Entourage Yearbooks announced their 14th Annual National Yearbook Competition awards, recognizing Westbury Christian School with four different design awards for the 2023 Entourage Yearbook.
1st Place High School Page Design – Madison Shorter ’23
1st Place Elementary School Photo – “Breathe In and Sing” – Sophia Gonzalez ’23
3rd Place High School Cover Design – All Yearbook Staff: Sophia Gonzalez ’23, Madison Shorter ’23, Nathan Marable ’23, Wolfgang Klepfer ’23, Troy Page ’24, & Harmony James ’25.
“Last year, the yearbook staff really impressed me with how hard they worked to make everything look the best it could be. I’m so proud of the initiative that the yearbook editors, Sophia G. and Madison S. now alumni, took to finalize designs and add their own flair into every page,” says WCS Yearbook Teacher, Aryn Ward
“There was a learning curve to getting the book rolling, but each yearbook staff member took the time to write out descriptions of our yearbook contest entries to the national Entourage Yearbooks Contest. Co-Yearbook Editor in Chief, Madison Shorter, actually did the final submission herself, a nerve wracking process for a 200+ page book!,” shares Ward. “Overall, I’m glad that the yearbook students learned so much through publishing last year’s VHS or Old TV themed yearbook. My favorite part of the design was that the spine of the book looks like a VHS tape when placed on a bookshelf.”
More about Entourage’s National Yearbook Competition From Entourage: The Annual Entourage National Yearbook Competition recognizes schools with yearbooks created by students and school volunteers. To participate, schools submit their yearbook content into categories for overall yearbook, page design, photography, and cover design. With hundreds of entries, the 2023 Entourage Yearbooks National Yearbook competition proved to be competitive and highlighted yearbook design excellence.
Judging of the contest entries consisted of creativity, originality, and journalistic relevance. Schools were evaluated separately at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels. The judging committee included Entourage’s expert yearbook journalists and invited yearbook experts across the industry.
About Entourage Yearbooks: Founded in 2006, Entourage Yearbooks provides yearbooks to over 6,000 schools across the US and in 18 countries worldwide. For more information about Entourage Yearbooks, visit http://www.entourageyearbooks.com
3rd Place High School Cover Design – All Yearbook Staff: Sophia Gonzalez ’23, Madison Shorter ’23, Nathan Marable ’23, Wolfgang Klepfer ’23, Troy Page ’24, & Harmony James ’25.
1st Place Elementary School Photo – “Breathe In and Sing” – Sophia Gonzalez ’23
1st Place High School Page Design – Madison Shorter ’23
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.”
Westbury Christian School is recognized for student success in the Advanced Placement program while broadening access.
[HOUSTON, TEXAS] – The College Board announced that Westbury Christian School has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction.
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
At Westbury Christian School, 97% of seniors took at least one AP exam during high school, 63% of seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 22% of seniors took five or more AP exams! The AP program at Westbury Christian School offers 18 AP classes led by 10 instructors across the social studies, history, art, and science departments.
“For over 20 years, the David M. Lacey AP Program at Westbury Christian School has inspired, challenged, and prepared students for college-level thinking, writing, and work. Our students have had tremendous success on the AP exams, but more importantly, they are well-equipped for college,” said Nathan Wagner, Head of School. “We’re honored by this recognition as it reflects the hard work and diligence of student scholars and teachers.”
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”
Westbury Christian School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school for students from age 3 to 12th grade. A vibrant community of learners, WCS reflects the Kingdom: Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Since 1975, we have provided our students with a safe and diverse environment with challenging academics taught from a Biblical worldview and personalized instruction. WCS strives to support families in Christian education and cultivate relationships that build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Students are encouraged to find their God-given talents by participating in our student-led clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs. WCS develops students to become Christian servants, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who are prepared for here and eternity.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
Awards recognize high-performing students and help them stand out to colleges
[Houston, Texas] – Students at Westbury Christian School earned academic honors from theCollege Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students’ hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.
At Westbury Christian School, 3 students received the academic honor.
Eden Williams: National African American Recognition Award (NAARA)
Luke Dewberry: National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
Vince Bilnoski: National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
“We’re thrilled to celebrate three of our WCS students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing in the classroom and the College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® exams,” said High School Principal Kaitlyn Ballard. “There’s so much that makes each of our students unique, and I am proud they are recognized for their strong academic performance!”
The criteria for eligible students include:
GPA of 3.5 or higher.
PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams in 9th and 10th grade.
Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, or Indigenous/Native.
Eligible students are invited to apply onBigFuture during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the start of the next school year in time to share their achievements in high school as they plan for the future. At the same time, colleges and organizations using College Board’sStudent Search Service™ can connect directly with awardees during the recruitment process.
