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WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PRESENTS
SUMMER 2015
ALL THE WAY
TO STATE
Headline Story: A Q&A with Stapler and the Boys
Senios
2015
THE TRANSITION
PUBLIC TO PRIVATE:
ONE WCA FAMILY’S STORY
Credit: Cover photo courtesy of AL.com
CONTENT
SUMMER | WINDOWS
3 Graduation 2015
4 WCA Basketball
7 Alma Huston - Her Passion
8 Alumni Updates
10 Public to Private Life
11 Lower School Highlights
12 Fine Arts
14 Upper School Highlights
16 Alumni Feature - Beasley Brothers
18 Athletics
19 Special Students Receive Special Awards
20 Nurses for the Body & Spirit
21 Staff Appreciation Luncheon
22 Grandparents Day
23 End of Year Bash
Simple Suppot
Keep in mind, there are several extremely simple
ways you can support Westminster all year long:
1. Publix Partners Cards. If you grocery shop at Publix, please stop by
either school campus’ main office and pick up a Westminster Publix
Partner Card. Next time you shop, have the sales associate swipe the
card before you check out, and Publix will donate a portion of the
sale directly to Westminster.
2. Kroger Community Rewards. If you grocery shop at Kroger, you
probably already have a Kroger Plus card, which saves you money
on groceries. Use your card to log onto https://www.kroger.com/
communityrewards and select Westminster Christian Academy as
your beneficiary. When you shop, Westminster gets a percentage
back!
3. Target Red Cards. Next time you shop at Target, ask for a Target
Red Card or visit www.targetredcard.com for more information. The
card can be set up as a credit card or a debit card, and you can select
Westminster as your school. When you apply your purchases to
your Target Red Card, Target will donate up to 1% of your RED card
purchases.
4. Smile.Amazon.com. When you make purchases at Amazon.com
log onto www.smile.amazon.com instead, and select Westminster
as your beneficiary. Don’t worry! All the benefits from your already
established Amazon account will transfer over. When you make
a purchase through smile.amazon.com, Westminster receives a
percentage of the sale.
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
SUMMER EDITION 2015
Editor: Lori-Ellen Hudnall
Publication Specialist: Cheri Maddox
Communication Coordinator:
Laura Richeson
Designer: Dee Dee Johnston
UPPER SCHOOL
6th - 12th Grades
237 Johns Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
256-705-8000
LOWER SCHOOL
K4 - 5th grades
375 Mount Zion Road
Madison, Alabama 35757
256-705-8300
www.wca-hsv.org
Accredited by Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools
Member of Association of Christian
Schools International
Member of Alabama High School
Athletic Association
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Ron Klein
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Emily Donaldson
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Dick Spybey
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Leslie Parker
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Lori-Ellen Hudnall
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Diane Blocker
DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM &
INSTRUCTION
Kathy Hightower
UPPER SCHOOL ASSISTANT
PRINCIPAL
Kerry St. John
UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Maria Lyman
LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Alma Huston
DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING AND
STUDENT SERVICES
WCA BOARD
Stacy Murphree, President
John Hamilton, Vice President
John Jeffery, Treasurer
Rhega Gordon, Secretary
Nathan Cox
Nathan Eldridge
Todd Hayes
Dear
Westminster
Family,
W
hen I reflect over the past
three years, I am awed by the
changes we’ve implemented.
The list includes a new
mortgage that has us reducing the loan
principal; repayment of the church loan
which has enabled them to commence
construction on their new sanctuary;
highly qualified personnel in key positions;
authority aligned with responsibility;
documented and effective internal
processes in place; a one-ask, one-give
Annual Fund with a low fundraising
expense ratio; an education technology
plan; a ten-year facilities plan; a WCA
strategic plan; and the implementation
of a coherent K-12 curriculum and course
standards.
I first became familiar with WCA as a
School Board member in the summer of
2009. At the time, School Board members
said we need to raise the level of academics
at the school, noting that there’s no
inherent trade-off between exemplary
Biblical instruction and stellar academics.
I nodded my head in agreement. What
I didn’t know six years ago was how to
achieve improved student learning.
Through this spring and summer, the
educators have developed a challenging
five-year academic improvement plan. This
past year, we started with some obvious
needs such as new Lower School math
curricula, Middle School logic classes, and
software that records pacing calendars,
learning resources, classroom exercises,
and assessments aligned with the course
standards. One of the enabling changes
we’re making, effective with the 20162017 school year, is a change to the Upper
School schedule design. The primary reason
for this is to aid student learning. The
infrastructure and personnel changes we’ve
made over the past three years necessarily
preceded the upcoming academic
initiatives.
I’m enthused about the changes underway. We’re
on a path that, within a few years, will result
in others coming to visit and learn from WCA
because we exemplify the best of what a Christian
school can be. Each day I thank God for the
opportunity to serve Him in this role.
In His service,
WCA is a covenantal school that
provides quality education from
a Biblical perspective.
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
1
Graduation 2015
WESTMINSTER
SENIORS
Thursday, May 21st at 7 p.m. Westminster’s
65 graduates proudly marched across the
stage at the VBC to receive their diplomas.
Rev. David Hammond, Upper School Bible teacher and
school founder, addressed the students and encouraged
them as they prepare for the next step of their journey.
His presentation was based on Moses’ commencement
address to the children of Israel as they ‘graduated’ from
40 years of instruction in the wilderness as recorded in
Deuteronomy. He reminded the graduates that:
1. They are great sinners.
2. God has provided an even greater savior in Christ.
In light of these truths, he challenged them to move
ahead with confidence and to give themselves wholly to
faithfully serving their Redeemer. The evening included an address by Valedictorian, Louis
Hamilton. Khaila Ramey-Collier, Senior Class President,
presented the class gift, a plaque commemorating the
trees their class planted on the Upper Campus.
In order for a student to receive the Presidential Award
for Academic Excellence, he/she needs a 3.5 GPA
or better and an ACT score at the 85th percentile or
higher. Of this year’s graduating class, 45% received the
Presidential Award for Academic Excellence!
Wow! Way to go, seniors!
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COACH
STAPLER
WCA Basketball
This year was WCA’s first ever trip to the State basketball
finals. We thought it would be nice to hear from a few of
the players. Here’s our Q&A session with Trey Petty, Jarrett
Murphy and Dee Mayfield. It was a lively interview…
Q: Coach Stapler, shall we say, gets very excited. What’s it like
when he yells?
Trey: In the beginning we weren’t used to it, but we got used to how
he runs things. He’s doing it to make us better. We learned to focus on
what he was saying. During the regular season he yelled louder, but it
was to get us to the finals. Once we got to the finals, he wasn’t as loud.
Jarrett: You can’t take it to heart.
Dee: Or it can take you out of the game.
Q: What happens in the locker room? Give us a funny story.
Jarrett: One time he threw an iPad.
Dee: Coach asked how many turnovers we had, and he got the iPad
from Mikal – he keeps the stats – and coach threw it in the air! We
kept a straight face at the time…
Jarrett: Yeah, we did!
Dee: … but we laughed about it after the game.
Q: Who’s the cheerleader/encourager on the team?
Jarrett: Snodgrass
Trey: What?!? You mean at games or practice? It’s me!
