Co Written by Student Bellaire Buzz Correspondent, Sophia Martinez
Joseph Tillman became a Wildcat in 2016 and is currently a senior at Westbury Christian. Joseph has shown a strong spirit of entrepreneurship during his time at WCS. He has taken every business course offered at WCS and is taking advantage of the WCS Dual Credit Course offerings by enrolling in Introduction to Business for college credit. A standout student-athlete, Middle School soccer coach, member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, and President of the Interact Club, Joseph is constantly serving his peers, classmates and faculty but now in a different way… by serving coffee.
When asked what motivated Joseph to start a coffee business, he reminisced, “After making a cup and giving it to a friend, and seeing them light up after just one sip, I thought this is fun. That’s been my favorite part and inspired me to make more coffee for others. I just love to watch people’s reactions.” Instead of waiting for graduation to start his dream business, Joseph took the initiative to start the roots of his dream in high school, delivering home made coffee directly to the hands of his consumers, his classmates. “I have now made over 500 cups of coffee. I have the method down” says Joseph.
With limited experience and no name recognition, Joseph has taken an unique approach to spreading the word about his business. He is giving out free coffee to friends and his WCS family but he gladly accepts tips. “The cup of coffee really speaks for itself. I haven’t had to spend any money on advertising” says Joseph. “Word spreads fast.”
Joseph has kept the secrets of his trade. No one is quite sure what is in the coffee, but what we do know is that his coffee is delicious. Westbury Christian Head of School, Mr. Nathan Wagner even had a compelling review of Joseph’s coffee. “Joseph’s coffee was a surprise treat this morning” says Mr. Wagner. “Initially it’s the rich smell that grabs your attention as you bring the cup to your mouth to drink. The enticing smell matches the silky smooth texture of the cold drink. It’s a true Java experience. The only drawback is the rich decadence that tells you not to drink too fast. 10/10”
“I want to do this when I get older. Starting my coffee business now allows me to learn how to operate a business and learn how to become a sole proprietorship” says Joseph.
Joseph hopes to further his coffee company and major in business after he graduates from Westbury Christian. When asked what businesses he admires, he replied, “Everywhere I look I see a small business. I have read Atomic Habits by James Clear and learned a lot from him. I get many of my business ideas from social media. I have watched a lot of Youtube videos on different businesses”
When asked what his favorite coffee shop is in the area, Joseph immediately said, “I don’t have to go to a coffee shop. I like my own coffee. But I do enjoy Starbucks’ cake pops”
Be on the lookout for a future coffee stand in the hallways of WCS! We are excited to watch Joseph’s coffee business grow beyond WCS!
There is no doubt that lunch time remains our students’ favorite time of day. Besides the variety of nutritious offerings our SAGE dining staff provides, lunch remains a time to form connections amongst students, teachers and staff. This year, students have seen a new smiling face behind the counter.
Chef Terry Fontenette comes to WCS from Awty International School. He has been in the culinary industry for over 10 years with experience ranging from the Houston Country Club to a private chef. During his short time on campus, he has already proven to be a perfect fit for the Wildcat family.
Get to know Chef Fontenette
What do you enjoy the most about being a chef?
TF: “For me, cooking has always been reminiscent of my family, like the big gatherings and get-togethers. It was just a wholesome experience to see everyone put aside all of our differences, just for the sake of food. So, that is what I want to offer to the people I cook for every day. ”
When did you know you wanted to be a chef?
TF: “Outside of family, I was mentored by relatives and uncles. I never really pursued cooking or being a chef until I took a culinary class out of intrigue in high school. When I took that class it really sparked something in me. It made me want to pursue more.”
Do you have a favorite meal or food item to cook?
TF: “That is really hard to say because I have experienced a little of everything. I do not have one particular thing. I want to try everything. I am definitely the type of person who is open minded. So, anything that is new, I want to try it.”
How have you enjoyed your time at WCS?
TF: “Westbury Christian has been absolutely fantastic. Everyone has smiles on their faces. Everyone has been so hospitable and welcoming. I am enjoying it very much. I really just hope to get to know everyone here. It’s a great family. You all have created and cultivated an amazing environment. I hope to contribute to that. With the same feeling I get from food, I hope to spread to everyone else through the food I cook.”
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 United States Marine Corps, in collaboration with the American Volleyball Coaches Association, announced Monday that the Westbury Christian High School volleyball program has earned the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for the first time in school history.
The award, initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale. Over 1,200 collegiate and high school teams earned the award this season, including 425 high schools.
“We are so proud of everything these girls have accomplished on and off the court,” said Coach Haley Chance. “The time and commitment they put into their academic and athletic success is what makes them great student athletes.”
As a team the Wildcats earned a 3.665 cumulative GPA for the 2021-22 academic year.
Westbury Christian will officially open up the 2022 season on Thursday, Aug. 11 at Spikedown Tournament at the Game On Sports Complex.
At WCS, we don’t emphasize a day of service with our students, but rather live lives of service.
A beloved annual fundraising drive to benefit Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Children continues for its 24th year at WCS. During the spring semester, students from kindergarten to seniors in high school, collected spare change in water bottles to benefit underprivileged orphans. The 2022 collection included donations collected in 2020 and 2021. “What makes this project extra special is that every penny has been counted for 24 years by the students and goes straight to the charities, ” says Coach Steve Hawley, leader of the project. “We don’t take it to a change machine, we don’t bring in outsiders,100% goes straight to the charity.” This project is completely voluntary for WCS students and families. They are not required to participate. Each year students are excited for the distribution of the water bottles.
