10 Chapel Band: Fostering Worship and Leadership at Westminster 12 Trailblazers: Women Making Their Mark in Sports: Becca Acevedo ‘11, Christine Monjer ‘03, and Camila Jocelyn-Holt ‘08
16 Westbridge Academy Offers Hope for Young Learners
18 A New Tradition Begins in Beacon Hall: Westminster’s First Jazz Night
20 New Dynamic Spaces Debut at Westminster
23 Alumni Life: Year at a Glance
29 Warrior Athletics Celebrate Banner Year; Volleyball Wins State Championship
32 Class of 2025 Accolades and Achievements
34 Warrior Fund Reaches Historic Level
36 Our Mission, Our Moment: A Campaign for Westminster
38 Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Alumni Events
39 Roll Call and Reunions
48 Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Warriors Gone Too Soon
49 Memorials
EDITOR:
Ana M. Poveda ‘87 Director of Communications and Marketing
ASSISTANT EDITORS:
Ismeraly Torres Assistant Director of Communications Carolina Modenessy Graphic Design and Communications Specialist Courtney Falk Wainwright ‘00 Associate Director of Alumni Relations
WESTMINSTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Dr. Philip Floyd, Chair; Dr. Alex Trujillo, Vice Chair; Mr. Paul Quentel, Treasurer; Mrs. Sandy Carson, Secretary; Mrs. Jenny Coya; Mr. Rick Cook; Mr. James Hannon; Mr. Jud Henry; Mr. Hamilton Jones ‘01; Mr. Jose Nicolas ‘97; Mr. Jay Parker; Mr. Paul Pino; Mrs. Paige Tews
COVER PHOTO:
Westminster indoor volleyball’s seventh consecutive trip to the FHSAA Final Four resulted in the team clinching the 2A State Championship title. Learn more about Westminster’s volleyball team on page 29.
Then & Now is published by the Communications and Marketing Office of Westminster Christian School, in collaboration with the Alumni Office. The magazine is distributed to alumni, parents, students, and friends. We welcome your submissions and story ideas to communications@ wcsmiami.org. To update your mailing address, learn about reunions and more, please contact alumni@wcsmiami.org.
FOLLOW US: @wcsmiami
Biomedical students at Westminster hone their surgical skills using a state-of-the-art laparoscopic device, an invaluable resource made possible through generous contributions to the Warrior Fund.
Scott Jones Head of School
Dear Westminster Family,
As you open the pages of this year’s annual Then & Now magazine, I trust you will find that it contains more than a summary of events; it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness, a glimpse into the vibrancy of life on campus, and a reminder of the shared mission that binds us together. You will see evidence of a community that is thriving and is blessed. Incidentally, our school theme this year was Thrive (Psalm 1:3) and next year’s theme is Blessed (Jeremiah 17:7).
This past year has been one of remarkable growth, excellence, and transformation. We cheered as our volleyball team brought home the state championship trophy—a triumph that is proudly pictured on this issue’s front cover! We honored the achievements of student-athletes at the annual Westee Awards, and celebrated Gigi Artiles ‘26, who was named Gatorade Player of the Year for her outstanding performance and leadership.
But success at Westminster certainly extends beyond the scoreboard. Our students continue to thrive in academics and the arts. Through the generous support of donations to the Warrior Fund, our biomedical science students now have access to a cutting-edge laparoscopic training device, giving them real-world experience in surgical simulation. Our student-led chapel band continues to lead worship with passion and purpose, drawing our school into deeper encounters with Christ. Visual and performing arts programs, such as Jazz Night at Beacon Hall, remind us of the talent that is being developed on our campus.
This year marked the launch of Westbridge Academy, our new program designed to serve students with dyslexia. It is a bold and compassionate step forward in living out our desire to meet the needs of every learner. Meanwhile, the remodeled Beacon and our redesigned Learning Commons are making a measurable impact on the student experience, offering collaborative spaces for learning and enhanced academic support.
In this issue, you’ll also read stories that reflect the strength of our alumni network. We are proud to feature Christine Monjer ’03, president of the LA Sparks; Camila Jocelyn-Holt ’08, director of community engagement for Inter Miami CF; and Becca Acevedo ’11, assistant head volleyball coach at the University of Maryland—all of whom exemplify Warrior character and excellence. You’ll also see highlights from alumni events and reunions, including a fun feature on alumni couples who met at Westminster and built lives together.
While we reflect with gratitude on the year behind us, we now look forward to a futuredefining moment: the launch of a brand-new athletic complex. This project has been prayerfully planned for years, and we are thrilled to share that it is now coming to fruition.
This facility will serve not only as a space for competition, but as a center for cultivating character, teamwork, wellness, and school spirit. It will bless student-athletes and non-athletes alike, as there are many multi-purpose spaces that will be used all day every day. It will become a place where community is built, and lives are shaped. Thanks to the vision and early commitments of generous leaders, we will publicly launch this campaign—the largest in Westminster’s history—this fall. We are grateful for the leadership of Mike ‘76 and Kathy Pappas ‘76 in this campaign effort. Now I invite you, our Westminster community, to be part of this historic endeavor as we rally together to bring this dream to life.
As you turn the pages ahead, reading stories from Then and learning more about what is happening Now, may you be reminded that Westminster is more than a school; it is a Christ-centered community where truth is taught, character is cultivated, and lives are transformed toward the mission of developing ambassadors for Christ. Westminster is thriving and is blessed!
