by Kayla Rogers | Apr 24, 2023 | Fine Arts
The Middle School and High School band travel to Temple, TX to compete at the TAPPS State Band Championships. With over 60 teams competing and 10 schools in the TAPPS 3A class, WCS Band placed 3rd in Overall Band and received a Superior I in Sight Reading.
Jacob Ward, WCS Band Director said, “We are so proud of each and every one of our students, parents, and teachers that have poured their hearts into making this band season one to be thankful for and always remember.”
Congratulations to our Wildcats! We are excited to see what the future holds!
by Kayla Rogers | Apr 18, 2023 | Fine Arts
Nathan Marable came to Westbury Christian in 2017 as an 8th grader. Today, as a senior, he is one of the lead roles of Aladdin Jr. as Sulton. His time at Westbury Christian has been transformative for his personal growth and discovering his hidden talents in fine arts.
How did you get involved in the WCS Theatre program?
“Between sophomore and junior year, I found out I have to take a fine arts course to graduate. And I didn’t want to take a fine arts course at all. My options were art or theater. I thought, I am terrible at art, so I might as well do theater. What I didn’t know was that I could have just taken the theater class. I participated in the Mary Poppins play in the Fall 2021 and took the theater class because I thought I had to do both. I was casted for a regular Banker and Chimney Sweep. I was in the back and it was a good first experience. Then after that I didn’t want to act so I decided to go on tech crew for Little Women and Radium Girls. I planned on doing Tech Crew for Aladdin Jr. but Mr. Blaine convinced me that I should do Sulton for Aladdin Jr. I ended up loving it.”
What are you most excited for about the show?
“I am excited for people to come see it, we are ready. Ready to get it going.”
I imagine there is a lot of stress as the show is getting ready to premiere. How do you handle a stressful moment?
“What’s funny is right now I do not have a lot of stress. March was a very stressful month with choreography and music. In February, we started scenes and it was a time we would get into the scenes to practice memorizing our lines. Whenever I messed something up, I would feel bad but I have to tell myself when I am in theater tomorrow it will be fine and it won’t matter”
What is your favorite activity at WCS?
“My favorite WCS activity is Theater because I am enjoying it. The people and the show, lots of memorable times, and also it’s just fun to play with your lines and pretend to be someone. I am involved in a lot of different clubs and groups. I am in National Honor Society, Yearbook, VEX Robotics, and at one point student council.”
How have you grown as a person at Westbury Christian?
“I think when I started at WCS in 8th grade I came from a small school with 40 kids. Over there I was also in my shell and I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I acted that way here until my junior year. My junior year is when I started to feel more comfortable and try new things. One of those things I tried was theater, but I also tried golf and VEX Robotics this year.”
Are there teachers at WCS who inspired you or encouraged you to challenge yourself?
I would say Mr. Reid challenges me in the classroom. He gives a lot of projects. The projects aren’t hard but you have to put in the work. A lot of times, I procrastinate. Getting started is always the hardest part.
Mrs. Leeson encourages me. I am new to building in VEX Robotics. She reassures me and tells me I am trying my best.”
What advice would you give to another WCS student?
“Be yourself. Because it’s a free place to be yourself.”
The Aladdin Jr. opens Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The upcoming shows are Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for reserved seating, $10 for general seating. Student tickets are $5. Purchase tickets at the door or here.
by Kayla Rogers | Mar 22, 2023 | Around Campus
Spring break is a time many high school students are looking forward to a week of relaxation, catching up on sleep and spending time with friends. But, for a group of 17 WCS high schoolers and 3 teachers, this year’s spring break was a time to do something more. The group took a 5 day spring break mission trip to New Iberia, Louisiana to work on beautification projects in the area.
The group of students and teachers had been planning for this trip for months coordinating travel, and preparing for the work they would do. They were excited to use their time off from school to make a difference in the lives of others.
Upon arrival in New Iberia, our students were warmly greeted and welcomed by the New Iberia Church of Christ team. They were briefed on their assignments and quickly got to work. The group was tasked with planting trees and painting houses in a New Iberia neighborhood. Despite the physical labor, the group found joy in working together and seeing the progress they made. “We got to see God’s fingerprints all over this trip,” said Middle School Bible Teacher Mr. Josh Hatfield. “People were just blown away that we came from Houston to New Iberia to work on their houses.”
