by admin | Nov 2, 2023 | Around Campus
Westbury Christian is diverse like the Kingdom, a school where students, faculty, and families contribute their unique backgrounds, talents, and experiences in growing together. The school is recognized by Niche.com as the fourth most diverse private high school in Houston (Niche.com, 2023). We view this as an opportunity to reflect God’s glory and the beauty of His Kingdom.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. It also deepens our students’ understanding of and experiences with different cultures, especially the cultures and heritage of many of their classmates and teachers.
This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.” This theme reflects the importance Hispanic Americans have in building a stronger nation and reminds us that Hispanic Americans are an essential part of the fabric of American society.
At Westbury Christian, our students have been studying and learning from their faculty and staff members about the important contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the United States. Our Lower School students learned about famous Hispanic Americans and the history of Hispanic Heritage Month. They also learned the popular dance called La Raspa in music classes.
Westbury Christian High School students in Spanish III devoted time in their Spanish classes to prepare a special presentation for students about Hispanic Heritage Month and share their own heritage.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because it allows people to be aware of the importance of the Hispanics, and how we’ve impacted the world,” shares Adriana A.’25. “It’s so inspiring to see successful Hispanic women. I feel so empowered when I see a Hispanic woman succeed because it allows me to think I have the chance to succeed just like anyone else. Hispanic Heritage Month not only shows the world how powerful Hispanics can be, but it also inspires adolescents within the Hispanic community.”
Watch the video below to see what our Wildcats shared at chapel with their fellow students.
by admin | Jun 14, 2023 | Around Campus
At WCS, we equip our students to be Christian leaders, lifelong learners, and Christian servants.
A beloved annual fundraising drive to benefit impoverished children in the Western Hemisphere continued for its 25th year at WCS in 2022-2023. During the spring semester, students from kindergarten through the senior class collected spare change in specially designed water bottles to benefit underprivileged orphans in the Western Hemisphere. This year’s bottles were designed by our third graders in this voluntary outreach for WCS students and families.
HISTORY
Westbury Christian Middle School and High School Bible Teacher and Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach Steve Hawley spearheaded the collection which originated in Lebanon, Tennessee at Friendship Christian School in 1995.
Coach Hawley with WCS Kindergartners ’22-23 showing their new water bottles for coin collection.
Honduras has a special place in Coach Hawley’s heart. His first mission trip to Honduras occurred in July 1998, weeks before his arrival at WCS. A few months later in October, Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras and the project was introduced to the Westbury family. The change receptacles evolved from used drink containers to Powerade bottles to unique bank bottles donated by a generous WCS family. For twenty years, this family supplied WCS students with bottles, which include the WCS crest, logos of the partnering charities, and James 1:27, the theme verse for the program. All 21 coin bottles are on display, tied into a mural commemorating these efforts, in Coach Hawley’s classroom.
MISSION LAZARUS 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 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. As in recent years, WCS has chosen to support the Hope for Haiti’s Children school lunch program. “The children at these schools are fed lunch every day. For some kids, this is the only meal they will get so this is incredibly vital,” says Coach Hawley. Mission Lazarus earmarks the WCS contribution towards a different need annually: one year, our donation purchased a pickup truck for the orphanage. This school year, the total donation was $9,149.65 divided between Hope For Haiti’s Children and Mission Lazarus. As always, the change was sorted and counted by WCS students. “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 25 years.” says Coach Hawley.
“We are so grateful to the students at Westbury Christian for their compassion, generosity, and prayers for the children in Haiti. Since 2010, they have raised thousands of dollars through their coin collection campaign to help feed the hungry and care for the needs of the orphaned children at the Cazeau Christian School and Orphanage. Thank you, Westbury, for spreading God’s love to the children in Haiti – you are making an eternal difference!! Your 2023 gift will pay for 12,000 meals! This will feed all 400 students at the Cazeau Christian School (grades K-10th) a school lunch every day for one month! For many, this is the only meal that they eat that day. Again, we are so grateful!”
