Dear Westminster family,

This was the first fully “normal” school year after several years of pandemic-related challenges. Though Westminster was the first school in South Florida to re-open after a forced closure and though we led the way among South Florida schools in terms of operating programs and activities on campus and in person, COVID was constantly at the forefront of our minds while we navigated its challenges. Getting beyond the pandemic has undoubtedly been a cause for celebration, but it is important to recognize that “normal” life is not without its own set of challenges. This has been a year in the life of Westminster in which there have been many successes and numerous reasons to celebrate, but we have also experienced loss. In the midst of it all, God is good, and He is sovereign.

As we turn the pages of this edition of Then & Now, we embark on a journey through this year, visiting highlights of events and stories of Westminster alumni, students, and staff. Within the confines of these covers, we highlight features that pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped the Westminster community and continue to shape its legacy:

• Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Kari DeRuiter ‘74 Retires. In this alumni feature, we delve into the inspiring story of Kari DeRuiter, which began when her family started the school. Kari is not only a graduate, but she has also spent her career serving Westminster as a teacher and coach.

• From Player to Coach: Patrick Wennin ‘12 Returns to Warrior Field. We shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of Patrick Wennin, an alumnus who has risen to new heights as our new head football coach. Patrick’s story highlights the incredible talent and dedication that Westminster nurtures.

• Rekindling Connections: Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. Relive the excitement and camaraderie of our most recent Homecoming Alumni Weekend. We also revisit the joyous reunions of our esteemed alumni from several classes in Roll Call. Through anecdotes, memories, and friendships, these reunions serve as a testament to the enduring sense of community that permeates Westminster.

We are blessed and grateful that YOU are a part of this incredible community.

Additionally, we highlight the remarkable achievements of individuals like Julia Brown ‘22 and Westminster middle schooler Juan Rondeau ‘27, a three-time Miami-Dade Spelling Bee Winner. We celebrate the new internship program, our thriving athletic department, the dazzling performances of our fine arts students, and the cherished traditions that unite us. We also pay homage to Chris Bobson ‘23, whose enduring impact on our current student body will forever be remembered. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the alumni, students, and staff who contributed to this remarkable edition. Your unwavering support, remarkable stories, and continued engagement serve as a testament to the strength of our community.

As I write this article, the school year is over, and we are in the initial weeks of summer. The campus is quieter than normal, but there is still much activity. In the span of a few hours,

I encounter several people who together paint a picture of our unique community. I see a fifth-grade girl who tells me that she is not too excited about summer vacation because she will miss the teachers and friends she loves so much in our elementary school. I stop and chat with a college student who is pressure washing for our maintenance team. He graduated from Westminster a few years ago and is happy to be giving part of his summer in service to the school he loves. I meet two couples that are here for a campus tour—one couple graduated from Westminster 15 years ago as “lifers” and they want to send their own children to Westminster in the next few years, and they brought friends along to also introduce them to our school. I return to my office and a couple from New York stops by. The gentleman taught at Westminster back in the 80s before going overseas as a missionary and had not been back on campus in decades. He was thrilled to see how the school has kept its focus on its mission for all these years. Then I run into a family that is moving to Miami from the west coast of Florida primarily to send their kids to Westminster. They had heard about the school, its reputation for excellence, and its powerful sense of community, and they felt like they had to move their family to Miami to be a part of the Westminster family.

This is our community. This is Westminster. We are blessed and grateful that YOU are a part of this incredible community.

Kind regards,

Scott Jones Head of School