by Kayla Rogers | Apr 15, 2024 | Around Campus
Congratulations to our WCS band program for the incredible achievement of finishing 3rd in the year-long state band competition held in Waco!
After earning 47 superior and excellent ratings at the solo and ensemble competition in February, our band program earned two superior and one excellent rating at the final large ensemble competition in March.
Here’s what some of our Wildcats band members had to say about the experience:
Penny W. – 7th Grade
“I loved being given the opportunity to go to this competition and bond with other Wildcats over something that we enjoy doing. Preparing for this competition allowed me the chance to get to know other students better, especially the high schoolers that we performed with. They made sure we felt included throughout the process.
It was nice hearing the opinions from the various conductors and directors who came in and helped us prior to the competition.
Competing in the beginning was a bit nerve-wracking, but being in the competition room and hearing everyone playing made me feel calmer and more comfortable. Overall, it was an amazing experience.”
Kaitlyn Marley – 10th Grade
“It was really fun, and it was a great way to build community with other Wildcats. And, I felt closer to other band members after the trip. Everyone was so supportive and honest with each other, and it really felt like a family.
I am extremely proud of our accomplishments, because regardless of placements God blessed us with the chance to compete, took away all of our anxiety, and gave us a reward for going out there and giving our best.”
Evelyn Carr – 10th Grade
“It was nice to have a band director and judge come critique us prior to the competition. This competition was meaningful because we were allowed the opportunity to just play for fun and just fellowship. Mr. Ward really helped us be the best we can be and pushed us to perform our best no matter what.”
We are incredibly proud of our WCS band program and their outstanding achievement!
by admin | Apr 4, 2024 | Senior Spotlight
Senior Richard Chandler takes the stage again this spring in one of the lead roles of Freaky Friday, the WCS spring musical.
This leading role is not new for Richard. Throughout his time in high school, he has consistently taken leadership positions, demonstrating his courage and desire to serve others and be an influence. He served on the Student Council for two years, currently as the StuCo President, and the National Honor Society for three years, including terms as both President and Vice President. He’s also a member of the National Spanish Honor Society and Thespian Society. In addition to these service organizations, he participated in football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Last spring, he found time to play the lead role of Aladdin in the WCS theatrical production of Aladdin Jr.
His six years at WCS have shaped him into the person he is today and inspired him to encourage and serve others.
“My favorite memory is going to the Middle School Retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh. It was so fun to do,” Richard said. “This year I got to go on the Middle School retreat to Camp Glenn and I loved watching others live through the same thing I did.”
Richard credits WCS for the growth of his spiritual walk during his time at WCS.
“My spiritual walk has grown a lot,” he explained. “One reason is our required yearly Bible classes. The eighth-grade boys’ Bible class taught me what it means to be a man and lead. I have also learned a lot from other Bible teachers during my time at Westbury Christian like Coach Hawley, Mr. Reid, Mr. Santos, and Mr. Wagner. They’ve truly shown me what it means to live and be a Christian in today’s society.”
When asked if a teacher had inspired him, he immediately credited Social Studies Department Head, Mrs. Courtney Hatfield. “She’s very proper and very smart! She motivates me. That’s what I want to be like in college.”
After Westbury Christian, Richard plans to study computer science and enter the tech industry.
“WCS has given me the resources that I need to gain experience beforehand. This year I am taking AP Computer Science, which is a class not a lot of people get to take. I am very grateful for that class. They also helped me get a year ahead in math, which helped me prepare for computer science. I truly value that.”
“The entire school is a very welcoming environment and everybody is so accepting. No matter what you do, where you come from, or your background, they always accept each other with open arms. It’s a community where everyone knows each other and says hello to everyone.”
Being part of the Wildcat family means everyone is willing to serve and help each other out. The students are genuinely involved and welcome those who are new and want to be a part of it.
When asked if he had any advice for new students, Richard said, “A lot of new students think Westbury Christian is like every other school where it will be hard to make friends. It’s not. That’s just not true. You are going to be immediately welcomed by one of our students. All you have to do is talk to them and say hi and you have a new friend now. It’s really easy to make friends here.”
“I appreciate being able to spend all my high school here, and if I got the chance to do it all over again I would do it here again.”
