A Newsletter from Fountain Valley School

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

NEWS FROM THE PRAIRIE

Learning to Love the Land: FVS Ninth Graders Begin with Western Immersion Program

Each fall, Fountain Valley’s ninth graders head to the Class of ’69 Mountain Campus in Nathrop for the Western Immersion Program, a three-day experience that helps them bond as a class and connect with the land. Students rotated through field studies in alpine ecology on Cottonwood Pass, riparian systems along Chalk Creek, and mining history in Leadville. Guided by faculty and senior mentors, they kept illustrated journals, wrote poetry, and sketched their surroundings. By the end, the Class of 2029 returned with new friendships and a deeper sense of connection to place, people, and purpose.

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Cross Country: A Sport that Rewards Hard Work

Cross country is a sport that rewards hard work… something FVS student-athletes know well. Every mile on the Prairie builds endurance, focus, and strong connections among teammates. Watch the video as our runners share how the lessons learned on the Prairie carry over into the classroom.

Hooves, Horseshoes, and Hard Work: Lessons at the Farrier School

At Fountain Valley, our equestrians learn that caring for a horse starts long before you put a foot in the stirrup. This fall, students traveled to the E.L.P.O. (Equine Lameness Prevention Organization) Farrier School in Penrose, where they rolled up their sleeves and focused on the essential skills behind horse care.

The day began with blacksmithing basics, giving students the chance to handle equipment, maneuver horseshoes, and measure hooves to understand how proportion affects fit. They also shaved down a wooden hoof, dissected a horse leg to study anatomy, and explored the precision required in farriery. For our students, it was a reminder that riding is only one part of the equestrian journey. Knowing how to care for a horse, its hooves, legs, and overall health, is just as important.

By working directly with farriers, students gained a deeper appreciation for the craft and science that keep horses sound. The experience emphasized what makes FVS equestrian unique: a commitment to developing knowledgeable, responsible horsemen and horsewomen who understand the fundamentals of care as much as the thrill of riding.

REUNION RECAP

FVS Reunion Weekend 2025: A Celebration of Connection and Achievement

Exactly 320 alumni and friends returned to the Prairie for Reunion Weekend, one of the largest gatherings in recent memory. The celebration honored the Class of 1975, the last all-male class at FVS, with nearly half of the class attending and a special dinner at the Howe Residence.

Reunion also featured the induction of David Beumée ’70 and Eamon Ore-Giron ’92 into the FVS Arts Guild, and welcomed Dominic Carrese ’15 and Laura Luckett ’80 into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

This year’s Alumni Award recipients included:

• Young Alumni Award: Michael Maloof ’10
• Robert S. Thompson ’44 Memorial Class Agent of the Year: Jamie Bachant ’75
• Distinguished Casa Serena Society Member: Philip W. Burling ’60
• Lewis Perry Jr. Award: Chris Sanchez ’90
• Elizabeth Froelicher Smith Distinguished Service Award: Sarah Cannady
• Distinguished Alumni Award: Stephanie Carter ’85

The weekend was filled with laughter, music, and memories, highlighted by dinner and dancing under the tent and time together at the Mountain Campus.

Nominate a classmate for next year’s FVS Alumni Awards, Arts Guild, and Athletic Hall of Fame.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Save the date for Reunion Weekend 2026 to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate! Join us as we honor the classes ending in ’1 and ’6 and mark 50 incredible years of coeducation at Fountain Valley School.

FVS Alumni Reception in NYC

Nearly 40 alumni and friends gathered high above Manhattan for an evening of connection and celebration at an FVS Alumni Reception hosted by Jay Peterson ’91, current board member and co-founder of Pinhook Whiskey, and his wife, Alice, at their home in the Skytop Lounge North at 15 Hudson Yards.

With panoramic views stretching from the George Washington Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, guests enjoyed a Pinhook whiskey tasting and heard from Jay, Ben Howe ’89, and Head of School Megan Harlan, who shared updates on FVS’s strategic plan and the exciting path ahead.

The evening was filled with laughter, reconnections, and new friendships—proof that the FVS spirit thrives wherever the community gathers. And yes, a few wondered if the generous offers of support that followed were inspired by the whiskey!

SAVE THE DATES

Denver Reception, Tuesday, December 9

Join us at Cableland on Tuesday, December 9, for an evening reconnecting with the Fountain Valley School community. This special reception will bring together alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and prospective families for conversation, connection, and updates from Head of School Megan Harlan on year three of the school’s strategic plan—highlighting our focus on leadership.

Los Angeles Reception, Thursday, January 15

And mark your calendars—our Los Angeles reception will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Details and location to come soon!

Formal invitations and registration details for both events will be shared soon—stay tuned!

SUPPORTING FVS

THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY FUND

FROM PRAIRIE TO PEAK: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

For 95 years, Fountain Valley has encouraged students to engage deeply with the world around them. The wide-open prairie and not-so-distant peaks have inspired students and faculty alike to take action, to imagine what is possible, and to gather others to their cause. The Fountain Valley Fund represents this enduring spirit of excellence, strengthening the opportunities of today while building momentum to climb the peaks of tomorrow.

Gifts to the Fountain Valley Fund touch every part of the FVS experience, from the hands-on learning of the signature Western Immersion Program to the globally minded Interim experiences that connect students to the broader world. Every dollar directly supports academics, athletics, and the arts, ensuring that an FVS education remains world-class and transformative.

Your gift from the heart immediately funds current strategies to advance the student journey, from the prairie to the peak.

Stay Connected with FVS!