Dee: Okay. Okay. It’s Trey Petty (said with a wink).
continued on page 6
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WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
It was a big year for Wildcat basketball! Coach Ronnie Stapler,
in his second season as the Wildcats’ Head Coach, shepherded
his team to the State Finals in Birmingham. It was a first for
Westminster basketball.
Coach Stapler, a
1997 Huntsville/
Madison County
Athletic Hall of
Fame inductee,
spent 28 years
coaching at
Grissom High
School, where his
record was 392238. For his career
entirety, he has 699
wins under his belt,
seven final four
appearances, two
state runner-up
teams, two State
championships and
15 Coach of the Year Awards, including one at the
end of this season.
We sat down with the coach to get his take on this
season.
Q: Tell us about your team this year.
Coach Stapler: Early in the year we were a selfish
team. Individual players put themselves before
the team. And we were so beat up and injured.
Until January 2nd, we never had our whole team
together for a practice. We knew that we were
going to be good eventually, but if that was going
to be before the end of this year was uncertain
because of all the injuries. We were missing key
parts to our puzzle.
And one of the biggest
things was Trey’s (Petty)
improvement as a person.
A year ago, I would have
to run him out of practice
sometimes. He cared about
himself, and was doing
nothing to help our team to
get better. He always had a
huge heart. My grandkids
love him. Now he is a
person who cares about
his teammates. And the
other kids see the change.
I’ve had other students, not just other players,
comment on how he (Trey) has changed as a
person. The atmosphere at this school has been a
life-saving experience for Trey.
Q: This is your first experience coaching at a
Christian school. Do you see a difference?
Coach: This is the most caring place I have ever
worked. One of great things about being here is
you get to see kids get the same things they get at
home and church, they get here at school.
Q: We know the boys learn a lot from you. What
do you learn from the boys?
Coach: The size of the young people’s hearts… how
caring and giving they are. I get to see that every
day. And, I get to see the relationships that they
build and grow. Sometimes their relationships are
not real good at the beginning. But, they grow into
something they will remember all their lives.
Q: So did their success surprise you?
Coach: You can’t worry about how many games
you win. Are you better at the end of the year than
you were at the beginning? That’s what matters.
We are trying to build a program where we are
competitive every year. If we do that, the winning
and losing will take care of itself. It’s not where we
play, when we play or who we play… it’s how we
play. Every program has a brand, when someone
comes to watch us play, they should leave the
building and know what we are all about.
Q: Why did you want to become a coach?
Coach: My mom and dad divorced when I was
14 years old. And, I had a poor relationship with
my father. I had a tough mama who raised me.
I was always involved in athletics. The men who
influenced me most in my life were the men who
coached me. I thought if I could do the same thing
they did for me in my adult life that would be a
great calling for me. I knew as a young teenager
that I wanted to be able to help other young folks
by mentoring them.
Q: What player surprised you?
Coach: Our most improved player was John
Kendall. John made 98 three point shots this year.
There are not many kids around who can do that.
My son made 104 in one season. I’ve never known
anyone else to make a 100. John put in a lot of
time, effort and hard work to improve.
Q: Were there any notable mentors that you
would like to mention?
Coach: The two most prominent were T.E. Rogers,
my high school coach at Butler, and my junior
college coach, Glenn Clem.
continued on page 6
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
5
WCA Basketball, continued from page 4
Q: How have you been able to
apply what you’ve learned on
the court in your real life?
Jarrett: Coach tells us ‘never give
up,’ and you have to get your stuff
straight off the court before you
can get on the court. We are students first. We are student athletes.
Dee: We are just students who
happen to play basketball, not
basketball players who are
students.
Q: Who came up with the
handshakes/dances before the
game?
Jarrett: It was kind of me.
Dee: Nah, we all started the circle.
Jarrett: But Dee is the dancer.
You should see him dance!
Dee: Okay. Okay. Jarett said we
should start it (said again with
a wink). Coach Epps said “why
don’t we do something before
the game?’ It gets us happy and
hyped before the game.
Jarrett: We went on a little streak
after we started that.
Trey: And we pray.
Jarrett: The dances we make up
every time as we go. It’s never
been the same.
Q: Do you hear the fans cheering
when you are on the court?
Jarrett: I don’t hear them. I’m in
a zone.
Trey: It depends on what time of
the game.
Dee: I hear it during the breaks
and stuff. Ya’ll were so loud at
Jacksonville.
Q: Do you hear Coach Stapler on
the court?
Jarrett: Yes, but you have to be
looking, and sometimes you have
to read his lips because it’s so loud.
Trey: Sometimes he does hand
signals.
Coach Stapler, continued from page 5
Q: What’s been the best part of
being on this team?
Jarrett: Relationships. They’re
like my brothers.
Trey: You won’t remember
somebody for three years in
your chemistry class, but you will
remember your teammates.
Dee: Experiences. Making it
to area. Crying on the floor in
Jacksonville.
Trey: Making school history. I said
that… put that down… Trey Petty
said that!
Jarrett: Hold up… you’ve answered
like every question three times!
Dee: If we were thinking it, we
couldn’t get it out before you
said something else.
Q: Do you get nervous before
the games?
Jarrett: No because we are
prepared.
Dee: I get anxious to play.
Trey: Yeah, I get anxious to
play, but I don’t get nervous. No
reason to get nervous.
Q: Predictions for next year?
Dee: I think they’re going to hold
it down next year. We have some
key players leaving, but we’ve
got people coming up that will
contribute.
Trey: Redeem. Championship.
#facts
Jarrett: We’re going to be back.
Q: What do you want to say to
the fans:
Trey: Thanks for the support.
Jarrett: I love all of them.
Dee: Next year get more fat
heads (Fathead is a brand name
of life-sized, precision-cut vinyl
wall graphics.)
Trey and Dee: More creativity
from the student section.
Q: Has your coaching career
been what you expected?
Coach: It’s been better in some
respects than I ever thought. It’s
been very trying on my family.
I’m fortunate to have a wonderful
wife. While I spend all my time
trying to raise everyone else’s
children, she did a wonderful job
spending time raising ours. You
have to have a strong spouse
to be a coach. Coaching isn’t a
part-time job or full-time job…
it’s an all-time job. You can’t do
it without the blessing of your
spouse and family.
Q: Tell us what happens in the
locker room at half time.
Coach: If you’re doing well, you
try to be positive and reinforce
what they’ve done well. If
you’re not doing well, you try
to motivate them to do things
better…Point out the things that
we’ve been deficient in.
Q: The boys have a story about
you throwing an iPad. What’s
your take on that?
Coach: Our stats are kept on an
iPad. We go in one night and
Coach (Ben) Cooper had not
charged the iPad up. I may have
tossed it (said with a smile).
Q: What do you want to say to
the fans?
Coach: We really appreciate all
the support we’ve been given.
It’s such a neat feeling to come
out on Friday nights and see our
stands full… Especially seeing
the people at Jacksonville and at
the State tournament. I am really
proud of the administration and
Coach (Dick) Spybey. They have
gone out of their way to create
an environment for us to have a
really good program.
Q: What do you want to say to
your team?
Coach: I’m really proud of how
hard they have worked and
even more proud of the kind of
people they are. It’s so much fun
to be around them. And I’d like
to thank Coach Cooper, Coach
(Ken) Epps and Coach (Kyle)
Overstreet for their help.