We are looking forward to seeing all that Richard accomplishes beyond Westbury Christian School.
by Kayla Rogers | Nov 28, 2023 | Around Campus
Westbury Christian School was one of just 200 local public/private entities or nonprofit groups — and one of just 96 in the small company category, for organizations with 50-149 employees — to be named to the Houston Chronicle’s Top Workplaces list for 2023. These Top Workplaces awards are determined on quantitative employee feedback, as well as the statements and demographic information that Energage, a Philadelphia-based research and consulting firm, collects within the Workplace Survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection. Employees also rated their companies in areas such as potential for culture, advancement, flexibility of work schedules, pay and benefits, and leadership, via the online survey.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
“It’s exciting to receive this recognition for two years in a row. For several years, we’ve worked diligently to cultivate a culture that reflects our values and mission,” says Nathan Wagner, Head of School. “We believe we have a special organization, so it’s rewarding to be recognized by the wider community for those efforts. Ultimately, great educators create great experiences for students. This recognition reflects the great work of our educators and students.”
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 17 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
by Kayla Rogers | Nov 2, 2023 | Around Campus
Westbury Christian is diverse like the Kingdom, a school where students, faculty, and families contribute their unique backgrounds, talents, and experiences in growing together. The school is recognized by Niche.com as the fourth most diverse private high school in Houston (Niche.com, 2023). We view this as an opportunity to reflect God’s glory and the beauty of His Kingdom.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. It also deepens our students’ understanding of and experiences with different cultures, especially the cultures and heritage of many of their classmates and teachers.
This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.” This theme reflects the importance Hispanic Americans have in building a stronger nation and reminds us that Hispanic Americans are an essential part of the fabric of American society.
At Westbury Christian, our students have been studying and learning from their faculty and staff members about the important contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the United States. Our Lower School students learned about famous Hispanic Americans and the history of Hispanic Heritage Month. They also learned the popular dance called La Raspa in music classes.
Westbury Christian High School students in Spanish III devoted time in their Spanish classes to prepare a special presentation for students about Hispanic Heritage Month and share their own heritage.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it allows people to be aware of the importance of the Hispanics, and how we’ve impacted the world,” shares Adriana A.’25. “It’s so inspiring to see successful Hispanic women. I feel so empowered when I see a Hispanic woman succeed because it allows me to think I have the chance to succeed just like anyone else. Hispanic Heritage Month not only shows the world how powerful Hispanics can be, but it also inspires adolescents within the Hispanic community.”
Watch the video below to see what our Wildcats shared at chapel with their fellow students.
by Kayla Rogers | Jun 14, 2023 | Around Campus
At WCS, we equip our students to be Christian leaders, lifelong learners, and Christian servants.
A beloved annual fundraising drive to benefit impoverished children in the Western Hemisphere continued for its 25th year at WCS in 2022-2023. During the spring semester, students from kindergarten through the senior class collected spare change in specially designed water bottles to benefit underprivileged orphans in the Western Hemisphere. This year’s bottles were designed by our third graders in this voluntary outreach for WCS students and families.
HISTORY
Westbury Christian Middle School and High School Bible Teacher and Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach Steve Hawley spearheaded the collection which originated in Lebanon, Tennessee at Friendship Christian School in 1995.
Coach Hawley with WCS Kindergartners ’22-23 showing their new water bottles for coin collection.
Honduras has a special place in Coach Hawley’s heart. His first mission trip to Honduras occurred in July 1998, weeks before his arrival at WCS. A few months later in October, Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras and the project was introduced to the Westbury family. The change receptacles evolved from used drink containers to Powerade bottles to unique bank bottles donated by a generous WCS family. For twenty years, this family supplied WCS students with bottles, which include the WCS crest, logos of the partnering charities, and James 1:27, the theme verse for the program. All 21 coin bottles are on display, tied into a mural commemorating these efforts, in Coach Hawley’s classroom.
MISSION LAZARUS HOPE FOR HAITI’S CHILDREN
The funds raised at WCS provides support to two nonprofit Christian organizations: Mission Lazarus, a holistic ministry focused on community development in Honduras through spiritual, educational, medical and agricultural outreaches; and Hope for Haiti’s Children, which utilizes in-country educators and professionals to nurture, educate and train poverty-bound Haitian children to become spiritual leaders. As in recent years, WCS has chosen to support the Hope for Haiti’s Children school lunch program. “The children at these schools are fed lunch every day. For some kids, this is the only meal they will get so this is incredibly vital,” says Coach Hawley. Mission Lazarus earmarks the WCS contribution towards a different need annually: one year, our donation purchased a pickup truck for the orphanage. This school year, the total donation was $9,149.65 divided between Hope For Haiti’s Children and Mission Lazarus. As always, the change was sorted and counted by WCS students. “The thing I am most…I hate to use the word proud… but the thing I am most proud of as a teacher and a coach is that we’ve been able to keep this project going for 25 years.” says Coach Hawley.
