SUMMERIN2022THIS ISSUE: STORIES OF INSPIRATION, INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE
2022 The Wild Acre surrounds the WorldWonder Nature Center and is an oasis on the Westminster campus. The lush landscape is teeming with areas where students learn and explore, and it also provides a home for resident animals such as tortoises, dwarf goats, macaws, and more. Come for a visit and follow the verdant paths to discover all it has to offer.
Please send them to communications@wcsmiami.org.SUMMER
4 Message from Head of School 6 Thank You for Your Service 8 A Gift from the Heart 9 Thoughts from Young Alumni 11 New Art Installment Unites Westminster Community 13 Warriors Induct New Members to Athletic Hall of Fame 16 Westminster Leads in Technology 18 Back to School Picnic 20 All Alumni Event 22 Homecoming 24 Alumni Celebrate Reunions Over Homecoming Weekend 28 The Annual Golf Classic Tradition Continues 30 A Career in Technology Leads an Alumnus to Service and Success 33 Gutierrez Field Adds New Field House 34 Schoolwide Events Celebrate Community: The Taste of Westminster and the Warrior Family Fair 38 Alumni Gather in Orlando for Fun and Fellowship 39 Alumni Reflection from 1961 40 Alumni Roll Call and Memorials 47 2021-22 Annual Report EDITOR: Ana M. Poveda ‘87 Director of Communications & Marketing ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ismeraly Torres Assistant Director of Communications COVER PHOTO: The new high school art installment is a 16-foot tree made of low-fire clay that has the names of faculty and staff engraved in the trunk. Go to page 11 to read more about this magnificent sculpture. SENIOR ADMINISTRATION Scott Jones, Head of School David Medder, Associate Head of School Rob Lundgren ‘76, Chief Financial/Operating Officer Caleb Lopez, Preschool/Elementary School Principal John Manoogian, Middle School Principal Alex Gonzalez, High School Principal John Bishop, Director of Spiritual Formation WESTMINSTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Philip Floyd, Chair; Dr. Alexander Trujillo, Vice Chair; Mr. Paul Quentel, Treasurer; Mrs. Sandy Carson, Secretary; Mr. Rick Cook; Mrs. Jennifer Coya; Mr. Derek Deville ‘91; Mr. James Hannon; Mr. Jud Henry; Mr. Hamilton Jones; and Mr. Jay Parker.
Then & Now is published by the Communications and Marketing Office of Westminster Christian School and is distributed to alumni, parents, students, and friends. We welcome your submissions and story ideas.
Scott Jones Head of School
estminster Christian School started with a small group of families and a big vision more than 60 years ago. Throughout the decades, it has made an impact in the community and established a presence as one of the leading independent Christian schools in Florida. We will continue to empower learners, prepare hearts, and inspire lives for decades to come.
Additional campus improvements in the coming years include a new athletic complex, improvements to high school learning spaces, and a new middle school. The school has been known for its sense of community, family, and belonging, and Westminster is committed to intentionally strengthening its efforts toward investing in these aspects of the school’s identity. Don’t miss the photos from the many events held during the school year that foster community among Westminster families and make our school a special place to be.
Westminster has grown from twelve students in a single building to 1,280 students on a 31-acre campus noted for its beauty. In this issue, you’ll read reflections from Jim Ross, a student who attended during those early years and see photos from the events and reunions that took place during Westminster’s 60th anniversary celebration. Over the years, the school has grown tremendously, recently adding athletic fields, a new elementary school, high school science and engineering spaces, the WorldWonder Nature Center and botanical gardens, and a state-of-the-art performing arts center, just to name a few.
All Westminster academic, arts, athletic, social, and spiritual programs are designed to prepare students for their next chapters of life. As Westminster continues to refine its programs to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, the school has maintained its clear and consistent focus on its Christian values and ethos, unwavering in the commitment to prepare students to be ambassadors and representatives of the Christian faith. The feature article about Greg Virgin ‘97 on page 30 is a perfect example of this commitment in action. I love hearing stories of how Westminster played a role in shaping the lives of our alumni. Looking ahead, Westminster will build upon the foundations of its sixty-year history. The school will continue to focus on its core value of excellence such that this value is evident in every aspect of the school. In this issue, you’ll learn how our focus on excellence helped Westminster become the only school in the country to be a Microsoft Showcase School for five consecutive years. We will continue to add and improve programs to serve students and families. One program that is in development is a program for elementary students with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. The school will continue to prepare students to enter competitive universities as it has in recent years, and it will further strengthen efforts to prepare students to engage with culture as ambassadors for the Christian faith.
HeadScottBlessings,JonesofSchool
Westminster has also expanded its academic and extracurricular programs to meet the needs of students in a changing world. Rigorous academic programs such as Project Lead the Way, Emerald Scholars, as well as AP Capstone and other research opportunities provide students with transformational learning experiences while challenging them to achieve at the highest levels.
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Westminster is grateful to its families, students, alumni, and faculty for their support and partnership over the past six decades. We all look forward to building foundations for a strong and sustainable future to serve future generations for decades to come.
Dear Westminster Family,
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 54
“So thankful for all four of you!”
– MARJORIE PETIT, FORMER WESTMINSTER TEACHER
“May you all be blessed in your retirement. Thank you for loving on so many students over the many years you served at WCS!”
THEN & NOW 7
– MATT FERNANDEZ ‘11
– NATALIE PALACIOS HOLZAPFEL ‘04
“What an amazing group! Such an honor and blessing to say I have been taught, led and cared for by each of them. Thank you for your service to the students, alumni and Westminster. You truly are a blessing to many.”
Patty Winters
– EMILY SMITH ‘03
“Four wonderful people. Congratulations on a job well done!”
“I have fond memories of my classes with Mr. Nolander! Definitely one of the nicest teachers at WCS, and, of course, Mrs. Winters was the best school nurse! Congratulations to all!”
– STACEY KERN, WESTMINSTER PARENT, ALUMNI PARENT, AND FORMER BOARD MEMBER
“These are some of the brightest, most dedicated and outstanding teachers I remember from when my children went to Westminster... the school has been blessed to have them for so many years! Happy retirement to ALL!”
– IVANNA LEITNER PEREZ ‘12
Health Clinic 30 years Donna Underwood Fine Arts 20 years Josie De Varona High School English 16 years Tick Nolander High School Bible 33 years
These exemplary employees retired at the end of the 2021-22 school year. They were recognized for their dedication to the Westminster community at the Spring Association meeting in April. Westminster students and families were blessed by their service.
– INGRID DUASSO, ALUMNI PARENT
Here are just a few of the comments that were shared on Facebook and Instagram in response to the announcement of their retirement:
Thank You For Your Service
“Four amazing individuals! Thank you for your service and commitment to WCS through the years.”
A Gift from the Heart
After students graduate and head to college, we are still thinking about them and praying for God’s favor in their lives. The Valentine’s Day Care Package is one way Westminster tries to stay in touch. Each year, we reach out to our graduates from the last five years and ask them to register to receive a care package from the school filled with Westminster goodies, a Starbucks gift card, Valentine’s Day candy and even chocolate chip cookies from Chef Laz. It is a sweet way to remind our alumni that their Westminster family loves and remembers them!
Thoughts from Young Alumni
KAYLA DUMAS ‘21
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“They are a thrilling experience, except when we play FSU-- that’s an easy win,” she says.
As Dumas reflects on her time at Westminster, a school she attended from PK3 to 12th grade, she says she is grateful for the many experiences that have paved the way for a successful collegiate career.
Westminster moms, Shya Schettini-Lindstad ‘97 and Cristina Rionda-Gonzalez, lent a helping hand this year and assembled approximately 200 care packages that were sent to alumni.
Westminster’s role in her spiritual formation did not fall far behind.
Students submitted photos when they registered for a care package. It was great to see their smiling faces!
“[The school’s] goal to partner with my parents in forming my faith through biblical integration in the classroom is evident. I feel strongly that the Bible courses I took at Westminster, paired with the teachers who engaged me in challenging biblical conversations, set me up to unapologetically stand up for my faith.”
She’s also learned that college life means more than simply keeping up with a rigorous academic work “Doingload.my laundry and remembering to use fabric softener, not forgetting to fold my clothes right away to avoid all the wrinkles, and preparing my own meals. Oh, how I miss home and Chicken Kitchen!” she Despiteadds.the added responsibilities, Dumas says she feels a lot of school spirit and enjoys attending football games.
“I can personally attest to Westminster’s commitment to empower learners. I feel prepared while enrolled in challenging courses at the #5 public university in the country! In fact, a few weeks ago, I had to prepare a major presentation for my Human Growth and Development class. When my mom asked me how I felt, my response was, ‘This is what AP Capstone prepared me for; I feel prepared,’” Dumas explained.
Kayla Dumas graduated from Westminster as the class of 2021 valedictorian and is enrolled at the University of Florida. She describes her first year at UF as “...nothing short of amazing! I am enrolled in challenging courses, I am furthering my leadership skills through my involvement in LeadUF and I’m fully engaged with my new home church, Salt Company, which has fostered spiritual growth in me like never before.”
KEVIN ZHANG ‘21
“I’ve met so many amazing people and made friends who I know will be a part of my life for a very long time,” she adds.
“I’ve been able to explore the city of Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, and Towson, a little neighborhood north of the campus that is similar to Pinecrest. As far as the campus goes, I definitely felt more spirit at WCS, but the campus itself is nice,” he says. “Overall, I have been enjoying my time at college a lot, and it has been much, much better than I was expecting.”
Aria Upton is currently attending the University of Southern California and shares that while she feels far away from home, her first year has undoubtedly opened doors to exceptional new friendships.
When asked about his first year in college, class of 2021 salutatorian Kevin Zhang shared “the kind of intensity and expectation that is placed on students at Johns Hopkins (JHU) is definitely something that I did not expect… I was a little nervous as the expectation surrounding JHU was that it would be extremely difficult.” He credits Westminster teachers for helping him get ready for the rigorous academic environment he’s experiencing at “Academically,JHU. there were some teachers that I feel definitely helped prepare me for academic life. The immediate two that come to mind are Dr. Martinez and Mrs. Upton.”
THEN & NOW 1110 WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Upton, who graduated from Westminster as an Emerald Scholar, is also thankful for the AP classes she took in high school. “I was able to cover a few GE courses with AP credits, giving myself more time to do what I love. Taking so many in high school definitely helped,” she said. “As we say in SC, ‘fight on,’ Warriors!”
WITH OVER 300 HAND-MADE, PERSONALIZED LEAVES AND MEASURING ROUGHLY 16 FEET IN HEIGHT, THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL ART INSTALL MENT IS A MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE THAT’S SURE TO CATCH THE ATTENTION OF ANYONE WHO VISITS WESTMINSTER.
New Art Installment
“I think my time at Westminster taught me a lot about myself. I know what I can and cannot handle, preferred study methods, what subjects I do and don’t like and the kind of people I want to surround myself with.”
Unites CommunityWestminsterheideaforTheChapelTree,asAprilSharpe-Shirk,highschoolartteacher,referstoit,cameinFebruary2021afterJaredReed,ahighschoolBibleteacher,suggestedincorporatinganartprojecttochapeltime.“Wewantedstudentstobeanintegralpartofalong-lastinginstallationwithpersonalparticipation,”saidSharpe-Shirk.Soonafter,Sharpe-Shirksaysshewasinspiredbylocalceramicist,MaryBlakley.T
“There are so many awesome professors who care about you, want to know you and want to work with you. USC offers many unique and individualized classes, and countless extracurricular clubs,” she Whileshares.Upton says her first year has brought on its fair share of challenges such as earthquakes and different COVID-19 regulations, she thanks Westminster for helping shape her character.