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WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
Alma Huston
HER PASSION
Alma Huston, WCA’s Director of Counseling and Student Services, has
been ministering to students and meeting their educational, emotional
and spiritual needs for 24 years.
She took a course in counseling during her undergraduate years, as
well as several in psychology. These experiences coupled with her love
of teaching, made school counseling the perfect choice. Alma says this
is her passion in life.
“Everybody needs an advocate… Someone who cares about them
unconditionally, sees the gifts they have and guides them, someone to
dream with them.. Maybe I’m just a dreamer,” Alma said.
Alma’s journey with WCA began when her oldest son was a 7th grader
at Westminster. “It was the year WCA first went through the process
to become accredited. He came home one afternoon and said ‘Aren’t
you a counselor?’ I came to find out that in chapel that day they had
prayed for a counselor who was certified. They needed this for the
accreditation. He had gone to the headmaster and said ‘my mom is a
counselor.’ He was a little bit of a fun-loving jokester, so they did not
immediately believe him. They told him that if it was true, to ask me to
call for an interview if I was interested. I did. I met with Jim Bedford and
David Hammond and was hired. That was August of 1991,” she said.
She says that hands-down, the students are the most rewarding part
of her job, and that the most challenging part is not having enough
resources and hours in the day to do all of the things that she needs
and wants to do for them. She says that the students are fun and have
a lot to teach her as well.
“You just have to take the time to listen to them. They have remarkable
insight, and they are fun to be with,” Alma said. She says one of her
most memorable experiences was with a student who came from
the public system. “This child was on the certificate of attendance or
the dropout path. There was just something about the student that I
loved. I saw gifts that some people thought I was imagining. For me,
graduation was tearful the year I got to call that name and watch ‘the
child who could not do it’ show everyone ‘the child who succeeded’,”
she said.
All three of Alma and her husband Bob’s children are Westminster
graduates. Ryan graduated in 1996, Justin in 1999 and Megan in 2001.
at WCA. Megan is a Lead
Education Coordinator at Animal
Kingdom Lodge at Disney World
in Orlando, Florida, and works
for Disney’s Youth Education
Series. I also have six beautiful
grandchildren and one more on
the way,” Alma said.
“There are two things that I tell
the students. First from Proverbs,
‘In his heart a man plans his
course, but the Lord determines
his steps.’ Secondly, I share a
quote from Eleanor Roosevelt
that I love with the freshmen as
they come up to high school.
‘The future belongs to those who
believe in the beauty of their
dreams.’ While we as parents
begin dreaming for our children
when they are born, ultimately we
have to step back and let them
follow the path that God has set
before them. That is why I do
what I do,” Alma said.
The best way for parents and
students to contact Alma is via
email: [email protected]
“Ryan is in Cary, North Carolina,
and is the Associate Director
for Program Management at
Trialcard. Justin is a missionary
with Serge and until a month
ago was serving in Mundri South
Sudan. He and two other team
members were emergency
evacuated to Kenya where
God has provided a temporary
teaching job with Riff Valley
Academy teaching English and
AP English, the same classes
that he was previously teaching
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
7
WCA Loses One of Its Own
The Reviews Are In!
Larry Dean Kooi passed away on April 30, 2015, as a result of an
automobile accident near Mauston, Wisconsin. He and Gail, his wife
of 47 years, were on their way to Minnesota to visit their children and
grandchildren when the accident occurred.
Larry was born on July 29, 1946, to Lewis and Tillie Kooi. He is
survived by his wife and his mother, by son Michael of Atlanta,
GA, daughter Heidi Deirking and her husband Justin, of Blaine,
MN, and son James and his wife Tracy, of Ringgold, GA, as well as
grandchildren: Max, Luke, and Tessa Dierking, and Levi and Jonah
Kooi.
Larry served as Westminster’s Head of School for six years (19942000). During Larry’s tenure, WCA enjoyed steady growth. Under
his quiet and able leadership, the school board recognized that the
aging and cramped facilities on Evangel Drive would hinder the
development of a strong high school. While the actual purchase of
the Brockway Campus occurred during Dr. Illman’s year, the vision
and groundwork had been developed during Larry’s tenure.
Nicole Eno (’11) graduated from Limestone College in Gaffney, SC , where
she played volleyball and received a full
four-year “full ride” scholarship. She
graduated with honors (4.0 GPA) with a
BS in Pre-Professional Biology and will
be attending UAB School of Medicine this
fall. She has won many academic and
athletic awards during the last four years
at Limestone College including: Outstanding Senior Biology Student, Who’s
Who of American Colleges & Universities,
Murphy Osborne Finalist for Outstanding
Scholar Athlete in Conference Carolinas (2014-2015), Conference Carolinas
Woman of the Year Finalist (2014-2015),
Limestone College Scholar Athlete of the
Year (2014-2015), 2015 Class Valedictorian, W.B. & Louise Phifer Camp Academic
Award (The W. B. and Louise Phifer
Camp Academic Award is presented to
the graduating senior with the highest
grade point average who demonstrates
worthy character and leadership ability).
Alumni
UPDATES
Michael Shipma (’14) has been offered the sports section editorship
for Troy University’s newspaper.
8
Alex Hooks (’11) was inducted into
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor
Society for Nurses. She will graduate
from Alabama’s nursing program in
December.
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
Rebekah Hooks (‘13) graduated
from Paul Mitchell The School in
September 2014. She passed her
written State Board and took the
“hands-on” part of the exam in
May, which will make her a licensed
cosmetologist.
Clay Durrett (’95) and his wife Alyson
have welcomed their first child, Clay
Sheffield Durrett, IV, who will be called
CJ. He was born on April 27, 2015, at
4:42 p.m. He weighed 9 lbs, 12 oz and
was 20.5 inches long.
After retirement, Larry and Gail moved to Ringgold, GA, where he
continued to advise Christian schools and mentor Christian school
leaders across the country. His life was devoted to a family who loved
him dearly and to the cause of Christian education.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, a beloved father and
grandfather, and a wise and considerate teacher and administrator to,
literally, hundreds, even thousands of students, teachers and staff.
Memorial gifts should be sent to Zuni Christian Mission School, Zuni,
NM, http://www.zunichristian.org/donate, or Hope for the Inner City,
Chattanooga, TN, http://www.hope4theinnercity.org/donations
The Beasley Brothers, Jackson (’13) and Lawson Beasley (’12), recently won Que the
Music, the new promotion of the annual Huntsville barbecue festival WhistleStop.
The Festival was held May 1-2. Que the Music allowed fans to vote on one of eight
local bands to open for the headliners Kansas and Sister Hazel. Earlier this year,
the Beasley Brothers were also named to AL.com’s “15 North Alabama Musicians to
Watch in 2015.” If you would like to follow the band, you can find them on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheBeasleyBrothers. (See full page article on page 16.)
To update your contact information,
email [email protected].
If you have an update for us, email
[email protected].
Emily Seuell Seymour (’02) and her husband Scott welcomed
Jackson Scott Seymour on April 18, 2015. He was 7lbs, 13 oz and
20 inches long. He was welcomed by his big brother Austin (4) and
his big sister Adelaina (2). His big sister Evangeline is already with
Jesus. The family lives in the Middle East where they do development and relief work with refugees. The very proud grandmother is
WCA’s teacher Gwen Seuell.
