SHINING STARS | Class of 2023

Westview held a Commencement Breakfast in May to celebrate students completing our Middle School curriculum. The event, held in Largent Hall, was a touching farewell for seven students and their families. Teachers and staff reminisced and shared personal stories of the growth and progress of these students during their time at Westview. These young men were described as talented, generous, and kind, with bright futures ahead. What an indelible mark they have all left on our school, and we will surely miss them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

BATEY - 3 YEARS

While I’ve only known him for a year, Batey has been a bright light here at Westview. Every Monday in homeroom, Batey tells me about the amazing recipes he’s been making at home, which means I’m always hungry before I even start teaching that day. He loves to tell stories and always looks to cheer up his classmates when they feel down. Batey’s desire to foster peace and kindness between his classmates is a “key ingredient” in any group he’s in and earns Batey friends wherever he goes. His creative perspective brightens up every classroom, and I hope he continues to share his enthusiasm as he continues into high school. Keep cooking, and best of luck!

Batey will be moving to Klein ISD for high school.

- Serena Gaylor

CARTER - 10 YEARS

To quote Carter, “Tell everybody about how I’m smart, funny, and brave,” so here goes Carter is smart He is an outstanding scientist, and he keeps me humble I know when he politely disagrees or corrects me on something, he is probably right. Carter is funny. Carter and I have battled philosophical differences on various topics - such as the captive orcas at Sea World. Carter’s way of coping with this disagreement was to write and illustrate a comic book series titled “Orca Man,” a loose parody of Spiderman in which I played the titular character, bitten by a radioactive killer whale. Carter is brave. School can be tough, and sometimes Carter has gotten down on himself. He has always bounced back with resilience. In his next chapter, I hope that Carter continues to be smart, funny, and brave and that his teachers and peers love him as much as we have at Westview

Carter will attend high school in Spring Branch ISD.

- Jared Dawkins

DANE - 1 YEAR

What an indelible mark Dane leaves on Westview. Dane is friendly and kind. He always has a greeting and smile for teachers and friends alike. He asks questions about others’ interests and truly tries to learn more about the people around him Dane is a curious learner, and he works hard at his interests Dane has grown more and more confident as the year has progressed He advocates for himself and others. He isn’t afraid to offer his opinions and to be himself. Being his teacher has been a privilege, and I know he is bound for great things.

Dane will attend Lutheran High North for high school

- Katie Hazeldine

FORD - 3 YEARS

Ford has such a loving, caring personality; from the start, he was a great addition to Westview The following year when I became his tutor, I got to know Ford more and really understand the way he thinks and the curiosity that continues to brew in him. I have watched him grow into an awesome young man. He came in so unsure about Westview and what to expect and is leaving with so much emotion because he wants to stay here forever One thing that I will always remember about Ford is all of his facial reactions; Ford can really express himself well this way! I know this year has been hard because of how much he loves it here, but I know Ford will love his next school, and I know that the teachers will love him too. I wish Ford all the luck at his new school He will do fantastic and love it as much as he loves Westview

Ford will attend high school in Spring Branch ISD.

- Crystal Irvin

BRYAN - 4 YEARS

Bryan's first year at Westview was my first year as an art teacher, and my new role had challenges. Bryan has come a long way from the early years of refusing to do art projects and treating the class as a competition. We learned together that students work best with a space for self-expression within flexible guidelines I have watched Bryan grow into a young man with confidence, a willingness to learn, and a remarkable sense of humor. He is a leader amongst his peers, a quality that will serve him greatly. He shows pride in his work. When he makes up his mind that he is capable of something, he always meets success, and as he transitions from Westview, I hope he keeps deciding that he is capable Bryan is talented, smart, and imaginative My hope for Bryan is that he stays positive, never gives up, and keeps being himself. Westview will be cheering him on!

- Kaylee Bond

MAX - 5 YEARS

During Max's first year at Westview, I got to know him very well We talked about animals, took many Just Dance dance breaks, and played games during social skills. Flash forward to the end of middle school, and not much has changed. Max and I still talk about animals, A LOT! Our Just Dance dance breaks have definitely increased in PE class, and board games have transitioned to other types of games in the gym together Max is a bright student who can always find something kind to say to a peer who may be upset. Through all the ups and downs of middle school, Max has remained true to himself - a caring friend, an animal lover and expert, and a rock climbing enthusiast! Max has been wonderful to teach during his years at Westview, and I know he will accomplish great things!

Max will attend The HUB for high school.

- Trevie Pearlman

MATTHEW - 4 YEARS

My first impression of Matthew was that he was a curious student with many thoughts and interests. However, Matthew was not one to volunteer or share with the class but instead seemed most comfortable in the back of the class, simply observing As the year progressed, Matthew started to open up - sharing his interests and making friends I have watched big accomplishments in middle school - writing and sharing a self-penned play script, singing a song in front of the class, and playing piano in front of an audience at the talent show. Matthew accepted being challenged in new ways and learned to use his voice to speak to teachers and students with a maturity of a growing young man Matthew has so much to offer to this world, and as he transitions from Westview, I hope he always remembers how brave, smart, and totally awesome he is.

- Nelson Armstrong