Blessings,
Scott Jones Head of School
Israel Gonzalez: Thank You for Your Service
This year, we bid farewell to Israel Gonzalez, high school health and fitness instructor and middle school P.E. teacher, who retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year after 28 years on staff. He has influenced the lives of countless young people as a teacher, coach and mentor. He began his teaching career in 1989, and joined Westminster’s faculty in 1997, spending his first 15 years in the elementary school, until transitioning to the middle and high school.
A beloved teacher to many, some remember Gonzalez mostly as a coach. He spent two years as the JV Boys Basketball Head Coach before moving on to coach at the Varsity level. He completed his coaching career as the Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach where he developed a strong program from 2001 to 2006. He always stayed close to the basketball programs, serving as a referee throughout much of his career. Gonzalez is also a proud Westminster dad to Melissa (Gonzalez) Valero ‘01 and Brian Gonzalez ‘02.
“Well done, good and faithful servant,” Matthew 25:23
You played a major role in bringing me to Westminster and making my high school years memorable. You gave me a place to grow, to be challenged, and to figure out who I was becoming. You made those years unforgettable. You coached the game, but more than that, you showed us what it means to carry yourself with discipline, integrity, and heart. You were a second father to a lot of us. Definitely to me. And I’ll never forget that.”
JAY LLEDO ‘00
A Match Made at Westminster
Westminster is a special place, and for those who found their lifelong love on campus, that place is even more special. Read about the alumni couples who shared their love stories with us and how they found love on campus!
MARRIED
Charles Sivils ‘72 and Cherri Webb Sivils ‘74
Mark Davenport ‘74 and Nery Manzano Davenport ‘73
Peter Pruitt ‘74 and Barbara Melgaard Pruitt ‘75
Dean Warrington ‘74 and Carolyn Dixon Warrington ‘75
Bruce Brockhouse ‘75 and Leslie Smith ‘75
Jack Diemer ‘75 and Nancy Beshlin Diemer ‘75
Gerrit Dawson ‘76 and Rhonda Daniel Dawson ‘78
Mike Pappas ‘76 and Kathy Dixon Pappas ‘76
Larry Scott ‘77 and Laura Cone Scott ‘77
Keith Charlton ‘78 and Barbara Harvey Charlton ‘78
Dave Koch ‘78 and Kelly Driver Koch ‘80
Jim Richards ‘78 and Elizabeth Staley Richards ‘78
Gregg Guilford ‘78 and Becky Shamus Guilford ‘79
Edward Powell ‘79 and June Dolansky Powell ‘79
Greg Johnson ‘79 and Carol Reynolds Johnson ‘80
Todd Williams ‘79 and Amy Anderson Williams ‘80
Chip Lafferty ‘80 and Mary Jean Gray Lafferty ‘80
John Bishop ‘82 and Kathleen Jones Bishop ‘82
Paul James ‘82 and Liz Ludwig James ‘83
Greg Newcomm ‘82 and Crystal Wiedenmann Newcomm ‘83
Richard Thompson ‘82 and Carolien Hahlen Thompson ‘87
Phil DeLange ‘84 and Debbie Allen DeLange ‘85
Peter Nelson ‘85 and Paige Kelly Nelson ‘85
Dean Wellinghoff ‘85 and Michelle Khan Wellinghoff ‘85
Mike Pappas ‘76 and Kathy Dixon Pappas ‘76
We met in 9th grade in 1972 at Westminster and began dating the next year after being friends. After five kids (all WCS grads), 10 grandkids and 45 years of marriage, we are truly blessed.
Sean Pendray ‘88 and Melanie Price Pendray ‘97
In 2012, Mel and I were set up on a blind date in the Grove at the original Bombay Darbar Indian restaurant. Neither had any expectations nor thought anything would come of it, but the Lord always has a plan. Almost 13 years later, we are blessed with a home in Palmetto Bay right on Coral Reef Park (a mile from Westminster!) and Sophia (11), Luke (10), and Zepplo our dog! After many years searching from Miami to Atlanta and beyond we arrived at our own doorstep with a wonderful Westminster match, albeit nine years removed! God is good!