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
9
Lower School
D
ale and Laura Strong made the move from public school to Westminster in the fall of 2013 when
their daughter Whitney joined the 6th grade class at WCA. Their son plans to join Westminster this
fall for his 6th grade year.
A
“My children attended a local, public elementary school during all of their elementary school years,
and we had a great experience. We appreciate those teachers who gave our children a solid foundation.
However, deep down I was always jealous of my friends whose children were attending WCA. I knew they
were receiving a biblical education, and I wanted that for my children. The older I get, the more I realize that
there is nothing more important than biblical education,” Laura said.
Laura admits that they were nervous about entering a school where their daughter’s classmates had
potentially been together since kindergarten. They felt 6th grade would be a natural year for transition, since
children across the city are making the move to middle school during this time.
“The transition could not have gone smoother. We saw God provide as He always does. Whitney was
immediately taken in and accepted. I think this speaks highly to the environment of WCA and the parenting
of these students. I truly believe lifelong friendships have formed,” said Laura.
Laura and Dale found comfort and peace during Whitney’s transition to middle school, a time that is
often scary for many parents. “I knew my daughter was entering a school where God’s word was written
on chalkboards and spoken in conversations. She was entering a prayerful
environment where she would be known, loved and held accountable,” Laura
said.
Laura also says they have experienced more than parental comfort and peer
acceptance for their daughter. They have seen positive changes in Whitney
since she joined the Wildcat family.
B
“My daughter has been able to grow into the person God wants her to be
without so much negative influence. Her self-confidence has soared. Even
our friends have noticed the change. Because of WCA, my daughter has such
a love for school and learning that it’s infectious! My son can’t wait to get
there,” Laura said.
“I know it’s said over and over, but it’s true… it’s a family here. Because of
the smaller environment, they know my child. She gets the attention she
needs academically and personally. It’s amazing what my child has learned,
academically and spiritually, in just two years at WCA,” Laura said.
“I tell everyone. I don’t send my kids to WCA to put them
in a bubble. WCA is not perfect, nor do I want it to be. I
am confident that WCA is not only preparing my children
academically but is teaching them
how to live in this fallen world.
The adults in her life are modeling
how to handle life issues biblically.
I believe WCA is partnering with
Dale and me to train our children
in the way they should go,” she
said. “If a parent has the longing
and desire for biblical education,
I would tell them to just visit
Westminster. Seeing is believing.
Dale and I know we will never
regret this decision.”
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WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
C
As part of an annual economics
unit and as a service project,
the fourth grade classes sold
handcrafted tissue paper flowers
for Mother’s Day. The students
visited the Golden Flake Factory
to observe an assembly line. They
received a want ad, applied for a
job and had a job interview with
the CEO (otherwise known as Mrs.
Karen Boyd) who then hired and
trained them for the first or second
shift. Once production started,
they went to a Human Resources
Specialist (otherwise known as Mrs.
Ann Wilson). With Mrs. Wilson they
learned economic terms, played
economics games, researched
charities, and wrote persuasive
essays for their favorite charities
and made a presentation to the
class. Thanks to all the families who
supported the project. They made
over $900! They voted for March
of Dimes, ARK, and Blood Water
Mission as their charities.
Our Lower School Destination
Imagination Team, The Flying
Robotic Aqua Monkeys, placed
3rd in the regional competition on
Saturday, March 14th at Discovery
Middle School. This qualified them
to advance to the Affiliate (State)
competition held on Saturday,
April 18th at UAH in Huntsville. The
team competed in the Fine Arts
Category entitled, ”Feary Tales.” As
part of their challenge, they had to
create a functional piece of artwork
and a creative piece of artwork and
incorporate them into a skit about
a made-up phobia and a character
who overcomes that phobia.
They also had to solve an instant
challenge and show team work,
creativity, and problem solving
skills. Team members are: (Fifth
Graders) Wesley Bauman, Justice
Bright, Boyd Emmons, David
Lee, Zach Rawlings and (Fourth
Graders) Ivy Feld, and Edee Hiller.
Their Team Manager is David Lee
and their Assistant Team manager
is Teresa Lee.
Jackson Lange and Lawson Collier,
both 3rd graders, were selected
to represent Monrovia Parks and
Recreation (MPRA) as All-Stars.
Their team won the 8U District 2
championship and finished 2nd in
the State. Their assistant coach was
alumni David Gossett (‘00).
HIGHLIGHTS
SPACE CAMP
PUBLIC TO PRIVATE
A
ART AND MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY
B
C
FIELD DAY
Strong Family
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
11
Fine Arts
SUPPORT
PROGRESS
On April 7th, Westminster took 21 High School art
entries to an ACSI competition in Florence. We had
14 “Superior” ribbons, four “Excellent” ribbons, and
three “Good” ribbons awarded. Emily Thompson
drew a picture of her younger sisters that appears to
look exactly like a photo (photo-realism). A judge in
her division is a well-known photographer for Vogue
magazine. He recognized the quality of work and gave
her a perfect score plus “Best of Show.” Only one of
these awards is given. Josh Matthewson welded an
eagle sculpture called “Free Bird.” He cut feathers from
the hood of a salvaged car, used a metal rake from
an antique shop for the tail, an old saw blade cut into
two pieces for feather tips and other metal pieces to
create a great eagle. He was recognized by the artists
at the show as very talented. His name will be given to a
famous metal artist in hopes of learning (interning) with
a professional that does this kind of work on a grand
scale. Elizabeth LaPaugh has an outstanding octopus
done in color pencil and ink. Countless hours go into
work like this, and their results are undeniably excellent!
On April 29th, the Fine Arts Department held
their annual chapel, highlighting the Godgiven talents of many of our students in art
and music. Malia Skidmore, Rachel McCoy,
Bre Richeson, and Emily Thompson all spoke
about the different aspects of art. The band
performed Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss, Adagio
and Tarantella by Sergio Bosi with Senior Alan
Bowden performing the clarinet solo, and
Undertow by John Mackey. The combined
choirs performed A Distant Shore by Mary
Donnelly and George L. O. Strid and For the
Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter. The band
and choir also combined to perform The Battle
Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe.
Jasmine Shimer, 4th Grader, took
home two ‘Excellent’ ribbons for
her art pieces Grandma Moses Over
the River and Pointillism, The Eiffel
Tower at the ACSI Art Festival held
in Florence, Alabama. Jennifer
Hamilton, also a 4th grader,
won ‘Superior’ ribbon for her art
Aquarium in One Point Perspective
and ‘Excellent’ ribbon for Grandma
Moses Over the River.
On March 17th,
the WCA Choirs
competed in
the State Choral
Performance
Assessment at
James Clemens
High School. The
Concert Choir and
the Ladies’ Choir
both received an
overall rating of
Excellent, and the
Middle School
Choir received very
good comments
overall.
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WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
Freshman Zoe Lakin
was selected as a
“Blue Ribbon Winner”
at the ceremony
for the Alabama
State Council on
the Arts Visual Arts
Achievement Program
as a District V Blue
Ribbon Finalist and
Congressional Art
Competition winner.
