FH_Newsletter_Summer.. - Fairhill School and Diagnostic

Senior Class
of 2012
Pages 2-3
Volume 16 | Number 2 | July 2012
Texas Road Trip
Page 8
Ann Flores Minnis
Back Cover
School news, information and events
A Year of Lasting Memories
As each school year comes to a close, we hope our students have learned and grown academically, socially
and emotionally as well as created lifetime memories. What were the memories and, most importantly, what
lessons did they teach? What events stood out, were they in the classroom, on school trips, in sporting events,
art class or theater? School trips certainly have opportunities to create lasting memories such as the trip to
London, The Outdoor School and the Texas Road Trip. Some memories might be related to a breakthrough
moment such as when a student finally understands math or reading gets easier. A student might always
remember when they developed a love of art, theater, music or an interest in science or
history. Most people remember a favorite teacher, the one who left a lasting imprint on
their life, the one that sparked a love of reading or the one who really made learning
fun. We share this newsletter with you with highlights of the year that represent a few
of these lasting memories.
This publication also is to recognize the many people who contribute time, money
and effort to our school. The Gala/Auction and Golf Tournament keep our technology
current, and the Annual Fund Campaign and Parent Council raise funds that provide
the extras that tuition does not cover. We are especially appreciative of the new digital
message board at the entrance to the campus. Fundraising efforts of the Parent Council
provided this as well as a new Smartboard for a math classroom. We also recognize
the talented faculty, staff and Board of Directors.
Thanks to all who help provide an academic oasis to learning-different students,
helping them thrive, not just survive their educational journey.
Please enjoy this publication highlighting the 2011-2012 school year.
Jane Sego
Parent’s Corner
My son will be a junior at Dallas Baptist University. He had an awesome semester, 4-A’s and 1-B. My six years of driving him to
Fairhill School from 6th grade through 12th grade has paid off. He and I truly have a testimony to share with other parents
of children with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.
Fairhill School and Diagnostic Assessment Center | 16150 Preston Road | Dallas, Texas 75248 | Phone 972.233.1026 | Fax 972.233.8205 | www.fairhill.org
Fairhill Senior Class of 2012
Graduates
and their future plans:
Jazmine Austin
Grand Canyon University
Ryan Baldelli
Collin College
Patrick Belshe
Southwest Baptist University
Trent Galvis
Brookhaven College
Nicholas Gierczak
Texas Tech
Alex Gregory
Texas A&M Galveston
Hunter Harty
Tabor College
Thomas Hodges
Collin College
Emily Latham
Weatherford College
Mrs. Melinda Cameron, Head of Upper School,
presented Trent Galvis his diploma.
Ethan Hull presented his buddy, Hunter Harty with his graduation
mortarboard at the Cap and Gown Ceremony.
Lori Mayo
Collin College
Senior Class of 2012
Back row from left: Michael Martinez, Neil Rickoff, Adam Neifach, Sam Wieland, Jazmine Austin, Patrick Belshe, Kelly Vivian, Hunter Harty, Alex Gregory, Preston Sokol,
Thomas Hodges, Ryan Baldelli, Connor McNeil, Lindsey Williams, Emily Latham, Lori Mayo, Stephanie Sims, Katie Osten, Nicholas Gierczak, and Trent Galvis
Connor McNeil
Richland College
Farewell to Fairhill Class of 2012
Fairhill Class of 2012 Salutatorian Stephanie Sims, Valedictorian Adam Neifach
and Salutatorian Nick Gierczak
The Fairhill Class of 2012 received their diplomas in
a formal ceremony at Bentwood Trail Presbyterian
Church on May 31st. Speakers from the class
included Adam Neifach, Valedictorian; Nicholas
Gierczach, Salutatorian; and Stephanie Sims,
Salutatorian. Class member, Michael Martinez,
played Beethoven Sonata 8, 2nd Movement,
“Pathetique”. Mr. Ray McDonald, highly successful
team leader at Zija International, who also struggles
with learning differences, was the keynote speaker.
He challenged each student to: know who you are;
accept who you are; and believe you can become
whoever you want to be. The graduates were presented
their diplomas by Mr. Roy Pendergrass, Fairhill Board
of Directors and Mrs. Melinda Cameron, Head of
Upper School. Following the ceremony, a reception
was held in the graduates’ honor at Fairhill School.
Michael Martinez
University of North Texas
Adam Neifach
Texas A&M
Katie Osten
Pursuing a career in photography
Neil Rickoff
University of Alabama
Stephanie Sims
Stephen F. Austin
Preston Sokol
Texas A&M Galveston
Kelly Vivian
Xavier College
Lindsey Williams, Lori Mayo, Stephanie Sims and Katie Osten took an elephant ride at Scarborough Faire.
Scarborough Faire Seniors
Each year Fairhill seniors attend School Day at Scarborough Faire. Experiencing
16th century life in Britain at the renaissance festival is a highlight of the year!
Accompanied by teachers Jennifer Allen and Jo Prees, seniors gathered for
candid and group shots on the beautiful site near Waxahachie.