“It’s becoming increasingly hard for students to be ‘seen’ during the college recruitment process. We’re exceptionally proud of the National Recognition Programs for celebrating students who are at times overlooked but have shown their outstanding academic abilities,” said Tarlin Ray, senior vice president of BigFuture® at College Board. “This is a benefit not only for students but also for colleges and universities committed to recruiting diverse and talented students.”
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About Westbury Christian School
Westbury Christian School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school for students from age 3 to 12th grade. A vibrant community of learners, WCS reflects the Kingdom: Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Since 1975, we have provided our students with a safe and diverse environment with challenging academics taught from a Biblical worldview and personalized instruction. WCS strives to support families in Christian education and cultivate relationships that build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Students are encouraged to find their God-given talents by participating in our student-led clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs. WCS develops students to become Christian servants, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who are prepared for here and eternity.
This past summer Oluwaseyi Adodo, a current Junior, attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) State Leadership Seminarhosted at the University of Houston.
The HOBY State Leadership Seminars allow students to explore their personal leadership skills and values and practice those skills while collaborating with peers from different schools. Students apply these principles and service leadership to make a positive impact in their communities. The program also gives students a glimpse of college life by staying in residential dorms and attending the leadership conference in college classrooms.
To qualify for attendance, students must be high school sophomores and submit an essay about important characteristics of a good leader. Finalists from the essay-round were chosen to advance to the interview process.
Adodo found inspiration in the program’s curriculum and the words of the guest speaker.
“Most people there were afraid to lead and usually were in leadership positions because no one else would lead,” reflected Adodo. “When we were in a place full of leaders, we all had something to contribute and bring to the table. You shouldn’t be afraid to speak up.”
Additionally, Adodo mentioned that learning about her personal leadership and personality styles was impactful.
At Westbury Christian School, Adodo actively participates in a multitude of activities, including HOSA, ASL, NHS, Student Ambassador Program, Golf, and Band. We look forward to her impact on our school programs with her leadership skills.
To learn more about the HOBY State Leadership Conference, visit HOBY.org
When parents consider enrolling their children in a private school, tuition and fees often cause stress or worry. Houston’s private school landscape spans a wide range of tuition costs, with the top 15 most expensive private schools charging anywhere from $49,500 to $30,000, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Westbury Christian School (WCS) stands out as an affordable private school in Houston, Texas, offering tuition rates that are nearly half the cost of the most expensive options. In the 2023-2024 school year, the highest tuition rate for high school at WCS is less than $20,000. These tuition rates at WCS reflect the generosity and commitment of the many supporters of Christian education.
Affordability in Houston
Westbury Christian School distinguishes itself by providing a high-quality Christian education with comprehensive programming at a competitive tuition rate. Compared to other private schools in the area, WCS provides parents with a cost-effective option without compromising on the quality of education. This commitment to affordability is especially crucial in a city like Houston, where the cost of living can vary.
Attainability Options at Westbury Christian School
At Westbury Christian School, we believe a Bible-based college-preparatory education should be accessible to as many families as possible. Our priority is to make Christian education affordable while maintaining high academic standards and fostering a nurturing learning environment. We recognize that each family’s financial situation is unique, which is why WCS offers various financial assistance programs to support those who might need it. These programs include payment plans and need-based tuition assistance.
Payment Plans
Westbury Christian School’s payment plans make tuition payments more manageable and predictable. We understand that every family’s financial plans are different. FACTS offers payment plans ranging from two payments per year to twelve payments per year. Through a FACTS account, monthly payments are paid to FACTS Tuition Management Services on the 5th or 20th of each month, using automatic deduction from your checking, savings, or credit card account. A one-time per family per year financing fee of $50 is assessed by FACTS.
Tuition Assistance Program
The Tuition Assistance Program reflects our commitment to providing access to Christian education for as many families as possible. The Tuition Assistance Program awards qualified families discounts on the tuition portion of the annual cost to attend WCS, not including some fees that are required for all families. This is not a loan program. The amount of reduced tuition will never need to be “repaid.”
How to Apply for the Tuition Assistance Program:
Please refrain from applying for the tuition assistance program until your child has been officially accepted to WCS.
Complete the Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) application. You will need to submit a copy of your official tax returns. Additionally, provide an email or letter detailing the reasons why you are requesting assistance, including parties contributing to tuition (parents, grandparents, relatives), health/business/employment loss or issues, number of students in private schools and/or colleges.
Are you ready to join the Wildcat family? WCS ensures a Christian college-preparatory education is attainable for families from various backgrounds. Choosing WCS isn’t just an investment in education; it’s an investment in your child’s future that lasts a lifetime.
For questions regarding admissions to WCS, please contact [email protected]
For questions regarding the Tuition Assistance Program, please contact [email protected].
Westbury Christian School (WCS) is more than just a place of education; it’s a community of believers who are faithful, wise, and diverse. It’s not uncommon for students to develop deep connections with their high school alma mater, but when alumni return as educators, it takes the concept of “coming full circle” to another level. For the 2023-2024 school year, WCS has 11 Wildcat alumni working on staff in a variety of different roles. Among the returning alumni are Sam Waltemeyer (’06) and Walt Hill (’14), who shared their perspectives on their WCS homecoming.