Despite the demanding academic expectations, Kevin has found time to explore other interests and has made many good friends in college.
Upton credits an on-campus Christian club for these newfound relationships. “I definitely think having this community has made a difference. At Westminster, you can take it for granted, but your faith is redefined in college when you’re on your Uptonown.”also says she enjoys building a rapport with professors and developing an active campus life.
ARIA UPTON ‘21
“We also wanted to honor those with over 20 years of service at Westminster, so Daniela Rojas-Mion made flowers that included their names,” explained Sharpe-Shirk. “I then spent much of the summer loading the kilns repeatedly to fire the tree trunk and, in July, I pieced it back together like a large jigsaw puzzle.” Then there was the matter of mounting hundreds of pieces of clay onto the wall of a building located between the high school art rooms and the Lighthouse Performing Arts “FranciscoCenter.Urrego’s wealth of experience with large sculptures was integral to this process,” said Sharpe-Shirk. Urrego built a 3-D foundation out of chicken wire and concrete mud for the base of the tree. He then used mud and grout to install the bark pieces and LochTite to place the leaves and flowers.
Regardless, The Chapel Tree is already a beautiful installation that graces the high school campus. On sunny days, when the leaves are covered in morning dew, The Chapel Tree glistens.
Several other staff members including Kelli Kleis ‘14, Jannett Lopez, Jared Reed and Francisco Urrego assisted with materials, rolling the clay, manufacturing the tree slabs, glazing the leaves and flowers, and much more. Student volunteers and National Art Honor Society members also helped collect and catalog the leaves as well as place them in a kiln room for drying. The leaves alone took over a month to complete. All high school faculty and staff were also invited to write their names on a piece of bark. Their contribution represents, both literally and figuratively, the growth they foster in the students at Westminster.
“I envisioned creating a large-scale tree made of low-fire clay that would represent the school’s unification and how we have blossomed together through our love for each other and Christ Jesus,” says Sharpe-Shirk. “After a year of being pulled apart by COVID-19, I wanted to illustrate Westminster's growth through adversity,” she added. From there, it was all hands-on deck.
“We had each high school student create a leaf during chapel time. They also carved their name and graduation year onto the leaf. Then, fellow art teacher Daniela Rojas-Mion and I would fire them to bisqueware,” said Sharpe-Shirk. “At a later time, students came back to glaze their leaves and then we fired them once more.”
Even after eight months of work, SharpeShirk says they will continue to add leaves and flowers in 2022.
“We are currently following up with students that studied online during the first phase of the production of the tree; hence, the project is still on-going,” she explained.
n September 30, 2021, three new members were inducted into the Westminster Christian School Athletic Hall of Fame. They were Jordan Cronkrite ‘15, Tim Irvin ‘15 and Kelli Kleis ‘14. Jordan Cronkrite ’15, football, was a member of the 2013 State Semifinal Football Team. He earned 2nd Team All-Dade in grade 10 and 1st Team All-Dade in grades 11 and 12. Also, during his senior year, he was named 1st Team All-State and a United States Army All-American, finishing his high school career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. He continued his football career at the University of Florida and University of South Florida. At USF, he rushed 1,000 yards as a junior and finished his collegiate career with over 2,000 rushing yards. He also played basketball at Westminster.
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13THEN & NOW12 WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Kelli Kleis ‘14Tim Irvin ‘15Jordan Cronkrite ‘15
Warriors Induct New Members to Athletic Hall of Fame
“I hope that all who encounter the tree will feel the sense of community and love we have for each other at Westminster,” says Sharpe-Shirk. “I pray that it will become a place for students, staff and visitors to gather and take photos together. It really embodies Matthew 19:26 which says ‘with God all things are possible.’”
Tracey Terrell ‘78 Swimming
Kelli Kleis ‘14 Softball
Jason Moore ‘97 Baseball
Steve Butler ‘93 Baseball
David Thompson ‘12 Baseball, Football Virginia Traynor ‘04 Track & Field
Rob Lundgren ‘76 Basketball
Doug Mientkiewicz ‘92 Baseball
Pete Cabrera ‘75 Basketball Caridad ‘89 Baseball
Jennifer Beams ‘99 Golf Marcie Blank ‘78 Track & Field Blaum ‘02 Golf
David Valdes ‘89 Baseball
Larry Gautier ‘76 Football
Donna Shuman ‘81 Swimming
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Tim Reker ‘81 Baseball Bill Robinson ‘80 Soccer
Sam Stevens ‘02 Volleyball
Jack Owens ‘83 Golf
Ron Pafford ‘80 Football
Mike Pappas ‘76 Track & Field
Bill Henderson ‘87 Baseball Sylvia Hernandez ‘14 Volleyball
Lee Cassidy ‘81 Swimming
Holly Lambdin ‘79 Volleyball
Debbie Sullivan ‘76 Swimming
Amy Bronson ‘88 Volleyball
Ron Frank ‘83 Football
Brittany Husk ‘14 Softball
Pee Wee Lopez ‘95 Baseball
Ron Caridad ‘90 Baseball
Tiffany Ansley ‘06 Softball
Jaime Ruiz ‘79 Cross Country
Sue Zylstra ‘89 Basketball Tim Irvin ‘15, football, was a member of the 2013 State Semifinal Football Team. He earned 1st Team All-Dade in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. During his senior year, he was also named 1st Team All-State and a United States Army All-American. He was also rated by Scout and Rivals as a top 50 player in Florida, finishing his high school career with over 2,000 rushing yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns. He continued his football career at Auburn and ECU. At Westminster, he also played basketball and ran track. Kelli Kleis ‘14, softball, was a member of the 2014 State Championship Softball Team. She was 1st Team All-Dade and 1st Team All-State in grades 10, 11 and 12. During her senior year, she was named Dade County Pitcher of the Year, State of Florida Pitcher of the Year and MVP of the 2014 State Championship Game. Her senior year record was 23-2 with 152 Ks and a .145 ERA. She continued her softball career at University of Northern Colorado. They join nearly 80 alumni who have made a positive impact on the school's athletic program through their athletic abilities and Christian witness. Hall of Fame members graduated from Westminster at least three years prior to induction and demonstrated a clear Christian testimony while at Westminster.
Tiffany Falk ‘94 Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Bud Gray ‘77 Baseball
JP Arencibia ‘04 Baseball
Tim Watson ‘71 Football Joe Webb ‘75 Track & Field KO Wiegandt ‘96 Baseball Susan Young ‘81 Volleyball
Jim Armstrong ‘78 Football Arteaga ‘93 Baseball
Alex Rodriguez ‘93 Baseball
Jim Subers ‘77 Football
Sue Mazzola ‘81 Track & Field
Dan Smading ‘74 Football
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL14 15
Rolando
Sally Nowak ‘85 Volleyball
Caitlin Charlton ‘14 Softball
Richard Portu ‘90 Baseball
Chris Olivie ‘81 Softball
Tyler Stevens ‘05 Volleyball
Michael Ortego ‘96 Football
Mickey Lopez ‘92 Baseball
Doug Gleason ‘78 Track & Field Jason Goff ‘00 Wrestling
Pat Del Vecchio ‘96 Football
Amed Fernandez ‘74 Football
Kari DeRuiter ‘74 Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Ryan
Brent Blaum ‘06 Golf
Lori Porter ‘90 Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Nicole Van Nood ‘90 Swimming
Julian Infante ‘15 Baseball
Jordan Cronkite ’15 Football
Lane Hudson ‘79 Swimming
Stephanie Jennings ‘07 Track & Field Shannon Kelly ‘87 Volleyball
Westminster Hall of Fame Members
Tim Irvin ‘15 Football
Joe Jackson ‘83 Baseball
Gino DiMare ‘88 Baseball
Meredith Kirtland ‘98 Volleyball
Jessica Maduro ‘02 Volleyball
Kevin Ponder ‘84 Baseball
Barko Davidson ‘74 Track & Field Allen De Olazarra ‘76 Swimming
Tim Warner ‘96 Football
John Schild ‘80 Golf Kathy Shrader ‘77 Swimming
Westminster IT Director Omar Valerio as well as four Westminster teachers were also named Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIE): elementary school enrichment, technology and resource teacher Arlene Castellanos; middle school science teacher Kelly Gordon; Project Lead the Way and enrichment teacher Claudia Pastrana; and, high school art teacher April Sharpe-Shirk. The Microsoft MIE Expert program recognizes teachers who embrace the didactic potential and relevance of digital technologies and who use them innovatively in their “Technologylessons.pushes education forward and makes everything easier,” explained Valerio. “The students are more engaged, more enthusiastic. They’re excited to come to school, participate and learn new things. Technology facilitates opportunities for them.”
Westminster Leads in BECOMESTechnologyONLYSCHOOL TO EARN MICROSOFT SHOWCASE TITLE FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS
The Microsoft Showcase School title is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Westminster administrators and educators.
"We are extremely proud. Our faculty, staff and IT department have worked hard to ensure that the latest Microsoft technology is being used daily in the classroom," said Omar Valerio, CIO, CTO and IT director at Westminster Christian School. “Our partnership with Microsoft allowed us to pivot quickly and effectively at the onset of the pandemic and to sustain a robust academic experience for our students.”
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 1716
As a Microsoft Showcase School, Westminster is part of a global community of institutions engaged in innovative change to improve teaching and learning.
Westminster is a one-to-one school for students from grade 3 through grade 12. Using Microsoft tools allows students to excel with technology by giving them the freedom to embrace it in a developmentally, age-appropriate manner. Every student has a Surface Pro and an Office 365 account, enabling them to work more efficiently and fostering a collaborative learning culture. The school also offers a variety of Information Technology certifications, as well as a wide range of programs, from engineering to robotics. To grant more opportunities in this space, students have the chance to participate in the technology track and study subjects such as Aerospace Engineering and Coding. Technology also enhances the process for teachers, allowing them to save time and be more organized. Through the Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook, teachers create a personal workspace for every student, content library for handouts and a collaboration space for lessons and creative activities. Moreover, teachers can provide direct feedback by writing in each student’s private notebook, encouraging students to work together as the teacher provides real-time coaching.
W estminster Christian School has long been a leader in technology and in pursuing innovations that support the learning experience for its students. These efforts have been recognized and rewarded as Westminster became the only school in the country to earn the title of a Microsoft Showcase School for five consecutive years. An exclusive honor, only 38 schools nationwide earned a Microsoft Showcase designation this year.
Microsoft Showcase Schools like Westminster are educational institutions that amplify the use of technology to drive school-wide digital transformation and efficiencies. They also emphasize personalized learning for their students through the use of one-to-one learning devices and learning with current technology such as Microsoft Teams, Office 365 Education, OneNote and more.
Backyear! PicnicSchoolto
THEN & NOW 19
Hundreds of Warriors gathered at this year’s annual back to school picnic. The event kicked off Westminster’s 60th Anniversary celebration and included campus tours, complimentary food and fireworks. Each family was also offered a 60th anniversary goody bag filled with Westminster merchandise. It was the perfect start to a commemorative school
All Alumni Event
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 2120
Alumni from all classes gathered to kick-off Homecoming Weekend at the WorldWonder Nature Center on Friday, October 1. The casual event allowed old friends to become re-acquainted, while others found new friends from the Westminster family. Besides catching up and sharing memories, guests were also entertained by the macaws who live in the Wild Acre.