As they worked, the students got to know the people they were helping. The connections they made with the families reminded them of the importance of service and how it can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. “You can hear the gratitude in their voice to the people we talked to. Like Ms. Caroline whose house we painted and Mr. Brandon. I met so many people who cared so much about me without even knowing me. I meant nothing to them two days before the trip, but now I am changing their entire world.” says Senior, Luke Packard.
One highlight of the trip were delicious meals prepped after a hard day’s work. The group also had special crawfish dinners. In the evenings, they participated in nightly devotions, where they studied the Bible, shared stories of their days and reflected on the impact their work was having on the community. “When I watched our group work, it reminded me of John 13 when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. I shared this with them on the last night of our trip. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet the last night he was alive. This job was for the lowest of the low. Nobody wanted to do this job but Jesus spent his last night doing that. I can promise you scraping paint is not the glamorous or wanted job. We may have to do things that are not very enjoyable but that work makes a huge difference and a huge impact in the Kingdom of God that we are trying to serve.” said Mr. Josh Hatfield.
By the end of the trip, the group had scraped old paint and freshly painted two houses, planted 9 trees, and graveled a driveway and made a lasting impact on the community. They were tired and sore but felt fulfilled in knowing that their work had made a difference. At the end Ms. Caroline gave all of us a hug and broke into tears because of her gratitude at that moment. It was really cool,” adds Luke Packard.
Our students and teachers have learned the importance of service, the power of community, and the impact that a group of dedicated individuals can make in a short time. They shared their experiences in High School Chapel this week and encouraged their classmates to continue serving others and making a difference in the world. Senior Faith Jonesia said, “It was really awesome to get to serve and get closer to my friends on the trip. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors, I recommend you all take this opportunity to go next year. Seniors, even though we are all going to different schools next year, I recommend you guys go to one if you get the chance. It was awesome.”
To learn more about the Spring Break Mission Trip, you can watch here: https://youtu.be/qHvRMI62rxw
To learn more about High School Spiritual Life, visit here
by Kayla Rogers | Mar 1, 2023 | Around Campus
February is Black History Month, a time to give additional attention to the accomplishments, cultures, contributions and history that the Black and African American community has had in shaping the United States. Led by our administrators, teachers, and students, all of our classes from Preschool to 12th grade have been studying and celebrating the achievements of African Americans. As February comes to an end, our goal is to continue to celebrate and honor the contributions and impact of African Americans on American society beyond the month of February.
Here are a few highlights from the month across Lower School, Middle School and High School.
- SAGE Dining highlighted renowned Black chefs from the US and Canada who’ve made a powerful impact in the culinary world. Each Thursday, Chef Terry selected a chef to feature in his own cooking. Chef Terry says, “What I really enjoy the most about Black History Month is showcasing the different chefs from Matthew Raiford to Carla Hall.” To learn more about how Chef Terry has brought the celebration to our meals, watch here.
- Chapel speakers have made connections with students. Dr. Robertson, a professor of English at the University of Houston-Downtown, spoke at middle and high school chapels about ethnic diversity in the Bible. Middle School science teacher and varsity soccer coach Babatunde Ogunseinde spoke at Lower School, Middle School and High School chapels, sharing his Nigerian culture and the Yoruba language and singing fun songs for our students to learn. Several elementary students also shared about their Nigerian culture.
- Hallway Decorations: Lower School students created a Black History Hall of Fame in their hallways, writing essays, making posters and creating artwork about the accomplishments and contributions that the Black and African American community has had in shaping the United States. In Middle and High School, students and teachers created a similar display with doors “wrapped” with images and information about key individuals from First Lady Michelle Obama to Benjamin Banneker.
- Guest speakers and presentations have inspired our students. Dr. Erin Williams presented to Middle School Social Studies classes about her experience as a pediatric anesthesiologist and African American trailblazers in medicine. She encouraged our students to be “the BEST at whatever you become.” The Intuitive African Dance and Drum Culture also shared a special presentation with the entire student body. Students from Pre-K3 through 12th grade enjoyed a fun, interactive and educational performance. To see highlights from the performance, watch here.
In March, we will be celebrating and recognizing Women’s History Month. Be sure to check out WCS’s Facebook Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to see the happenings taking place on our campus to educate, celebrate and reflect upon women’s history.
by Kayla Rogers | Jan 27, 2023 | Around Campus
High school art teacher, Mrs. Keese and elementary art teacher, Mrs. Okwuonu are known for inspiring and challenging their students to create and think outside the box.
