More than a reunion, this year's Party on the Prairie was a celebration of Fountain Valley School's past, present, and future.

Over Reunion Weekend, alumni, families, faculty, trustees, and friends returned to campus to reconnect with classmates, honor distinguished members of the community, celebrate 50 years of coeducation, and witness a historic milestone: the groundbreaking of Fountain Valley's new Academic Center and Center for the American West.

The weekend began Friday afternoon with the groundbreaking ceremony, where community members gathered to celebrate the start of the most significant construction project in the School's nearly 100-year history. Board Chair Greg Osborne '81 described the project as an investment in the next generation of students and the next century of Fountain Valley School.

Throughout the weekend, alumni reflected on the experiences and friendships that continue to connect them to the Prairie long after graduation. Members of the Class of 1976 were formally welcomed into the 50-Year Club during a special dinner recognizing Fountain Valley's first coeducational class and their lasting impact on the School.

Saturday's programming celebrated 50 years of coeducation through panel discussions featuring accomplished alumnae in education, entrepreneurship, STEM, law, the arts, and environmental leadership. During a luncheon under the tent, attendees reflected on how coeducation expanded opportunities, strengthened the community, and shaped generations of Fountain Valley students.

The afternoon Community Address and Alumni Awards recognized outstanding members of the Fountain Valley community. Alumni were honored for achievements in public service, philanthropy, athletics, the arts, community leadership, and lifelong dedication to the School. The ceremony also welcomed new inductees into the Arts Guild and Athletic Hall of Fame, celebrating alumni whose accomplishments continue to reflect the values of Fountain Valley School.

As the sun set over the prairie, alumni gathered beneath the tent for the weekend's signature event: Party on the Prairie. Old friends reunited, new connections were formed, and generations of Danes shared stories, laughter, and memories while celebrating the enduring spirit of the School.

The weekend concluded Sunday morning with a Service of Remembrance in the Lewis Perry Jr. Chapel, honoring alumni and faculty members who passed away during the past year. The service featured special recognition of W. Jerome "Jerry" Frautschi '49, whose extraordinary generosity and devotion to Fountain Valley School helped shape the institution for generations to come.

Throughout the weekend, one theme emerged again and again: the power of community. Whether celebrating 50 years of coeducation, honoring distinguished alumni, breaking ground on a transformative new campus project, or reconnecting with lifelong friends, Reunion Weekend demonstrated the deep bonds that continue to unite Danes across generations.

As Fountain Valley School approaches its centennial in 2030, Reunion Weekend 2026 served as both a celebration of the School's rich history and a reminder that its strongest chapters are still being written.