Paloma Casanova, Valedictorian

Paloma Casanova joined the Fort Worth Country Day family in fifth grade and immersed herself in the whole school experience from the start. She will attend Yale University in the fall and plans to pursue the pre-med track with a concentration in neuroscience and psychology. 

A member of FWCD’s chapter of Cum Laude since her junior year, Casanova was named a National Hispanic Scholar in the fall by the College Board National Recognition Program and also was named a Morehead-Cain Scholar, FWCD’s first since 2013. 

Paloma loves the Class of 2021’s enthusiasm to get involved in extracurricular activities that speak to their unique personalities. “From SPC tournaments and science fairs, to musical productions and donation drives, the Class of 2021 has always been ready to experience something new and have fun with it,” she noted. 

The holistic nature of FWCD’s approach to school, which accentuates the A’s (academics, arts, athletics) added meaning and enrichment to Paloma’s eight years at the School. “The opportunities granted by this mindset have shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. 

It is here where Paloma fell in love with the arts, specifically FWCD’s Theatre Department. She performed in five different productions. “The most integral part of the department is the community. Although everyone is so unique and interested in different academic subjects or participates in separate sports, the unifying love for theater has fashioned a strong bond between every person,” she said. “We all support one another and are strengthened by each others’ energy, which allows us to have the most memorable productions, theatre classes, and cast parties.”

Ballet has been Paloma’s athletics passion. She began at age 4 and, after a hiatus, picked it back up in FWCD’s Middle School. “Ballet is so much more than just physical exercise,” she notes. “It’s discipline, patience and musicality. These lessons apply to so many aspects of life, and I see myself using them in everyday activities.”

From an academic standpoint, Paloma has fostered her intellectual curiosity, and she credits many of her Upper School teachers with engaging her heart and mind inside and outside of the classroom. “I have so many favorite subjects, teachers and classes, and it’s all because of the amazing education offered here,” she said. “Some of my favorite classes include Chemistry with Mr. [Shaen] McKnight, whose science labs I will never forget and whose willingness to participate in thought-provoking discussions over almost anything always makes my day, and AP Literature with Mrs. [Catherine] Collins-Vecino, whose wonderful book choices made writing essays so much more enjoyable and whose participation in the classroom always made me feel comfortable enough to admit that I actually LOVE Jane Eyre.” 

Although involved in several extracurricular activities, Paloma committed herself to Student Council at Country Day. She served in some capacity for all eight years of her FWCD tenure. “Since the beginning, I’ve realized the importance of representing my classmates and stepping up to create unforgettable experiences for my peers. This year, as Student Body President, I’ve been able to take on more responsibility and look at what would truly benefit the entire student body,” she said. “Leading council meetings or announcements still gives me butterflies, but it’s these feelings that reassure me that I love what I’m doing and that the behind-the-scenes work Student Council does has a major role in high school life.” 

Paloma cultivates her servant’s heart through TEAM Service and the community service-related initiatives the organization has undertaken in typical years and during the pandemic. “Giving back is important for community and individual growth, and this club has allowed me to make an impact on a greater scale,” Paloma shared. “My favorite act of service has always been the Back-to-School Roundup that we do as a committee because of the one-on-one interaction with people in our community and the bond that is generated as a result of the daylong event.” She also has served as an Admission Student Ambassador, on the Link Crew, and as a tutor for Lower School students.  

“There are so many people at FWCD who inspired me and whose advice and support I’ve relied on. Two of my greatest mentors are my Student Council Faculty Advisors, Mrs. [Jennifer] Giroir and Mrs. [Stefanie] Luedtke,” Paloma noted.” I’ve worked with them for four years, and, during that time, I’ve come to the conclusion that they are incredibly hardworking, extremely empathetic, and overall altruistic people. Mrs. Giroir’s strength and kind advice have made the worst days better, and Mrs. Luedtke’s fearlessness and dedication to service have charted out a path that I wish to follow in my future. These two teachers have shown me through action what it means to be a strong female leader, kind friend, and reliable student, and I’ll never have enough words to express the impact they’ve had on my life.”

Paloma looks forward to continuing a rigorous education but specializing in her fields of interests, meeting brilliant professors and peers, and exploring a new environment where she can grow as a person and scholar. “The mind is the new scientific frontier, and it’s waiting to be explored,” she said.