Scan to view photos HomecomingfromWeekend. W HOMECOMING
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 2322
estminster families and alumni gathered at the Homecoming football game to watch the Warriors battle the Marathon High School Dolphins on Saturday, October 2. The Warriors were victorious with a 49-0 win. The event included tables with memorabilia from the last 60 years, including every yearbook produced by Westminster. Alumni enjoyed strolling down memory lane and flipping through pages of pictures from the past. The mayor of the city of Palmetto Bay, Karyn Cunningham, also presented a proclamation to Westminster in honor of the school’s 60 years of dedication to excellent Christian education in the community.
Middle Row: Larry Gautier, Lonnie Baker, Rick Duncan, Donald Trawick, Whit Dunham, Bobby Gardner, Ren Nitzsche, Walter Kreidt, Reid Latham, Greg Watterson, and Mike Pappas.
HomecomingReunionsCelebrateOverWeekendlumnifromtheclassesof1976,1980,1981,1989,1990 and 2000 gathered during Homecoming weekend to reminisce and create new memories. A special thank you to the coordinators of each reunion, Mike Pappas ‘76, Kathy Dixon Pappas ‘76, Rob Lundgren ‘76, Amy Anderson Williams ‘80, JoEllen Rooks Strump ‘80, Sally White Livingston ‘81, Virginia Berg Bates ‘81, Angela Marsengill Ost ‘89, Drew Kern ‘90, Natasha Fontaine ‘00, Courtney Falk Wainright ‘00 and Stacey Buck Tabor ‘00, and the many others who communicated with alumni to ensure a great turnout. If you’re interested in hosting a reunion for your class, contact Amy Williams ‘80 at awilliams@wcsmiami.org.
Front Row: Melanie Terrell, Debbie Sullivan Lichtner, Wendy Joseph, Mary Flick Jones, Kris Delange, Patty Armstrong O’Connell, Kathy Dixon Pappas, Bonnie Rust Moorefield, and Greg Goodwin (center front). Richard Simpson, Kris DeLange, Mike Pappas and Cameron Carlin all attended Westminster since kindergarten.LarryGautier and Patty O’Connell.ArmstrongandDunhamPappas,KathyO’Connell.ArmstrongDixonWendyJosephPatty
A Class of 1976 Class of 1980 Jose Mata, Zeke Guilford, Ron Pafford, Scott McDuff, JoEllen Rooks Strump, Julie Klefeker Dey, Darlene Shaw Courtney, Amy Anderson Williams, Kelly Cochran McDuff ‘81, Robert Ryder, Suzy Matthews Gard, Linda Blackburn Brown, Liz Boyer Caldwell, Daniel Caldwell, Tim McKernan, and Jose Sanchez.
Class of 1981 Front Row: Abby Cadamuro Moyer, Susan Grebel Byler, Jessica Parker Avery, Chris Olivie Gravelle, Sally White Livingston, Lynn Fisher Hauth, Donna Churchill, Adrienne Deforest McFayden, Carol Brown Woolley, Sherry Stowe Turnipseed, Beth Kimbrell Robertson, Julie Redfield Lane, Virginia Berg Bates, Olga Potthoff Dorf.
Liz Boyer Caldwell, JoEllen Rooks Strump, Amy Anderson Williams, Julie Klefeker Dey, and Todd Williams ‘79. Daniel Caldwell, Darlene Shaw Courtney, Scott McDuff, JoEllen Rooks Strump, Kelly Cochran McDuff ‘81, Amy Anderson Williams, Gina Guilford, and Julie Klefeker Dey.
Back Row: Jose Ramos, Amy Brigham Boulris, Frank Trabold, Tim Reker, Keith Lambdin, Anne Kimbrell Whittelsey, Dan Schorr, Chris Carver, Doug Acton, Mike Klefeker, Rusty Bridgham, Bobby Gautier and John Ludwig.
Lynn Fisher Hauth, Julie Redfield Lane, and Adrienne Deforest McFayden. Dan Schorr, John Ludwig, and Bobby Gautier. Olga Potthoff Dorf.
Back Row: Richard Simpson, Rick Roughen, Rob Lundgren, Chris Cordes, Larry Sweeting, and Cam Carlin.
Olga Potthoff Dorf, Anne Kimbrell Whittelsey, Virginia Berg Bates, Beth Kimbrell Robertson, and Sherry Stowe Turnipseed. Lynn Fisher Hauth, Julie Redfield Lane, Anne Kimbrell Whittelsey, Adrienne Deforest McFayden, and Beth Kimbrell Robertson. Virginia Berg Bates, Anne Kimbrell Whittelsey, Beth Kimbrell Robertson, Sherry Stowe Turnipseed, and Olga Potthoff Dorf.
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL24 25THEN & NOW Alumni
Back Row: Diana Calderon ‘90, Eric Alexandrakis ‘90, Vanessa Penna O’Malley ‘90, Zach Caravetta ‘90, Drew Kern ‘90, Cliff Martino ‘90, Angela Marsengill Ost ‘89, Elizabeth Parker ‘90, Sean Pendray ‘88, Kurt Schweizer ‘89, Julissa Rodriguez ‘89*. Front Row: Richard Portu ‘90, Shelley Faux Curvy ‘90, Ray Brana ‘90, Tracy Rhodes Cash ‘89, Teresa Vanderlaan ‘89, Erica Khan Graus ‘90, Cindi Porter ‘89, Melanie Price-Pendray ‘97, and Bill Gautier ‘89. Class of 2000 Brad Crabill ‘89, Tracey Rhodes Cash ‘89, Rossana Rodriguez Vilar ‘89, Julissa Rodriguez ‘89*, Kurt Schweizer ‘89, Angela Marsengill Ost ‘89, Teresa Vanderlaan ‘89, and Cindi Porter ‘89.
Courtney MelissaWainwrightFalkandOlen.
Cooper Brownell and Jennifer Moore Brownell, Natasha Fontaine, Sasha Bardelas Berdeguer, and Pamela Zilleruelo Billoch. Natasha Fontaine, Courtney Falk Wainwright, Stacey Buck Tabor and Sasha Bardelas Berdeguer.
Memorial Table: Remembering Lenore Liebrich, Adrian Munoz and Jason Leyva.
Back: Liana Hansen, Chris Han and Debra Amundson Lopez, Front: Laura Whiting Kloos and Jolien Roodenburg.
* Julissa Rodriguez ’89 passed away soon after the reunion. See page 46 for her memorial.
Pamela Zilleruelo Billoch, Sara Munilla Cabrera, Rebekah Blackwood Baer and Yvette Goff.
Zach Olen, Jason Goff, Bobby Baer, Jeff Burns have their photo taken by Natasha Fontaine and Jaime Donzanti Burns ‘01.
Classes of 1989 and 1990
Kurt Schweizer, Julissa Rodriguez*, and Angela Marsengill Ost. Drew Kern, Teresa Vanderlaan, Shelley Faux Curvy, and Erica Khan Graus.
Pamela Zilleruelo Billoch, Victoria Babun, Sasha Bardelas Berdeguer, and Liana Hansen facetime with classmates that could not make the event.
27THEN & NOW26 WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Front Row: Teresa Vanderlaan, and Cindi Porter.
Back Row: Erica Khan Graus, Angela Marsengill Ost, Tracey Rhodes Cash, Rossana Rodriguez Vilar, Cliff Martino
Natasha Fontaine, Carlos and Michelle Tudela and Sasha Bardelas Berdeguer. Justin Spinella and Victoria Babun. Cesar Nicolas and Lindsey, Aymee and Alex Blanco, and Gil and Jennifer Martinez.
Sean Pendray ‘88, Melanie Price-Pendray ‘97, Angela Marsengill Ost ‘89, Bill Gautier ‘89, Julissa Rodriguez ‘89*, Kurt Schweizer ‘89, Cindi Porter ‘89, Shelley Faux Curvy ‘90, Teresa Vanderlaan ‘89, Tracey Rhodes Cash ‘89, Cliff Martino ‘90, Zach Caravetta ‘90, Drew Kern ‘90, and Stacey Kern.
Kurt Schweizer, Eric Alexandrakis, Vanessa Penna O’Malley, and Diana Calderon.
T
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 2928
he Westminster Golf Classic was held on Monday, October 4 at the Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. This was the 29th celebration of this ever-popular event, which took place in conjunction with Homecoming weekend and Westminster’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. With over 120 participants, the Golf Classic raised $32,000. All proceeds benefit the Athletic Department and allow for the continued improvement of facilities, programs and coaching for all Westminster athletes.
The Annual Golf Classic Tradition Continues
reg Virgin’s ‘97 parents had a choice to make when their son’s kindergarten teacher told them that he and his twin brother, Scott, needed to attend a specialized school. Instead of believing what they were told, they visited Westminster and found a home for their sons.
“We didn’t have money for food, much less tuition for Westminster,” said Virgin. “Westminster just waived our remaining tuition and parents from the school provided meals. The value of that tuition and the generosity of the Westminster families was not small – it meant a lot to us.”
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 3130
“Research shows that identical twins can be a few years behind. Even though Scott and I had created our own language to communicate with each other, we still had trouble communicating with adults,” Virgin explained. “We were fortunate that Westminster was ahead of its time and used admission tests that focused on spatial and cognitive skills, which has become common practice today.”
Virgin and his brother enrolled in first grade at Westminster and by mid-year had begun to read and caught up with their classmates. It was smooth sailing from that point on. He excelled academically and was an active member of the science club, band, and orchestra, and was invited to the National Honor Society. He also enjoyed sailing and somehow convinced the athletic director at the time to allow him and his brother to compete for Westminster when there was no official sailing team. It was during his senior year, however, that Virgin learned the value of the Westminster community. That year, his father suffered a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down and unable to speak. To make the situation even more difficult, his father’s medical insurance was rescinded before he had even fully come out of the coma. To say the family was in dire straits financially was an understatement.
Virgin is the president and CEO of Redjack, which he founded in 2007 after leaving the NSA.
“Beforeapproached.Ieven graduated from college, I received a severance check from a dotcom, even though I had not started my first day on the job,” said Virgin. “However, with the economy doing what it was doing, and my background in science, I was fortunate that the NSA (National Security Agency) picked me up right out of college.” He worked for the NSA for seven years as a threat analyst before striking out on his own in 2007. He established Redjack (www.redjack.com) to specialize in cybersecurity and began consulting with government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and the Department of Energy. A portion of that work led Redjack to develop and write what was, at that point, the world’s best anti-censorship software. “We wrote software that got right around the Great Firewall of China,” explained Virgin. “This opened doors for me to speak with a women’s rights group in Saudi Arabia to help them find out how they could install this software on women’s heavily monitored phones without being discovered. We assisted a missionary group going into Iran as well as a group working to advance democracy in Belarus.”
A Career in Technology Leads an Alumnus to Service and Success G
Greg Virgin and wife, Christine, live in the Washington, D.C. area and have three children: Eliza (13), Zach (12), and Ethan (9).
Greg (right) and his identical twin brother, Scott, on graduation day from Westminster. Scott still lives in Miami.
In spite of his family’s hardship, Virgin graduated and went on to Duke University on a full scholarship studying molecular biology, chemistry and computer science. He considered heading in the direction of a career in academia and pursuing an MD PhD degree, but instead focused on a career in technology. The success of Silicon Valley and technology was all the rage while he was in college, and it seemed to offer a way for him to make a difference right out of the gate. However, the dotcom bubble had begun to burst as graduation
“I’m not as interested in personal finan cial success as I am in having something that I care about,” said Virgin. “I have 30 employees who I care about and the work that we do.”
A brand new field house with two locker rooms, bathrooms, training rooms and two administrative offices is under construction. This facility is expected to be completed during the 2022-23 school year. It will be a welcomed addition for athletes who come to compete and for the fans who cheer on the Warriors at sporting events.
Greg, in the plaid shirt, on a Westminster field trip to Costa Rica.