In January, our students submitted over 50 artwork pieces from Pre-K through 12th grade to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Competition and the TAPPS Fall Photo Contest.
The School Art Program through the Houston Rodeo has challenged students for more than 5o years. The program provides Pre-K through 12th grade the opportunity to compete, learn from summer workshops and earn scholarships during the Houston Rodeo. The School Art Program supports approximately 130 different school districts including private and parochial schools in the Houston area. Each year, thousands of entries from around Houston are submitted for the competition.
Two of our 8th grade students, Agnes T. and Alexis C. were awarded finalist ribbons in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Competition. Eight elementary students received blue and red ribbons for their artwork.
The High School photography class entered over 30 pieces from our Wildcat photographers, and two of our Wildcats won medals in the TAPPS Fall Photo Contest: Congratulations to Wolfgang K. (12th) for winning a 2nd place medal in the Still Life category and Evelyn C. (9th) for winning a 1st place medal in the Cityscape/Architecture category.
“Elementary and Middle School students have been exploring the country of Italy and are creating some beautiful pieces reflective of the region. I am excited to display their W.O.W. (Wonderful Original Work) during the Spring Showcase!” says Mrs. Okwuonu. You are invited to join the WCS Community on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 6:30 pm for a night celebrating the arts! More details to follow.
To learn more about the Westbury Christian Art Program, visit https://www.westburychristian.org/fine-arts/
About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Competition
For more information about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition, please visit https://www.rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/School-Art-Program
by Kayla Rogers | Jan 26, 2023 | Around Campus
Lunar New Year celebrations began on Thursday, January 17, 2023, at Westbury Christian to usher in the Year of the Rabbit (Chinese calendar) and the Year of the Cat (Vietnamese calendar). One of the most important celebrations among East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year will be celebrated by more than one billion people throughout the world with a variety of traditions. WCS international students from China, Vietnam and Thailand shared their celebrations with their fellow classmates.
During chapel on Thursday, January 17, middle school and high school students observed a special performance led by our international students. Student leaders Moyan (9th), Changliang (9th), Jiaxin (10th), Dina (10th), Feiran (11th), and Agnes (8th) planned and led the Lunar New Year presentation. The presentation included performances of traditional dances by Jiaxin and Changliang, songs by Feiran and Moyan, and the playing of the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, by Dina. 
On Saturday, January 21, middle school and high school students celebrated with their annual Lunar New Year celebration and dumpling-making workshop. Students and teachers came together to make dumplings from scratch, learn about calligraphy, and enjoyed a time of fellowship with one another. Jiaxin, who serves as the WCS Student Council International Representative, planned and coordinated the event with the help of Tony, Agnes, Daniel, Zack, Jason, and Felis.
“Saturday was a beautiful example of our students coming together to celebrate each other’s cultures,” says High School Principal Kaitlyn Ballard. “It was special and unique, and these events don’t happen everywhere. It’s fun to highlight our students’ cultures and diversity.”
“I think that WCS is such a special place that students who are away from their families, homelands, and native language feel comfortable enough to share their beautiful light with their peers,” says Middle School Social Studies Teacher and WCS Cultural Coach Mrs. Jackie Roman. “They know they are loved and respected as the wonderful individuals God made them, and they want to welcome us into their customs and traditions. I am so proud of our students and proud to be part of this wonderful community. I also loved all the delicious food, music, and fellowship.”
Check out our social media pages for more images of celebrations!
To watch our Lunar New Year Celebrations, watch here.
To learn more about our International Students, visit here.
by Kayla Rogers | Jan 24, 2023 | Around Campus
If you’ve been on our campus this year, you’ve probably seen Faith Jonesia in her element—competing on the court, playing the alto saxophone in a band concert, or throwing a shot put. Faith has an impressive resume. A five sport athlete, member of the Westbury Christian Jazz Band and Drumline, and an academic scholar, Faith models what it means to be a Westbury Christian Wildcat.
Faith came to Westbury Christian School in the 4th grade. Nine years later, the high school senior has taken every opportunity to pursue her interests and flourish, receiving dozens of honors in academics, athletics, and fine arts.
She credits the opportunities at Westbury Christian shaped her into who she is today.
“Participating in sports and band strengthened my trust in people,” says Faith. “It has really opened me up to be extraverted and provided a way for me to socialize with people. It’s fun to get better at what you do during practice, but I love getting to do that with my friends and grow closer to them in those settings outside the classroom.”
