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Wonderful Westview Alumni News

Wonderful Westview ALUMNI NEWS

SAMMY STEINBERG

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Sammy attended The Westview School from 2008 to 2012. He is a senior at Mirus Academy, where his favorite classes are economics and government. Sammy was accepted and will attend Columbia College in Chicago to study music production upon graduation. Sammy's Westview memories include having fun outside with friends and the first-grade lock-in, and he feels like Westview prepared him for his next steps in life. Sammy's advice to Westview students is, "Be who you are! Don't conform to what society wants you to be."

CAMERON WILLERTON-MCKEE

Cameron attended The Westview School from 2004-2013. He is a high school graduate of Gateway Academy. Post-graduation, Cameron held a working apprenticeship in Boulder, Colorado, at a store with a work experience program for young adults with disabilities. He currently lives independently in Colorado in a house with two other young men on the spectrum and a staff member from the Ascendigo program, which he attends in town. He is employed at the worldfamous Hot Springs as a greeter and pool cashier.

EDUARDO APONTE

Eduardo was a student at Westview from 2013 to 2016. He attended Wesley Academy after a transition from Westview Middle School, and he currently lives in Dubai with his family. Eduardo is a senior at Dubai American Academy. His classes include a higher level international baccalaureate in English literature, world theatre, and global politics. Also, he played "TOM," the principal role in THE GLASS MENAGERIE for a local theater. He has traveled to Nepal and Cambodia to do social work with his school and has been a delegate for different countries with the MUN (MODEL UNITED NATIONS). He is applying for colleges in the US to follow his dream of becoming a journalist. His Westview memories include how fun and open the campus and playgrounds were, and he always felt encouraged by teachers who pushed him to be his best while forgiving him his challenges.

Lessons learned at Westview helped Eduardo through many struggles and encouraged him to face my fears and function better in a neurotypical society. With gratitude, he said, "Thank you for standing by me and for making me grow. Thanks for making me believe in myself!"

SCAN TO WATCH

Eduardo most recently gave a TEDx talk about Asperger's encouraging acceptance of people with learning disabilities through a humorous delivery highlighting the similarities between all people.

ETHAN BRAXTON

Ethan was a student at Westview from 2014-2017 for grades kindergarten to second grade. He is currently attending Spring Forest Middle School, where he enjoys math and science, and has recently joined the running club. Ethan has many interests, such as drawing and collecting Thomas trackmaster trains and putting together Legos. He stays busy over school breaks and participates in many area camps. Zoo camp, art camp, and cooking classes are just a few of the many things Ethan enjoys doing in his time off from school. His memories of Westview center around making friends. Ethan met his best friend Andres at Westview, and they are still friends to this day and do activities together. Westview taught Ethan the importance of "working together to do a great job at school."

MERCE CARTER

Merce attended Westview for Upper Elementary. He currently attends high school at Xavier Academy, where his favorite things are tennis and chemistry, with geometry being a close third. Merce says that Westview's encouragement helped boost his confidence and move to the next adventure. He remembers the teachers being supportive and kind. He encourages Westview students to "push hard, and you can achieve your dreams."

OWEN SHERRILL

Owen attended Westview from 2015 to 2019. He is currently attending high school in Denver, Colorado. Owen loves PE and lunch, works in the school library, is a member of the Unified Sports bowling team, and was part of his school's production of Peter Pan. When Owen is not busy at school, he loves to ride his bike everywhere and is learning to snowboard. Owen has many wonderful memories of his time at Westview, such as friends, lockins, and the haunted houses. "I remember it being fun with loads of nice people around me!" said Owen. Westview taught him the importance of hard work, making friends, and being a good friend. His advice to Westview students is, "Be nice to your teachers, and they will be nice to you. Also, when you are at a lock-in with Mr. Dawkins, try to beat him at Smash Bros!"

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

Owen and and his little brother started a hand sanitizer company with their mom named Mobply, supplying bottles to many area companies. Mobply has a mission to help others and gives back to the local community. A portion of each sale provides support autism families. Owen says the best thing about the business is "giving [hand sanitizer] away to those in need (and making money)."

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