During this time, they also discovered that a particular piece of the government anonymization software that was being used for good in many areas of the world, was being used to post child exploitation material on the dark web. This led Virgin to partner with a variety of organizations in the U.S. and abroad to help stop the proliferation of child pornography and head off access wherever possible.
Greg and his twin brother, Scott, are center on the first row of this photo of the Orchestra from 1995.
Now Virgin is focused on the business, scaling the company and seeing where that takes him. Redjack’s largest customer is a Fortune 500 company. They manage the cybersecurity function of the business with the goal of preventing ransomware attacks and ensuring their business stays online.
He encourages current students to have a mission and service mindset when considering their career path.
Field Adds New Field House T
The Gutierrez Field, located on the southeast corner of the Westminster campus, hosted its first athletic competition in November 2017, and was generously supported by a donation from Maria and Camilo Gutierrez, parents to alumni Maite ’18 and Matias ’21. The regulation-size football and soccer field serve the needs of physical education classes, group events and the Westminster athletic programs
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL32 33THEN & NOW
While the investigators that work on this issue in the U.S. are largely from the Postal Service and the IRS, Virgin worked mostly with Queensland Police in Australia. “Along with Queensland Police, we helped arrest well over 700-800 people and rescued 1,000 children,” said Virgin. “While the numbers were big, I would argue that what we did still wasn’t necessarily a success because we didn’t stem the tide. The demand for this material is horrifying.”
Gutierrezyear-round.
“I found Redjack standing between law enforcement and privacy advocates in tackling this issue,” said Virgin. “I didn’t agree with law enforcement who wanted a back door into everything, nor did I agree with privacy advocates who said that child exploitation was not that bad. I’m interested in advocating for both – privacy is important and child safety is important.”
he Gutierrez Family Field is getting an upgrade!
“Doing God’s work and being on mission doesn’t always mean you’re on the mission field,” said Virgin. “Serve where God places you and you will be successful.”
Virgin and his work also took center stage on investigative news reports by the BBC and CBS. The goal was to help raise awareness and to encourage action in the battle against child pornography. It wasn’t always easy.
Virgin considers his work to be an act of worship. He knows that God calls us to care about these things. He found that his faith grew while tackling issues like child pornography. He believes that God is bigger than any problem, including this one.
Schoolwide2023. Events Celebrate Community T
THEN & NOW 3534 WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
he Taste of Westminster, chaired by Westminster parent Ody Lugo, was held on Saturday, January 29 in the Student Activities Center on campus. With well over 300 in attendance and 24 food and beverage vendors, it was a night filled with delicious delicacies, libations and dancing to the music of the local band, TILT. Just outside of the venue, guests were greeted by a warm fire as it was one of the coldest nights of the year. A cigar roller and a photo booth also added to the evening’s entertainment. Back inside, there was a silent auction with sports memorabilia, baskets from each grade level and a variety of other items for guests to bid on. The $40,000 in proceeds went directly to Westminster’s financial aid fund. Save the date for next year’s Taste of Westminster on Saturday, January 28,
he Warrior Family Fair, chaired by Westminster parent Debbie Floyd, took place on Saturday, December 4, 2021. With over 650 in attendance, our families enjoyed an evening of fun with rides for children of all ages, carnival games, food trucks, vendor booths, laser tag and a vintage car show. There was also a Hoop it Up basketball competition and a Sports Performance Zone featuring our sports wellness partners. Christ Journey Church presented “The Journey to Bethlehem,” a live nativity experience at the Wild Acre in WorldWonder. There were live animals and a narration of the Christmas story for families to experience. Save the date for next year’s Warrior Family Fair on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
THEN & NOW 37WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL36
T
estminster alumni gathered at Top Golf for a night of fun, food and fellowship on March 12, 2022. Alumni from the 70s to the 2010s shared Westminster memories while enjoying delicious food and practicing their golf swing. Thanks to everyone who attended the event. If you are interested in having a Westminster alumni event in your area, please email
I continued at WCS through sixth grade. As you might know, after two years, we outgrew the church setting and obtained a preexisting school, which is now your current campus. I lived far enough away to ride the school bus to and from school. Another oddity was the school used two Volkswagen microbuses for school buses. They were not painted the usual yellow, but factory grey with the school name in dark letters.
My fondest memory at Westminster would be the overall diversity of the students, we came from all over Miami, and the small classroom setting. That first year had just 19 students occupying three Igrades.would have to say all five of my teachers were most influential to me: Miss Ritsema, 3rd grade; Miss Schrotenboer, 4th grade; Mrs. Mohlhenrich (she only taught for a short time) and Mrs. McDuff, 5th grade; and, Mr. Miedema, 6th grade. They all taught us Christian principles which were applied to all of our subjects. They all were nurturing and caring. They all contributed in giving me a good firm beginning in my education, which continues to go on even today.
W
hen school started in September of 1961, I was one of those first students. We held classes in the Sunday school rooms at Shenandoah Presbyterian Church. I was starting third grade and our teacher’s name was Miss Ritsema. What students today would find hard to believe, is that there were multiple grades in one room. Our classroom consisted of third, fourth and fifth graders.
The entire student body in 1961 standing in front of the Sunday school building at Shenandoah
WFuninAlumnialumni@wcsmiami.org.GatherOrlandoforandFellowship
The two bus drivers, if I recall correctly, were Mrs. Salls and Mrs. Schellenberg. They both had children at WCS. From these photos you can see how the school had already grown from the first day. One of the photos shows our first Principal, Mr. Heerema, at recess. The last photo is of our 1961-1962 class, which includes the third, fourth, and fifth grades, (remember we are in one room), with our teacher Miss Ritsema.
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL38 THEN & NOW 39
Jim’sPresbyterian.firstclassroom, that was shared by third, fourth and fifth graders, with their teacher, Miss Ritsema. Westminster’s first principal, Mr. Heerema, in 1961.
Jim Ross being picked up in the grey Volkswagen school bus in front of his house. He remembers being allowed to ride “shotgun” that day.
For the 60th Anniversary, we asked alumni to send in their favorite memories from their time at Westminster. Jim Ross was a student at Westminster when the school first opened its doors in 1961, attending from third to sixth grade.
fromReflectionAlumni1961
“There are seasons in life where we experience change, and we see the Lord’s hand as he guides us.”
Deborah Campbell Witham ‘73 retired from her work as an anesthesiologist in 2019. She lives in Paris, Maine.
1984 Janeen DenHaeseMedler‘84 shared, “I went to my Fillmore.graduationWestminsternephew’sattheItwas so enjoyable to see that my school has not changed much since I graduated in ‘84. The goals are the same - an academic Christian education which encourages its students that ‘they can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.’ Dylan will continue his education at the University of Miami and study international business and law.” (Photo: Dylan Medler ‘22, his father Doug Medler ‘89 and cousins, the sons of Janeen Medler DenHaese ‘84.)
1982 Jim Kern ‘82 has moved both his residence and his office to New Smyrna Beach, FL where he and daughter Sarah Kern ‘15 continue to run the real estate development business in North Florida as well as side ventures such as a boutique motel they bought and renovated, Ocean Eleven Suites.
Mary1973Smoak Murray ‘73 retired from practic ing dentistry since 1980. She and her husband will move to Seneca, SC where they will enjoy life on Lake Hartwell and activities at Clemson University.
Mike1976‘76 and Kathy Dixon Pappas ‘76 gathered with fellow Westminster alumni at a Fourth of July celebration at the Reserve at Lake Keowee. L to R: Mike, Kathy, Nicole Pappas Ferrin ’02, Carolyn Dixon Warrington ’75, Dean Warrington ’74, Susie Forbes ’14, Kelly Driver Koch ’80, and David Koch ’78.
Todd Williams ‘79 is a director of son,enjoyedpandemic,Duringphotography.thehewhenhis George ‘16, would occasionally join him behind the camera on assignments. In this photo, Wil liams ‘79 films fellow alum Alex Rodriguez ‘93 at the Boys and Girls Club of Miami. 1980 Amy WilliamsAnderson‘80 received her 10year service award from Westminster this May. The whole family is celebrating several milestones this summer with the college graduation of her children Lanier ‘18 and a COVID-delayed graduation for George ‘16 Marti Glass Cribbs ‘80 is a teacher specialist for K-5 English/Language Arts for the Savannah Chatham County School District.
THEN & NOW 41
Lisa KingmaPastoor‘84and Janeen DenHaeseMedler‘84 enjoyed a birthday visit in Spring Lake, Michigan. 1989 On November 1, 2021, Matt Stone ‘89 retired from federal service to stay home and care for his wife, Robin, who was battling non-alcoholic end stage liver disease. On March 7, 2022, Robin was called home to be with Jesus. Matt and Robin had been married for nearly 27 years.
Pamela1972 Anderson Admire ‘72 continues to manage her husband’s law firm and is looking forward to retirement.
Becky Shamas Guilford ’79 and Gregg Guilford ’78 joined many alumni at the wedding of Christina Armstrong ‘13, daughter of Jim ‘78 and Christian Armstrong, to William Walker on June 12, 2021. L to R: Dan Gautier ‘78, Tami Gautier, Becky Shamas Guilford ‘79, Gregg Guilford ‘78, Jack ‘78 and Adele Woodard, John ‘78 and Margaret Subers, Randy ‘78 and Leonor Liebler, Anne Evans, Gina and Zeke Guilford ‘80.
Tiffany Keller Lam ‘00
ROLL CALL
Henry Perez ‘79 was elected for the sixth time as an alderman for the city of Racine, WI.
Larry Gautier ‘76 shares, “What a great day. Came to Jackson, MS to say thank you to one of my Westminster Christian coaches that had a major and influential impact on my life at a young age. Coach Harry Porter believed in me when I got to WCS in 7th grade and started me on my baseball and football path. I only had him as a coach for three years, but I still find myself sharing some of the life lessons today with young people that he taught me 50 years ago. Coach just had a heart attack and underwent successful bypass surgery. He is doing great now. Wanted to come and see him to say thank you in person for all that he did for me in the game of life! Thank you, Coach!” Barbara1977 Davis ‘77 currently teaches sculpture at Florida State University School, a K-12 charter school affiliated with FSU. She shares, “I came into teaching in a roundabout fashion. I earned a BFA in sculpture from the Cleveland Institute of Art, then served with the U.S. Peace Corps in Botswana for six years; three years as a volunteer and three years as a trainer for new volunteers entering the country. After my return in December of 1990, I lived at home with my parents in Miami, and studied Forensic Photography as an intern at the Forensic Imaging Bureau at the Dade County Medical Examiner. That fall, I came to FSU where I earned an MFA in photo and sculpture. I have lived here ever since. For 10 years I worked as a Program Specialist with SERVE, an education research lab funded by OERI in the U.S. Dept of Education. Then, at the age of 42, I became a high school art teacher at FSUS. This is my 20th year here. I also have a ceramic studio at home and create my own artwork.”
1979 Brian Lightle ‘79 recentlycompleted his 34th year commercialin real estate on the Space Coast and specializes in office, industrial and retail arenas. He is the founder/principal of Lightle Beckner Robison, Inc. Commercial Real Estate Services, and was recently awarded the CRE® (Counselor of Real Estate) designation by The Counselors of Real Estate®, an international group of high-profile real estate professionals who provide expert advisory services to clients on complex real property and land-related matters.
Joaquin Ramos Jr. ’00 was recently featured on Ch. 10 for his support of the Marfan Foundation’s Walk for Victory in Hollywood, FL. A trip to the ER in 2020, turned into emergency heart surgery for an aortic dissection and a diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome for Ramos. Since his diagnosis, Ramos has become actively involved with the Ramosorganization.currentlyworks as the assistant director of Graduate Career Advancement and Engagement at the University of Miami Herbert Business School.