Sam Wieland
Columbia College Chicago
Lindsey Williams
Oklahoma Christian University
“Falcons are the Future 2011-2012”
Your generous donations
enable Fairhill to fulfill its
mission of providing an
affordable yet stellar
education to our bright
students with learning
differences. The students,
faculty, staff, and parents of
Fairhill want everyone to know
how thankful we are for your
tremendous support. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Cathryn and John St. Wrba
Parent Campaign Chairs
Founders Society
$3000 and above
J. W. Bagley Foundation/
Mr. Mark Bagley
Texas Medical &
Surgical Association/
Dr. and Mrs. Don Cheatum
Mrs. W. K. Gordon, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. William Hardcastle
In Honor of Will Hardcastle
Mr. and Mrs. Kee Kimbrell
Mr. Charles Lathem
Dallas Jewish
Community Foundation/
Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Raffkind
The Ginger Murchison Foundation, Mr. Don Wills, President/
Mrs. Lisa Whisler
Chairman’s Circle
$1000-$2999
Mr. Tom Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Berkemeier
Mr. and Mrs. E. Paul Bigham
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Black
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Carse
Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Dennis
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Dziminski
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ferraro
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Greco/
William & Sylvia Zale Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hallum
In Honor of Max McKinney
Mr. and Mrs. Baron Hamman
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hanft
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Kasprowicz
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kral
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Levine
Luther King Capital Management/
Mr. Vince Melashenko
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Peirson, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Plunket
Mr. Frank Schneider
Mr. Bill Bell and Ms. Jane Sego
Mr. and Mrs. William Sick
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vint
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Wieland/
James Donald Duke Partnership
Falcon Club
$500-$999
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Burrow
In Honor of Nick Burrow
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Collins
Ms. Lena Flores and
Ms. Christie Congleton
OTSL Charities,
Ms. Gwyneith Black,
Executive Director/on behalf
of Homer Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Reichenstein
Mr. and Mrs. John Rickerby
Mr. and Mrs. Rashmin Savani
In Honor of Meera Savani
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Schneider
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Slattery
Mr. and Mrs. David Stanford
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Strong
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Updegraff
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Whisler, Sr.
Mr. Doug and Dr. Connie Wilson
Mr. Tom Wolf
Sustaining Member
$300-$499
Ms. Sheau Chin Chang
In Honor of Zachary Grubbs
Ms. Stephani Hopper
In Honor of Jewel Hopper
Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Jack
In Honor of Kirsti Jack
Mr. and Mrs. James Pope
Mr. and Mrs. H. Glen Robertson
In Honor of Ian Robertson
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sickler
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sligar
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Stone
Mr. John Sunny and
Ms. Elizabeth John
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Vanciel
Ms. Claudia Vasquez
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Willoughby
Friend of Fairhill
Up to $299
Mr. and Mrs. Brantley Allen
In Memory of Linda Stewart
Ms. Mary Ann Almack
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Appell
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bardwell
Mr. and Mrs.William K. Barnard
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bartley
In Memory of Lindsay Bartley
Mr. Tony Bellisimo
Mrs. Mildred Bellows
In Honor of Trevor Malloy
Mr. and Mrs. David Bennett
Mrs. Donna Bledsoe
Mrs. Krista Bomar-Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Boozer
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Burton
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Cameron
Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Campos
Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cantor
Mr. Dave Cary
In Honor of Stacy Cary
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Castelli
In Honor of Alex Castelli
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Castelli
Mr. Joseph Champ and
Ms. Polly Holyoke
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Copeland
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Cross
Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Dallas
In Honor of Mary L. Teasdale
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dorn
Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Downing
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eckle
Mr. and Mrs. Melchior Elout
Mr. and Mrs. Mart Finnell
Mr. and Mrs. Grady Firmin
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Fraley
Ms. Meg French
In Honor of Hunter Stokes
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Garner
In Honor of Hayden Strong
Mr. and Mrs. Guillermo Garza
Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Gibbons
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Gorman
In Memory of Leonard Harmeyer
Mrs. Patricia Gorman
In Honor of Katie Gorman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Graf
Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Gray
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Gumbert
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hamby, III
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hanft
Ms. Amy Harmon-Burrow
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Hennig
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hensley
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hilts
Mr. and Mrs. Gwynn Hodges
Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Hoffman
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hood
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hull
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Johnson
Ms. Sheryl Jones
Miss Deni Kington
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Kirshenbaum
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kohnle
Mr. Kevin Labor
Ms. Melissa Labor
Mr. Kevin Lambert
In Honor of Garren Lambert
Mr. and Mrs. Neil Lange
Mrs. Pat Lange
In Honor of Nick Lange
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Lavault
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Lencioni
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Lowry
In Honor of Alyssa Lowry
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Luna
In Honor of Kasey Luna
Mr. and Mrs. John Luna
Ms. Marnie MacLennan
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Martinez
Mr. and Mrs. Randy McAfee
In Honor of Fairhill
6th Grade Teachers
Mr. and Mrs. Greg McCandless
Mr. and Mrs. Randy McElroy
Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. McKeehan
In Honor of Molly McKeehan
Mr. and Mrs. Mark McKeehan
Mr. and Mrs. David McKinney
Ms. Linda McNeil
In Honor of Connor McNeil
Drs. Tony and Mary McRae
In Honor of Annie McRae
Mr. and Mrs. Wade Mercer
Drs. Bruce Meyer and Christie Little
Ms. Leigh Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Mix
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Mlcak
In Memory of Linda Stewart
Mr. and Mrs. W. Z. Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Munir
Ms. Amy Myrin
In Honor of Nicole Myrin
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Neifach
Mr. and Mrs. Clif Nixon
Mr. and Mrs. William Nowak
Mr. and Mrs. Chahe Ohannessian
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Olivarez
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Owen
In Honor of Asher Brownfield
Mrs. Lené Westerman Pecorari
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Pendergrass, Jr.
