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Wonderful Westview Alumni News
Wonderful Westview Alumni News
NOAH CHAUVIN / CARTER GRIGSBY / FINLEY HAZELDINE
Noah, Finley, and Carter have been classmates and close friends since first grade at The Westview School
Now rising seniors at Gateway Academy, the trio reunited this summer as roommates at the Beacon College Summer for Success program in Florida, a big step toward independence, learning, and plenty of fun.
Beacon’s Summer for Success is a three-week program for high school students with learning differences. Through academics, independent living, and social experiences, students build confidence, take hands-on classes, and form meaningful connections, all while preparing for the transition to college life.
We asked Noah, Finley, and Carter to share with us about their experience rooming together at Beacon this summer.
Noah said the best part was getting to know each other better every day. Finley loved their movie nights in the apartment, especially The Minecraft Movie, which they watched more than once! Carter added that doing laundry together was a new (and useful) adventure.
When it came to favorite experiences, weekend excursions topped everyone’s list.
Finley added his growing souvenir collection as a highlight, while Carter included Target runs and movie nights.
Noah especially enjoyed his Block Three class, Storytelling Through Graphic Novels, and a campus karaoke night.
They also had advice to share with current Westview students. Noah encourages others to always believe in yourself, while Finley had plenty of words of wisdom to share: “Practice makes perfect! Strike that you snooze, you lose AKA, slow and steady wins the race.”
From Westview classrooms to Beacon College dorm rooms, these young men continue to grow, explore, and support each other. We couldn’t be prouder of the journey they’re on together.
KAYLAN SHELTON
Kaylan Shelton spent ten years at The Westview School, and what stood out most to him was the people
“I loved the staff!” he says. “They always supported me, and the amount of help I got was just great.”
After Westview, Kaylan attended Gateway Academy and then graduated in the fall of 2025 from Cypress Ranch High School. Now, he’s heading to college at SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he’ll be studying acting.
His advice to current Westview students? “Just trust the process. It may not seem like the best thing at first, but Westview always has a plan, and it’s set for a reason ”
Kaylan is proud of the volunteer hours he completed this summer at Westview and is excited for the future: “I’m going off to SCAD in Savannah, Georgia!”
ELLIE SANFORD
Ellie Sanford began her journey at Westview at just four years old and was a student through Middle School before moving on to Bellaire High School. Now Ellie is a junior at Sam Houston State University She is studying animation and living independently, which is something she credits Westview for helping her prepare for.
“Westview helped me build a foundation to be independent,” she shared. “I was successful at Bellaire because of my time at Westview They encouraged my art studies ”
Some of her favorite Westview memories include working on projects in art class. “I loved Mrs. B,” Ellie said. “Art was always my thing.” In fact, Ellie designed the 35th anniversary t-shirt for Westview during her time as a student and still occasionally spots people wearing it around Houston
Her advice for current students? “Keep trying, even when things aren’t going well. And find something you love doing.”
JULIA VAN WYK
Julia Van Wyk remembers The Westview School as a place full of kindness and support. “The teachers and staff were so encouraging,” she says. “They taught me to speak English and how to make friends.”
After leaving Westview in 2018, Julia spent a year at Gateway Academy before continuing on to The Monarch School, where she graduated in 2022. She then enrolled in Monarch’s transition program and took art classes at Fusion Academy, a pursuit she continues even after her family’s recent move to Virginia
“Art has been a big part of my life since Westview,” she says. “I’m still taking art at Fusion until the end of August, and I’ve been using my drawing skills to create social stories for children with special needs who attend speech therapy.” She’s also looking for a part-time job and enjoying one of her favorite video games, Cookie Run “My favorite character is Cocoa,” she adds.
Julia’s advice to current Westview students? “Enjoy your time at Westview. Keep working and you’ll gain more experiences.”
