6 minute read
Wonderful Westview Alumni News
An education at The Westview School makes a lasting impact on many of its students, and we are always delighted to hear about the success of our former Wildcats who are all grown up and doing wonderful things!
GABRIEL “GABE” AKIN
Gabriel "Gabe" Akin started preschool at Westview in 2012. He has fond childhood memories of holiday performances with costumes and book fairs Gabe also remembers going to see the trail riders on Go Western Day! He transitioned from Westview in 2nd grade, attending The Grace School until middle school. He is currently a high schooler at Gateway Academy, thrives in science and math classes, and is captain of the basketball team. Gabe recently got a driver's license and drives to school daily He loves watching sports, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends in his free time. Aside from learning how to read, write, and "do math," Gabe credits Westview with helping him learn how to behave properly and communicate his feelings. Gabe encourages the current Westview students to “enjoy their classes and after-school activities, like karate " Gabe hopes to volunteer again at Westview Summer Camp this summer, and he plans to attend the summer program at Beacon College.
GAVIN NEILSSIEN
Gavin Neilssien was a student at The Westview School during his elementary years from 2015 to 2017. He transitioned from Westview at the end of 2017 he completed his elementary education in Humble ISD Gavin's memories of Westview include climbing the rock wall during a field trip at Lifetime Fitness, learning how to solve a Rubik's Cube with Mr. Dawkins, going to Camp Smile, and the excitement of the zipline. Gavin is currently a sophomore in high school. He loves Geometry and lunch This month, Gavin received a nomination for student of the month in Geometry. He participates in the Speak Social program that supports and helps him and has joined Integrated Athletics, where he has learned not to give up. Gavins says about his time at Westview, "Westview really knew what they were doing and helped me with a lot of stuff I learned I could be successful with the right support " He encourages students to keep trying and not to give up. "If you are having trouble with school," said Gavin, "then Westview is for you."
REECE MARTELL
From 2011 to 2014, Reece Martell attended The Westview School. After Westview, he attended The Crossroads School and St Stephen's School Reece is now in high school at St Francis School. Westview memories for Reece include the fantastic times at Family Fun Day! "My family and I went many times even after I left Westview," Reece shared. Reece loved the Clifford the Big Red Dog books as a child and recalls meeting him at Westview The picture makes him smile at the memory. Reece loves all the academics at St. Francis but enjoys math the most. He also enjoys "working tech" for the school theatre department A proud moment for Reece was being nominated to represent the freshmen class on the St. Francis Homecoming Court. Reece also participates in cross country and tennis. Last season, he qualified for state in cross country and won the school’s first Wolf Cup trophy in tennis!
Reece shared that Westview taught him that just because something is hard doesn't mean you can't learn to do it. "I could learn at my own pace," said Reece "And if I struggled, I always had the support I needed " Reece shared that when he left Westview, he was confident in his ability to learn anything anywhere. The advice he would give to current Wildcats is to take advantage of all the fun activities that Westview offers "It was the first place where I really made friends," said Reece. "Believe in yourself and never give up!"
JACOB HIRSCHFIELD
Jacob Hirschfield is a high school junior at Gateway Academy. He attended Westview from 2010-2017 His memories of Westview include his good friends and teachers. Jacob keeps busy outside of school with internships at Gateway, summer volunteering at Westview, and work in the shipping department of his family business Jacob, an avid sports fan, visited the LSU campus this fall to see Mike the Tiger and check out the the stadium. He is looking into a certificate program at a college campus after his high school graduation in 2025 His advice for Westview students is to "Have fun! Enjoy your time at Westview!"
DECLAN JONES
Declan Jones attended Westview from 2007-2010 during his early childhood and elementary school years. After Westview, he transitioned to public school at Commonwealth Elementary Declan's mom, Jennifer, reflects on the time at Westview as a period of watching her son come alive. "He started talking, learning, sharing," said Jennifer. "He accomplished so many milestones and came out of his shell." Declan is currently in high school, where he enjoys both science and English.
Jennifer credits Westview with giving Declan a foundation upon which to build. "It has not been easy," said Jennifer, "but believing that Declan could accomplish goals put in front of him has made all of the difference in his journey." Jennifer encourages other Westview parents not to be afraid to push their children and believe. "Open your mind to big possibilities and talk to your child about them," said Jennifer.
"It may take longer, or not at all, but you will not know if you don't try." She also recognizes how special and unique the Westview community is. "The friends you make at Westview will be there for a lifetime," said Jennifer Most recently, Declan got his driver's license and was accepted to the University of Houston Clear Lake. Last summer, he "absolutely loved" working at Katz Coffee warehouse. Mom praises Declan on his work ethic and belief in himself. "We are constantly impressed and amazed at his accomplishments," said Jennifer.