Jessica Dietrich Warren ‘07, Evanna Casanova ‘08, Katia Schonenberg ‘02, Katie Medder Moon ‘07 and Tim Moon ‘07, Danielle Alvarez Ryder ‘07, Mike Ryder ‘05, Monica Perdomo Witte ‘07. Front Row: Sofia Schonenberg, Jeremy Crawford and Andrea Schonenberg ‘07, Camila Jocelyn-Holt ‘08, and Sabrina Musto-Ros ‘06. 2009 Courtnie Stephens Patrick ‘09 and husband and23,Jolene,daughter,welcomedJamesaMiaonJuly2021.CourtniePatrickhave been married since July 21, 2018. 2011 Willson Medder ‘11 and wife Shawnee attended this year’s Super Bowl game. Wilson is the network administrator for the Cincinnati Bengals. We know who they were rooting for! Westminster Alumni and Long-Time Friends Reunite in Seaside, FL
Andrea2007 Schonenberg ‘07 married Jeremy Crawford in February 2022 at St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea in Key Biscayne. They celebrated this special milestone with many friends from the Westminster family.
Back Row: Jim Traynor ’06 (holding daughter Evie), Katia Schonenberg, Josh Chapman, Danny Golik ‘06, Laurel Golik, Patrick Schultz, Virginia Traynor Schultz ‘04, David Young, Tyler Prieb, Melany Ramsay Prieb ‘06, Jordan Levi (holding daughter Leighton), Micah Levi ’05 (with son Beckett), Andrew Williams ‘06, Alli Williams, Gideon Jeffrey (holding daughter Olivia), Lauren Mooi, and William Nordstrom ’06
2002 Daniel Vander Woude ‘02 and wife pursuefortorecentlyCristinamovedConnecticutCristinatoher medical residency program at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. They have settled in and Daniel has taken a job with Young Life in the area, continuing to do similar work to what he was doing with Youth for Christ in Miami for the past 15 years. They are excited to be in a new place and to see how God is going to use them both here in the years to come!
Front Row: Michael Kaplan ‘06, Allyce Perret-Gentil ‘06, Carolyn Kohly ‘06, Julia Kaplan, Lauren Mayfield Jezequel ‘06, Joel Jezequel, Elliot Jeffrey (son of Anne Jeffrey), Anne Langhorne Jeffrey ’06.
Over Labor Day weekend, a group of mostly 2006 Westminster alumni, who have remained friends for over 20 years, reunited in Seaside, FL.
Kristyl1994 Williams Keply ‘94 shared, “I recently left my career as a literature/linguistics professor to go into full-time ministry. I will be starting at Wesley Theological Seminary in the fall, while working as the director of discipleship for Mes siah United Methodist Church in Springfield, VA. And, yes, I totally see the irony in this.”
2003 Bridgette Prentice Larcada ‘03 shares, “My company THE PULL is cele brating seven years in business — and after an organic growth, at our clients’ request, we now take on specialty interior projects and installs of our woven wall plates. This is an exciting new avenue as THE PULL began as a carefully curated retail space online with fo cus on artist and artisan-made goods. Ninety percent of our handmade goods come from Africa as I’m originally from South Africa.”
2004 GonzalezAlcione ‘04 married Cesar Rincon Decemberin 2021. Greg Kaplan ‘04 and wife CarolinethirdwelcomedJanelltheirdaughter,Peggy, to the family on March 22, 2022.
She also recalls attending annual mission trips together to the Cayman Islands as well as Young Life camp and soccer camp. “Year after year, we all became closer and truly consider each other family now, “ she said.
Their last get-together took place about 10 years ago, but the group plans to gather bi-annually. This last reunion was spearheaded by Jim Traynor ‘06, and Perret-Gentil says it was exceptional.
“This trip was so special as we were able to meet new members including new spouses and children.”
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL42 43THEN & NOW Crissa-Jean1993
1998 Stephen Burgin ‘98, an associate professor of secondary science education at the University of Arkansas, was named a Sinai and Synapses Fellow. The Sinai and Synapses Fellowship is a small interfaith group of clergy, scientists and writers “committed to elevating the discourse surrounding religion and science.” Burgin is part of the fifth cohort, and there are around 70 fellows past and present. He’s excited to exchange ideas with the other 16 Fellows. “We’re of all different faiths and from different scientific backgrounds,” he said. “In my cohort, there are religion professors, psychologists, a biologist, science educators and a community organizer, among others. I’m looking forward to all the lessons to be learned.”
Chappell ‘93 shared “I’m thrilled to share that my fifth young adult novel, SUN DON’T SHINE, has sold to Fitzroy Books. Publication is scheduled for the spring of 2024.”
2000 Tiffany Keller Lam ‘00 shared, “There are seasons in life where we experience change, and we see the Lord’s hand as he guides us. I am so grateful for God as He opens opportunities for growth. At Mayo Clinic, I have been blessed with growth in my career; more independence to care for patients, diagnose complex elbow cases, and provide hope when patients had not found hope elsewhere. May the Lord lead and uplift you as He guides your path.”
Allyce Perret-Gentil ‘06 says the group became friends at different times while attending Westminster Christian School. “We all came together in middle school and have been best friends since,” added Perret-Gentil.
Kelly1999Becker Landowski ‘99 and her husband, John, welcomed their daughter, Kensie, on June 8, 2021. The family lives in Roswell, GA. Kim ‘99Martinez-LejarzaShapley and husband, Juan, have three children: daughters,twinLaurenandEva,10,anda son, Gregory, 7. The family lives in Palmetto Bay.
Kelly Rico ‘16 has started a new position as an inside sales executive with the Miami Marlins. She earned an undergraduate degree from FSU, and a master’s degree from UM.
aUniversitySoutheasternfromgraduatedNovawithBachelorofScienceinNursingin December 2020. She passed her NCLEX boards and began working as a registered nurse in March 2021 at Baptist Hospital in the oncology unit. She was recently accepted into the University of Miami to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing. George Williams ‘16 pasteconomics.withCollegefromgraduatedDavidsonin2020aB.A.inThisMayhewasabletowalkina
Back Row: Shawn Crews ‘89, Dan Dolan ‘87, Sean Pendray ‘88, Rob Forbes, Cheryl Ecklebarger King ‘84, Cristina Ecklebarger Van de hoeve ‘01, Laura Ecklebarger Charlton ‘86, David Charlton ‘87, Chris Schultz ‘15, Brett Benson ‘15, Sara Boulris ‘23, Caroline Boulris ‘20, Caitlin Charlton ‘14, Bill Charlton ‘77, Taylor Charlton Wilson, Jackie Charlton Marks, Barbara Harvey Charlton ‘78, Keith Charlton ‘78, Jim Armstrong ‘78, Jimmy Armstrong ‘15, Doc Sands ‘15
Castano ‘18 married Mack Erickson on December 29, 2021 at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church in Tennessee. Rebekah’s wedding par ty included her siblings David Castano, Elizabeth Castano, Ashley Castano ‘17, Louis Castano ‘21, and Natalie Castano ‘22. Rebekah and Mack will be relocating
Front Row: Brad Crabill ‘89, Lisa Forbes, Will Ray ‘16, Jessica Palma ‘16, Dylan Charlton ‘16, Nicole Boulris ‘16, Susie Forbes ‘14, Jackie Boulris ‘14, Amy Brigham Boulris ’81
Roulitza Kefalidis ’14, Christian Irastorza ’14, Margaret Tienstra ’14, Matthew Zelhof ’14, Conner Brannon ’14, Paola Torres Brannon ’14, Gaby Meitin ’14, Matthew Sabates ’14, and Samantha Lola ’14.
graduation ceremony and enjoy this accom plishment. He lives in Charlotte, NC and is a digital marketing analyst for Red Ventures. Gaby Zelhof ‘16 was named in the “30 under 30” list by sentativeisBriefing.NashvilleZelhofanA&Rrepre-forSonyMusicNashville. She graduated from Berklee College of Music and moved to Nashville in 2018. She has worked with Sony Music Nashville for four years, starting as an intern and A&R coordinator, before recently being promoted to her current role. 2017 Luis Aviles ‘17 enjoyed andinwithgraduatedatbaseballspectacularacareerTulaneandinMayadegreepsychologyaminorin mental health.
Sarah2015 Kern ’15 has found her place at the Kern Company in New Smyrna Beach. She is heading up all residential real estate sales and played a major role in the renovation and launching of their boutique motel, Ocean Eleven Suites. Eli Medder ‘15 has served in the U.S. Navy on active duty for three years. He recently received his qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and will be transferring from the USS Vella Gulf to USS Wasp to begin his next tour. In his three years, he has been deployed twice to the Mediterranean and Middle East, and is looking forward to the next journey on his new ship. Eli and Isabel Hodgkinson were married on June 25, 2022 in Virginia. She is also a Surface Warfare Officer and has been in the Navy for four years. 2016 Dylan Charlton ‘16 married Nora Czupek on July 10, 2021 in Banner Elk, NC. The currentlycoupleresidesinTexaswhere he serves at Ft. Hood Army Base. The groom’s parents are David ‘87 and Laura Ecklebarger Charlton ‘86. A large number of Westminster alumni were in attendance at the event.
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL THEN & NOW 4544
Mikaela Rivera ‘16
Dillon Riera ‘16 (center) graduated from Florida State University in December 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Sport Management. He now works with Bespoke Sports & Entertainment in Charlotte, NC. Dillon joins the sports marketing agency in representing a portfolio of clients that includes Academy Sports + Outdoors, Sprouts Farmers Market, Novant Health, the SEC, NASCAR, Duke’s Mayonnaise and more. “Sports have always been at the center of my life,” said Dillon, “I’m just grateful that God has given me the opportunity to turn that love for sports into a career.” Dillon is the eldest brother to Shane ‘17 and Luke Riera ‘23. His uncle is Westminster’s dean of students, Joe Mira, and his mom, Dina Riera, is a member of the high school faculty.
Natalia2013 Rodriguez ‘13 graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2021 and is now serving the Miami-Dade area at Family Eye Health. Nicolas Suarez ‘13 was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow in 2019 and completed his fellowship in July, taking a full-time position with the CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health. 2014 Conner Brannon ‘14 and Paola Torres ‘14 were married in5,Saturday,onMarch2022,atCasaBlancaMuseumOldSanJuanPuertoRico.
Danny Reyes ‘11 began a new role as growth theprojectinnovationandleadforNationalBasketballAssociation (NBA). He holds an undergraduate degree from UPenn and an MBA from Stanford University.
Many Westminster classmates were in attendance at the wedding.
toCongratulations Jose Canas ‘14 who recently served as the associate producer for the Netflix film children’s2018based“Nightbooks,”onthehorror-fantasybookof the same name by J.A. White. Caitlin Charlton ‘14 started a new job as the marketing & events coordinator at Ascent Studio, a premiere rock-climbing gym in northern Colorado. Chandler Precht ‘14 shared, “I graduated with an M.S. in Sustainability Science forColumbiafromUniversityandwastheGraduateMarshalmyprogram. Technically, I finished my coursework for my master’s in December, but CU only has one ceremony every year so I officially ‘walked’ in May.”
Kellyn Baker ’17 graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in accounting and marketing in May 2021. Paolo Pomares ‘17 graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Interactive Media and Fine Arts. He was working as a freelance audio recordist before accepting a job with Minute Media’s subsidiary DBLTAP as a TikTok gaming and esports news host. Shane Riera ‘17 graduated from FSU in December 2021. degreereceivedShanehisB.S.inmanagement information systems with minors in business analytics and mathematics. Michael Riley ‘17 graduated from ColumbiaUniversity with a Bachelor of Arts in May 2022.