“We are so grateful to the students at Westbury Christian for their compassion, generosity, and prayers for the children in Haiti. Since 2010, they have raised thousands of dollars through their coin collection campaign to help feed the hungry and care for the needs of the orphaned children at the Cazeau Christian School and Orphanage. Thank you, Westbury, for spreading God’s love to the children in Haiti – you are making an eternal difference!! Your 2023 gift will pay for 12,000 meals! This will feed all 400 students at the Cazeau Christian School (grades K-10th) a school lunch every day for one month! For many, this is the only meal that they eat that day. Again, we are so grateful!”
Tonya Hunt, Vice President, Hope For Haiti’s Children
“The partnership between Westbury Christian School and Mission Lazarus that’s held strong for over a decade is special, across two countries. Our 7th grade students make the cross necklaces in their carpentry class and it goes a long way in helping them learn more about the importance of precision in cutting and finishing wood. Then at WCS, the gift of a cross necklace to all newly enrolled students goes a long ways as well, reinforcing a culture from day one for a new student. The subsequent donation of the proceeds from the coin drive is an investment directly back into our ministry in Honduras and the Mission Lazarus Refuge children’s home. Some of the residents of the home are the same students helping to make the cross necklaces every year. Proof that an intentional simple idea can have a far reaching impact, even an eternal one. Thank you WCS!”
Jarrod Brown, President, Co-founder Mission Lazarus
To learn more about the benefiting organizations, visit missionlazarus.org and hopeforhaitischildren.org.
by Kayla Rogers | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
At our end-of-year faculty luncheon, Steve Hawley–affectionately Coach Hawley to all, whether they’ve had him as a coach or not–was recognized for 25 years of service at Westbury Christian. During that time, he has taught hundreds of Westbury Christian students and has made an eternal impact that is beyond measure.
Tell us about your career path and what led you to WCS.
SH: Originally, I thought I was going to play in the NBA. I was a good high school player on a good team, but everyone in college was a good high school player. On my first day of college practice, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I decided I was going to be the head of the history department at UCLA by the time I was 30. I realized that was not going to happen. I played basketball and baseball for a couple years at York College, got my BA and my Masters, and got certified to teach. During summers, I coached American Legion Baseball in York, Nebraska, my hometown. A small Christian school in Georgia needed a history teacher and a baseball coach. The principal was from my hometown and had been my college professor. When I got there, the boys’ basketball coach found out I played college basketball and asked me to be an assistant coach. That’s how I got started. I said I would never coach girls, but we had an emergency come up and the rest is history. I coached the girls’ basketball team for four years and baseball for six years. I started working at a basketball camp at Lipscomb University. Through those connections, I had the opportunity to be the girls’ team coach at Friendship Christian in Lebanon, TN. I was there for 13 years. I knew Greg Glenn from Lipscomb University basketball camp. He brought me for an interview in Houston that included the 1998 graduation, which was fascinating. I fell in love with the place and with the mission of school. I have taught Bible 8 and Gospels for 25 years. It doesn’t happen anywhere else that you teach the same two classes for two and a half decades.
Any year from the 25 years that is memorable?
SH: One of my favorite memories here is preaching nine weddings of players/students/co-workers. Being asked to be part of someone’s very precious day is both humbling and an honor almost unmatched! In 2008-2009, my parents died, less than a year apart. The way the school wrapped their arms around me is very memorable. I also think March 12, 2020, a Thursday. We stacked it up at the end of practice and I told the girls, “See you tomorrow!” and then I didn’t see them again for six months due to COVID. Within a week, we were online. I had to learn Google Classroom, ZOOM, FlipGrid, and Screencastify on the fly. The school was really good about helping us through that.
My favorite year is usually the most recent year. The first year is also a favorite. It’s like being on a mission trip: you never forget the first one. My first year here was special. I had never coached middle school girls, and I did not think we would win a game; we ended up 24-2. We also introduced the Honduras project my first year. The school let me have an All School Chapel to share about the project, which we started in Tennessee. We raised about $12,000 the first year. The thing I am most proud of is keeping that project going for 25 years! Another point of pride would be the mural in my classroom painted by our AP Art students from different national backgrounds. It has become a kind of showplace over time. I’ve had this room for 24 of the 25 years I’ve been at WCS!