Tonya Hunt, Vice President, Hope For Haiti’s Children
“The partnership between Westbury Christian School and Mission Lazarus that’s held strong for over a decade is special, across two countries. Our 7th grade students make the cross necklaces in their carpentry class and it goes a long way in helping them learn more about the importance of precision in cutting and finishing wood. Then at WCS, the gift of a cross necklace to all newly enrolled students goes a long ways as well, reinforcing a culture from day one for a new student. The subsequent donation of the proceeds from the coin drive is an investment directly back into our ministry in Honduras and the Mission Lazarus Refuge children’s home. Some of the residents of the home are the same students helping to make the cross necklaces every year. Proof that an intentional simple idea can have a far reaching impact, even an eternal one. Thank you WCS!”
Jarrod Brown, President, Co-founder Mission Lazarus
To learn more about the benefiting organizations, visit missionlazarus.org and hopeforhaitischildren.org.
by admin | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
At our end-of-year faculty luncheon, Steve Hawley–affectionately Coach Hawley to all, whether they’ve had him as a coach or not–was recognized for 25 years of service at Westbury Christian. During that time, he has taught hundreds of Westbury Christian students and has made an eternal impact that is beyond measure.
Tell us about your career path and what led you to WCS.
SH: Originally, I thought I was going to play in the NBA. I was a good high school player on a good team, but everyone in college was a good high school player. On my first day of college practice, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I decided I was going to be the head of the history department at UCLA by the time I was 30. I realized that was not going to happen. I played basketball and baseball for a couple years at York College, got my BA and my Masters, and got certified to teach. During summers, I coached American Legion Baseball in York, Nebraska, my hometown. A small Christian school in Georgia needed a history teacher and a baseball coach. The principal was from my hometown and had been my college professor. When I got there, the boys’ basketball coach found out I played college basketball and asked me to be an assistant coach. That’s how I got started. I said I would never coach girls, but we had an emergency come up and the rest is history. I coached the girls’ basketball team for four years and baseball for six years. I started working at a basketball camp at Lipscomb University. Through those connections, I had the opportunity to be the girls’ team coach at Friendship Christian in Lebanon, TN. I was there for 13 years. I knew Greg Glenn from Lipscomb University basketball camp. He brought me for an interview in Houston that included the 1998 graduation, which was fascinating. I fell in love with the place and with the mission of school. I have taught Bible 8 and Gospels for 25 years. It doesn’t happen anywhere else that you teach the same two classes for two and a half decades.
Any year from the 25 years that is memorable?
SH: One of my favorite memories here is preaching nine weddings of players/students/co-workers. Being asked to be part of someone’s very precious day is both humbling and an honor almost unmatched! In 2008-2009, my parents died, less than a year apart. The way the school wrapped their arms around me is very memorable. I also think March 12, 2020, a Thursday. We stacked it up at the end of practice and I told the girls, “See you tomorrow!” and then I didn’t see them again for six months due to COVID. Within a week, we were online. I had to learn Google Classroom, ZOOM, FlipGrid, and Screencastify on the fly. The school was really good about helping us through that.
My favorite year is usually the most recent year. The first year is also a favorite. It’s like being on a mission trip: you never forget the first one. My first year here was special. I had never coached middle school girls, and I did not think we would win a game; we ended up 24-2. We also introduced the Honduras project my first year. The school let me have an All School Chapel to share about the project, which we started in Tennessee. We raised about $12,000 the first year. The thing I am most proud of is keeping that project going for 25 years! Another point of pride would be the mural in my classroom painted by our AP Art students from different national backgrounds. It has become a kind of showplace over time. I’ve had this room for 24 of the 25 years I’ve been at WCS!
How have you seen the school change?
SH: We make very good use of the facilities and resources. Some great examples of upgrades are the addition of Mundy Hall, the building and turfing of the elementary playground, replacing the rubber gym floor with a wooden court, buying and refurbishing the West Campus, and the use of technology. Another great difference is SAGE Dining. It is a huge blessing we sometimes take for granted!.
How do you motivate your students?
SH: I wish I did a better job. I try to make the Bible and spiritual teachings applicable in their lives. We do a lot of writing, and I use videos to stimulate thought. I try to give my students a chance to be involved; 85-90% of our students in the past 25 years have been involved in the Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Children outreach, including 100% of the 8th graders-11th graders this year.
