frst friends. The immediate sense
of community I felt is unlike anywhere Ive
ever been. Trust me, I know a thing or two
about living life in different places, having
lived in fve states in seventeen years of life
(Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Georgia, and
the Lone Star State, Texas). Since that fate-
ful frst day back on August 20, 2011, I have
had nothing but fun spending my days in the
Fort. From all the fantastic and fun people, to
the great sports teams, and great restaurants,
I just got that feeling that Fort Worth was
where I was meant to be. Ive had so much
fun here, that I blinked, and the year is now
2014, and Im only a few months away from
having to apply to college. Even though its
only been three years, Ive felt like Ive been
here since day one. Thats a testament to the
quality of human beings Ive been fortunate
enough to know and befriend. Some of my
favorite memories include: playing basket-
ball and tennis for FWCD, being a part of
the incredible group of people that is the
Quill Staff (join it, its well worth your time),
Link Crew, the Boston Journalism Conven-
tion, and the DC trip. Playing basketball
for FWCD and Coach Breedlove was a
challenge no doubt, but it made me not only
a better basketball player, but a better hu-
man being . While the CDS tennis team was
signifcantly different each and every year
Ive been on it, its been nothing but pure fun
to go out there every day with some talented
guys and just hit some tennis balls. The Quill
staff contains some of the best people in Fort
Worth and has made some of my favorite
memories in Fort Worth. I know I will have
those guys in my life long after everyones
time on the staff comes to a close. Link Crew
created some superb friendships for me, and
the ability to mentor/assist freshman in their
acclimation process is something I highly
value because thats something I am ever
grateful for. However, I now have to leave
this great town too soon because my dad was
hired by a company based in Georgia. On
the afternoon of May 25th, the frst Sunday
of summer, I have to leave Texas. However,
this will not be a good-bye moment, it will be
a see you later moment. Some of the friends
I have made here are people who I will be
friends with and keep in close contact with
for the rest of my life. I also plan on coming
back at some point next year, Im not sure
when though, just yet. I promise to defnitely
come back if anybody chooses to ask me
back for any of the dances! It would be a
huge honor for me if someone were to ask
me back for any of the dances. Overall, I just
want to show my appreciation and gratitude
for everyone who welcomed me and to those
who continue including me in your lives.
Thank you for the incredible memories,
relationships, and the support: you guys are
people I will never, ever forget. Lets keep
in touch, I love you guys and will miss yall
dearly! For now, I hope to have as much fun
as possible, as my time left is limited, but I
know itll be a great time!
Sincerely,
Garrett
Garrett Podell
online editor
I, Garret Podell, do hereby bequeath:
Without further ado, I, Garrett Podell, do
hereby bequeath: to Joseph Breedlove, my
dance skills, nachos from Fuzzys, and joint
custody of Coleman Walker; to Brad Chil-
coat, my wisdom and knowledge of the way
of Link Crew, the ability to make the right
decision, even when its hard, and joint cus-
tody of Coleman Walker; to Meredith Berry,
my epic ability to throw donuts, my ankles,
and the patience to endure play CDS tennis;
to Savannah Norman, my Jurickson Profar
t-shirt because you dont really like him that
much, fantastic Snapchat conversations, and
good times at the Colonial Golf Tourna-
ment; to Nic Aufero, my net skills and my
better hair; to Olivia Lincoln, my writing
skills, love of Quill, some solid laughs, and
Nic Aufero; to Ben Nober, Fruit Roll-Ups
and the ability to return second serves on
match points; to Amanda Stephens, my
driving ability and my ability to say whatever
comes to my mind; to Kelton Rippetoe, my
sarcasm and late night Whataburger runs;
to Mimi Ryan, my online story ideas and
nickname creativity; to Taft Henderson, my
three point shot and my Spanish skillz; to
Coleman Walker, Brad Chilcoat and Joseph
Breedlove, my pool talent, polo collar shirts,
peace and quiet while watching House of
Cards, and some taffy; to Alex Doswell, my
sass, my ever optimistic attitude, tacos from
Torchys, my sincerest apologies for many,
many, many things and my fantastic friend-
ship (no matter what you hear, Ive always
got your back), my resilience and Connall
McCormack; to Margot Berry, a fun time
out on the tennis courts; to William Newton,
my endless enthusiasm and editorship of
the Online Quill (check it out at falconquill.