Ms. Jeanann Pirtle
Mr. and Mrs. John Dale Powers
In Honor of Preston Cramer
Ms. Shonda L. Robertson
In Honor of Christian Robertson
Ms. Caisey Robertson
In Honor of Ian Robertson
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Sanchez
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Sandgarten
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sauer
Mrs. Kathryn Scott Scoper
In Honor of Hannah Howard
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Sewell
Mr. Anwar Shaikh and
Mrs. Ghazala Malik
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Shaw
Mr. and Mrs. Sami Shawwa
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sivapon
Ms. Dani Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Smith, Jr.
In Honor of Homer Smith, III
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Stone
Mr. and Mrs. John St. Wrba
Mr. and Mrs. Pape Swanson
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Utz
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Van Hess
Ms. Cheryl Klampe-Van Hess
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Waldron
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Warmbrodt
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wendell
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Whisler
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Whisler, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wiggins
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wiggins
Mr. and Mrs. John Wills
In Honor of David Wills
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wilson
Ms. Tish Woodruff
In Honor of Hunter Stokes
Auction Donors
1st and 2nd Grade Class
3rd Grade Class
4th Grade Class
5th Grade Class
6th Grade Class
7th Grade Class
8th Grade Class
9th Grade Class
10th Grade Class
11th Grade Class
12th Grade Class
Academic Outfitters
Adventure Landing
Aimbridge Hospitality
Mr. and Mrs. Brantley Allen
America’s Ice Garden
Mrs. Claudia Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Baldelli
Balfour
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. William Bayles
Beaute DeJour
BehringerHarvard
Mrs. Mildred Bellows
Bentley’s Art & Frame
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Berkemeier
Mrs. Sandy Bigham
Billy Bob’s Texas
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Boozer
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Brewton
Brookhaven Country Club
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bruno
Good Eats Restaurants
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Cameron
Cantina Laredo
Mr. and Mrs. Allan Cantor
Canyons Rock Climbing
Captivating Images
Portrait Studio
Mr. and Mrs. Joey Carter
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Cary
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Castelli
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Castelli
Champ Hospitality
Dr. Richard J. Chapman
Terry L. Carano, DDS
Dr. and Mrs. Don Cheatum
Clinic Esthetica
Club Corp North Texas Region
Coldwater Creek
Cooper Aerobic Center
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cosgrove
Cowboys Stadium
CSD
Mr. and Mrs. Owen Curry
Dallas Art & Design
Dallas Stars
Dallas Summer Musicals
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Dallas
Dave and Busters
Corporate Office
Ms. Ashley Davidson
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Dennis
Diamond Doctor
Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Dominicis
Ms. Marea Downey
Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Dumler
Eisemann Center
Equinox
Essensuals London
Exposure Indoor Rock Climbing
Fairhill Mom’s Book Club
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ferraro
Mr. and Mrs. Mart Finnell
Mr. and Mrs. Grady Firmin
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Fogarty
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Fogarty
For Those About to Rock School
Four Seasons Hotel and Resort
Friends of Fairhill
Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens
Ft. Worth Museum
of Science and History
Ft. Worth Zoo
G Family Dentistry
Mr. and Mrs. Guillermo Garza
Gatti Town North Dallas
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Gibbons
Ms. Diane Gibson
Mr. and Mrs. Amit Gilat
Glass Gone Wild
Glen Eagles Country Club
Golf Club of McKinney
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Gray
Half Price Books
Ms. Amy Harmon-Burrow
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Hatzmann
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Hilts
Mr. and Mrs. Doug Hodges
Mr. and Mrs. Gwynn Hodges
Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Hoffman
Ms. Polly Holyoke and
Mr. Joseph Champ
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hood
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hull
Huntington Learning Center
Mr. and Mrs. Curt Hursh
Ice-Skating Center
at the Galleria
Jackson’s Home and Garden
Ms. Sue Reese Jewett
Mr. and Mrs. Art Johnson
Ms. Sarah Kadey
Mr. and Mrs. Kee Kimbrell
Ms. Deni Kington
Mr. and Mrs. George Kirkland
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Kohnle
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Krueger
L’Ancestral
Mr. and Mrs. Neil Lange
Le Beau Visage Medical Spa
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Levine
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lewis
Liberty Burger
Liberty Sport
Dr. Christie Little and
Dr. Bruce Meyer
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant
Market Street Grocery
Marshall’s Catering
& Special Events
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Martinez
Mr. and Mrs. Randy McAfee
Mr. and Mrs. Greg McCandless
Mr. and Mrs. Randy McElroy
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Meeks
Mr. and Mrs. Wade Mercer
Mesomaya
Ms. Tam Warner Minton
Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Mitz
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Mix
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Mlcak
Museum of Natural History
Museum of the
American Railroad
My Diamond Shoppe
Nate’s Seafood and Steakhouse
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Neifach
Neuhaus Cafe
Mr. and Mrs. Clif Nixon
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Olivarez
Our Little Secret Jewelry
Palm Beach Tan
Payless Tire, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pearson
Petals and Stems
Petland Dallas
Picasso’s
Plano Body Wrap Shop
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Plunket
Polly DuPont China
Premier Diamonds
Prestonwood Counseling Center
Prestonwood Country Club
Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Raffkind
Ms. Patty Reagan
Red Door Spa and Salon
REI - Recreation Equipment Inc.
