Building on the momentum of the first season, which featured NASA scientist Cooper Burleson, doctor and actor J Mack Slaughter, and biotech CEO Elyse Dickerson, season two takes another look at FWCD graduates who have become influential figures in business, the arts and civic life. The series reinforces a central idea: An FWCD education isn’t defined solely by grades, test scores, or college admissions; it is measured by the character, resilience, curiosity, and sense of responsibility students carry forward.

Featured alumni in the new series are renowned chef and restaurateur Jon Bonnell, celebrated artist John Holt Smith, style influencer and TV personality Lilliana Vazquez, and accomplished realtor Susanna Bartolomei. Each episode offers an up-close view of their professional journeys—linking present-day success to the relationships, values and skills they trace back to their time at FWCD.

“At Fort Worth Country Day, we have always believed that education is about far more than academic achievement alone,” said Eric Lombardi, FWCD’s head of school. “‘Alumni Stories’ beautifully captures what happens when you invest in the whole child—when you nurture intellect, creativity, character and courage in equal measure. Seeing our graduates lead, create, serve and innovate in such meaningful ways is the clearest affirmation of our mission. This series reminds us that the true measure of an FWCD education is about who our students become.”

Created for both prospective families and the FWCD community, “Alumni Stories” is designed to inspire current students and engage stakeholders through authentic storytelling rooted in FWCD’s mission. The series strengthens community ties, illustrates real-world outcomes of an FWCD education, and positions FWCD as a leader in holistic student development among peer institutions.

Looking ahead, “Alumni Stories” will continue as a cornerstone of FWCD’s communications and brand strategy. Future seasons will spotlight an even wider range of alumni experiences—further reinforcing FWCD’s commitment to developing well-balanced individuals prepared to contribute for generations to come.

“We can talk about test scores all we want, but what you see through all the Fort Worth Country Day alumni is that they really integrate well into business and community and become very strong leaders for life,” said Khris Kesling, chief strategy officer at PAVLOV. “This series showcases the really healthy individuals that FWCD produces. It’s about the holistic development of the person.”

The collaboration between PAVLOV and Make Something Beautiful brings a high level of storytelling and visual production to the series, capturing the essence of each person’s unique story. The videos are being distributed across various digital platforms—including YouTube, streaming TV, and on social media—to reach prospective families, alumni and the broader community. View two of the videos at the following links: https://youtu.be/teNe3riwSuw and https://youtu.be/Ib_IPJ-k3eU. Future videos will be released in the fall of 2026.

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Following an extensive nationwide search, Chamberlin was selected from a competitive field of qualified candidates. His deep experience in athletic leadership, coaching, and student-athlete development, including over 15 years in athletic administration, made him the ideal choice to lead the Falcons. He will be inheriting the role from Leigh Block, who has served as FWCD’s athletic director since 2021.

“Barry brings a dynamic vision and a strong commitment to building meaningful relationships with students, coaches, and families,” said Eric Lombardi, head of school at FWCD. “We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our athletics program and the FWCD community as a whole.”

Barry Chamberlin
Photo courtesy of FWCD

Chamberlin joins FWCD from Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Florida, where he currently serves as athletic director. There, he leads an athletic program of 23 varsity sports and more than 90 coaches and staff members. His leadership was instrumental in significant fundraising initiatives, including nearly $1 million in athletic facility upgrades. Prior to that, he held administrative and coaching positions at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio for 11 years, serving as athletic director and head boys basketball coach.

“I was drawn to Fort Worth Country Day by its outstanding reputation and the strong alignment between the school’s core values and my own,” said Chamberlin. “I am incredibly enthusiastic about the future of Falcon athletics and excited to support our coaches and student-athletes as they work to maximize their talents and reach their full potential. By building on FWCD’s core values and fostering a growth mindset throughout the athletic program, I believe each player, coach, and team can continue to rise to new heights.”

A native of Pennsylvania, Chamberlin holds a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University in Irvine, California, and a bachelor’s degree in multi-age physical education from Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, where he was a four-year starter and team captain for the basketball team.

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Abbott, a seasoned educator with 19 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership skills, and a deep passion for the 3A’s—academics, arts and athletics—that are central to FWCD’s mission. Her appointment follows a rigorous national search that included input from FWCD’s Upper School faculty, academic department chairs, parents on the Board of Trustees, and members of the school’s senior leadership team.

Born and raised in a small town on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Abbott earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in International Diplomacy with a focus on Terrorism and Counterterrorism from Norwich University in Vermont. Her career spans teaching engagements in the United States and abroad, including roles in North Carolina, Italy and Connecticut.

Abbott’s leadership experience includes her time at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, Connecticut, where she served as assistant division head. There, she spearheaded initiatives to support ninth graders, revamped orientation programs, and created systems to track and enhance students’ academic and social well-being. She also helmed student life programs, including expanding a Model United Nations organization to include over 100 students, launching a competitive Mock Trial Team, and founding the Women in Humanities Club.

