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.”
Marion John “MJ” Nelson has always had a passion for music. He loves spoken word, rapping, and music production. After high school, God called him to the West Coast to pursue a music career, ultimately becoming a missionary serving Central American youth through his unique gifts and passion for music.
“My favorite years of school ever were 7th and 8th grade. Every single day I laughed so extremely hard. It’s great to be in an environment where you are around your friends every single day,” reminisced Nelson. “It’s so much harder as an adult.”
At Westbury Christian, Nelson was extensively involved in the WCS Fine Arts department through theater performances, musicals, and band.
“I had a High School Musical Troy Bolton entrance into Fine Arts. I suffered an injury in basketball, and while on the sidelines, I became interested in what was happening in theatre.”
In addition to representing the school at state competitions in oratory and spoken word, his most impactful experience in high school was serving on the campus ministry team and going on missions trips to Oklahoma City.
“That was a huge part of my experience at WCS, and the mission trips had a huge impact on my life that led me to what I am doing now. I even rapped in Westbury Christian chapels.”
After high school, Nelson received multiple scholarships to pursue musical production. He decided to attend Shepherd University of Los Angeles for Musical Production. During his senior year, Nelson faced an unexpected situation when his college closed.
“It’s such a clear example of God at work in that situation because I was able to get a job as youth director at Christian Assembly Church where I attended.”
Nelson’s time in Los Angeles became a pivotal point for him in his relationship with the Lord and his career. He interned at a production company and had the opportunity to work with multiple Grammy-nominated producers and artists. He released a Christian rap album, performed at events and local schools in the area, and worked as a youth leader at his local church. It became clear that his passions of working with youth and music were his calling.
This past year, Nelson prayerfully decided to volunteer with InnerCHANGE where his love for kids, music, and the Lord intertwined. Through those volunteer experiences, God led Nelson to join the InnerCHANGE Los Angeles team as the Assistant Director for the ICLA Music Collective. His daily tasks include cultivating a music curriculum, strategizing youth outreach, and immersing himself in Central American culture.
“Growing up in Texas I have always been familiar with Latino culture, but definitely now I am more immersed and more aware of these kids’ stories,” says Nelson. “The studio is a safe place for our kids. I am very intentional with Biblical mentorship.”
“I remember Mr. Wagner did this exercise in high school my senior year. He said, ‘If you know who you are go to this side of the room, and if you don’t know who you are go to the other side of the room.’ All of my peers went to [the side indicating that] they didn’t know who they were and I was the only one on the side who knew who I was. In my mind, of course I know who I am. I am an artist.
“When I first moved out [to Los Angeles], I wanted to pursue a career in the music industry. But God really wanted a space where he saw a chance to pursue me here even deeper. Over the past couple of years, I have had a heart for kids and the Lord. My favorite part of my job is sharing God with them and because of God’s love for me…. I just can’t help it!”
“Being a first-time missionary, I have to completely trust in God for raising support,” Nelson said about one of the challenges in his new life. “I have also had to branch out to build partnerships with supporters.”
Nelson still recalls a long list of teachers at Westbury Christian who made an impact on his life. He gives credit to teachers like Coach O, Coach Hawley, and Mr. Wagner who helped prepare him for this new work.
“It was a combination of so many things that led to where I am today. Westbury Christian School just gave me so many opportunities to help me get to where I am today.”
After graduating from Westbury Christian School, Jasmine Matthews (’09) earned her undergraduate degree in theatre from Spelman College and her Masters at UNLV. Today, she is known for her acting roles in The Tomorrow War (2021), The Man from Toronto (2022), and Big George Foreman (2023). She loves acting for its exploration in humanness, connection to humanity, and travel. What was once an extracurricular at Westbury Christian School is now her profession.
Matthews currently is an actress in Sherman Oaks, California. As an actress, her day-to-day responsibilities look different. Some mornings she may be up at 3am to prepare for a day of filming. Other days she may be preparing for auditions with the possibility of facing rejection.
“My job has many rewards and challenges. I love being able to inspire little girls by being a strong role model they can look up to. At times it can be challenging because of rejections in auditions. I have to put my faith in God, trust Him and be patient.”
She credits Westbury Christian for giving her the spiritual formation in an industry that can be difficult for believers to work in.
“I often think back to my days at Westbury Christian and how it gifted me with such a firm faith based structure that has served me well in an industry that can be, well, frankly put, full of rejection and superficiality. I think it’s important for kids to continuously be fed the reality that their dreams are not only attainable but also that the grounded spiritual foundation that WCS instills is vital to fulfilling their ultimate success and purpose.”
When she looks back on her time at WCS, she reminisces about her Chick-Fil-A lunch days with friends, learning about Shakespeare with Mr. Wagner, and the formative relationships with faculty, several who are still at WCS.