org); to John Davidson, some Curlys and
Ol South, good times on the dance foor,
and the ability to be energetic on Friday
mornings; to Alexander Chieffalo, my tennis
swagger, and ability to get acclimated at
new schools; to Henry Ryan, fun times with
Stouffer and the endless use of the word
EEKS, and a restraining order from hand
sanitizer; to Marshall Dike, my height and
work ethic for Publications, restraining order
from hand sanitizer; to Katie Anderson,
my smile, a Jeep, anything Justin Bieber,
my swagger, so you get your acceptance to
UT, laughter, and my undying friendship;
to Connall McCormack, my optimism, my
work ethic, my passion for sports, the right
to call yourself a bro of mine, my facial
expressions, the mental fortitude to make
solid decisions, and above all else happiness;
to Katherine Haley, my hugs, friendship,
singing ability, and the cure to the root of all
evil; to the Quill Staff, my answers to Cur-
rent Events quizzes, my focus, my InDesign
and Photoshop abilities, desire to write
Online stories, and the best of luck; to Laura
Catherine Wilson, pasta nights, good times
at dances, my best wishes, and my loving
friendship; to Shelby (Shelbs) Butt, my sense
of humor, my relaxed nature, Ben Fortson,
and my grades; to Stephen Nolan, my tennis
playbook, ability to take tennis seriously,
and some sunscreen; to Caroline Cameron,
more pets, cookie cake, car selfes and my
fun friendship; to Kristin Robinson, a big
break in the music industry and happiness in
life; to Ben Grubbs, fun car rides, an AUX
cord, my relationship advice, and a good
time at FWCD; to Coach Breedlove, my
intensity, wittiness, and my gratitude for all
support and awesome nickname (Po Diddly);
to FWCD, better wif; to Fort Worth, my love
and appreciation.
The prevailing image of Garret Podell
15 will always be his ear-to-ear smile.
Illustration by JR Torres 15
Tylers Teepees
tyler steele
managing editor
The senior year nale
T
heres no way to prepare for the end of a lifetime of friendships. What has been the
norm my entire life is reaching its end. No more will I be training for the upcoming
football season during the summer or wondering which of my friends will be in my
classes because that chapter has concluded and a new one is being written.
Kids spend their whole life waiting for the day theyll be grown-up, but when that day ar-
rives reality takes those kids on an emotional roller coaster. We all spend our entire childhood
complaining about various childish things, but senior year forces you to start appreciating
those things you never appreciated properly before. You start to value the time you have with
friends and family signifcantly more as you come to the realization that youre going down a
new path that they cant follow, but only be there to guide.
It reminds me of the days where I would forget my lunch or would need my mom to sign
my homework for me. The book fairs. The talent shows. All of those things that defned
my childhood are so far away. The memories Ive attained since beginning high school are
unique and unparalleled as Ive encountered and befriended some of the most amazing
people. Graduation rapidly approaches as the clock is seemingly sped up to an unimaginable
speed.
As I look forward to the future I become confused because, frankly, I have no idea what it
holds for me. I am not afraid though. If anything Im anxious because being afraid prevents
one from truly living. Dorothy Thompson once said, Only when we are no longer afraid
do we begin to live. There are many uncertainties moving and to some it is exciting and to
others its frightening.
The one thing Im certain of is that I wont stop in my endeavors to one day write for
Sports Illustrated because the day I give up on that dream is the day that I give up on my-
self. Life is changing around me and although its surreal and saddening, Im embracing this
change and am ready to begin this new chapter in my life.
The 2013-2014 Quill sta embarked on a new adventure online, geting a picture for
the sta prole page. Photo by Lisa Wallace
T
here is no team in the playoffs this year that embodies the persona of a champion
more than the Miami Heat. The one seeded Indiana Pacers have been playing
poorly since the All-Star break and no other teams from the east region are real
contenders to play in the NBA fnals this year. The west region is undoubtedly stacked, but
theyre going to beat each other up only to face a rejuvenated and well-rested Miami Heat.