When you are at Westbury Christian, what do you love to see that happens at our school?
SH: I love to see our older kids interact with our younger kids. My classes have had a lot of those interactions. This year, I had it with the 1st grade and my 7th period Old Testament Survey class. What was neat is that Sarah Romain, their teacher, had been one of my students and had participated in the same work her children engaged in, helping us sort change. I really think our older kids are great role models. We have an excellent student body. Our kids get along with their teachers and like their teachers which is not the case everywhere. Our kids blend well. You see kids from our different ethnicities and interest groups hanging together!
What do you do in your free time?
SH: I work out with weights and on the treadmill as well as reading.
Tell us about vacations or trips that meant a lot to you
SH: Two things I look forward to are seeing my brothers at Christmas and Thanksgiving and going to Vietnam. Even starting a checklist for my Vietnam mission is something I enjoy. It’s out of my comfort zone to travel alone, but it’s better for me than to go in a group. I used to just hang with other Americans when I went to Honduras, Haiti, and China. I can do that in Houston. When I receive notice of a donation for my mission, I start to think, “Okay that’s 2.5 girls’ bikes or 2 boys’ bikes. It changed the way I think.
Have you ever met someone famous?
SH: I worked with Charlie Ward when he was the football coach at WCS. The interesting thing about Charlie was that the kids treated him like every other adult. Whenever we had families on campus, the dads were in awe of his fame!
by admin | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
Each graduating class leaves a unique mark on Westbury Christian and has played a special role in their time at the school. The Class of 2023 is no different, and their memory and influence will last for years. Take a closer look at some of their defining traits and moments:
- The Class of 2023 left a lasting legacy at Westbury Christian. Of the 32 graduating seniors, five students – Piper, Leah, Luke, Trina, and Emily – have been at WCS since preschool.
- The Class of 2023 will be making an impact across the country next fall as they head to college. From the University of San Francisco (Madison) to Hampton University (Justin), studying degrees from pre-dental (Fernando) to aviation management (Wolfgang), our graduating Wildcats will have an influence far beyond Houston. This year’s top collegiate destinations have been Sam Houston State University, Houston Christian University, and the University of Houston.
- The Class of 2023 has had service in their heart for years. In high school, they’ve collectively recorded over 3,000 hours of community service across a variety of different organizations and projects. But this group has been serving the community together since middle school, frequently working in local ministries and other community organizations. There are no doubt hundreds of unrecorded hours that have been spent serving across our community.
- The Class of 2023 has earned over $3.4 million in scholarships. They were accepted into 83 unique colleges and universities across the country.
- Over the past several years, the Class of 2023 has benefited from learning from other perspectives to enrich their understanding of the world. This includes eight classmates from other countries, including China (Tony, Sam, Binbin, and Daniel), Vietnam (Britney and Nam) and Thailand (Vanda and River), who have learned alongside their American peers for the past four years.
- The Class of 2023 left a lasting legacy for Wildcat athletics. Two female athletes have signed their national letter of intent to play collegiate sports. Piper will play soccer at the University of St Thomas and Emily will play volleyball at Wellesley College. Faith, Trina, and Lexi played four or more sports during their high school career. Jalen and Jeremiah led the boy’s basketball program to multiple state tournament appearances and Final Four finishes. Mary, Sophia M., Katelyn, Cara, and Parker led the cheerleading team to new heights, going to the state tournament for the first time in school history and finishing 4th overall.
- The Class of 2023 has been involved in a wide range of activities on campus. Nathan, Madison, and Emily starred in Aladdin Jr. this spring. Luke, Trina, and Sophia G’s participation in the WCS band, pop choir, and drumline has taken the band program to new heights, earning superiors and 3rd place at the TAPPS Band Championships. Ella has spent a lot of time serving and managing our athletic teams as a student manager and perfecting her golf game, and Katelyn has served in leadership roles as the senior president for many years. Cara, Sophia G. and Gabby have impacted HOSA and found their passions in health careers.