David Charlton ‘87 and Laura Ecklebarger Charlton ‘86
Henry Vilar ‘87 and Rossana Rodriguez Vilar ‘89
Bill Henderson ‘87 and Carrier Skinner Henderson ‘90
Doug Shoemaker ‘87 and Cynthia Biedinger Shoemaker ‘89
Sean Pendray ‘88 and Melanie Price Pendray ‘97
William Brown ‘89 and Tracey Young-Brown ‘89
Ron Caridad ‘90 and Carol Balnicki Caridad ‘89
Derek Deville ‘91 and Leslie Maxwell Deville ‘91
John Babun ‘91 and Jamie Rhodes Babun ‘92
Felix Vicente ‘92 and Lorena Gonzalez Vicente ‘95
Darrel Corradino ‘93 and Katie Lopez Corradino ‘95
Julian Holt ‘94 and Tina Drummond Holt ‘93
Jim Lummus ‘94 and Kim Jack Lummus ‘93
Mark Klingbeil ‘94 and Amy Birch Klingbeil ‘98
Matt Hathaway ‘95 and Beth Birch Hathaway ‘97
Karl “KO” Wiegandt ‘96 and Dacia Chaffin Wiegandt ‘97
Nils Lindstad ‘97 and Shya Schettini Lindstad ‘97
Brian Baker ‘97 and Anna McClymonds Baker ‘97
Jason Moore ‘97 and Kyle Lyden Moore ‘98
Brian Becker ‘97 and Rebecca Bingham Becker ‘99
Russell Morrison ‘97 and Grace Morrison ‘98
Derek Hendricks ‘98 and Darcie Garcia Hendricks ‘98
Jason Aquila ‘98 and Natalia Fornoni Aquila ‘98
Dax Cabrera ‘98 and Sara Munilla Cabrera ‘00
Scott Tabor ’99 and Stacey Buck Tabor ‘00
Zach Olen ‘00 and Melissa Morris Olen ‘00
Jeff Burns ‘00 and Jamie Donzanti Burns ‘01
Jon Lledo ‘00 and Krizia Bajos ‘01
Daniel Levi ‘01 and Carolyn Williams Levi ‘03
Sean Mederos ‘02 and Adri Lima ‘01
Brian Gonzalez ‘02 and Becky Thompson Gonzalez ‘02
Albert Larcada ‘03 and Bridgette Prentice Larcada ‘03
Derek Deville ’91 and Lesley Maxwell Deville ’91
Derek and Lesley met during their sophomore year at Westminster in Mrs. Guthrie’s chemistry class. Lesley had just transferred to Westminster, and this was her first class. Derek kindly offered the vacant seat next to him and the proverbial ice was broken. During their junior year, they worked together on the class Homecoming float with Dean Willoughby ‘91, Dave Hofman ‘92, Chris Bovenkamp ‘91, Jon Rose ‘91, and many others. The couple became official at that year’s Homecoming dance. On December 9, 1996, they were married in Disney World. In 2004 they were blessed with beautiful twin girls, Melanie ‘22 and Morgan ‘22. Their daughters attended Westminster for middle and high school. Melanie ‘22 continued the tradition of finding true love at Westminster and is set to be married to Dante Martinez ‘22 next year.
Jim Lummus ‘94 and Kim Jack Lummus ‘93
Jim and Kim shared classrooms, bus rides, athletic fields and courts together in the early 90s. Always friends but never dating until after college when we reconnected in Atlanta. Fast forward to now with 21 years of marriage and two kids living in Orlando. We will both be forever grateful to Westminster for our shared principles and foundation in Christ and our path to building a wonderful life together!
Matt Thompson ‘05 and Laura Kohly Thompson ‘04
Jason Pappas ‘05 and Bethany Bandstra Pappas ‘04
Matt Baumann ‘05 and Ashley Ballard Baumann ‘05
Michael Ryder ‘05 and Danielle Alvarez ‘07
Christian Vega ‘08 and Rachel Pappas Vega ‘05
Tim Moon ‘07 and Katie Medder Moon ‘07
Taylor Leonard ‘07 and Amanda Murphy Leonard ‘07
Emmanuel Navarrete ‘08 and Stefanie Suarez Navarrete ‘08
Enslin DeWitt ‘09 and Jessica Sanchez DeWitt ‘13
Eric Sparks ‘12 and Corina Ravelo ‘13
Patrick Wennin ‘12 and Sabrina Pino Wennin ‘19
Fabriccio Letellier ‘13 and Cara Hinchliffe Letellier ‘10
Nico Cortes ‘14 and Lexie Diaz ‘14
Conner Brannon ‘14 and Paola Torres ‘14
Matthew Sabates ‘14 and Gaby Meitin ‘14
Tristan Suris ‘15 and Jamie Ness Suris ‘15
Anthony Borrego ‘15 and Tiffany Lopez Borrego ‘15
Taelor Suris ‘15 and Adriana Letellier-Suris ‘17
Omar A. Haedo ‘15 and Monica Vila ‘16
Rafi Jaffet ‘15 and Melody Gonzalez Jaffet ‘16
Stefanie and Emmanuel met in seventh grade when Emmanuel started at Westminster, where they had the same homeroom and lockers nearby but didn't really talk. The most communication they had was saying hello when they ran into each other once at Barnes & Noble. Senior year of high school they had several classes together and got to know each other in Mr. Davis' math class. Emmanuel would have asked her to prom until she said she didn't want to go with anybody from school. They ended up hanging out at prom anyway and went on their first date the day before graduation. They have been together ever since. They married in 2016 and have two children, Zoe and Ezra. They currently live in Port St. Lucie where Stefanie is a family medicine physician. Emmanuel is currently a software developer for a fleet management company. Interestingly, Stefanie's mom had a dream she would marry somebody whose name started with an ‘E’ when she was a child, so it seems it was meant to be.