Rent-A-Center
Mr. and Mrs. John Rickerby
Ridgeview Ranch Golf Course
Safe Start Driving School
Salon Ana Bella
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sauer
Scapes, Inc.
Schlitterbahn in Galveston
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
& Resort
Scholastic Book Company
Scotty P’s
Ms. Jane Sego and Mr. Bill Bell
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sickler
Mr. and Mrs. William Sick
Simoniz Wash Depot
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sivapon
Six Flags Over Texas
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Slattery
Southern Botanical
Southwest Airlines
Speedzone of Dallas
Mr. and Mrs. John St. Wrba
Mr. and Mrs. David Stanford
Ms. Kathy Stone
Studio Movie Grill
Mr. and Mrs. Pape Swanson
Switch
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Taylor
Texas Rangers Baseball
Texas Tornado Hockey
The Dallas Arboretum
The Lash Lounge
The Mat Yoga Studio, LLC
The Original Pancake House
The Palace of Wax & Ripley’s
Believe It or Not
The Pizza Guy
The Renaissance Hotel
Tip Top Nails & Spa
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Trotta
Tupinamba Restaurant
Mr. and Mrs. John Turek
Turtle Creek Chorale
Twin Creeks Golf Club
Two Brothers Cigars
Uncle Julios
Uniquely Yours
Mr. and Mrs. Don Updegraff
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Vanciel
Ms. Claudia Vazquez
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Vivian
Ms. Nancy Waldron
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Warmbrodt
Ms. Lené Westerman
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wiggins
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Willoughby
Mr. and Mrs. John Wills
Woodbridge Golf Club
Ziziki’s
Golf Tournament
Sponsors and Donors
Platinum Sponsors
Collin Gibson
In memory of Robert Gibson
Gold Sponsors
Mr. Russell Ferraro and Alec and Cal
For Rent Media Solutions
Drs. Barron and Susan Hamman
and Jack
Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Raffind
and Michael
Silver Sponsors
Tonti Properties
Student/Teacher Sponsors
Dutton & Sickler Properties, LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kral
and Graham
Hole Sponsors
The Cheatum Family
Collin Gibson
The Hamman Family
The Ferraro Family
For Rent Media Solution
The Lathem Family
The McCandless Family
The Raffkind Family
The St. Wrba Family
Tonti Properties
Two Brothers Cigars
Donors
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Baldelli
Bear Creek Golf Club
BehringerHarvard
Body and Soul Massage Therapy
Edwin Watts Golf
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hood
Indian Creek Golf Club
Jorg’s Cafe Vienna
Kelly’s Eastside Restaurant
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Latham
Ms. Ghazala Malik
Park Place Lexus
Mr. and Mrs. John Rickerby
Schachter Photography
Mr. Dennis Shirley
Stitchin’ Chicks
Twin Creeks Golf Club
Two Brothers Cigars
Upper Crust
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Vivian
Dr. and Mrs. Roger Wilson
Great effort has been made
to acknowledge every donor.
Please advise the school office
if your name has inadvertently
omitted. You gift is important.
Fairhill Mardi Gras Gala Raises
$50,000 for Technology
Fairhill parents, staff, board members, alumni,
and friends enjoyed an evening of fundraising at
the “Mardi Gras” Gala and Auction. The annual
event, held March 3rd at the Renaissance Hotel
in Richardson featured a great dinner, music and
dancing to the sounds of Soul to Soul/Mile 21 Band,
in addition to spirited live and silent auctions.
Co-chairs Carolyn Cheatum, Jennifer Kimbrell,
and Vickie McCandless and their committee
volunteers transformed the hotel ballroom into
a lively New Orleans scene. CBS 11/TXA 21
Meteorologist Jeff Jamison, who served as
Master of Cermonies, teamed up with
Dr. E.T. Boon, Auctioneer, to bring top bids
for the live auction items.
Fairhill Mardi Gras Gala and Auction Co-chairs Vickie McCandless,
Jennifer Kimbrell and Carolyn Cheatum
Gala/Auction Sponsors and Donors
Krewe Royalty
City Sprint 1.800.Deliver
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ferraro
Dr. William K. Gordon, III
Gold Knights
Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Dominicis
Drs. Baron and
Susan Hamman
Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Hutton
Mr. Charles Lathem
Dr. and Mrs. Roger Wilson
Purple Dukes
Mr. and Mrs. Don Cheatum
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Plunket
Ms. Jane Sego and
Mr. Bill Bell
Green Lords
Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Raffkind
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sickler
Mr. and Mrs. Pape Swanson
Dr. Connie and
Mr. Doug Wilson
Journalism Day
Tim Cheatum, Stuart Sickler, and Nick Orr attended
The Dallas Morning News’ 21st annual High School
Journalism Day at SMU with their Fairhill advisor
Mrs. Karen Boozer. More than 300 students from
North Texas schools participated in workshops. 2011 Yearbook
“Live, Love, Laugh, Learn” yearbook, won 2nd
place in TAPPS District and 5th place in TAPPS State.
Yearbook students Preston Sokol, Sponsor Jo Prees,
Noah Adams, Trevor Malloy, Hunter Harty,
Lindsey Williams, and Lori Mayo celebrated after
the announcement.