“Abby stood out for her innovative approach to education and her demonstrated ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking strategies,” said Eric Lombardi, FWCD’s head of school. “Her passion for learning, her deep respect for faculty and student engagement, and her connections to the arts and athletics make her an exceptional fit for our community. We are thrilled to welcome her as our new head of Upper School and look forward to seeing her lead with vision and excellence.”

At FWCD, Abbott will lead the Upper School’s programs, faculty and initiatives, working closely with students, parents and teachers to foster a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Committed to faculty development, she plans to further FWCD’s mission by celebrating and nourishing faculty talent, while also inspiring students to reach their full potential. Her leadership style emphasizes curiosity, joy and collaboration.

“I am honored to join the FWCD community and excited to be part of such a dynamic and special school,” said Abbott. “I am inspired by the curiosity and energy of the students, the dedication and talent of the faculty, and the deep commitment of parents to the school’s mission. Together, we will continue to build on FWCD’s strong traditions while exploring opportunities for innovation and growth.”

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In this role, Heath will oversee FWCD’s comprehensive artistic vision within its performing and visual arts programs; ensure a well-rounded and enriching fine arts curriculum; organize performances, exhibitions, and competitions; and provide leadership in nurturing a thriving arts culture within the FWCD campus environment.

FWCD’s Fine Arts Department offers a variety of programs, including:
• Ballet
• Band and Orchestra
• Choir and Show Choir
• Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre
• Art History
• Drawing, Painting and Ceramics
• Photography
• Print and Digital Media

A graduate of Texas Christian University with a B.A. in Theatre, Heath is an educator at heart, most recently serving as theatre department chair, director, and teacher at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA). Prior to joining FWAFA, Heath spent 16 years teaching, performing, writing, and directing over 75 productions at Casa Mañana Theatre in Fort Worth. She also previously served as the performance director of the PBS series, “Barney & Friends,” and was the associate director of music and worship at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth.

This past summer, Heath served as the musical director for the final Kids Who Care production, “Matilda Jr.” She has taught and musical directed productions with Kids Who Care for over 10 years, working with students from all over the city. Heath is also the recipient of the 2024 Educator of the Year Award from Broadway Dallas and was named a “Top 10 Teacher” by Fort Worth Magazine in 2021.

“Lindy’s extensive experience and deep connections within the Fort Worth arts community bring a wealth of expertise to Fort Worth Country Day,” said Eric Lombardi, FWCD’s head of school. “As a school dedicated to continuous improvement, we are thrilled to welcome Lindy aboard and eagerly anticipate her leading our dynamic performing and visual arts program and propelling it to even greater heights.”

“I am honored and excited to join the Fort Worth Country Day family,” said Heath. “I look forward to meeting students and families and working together to continue nurturing an environment for creativity and growth. We have such a gifted group of teachers and artists, and I am excited to join them on this journey.”

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National Merit Semifinalists at Fort Worth Country Day are Joaquin Castro-Balbi, Izzy Gutierrez, and Michelle Pham. These students scored in the top 1% of students across the nation who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and are among 14 students from Fort Worth, 1,339 from the state of Texas, and 16,000 across the U.S. who were named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. These students now have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level of the competition and compete for $30 million worth of Merit Scholarships.

National Merit Commended Students at Fort Worth Country Day are Gracie Cross, Gage Fowlkes, Liz Hazelton, Xixi Hillman, Kendall Lehman, Nick Pakis, Sebastian Salazar, Vie Walker, and Gavin Zoota. These students scored among the top 5% of students across the nation who took the PSAT/NMSQT and are among 34,000 students across the U.S. who were recognized for exceptional academic promise.

In addition to FWCD’s 12 National Merit seniors, 17 FWCD juniors and seniors have been honored by the College Board National Recognition Program. These include:

National African American Recognition Program Scholars — Masai Collins, Sydney Cyprian, and Alexis Rollings

National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars — Liam Callahan, Joaquin Castro-Balbi, Eliana Garcia, Izzy Gutierrez, Liz Hazelton, Sydney Hudecek, Aramis Moreno, Charlie Ozaeta, Josh Ozaeta, Nick Pakis, Sam Rios, Sebastian Salazar, and Gavin Zoota

National Indigenous Recognition Program Scholars — Jayne Dodson, Charlie Ozaeta, and Josh Ozaeta

The College Board National Recognition Programs annually honor 32,000 underrepresented students across the U.S. who excel on the PSAT/NMSQT/PSAT10 or earn a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA; and identify as African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.