“Mr. Wagner was so cool because he would reassure me that there is nothing weird about loving Shakespeare. His class allowed me to have my moments full of expression and authenticity. I cherish that moment. He taught me to embrace what you love when no one else loves it. [Coach Hawley] was really impactful while I was there. I never had him as a teacher, but his kindness, compassion, openness and availability made such an impact on me. He was just a light.” Matthews adds, “Mrs. Annette Turner received me with open arms and created a safe space for me even when I wasn’t a student of hers. She made me feel seen, heard, and gave me a safe space during the day. I look back at my time at Westbury Christian and they just inspired me that I could do anything. I got the encouragement I needed from faculty and staff.”
Jill Chauvin ‘22 was a theatre standout during her time at WCS. It is no surprise that she is now showcasing her abilities on the professional stage. Jill made her professional stage managing debut with the prestigious 4th Wall Theatre Company. From Thursday, July 21 to Saturday, July 23rd, the 4th Wall Theatre Company presents the Summer Shakes Showcase production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Summer Shakes is a rigorous Shakespearean actor training program hosted by 4th Wall Theatre. The Program Director, Philip Lehl, is also the Artistic Director of 4th Wall and alumnus of Juilliard. The Summer Shakes Showcase features performances of students from the Juilliard Drama School and Houston-area high schools. “Jill has earned this opportunity through years of hard work and dedication.” says Mr. Ronnie Blaine, WCS Theatre Director.
If you would like to support Jill, 4th Wall Theatre show times are July 21 at 7:30PM, July 22 at 7:30PM, July 23 at 7:30PM. You can purchase tickets here: https://houston.culturemap.com/eventdetail/4th-wall-theatre-company-shakespeare-twelfth-night/
CHAUVIN AT WCS
“When you graduate big leaders, you always wonder ‘Am I ever going to get that again?’ or ‘Who is going to be in the pipeline to fill those shoes?” says Mr. Ronnie Blaine, WCS Theatre Director. Jill Chauvin was the answer to his question. She joined the theatre program at Westbury Christian School (WCS) when notable WCS Fine Arts alumni such as Victoria Tillman ‘20, Madison White ‘20, Aliya Robertson ‘20 and Andrew Archer ‘20 performed. While most students would have been intimidated by these stellar performers, Jill spent her time learning from them. Today, she is showcasing all that she has mastered from WCS alums and her teachers.
Jill initiated the conversations with Mr. Blaine to learn more about set design. At first, she was amazed that set design was a role in theatre. She became curious and wanted to learn how she could incorporate her passion for art in theatre.
“I have always been passionate about art. I remember in elementary school that art was my favorite subject,” Jill recalls. “My dad is the main person who influenced me to be in art. He always took me to Hobby Lobby to get sketchbooks or new colored pencils for Christmas.”
For the production of Little Women during her senior year, Jill was truly the visionary behind the scenes. Mr. Blaine refers to her as the “Swiss army knife” to the theatre department.
“She designs sets, she paints the sets, she is the stage manager, and she wants to learn more about stagecraft and building. She has light and sound design in her too. The biggest thing she does is the glue. She is organized and on task. She even keeps me on task,” says Mr. Blaine.
Jill enjoys the challenge of being a leader for WCS performances, and the responsibility is great. “I am in charge of how the set looks and everything, which in my opinion is my favorite part, just the best part,” she adds with a smile. “As far as I know, Jill is the first person in school history from start to finish to complete a full set for a show.” says Mr. Blaine.
Besides designing theatre sets, Jill has also designed the programs and posters for multiple WCS theatre productions the past few years. At the 2022 TAPPS 4A Art Contest, Jill received multiple awards for her graphic design pieces.
“I admit: freshman year I took the Stage Crew class because I didn’t know what else to take,” says Jill. “The Addams Family was my first and favorite production. I loved it. I decided to join every single one that I could after that experience.” What was once an unintentional course enrollment became the trek for her future.
“I now plan to study Graphic Design and go to University of Houston to become part of the theatre program there.”
Mr. Blaine hopes to hire Jill in the future for every theatre production. “God willing, I really am going to hire her to be our stage manager in the future. She is that gifted.”
The Houston Astros have claimed OF Dillon Thomas, a graduate of Westbury Christian, off of waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. He has been optioned to Triple A Sugar Land, meaning he will initially be playing for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the AAA-affiliate of the Astros. We are thrilled for his return to his hometown!
During his time at WCS, Dillon was a multi-sport student-athlete, playing football and baseball for the Wildcats. He was a member of the 2011 Wildcat baseball team that reached the final four of the state tournament, and he was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies.
“It’s exciting to see Dillon have the opportunity to return home, and I’m not surprised that he continues to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball,” says Athletic Director Russell Carr. “When Dillon first arrived at our school, it was clear that he was focused on reaching that goal. He knew what he wanted to do, and he was willing to put in the work to have the opportunity. He was always focused and disciplined in that goal. It’s opened a lot of opportunities for him over the past decade and he continues to remain focused. It’s awesome to have him playing in town now.”