Her drawing has now
gone to the next level
and will be judged
with others competing
for a place on the
congressional hallway
at Mo Brooks’ office in
Montgomery.
WCA’s 2014-2015 Yearbook
Staff ’s publication has been
inducted into Walsworth’s
Gallery of Excellence.
Yearbooks are selected
based on the high quality of
their design, coverage, copy,
and photography. These
yearbooks are used by
Walsworth’s representatives
across the country as
idea generators and are
displayed at regional, state,
and national conventions
and workshops.
In April, Junior DeLee
Benton participated
in the Alabama AllState Choir Festival
at Samford University
singing in the SSA
Choir, while Rachel
Pearsall, an 8th
grader, sang with the
Middle School SATB
choir.
Madison Emmons, Lily Manders,
Lauren Rigby, and Emily
Thompson, all WCA Band
Students, were selected for the
University of North Alabama
invitational honor band where
they competed against other
students. All four students were
near the top of their respective
sections with both Madison
and Lauren placing first chair
on clarinet (Madison in middle
school and Lauren in 9th grade).
Then they rehearsed for two
days and performed a wonderful
concert for the public.
WCA 6th grader, Taryn Brown,
auditioned for a summer
intensive with Joffrey Ballet
this summer, and not only was
she accepted to their various
dance programs in various
cities such as NY, LA, Chicago,
Dallas, and Miami, she was
also awarded a scholarship
and has chosen to travel to
L.A. with Joffrey this summer.
Several elementary
students won
recognition at the
recent Madison County
Private School Art
Show. Front Row, L to
R: Ady Pelfrey (K4),
Amber Bowab (K), Eva
Benton (K4), Isabelle
Taylor (K), Noah
Wright (K). Second
Row: Leighanne
Webber (K), Samuel
Scruggs (4th), Ivy Feld
(4th), Caroline Randall
(4th), Lauren Webber
(3rd).
Senior Malia
Skidmore
received “Best
of Show” at the
“Through New
Eyes” art exhibit
showcasing
private school
artwork from
the Huntsville/
Madison area.
WCA’s Wind Ensemble, made up
of students in grades 7-12, did an
amazing job at State Band MPA on
March 13th. They received straight
superior ratings (four ones) on
a week where many bands were
struggling following missed rehearsal
time due to snow and ice. They
narrowly missed being tagged “with
distinction” as they had 25 out of 28
A’s in the individual categories. One
of the event judges said, “It was truly
an inspiring performance and a great
model for young bands to study.” A
local band director in the area said,
“Easily one of the best high school
bands at MPA”.
The Annual Fund. Every fall from
August through October is open
season for our Annual Fund.
This fund drive is critical to our
continued success and expansion
of our program.
Support Tuition Assistance.
Contact our Director of
Admissions to find out how you
can best support our students
who need tuition support.
Planned Gifts. WCA accepts
planned gifts, including bequests,
beneficial interests in trust, lifeincome plans, and other forms of
testamentary and lifetime gifts.
Endowments. Endowments
provide security over the long
term by expanding Westminster’s
permanent financial base and
creating a predictable source of
future income for such things
as endowed faculty positions,
student scholarships, facilities, or
even entire academic programs.
Matching Gift Programs. Find
out if your company has a
matching gift program. Such
programs typically match all
or a percentage of employee
contributions to charitable
organizations.
Gifts of appreciated securities,
stocks, and bonds also provide
considerable tax advantages
when transferred to WCA before
they are sold.
Gifts of real estate include
personal residences, second
homes, income property, and
vacant land, which offer a wide
variety of tax and other benefits.
(Westminster reserves the right
to investigate any said property
before accepting the gift).
Other. If you have other ideas
on how you would like to
support Westminster please
contact Lori-Ellen Hudnall,
Director of Communications at
256-705-8221.
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
13
Upper School
A
WCA’s John Knox Chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on March
19th. NHS Officers Zac Willis (President), Khaila Ramey-Collier (Vice President), Sarah Malone (Secretary),
and Amy Denny (Treasurer) led the induction ceremony with assistance from Coach Kerry St. John, Mrs.
Kathy Hightower, Coach Stephen Hooks, and fellow NHS member, Bre Richeson. A large class was inducted
this year. The new inductees were: Delee Benton, Camden Bond, David Brashier, Shelby Campbell, Brett
Clark, Katie Duke, Shannon Ennis, Jason Farmer, Natalie Fogle, Emma Goodwin, Kelsey Gordon, Betsy
Hamm, Kaitlynn Harness, Joe Hinely, Anna Holbert, Laurel Holloway, Abi Jernigan, Christopher Johnson,
Emma Lynn, Marissa Maddox, Sarah Matthewson, Mallory Morris, Nicole Payne, Anna Pell, Hunter Plott,
Anna Pruitt, Luke Romine, Livi Self, Trai Snodgrass, Lauren Talton, Quintin Thies, Emily Thompson, Katie
Warren, Emily Weis, Syndey Wilkerson, and Annie Willis. The NHS Chapter is advised by Mrs. Gwen Seuell.
B
Senior Awards Day was held May 15th. Numerous scholarships and awards were given to deserving
students, but WCA has three awards that are unique to our school. Chosen by students, the discipleship
award is given to the male and female student in each grade who go above and beyond to exhibit
Christlikeness. Seniors were Amy Denny and Louis Hamilton; Juniors were Lizzie Hightower and Conner
Poslajko; Sophomores were Emma Lynn and Christopher Johnson; Freshmen were Madilyn Locke (not
pictured) and Jackson Keel.
C
WCA had three Upper School Destination Imagination teams compete in the 2015 North Alabama
Regional Destination Imagination Tournament. All DI teams placed and attended the Affiliate (State)
Competition. Two of the three teams competed in different levels of the Challenge “Feary Tales.” The
Marshmallow Maniacs, an all-girl 6th grade team, placed second in the Middle Level. The Metaphorical
Wallflowers, made up of all 9th graders, placed first in the Senior Level Division. The final team was a
Middle School Team, The Atomic Hurricane Slayers, who placed first at the Middle Level in the Scientific
Challenge, “Making Waves”. The Marshmallow Maniacs are Natalie Kennedy, Annabelle Lowrence,
Emiko Benton, Eleanor Lynn, Emma Wingfield, and Holly Hiller. Team Manager is Jamie Wingfield. The
Metaphorical Wallflowers are Michaela Bolyard, Elizabeth Flachbart, Isabelle Towry, Rebekah Kennedy,
Rebecca Johnson, Christine Thompson (not pictured), and Kayla Bowman (not pictured). The team
Manager is Robin Flachbart. The Atomic Hurricane Slayers are Madison Emmons, Finn Smith, Brooke
Holloway, Gracie Martin, Lily Manders, and Sam Jennings. Team Managers are Rebecca Emmons and
Christy Manders. WCA had two Middle School Destination Imagination teams, the Marshmallow Maniacs
and The Atomic Hurricane Slayer Raiders, qualify for DI Globals 2015 in Knoxville, TN in late May. At
Globals The Marshmallow Maniacs scored an overall 13th place ranking out of 80 plus teams!