Rebekah2018
Lanier Williams ‘18 graduated cum laude from Florida Atlantic University this May with a degree aShecommunications.inalsoearnedcertificateofinterior design from UM and will continue her work at Hive Palm Beach, focusing on a career in interior design.
2020 Isabella Morales ‘20 has moved to Washington D.C to intern at The Hill TV and The National Journalism Center.
Jack Skipper ’80 passed away at home in Oviedo, FL on June 19, 2022 after a long battle with brain cancer. FoersterBarbara ‘80 passed away June 27, 2022, in Salem,Winston-NC. Laura Wood ‘81 passed unexpectedlyaway on Sunday, September 5, 2021, from a medical condition. She retired as a captain from the Miami-Dade Police Department in 2017.
James Kern ‘18 graduated from Florida State University in May. He now lives in Nashville and works as a brand representative for Fausti Arms. Brejah Upton ‘18 graduated from MIT with a bachelor of science degree in engineeringelectrical and computer science, as well as a minor in comparative media studies in May. She will begin her career with the Naval Nuclear Laboratory after graduation.
Julissa Isabel Rodriguez ’89 passed away unexpectedly on April 25, 2022 from heart failure in Miami. She is survived by her loving son Noah Fisher, 16, her mother, and sister Mayulis Bagnell ’86, among many other family and friends. Anthony Villanueva ‘15 passed away on August 18, 2021. He was attending medical school in New York. He is survived by parents Lourdes and Tom Villanueva and siblings Melissa ‘11 and Thomas ‘14, along with other family and friends.
Carol MitchellJeanWerner‘73 , an Air Force Veteran, passed away on October 16, 2021 after a long battle with Huntington’s Disease. Jason Perlman ‘78 passed away on October 24, 2021 tumor.battlingcourageouslyafterabrain Linda (Knight) Starr Rizvi ‘80 passed away in her sleep on August 26, 2021. She is survived by her husband and daughter.
MEMORIALS
STAY CONNECTED Scan the QR Code to join Warrior Alumni Connect, an exclusive networking platform for alumni to seek professional connections among the Westminster community. Contact alumni@wcsmiami.org to update your contact information.
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL46 to Edinburgh, Scottland, where she will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Biblical and Theological studies.
Dear Westminster families, n behalf of the Advancement Office, it is with great pleasure that I share with you Westminster Christian Schools’ Annual Report.
Chairs Drew ’90 and Stacey Kern, parents, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and administration team. A special thank you to our Advancement team, Amy Williams ’80 and Carolina Echeverri, for their hard work.
1ANNUAL REPORT
In addition, Westminster Parent Partners Board did a phenomenal job this past year. They were able to help serve our families in so many ways which included increasing parent participation at monthly meetings, expanding the Warrior Family Fair, raising funds for financial aid through the Taste of Westminster, and hosting additional events to continue to build community. It truly was an excellent year of parent participation.
With DirectorMonicagratitude,SanchezofAdvancement
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR ADVANCEMENTOF
As we look forward to the 2022-23 school year, we ask you, our community, for your philanthropic support so that we may continue to expand on our student school life experiences, program enhancements, and increasing our 10 percent yearly contribution to the endowment. Thank you for your past and future support of Westminster Christian School. We proudly recognize and honor the following contributors whose outstanding generosity and charitable spirit demonstrates a commitment to ensuring Westminster continues to empower learners, inspire lives, and prepare hearts to faithfully serve as ambassadors for Christ.
During this incredible year, our community came together to support Westminster and that deserves to be recognized. The many contributions received in time, talent, and resources provided exceptional opportunities for our students to enjoy an outstanding school life experience. We are deeply grateful to all of our supporters listed in this Annual Report. Their actions are a commitment to Westminster. The Warrior Fund, including alumni donations, raised over $400,000 from July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. What an incredible sign of generosity from our Warrior families! We are humbled and grateful for your participation. This could not have been achieved without the support from our Warrior Fund
O
Greg Virgin ‘97 WARRIOR LEVEL ($1,962 - $4,999)
Erin Dolan Knight ‘94 Benjamin and Ana McCrery James and Alice Parker
Mario and Laura Londono
Miguel and Evelyn Rodriguez
FOUNDERS LEVEL ($25,000 and above)
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 32 ANNUAL REPORT DR. PHILIP FLOYD DR.ChairALEXANDER TRUJILLO Vice Chair MR. PAUL QUENTEL MRS.TreasurerSANDY CARSON Secretary MRS. AMY BRIGHAM BOULRIS ‘81 MRS. JENNY COYA MR. RICK COOK MR. DEREK DEVILLE ‘91 MR. RICH GASCHOTT MR. JAY PARKER BOARD2021-22 OF TRUSTEES ALL DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS MONICA SANCHEZ Director of Advancement AMY ANDERSON WILLIAMS ’80 Associate Director of Advancement, Donor OURAdvancementCAROLINAEngagementECHEVERRIServicesManagerADVANCEMENTOFFICEMISSION Empowering learners, preparing hearts, and inspiring lives to faithfully serve as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Your participation is important to us. We make every attempt to accurately publish the names of our donors. However, in listings of this length, errors may occur. If your name has been omitted, misspelled, or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere apology and bring the error to our attention so that we may correct our records. Thank you in advance.
Philip and Debbie Floyd Michael and Elizabeth Gomez
Jorge ArthurValdesandEileen Vazquez Stephan and Nathalie Vorbe David and Mari Wells Sing Yan and Nita Yeung
Jay and Naky Parker
July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022
Rafael and Bricen Urquidi Dimitri and Gael Vorbe Ignacio and Maria Veronica Zulueta
We are grateful for our Warrior Fund donors who donated between July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. With your support, we were able to provide supplemental items to further enrich the experience of our
Joshua and Megan Hamann Bryant and Marcia Hansen Isaac and Luly Hilliard Leon and Alicia Hirzel
William and Allison Holly Leo and Margie Leon Victor and Cheryl Lugo Rob ‘76 and Kathy Lundgren Wil and Monika Martinez Isaac and Karen Palma Cesar and Valerie Pazmino Herb and Jenny Penton Carlos and Amie Perez Arturas and Virginija Rainys Jorge and Carolina Rivera Humberto and Jamal Rubido Jorge and Myriam Scopazzo Alex and Kiara Trujillo
Erik and Michelle Bethel
Scott and Cammy Jones Drew ‘90 and Stacey Kern
Manuel and Jenny Coya Jorge and Michelle Cuello Mario and Elaine Cuervo John and Lisa DeRosimo Luis and Judith Fernandez Charles and Maria Freeman Peter and Cecilia Garcia Karim and Cindy Georges
HONORstudents.
Patrick and Michele Battle Russell and Melissa Briggs David and Jeannie Coulson Mark and Nancy Bogle Fabian ‘84 Alberto and Carmen Gonzalez Andres and Maria Stefano
GREEN LEVEL ($1,000 - $1960) Esteban and Maria Alvarez Michael and Jennifer Austin Alexandre and Jane Barrellier Lori Bean Tor and Thais Boswick Michael and Danielle Carricarte
HEAD OF SCHOOL LEVEL ($5,000 - $15,000)
Mark and Amy Brigham Boulris ‘81 Worth and Sandy Carson Dougan and Martha Clarke Derek ’91 and Lesley Maxwell Deville ‘91
Charles ’93 and Vanessa Chamberlain Bauer ‘95
Kevin ‘95 and Adela Hamann
ROLL OF DONORS
Jason and Brittany Bruce Chris ‘96 and Jillian De Moya
Manuel Cespedes and Olga Tudela ‘98
John and Laura Micali David and Paulina Naranjo
Juan and Maria Bolivar
Shannon and Sharonda Stewart Scott and Yaneli Strems
Kari De Ruiter ‘74 Manuel and Stephanie Diaz Farouk and Diana Gomati
Alex and Ivon Alonso
1961 ($1,961)LEVEL
Raul and Ivette Parquet Reynaldo and Yanelis Perez David and Beth Kimbrell ‘81 Robertson Gilbert and Vicky Toledo
John and Heather Bishop Ronald and Margarita Bolanos
Sonia Diaz Jose and Eileen Diaz
Julie Diekema Joe and Marcia Dieleman Scott and Carrie Doan Keith and Olga Dodge
Edward and Lydia Diaz Miguel and Maria Diego
Victor and Katisuska Rodriguez
George and Faith Diaz
Charlene Dodson Miguel and Sabrina Domenech Alejandro and Erika Dominguez Alexander and Mary Dopazo
Anna JanpaulPelligraandHaybel Portal Juan and Arlen Prellezo Paul and Michelle Quentel Ricardo and Mirtha Regueiro Oti and Remi Roberts
Michael Arencibia ‘16 Antonio and Ursula Arner Frank and Aimee Artiles
Derla Brown Libby Alejandro and Leonor Burgaña David and Emily Risi Burrows ‘04 Christopher and Katie Butler Jose and Stephanie Cabrera Jason and Alexandra Campos Giacomo ‘03 and Meredith Cappelleti Ernesto and Leslie Cardenas Seth Carlson Jose and Camila Carpenter Anastasia Casimir Lenny Castaneda Emil and Arlene Amaya Castellanos ‘00 Anthony and Alexandra Castro Rafael Castro and Maria Cristina Barrios Calero ‘96 Carlos and Melisa Chantres David ’87 and Laura Ecklebarger Charlton ‘86
Geosvanys and Yeni Dumas
Jessica Carolina Barboza-Maccarrone Brian and Janean Barroso Emily Battle ‘18 Zachary and Jessie Bayag Sean and Cori Beaubien Edgar and Leonor Belaval Nicolas Bellon-Garcia ’19 Carolina Bellon-Garcia ’19 Bernabe ‘02 and Natalie Belvedere Edgardo and Sasha Bardelas Berdeguer ‘00 Keith and Lourdes Berman Otoniel and Yudyt Bermudez Robert and Anita Berteletti Paula MatthewBetancourtandEmily Bielen Chad and Stephanie Bogie Sofia Bolivar ’20 Eduardo and Alicia Bonilla Hugo ‘92 and Sonia Bosque
Erwin and Evelyn Escobar Michael and Arleyne Espinel William and Cristina Essig Juan A Estevez Kurt and Gerveline Fedee Daniel and Mary Fernandez
Dax MichaelGallegosandSandra Gambrell Carlos and Anamaria Garcia
Chad and Jackie Murphy Larry and Zadith Musalan Angel and Maria Pallin Francisco and Maria Paula Pardo Dennis and Claudia Pastrana