How have you seen the school change?
SH: We make very good use of the facilities and resources. Some great examples of upgrades are the addition of Mundy Hall, the building and turfing of the elementary playground, replacing the rubber gym floor with a wooden court, buying and refurbishing the West Campus, and the use of technology. Another great difference is SAGE Dining. It is a huge blessing we sometimes take for granted!.
How do you motivate your students?
SH: I wish I did a better job. I try to make the Bible and spiritual teachings applicable in their lives. We do a lot of writing, and I use videos to stimulate thought. I try to give my students a chance to be involved; 85-90% of our students in the past 25 years have been involved in the Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Children outreach, including 100% of the 8th graders-11th graders this year.
When you are at Westbury Christian, what do you love to see that happens at our school?
SH: I love to see our older kids interact with our younger kids. My classes have had a lot of those interactions. This year, I had it with the 1st grade and my 7th period Old Testament Survey class. What was neat is that Sarah Romain, their teacher, had been one of my students and had participated in the same work her children engaged in, helping us sort change. I really think our older kids are great role models. We have an excellent student body. Our kids get along with their teachers and like their teachers which is not the case everywhere. Our kids blend well. You see kids from our different ethnicities and interest groups hanging together!
What do you do in your free time?
SH: I work out with weights and on the treadmill as well as reading.
Tell us about vacations or trips that meant a lot to you
SH: Two things I look forward to are seeing my brothers at Christmas and Thanksgiving and going to Vietnam. Even starting a checklist for my Vietnam mission is something I enjoy. It’s out of my comfort zone to travel alone, but it’s better for me than to go in a group. I used to just hang with other Americans when I went to Honduras, Haiti, and China. I can do that in Houston. When I receive notice of a donation for my mission, I start to think, “Okay that’s 2.5 girls’ bikes or 2 boys’ bikes. It changed the way I think.
Have you ever met someone famous?
SH: I worked with Charlie Ward when he was the football coach at WCS. The interesting thing about Charlie was that the kids treated him like every other adult. Whenever we had families on campus, the dads were in awe of his fame!
by Kayla Rogers | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
Each graduating class leaves a unique mark on Westbury Christian and has played a special role in their time at the school. The Class of 2023 is no different, and their memory and influence will last for years. Take a closer look at some of their defining traits and moments:
- The Class of 2023 left a lasting legacy at Westbury Christian. Of the 32 graduating seniors, five students – Piper, Leah, Luke, Trina, and Emily – have been at WCS since preschool.
- The Class of 2023 will be making an impact across the country next fall as they head to college. From the University of San Francisco (Madison) to Hampton University (Justin), studying degrees from pre-dental (Fernando) to aviation management (Wolfgang), our graduating Wildcats will have an influence far beyond Houston. This year’s top collegiate destinations have been Sam Houston State University, Houston Christian University, and the University of Houston.
- The Class of 2023 has had service in their heart for years. In high school, they’ve collectively recorded over 3,000 hours of community service across a variety of different organizations and projects. But this group has been serving the community together since middle school, frequently working in local ministries and other community organizations. There are no doubt hundreds of unrecorded hours that have been spent serving across our community.
- The Class of 2023 has earned over $3.4 million in scholarships. They were accepted into 83 unique colleges and universities across the country.
- Over the past several years, the Class of 2023 has benefited from learning from other perspectives to enrich their understanding of the world. This includes eight classmates from other countries, including China (Tony, Sam, Binbin, and Daniel), Vietnam (Britney and Nam) and Thailand (Vanda and River), who have learned alongside their American peers for the past four years.
- The Class of 2023 left a lasting legacy for Wildcat athletics. Two female athletes have signed their national letter of intent to play collegiate sports. Piper will play soccer at the University of St Thomas and Emily will play volleyball at Wellesley College. Faith, Trina, and Lexi played four or more sports during their high school career. Jalen and Jeremiah led the boy’s basketball program to multiple state tournament appearances and Final Four finishes. Mary, Sophia M., Katelyn, Cara, and Parker led the cheerleading team to new heights, going to the state tournament for the first time in school history and finishing 4th overall.