The Heat swept the Bobcats and are seemingly going to crush each opponent they come
across until the Finals. The only real threat to the Heat not taking a throne for the third time
in a row are the runner-ups from
last years fnals, the San Antonio
Spurs. The Spurs play the most
fundamental and sound basket-
ball in the league and were mere
seconds away from winning the
championship last year, but old
age will prevent the Spurs from
taking the fnals trophy away from
LeBron James and the rest of the
Heat come June. The Heat have
been playing some of the best
basketball theyve played all sea-
son and are playing signifcantly
better than their biggest competi-
tion, the Indiana Pacers, are at the
moment. LeBron is just as dominate
as ever and Dwyane Wade is the
healthiest hes been in a few years.
This is a team that is bound and set
for greatness this year and not many
stand in their way. If the Pacers
continue to struggle and the Heat continue this streak of utter domination, this may be the
easiest route to the championship in the three years the Heat have won it.
The Miami Heat
Do they three-peat or lose their throne?
tyler steele
managing editor
Miami Heat forward LeBron James waves to Heat
fans afer beating the Charlote Bobcats in Game
4 of the NBA Eastern Conference quarternals
at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlote, N.C.
Photo by Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel/MCT
N
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16
F
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Q
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T H E
MAY
2014
In Loving Memory
Jim Aldridge lef a remarkable legacy during his 31 years at Fort Worth Country Day that spread across teachers, parents, students, and
alums. To honor the incredible life that he lead, the people that he inspired the most have lef their nal words to Dr. A below.
Isaac Klein 15
Born in plasma, die in dust. The rest of life
is up to us. -Dr. Aldridge. May he rest in
peace while his legacy lives on.
Savannah Norman16
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and
truly teaching us about respect, Dr. A. It
will not soon be forgotten, and you will be
missed.
Kristin Dickerson 16
One of the greatest and smartest men Ive
ever met. Thank you so much for teaching us
Dr A. Well miss you.
Zane Lincoln 14
You were so much more to me than a
chemistry teacher, Dr. A. You taught me how
to fnd passion and pursue it to no end. We
love you.
Branson Nelson 16
Country Day just lost the best teacher and
more importantly the best man we will ever
meet. Rest in Peace, Dr. A. We will always
remember you.
Edwin Carbajal 16
Rest in Peace, Dr. A. You will never be
forgotten.
Dheeraj Reddy 15
My teachers tried to tell me to drop at least 1
AP course for my junior year. If Dr. A hadnt
believed in me, I probably wouldnt have be-
lieved in myself either. Im sure this was the
case for many other students. Dr. A taught
me so much more than just chemistry.
Katherine DSouza 16
Rest in Peace, Dr. James Aldridge. You were
a great man and you will never be forgotten.
Erin Ford 16
Sure weve all complained about his class,
but we cant anymore. Dr A passed away
today, but hell always stay in our hearts.
Kelton Rippetoe 15
Dr. A, you have not only inspired me in the
feld of science but in everyday life. You will
be missed.
Jim Aldridge was a member of the FWCD community for 31 years beginning
in the fall of 1983. Faculty members are inducted into Club Viginti afer they
have serving FWCD for 20 years. His plaque has been a place for people
to drop owers o in memorial to him. Photo by Paige Chisholm 87
Wynne Philpot 12
Thinking is a process in which various cell
membrane ion permeability characteristics
alter and neurotransmitters are released....
Dr. Aldridge. I never really knew what that
meant but I remembered it word for word
because of how smart it sounded and because
of the fact that you went out of your way to
write me a letter, starting with that, giving me
guidance and advice to simply keep believing
in whatever it is I was believing in. I didnt
have you for a teacher ever but that never
stopped you from welcoming me in to your
room to talk about meta physics, God, energy,
the speed of light, life. Whatever question
or issue I had, you always had a response.
Thank you for being there to help me, to help
students, teachers, anyone who walked in
your room. You lived your life doing what you
love and you will be missed.
