Honoring a Legacy of Literacy

On March 5, family, friends, former colleagues, and students gathered for a reception in the Carolyn W. Fierer Library to celebrate former faculty member Priscilla Harrier H’11, FWCD’s first Lower School Librarian (1978-2011), and her profound impact on literacy at Fort Worth Country Day. The event honored Priscilla’s dedication to inspiring young readers, unveiling a collection of 228 new books for Lower School students — purchased through generous donations made in her memory during the 2023-24 academic year. 

Priscilla, affectionately known as “The Lower School Bookie,” referred to FWCD as her “professional utopia.” She was passionate about matching children and their families with books that sparked their curiosity and instilled a lifelong love of reading. She led book clubs, hosted visiting authors, and created engaging literary experiences, including “Country Time at Country Day,” where students read about pioneer life while churning butter, milking a cow, and popping popcorn over an open fire in the Lower School fireplace.

Lower School Librarian and Department Head Tammy Wolford and Library Assistant Biz Hurley curated the book collection, ensuring the selections reflected Priscilla's literary sensibilities. “Though I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Priscilla personally, I tried to make this collection something she would be proud of—full of books she herself would have chosen for young readers,” Tammy shared.

Priscilla's friend and former colleague Debby Jennings (Head Librarian, 1975-2015) welcomed attendees. “Priscilla always said how much she loved working at Country Day and connecting the Lower School students with books,” she said. “She would have adored the new library’s fireplace, though she likely would have suggested a larger hearth since it was a centerpiece for her and her storytelling while she was here.” 

Priscilla’s children, Gareth Harrier (attending with his wife Amanda and son Orson) and Blythe Harrier Lee, expressed gratitude for the FWCD community’s tribute. Gareth humorously recalled that, as a child, he never needed a library card: “My mom was my library card. Why would I need one when she was bringing me home all the titles I could ever want?” Blythe added, “FWCD is truly a family and a blessing. Seeing the community continue to honor my mother’s legacy is deeply meaningful to me and my family.”

Former Upper School Science Teacher Sharon Hamilton remembered Priscilla’s incredible ability to recall names, saying, “She had a great visual memory.” Others reflected on her gift for knowing exactly what book would excite each child, a skill that shaped generations of young readers.

Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99 was one of Priscilla's former students. Echoing the sentiments of many, she said, “I loved to read because of Mrs. Harrier. She always captivated us when she read, and we traveled with her on so many adventures through the books she chose.”

The reception served as a touching tribute to a beloved educator whose passion for books and storytelling continues to inspire FWCD students. Through the pages of this special collection, Priscilla Harrier’s legacy lives on, ensuring that young Falcons will always have a guiding hand leading them into the joy of reading.