Emmanuel Navarrete ‘08 and Stefanie Suarez Navarrete '08
Samuel Bond ‘16 and Victoria Wooten Bond ‘16
Michael Figg ‘16 and Gaby Erice Figg ‘17
Keon Paicely ‘16 and Mikaela Rivera Paicely ‘16
John Raine ‘16 and Alexandra Palacio Raine ‘16
Derek Van Hook ‘16 and Milan Martinez Van Hook ‘15
Max Pinto ’17 and Quinn Blanco Pinto ‘17
Matt Fernandez ’17 and Elyse Valdes Fernandez ‘17
Charles Gonzalez ’17 and Sophia Eden Gonzalez ‘17
Michael Riley ‘17 and Ana Campos ‘17
Andrew Christopher de Moya ‘18 and Saviana Calderon ‘18
Michael Romero ‘18 and Lulu Pinto Romero ‘20
ENGAGED
Henry Vilar ‘17 and Emily Battle ‘18
Danny Suarez ‘13 and Natalia Fernandez-Bravo ‘14
Dante Martinez ‘22 and Melanie Deville ‘22
Omar A. Haedo ‘15 and Monica Vila ‘16
Monica and I were set up to go to my senior prom together, as friends. We did not know each other before this. We spent the entire night talking and getting to know each other and quickly set up a second “date.” Things moved quickly. We started dating June of 2015, and married November 2023. We have three beautiful children, Nicolas ‘35, Noah ‘40 and Natalie.
Keon Paicely ‘16 and Mikaela Rivera Paicely ‘16
We met at Westminster in ninth grade. We were best friends all of high school! We didn’t start dating until second semester of college, January 2017. We’ve been together since January 30, 2017, and he proposed on October 14, 2023, and we got married on February 21, 2025!!
Dante Martinez ‘22 and Melanie Deville ‘22
Andrew Christopher de Moya ‘18 and Saviana Calderon ‘18
We started dating towards the end of senior year when prom season started rolling around and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We both went to FSU and graduated together in 2022! We just got married on March 1, 2025.
Dante and Melanie met during their freshman year of high school at Westminster. They shared many classes together, including Mrs. Garrido’s freshman biology class in which Dante strategically chose to sit right behind Melanie to hopefully get her to notice him. After a while of Dante trying to get Melanie’s attention, they were both selected to participate in the regional science fair, where both of their projects were chosen to advance to the state science fair in Lakeland, FL. After a bonding moment of joint suffering as two introverts were forced to be the center of attention while the school marching band played them off to states, Melanie and Dante sat next to each other for the five-hour bus ride and talked the whole time. That weekend at states yielded them a ton of time to get to know each other as they were the only two students from Westminster on the trip. A few weeks after returning, Dante was given the chance to ask Melanie out on their first date when his dad offered him tickets to go see “Anastasia” the musical. Melanie, being a huge musical nerd, accepted and they went on their first date on May 3, 2019. After that, they dated all throughout high school, and continued to compete in science fairs together, both making it to the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair twice. After graduation, Melanie decided to go to Emory University while Dante was off to UGA. Though the schools are a little over an hour apart, they continued to visit one another every weekend to keep the relationship going. Finally, after about 5.5 years, Melanie and Dante were engaged on October 5, 2024, in Georgia, surrounded by Melanie’s favorite flower, sunflowers. Their wedding is planned for October of 2026. Melanie and Dante will never forget the importance of Westminster in helping them find each other, and plan to invite many Westminster teachers who were with them along their journey to come witness their union.
Chapel Band: Fostering Worship and Leadership at Westminster
At Westminster, spiritual formation is a cornerstone of the student experience, and at the heart of this spiritual journey is chapel band. More than a musical group, the chapel band is a student-led worship team that guides the school community in praise during weekly chapel services.
Comprised of vocalists, instrumentalists, and tech support, the chapel band provides students with a unique opportunity to serve their peers through music. Joseph Carpenter, a Fine Arts teacher at Westminster, explains that the band meets regularly
to practice, pray, and prepare for chapel services, “It’s more than performing. It’s about creating an environment where people can wholeheartedly and freely worship God.” Students not only improve musically but also grow spiritually and personally as they commit to this important role.
For Jacob Santiesteban, a Westminster alum from the Class of 2023, the impact of chapel band continues even after graduation. “It feels good to come back and help,” said Santiesteban, who was invited by Director of Spiritual Formation John Bishop to return as a drummer.
Santiesteban, who originally joined the chapel band as a high school student and now also plays at his local church, emphasized how the experience helped him grow in communication and adaptability. “Sometimes a singer might jump into another verse without notice, and you just have to follow their lead,” said Santiesteban. This dynamic teaches students not only musicianship but also leadership, responsibility, and how to be sensitive to the flow of worship.
“Working in chapel teaches commitment and problem-solving. Sometimes a slide won’t appear on the screen, or someone is running late, but you have to be ready to adapt,” echoed Marietta Riera ’25, who helps manage the behind-the-scenes logistics of chapel. Beyond technical skills, chapel band gives students the space to reflect on their faith and to lead others in doing the same. “It’s a blessing,” Santiesteban says, referring to the privilege of being part of a school that incorporates chapel into its weekly rhythm. “Not every school has this kind of opportunity.”
Many chapel band members also serve on worship teams at their churches. Sofia Lopez ’25 is part of the worship team at Logos Baptist Church, while Mia Zakka ’26 sings at St. John Neumann Church in Miami.
Ultimately, the goal of chapel is to glorify God while encouraging students in their faith. Bishop shares, “In every area of life, there is a conflict between the way of the world and the way of Jesus. At Westminster Christian School, we believe it is essential to provide instruction and opportunities in every facet of a student’s life to help them align with the way of Jesus.”
Bishop believes that chapel band is a powerful reflection of spiritual alignment and purpose. “It honors God when we use the gifts He has given us for the purposes He intended.”