- Joseph became the first student in school history to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams of opening up a coffee shop at school. Hannah published her own articles for the Bellaire Buzz as a student reporter for Westbury Christian. They have had the pathway to pursue their own interests and inspire others along the way.
- Perhaps most importantly, the Class of 2023 has grown closer over the years. They’ve overcome tragedies and challenges and shared exciting accomplishments and joys.
We will certainly miss the Class of 2023, but we know they will continue to grow as they depart WCS. We look forward to hearing how they make a Kingdom Impact in the future. Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2023!
Piper C. | University of St. Thomas | Sports Medicine
Tony C. | Houston Christian University | Cyber Security Engineering
Mary D. | Houston Christian University | Computer Science
Emily G. | Wellesley College | Neuroscience
Trina G. | University of Houston | Business/Finance/Hospital Management
Fernando G. | University of Houston-Downtown | Pre-Dentistry/Biology
Sophia G. | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Nursing
Hannah G. | University of Houston | Sports Administration
Faith J. | University of Houston | Computer Science Technology & Engineering
Ella J. | Baylor University | Business/International Business
Wolfgang K. | Embry Riddle Prescott | Aviation Management
Lexi K. | LSU- Honors College | Kinesiology
Jeremiah L. | Arizona Christian University | Mechanical Engineering and Business
Britney M. | University of Houston | Nursing
Nathan M. | Schreiner University | Biology or History
Sophia M. | Grand Canyon University | Communications
Cara M. | Sam Houston State University | Nursing
Luke P. | Houston Christian University | Cyber Security
Gabby P. | Sam Houston State University | Kinesiology
Parker P. | Louisiana State University- Eunice | Psychology
Vanda P. | University of Houston | Biochemistry
River P. | University of Texas at Arlington | Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
Justin S. | Hampton University | Aeronautical Sciences
Madison S. | University of San Francisco | Advertising
Katelyn T. | Howard University | Political Science
Joseph T. | University of Houston | Entrepreneurship & Business
Jalen T. | Prairie View A&M University | Business or Finance
Leah T. | Southern University & A&M College | Mass Communications
Nam V. | Houston Community College | General Studies
Sam W. | Marymount Manhattan College | International Trade
Wenbin Y. | Houston Community College
Daniel Z. | Bucknell University | Biochemistry
by admin | May 8, 2023 | Around Campus
The 7th-grade class had an opportunity to travel to the Texas Capitol in Austin and San Marcos for their social studies field trip with 7th Grade Social Studies Teachers Mrs. Greer, Ms. Robledo, and Coach Tunde.
In Austin, students toured the Texas Capitol building and learned the history of the capitol and the workings of the government. Our students were fascinated watching the House of Representatives in session. They had the best seat in the House of Representatives in the balcony. They were able to hear the members and the gavel striking the pad. After the visit to the House Chambers, students explored the grounds to find various monuments and note who or what they honored.
Rothanak H. shared, “One thing, actually a few things, I learned on the field trip to Austin and San Marcos were that the Texas Capitol building is actually 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building and that water should be conserved due to it being a limited resource. I’d say that the best part of the field trip to me was either the glass bottom boats or the food stop (specifically the Chick-fil-A).”
Dylan J. added, “My favorite part on the field trip is when we went into the Representative Chamber to listen in on a meeting going on there, and looking at the colorful yet old and original desk and ceiling.”
After their time in Austin, the group traveled to San Marcos to go on a nature trail and a glass bottom boat ride on the San Marcos River. On the nature trail, students learned about wetlands, marshes, and species in the area. After the trail, the students headed to The Meadows Center for a glass bottom boat tour. The crystal clear water allowed students to see fish and turtles swimming below the boat. They also got to see where the water from the Edwards Aquifer seeped into the spring-fed body of water called Meadows Lake. Before departing back to Houston, everyone walked through their small museum and aquarium to see the blind salamander, an endangered species that lives in the area.
We are so thankful our 7th graders had the opportunity to travel to the Hill Country to learn more about our government and see God’s creation. Thank you, Mrs. Greer, Ms. Robledo, and Coach Tunde for planning the trip!
by admin | 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 admin | 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 admin | 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