With the basketball and soccer seasons currently in district play, Faith hopes to help advance the teams further in the playoffs this year. She also looks forward to track and field in the spring. A captain of both teams, Faith leads by example and serves her teammates with humility.
“Faith is unselfish, dependable, and a servant leader. I can always count on her to give her best and be there for her teammates,” says Coach Kayla Rogers, Varsity Girls Basketball Coach.
Faith’s teachers and coaches praise her for modeling what it means to be a Westbury Christian Wildcat.
“Faith is an exceptional example of living out Ephesians 2:10 in her daily life. She is faithful in all things she sets out to do,” says High School Principal Kaitlyn Ballard. “Though she is a competitive athlete, a gifted artist, and a curious learner, one of my favorite things about Faith is how she loves and serves others around her. Recently, someone saw her picking up a few pieces of trash in the hallway then throwing it away. Faith was unaware that anyone had witnessed this. It’s just one example that speaks volumes about how Faith cares for her school and school family.”
Faith speaks just as highly about her school. “My experience at Westbury Christian has been so nice,” Faith shared. “I like the community the school builds for us because no one acts like they are above anyone. There’s no seniority or bullying. We are a nice family together and it’s not like the freshmen are scared to talk to seniors and the seniors are too ‘good’ to talk to the freshmen. We just don’t have that here. This even goes to elementary and middle school. Everyone’s together. It’s my family.”
Outside of school, Faith is also an active member of her synagogue, Congregation Beth Messiah, where she plays the alto saxophone and serves as a worship leader during the youth worship and main services.
After she graduates from Westbury Christian, Faith aspires to major in computer programming and minor in art.
“I really want to stay in Houston and go to the University of Houston,” said Faith. “Houston is home. Athletics have been a huge part of my life and they are fun! I hope to continue to play in some capacity. I also hope I can travel to Japan. But I am going to miss this school a lot. It’s been so impactful for me.”
by Kayla Rogers | Jan 5, 2023 | Around Campus
On December the 8th, Westbury Christian’s 4th grade visited Evergreen Commons, a retirement home in Southwest Houston. They were able to minister to the residents there by sharing Bible verses, singing Christmas songs, reading to them, and showing them Christ’s love.
Fourth grade teacher Mr. McDonald says, “I am thankful to God that all went well and the senior citizens were blessed by our students. Our theme verse for the year, Ephesians 2:10, is something we want to live by- For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus for good works. I am very proud of our 4th grade!”
Lower School Principal Amanda Archer says, “It fills me with joy to think about how our lower school students are courageously sharing the love of Jesus with our surrounding community. As we seek to develop the next generation of Christian leaders here at WCS, our fourth graders provided a great example for all of us to follow in how they ministered to the residents of Evergreen Commons in December, serving the senior community and blessing their lives with love, hope, and acceptance. For many of our students, it was the first time they had ever visited a senior citizens’ home/facility. While they were a bit nervous, they reported back about how great it felt to read books, sing songs, and visit with the residents.”
About Project HUG: Westbury Christian School’s preschool through fourth grade students have embarked on a new path of service called Project HUG (Hearts Understanding Goodness). The Lower School initiative promotes the idea that kids can serve in mighty ways. Students are learning how to give back to the community, to support one another, and to encourage those both near and far.
Each grade level has chosen a theme project for the year. For example, fourth grade is focused on cancer awareness in October and will be writing encouraging notes to those dealing with this disease; third grade will have a food drive for the Houston Food Bank; and second grade will visit a nursing home to encourage the residents through song. Even the school’s 3-year old class will take part in Project HUG by planning a donation drive for the House of Tiny Treasures in Houston. In Wednesday chapel, students report on their Project HUG progress by sharing “bucket fillers” – stories of moments when students have done something kind or helpful for other students or staff on campus.
WCS Lower School Principal Amanda Archer says the school’s young students are increasingly using words like compassion and mercy as they discuss and plan opportunities for serving others. “Our students’ hearts are being changed as they learn the value of giving back to the school and surrounding community while following the model of Jesus,” Archer said.
To learn more about Christian service in our Lower School please visit https://www.westburychristian.org/lower-school-chapel/
To learn more about Evergreen Commons, visit https://www.aplaceformom.com/community/evergreen-commons-inc-51489