Women Making their Mark in the World of Sports
IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE PERSEVERANCE, VISION, AND LEADERSHIP ARE ESSENTIAL, THREE REMARKABLE WESTMINSTER ALUMNAE ARE MAKING THEIR MARK NAVIGATING CAREERS IN THE FAST-PACED WORLD OF SPORTS, LEADING WITH INTEGRITY, BREAKING NEW GROUND, AND FORGING INSPIRING PATHS. THEIR STORIES, ROOTED IN GRIT, GRACE, AND A DEEP SENSE OF PURPOSE, OFFER A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT IT MEANS TO LEAD BOLDLY AND FAITHFULLY IN THE COMPETITIVE WORLD OF SPORTS AND BEYOND.
To me, it’s about empowering people,” she says. “When I see a player step into who they are meant to be, that’s the reward.”
BECCA ACEVEDO ‘11
Rises in Collegiate Sports Through Confidence and Compassion
When Becca Acevedo ‘11 stepped onto the Westminster campus in fifth grade she was hard to miss, tall for her age, towering over her classmates, and quietly unsure about this new place. But what she found over the years was more than a school. It was a foundation of faith, family, and a vision for the kind of coach she would one day become.
Today, Acevedo serves as the associate head coach for the University of Maryland’s women’s volleyball program, competing at one of the highest levels in collegiate athletics. But her mission has never been just about wins and losses. “To me, it's about empowering people,” she says. “When I see a player step into who they are meant to be, that’s the reward.”
Her own development as a coach started early, shaped by Westminster’s close-knit community and deeply meaningful relationships. She speaks often of Coach Doan, who became a father figure and
lifelong mentor. “Westminster brought an extended family to me. That’s the biggest thing I’m eternally grateful for,” she reflects. “My mom sacrificed a lot for me and my brother to attend Westminster, a decision that changed our lives for the better because of the relationships we made there.”
Acevedo’s passion for sports was inspired by her brother, whom she idolized as a kid, and nurtured by her single mother, who encouraged both siblings to get involved. After trying a variety of sports, Becca discovered volleyball and never looked back. Her love for the sport would take her to Palm Beach Atlantic University, a school she initially had no intention of attending. But a missions trip to Costa Rica, led by Coach Doan and the PBA head volleyball coach, changed everything. “I could serve the Lord and play volleyball? I thought, this is the coolest thing ever.”
She calls her decision to attend PBA “the best one I could have made,” even if others didn’t see it that way. “People told me I
could’ve gone to a bigger school,” she says, “but I knew I was where I was supposed to be.” She played every match of her collegiate career and was close enough to home for her mom to attend every game, something that meant everything to Acevedo.
Her coaching journey officially began after college, when she pursued a graduate assistantship at the University of West Florida where she would complete her MBA while coaching full-time. There, she realized coaching was more than a job. It was her calling. That experience also solidified her understanding of faith in a secular setting. “I learned how to be a Christian at a public university and inspire athletes to stand for what they believe in. That was huge for me.”
Now at Maryland, she embraces being the only woman on staff and the only Division II athlete in a sea of Power Five résumés. “I used to doubt myself and question whether I belonged at this level,” she admits. “But I’ve learned to own my journey and find confidence in knowing that my path was different, and I earned every opportunity that has brought me here.”
Her message to young women at Westminster dreaming of a future in sports, whether on the court or in the front office, is clear: “Keep your heart open. Surround yourself with the right people. Bet on yourself.” Becca Acevedo’s career proves that building a life of meaning starts with knowing who you are and helping others do the same.
CHRISTINE MONJER ’03
Redefines the Path to Sports Leadership
Christine Monjer ’03 didn’t play basketball in high school. She didn’t major in sports management or grow up dreaming of front-office titles. And yet today, she’s president of the Los Angeles Sparks, one of the original WNBA franchises, proof that the path to leadership doesn’t need to follow the expected playbook.
Monjer’s journey through the sports industry is a story of thoughtful, strategic building: of brands, teams, and personal integrity. “I had a non-traditional path to being a team president,” she says. “I like to give people hope that you don’t have to be in the industry for ten years to get a crack at the job. There are transferable skills and other experiences that can prepare you.”
That non-traditional path began at Westminster where Monjer entered as a seventh grader. She was a cheerleader, student body president, and member of the National Honor Society. She also learned to navigate varied social circles, an early practice in relationship-building and empathy that has served her ever since. “Westminster gave me the space to embrace who I am as a whole,” she recalls. “I could be in AP classes and also have this fun, social life. That ability to move between groups is incredibly applicable in leadership.”
Monjer points to Westminster’s emphasis on values, particularly integrity, as a foundation for how she leads today. “I ask my team all the time: ‘What’s the right thing to do?’ Not the popular thing, but the right thing. And that’s the path we’ll go down,” she says. “I lead with empathy and integrity. That started at Westminster.”
After earning her undergraduate degree in business from the University of Miami and an MBA from Cornell, Monjer built a career rooted in marketing and brand development. She worked with PepsiCo, MGM Resorts International, and ultimately the Las Vegas Aces, where she launched the franchise’s brand identity and led operations as COO. When ownership changed, she decided to step away and refocus, prioritizing authenticity over accolades.
“I’ve learned to stay in integrity with myself,” she says. “When it’s for you, it won’t miss you.”