D
Each year WCA participates in the Duke TIP program. This
year WCA had six 7th grade students who took the ACT and
who made scores high enough to receive State Recognition
and qualify for Duke’s Summer Studies Program. Students
must make at least a 21 in one area of the ACT – English,
Math, Reading, or Science. Jackson Billings, Dylan Fancher,
John Farmer, Nathaniel Pride, Preston Rigsby, and Andrew
Thompson qualified for recognition.
HIGHLIGHTS
A
E
F
B
E
C
F
H
G
G
H
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WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
Eighth Grader Brooke Holloway was the third place winner
in the Huntsville Literary Association’s Young Writers Contest
Junior Short Story Division. Brooke was recognized in the
HLA Awards Ceremony on May 3rd at Chan Auditorium on the
University of Alabama, Huntsville campus.
Freshman Michaela Bolyard won two awards in the Huntsville
Literary Association’s Young Writers Contest. She won Second
Place in the Senior Division for her poem, “The Heard, Preferred,
No” and Honorable Mention in the Senior Division for her short
story “Through Thick and Thin.” She was recognized in the HLA
Awards Ceremony in May. Her poem will be published by the
Huntsville Literary Association on their website hlahsv.org.
In early May, WCA’s 8th grade traveled to the Coosa River for
their annual 3 day field trip. Located along the banks of Lay
Lake at the Alabama 4-H Center, the 4-H Science School offers
outdoor adventure, and science-based curriculum in a beautiful
and unique outdoor setting. The trip activities included survival
skills, canoeing , archery and rock climbing. The students
studied herpetology, raptors, did biodiversity water testing
analysis and a chemical profile of Lay Lake. These activities
were a wonderful end to the middle school years and a great
introduction to seeing the practical application of high school
biology and chemistry.
Emily Peyton, WCA 9th grader, was recognized by Epsilon
Sigma Alpha as their Outstanding Junior High Youth Award. She
was chosen for this award because of her leadership, community
service, personality, academic performance, extracurricular
activities, awards, honors and family and church participation.
Emily is sponsored by Beta Pi Chapter, ESA Huntsville.
High School Class elections were held
recently. The following students were
elected to hold office for the 2015-2016
school year.
Student Council
President: Kavi Nallamala
Vice President: Jeremiah Cartwright
Secretary: Gannon Miles
Treasurer: Mallory Morris
9th Grade Class Officers
President: Jansyn Gordon
Vice President: Ian Thies
Secretary: Macy Kate Toon
Treasurer: Carter Hayes
Student Council Rep: Claire Mize
10th Grade Class Officers
President: Olivia Aycock
Vice President: Avery Davis
Secretary: Kendall Betts
Treasurer: Laurel McFadden
Student Council Rep: Henry Lynn
11th Grade Class Officers
President: Emma Lynn
Vice President: Sarah McClendon
Secretary: Natalie Fogle
Treasurer: Olivia Conners
Student Council Rep: Christopher
Johnson
12th Grade Class Officers
President: Sidney Ison
Vice President: Conner Poslajko
Secretary: Katie Hayes
Treasurer: Allison Sell
Student Council Rep: Lizzy Hightower
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
15
WCA Graduates
THE BEASLEY BROTHERS
LIVING THEIR DREAMS
“We want to make a living playing and recording music for others to
enjoy,” said WCA Alumni, Lawson and Jackson Beasley.
The Beasley Brothers started playing music at an early age with
Lawson (‘12) on the drums and Jackson (‘13) on the guitar. In middle
school, they began playing in their church youth ministry and then
moved on to playing at Bridge Street for tips. “One of our first real
shows was playing for the grand opening of the WCA Brockway
campus in 2009.”
Other playing opportunities arose through the years, and they added
a drummer and a guitar player. In just a few short years, they went
from playing WCA homecoming events to being the opening band
for Kansas at Whistlestop last month.
“Having the opportunity to meet a legendary band like Kansas, as
well as getting to perform on the same stage that they performed
on, was an incredible experience. They have been making hits and
performing since the early 1970s, and we hope to still be doing that
same thing with our band 40 years down the road,” the brothers said.
The Whistlestop Festival is held at the Historic Huntsville Depot each
year and benefits Early Works Children’s Museum and educational
programs for area children. “It’s just weird to think a couple of years
ago, we were playing for 20 people at Bridge Street, and now we are
opening for Kansas,” said Lawson.
The brothers remember growing up playing the video game ‘Guitar
Hero’ and honing their music skills. “The Kansas song ‘Carry On My
Wayward Son’ was one of the hardest but best songs we played,”
recalled Jackson. “We would rock out to Kansas.” Now, the brothers
have come full circle and are achieving some of
their musical dreams. Earlier this year, the Beasley
Brothers were also named to AL.com’s “15 North
Alabama Musicians to Watch in 2015” list.
Currently, both brothers are attending college
at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Lawson studies Supply Chain Management and
Jackson studies Physics and Optics.
The brothers both credit their education at WCA
for helping them in a number of areas in their
life. “One of the most valuable lessons I learned
at WCA was the ability to be in the world but not
of the world,” stated Lawson. “This simple yet
meaningful phrase has stuck with me and has
helped remind me daily to do my best to glorify
God in everything I say and do.”
16
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
“Having the opportunity to be
part of the WCA Chapel Team
in high school, prepared me for
a lot of things I am doing now,”
Lawson stated. “After playing with
the Chapel team for three years,
in addition to leading worship in
my church youth group, I went on
to help lead worship at a campus
ministry at UAB.” Lawson moved
back to Huntsville to attend UAH
in 2013. Both brothers continue
to play in their praise band at
CrossPointe Church in Madison.
Both brothers credit many of their
WCA instructors for impacting
their lives and their education.
“My Practical Theology/
Apologetics class taught by Mr. (Justin) Huston
gave me the ability and confidence to defend
my Christian faith and share Christ with anyone,”
Lawson stated. “The knowledge I acquired in that
class has benefited me greatly in college due to the
vast number of people from different backgrounds
and cultures that I have encountered.”
“No doubt, the instructor who made the greatest
impressions on me was Mr. (David) Hammond. I have
not met a wiser or Godlier man who has the desire
and ability to speak into the lives of young people.
Plus, he is hilarious and somehow manages to
make even the dullest stories in the Old Testament
entertaining,” Jackson replied. “I still find myself on a
regular basis remembering little comments from his
class that help me go through life.”
When asked what advice they would give students
if they knew then what they know now, both
brothers had quick answers. “Don’t wait until
you are in college to get serious about your life,”
advised Lawson. “I would definitely advise juniors
and seniors to absorb everything you are learning
right now in all areas of education at Westminster,
because it will definitely help you out in the future.”
“But, you don’t have to have your entire life
planned out,” continued Jackson. “It will come to
you in due time. In college, you will find out what
you like, what you are good at, and what you
definitely don’t want to do for the rest of your life.
You don’t have to have it all figured out when you
graduate from high school.”
“Despite all the challenges and temptations we
all face daily, do not conform to the things of this
world,” reminded Lawson. “Always remember, be
in the world but not of the world.”