Art TAPPS State 2012 Wyatt McReynolds – 1st Place in Printmaking
Lori Mayo – 4th Place in Graphic Design
Nick Gierczak – 4th Place in Printmaking
Amber Yen – 3rd Place tie in Art History
and 4th Place in Photograph
Creative Minds
Creative Communications
Congratulations to Lori Mayo and
Stephanie Sims! Their poems were chosen
second semester by Creative Communications,
an online writing competition which offers both
essay and poetry contests each fall and spring.
These contests are highly competitive, as they
are open to all students across the United States.
Last fall, Mrs. Allen’s English students entered
poems they wrote for class. Congratulations
to the following students who impressed the
judges and were selected for publication:
Andrew Appell, Trent Edmonds, Andrew
Russell, Alexander Sewell, Garrett St. Wrba,
Devon Taylor, Nicole Wilson, Hunter Harty
and Lori Mayo.
Vogel Alcove Center
As a gift of remembrance for the
children at Vogel Alcove Center,
Fairhill Art students created
door murals to decorate the
Dutch doors.
Lori Mayo and Stephanie Sims
From left: Lori Mayo, Wyatt McReynolds,
Landon Cheatum, Amber Yen, Nicholas Gierczak,
Adam Neifach, Devon Taylor and Jenna Smith.
Educational Travels
Outdoor School
Fifth grader Richard Fogarty successfully completed
the High Ropes Challenge Course.
Will Hardcastle found kayaking to be
a great water sport!
The Outdoor School in the beautiful
Texas Hill Country lived up to
its legacy of challenging and fun
learning experiences for fifth and
sixth grade students. They learned
about themselves, their environment,
and their peers. The educational
activities included: water quality
studies, birding, rocks and minerals,
archaeology, hiking, swimming,
archery, climbing and kayaking.
It was a fun filled three day trip
loaded with memories!
Dallas Arboretum
First and second graders attended
“Butterflies and Blossoms” at the
Dallas Arboretum. After the class
the students were excited to see the
“Chihuly at the Arboretum” exhibit.
Lauren Minnis, Maddie Hodgson, Lauren Badura, Jessica Rickerby, and Isabella Serrano took time for a “fun photo” while touring the Johnson Space Center.
From left: Mrs. Suzy Gibbons,
Mrs. Gail Berkemeier, Ethan Hull,
Tucker Bauer, Kevin Bernstein,
Stephen Vazquez, Ameen Shawwa,
Ethan Munir and Allie Nowak
Students from Mrs. Betty Sue Finnell’s
art classes had a photography field
trip to photograph pieces from the
“Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum”
exhibit.
From left back row: Adam Neifach, Josh Reese,
Emily Schneider, Landon Cheatham, Amber Yen,
Nick Gierczak, Trent Galvis, Ethan Kohnle, Madeline
Mengden, Molly McKeehan, Katie Strahan, Lori Mayo,
Miranda Davis,Ethan Pierce, and Cole McCandless.
Seventh graders toured the historic Alamo in San Antonio.
Texas Road Trip
Much history, modern day government in action and entertainment greeted seventh graders on the annual
7th Grade Texas Road Trip. Highlights of the trip were: Washington on the Brazos, Johnson Space Center,
San Jacinto Monument, Battleship Texas, The Alamo, The Riverwalk in San Antonio, The Whitte Museum,
Natural Bridge Caverns and the state capitol in Austin.
In and Around Fairhill…
Dad’s Day
Dads’ Cookout
Dad’s Cookout Donors
Matthew Latham, Dads’ Cookout Chairman, took a break
from the grill for a photo with Fairhill senior Emily and her mom
Rhonda. The Latham’s have been participating in the Dad’s
Cookout since Emily came to Fairhill in 5th grade. Mr. Michael Bailey
Mr. Rick Baldelli
Mr. Xavier Dominicis
Mr. Russell Ferraro
Mr. Doug Johnson
Mr. Matthew Latham
Mr. Charles Lathem
Mr. Jeff Mize
Mr. Marc Myrin
Mr. Thomas Salanty
Mr. Sami Shawwa
Mr. Dan Waldron
On Dads’ Day, Robert and Wells Hamby spent time
in art class making an African mask.
Junior Ring Ceremony
January 13th was a long awaited
day for the Junior Class. In a
ceremony that has become a
Fairhill tradition, students were
presented their class rings before
an audience of family, friends,
upper school students and faculty.
Leeds Castle is the setting for this group photo.
London Trip
From the Tower of London
to Anne Hathaway’s cottage,
twenty five seniors and juniors
enjoyed an eight-day educational
tour of London and the
surrounding English countryside.
Mrs. Marea Downey, a native
Brit and mom of three Fairhill
alumni, helped plan the
educational experience and
accompanied the group. Stops
included Canterbury, Stratford-onAvon, castles, palaces, museums,
parliament, and the theatre. The
study abroad correlated with the
British Literature curriculum
required of Fairhill seniors.
Will Hardcastle and Luke Dixon
Pato Lastra
Show What You Know Expo
Matthew Bagley led a group in building a stick fence at Butser Iron Age Village.
Students and teachers shared excitement of learning across all grade
levels at Fairhill’s annual Show What You Know Expo. Classroom
visitors included present and prospective families and friends.