That mindset carried her through a season of personal and professional upheaval, including the loss of her father, a divorce, and a hiatus from the high-powered roles she was known for. After regrouping, she joined the Sparks in 2023, first as a consultant, and now as president.
To young women charting their own course, Monjer offers this advice: “Ask for the promotion. Speak up in the meeting. Be less afraid of saying the wrong thing. Stay present and be fearless.”
Her career may have taken a winding road, but Monjer continues to build something lasting: a brand rooted in purpose, a team led with empathy, and a legacy that began, long before press conferences and PowerPoint decks, in a Westminster school courtyard.
I lead with empathy and integrity. That started at Westminster.”
LEADING WITH HEART
Sports taught me how to be a team player, how to lead, and how to understand when it’s not your moment but someone else’s.”
CAMILA JOCELYN-HOLT ’08 Uses Sports to Make a Difference
For Camila Jocelyn-Holt ’08, sports have always been more than just games. As director of community engagement for Inter Miami CF, she sees soccer as a platform to build real community impact, something far more lasting than wins and trophies.
“People always think of teams, championships, and trophies,” Jocelyn-Holt says, “but they don’t always see the power of the access we have to do something meaningful.” That power drives her work: coordinating initiatives with Special Olympics, hosting Make-A-Wish activations with global stars like Lionel Messi and partnering with organizations like Feeding South Florida and His House to support families in need. “Giving back is the most rewarding part of what I do,” she says. “I always ask: What’s the right thing to do with the tools we have?”
Jocelyn-Holt’s passion for community started early, shaped in large part by her years at Westminster, where she enrolled in fourth grade. “The give-back component was central to the Westminster experience,” she reflects. “It stuck with me. I always wanted to find a career that allowed me to give back in some capacity.”
At Westminster, she explored widely, from orchestra to French class, but it was athletics that left the deepest impression. A basketball player from sixth grade through her senior year, Jocelyn-Holt learned the lessons that would shape her leadership style today. “Sports taught me how to be a team player, how to lead, and how to understand when it’s not your moment but someone else’s,” she explains. “That sense of teamwork is everything in professional sports, especially when you’re balancing so many priorities across departments.”
Her journey into the sports world wasn’t direct. After majoring in psychology and marketing at American University, she began her career in fundraising and development, working for St. Jude, Best Buddies, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. It wasn’t until she joined Special Olympics Florida that she got her first close look at the sports industry from the inside. A call from Major League Soccer and Inter Miami led to the launch of a Special Olympics team, a program that continues to thrive five years later. That success, along with her natural ability to build relationships, opened the door to a new chapter.
Today, she leads Inter Miami’s growing community efforts at a time when the club’s global profile is soaring. And as a woman in a male-dominated field, she’s helping to reshape the table she now has a seat at. “It’s empowering. We’ve hired more women recently, many of whom are former athletes. We’re confident, competitive, and collaborative.”
To young women considering careers in sports, Jocelyn-Holt’s advice is simple: “Don’t be scared. Your voice matters, and sometimes they’re looking to you for the answers.”
From Westminster’s hardwood courts to the world stage of MLS, Jocelyn-Holt is building more than a career. She’s building community, with empathy, energy, and purpose.
Westbridge Academy Offers
Hope for Young Learners
Westbridge Academy, founded by Westminster, began with a profound purpose: to support children in grades 1 through 6 who face language-based learning challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and auditory processing disorder. Since its opening in August 2024, Westbridge has become a transformative place for families in Miami.
“We recognized there was a need in our community for a program that could serve students with language-based learning challenges in a nurturing, faith-based environment,” shared Brenda Pedrayes, Director of Westbridge Academy. “Our goal is for students to know themselves, advocate for their learning style, and successfully transition to a mainstream environment.”
Westbridge combines academic intervention with Westminster’s rich extracurricular offerings. “My daughter also has music, she has art, and all the extracurricular
activities offered at Westminster,” said Elizabeth Braceras, a parent at Westbridge. “That’s what sets this program apart.”
Teachers at Westbridge are not only highly trained but deeply committed. “They have a love for the Lord and a love for these students,” said Pedrayes. “They’re amazing leaders who plan lessons using multiple multisensory modalities to reach all learners.”
For families, the transformation has been deeply personal. “Her light started dimming,” said Gemma Jordan Menendez ’97, recalling her daughter’s struggles in the classroom before enrolling at Westbridge. “It was a huge leap of faith, but Westbridge has provided her with the tools she needed. Now, she’s literally shining.”
Braceras added, “When my daughter started, she couldn’t read. Now she’s reading books on her own.”
When Westbridge Academy first opened its doors, it welcomed just two students. As it approaches the 2025 academic year, 20 students are officially enrolled, with more applications currently being reviewed.
With evidence of academic and emotional growth, Westbridge Academy is becoming a haven for students who thrive with individualized, faith-based learning. “It’s been an answer to our prayers,” said Pedrayes. “We invite families to come tour and see what makes Westbridge so special.”
Scan the QR Code to learn more about Westbridge, where faith and specialized education unite.
Westminster’s newly renovated Beacon Hall came alive with the smooth sounds of jazz for its firstever Westminster Jazz Night in February. The special evening featured the talented student jazz ensemble under the direction of Westminster Band Director Dr. Seth Carlson. The ensemble performed an impressive repertoire of jazz standards and contemporary pieces to a packed house. The event was inspired by this year’s exceptional group of senior musicians.