- The Class of 2023 has been involved in a wide range of activities on campus. Nathan, Madison, and Emily starred in Aladdin Jr. this spring. Luke, Trina, and Sophia G’s participation in the WCS band, pop choir, and drumline has taken the band program to new heights, earning superiors and 3rd place at the TAPPS Band Championships. Ella has spent a lot of time serving and managing our athletic teams as a student manager and perfecting her golf game, and Katelyn has served in leadership roles as the senior president for many years. Cara, Sophia G. and Gabby have impacted HOSA and found their passions in health careers.
- Joseph became the first student in school history to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams of opening up a coffee shop at school. Hannah published her own articles for the Bellaire Buzz as a student reporter for Westbury Christian. They have had the pathway to pursue their own interests and inspire others along the way.
- Perhaps most importantly, the Class of 2023 has grown closer over the years. They’ve overcome tragedies and challenges and shared exciting accomplishments and joys.
We will certainly miss the Class of 2023, but we know they will continue to grow as they depart WCS. We look forward to hearing how they make a Kingdom Impact in the future. Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2023!
Piper C. | University of St. Thomas | Sports Medicine
Tony C. | Houston Christian University | Cyber Security Engineering
Mary D. | Houston Christian University | Computer Science
Emily G. | Wellesley College | Neuroscience
Trina G. | University of Houston | Business/Finance/Hospital Management
Fernando G. | University of Houston-Downtown | Pre-Dentistry/Biology
Sophia G. | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Nursing
Hannah G. | University of Houston | Sports Administration
Faith J. | University of Houston | Computer Science Technology & Engineering
Ella J. | Baylor University | Business/International Business
Wolfgang K. | Embry Riddle Prescott | Aviation Management
Lexi K. | LSU- Honors College | Kinesiology
Jeremiah L. | Arizona Christian University | Mechanical Engineering and Business
Britney M. | University of Houston | Nursing
Nathan M. | Schreiner University | Biology or History
Sophia M. | Grand Canyon University | Communications
Cara M. | Sam Houston State University | Nursing
Luke P. | Houston Christian University | Cyber Security
Gabby P. | Sam Houston State University | Kinesiology
Parker P. | Louisiana State University- Eunice | Psychology
Vanda P. | University of Houston | Biochemistry
River P. | University of Texas at Arlington | Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
Justin S. | Hampton University | Aeronautical Sciences
Madison S. | University of San Francisco | Advertising
Katelyn T. | Howard University | Political Science
Joseph T. | University of Houston | Entrepreneurship & Business
Jalen T. | Prairie View A&M University | Business or Finance
Leah T. | Southern University & A&M College | Mass Communications
Nam V. | Houston Community College | General Studies
Sam W. | Marymount Manhattan College | International Trade
Wenbin Y. | Houston Community College
Daniel Z. | Bucknell University | Biochemistry
by Kayla Rogers | May 8, 2023 | Around Campus
The 7th-grade class had an opportunity to travel to the Texas Capitol in Austin and San Marcos for their social studies field trip with 7th Grade Social Studies Teachers Mrs. Greer, Ms. Robledo, and Coach Tunde.
In Austin, students toured the Texas Capitol building and learned the history of the capitol and the workings of the government. Our students were fascinated watching the House of Representatives in session. They had the best seat in the House of Representatives in the balcony. They were able to hear the members and the gavel striking the pad. After the visit to the House Chambers, students explored the grounds to find various monuments and note who or what they honored.
Rothanak H. shared, “One thing, actually a few things, I learned on the field trip to Austin and San Marcos were that the Texas Capitol building is actually 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building and that water should be conserved due to it being a limited resource. I’d say that the best part of the field trip to me was either the glass bottom boats or the food stop (specifically the Chick-fil-A).”
Dylan J. added, “My favorite part on the field trip is when we went into the Representative Chamber to listen in on a meeting going on there, and looking at the colorful yet old and original desk and ceiling.”
After their time in Austin, the group traveled to San Marcos to go on a nature trail and a glass bottom boat ride on the San Marcos River. On the nature trail, students learned about wetlands, marshes, and species in the area. After the trail, the students headed to The Meadows Center for a glass bottom boat tour. The crystal clear water allowed students to see fish and turtles swimming below the boat. They also got to see where the water from the Edwards Aquifer seeped into the spring-fed body of water called Meadows Lake. Before departing back to Houston, everyone walked through their small museum and aquarium to see the blind salamander, an endangered species that lives in the area.
We are so thankful our 7th graders had the opportunity to travel to the Hill Country to learn more about our government and see God’s creation. Thank you, Mrs. Greer, Ms. Robledo, and Coach Tunde for planning the trip!