Mrs. Melinda Cameron and Trent Edmonds
Sports
Awards &
Achievements
Falcon Award recipients Lindsey Williams, Jazmine Austin, and Ryan Baldelli were congratulated by the Fairhill coaches.
Jake Hensley and Hunter Harty place 3rd in the doubles match in the
TAPPS State Tennis Tournament. The Fairhill Boys’ Tennis Team placed
3rd in the tournament.
The Fairhill golf team made it to the state playoffs after placing 3rd in district
and 4th in regionals. From left: Alex Dziminski, Max McKinney, Ryan Baldelli,
Kelly Vivian, Trent Edmonds, Alec Ferraro, Cal Ferraro, and Coach Tom Wiemann
Middle School Baseball: Coach Joe Bruno, Hustle Award Winner Nick Sewell,
Most Valuable Player Nick Belshe and Coach Seth Atkinson
Congratulations to the bowling teams! The girls placed third and the boys placed second at the Regional Tournament. The boy’s varsity team finished ninth at the state
tournament. Stephanie Sims and Hunter Harty earned college scholarships in bowling. Back row from left: Hunter Harty, Lorenzo Benavides, Wyatt McReynolds,
Connor Hatzmann, Coach Mike Lewis, Trey Reichenstein, Amber Yen, Nick Wiggins. Front row: Coach Chuck Mix, Coach Lee Ann Mix, Lindsey Williams, Molly McKeehan,
Stephanie Sims, Kirsti Jack and Jenna Smith
IAA Basketball placed 2nd in District playoffs. Back row: Coach Joe Bruno, Dylan Scannell, Grant Gumbert, Nick Belshe, Nick Sewell, Noah Steiner, Hunter Struck.
Front row: Christian Hensley, Nick Shaddox, Shimon Benklifa, Zach Hurtt, and Ari Schnitzer
Intramural Basketball Team
Coach Tom Wiemann,
Scott Elout, Isaac Sivapon,
Hannah Warmbrodt,
Jack Miller, Nick Burrow,
Sully Curry, Nick Lange,
Sophia Cary, Ryan McAfee,
and Ivan Ohannessian
Hunter Harty, Fairhill senior, recently signed with Tabor College in Kansas.
He received academic and bowling scholarships. Hunter is pictured with his family,
Fairhill Coach Mike Lewis and Tabor College Head Coach Todd Zinner.
Fairhill Senior, Lindsey Williams signed with Oklahoma Christian University to
be a goal keeper on the women’s soccer team. OCU is presently an NAIA school and is
moving to Division II NCAA. Lindsey is pictured with her parents Tonya and Tim Williams
and OCU coach Randall Robinson and Fairhill coach Tom Wiemann.
Varsity Mascot
Cross Country
All American Nominee –
State Qualifiers:
Travis Olivarez
Carson Olivarez
Alex Castelli
Kendall Wolf
Lorenzo Benavides
Hunter Harty
Michael Martinez
Varisty Tennis
State Qualifiers:
Jazmine Austin
Andrew Bitterman
Hunter Harty
Jacob Hensley
Travis Olivarez
Katie Osten
Varisty Golf
State Qualifiers:
Ryan Baldelli
Alex Dziminski
Trent Edmonds
Max McKinney
Kelly Vivian
Varsity Cheerleading
High School
Athletic Awards
All-American Nominee:
Hannah Howard
Emily Latham
Devon Taylor
Erin Taylor
Varsity Soccer
Varsity Bowling
1st Team All-District – Ryan Baldelli
1st Team All-District – Alex Gregory
2nd Team All-Distict – Alex Castelli
2nd Team All-District – Trent Edmonds
2nd Team All-District – Daniel Garza
2nd Team All-District – Joshua Reese
1st Team All-District/2nd Team All-State – 1st Team All-District/Bowler of the Year – Lorenzo Benavides
1st Team All-District/Odell Hickman
Stars of Tomorrow Award – Hunter Harty
1st Team All-District – Kirsti Jack
1st Team All District/Bowler of the Year – Stephanie Sims
2nd Team All-District – Nicholas Gierczak
2nd Team All-District – Molly McKeehan
2nd Team All-District – Jenna Smith
2nd Team All-District – Lindsey Williams
2nd Team All-District – Amber Yen
Honorable Mention – Nick Wiggins
Honorable Mention – Wyatt McReynolds
Honorable Mention – Connor Hatzmann
Lindsey Williams
Varsity Basketball (Boys)
1st Team All-District – Ryan Baldelli
Honorable Mention All-District –
Connor Hatzmann
Varsity Basketball (Girls)
1st Team All-District –
Jazmine Austin
Lindsey Williams
Varsity Volleyball
1st Team All-District – Katie Osten
2nd Team All-District – Jazmine Austin
Falcon Award
Jazmine Austin
Lindsey Williams
Ryan Baldelli
Fairhill Drama and Musicals
Revenge of the Space Pandas
Cole McCandless, Panda Two aka Boots;
Nicole Wilson, Vivian Mooster; and
Andrew Bitterman, Binky Rudich;
performed in Revenge of the Space Pandas.
The performance was directed by Deni Kington,
Fairhill Performing Arts teacher.