Mario and Cheryl Gomez
Gonzalez Daniel and Nicole Gonzalez Samuel and Cristina Gonzalez Phillip and Georgette Goodwin Andre and Nannette Gordon Peter and Lyda Grundler Andres and Pamela Guilarte
Onel and Cindy Garcia Rudy and Lisa Garrido Adam Gaschott ‘08 Eric and Mayelei Gaunaurd Francisco and Vivianne Gaviria Luis and Liza Gazitua Jonathan and Melissa Gillen Arthur and Louise Gleason
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
Erick Gonzalez ‘93 Israel RicardoGonzalezandAlexandra
Courtney Fleming Alejandro and Judy Forjan Kevin and Becky Fouche Peter and Miriam Frometa
WilliamPatriciaPhillipDavidRobertCarlosJeffWayneHumbertoDanielCraigRodriguez-SanchezandJeanineSchmidtandJessicaSernaandTaliaSezumagaandJanetSmithandAmyStoneandDianaTorresdeNavarraandPatriciaTriplettandRynWellsandJacquelineWinterWintersandKimberlyWood (UPFRIENDSTO$499)
Manuel and Natalia Borges Eric and Lourdes Boyer
Erick and Roseanne Bradford Timothy ’86 and Kim Brigham Alexander and Susibel Caballero Cairo and Ana Cardenal Alex and Angela Castano Jorge and Jennifer Cepeda Bassem and Carolina Chahine Paul Cortese ‘73 John and Andrea Cunningham Steve Salony and Melissa DeJong ’87 William and Valerie Diaz Ernesto and Malena Erdmann Natasha Fontaine ’00 Luciano and Eugenia Garavaglia Alex and Vanessa Gonzalez Alejandro and Adriana Gravier Michael and Kelley Green Mason and Denie Harris Jose and Aubrey Hernandez-Solaun Russell and Donna Corey Houchen ‘75 Alfredo and Patricia Jacomino Lane and Macarena Jones Louis and Grace Lafontisee III Matthew and Susanna Lau Caleb and Angela Lopez
Mario and Raysa Gomez
Jason and Linda Chase John and Carol Chenet Sarah Cline Joelle WilliamColesand Kimberly Comber William ‘82 and Fatima Cook Rick and Shelley Cook Aimee RichardCoppolaandMargaret Correoso Omar and Li Costa Candace Koepke Cox ‘82
Juan and Maria Fernandez-Bravo
Adamari Lopez David and Sherry Medder Michael ‘97 and Kathleen Mendez James and Amy Morrow
Jay and Sherie Abbey Ghassan and Maria Abboud Humberto and Eleanne Abeja Michael and Cinthya Acevedo Arba and Kerri Ager Benjamin and Mirta Aguero Thoney ‘69 and Elizabeth Aguila Alfonso and Marisol Aguirre Brenda Alba John and Maiquel Alejo Wade and Diana Eckhardt Algerm ‘91 Manuel and Lisa Alonso Vance and Mariella Aloupis Oscar A. Alvarez ‘03 Peter and Clara Anta Guido and Ingrid Harris Antezana ‘92 Hector and Martha Aragon Kevin and Stacy Arango
Michael Edwards and Catalina Rodriguez-Edwards ‘03 Aida
Israel and Arilys Gomez
Carlos and Cecilia Curbelo Travis and Emily Curtin Charles and Tania Cyrille Guilherme and Fernanda Dabus Mark Davenport ‘74
Juan Carlos and Tamara Abelairas Jorge and Cari Aguiar Daniel ‘95 and Aubrie Andrea Jose and Gabriela Bestard
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 54 ANNUAL REPORT
Joseph and Milagros Avino Luis and Gabriela Ayala Juan and Lorrimarie Ayala Danys and Mireya Baez James and Cristina Baiter Michael Balboa
Paula ThomasCrespoandSusan Crossin Holly Croxall Barnhart
Joel and Victoria Davis Francisco and Betty De Varona James ‘78 and Pamela DeRuiter Dennis and Lauren Diaz
Ross and Martha Gagliano
WHITE LEVEL ($500 - $999)
Teresa Massa Shawn McAteer ‘87 Brad and Cheryl McCormick
Pablo and Lisa Hernandez Castro
Kai and Vanessa Meyer Rodion and Hannah North Tadenev ‘09 Argeo and Jenny Tamayo David ’85 and Amy Taylor Scott and Paige Tews Kenneth and Cynthia McNeill Trolenberg ‘81
Oscar and Keren Herrera
William Hacker ‘95
Ricardo and Roxana Machado Casey Jones Machin ‘07 Scott ‘69 and Melinda Martin Mahaffey ‘71 Jackie Manning Malacky ‘84 Christopher and Danae Manimbo Peter Manning ‘77 John and Lisa Manoogian Michelle Maresma
Greg and Ethel Perez
Dario and Dawn Palmer
Richard and Gianna Reyes
Doug and Anne Heetderks
John and Jane Haller
Julio and Grecia Perez
Jesus and Leivys Socorro Helmut and Yasmin Solis
Michael and Pamela Martinez
Jeffrey and Nelly Muscolino
Marcelo and Heloisa Perrone Mike and Melinda Perry
Jeffrey and Christine Spurling Gregory and Nancy Joseph Bruce ‘74 and Victoria Kaplan
Mercedes Gutierrez
Francisco and Carolina Urrego Omar and Mia Valerio Alberto and Carolina Van Heel
Gio and Ana Aguilera Poveda ‘87 Nicolas ‘02 and Loralyn Pybas
Andres Martinez ‘18
Gregory ‘75 and Janet Sims
Kevin Lopez Ivan and Debra Amundson Lopez ‘00 Joseph Lopez Rafael and Catherine Huston Lorie ’77
Gustavo and Nanna Lamelas Gustavo and Mirella Lang Alfredo and Michelle Lardizabal Charles ‘03 and Lauren Munz
Ignacio and Arielle Riveira
Juan and Marjorie Ruiz
Joseph and Monica Sanchez
John and Donna Underwood Jeremy and Brianna Upton Agustin and Berenice Urgal Andres and Laura Uriarte
DONORS
Natalia Martinez ‘18 Percy and Tessie Martinez
Kevin and Teresa Palczynski
Ben and Jessica Dietrich Warren ‘07 Robert ‘79 and Susan Watson Edward and Mirella Webster
Carl and Lina Parker
Francisco and Valentina Reyes-Retana Carmelo and Ethel Ricardo Francisco and Lisette Rico
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 76 ANNUAL REPORT
Hiroki and Julie Kurenuma
JoseEduardoIanDamianJuanChristinaHollingsworthCarrier‘87HudsonandFabiolaIbarraandMaggieIzquierdoJackson‘99andIslenaJimenezandKarlaJimenez
Kambiz and Kristina Moghaddam Alex and Dayanara Montero Maximo and Carmen Monterrey Robert and Alejandra Montes
Phillip ‘78 and Katie Newcomm
Normando and Arlen Moron Lander
Carlos and Lynell Martinez
Victor and Jane White Jessyca Wier Todd ‘79 and Amy Anderson Williams ‘80 Sarah Woods Ed and Sharon Wooten Richard Zogaib ’84 Nicolas and Gabriella Cereceda Zuluaga ‘12 OF
Lester and Charlene West Rey ‘97
Daniel and Monica Villalba Clay and Marysol Frye Villamil ‘05
Alice Ashley Patton ‘74
Josh and Maribel Harder
Eduardo and Beatriz Legorburu Robert and Soni Likens
Carlos and Maria Heilemann
Dawna TerenceRobinsonandSarah Roche Yanko and Nicole Rodriguez
Thomas and Caroline Murphy
Joanne Lew Ng Michael and Holly Springer Noel ‘95 Rodolfo and Yvonne Nunez Patrick and Patty Armstrong O’Connell ‘76
Jeff and Bonnie Heck
Roberto and Marisabel Perera Hernan and Marcela Pereyra Pedro and Cristina Puente Perez-Medrano ‘05
Umberto and Neyda Perez
Bonnie Phillips Carlos and Natalia Pinilla Jonathan and Jacqueline Pinto Juliet Pis ‘21 Wiliam and Nellly Pittack Gregory and Lisa McDowell Polino ‘03
Aileen Paz
Caroline Stone-Ruppar
Monica Milton ‘19 Joe and Kristin Mira Anthony and Lina Mirabal
Robert and Maribel Voges James and Linda Walker
Kevin and April Sharpe-Shirk Scott and Lisa Simmons
Lisa JamesHammingandMelanie Hannon
Ricardo and Elizabeth Rivera
Juan and Maria Lopetegui Mary Lopez
Jose and Julieta Salomon
Jan JoseKyzerandMelissa La Rosa
Joel and Diana Gutierrez
Kathy Loveless James ‘94 and Kimberly Jack Lummus ‘93
Carlos and Kathy Ramirez Ross and Adrienne Reeder
Jonathan and Beverly Hew Harry and Jessica Hinckley Adam and Amy
Mikaela Rivera ‘16
Jose and Brenda Pedrayes
Mel and Mailyn Santiesteban Orlando and Jessica Cabrera Sarduy
Bridget Sanchez Andres and Juanita Sandoval
Justin and Kristy Sporrer James and Diana Stapleton Frederick and Ida Stromeyer Jesse and Mia Suarez Joyce Postmus Sundar ‘74 Carlos and Suzanne Suris
Ike and Yeline Ojala Brad and Angela Marsengill Ost ‘89 Marlene Pacheco
Steven ‘93 and Kimberly Hendrikse
Joseph and Rachel Carson McDaniels ‘05 Clifford and Leah Medina Stephan Medina Todd ‘79 and Frances Melgaard
Matthew and Jill Kujawa Marc and Tania Kunen Michael and Gabriela Kunstmann
Manny and Dina Riera
Alexis FernandoRuizand Denise Ruiz
Donald and Charisse Mason
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS HONOR ROLL
Mark and Anali Morris
Mirtha MatthewRodriguezandAmanda Rodriguez Abelardo and Cristina Rodriguez Alexandra Roiz ‘18 Joshua Roiz ‘16 Ronald and Elizabeth Meyer Romaguera ‘95 Ismael and Alicia Roque
Orlando and Alexis Vanegas Heather Vargas Carlos and Tina Vargas Ricardo and Andrea Ventura Felix ‘92 and Lorena Gonzalez Vicente ‘95
Luis and Tania Rivera
Steve and Cora Petrillo
Roberta Spivak
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 98 ANNUAL REPORT ALUMNI DONORS Thank you so much to the following alumni who continue to support Westminster throughout the years: Thoney Aguila ‘69 Diana Eckhardt Alger ‘91 Oscar Alvarez ‘03 Daniel Andrea ‘95 Ingrid Harris Antezana ‘92 Michael Arencibia ‘16 Juan Arteaga ‘93 Rebekah Baer ‘00 Emily Battle ‘18 Charles Bauer ‘93 Vanessa Bauer ‘95 Nicolas Bellon Garcia ‘19 Carolina Bellon Garcia ‘19 Sasha Bardelas Berdeguer ‘00 Sofia Bolivar ‘20 Hugo Bosque ‘92 Amy Brigham Boulris ‘81 Emily Risi Burrows ‘04 Maria Cristina Barrios Calero ‘96 Giacomo Cappelleti ‘03 Arlene Amaya Castellanos ’00 David Charlton ‘87 Laura Ecklebarger Charlton ‘86 William Cook ‘82 Paul Cortese ‘73 Candace Koepke Cox ‘82 Mark Davenport ‘74 Chris De Moya ‘96 Kari De Ruiter ‘74 Melissa DeJong ‘87 James DeRuiter ‘78 GIFTS IN KIND We are grateful for the gift in kind contributions made this year to Westminster. Gifts in kind can range from donations of property other than cash which include land, buildings, marketable securities, equipment, furniture, vehicles, etc. Thank you for including Westminster in your philanthropy! Nicolas Bared Jason & Annette Barket Mark & Amy Boulris The Brigham Family Manuel & Stephanie Diaz The EZ Street Asphalt Rene & Maggie Guerra, Sr Scott & Cammy Jones Karen Crespo Muirhead Keith RichardLane& Bettyann Pober Signature Palms Sonny’s BBQ CORPORATE GIFTS Cari Aguiar Insurance Agency Caribbean Structures Inc Hamilton Fox & Company, Inc. Metro Life Worship Center Patton Real Estate R. Plants, Inc The Stefano Group Derek Deville ‘91 Lesley Maxwell Deville ‘91 Nancy Bogle Fabian ‘84 Robert Feuerbach ‘71 Natasha Fontaine ‘00 Marysol Villamil Frye ‘05 Adam Gaschott ‘08 Erick Gonzalez ‘93 William Hacker ‘95 Omar Haedo ‘15 Kevin Hamann ‘95 Douglas Hathaway ‘01 Steven Hendrikse ‘93 Amy Carrier Hollingsworth ‘87 Donna Corey Houchen ‘75 Ian Jackson ‘99 Drew Kern ‘90 Erin Knight ‘94 Debra Amundson Lopez ‘00 Catherine Huston Lorie ‘77 Sharon Surless Lowen ‘96 James Lummus ‘94 Kimberly Jack Lummus ‘93 Robert Lundgren ‘76 Casey Jones Machin ‘07 Scott Mahaffey ‘69 Melinda Martin Mahaffey ‘71 Jackie Manning Malacky ‘84 Peter Manning ‘77 Natalia Martinez ‘18 Andres Martinez ‘18 Shawn McAteer ‘87 Rachel Carson McDaniels ‘05 Lisa McDowell Polino ‘03 Todd Melgaard ‘79 Michael Mendez ‘97 Hugh Miller IV ‘81 Monica Milton ‘19 Charles Munz ‘03 Phillip Newcomm ‘78 Jose Nicolas ‘97 Holly Springer Noel ‘95 Patty Armstrong O’Connell ‘76 Angela Marsengill Ost ‘89 Alice Ashley Patton ‘74 Cristina Puente Perez-Medrano ‘05 Juliet Pis ‘21 Lisa McDowell Polino ‘03 Ana Aguilera Poveda ‘87 Charlene West Rey ’97 Mikaela Rivera ‘16 Beth Kimbrell Robertson ’81 Catalina Rodriguez-Edwards ‘03 Joshua Roiz ‘16 Alexandra Roiz ‘18 Elizabeth Meyer Romaguera ’95 Gregory Sims ‘75 JoEllen Rooks Strump ’80 Joyce Postmus Sundar ‘74 Larry Sweeting ‘76 Hannah North Tadenev ‘09 Theodore Tate ‘98 David Taylor ’85 Ben Trawick ‘75 Cynthia McNeill Trolenberg ‘81 Olga Tudela ‘98 Felix Vicente ‘92 Lorena Gonzalez Vicente ‘95 Monica Vila ‘16 Greg Virgin ‘97 Jessica Dietrich Warren ‘07 Robert Watson ‘79 Todd Williams ‘79 Amy Anderson Williams ‘80 Richard Zogaib ‘84 Gabriella Cereceda Zuluaga ‘12