Sara Shah 13
Firstly, you were an amazing chemistry teach-
er. I remember sitting in my seat sophomore
year in awe of all the knowledge and wisdom
you had to offer. I still believe that you are
one of the most intelligent people I have ever
had the pleasure of meeting. I remember
studying for one of your tests; stressed, I
sent you a long thought-out text, with what I
thought was an extremely complex question.
Your response was simple and still makes me
laugh to this day: Look in your textbook.
I cannot imagine my life without you have
playing a primary role in it when I needed
it the most. My junior year, when I didnt
even have you as a teacher you were there for
me as I battled with recovery and for that I
will always be grateful. I cannot fully fathom
the fact that you are not here with all your
students anymore, but your legacy lives on in
all of us. We love you Dr. A.
Annabeth Reeb 13
I remember being afraid when I read your
name as my sophomore chemistry teacher,
due to your challenging reputation, but that
year ended up being my most confdent year
in science. Most of all I remember all of the
discussions we had about my extra credit,
when extra credit reading turned into long
book discussions with you. You were truly an
amazing role model. You will be missed.
Hasan Shah 16
You have inspired me in numerous ways,
from the time I met you till the time you left.
You had one of the most brilliant minds I
have ever come to know. You treated each
and every one of us with pure kindhearted-
ness. Although I did not have you as a teach-
er, you were there for me whether it was just
for a writing center assignment or just a greet
in the hall. I wish I had more time to spend
with you just to come to know what a genuine
and wonderful person you really were. I am
honored to have met such an amazing man as
you. We all love you. May you rest in peace.
You will be dearly missed.
Patrick Gordon 14
Science is a model through which we view
the world. If I were to ask you to quantify the
beauty of a sunset, it would not be a scientifc
endeavor, but it is an important and worth-
while endeavor nonetheless. These models are
of quintessential importance to our self actu-
alization, and crucial to fulflling our roles in
the human experience. RIP to Dr. Aldridge,
a beautiful man with an even more beautiful
mind. You will be missed dearly.
Reagan Smith 17
Thank you for giving us joy and laughter. I
enjoyed our conversations. Thank you for
your kind words and for giving me a wonder-
ful example to look up to. R.I.P.
Brodie Hyde 17
I never knew Dr. Aldridge well or even
remembered what he looked like but I do re-
member his legacy. He was a wonderful man
who was always inspired. He brought life to
the classroom and to the FWCD Communi-
ty. I am deeply saddened to know that I will
never have him as a teacher but I will always
remember the limitless possibilities. You are
in our prayers Dr. Aldridge and always will
be. God Bless.
Samuel Kim 16
I always felt inspired by your profound
wisdom and knowledge. You were so much
more than a teacher, you were a mentor and
counselor. You will be sorely missed by the
FWCD community.
Anonymous
Dear Dr. A,
I will miss your half-smirking smile that you
always did and your incredible wit and inspi-
ration. I will miss you.
Mathew Leonard 14
We love you, Dr. A. I hope you get to plant as
many orchids as you want. I want you to spell
it with a t, it adds character.
Ava Shen 16
Thank you Dr. Aldridge. Its an honor to
know you and be in your class. We love you.
Logan Lawrence 15
You were one of the best teachers Ive ever
had, and Ill always remember the classes that
you taught me and try to live up to the great
scholar and person that you wanted me to be.
Johnny Serralta 15
Your class taught me so much, I only regret
that I could have learned so much more
from you. We will miss you!
David Lonergan 17
Great people pass on, often not when they
should. Dr. A will be remembered by all.
No matter if he taught you or not, he had
an impact on everyone. He will be missed
by all.
Aakash Doshi 14
No one could better instill a love for learn-
ing than you. Our discussions not just on
science but economics and engineering in-
spired me to learn about the world at large.
Thanks for making me the man I am.
Erin Witman Lincoln 01
Hey Dr. A, Thanks for being my teacher.
Now that Im teaching, I realize that I was
THAT student- the one who asked a mil-
lion questions, demanded your time during
lunch and free periods, and just wouldnt
leave you alone. I now recognize and ap-
preciate the patience you showed, and all
the encouraging words you shared with me.
Your passion and commitment to teaching
and learning were evident each day in and
out of class. Your truly left your mark here
on this earth, and your legacy will continue
through those you inspired.