Middle School
Athletic Awards
IAA Soccer
Most Improved – Joshua Chek
Hustle Award – Ivan Ohannessian
IAA Volleyball
Most Valuable Player – Jessie Champ
Most Improved Player – Hannah Howard
Most Improved Player – Taylor Waldron
IAA Basketball (Boys)
Most Valuable Player – Nicholas Belshe
Hustle Award – Ari Schnitzer
Most Improved Player – Noah Steiner
IAA Basketball (Girls)
Most Valuable Player – Kaden Collins
Hustle Award – Allyson Allmack
Most Improved Player – Jessie Champ
Intramural Basketball
Outstanding Performance – Nick Lange
Outstanding Performance – Ryan McAfee
Most Improved Player – Ivan Ohannessian
Middle School Baseball
Most Valuable Player – Nicholas Belshe
Most Improved Player – Ari Schnitzer
Students from Spanish II, III, and IV performed Jamleto.
Jamleto
Over 50 students from Spanish II, III, and IV classes
participated in Jamleto, an original adaptation of
Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The performance was entirely in
Spanish with an accompanying PowerPoint in English
to help the audience follow along as the forlorn
Prince Jamleto experienced familial strife.
Hustle Award – Nicholas Sewell
Intramural Tennis
Outstanding Performance – Nick Gray
Outstanding Improvement – Nick Lange
Outstanding Improvement – Ian Robertson
The Fairhill Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Mrs. Lynn Firmin won
Second Place in the band competition at Sandy Lake. Back Row from left:
Sophia Cary, Erin Taylor, Luke Dixon, Nick Lange, Christiana Cary.
Front row: Rayner Cross, Nick Burrow, and Kasey Luna.
Sing the Sixties
The Lower School Performance, Sing the Sixties,
was directed by Deni Kington.
From left: Kasey Luna, Peyton Escher, Ali Stevens and Meera Savani.
Former
Falcons
This spring he was selected for
Carpool, a service organization
at A&M that provides safe rides
on weekends in the Bryan/College
Station area.
Class of 2011
Stephen Pryor is a Junior at the
University of Oklahoma. He is
majoring in Psychology and is a
member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Megan Marshall is a sophomore
majoring in Psychology at
Texas A&M-Commerce.
John McLaughlin is attending
Collin College. He is majoring in
Criminal Justice and made the
Dean’s List second semester.
Tina Vint is attending Oklahoma
State University. She joined the
University Honor’s College in
January 2012 and was admitted
into Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
and the National Society of
Collegiate Scholars.
Class of 2010
Owen Harry is going into his
junior year at UT Tyler. He is
studying Kinesiology and is
hoping to work in the medical
field in Physical Therapy or
Chiropractic. He is a member of
the UT Tyler Div. 3 NCAA Track
and Field Team. He received his
Varsity letter this spring. Owen is a
member of the SAE fraternity and
is working at the university this
summer as an Orientation Leader
to greet the incoming freshmen.
Stephanie Sims and Adam Neifach danced the night away! Juniors, seniors and their dates also participated in casino
games, fortune telling, and having caricatures drawn.
Mardi Gras JuniorSenior Prom-2012
Greg Loots is a junior at Texas
A&M studying Food Science
Technology with a minor in
Business. He is very involved
with the Society for Creative
Anachronisms, an international
middle ages reenactment group.
Last year he served as Hospitalier
for the group and was recently
certified to be Night Marshall.
Sarah Vint has maintained her
Oklahoma State University
academic scholarship for her
4th year. This summer she has
the wonderful opportunity to
join a study abroad program for
international law and accounting
at Regents College, London. She
was also elected Treasurer for her
sorority, Delta Delta Delta.
solutions to improve everyday
life. The members make and
implement designs to help give
those communities clean water,
electricity, schools for children
and other projects that are needed.
Isaiah Williams, a junior
at Dallas Baptist University,
was recently named to the
Academic Honors List.
mentioned that her education
at Fairhill helped her to manage
college courses without much
assistance. She benefited greatly
from the experience in Deni
Kington’s drama classes. Rheanne
is now living in North Hollywood
while doing an internship with
a jazz talent agency and
auditioning for various roles
in film and television.
Class of 2009
Class of 2008
Michael Alford is going into
his senior year at Austin College.
He is majoring in Business
Administration and Environmental
Studies. He has been on the
Dean’s List since his freshman
year. He is also in the Who’s Who
among College Students. Michael
had the opportunity to study
Chinese culture and history in
Beijing during the January
semester. He has completed several
internships in the field of business.
Kiersten Davis will graduate in
December in Secondary Education
from Texas Tech and will continue
to study for a Master’s Degree
in Economics.
Rheanne Best graduated with
a BFA in Musical Theater from
American Musical and Dramatic
Academy in Hollywood in
February. She started in June after
graduating from Fairhill in 2009
and completed her degree in
2 and 1/2 years! Rheanne
Ali Cardaropoli recently graduated
from Oklahoma City University
with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Zach Grubbs is a mechanical
engineering student at Texas Tech.
He will graduate in the fall of 2012
and has been accepted into the
graduate school of Texas Tech
College of Engineering. He is
currently president of Engineers
Without Borders, a non-profit
humanitarian organization
that partners with developing
communities worldwide to
provide sustainable engineering
Joe Hill graduated from
Midwestern State University
with a Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice. He did two
internships at the U.S. District
Court 5. Joe made the President’s
Honor Roll during the fall
semester of 2011.
David Wills graduated from the
Honors Program at the University
of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts
Degree in International Studies
with emphasis in the Middle East.
