Honoring Major Ron Beam, USAF (Ret.)
Leanna Garcia
We were deeply honored to welcome Major Ron Beam, United States Air Force (Ret.), to our Veterans Day Chapel today.
A former teacher, coach, and administrator at Fort Worth Christian from 1976–1996, Major Beam inspired generations of students with his passion for history, discipline, and excellence. Before his years at FWC, he served our nation as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, flying more than 500 hours in the F-4 Phantom, including combat missions over Hanoi and Laos.
For his heroic actions destroying an enemy convoy in July 1967, Major Beam was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his military service, he dedicated his life to shaping young men and women in the classroom and on the field—teaching lessons in teamwork, leadership, and patriotism that continue to impact FWC alumni today.
Now 91 years old and still full of energy, Major Beam remains a beloved member of the FWC family. We are grateful for his service to our country and his lasting legacy at Fort Worth Christian.
Thank you, Major Beam, for your courage, your sacrifice, and your example.
Congratulations to FWC’s National Merit Commended Student, Emily Dean!
Cardinal Communications
Each year, approximately 1.5 million students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Of those, about 34,000 are recognized nationwide as Commended Students for their exceptional academic promise, and another 16,000 earn the distinction of National Merit Semi-Finalist.
This year, we are proud to recognize Emily Dean as FWC’s National Merit Commended Student.
Emily transferred to Fort Worth Christian from Southlake Carroll High School last January. At Carroll, she was an active member of the French National Honor Society, Carroll Medical Academy, French Club, and Key Club, and she also participated in the volleyball program. At FWC, Emily has competed on our Varsity Volleyball team and is a member of both the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.
A true servant leader, Emily volunteered with the Community Enrichment Center last spring, served as a Finance Intern with White’s Chapel Methodist Church, and contributes annually to their Vacation Bible School program. Next March, she will volunteer with Beyond the Known Ministries during Cardinal Service Week.
Upon graduation, Emily will have completed 23 hours of dual credit through Colorado Christian University. Her rigorous academic coursework also includes AP Language, AP Calculus, AP U.S. History, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP World History, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Macroeconomics.
Emily plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will major in Biomedical Sciences.
Congratulations, Emily Dean!
- academics
- national merit
Fort Worth Christian School Announces New Athletic Director, Chris Cunningham
Cardinal Communications
Fort Worth Christian School is excited to announce the hiring of Chris Cunningham as the new Athletic Director, following the retirement of Kyle Story. Coach Story is stepping away to spend more time with family as he eagerly anticipates the arrival of two new grandchildren this summer. We are grateful for Coach Story’s leadership and contributions to FWC over the past two years.
Coach Cunningham brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in Texas high school athletics. Most recently, he served as Head Football Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Midland Christian, where he provided strong leadership both on and off the field after joining the school in 2022.
Prior to his time at Midland, Cunningham served as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Prestonwood Christian Academy for 16 years. During his tenure, he led the football program to an impressive 129-44 record, capturing four TAPPS state championships (2009, 2010, 2015, and 2017) and earning two state runner-up finishes (2013, 2014). As Athletic Director, Cunningham oversaw 29 team state titles and 32 individual state championships across a variety of sports, including boys and girls basketball, baseball, volleyball, boys and girls golf, and competitive cheerleading.
Before his time at Prestonwood and Midland Christian, Cunningham spent 22 years in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, serving as Colleyville Heritage’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach for 11 seasons, following eight seasons as Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach at Grapevine High School.
Beyond his impressive coaching and leadership record, Cunningham is deeply committed to fostering a Christ-centered, Kingdom-focused athletic culture. “I am thrilled to join Fort Worth Christian and look forward to investing in our coaches and student-athletes,” Cunningham shared. “My heart is in building a Christ-centered Kingdom culture that develops leaders both on and off the field. I’m excited to step into this role and see how God continues to work through athletics to shape lives for His glory.”
Dr. Terry Rodgers, President and Head of School, expressed his excitement about Cunningham’s arrival, stating, “It is an honor to serve in ministry alongside someone as accomplished and qualified as Chris Cunningham. His leadership, experience, and commitment to Kingdom athletics make him a tremendous addition to the Fort Worth Christian family. I look forward to seeing the impact he will have on our coaches, student-athletes, and the entire FWC community.”
Cunningham and his wife, Dana, have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of three adult sons: Caleb, Joshua, and Cade. We are thrilled to welcome Chris Cunningham to the Fort Worth Christian family.
Please join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for FWC Athletics!