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
17
Athletics
The WCA Wrestling Team set a new school record with seven State Championship Qualifiers,
including Andrew Kimrey, the 1st ever 1st-year wrestler from WCA to qualify for the championship
tournament. Ethan Pippin (2nd Place) and Kendall Farr (3rd Place) are the first two wrestlers in
WCA history to place at the AHSAA 1-5A Wrestling State Championship Tournament. Ethan set a
school record for most wins in a single season (40) and the highest winning percentage in school
history (0.816). Ethan and Kendall are also the first two wrestlers in school history to be named to
the All Tennessee Valley Wrestling Team, with Ethan being named to 1st team and Kendall receiving
Honorable Mention. Ethan also earned All American honors with a 6th place at the National High
School Coaches Association Freshman Wrestling National Championships. The Wrestling team is
coached by Don Singles, Evan Broome, and Jonathan Pippin.
Special Students Receive Special Awards
T
he Scott Lawrence Memorial Award was
presented to Dariel (Dee) Mayfield. This
Award is given in memory of Scott Alan
Lawrence, and the recipient is chosen based
on qualities that best exemplify the Christian spirit.
Though Scott was confined to a wheelchair with
muscular dystrophy, he encouraged others with
loving words and deeds. He is remembered for
his zest for life, courage in the face of adversity,
concern for others, vision for the future and his
service to both school and community. Scott
touched hearts and changed lives. It is the hope of
the Lawrence family that the recipient of this award
will continue to keep the spirit of Scott alive.
Westminster had several athletes sign to play a sport at the
college level. Nicole Payne signed with University of Montevallo
to play volleyball, while Chip Hightower signed to play soccer.
Alex Gipson signed with Mississippi College to run Cross
Country, and Austin Donegan has signed to play football with
Mississippi Valley State. John Mark McClelland will play baseball
for Huntingdon College, while Dee Mayfield will play basketball
for Centre College in Kentucky. University of Pikeville in
Kentucky will gain Josh Patton on the Track and Field Team, and
Braxton Conners will swim for Birmingham Southern.
WCA’s Golf Team, coached by
Spike McRoy, made it all the way
to Sub State this season. The
team members who qualified
for Sub State were Parker Todd,
Rily McRoy, Greyson Lauderdale,
Jake Lackey, and Hunter Plott.
Jake Lackey qualified for AHSAA
Boys State Tournament by
shooting 73 at Sub State at Valley
Hill Country Club.
Coach Ronnie Stapler was named “Coach of the Year” for
4A boys basketball, and Trey Petty made class 4A second
team, and John Kendall received honorable mention.
WCA has not had a track and field team since Meghan Smith
was the State Champion (AHSAA 1A-3A) for the 100 meter
and the 200 meter races in 2003. After a 12 year absence, the
Track and Field Team was reinstated under the leadership of
Corderyl Sunday, Marty Clarke, and Barry Ford. After a great
season, approximately half the team qualified to participate in
the State Meet. Ryan Ford finished as State Runner up in both
the 1600 meter and 3200 meter races. The boys 4x100 relay
team of Tomoka Nelson, Mikal Cawthorn, Joshua Patton, and
Jeremiah Childs moved past the preliminaries to the finals and
finished 5th in the state. Tomoka Nelson also competed in the
100 Meter & 200 Meter dashes. He finished 4th in the State for
the 100 meter dash and took home the Bronze medal finishing
3rd in the State for the 200 Meter dash. Joshua Patton
competed in the long jump and had a jump of 19 feet 2 inches
in preliminaries to get him to finals, where he set a school
record with a jump of 19 feet 5 inches to finish 5th in the State.
Madison Hardiman also competed in the long jump. Her jump
of 14 feet 10 inches set a school record and qualified her for
finals, where she finished 9th in the State. The boys’ 4x800
Relay team of Ryan Ford, David Brashier, Alex Gipson, and
Jason Farmer had a great race to finish 7th in the State, and
the Girls’ 4x800 relay of Brooke Clarke, Brooke McAdams,
Malia Skidmore, and Samantha Thorne finished 12th in the
State. The Girls’ 4x100 Relay of Sarah Mathewson, Erykah
Jenkins, Bradley Plott, and McKenzie Hardiman finished 12th
in the State. The boys’ team finished 7th overall out of 29
teams for the 4A State Championship.
The Middle School Baseball Team, coached by Jermie Howell, won the Madison County
Championship this season by defeating Randolph and New Hope to win the County
tournament. Carter Hayes and Hunter McWhorter made the all-tournament team, and
Walker Hamilton was the tournament MVP.
Coach Mandy Lowman and Coach Lexie Moellenkamp led the WCA
softball team to the State Championship Tournament. Coach Mandy
says, “This was one of the most memorable years I have ever been a
part of in all my years of playing and coaching.” The LadyCats finished
with a record of 43 wins and 9 losses, finished 2nd in the final ASWA
rankings before playoffs, and finished 4th in the state tournament.
They also handed the 4A State Champs, Curry, one of their six losses
of the season down at the Gulf Shores Tournament over Spring Break.
The girls had 32 shutouts this season, which is tied for 7th in the state
record books. Coach Mandy also said, “The most defining thing about
this team was their chemistry. We had girls from 7th through 12th grade
on the team, and they all acted like one big family.” We are proud of the
accomplishments of our LadyCats! Annie Willis, the teams’ pitcher, was
named to the 4A All-Tournament Team for the State Tournament.
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WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
Dee Mayfield exemplifies this Christian spirit
through many of his actions and deeds.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Back to School
Bash!!
Friday, August 14th
5 p.m.
Upper Campus
“Dee is an unusual young man who has kept his
optimistic outlook on life when many would have
chosen to curse life,” said Alma Huston, Director
of Counseling and Student Services. “His mother
was diagnosed and began treatment for breast
cancer. Around the same time, his granny, whom he
was very close to, also became sick and had to be
hospitalized. While all this was going on, his father
was in the military in Afghanistan. Without any
complaints, Dee took on the responsibility of caring
for his six year old brother and his mom. He did this
while maintaining his grades, playing sports and
still participating in service projects. This is a true
picture of this outstanding young man. He does not
give up; he does not complain. His attitude stays
positive and he faces challenges as they come.”
The William Craig Aiken Scholarship Award was
presented to Zac Willis. This award is given in
recognition of a student with a servant’s heart that
is dedicated to placing others ahead of self.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus
Christ: who, being in the very nature God, did
not consider quality with God something to be
grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very
nature of a servant.” Philippians 2: 5-7
“Zac Willis is not just an outstanding student and
a fine athlete, but also a fine Christian young man.
He is a quiet leader, helping others to understand
what is needed and leading by example,” stated
Mrs. Huston. “Zac is a leader with a servant’s heart
whose calm demeanor helps all who are around
him. In all ways, he personifies what is looked for in
the Craig Aiken Award.”
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
19
Nurses Fo the Body and Spirit
U
pper Campus Nurse, Cyndy Hooks,
thought she wanted to be a Chemical
Engineer at the University of Alabama. She
loved math and science, but she also loved
people. “I am a people person, so when I realized
this was not a people field, I quickly transferred to
nursing,” she said. After graduation, she married
Stephen Hooks, WCA’s Chaplain and Head Football
Coach, whom she had been dating since her junior
year of high school.
Cyndy has worked as a nurse in cardiology,
intensive care, pediatrics, and elder care. She began
working as the school nurse at Westminster’s
Upper Campus seven years ago.