His future plans include studying
at Shor Yoshuv Yeshiva in New York
and working as a self-employed
Martial Arts instructor.
Class of 2006
Zach Samuels received a
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Radio-Television-Film from the
University of Texas in Austin in
May, 2012.
Class of 1999
Drew Hunziker graduated from
the University of Texas at Dallas in
December, 2011 with a Bachelor of
Arts Degree in Historical Studies.
Honor & Excellence
FAIRHILL SCHOOL
AND DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT CENTER
MISSION STATEMENT
16150 Preston Road | Dallas, Texas 75248
Fairhill is dedicated to providing the best
possible education to learning different students,
emphasizing each student’s unique pattern of
information acquisition, processing, and expression.
To accomplish this, Fairhill focuses upon academic,
social, and emotional development.
Fairhill guides its students in “learning to learn.”
Physics Awards: Seniors Sam Wieland, Michael Martinez, Preston Sokol, Ryan Baldelli, and Alex Gregory were thrilled with their Physics Awards from Mr. Wade Mercer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
W. L. Pendergrass, Jr., Chair
Tom Carse, Vice-Chair
W. K. Gordon III, Ph.D., Secretary
William K. Barnard, Treasurer
Shae Keily was awarded Third Place and $50.00 by the Dallas Writers’ Journal for her
entry In Bloom. She is shown accepting her award from Mr. BJ Morton.
In Bloom
By Shae Kiely
Tenth grader, Amber Yen received 6th Place for her art work, “Holy Night”
in the 2012 Third District Congressional Art Competition. She was congratulated
by Congressman Sam Johnson.
Mrs. Betty Sue Finnell presented Art Awards to: Annie McRae, Ethan Kohnle,
Molly McKeehan, Lori Mayo, Amber Yen, Adam Neifach, Devon Taylor, and Trent Galvis.
Flying from tree to tree
Singing its harmonic song,
So entirely free,
A bird with outstretched wings,
Seeing what he can see.
Growing from the ground,
Reaching for the radiant sunlight
A flower’s purpose is found.
With widespread petals,
A colorful beauty is spread around.
Lace your fingers with a loved one,
Take a step outside
And look to the sun.
Turn on the sprinklers,
Run around and have some fun.
Fairhill Chapter of the International Thespian Society. Back row from left: Thomas Hodges, Sam Wieland, Matthew Bagley, Andrew Bitterman, Alec Ferraro,
Kirsti Jack, Andrew Russell, Jonathan Gilat, Nick Orr, Tim Cheatum, Cole McCandless. Middle row: Rickie Huang, Stephanie Sims, Emily Plunket, Shae Kiely,
Erin Taylor, Nicole Wilson. Front row: Patrick Belshe, Travis Olivarez, Trevor Malloy and Ryan Fischer
There’s a bird flying from tree to tree,
Seeing what he can see.
John M. Gala
Leslie Zale Greco
Jerry B. Hutton, Ph.D.
Carol Young Marvin
Jane Sego
Jeffrey Siegel, Ph.D.
Karen Smith
Thomas C. Thompson
Connie Wilson, Ph.D.
ADMINISTRATION
Jane Sego, Executive Director
Carla Stanford, Assistant Director
& Head of Lower School
Melinda Cameron,
Head of Upper School
Ruth Willoughby, Director of Development
& Public Relations
William K. Gordon III, Ph.D.,
Director of Psychological Services &
Director, Diagnostic Assessment Center
Tom Wiemann, Athletic Director
Cricket Burton, Business Manager
16150 Preston Road | Dallas, Texas 75248
Phone 972.233.1026 | Fax 972.233.8205
www.fairhill.org
NON PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
PLANO, TEXAS
PERMIT NO. 181
FAIRHILL SCHOOL
AND DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT CENTER
16150 Preston Road | Dallas, Texas 75248
A FRIENDLY REMINDER
Former Falcons and Falcon Alumni
If you have former student or alumni news
to share, please call or e-mail Ruth Willoughby,
Director of Development at 972-233-1026 or
[email protected].
Free $$$ for Fairhill!!!!
Tom Thumb, Albertson’s, Kroger, Target Visa and
Box Tops for Education offer free $$$ to Fairhill
through their customer participation rebate programs.
In Memory of Ann Flores Minnis
Fairhill School Board of Directors 1988-2012
Fairhill School was very fortunate to have Mrs. Ann Minnis
as a member of the Board of Directors for 24 years. She
played a significant role in taking a small struggling school
to the outstanding school it is today. She had a unique
combination of being very child oriented and practical
with a keen understanding of the financial underpinnings
of schools and nonprofit organizations. Mrs. Minnis was
especially devoted to children with learning differences,
those in need, and individuals in the Hispanic culture.
Her experience as Director and Grants Administrator of
the Texas Instruments Foundation as well as member of
the T.I. Foundation’s Board of Trustees provided unique
expertise to the Fairhill Board of Directors.
in memory of ann minnis
Fairhill School Scholarship Fund
Mr. and Mrs. William Sick
Ms. Deborah G. Cleveland
Mr. Eric Doriot
Mr. Henry Dorit
Mr. and Mrs. Dewayne Glover
Ms. Lois Graves
Mr. W.J. Hunsucker
Mr. and Mrs. Max Post
Ms. Linda Sires
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Thompson
Texas Instruments Foundation
Ms. Susie J. Yium