11 Warrior Fund: $397,000 Boosterthon: $74,000 Parent Partners: $59,000 Spring Marketplace $9,000 Christmas Marketplace $9,000 Taste of Westminster $40,000 Warrior Family Fair $1,000 Golf Classic: $32,000 In-Kind Gifts: $32,000 Alumni Donors: $20,000 Athletic Complex: $11,000 Corporate Organizations: $9,000 TOTAL GIVING $634,000 ADVANCEMENT2021-22 REPORT There are numerous ways to show your support of Westminster. We are thankful for the participation and support of so many families and those in the community. The following is a snapshot of fundraising revenue generated this year through the Advancement WESTMINSTER2021-22Office: CHRISTIAN SCHOOL INCOME Tuition & Fees: $24,850,000 Fundraising & Donations: $634,000 Summer School & Camps: $460,000 Other Revenue: $400,000 TOTAL: $26,344,000 ANNUAL REPORT Warrior Fund $397,000 Alumni Donors $20,000 Boosterthon $74,000 Corporate Organizations $9,000 Golf Classic $32,000 Athletic Complex $11,000 In-Kind Gifts $32,000 Parent Partners $59,000 Tuition & Fees Fundraising & Donations Summer School & CampsOtherRevenue94.4% 2.4% 1.7%1.5%
Group Photo Booth Sponsor Hammocks
CHRISTMAS AND SPRING
Mercedes-Benz
TheMARKETPLACESChristmasandSpring Marketplaces were held on Friday, November 5, 2021, and Friday, March 4, 2022, respectively. These events feature school family vendors as well as the community at large selling their products to our school and the local community. Each event raised nearly $10,000, benefiting Westminster Parent Partners for programming and events.
President: Gaby Boza-Bestard Board Members: Debbie Floyd Marie PeggyShyaCristinaGarciaRionda-GonzalezSchettini-Lyndstad‘97Cuevas Angie Spivak-Lopez Ody LydaAnnaLugoPelligraGrundler
a night filled with delicious delicacies, libations, and dancing to the music of the ever-popular band TILT. A cigar roller and a photo booth also added to the evening’s entertainment. Tthere was a silent auction with sports memorabilia, baskets from each grade level and a variety of other items for guests to bid on. The $40,000 in proceeds benefited the Westminster Financial Aid Fund. Join us on Saturday, January 28, 2023 for the next Taste of Westminster. by Chef Adrienne Giardino Gourmet Salads Honeybee Doughnuts Kiko! Hospitality Group Kombi Keg Miami La Taberna Giralda La Tropical Cerveza
Executive
WESTMINSTER PARENT PARTNERS 2021-22 Parent Partners Board and Events W Classicparticipants,Club.Yacht4,Monday,ClassicWestminsterGOLFWESTMINSTERCLASSICGolfwasheldonOctoberatDeeringBayandCountryWithover120theGolfraised$32,000. All proceeds benefit the Athletic Department and allow for the continued improvement of facilities, programs, and coaching for all Westminster Christian School athletes. Join us on Monday, October 17, for the next Golf Classic. GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS Green Sponsors Kar & Larabee Mechanical Contractors The Keyes Company White Sponsors Brilliant Eye Mercedes-BenzCareof Coral Gables Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay Ussery Automotive Group After Golf Social Sponsor Keen Battle Mead & Company Warrior Sponsors The Cuervo Family Deal Partners LLC Lehman Pipe & Supply Inc. Tee & Green Sponsor PNC Bank In Kind Donors DeeringCigarsChick-fil-A2BeInsuredbyPedroBayYacht & Country Club Giardino Gourmet Salads Hirni’s Wayside Garden Florist Lokoya Lomelo’sWineryMeat Market Party Cake Bakery Perrine Cutler Press Inc. Raymond James Ryan Incorporated Southern Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) Sports Grill The Tank Brewing Co. UnderTUUCIArmour TASTE beverageand300Center.StudentJanuarywasTasteWESTMINSTEROFofWestminsterheldonSaturday,29,intheActivitiesWithwelloverinattendance24foodandvendors,itwas
estminster Parent Partners (WPP) is a schoolwide parent volunteer group that supports the school by organizing a variety of fundraising and community events. It is also an organization committed to providing Christian fellowship and volunteer opportunities for parents. WPP meetings are the first Friday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Meetings include breakfast, announcements, a devotional, and a guest speaker sharing about a topic relevant to parents. Events hosted by the WPP include the Middle School Kickball Contest, the Father/Daughter Dance and the Mother/Son event. Monies raised by the WPP are used to pay for guest speakers, help offset costs of Teacher Appreciation Week and to make improvements around the school campus.
Beckham Solis Attorneys at Law The
Agency Lounge Sponsor Lars
WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1312 ANNUAL REPORT
TASTE SPONSORS Sips Sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Coral
Cutler
In
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TASTE VENDORS A Pizza Brooklyn Aromas del Peru ChefBoardTheAzucarBarrellOh!Daniel Bouza Coyo DappleTacoBar & Kitchen Empire Wines Forte
Biospheric
WARRIOR FAMILY FAIR With over 650 in attendance, our families enjoyed an evening full of fun at the Warrior Family Fair. The event included rides for children of all ages, carnival games, food trucks, vendor booths, laser tag, and a vintage car show and more. There was also a Hoop it Up 3-on-3 basketball competition and Sports Performance Zone. Christ Journey Church presented a live nativity experience at the Wild Acre. The next Warrior Family Fair will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
Sergio’sSushiPubPlateaPartyMendezManaLondono’sPokeFuelCakeBakeryGrillSake Gables of Bay Ussery Automotive Auto Tag & Nirvana Seagren Kind Sponsor Engineering Taste Contributors Clarke Family Londono Family
1514 WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT Peggy Acosta Laura Aguayo Bruna DebbiePatriciaRichieKarenShaunnaMichaelSabrinaValerieMadelineJillPeggyYaneliNataliaElaineArmandoMelisaJenniferSaraKatieMariaGabyDaisyLourdesSandraLizAlexMariellaAiresAloupisAlvarezAlvarezAmadeoBoyerBozaBoza-BestardBuesoButlerCabreraCepedaChantresCosioCuervoCuervoCuestaCuevasdeMoyaDiazDiazDomenechEdwardsEguilorEverageEverageFerrellFloyd Patti SylviaJanyllLydaChrisVanessaSamLilyJessicaMarieFranyieGarciaGoldbergGonzalezGonzalezGonzalezGravelleGrundlerHenriquezHernandez ‘14 Aubrey Hernandez-Solaun Beverly HamiltonKarlaJonathanHewHewJimenezJones ‘01 Casie Justice Lisa Kuehnle Nils Lindstad ‘97 Juanite Llano Ody YvonnePaulinaCarolineBelkysCarmenVanessaLourdesCindyPamelaDanaeLugoManimboMartinezMarzoukaMekrasMeyerMontereyMoralesMurphyNaranjoNunez Jessica Padron Ryan Papy ‘99 Naky Parker Anna Pelligra Jenny ConradJesicaWadeEileenAlexTaniaAndreaChristyAngieIreneMelissaValerieShyaAymeeAidaThaisCristinaGinaVeronicaGloriaAnaCarverYanelisPentonPerezPeruePlesentPortuondoPozoReyesRionda-GonzalezRodriguezRodriguez-SanchezSanabriaSchettini-Lyndstad’97SchwankSimrilSimkovitzSpivak-LopezSpurlingSwensonTejadaTobinVento-DiazJohannaWilhelmWittePARENT feelsotheyforhereorganizationVolunteersenterprisewhoByVOLUNTEERSPARTNERSdefinition,avolunteerisapersonfreelyofferstotakepartinanorundertakeatask.arethelifebloodofanyandthatisespeciallytrueatWestminster.Wearesogratefulthemanyvolunteersandthehourshaveputintomakeourschoolsuccessfulandaplacewhereallwelcome.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the president of WPP. This year we were able to live up to our mission, which is to create memories and to build our community. I worked with talented, selfless, and amazing women, who were dedicated to creating the most beautiful events for our families. Westminster families are heartfelt, grateful, and generous. I am honored to raise my boys within the Westminster community.”
Gaby Boza-Bestard Westminster Parent Partners President
THANK YOU
THEN & NOW 17 WAYS TO MAKE A GIFT Your gift adds great value and makes a difference in the lives of Westminster Christian School students. As you choose a gift arrangement that achieves your financial and philanthropic goals, we encourage you to consult your legal and financial advisors. A well-structured charitable plan can last for generations and may allow you to be even more generous than you thought possible. For information about giving options, please contact: Monica Sanchez at 305-233-2030, ext. 1304 or msanchez@wcsmiami.org. We accept any of the following contributions: • Gifts of Cash • Matching Gifts • Planned Giving • Appreciated Stock • Securities • Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) • Cryptocurrencies • Private Equity • Real Estate Westminster Christian School is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt non-profit, so donors can take full advantage of income, capital gifts, and estate tax deductions.
On their senior trip to Nashville, Westminster seniors were invited to appear in We the Kingdom’s music video for their latest release, “Miracle Power.” Scan the QR Code to watch the video and watch Westminster students worship alongside these Christian artists.
Photo credit: Kelly Rico ‘16
6855 S.W. 152 Street Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
