Fort Worth School Makes Students the Stars In a Memorable Outdoor Evening — Stepping Up For Rivertree Academy
A Night Of Dining and Making a Difference
BY Paige Pate // 10.07.22
Rivertree Board President Pete Chambers and Head of School Justina Jenkins take the stage at Rivertree Academy Dinner Under the Stars in Fort Worth, Texas on September 27, 2022. (Photo by Sharon Ellman)
Fort Worth’s Rivertree Academy attracted a generous crowd under a beautiful fall Texas night sky. More than 500 supporters from all around North Texas gathered to raise awareness and funding for the Lake Como school.
Upon arrival, guests received a warm welcome from Rivertree student ambassadors. A firm handshake and a friendly introduction greeted everyone who stepped foot on the River Ranch porch. The stage was set for a transparent and moving presentation about academic progress and the faith-filled mission of the school.
The Rivertree Academy choir kicked off the program in style, singing “This Little Light of Mine” to a cheerful crowd. Auctioneer Jeff Copeland served as master of ceremonies, leading a moving fireside chat with Rivertree head of school Dr. Justina Jenkins, Board of Directors president Pete Chambers and dean of students Tiera Miles.
Adding to the excitement, event co-chairs Susanne Avondet and Katie Myers transformed the River Ranch ballroom into a brilliant universe of white lights, stars and live greenery put together by NDH Landscape. Local favorite Bill Bostelman of Flowers on the Square completed the look with gorgeous floral presentations.
Movingly, the program highlighted the three core values of Rivertree Academy. Faith. Magnanimity. Excellence. Jenkins notably expressed excitement to share her passion for the students and their education. She also commented on the school’s ability to unite supporters in an often-polarized world.
“We have so many different people from so many walks of life that care for and love these children. . . and I would say in a world that says you can’t do it, we are doing it,” Jenkins says.
SHOP FOR MOM
Rivertree Academy students were the true stars of the night. They exemplified the mission of the school and its wholistic approach to education.
“It was an amazing blessing to see the large gathering,” Chambers says. “Both new and old supporters of Rivertree showed up and made it an incredible evening.”
PC Scene: Amy and Tull Bailey, Terry and Chris Pruitt, Emmy Lou Prescott, Pam and Chuck Holm, Kaydee and Bill Bailey, Julie and Jay Hayes, Paula and George Thomason, Tamara and Daniel Pullin, Whitney and Zac Thompson, Lauri Lawrence, Suzanne and Travis Sanders, Terri and Greg Sexton
