Introducing four more incredible members of the WCS 2025 senior class: Jessie (Jiaxin) Xie, Ashely Matthews, Eden Williams, and Jannieka Heng.
Meet Jessie (Jiaxin) Xie
Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31
When asked to describe her experience at WCS in three words, Jiaxin replied, “Overcoming, Discovering, and Experiencing.” Jiaxin joined the ECS community in the 9th grade and credits her experience in robotics and volleyball for teaching her resilience and responsibility. Jiaxin described the impact two teachers had on her life during high school. “Mrs. Leeson introduced me to the world of STEM and triggered my journey of exploring STEM subjects, eventually leading me to find my passion! Through robotics, I improved my English communication skills and developed leadership skills. It helped me get familiar with this new environment.”
Coach Glover also had a significant impact on Jiaxin. “Social Studies was the hardest class for me. I struggled as an international student who just got to the U.S. I really appreciate all the patience Coach Glover gives to his students. I could not go through the hardest year of adapting to language barriers without Coach Glover’s help! He is an amazingly great history teacher!”
During high school, Jiaxin grew in her faith through Bible classes, the influence of her friends, and the WCS teacher and staff. She wants younger WCS students to know, “We can do hard things!” After graduation, Jiaxin plans to study medicine and become a physician.
Introducing Ashley Matthew
Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:10
Ashley has been a student at WCS since preschool! Her favorite subjects are art and history. “Art allows me to express myself, and it allows me to create whatever I want to do. History, on the other hand, provides so much important information about our world and the decisions we have made in the past. I believe history is so important as it can be used as a precedent when making future decisions, and it shows how truly we are connected throughout the world and throughout time.”
Three WCS teachers had a significant impact on Ashley. “Mrs. Hatfield and Ms. Stone helped me understand the importance of seeing things from different perspectives. Mrs. Keese also greatly impacted me as she encouraged me to try new challenges. All three of these teachers helped me grow in my relationship with Christ. They also taught me how to face the unexpected and fostered my love for learning.”
Ashley credits growing in her faith to the wonderful support systems she fostered with friends and even some teachers. “I have learned great things about God, and it has changed the way I think about my relationship with God and how it affects my relationship with others,” she described. Joining the WCS theater program helped Ashley gain self-confidence and realize her passion for the fine arts. “Theater allowed me to find a loving community where I could be myself no matter what,” said Ashley. “It was one of the best decisions I made here.”
After graduation, Ashley plans to earn a college degree in Graphic Design. She then hopes to receive a Juris Doctor and pursue a government job or become a defense attorney.
Meet Eden Williams
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 16:11
Eden first came to WCS in the sixth grade. Her favorite class is Anatomy & Physiology with Mr. Reid. “I love this class because we get to dive deeper into the wonder of the human body, which has to do with my interests for the future,” said Eden. “It is so amazing how God made all of us with so many intricate details.”
The teacher who influenced Eden the most is Mr. Blaine. “He encouraged me always to be my best self, no matter what anyone else had to say. As I transitioned from middle school to high school, he reminded me not to conform, just as Romans 12:2 says. That advice has stuck with me throughout my high school years, and I will always strive to follow it.
One of Eden’s favorite memories at WCS was her freshman retreat because her class grew very close, and they continued to talk about the experience throughout high school. Eden was also very proud and grateful to receive the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. “It helped me realize that so much can be learned from AP classes, even if they are more difficult. The hard work is worth it!” Eden loves being involved at school and participated in many clubs and activities, including cheerleading, soccer, track & field, theatre, volleyball, Student Council, ASL club, HOSA (Future Health Professionals) club, Ambassador Club, and Interact Club.
Once she graduates, Eden plans to attend Spelman College and major in Health Science. Her goal is to become an obstetrician-gynecologist and establish her own practice. Ultimately, Eden hopes to “make a major difference in this world, encouraging others to do the same.”
Introducing Jannieka Heng
Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 31:25
Jannieka started attending WCS in kindergarten and describes it as “my second home.” Theater is her favorite class, specifically her third-period class during her sophomore year. “It was a small class, but it had the biggest impact on me,” she explained. I always felt comfortable speaking my mind and being myself. I have many happy memories associated with that class!”
Throughout her years at WCS, Jannieka believes her relationship with God is stronger now because God-fearing individuals constantly surround her. “My friends and I have become closer through our common love for Jesus!” Jannieka wants younger students to understand the importance of reading the Bible. “Everyone’s journey is different, but if you immerse yourself in the Word daily and take it one step at a time, it will make the biggest difference!”
Mr. Blaine had an essential impact on Jannieka as a student. “Since the sixth grade, he always believed in me and constantly pushed me to be my best. I will always be grateful to him (and his cartwheel that he totally did NOT do in class).” The 2023 Homecoming Week is one of Jannieka’s favorite WCS memories, and she was incredibly proud when she was exempted from her honors pre-calculous final. Jannieka also discovered her love for theater at WCS. She has a close group of friends who have been there for her from day one. “They’re not just my “school friends,” they’re my family!”
Jannieka hopes that students can remember her in a positive light. She wants students to know that, “while you CAN do anything you set your mind to, you don’t HAVE to feel like you need to do everything. Everyone is human and can only juggle so much, even those you think have it all together.” Jannieka hopes to pursue a career in Business Marketing and Advertising in the future.
