ALUMNI STORIES

FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY LAUNCHES NEW “ALUMNI STORIES” VIDEO SERIES HIGHLIGHTING LIFELONG IMPACT
Four distinguished alumni—Jon Bonnell, John Holt Smith, Lilliana Vazquez and Susanna Bartolomei—share their personal journeys and lasting impact of their FWCD education in new video series

Fort Worth Country Day (FWCD), the oldest co-ed college-preparatory school in Fort Worth, has debuted the second season of its acclaimed “Alumni Stories” video series, showcasing how its whole-child philosophy and commitment to the 3A’s—academics, arts and athletics—help students thrive long after graduation. Co-produced by Fort Worth-based PAVLOV Advertising and Make Something Beautiful, the new season follows alumni across a range of careers and communities, showing how FWCD’s emphasis on personal growth shapes capable, grounded leaders.

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.

ABOUT FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY
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 104 acres in southwest Fort Worth, FWCD’s 220 faculty and staff members teach and support students in grades JK-12. Offering a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, Fort Worth Country Day focuses on the 3A’s—academics, arts, and athletics—and its core values to provide balanced experiences and opportunities for students. To learn more about Fort Worth Country Day, visit www.fwcd.org
or www.Facebook.com/FortWorthCountryDay.

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