HISTORY
Westbury Christian Middle School and High School Bible Teacher and Middle School Girls Basketball Coach, Steve Hawley spearheads the spring long collection. While the project has continued for 24 years at Westbury Christian, the project originated in Lebanon, Tennessee at Friendship Christian School in 1995 with Coach Hawley.
Honduras is a special place in Coach Hawley’s heart. His first mission trip to Honduras occurred in July 1998, a month before his arrival at WCS. A few months later in October 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras. Coach Hawley felt compelled to act and serve. Previously at Friendship Christian School, Coach Hawley and a fellow teacher and cheerleading coach initiated the project. After a successful collection in its first year, Coach Hawley recognized there was still work to do. Year after year, Coach Hawley shared the mission of Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Children and encouraged participation. He brought the project with him to WCS. Coach Hawley and the former WCS football coach, Chris O’Neal, searched through trash cans to find empty Powerade bottles to pass out to students to collect change. In an attempt to be resourceful, Coach Hawley wrote to Powerade to provide bottles for the fundraiser. Powerade generously donated 600 bottles for WCS students to collect change for Honduras for the 2000-2001 school year. In 2002, a WCS family bought the bottles for WCS students, which included the WCS crest, Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Childrens logos. This family has continued to supply WCS students with water bottles for the past twenty years. Coach Hawley’s room has all 20 water bottles on display for all to see.
MISSION LAZARUS AND HOPE FOR HAITI’S CHILDREN
The funds raised at WCS provides support to two nonprofit Christian organizations: Mission Lazarus, a holistic ministry focused on community development in Honduras and Haiti through spiritual, educational, medical and agricultural outreaches; and Hope for Haiti’s Children, which utilizes in-country educators and professionals to nurture, educate and train poverty-bound Haitian children to become spiritual leaders. This year, WCS has chosen to support the Hope for Haiti’s Children school lunch program. Coach Hawley has visited a few of the schools on his past mission trips. “The children at these schools are fed lunch every day. For some kids, this is the only meal they will get.” says Coach Hawley “So it is vital they get some nutrition everyday.” says Coach Hawley. Mission Lazarus has not shared what they plan to do with the funds yet. In the past, our donation has helped supply a pick up truck or any community needs. This school year, the total donation was $11,740 with two checks split to each organization. “The thing I am most…I hate to use the word proud… but the thing I am most proud of as a teacher and a coach is that we’ve been able to keep this project going for 24 years.” says Coach Hawley.
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.”
Every day that school is in session, our faculty—the teachers, coaches, staff, and leaders at Westbury Christian—come eager and ready to encourage and inspire our students to learn and grow. The lessons and activities that our students experience each day exist because of the diligent efforts of our faculty. Through the course of the year, they continue to grow as professionals and demonstrate a passion for our school and Wildcats.
Ms. Lund, high school Spanish teacher, completed her Master of Science degree in Learning, Technology and Design from HBU this spring. She is our most recent faculty member to complete her graduate degree, joining 15 of our faculty with advance degrees. She also inspires the four other faculty members currently completing a M.Ed. program.
Mrs. Sandahl, school receptionist, celebrates 45 years at the school this May. During that time, she’s done everything from welcoming guests to Mundy Hall to teaching preschool classes. It’s a milestone worth celebrating, but rest assured she will be back for Year 46 this fall. Mr. Ramirez also celebrates a big milestone this spring—30 years serving at WCS. He also will continue to serve next year, but we couldn’t be more grateful for his work and talents the past three decades!
We celebrate a lot of milestones at our final faculty luncheon at the end of the school year and recognize many individuals for their years of service. Mrs. Adams (25 years) and Mrs. Keese (20 years) join the “20+ Club” this spring. Their commitment to our students over the years has made a lasting impact on the school. The average tenure is 10 years at WCS, a reflection of the passionate commitment to the school and Christian education.
We are also celebrating our Teachers and Coaches of the Year. In Lower School, Mrs. Reynolds (Kinder/First) was recognized as the award winner. Mrs. Archer noted that “She is a woman of tremendous faith, who constantly prays for her students, fellow teachers, the administration, and the school at large. Mrs. Reynolds shows a deep love for all her students, and they love her in return, as evidenced by the never-ending hugs she receives each day.” Mrs. Reynolds was joined by Coach Okwuonu (HS Science/Bible) who was recognized as both the Upper School Teacher of the Year and the Middle School Coach of the Year. “His uplifting spirit is such an inspiration and he pushes us to be the best we can be,” says upperclassman Joey C. “He starts every day asking us to say good things, and we end by saying the words ‘We are special.’ No matter how bad of a day someone can be having, every time they leave his class they leave with a smile on their face.”
Their work in the classroom mirrored the work of Coach Chance, who was recognized as our High School Coach of the Year. Not only does she inspire many of our students to participate in different athletic activities and successfully lead our volleyball and soccer teams, she also regularly volunteers to support our fine arts events and other activities on campus. “Coach Chance is the model Westbury Christian Coach. She is a great leader who coaches with great love, character and consistency. Coach Chance has the gift to develop new players as well as the discipline to stretch the more advanced athlete. Coach Chance is an example of the impact that coaches have on student-athletes.” says Athletic Director, Coach Carr.
We are grateful for all 65 of our faculty and staff members and the way they impact our campus, and we look forward to partnering with our families for another school year this fall.
Mrs. Sandahl