“When I heard this group of seniors play at the beginning of the year, I knew they had the talent to do more,” Carlson explained.
This led to an ambitious undertaking— preparing nearly two dozen musical pieces in just six weeks to be ready for the inaugural concert event. The evening was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Westminster families and parents, showcasing the vital role the school community plays in Fine Arts programming.
Each student musician performed at least one solo during the two-hour concert, highlighting their individual talents. For many, like Adrian Gutierrez ‘25, it was a first. “I played my first-ever solo at this
concert,” Adrian shared. “A lot of my family came to watch, and they told me they never really heard me play on my own like that.” Similarly, Jacob Dumas ‘25 noted, “Being able to do an entire song really put me out of my comfort zone, and I really enjoyed it in the end.”
The evening was further enhanced by a special guest appearance from W estminster alumna Izzy Izquierdo ‘23, who returned to join the ensemble as a vocal soloist, adding another layer of meaning to an already special night.
Beyond the impressive musical performance, the event served a greater purpose. Proceeds from the evening went directly to support Fine Arts student travel, ensuring that transformative experiences
like the ensemble’s trips to Canada, the Midwest, and Hawaii can continue for future students. These trips are invaluable to students. Senior Nico Majano ‘25 explained: “We went to the Midwest last year, and seeing a different part of the country helped me decide what school I wanted to go to.”
The Jazz Night also marked a significant milestone for the program itself. When Carlson began at Westminster eight years ago, the Jazz Ensemble had just five students. Today’s thriving program now requires teacher recommendation for entry, a testament to its growth and reputation.
The concert also created a legacy for this pioneering group of seniors. “We’re very excited that we kickstarted this whole Jazz Night,” said Kyle Gaunaurd ‘25. “Now that we’ve set this program in stone, more kids will want to join.”
As the final notes faded in Beacon Hall, a venue where the band was the last group to perform before renovations and the first to return after, it was clear that Westminster Jazz Night had established itself as a community celebration of musical excellence that will resonate for years to come.
New Dynamic Spaces Debut at Westminster
Westminster has unveiled two newly renovated spaces that are already enhancing student life and learning: The Beacon and the Learning Commons.
A The Beacon, formerly known as the Guarch Auditorium, opened its doors during the 2024–25 school year as a vibrant new space that includes stateof-the-art classrooms for choir, dance,
Aand orchestra, as well as Beacon Hall—a multi-purpose auditorium designed for performances, assemblies, and other events. The Beacon also features a striking Warrior Fund Donor Wall, celebrating the generosity of the Westminster community that helped make these improvements
possible. Students and families can now shop for school spirit items and uniforms at the Warrior Wear Shop, which offers everything from hats and mugs to jewelry and apparel. A new timeline display, also found inside The Beacon, highlights Westminster’s rich history and legacy.
Across campus, the Middle and High School Media Center has been renovated to include the B Learning Commons, a flexible, multi-use environment where students can study, collaborate, and receive academic support. The space hosts a team of tutors throughout the week, offering help with college essays, math, science, and foreign languages. With its modern design and academic focus, the Learning Commons has quickly become a favorite destination for students. Future plans for the space include the addition of a café to further enhance its welcoming, community-driven atmosphere.
These renovations reflect Westminster’s commitment to fostering creativity, academic excellence, and student well-being, and are, in part, thanks to the generosity of our Warrior Fund donors.
ALUMNI LIFE
YEAR AT A GLANCE
ALUMNI CAME TOGETHER THROUGHOUT 2024–25 TO CELEBRATE, CONNECT, AND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY. FROM LOCAL REUNIONS AND SPEAKER SERIES TO HOMECOMING AND STUDENT MENTORSHIP, WE SAW INCREDIBLE GROWTH IN ALUMNI PARTICIPATION WITH MORE THAN 1,000 UNIQUE ALUMNI TOUCHPOINTS. WE ALSO CELEBRATED THE GROWING NUMBER OF LEGACY FAMILIES ON CAMPUS, WITH ALUMNI CHILDREN NOW REPRESENTING NEARLY 10% OF OUR CURRENT FAMILIES.
ALUMNI CONTINUE TO SHAPE AND STRENGTHEN THE WESTMINSTER STORY.
AUGUST
Football 8 Alumni BBQ
Football alumni returned to the field to rally behind the current team, sharing wisdom and Warrior pride.
Back to 9 School Celebration
Legacy families were among the many students, parents, and faculty who gathered to reconnect and kick off an exciting new school year.
Warrior Week 11-16 Volunteers
Alumni volunteered at Warrior Week, a powerful spiritual retreat held in the mountains of Jasper, GA, where they served as mentors and cabin leaders to the high school students. It was a beautiful week of worship and fellowship, providing an opportunity to reconnect with the school's mission of inspiring lives and preparing hearts for Christ.
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Boston College 12 Alumni Meet-Up
Led by the College Counseling team, Westminster college alumni met current students in Boston for dinner and a Red Sox game, reconnecting in a new city and reminding each other that Warrior friendships travel well.
Homecoming 11-13 Weekend
Homecoming Weekend brought together alumni from across the decades for a joyful celebration of Warrior spirit.
NOVEMBER
Warrior 16 Family Fair
Alumni were well represented at the Warrior Family Fair as attendees, Dub Rub participants, and guest judges, including Felipe Christiansen ’00, K.O. Wiegandt ’96, and Evanna Casanova Alvarez ’08, adding to the fun and community spirit of the weekend.