Meredith Novak 97
Dr. A- Prayers to your family. You were a
great teacher. You taught me that chemistry,
like life sometimes, is hard to grasp, but well
worth the time to study.
James Terry 11
You taught me the basics of programming
and reinforced the importance and, well,
coolness of science for me. I wish I could
express my gratitude to you for that... You
will be remembered.
Margaret Fuller 09
You were such a huge part of my high school
experience, and more than any other teacher
at school, you taught me how to think and
taught me to love science. I cant believe Ill
never be visiting you in the science building
again. I wish I could have talked to you one
more time (a very selfsh thought). There are
so many words of gratitude I never spoke.
You were universally loved, and you will be
universally missed. Thank you for all the en-
couragement you gave me in the tough times
of my young adulthood. You really helped
me through some tough times.
Marshall Stouer 11
Thank you, for everything you taught me,
from science to the little bits of life wisdom.
You inspired in me my passion for chemistry
and desire to learn. You embodied the defni-
tion of a renaissance man. As we carry on the
torch that you have left us, you will always live
on in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace.
Patrick Dillon 13
You were, without a doubt, one of the
greatest educators Ive had the pleasure of
knowing and I wish I could see you one more
time. Your classes were always the highlight
of my school day and I feel privileged to have
known you. R.I.P. Dr. A.
Yunjae Sohn 12
You were the best chem teacher I have ever
had and I will ever have. Ive learned so much
from your classes.... I wanted to come visit
this summer and tell you all about how I still
remember a lot from your classes and all
those knowledge still help me getting through
some of my classes.. I wish I could have
visited Texas sooner.. I will always remember
you and the suspicious looks you used to give
me when I ask dumb questions and all. I will
also remember how you loved kiwi birds and
everything awesome about this world and I
will try to appreciate them as you have. I will
miss you Dr. A and I wish I could have said
all this sooner.
John Jiongo 12
R.I.P Dr. A, you meant more to the people
in your life than you may have ever known.
Thank you for everything that made you the
amazing teacher and friend you had always
been to the students in the Country Day com-
munity. Your life and wisdom will undoubt-
edly live on through the countless people who
were lucky enough to have you as part of
their own lives.
Cully Wiseman 97
Dr. Aldridge, Ill never forget walking into
your 10th grade chemistry class, trying
hard not to feel intimidated by this new
and seemingly omnipotent teacher standing
before me. Your encouragement, passion
for science, and dedication to your students
allowed me to achieve the very frst aca-
demic success at FWCD. You helped set me
on an honors track in the sciences, a frst for
me. For the frst time in my entire academic
career, I found interest and success in the
sciences under your tutelage. Two years
later, I again found myself in your AP
Chemistry class, struggling with and thor-
oughly enjoying the material you taught.
As a physician, more than 15 years later,
I still remember and utilize some of the
same principles you taught me. Ill forever
think about PV=nRT every time I open a
bag of chips at a high altitude. I cant wash
the dishes without recalling your voice
describing the difference in hydrophobic
and hydrophilic molecules. Your warmth,
sincerity, curiosity, and humor made you
the most effective educator I have ever had
the privilege of knowing. These characteris-
tics also made you a fascinating person and
a fne friend. There are so few people like
you on this planet. While I am so sad you
are gone, I am equally thankful that I was
able to know you while you were here. You
have left your mark on this world so much
more profoundly and effectively than most,
and you will be dearly missed.
Shree Bose 12
Dr. Aldridge was an incredible teacher. Not
just because he was one of the frst people
to encourage me to pursue research outside
of class. Not because he allowed me to write
my fnal paper for his sophomore chem
class on the work I was doing in the lab for
science fairs so I wouldn't get overwhelmed.
Not even because he was a fountain of end-
less wisdom and wit in every interaction I
had with him. But Dr. A was an incredible
teacher because he taught me, by example,
to believe that amazing things can happen
when you do what you love, and for that I
will always be grateful. Thank you for be-
ing much more than a teacher, Dr. A. My
life and all of the lives of the students and
people you touched are infnitely better for
having known you. Rest in peace.