She says every day is different in the school
environment. She dispenses daily medications
for some students, takes temperatures, performs
blood pressure checks, gives out ibuprofen,
acetaminophen, bandages, cough drops and other
necessary supplies. Because WCA is a Christian
school, Cyndy can address the spiritual needs,
as well as physical needs of the students and the
faculty. She can pray with them and for them
throughout the day, and she can offer words of
encouragement and hugs if needed.
“Some of my funniest complaints are when
students come to me in pain due to Coach Keith’s
Conditioning Class,” Cyndy said. “I have also had
two different students pass out in the hallway
coming to see me in a two-week time period. I
watched it happen on the video feed in the office.”
“I love working at WCA because it combines two of
my favorites – kids and nursing,” Hooks said. “I also
love seeing my husband and son walking down the
hall everyday.”
Lower Campus Nurse, Kandice Fooshee, grew up
in the small farm town of Sibley, Iowa. “I wanted to
be a nurse since first grade. As I got older, I really
enjoyed science, math and biology,” she said. “My
mom is a nurse, so I’m sure that was the biggest
influence in my decision.” She gave up a full sports
scholarship in track to pursue her nursing career at
South Dakota State University.
“I started my career on the cardiac floor and
then worked home health for 12 years,” she said.
“Afterwards, I left nursing for seven years and
began my own business in Franklin, TN.” She was
responsible for all sales and became known as the
‘Truck Bed Girl’ installing Line-X truck bed liners.
After having her daughter, Lexi, Kandice decided to
become a stay-at-home mom. When Lexi started
20
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
school at Westminster,
she went back to work
as a nurse at
a local pain
center. In 2013,
she became
WCA’s school
nurse at Lower
Campus. “I
could not
find more
thoughtful,
kind and Godly
people to spend
my day with,”
Kandice said.
“We laugh
together, we
cry together,
but most
importantly, we
pray together.”
FACULTY & STAFF
RECOGNIZED
FOR SERVICE
A Recognition and Celebration Breakfast was
held on Tuesday, May 26th to honor all of our
Westminster Christian Academy faculty and
staff. A delicious breakfast was prepared by
Becky Hartley and the wonderful ladies in the
Upper Campus cafeteria. Over 100 faculty
and staff members enjoyed great food and
fellowship together.
Ron Klein, our Head of School, recognized the following staff for their service years at WCA:
5 years of service: Renee Deerman, Christy Howell, John Knight, Ami Lange, Kelly Mize, Wanda Mullins,
Katie Sutton, and Bobby Steadmon
10 years of service: Renee Bumpas, Jason Kennedy, and Joseph Weeks
15 years of service: Linda Cyr and Karen Broome
20 years of service: Kathy Mansfield
25 years of service: Brenda Siler
45 years of service: David Hammond
We are grateful for our dedicated faculty and staff who contribute so much to the mission of WCA. We
thank you for all that you do for Westminster and our students. You are making a difference! We look
forward to another great year in 2016.
At Lower
Campus, she
has also had
the opportunity
to pray with
students for God to comfort their hearts during
difficult personal or family situations. The most
common ailments are headaches, stomachaches,
bumps and bruises and the occasional lice
outbreak. “Ice packs and mints can heal many
ailments here,” she said. Other illnesses include
strep, seasonal allergies, stomach viruses and the
flu. Her most unusual complaint was a student
telling her that he had a rock in his ear. She could
not see anything during her examination but shared
this information with his parents. The student
ended up having surgery to remove the rock from
his ear.
“I love their contagious giggles and their hugs.
Their literal way of thinking really helps me see
life from a more innocent perspective. I want the
students to see me as someone they can trust,
someone to come to without reservation,” Kandice
said. “I am allowed to show God’s love through
caring, empathizing, and loving our students,
and they accept it with open arms. I hope to be
the person students think about later in life who
influenced them in a positive way.”
At both our Upper and Lower Campuses, parents
can rest assured that their students are being cared
for by two spectacular nurses! We are blessed.
Give now at wca-hsv.org
WINDOWS | SUMMER 2015
21
Super Heroes Invade!
Cat Woman, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, ‘Wanda’ Woman (thanks
to 3rd grade teacher Wanda Mullins) and the VanKirk Villain (thanks
to our other 3rd grade teacher Carey VanKirk) were just a few of the
super heroes that invaded our campus Friday night May 1st when WCA
held its second annual End of Year Bash.
Over 1,000 students, parents, faculty and staff attended the evening
filled with nine food trucks, a huge outdoor screening of Disney’s Big
Hero 6, music, games and an intense cornhole tournament!
Big Hero 6 played on a huge screen on the football field. It is an actionpacked, 3D, animated, superhero, comedy film, so attendees were encouraged
to dress up as their favorite super hero.
WCA Honos
GRANDPARENTS
AND GRAND-FRIENDS
Westminster held its annual Grandparents’ and
Grand-friends’ Day Friday, February 13th. We
had over 300 grandparents and grand-friends
attend from all over the country. According
to our Lower School Principal, Maria Lyman,
Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Indiana,
Missouri, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama and even Malaysia were
represented!
In conjunction with Valentine’s Day, the theme centered
around love. WCA wanted to spotlight the special
relationships God provides in each of our lives. The program
began in our Activity Room with each grade level presenting
beautiful vocal renditions of songs such as “Grandparents
You are Special, Yes You Are!” and “We Love our
Grandparents.” Guests also enjoyed a wonderful performance
by our 5th grade band. The children were joyful as they
performed while their grandparents and grand-friends
watched with pride.
The EOY Bash was organized and sponsored by our PAW Board. Parents
Advancing Westminster is our parent-led, service organization. “We have
established a new tradition with our EOY Bash, and we believe our WCA
family looks forward to attending,” said PAW Board Member, Deanna Fancher.
“The cornhole tournament is always a big hit, the food trucks are wonderful,
and everyone loves watching the movie on the large screen. We are already
making preparations for our 2016 event.”
“We played against Coach Cooper and won in
our first round of cornhole. But, we lost when we
advanced to the second round. We can’t wait to
play again next year,” said sixth grader, Carter
Hammond. “I’m glad our school has an event like
this where there is something for everyone to do.”
Faculty members, Barika Williams and Lauren
Davis, competed against two sophomore students.
“I enjoyed interacting with students who I have
not had the opportunity to teach yet,” Williams
said. “We had good weather, good food, and good
fellowship.”
For more information about PAW, the EOY Bash
and how you can become more involved, please
visit the WCA website and click on the PAW link.
We are all looking forward to next year!
“Another highlight of our day was when all the Veterans in our audience were asked to stand and our
students and guests clapped and thanked them for their service,” Maria said. “It was a special moment for
everyone.”
“Afterwards, the grandparents and grand-friends spent time with our students in their classrooms ‘sharing
the love’ with their teachers and fellow students,” said Maria. “They worked on individual crafts that would
be a special keepsake from the day and also enjoyed snacks together.
There was much laughter, a few funny stories and many special memories made by all the participants.
We are already looking forward to our event next year,” she said.
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Westminster Christian Academy
237 Johns Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
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WCA is a covenantal school that provides quality education from a Biblical perspective.
Westminster Christian Academy is a ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church.