“Having 23 students recognized by the nation’s top academic scholarship programs is one of the greatest testaments to our exceptional faculty, the Bass Upper School’s academic rigor, and the advanced level of course work offered to FWCD students,” said Eric Lombardi, head of school at Fort Worth Country Day. “As a result, they are well-prepared for college and beyond.”

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Lynn has been a student at FWCD since the sixth grade. Committed to FWCD’s “three A’s” (academics, arts and athletics), Lynn has excelled academically, played bass in the FWCD orchestra for the past seven years, and has been a member of the cross country and track teams throughout all four years of high school. Across both sports, he is a six-time Most Valuable Player, earned Southwest Preparatory Conference honors, and was named to the All-Zone list three times.

“I have really enjoyed getting to know Henry in his years at Country Day,” said Eric Lombardi, head of school at FWCD. “I have watched him train for and cross the finish line at races, usually in the top five. I have heard him play the bass in our orchestra. Perhaps a highlight of the classes I have seen Henry in is music theory, in which he was explaining the techniques he used in composing a fugue as assigned. Henry is a young man with many interests and high expectations for himself, and of wonderfully exemplary character. We are exceptionally proud of him for being named among the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.”

Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence and dedication and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.

If circumstances permit, all Scholars are invited to Washington, D.C., in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

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Speedway Children’s Charity Executive Director Marissa Chaney, Assistant to the Executive Director Taylor Wilson, Board President and City of Roanoke Mayor Carl “Scooter” Gierisch, Trustee Mary Anne Bailey and BTFW students open the mobile library at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The whimsical three-cabinet rolling library will better meet students’ needs by providing fully usable storage with book selections that affirm their diverse cultural and socioeconomic identities. It will be a dedicated resource to empower students with improved reading comprehension and development in literature/writing skills. The impact of the gift will be felt for years to come as the BTFW program benefits nearly 200 students in grades 7-12 each year.

“The students named our previous library ‘the liability,’” said Joe Breedlove, executive director of Breakthrough Fort Worth. “The Speedway Children’s Charities Mobile Library has created an excitement and a mad rush among our students to be the first one to check out a book. Students now use their free time and structured time to gather around the library. All of which has increased their affinity for reading and knowledge. Speedway Charities one again receives the ‘checkered flag’ for their impact on our Breakthrough community. We are so thankful.”

BTFW embarked on a reading program three years ago with a gift of 268 books collected by past Teaching Fellow Jaki Molina. Now that the books have a home, a special section of the mobile unit will be named “The Jaki Molina Selections” to honor her role in starting the library.

BTFW is celebrating 26 years of supporting underserved youth. A collaboration among FWCD, the Breakthrough Collaborative and the Fort Worth Independent School District, BTFW advances at-promise students on a six-year path to college by building academic confidence, developing character-driven leadership skills and providing education about the college admission process.

Since 1997, Speedway Children’s Charities Texas has distributed more than $10 million in funding to nonprofit organizations in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant Counties supporting children in need. The funds are raised through special events that take place throughout the year, most of which are geared around the three major race weeks at Texas Motor Speedway.

Since 1963, Fort Worth Country Day has inspired the passion to learn, the courage to lead and the commitment to serve through a program that fosters the intellectual, physical, emotional and ethical development of its students. Situated on 100 acres in southwest Fort Worth, Fort Worth Country Day’s 220 faculty/staff members lead and teach grades JK-12. Offering a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, Fort Worth Country Day focuses on the 3A’s—academics, arts and athletics—to bring balance to students’ experiences, provide opportunities to explore multiple interests and thrive in a compassionate community. To learn more about Fort Worth Country Day, visit www.fwcd.org or www.Facebook.com/FortWorthCountryDay.

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The graduating class of 102 students was accepted to a total of 133 colleges and universities located in Texas, across the country and around the world. FWCD’s graduation took place on Friday, May 18, at McKinney Church in Fort Worth.

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Country Day

“I am so gratified on behalf of the class of 2018 that so many colleges and universities around the country and the world saw what we have seen in them: This is a broadly talented group with so much to offer in so many areas,” said Eric Lombardi Fort Worth Country Day head of school. “They deserve to be celebrated and they deserve wonderful opportunities going forward. Whether I think of our four students going abroad or those taking advantage of great options right here in Texas or still others going to Ivy League colleges, our students are getting to pursue fabulous options. They will make differences in those colleges and beyond. We are immensely proud of the FWCD class of 2018.

In the fall, FWCD graduates will be attending colleges such as Harvard University, the United States Naval Academy, Brown University, Vanderbilt University, Cornell University, Texas Christian University, and The University of Texas at Austin, as well as international universities including Franklin University Switzerland, University of San Carlos in the Philippines, and University St Andrews in Scotland. Valedictorian Nikhil De will attend Princeton University, and Salutatorian Christina Kelly will continue her education at The University of Texas at Austin.

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