Sam Waltemeyer (’06)
Sam Waltemeyer, a WCS graduate of 2006, rejoins WCS as the new 5/6th grade social studies teacher. He received his bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and his master’s from the University of Alabama. Mr. Waltemeyer also serves as the youth pastor at Westbury Baptist Church and is an enthusiastic curling player.
Walt Hill (’14)
Class of 2014 alumnus Walt Hill is now back at WCS as a high school math teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston Downtown. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Hill is engaged in writing a book that chronicles his spiritual journey.
Why Westbury Christian?
SW: “I love teaching due to the opportunity to make an impact on the next generation. Multiple teachers from my K-12 years authentically cared about me and enabled me to grow. To be able to have the same impact is what I am most excited about this year. Having worked with students in both the school and church setting, my “why” is that nothing is more exciting than seeing a young person develop into who God has called them to be. I am excited to come back to WCS and serve in the community that helped me grow through some of my most transformative years.”
WH: “I am excited about this year because this is the first year I will be working at Westbury Christian School and I feel God has called me here.”
What is your favorite WCS memory as a student?
SW: “Too many to specify one. My first memory was making the playoffs my junior year of baseball, because of how hard we had worked over the two years once Coach Villareal started. A second memory is just about every class I ever had with Mr. Duncan and Mr. Crider. They developed my love of the social sciences. Lastly, my class was really special. We all got along well and had fun together. During our senior year homecoming week, we did a lot of fun group dress-ups as a whole class.”
WH: “My most favorite memory at WCS was at my graduation. I was awarded the title of Mr. WCS. I had no idea, and it came as a total surprise for me. In fact, out of all my life, that is the most surprised I have ever been. I will cherish that memory and am honored to be back with the Wildcat family now serving here as a teacher.”
What are you most looking forward to this year while working at WCS?
SW: “Working with the middle schoolers and the high school baseball players. These first weeks with them have been awesome.”
WH: “The change coming from a public school system to WCS has been a wonderful and spirit-filled change. I look forward to helping my students improve their math skills and introduce new material to them. I will enjoy working with smaller class sizes, having better-behaved students, and a supportive admin team that puts their all into what they do. I will also enjoy singing to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the school day during chapel. Lastly, I felt God was calling me back here for a reason, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for me here at WCS.”
Savannah Chinn, a 7th-grade student at Westbury Christian, embarked on her first international mission trip this summer. She raised money to serve in Ghana with Crossover Bible Fellowship.
“I believe God is now calling me to go beyond the boundaries of my local community and to share His love with people around the world,” said Chinn.
Ghana holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinn family. Savannah’s grandparents, Lloyd and Janet Chinn, have dedicated over 15 years of their lives as full-time missionaries in Ghana.
“I had this feeling that I should just go! It was my first international trip and new for me,” said Chinn.
Chinn spent two weeks in Ghana with the CBF ministry Front Door to Frontier (FD2F). She served along a 15-person team and immersed herself in service.
“In Ghana, we went to two schools, the Shamayim International School and New Life School. I met quite a few kids there, I will admit! We went to a few churches, and we also explored the area.”
Her mission team worked with Justice and Mary Kabuja, founders of a small Christian school called Shamayim International School in Odumase, Ghana. The city has a large Muslim community, and the Christian school had challenges of not being accepted within the community. Over the past two years, the school grew from 25 to 300 students because the community saw a positive difference in the children.
As the school grew, it developed a need for people to encourage the teachers, teach English, build new buildings, and engage the community in community development.
“We mainly played with the kids, and one day we led the teaching. It was pretty fun to teach them. I taught about love and gratefulness. I taught the smaller kids, which was really fun. On the last day, we got to have free time and explore everywhere,” Chinn recalled. “The most impactful part of the trip was helping the schools and playing with the kids. It taught me to be grateful for what I have.”
Chinn shared some of the challenges the team faced in Ghana, especially the time spent traveling between locations. To get to Ghana from Houston, Chinn traveled a total of 21 hours on multiple flights.
“It took a while to get to most places. It was a seven-hour drive to get to Shamayim from New Life. The drive was very challenging, but the flights were worse.”
While there were several memorable moments and experiences on the trip, Chinn will miss one aspect more than the others.
“I will definitely miss the people. They were so nice and always happy even with the little they did have at the school. It made me think of people here. If they were in that environment, they would not be as happy. But the people were so grateful for everything.”
Chinn leaves a trail of light and love wherever she goes.
Middle School Principal Annette Turner said, “Savannah is a light to those around her; her smile brightens up a room. She is an enthusiastic, positive young lady who shines her light for Jesus!”
Watch Savannah’s Journey: For a recap of Savannah’s transformative mission trip, view the video here.
