It’s our pleasure to introduce two more incredible members of the WCS 2026 senior class: Arie Burns and Jordan Whitaker. We hope their stories inspire younger students, encourage families, and remind our community of the many ways God is at work in the lives of our Wildcats.
Meet Arie Burns
Arie Burns joined the Wildcat community in third grade. Whether he’s in the classroom or on a mission trip, he says he’s learned to focus more on the good in life rather than its stresses—something he credits to both his teachers and his faith. Mr. Santos played a vital role in shaping Arie’s mindset, encouraging him to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
One of Arie’s proudest moments at WCS was qualifying to exempt two of his finals last year, a milestone that reminded him of how much he has grown academically. His faith also strengthened through experiences like the school’s mission trips to Paris and London, which broadened his view of how God works in the world. A verse that stayed with him is Mark 5:36, reminding him to stay confident and unafraid.
Some of Arie’s favorite memories revolve around those same trips and the friendships he has built along the way. Sharing his presentation on Rango in Ms. Stone’s class and exchanging jokes with friends were simple but meaningful moments. He describes his time at WCS as “Interesting, Fun, Memorable,” shaped by activities like cross country, track and field, and soccer—programs he believes strengthened both his body and confidence.
Arie hopes future students remember that standing up for yourself is not only okay but necessary, even when situations feel intimidating. As he looks ahead to attending college, he’s excited to meet new people and continue building relationships. He plans to stay connected to WCS by showing up to football and volleyball games whenever he can.
Introducing Jordan Whitaker
Jordan Whitaker first walked the WCS halls as a K4 student. His favorite class was AP Government, which challenged him to think deeply, debate openly, and form his own perspective on how the world works. He credits Coach Glover for shaping his high school experience, offering wise guidance, pushing him to grow, and signing him up to throw discus, which became a defining challenge.
Being inducted into the National Honor Society as a sophomore remains one of Jordan’s proudest accomplishments. It helped him recognize his purpose and potential, affirming that he could aim higher than the expectations placed on him. His faith also strengthened through consistent teaching and lived experience, reminding him that listening to mentors and to God is essential.
A phrase that grounded him during high school was: “Just because you fit, does not mean you are in the right place.”
Jordan’s high school years are filled with great memories, from a perfect birthday outing with friends to the pancake study night when every high school boy was packed into one locker room during a tornado warning. Through football, track & field, and VEX robotics, Jordan learned discipline, commitment, and what it takes to be part of something bigger than himself.
With a future in computer science or marketing after college in mind, Jordan is most excited to discover who he is becoming and to grow closer to the character of Christ. He hopes students remember him as someone who cared deeply for others and took pride in his work. After graduation, he plans to stay connected to WCS through friends and social media—as a Wildcat raised and rooted in this community.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our seniors and the journeys that brought them to this moment. Please join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 and praying for them as they step faithfully into their next chapter.