Dub Talk: 17 Alumni Edition
- Jason Goff ’00
Jason Goff '00 launched the inaugural Dub Talk: Alumni Edition, inspiring students by sharing alumni success stories and showcasing the transformative power of the Warrior alumni community.
Give Miami Day 17-21 Decade Challenge
Alumni rallied during Give Miami Day with a healthy decade rivalry—ultimately won by the spirited 90s Warriors.
Athletic Hall of Fame 11
Induction and All-Alumni Reception
The festivities began with the Hall of Fame Induction honoring the lives and legacies of two late alumni, George Williams ’16 and Vicky Hoppe ’15, followed by an all-alumni reception at the Nature Center where graduates reconnected and received branded alumni jerseys.
12
Homecoming Game and Alumni BBQ
Saturday was full of energy as alumni toured campus, enjoyed a barbecue lunch, and filled the stands to cheer the Warriors to victory at the Homecoming football game. A special moment took place at halftime, as former members of past Homecoming Courts helped honor this year’s student nominees.
Homecoming Chapel 13
The weekend closed with a powerful Sunday chapel at The Lighthouse, featuring worship led by an all-alumni band and a message from Tom Hendrikse ’84 rooted in Psalm 90 that reminds us that life is short, so make it count.
Westminster 13 Annual Golf Classic
Alumni played a key role in the success of the tournament, with a strong turnout and standout performance by JP Mehu ’19, who led the winning foursome and won both the longest drive and closest to the pin competitions.
DECEMBER
Alumni 19 Christmas Party
Warriors from different generations gathered to share stories and holiday cheer.
Men’s and Women’s 21 Alumni Soccer Tournaments
The weekend culminated with exciting alumni soccer tournaments. The men’s team demonstrated their competitive spirit by securing a victory against Columbus, while the women’s team enjoyed a spirited match on campus.
JANUARY
Dub Talk: 16 Alumni Edition - Javy Lopez ’98
Lopez joined our Dub Talk series. He encouraged students to lead with humility and courage, trusting in and following God’s plan for their lives.
Taste of 25 Westminster
Alumni joined the fun as both attendees and vendors at the Taste of Westminster, an unforgettable night of food and community. Each alumnus received a custom glass to use throughout the night.
DC Alumni 29-30
Dinner and Reunion
In Washington, DC, alumni across life stages met to share dinner and network, while we also had the opportunity to check in on a few of our college alumni.
Jazz Night 7
The first-ever Jazz Night invited back alumni jazz singer Izzy Izquierdo ’23, now studying at FIU, to share her talents alongside Westminster’s Jazz Ensemble.
FEBRUARY
Alumni 14 Care Packages
We sent care packages to our alumni college students across the country.
Dub Talk: 27 Alumni EditionDanielle Alvarez ’07
We welcomed our third alumni speaker to share about living out faith in the public eye, leaving students challenged and motivated.
MARCH
Florida 7-9 College Dinners
The College Counseling office coordinated special gatherings where Westminster alumni now attending Florida universities welcomed current students for dinner events and sharing campus insights.
NYC Alumni 13-14 Reunion and Dinner
We hosted a local event in New York City where we gathered both fresh grads and seasoned alumni in the heart of Manhattan.
Milestone 21 Reunion Planning Breakfast
Alumni class leaders begin planning their milestone reunions. Together we kicked off preparations for an unforgettable Homecoming 2025.
Dub Talk: Alumni Edition - 3
Cami Jocelyn-Holt ’08
Cami shared about the importance of cultivating a servant’s heart. She drew from the foundation she gained here at Westminster and her professional experiences in community engagement.
New Parent Orientation 16
We welcomed back our legacy families for the 2025-26 school year, celebrating the Brighams in particular—Timothy Brigham ’86, grandfather, and Toby Brigham ’17, father—as they introduce the third generation to PK3: Matteo Brigham, Class of 2040.
Honors Girls 25 Ensemble Reunion
Alumnae vocalists returned to support our Fine Arts program and sing alongside our current students.
Senior Graduation Dinner and Alumni Pinning 15
Alumni parents proudly pinned their graduating children, alongside our Board of Trustees and alumni staff, welcoming them into the alumni family.
WARRIOR ATHLETICS CELEBRATE
BANNER
YEAR
The Warriors celebrated top varsity student athletes, coaches, and key moments from the 2024-25 season at the third annual Westee Awards.
2024 STATE CHAMPIONS: INDOOR VOLLEYBALL
Westminster indoor volleyball’s seventh consecutive trip to the FHSAA Final Four resulted in the team clinching the 2A State Championship title. This is the third state championship title (2013, 2016, 2024) for this outstanding program led by Coach Julie Doan Kurenuma, who just completed her 20th season with the Warriors.
The Warriors beat First Baptist of Naples in the State Semifinal and toppled Trinity Catholic from Ocala in the State Final 3-1 to earn the Class 2A girls volleyball state championship. Westminster (22-5) defeated Trinity in four sets, winning 25-22, 27-25, 24-26 and 25-13.
Zoey Matias ’25, daughter of Debra Amundson Lopez ‘00, racked up 18 kills and 27 digs in the championship game. She will play indoor volleyball at University of Missouri next fall. Gigi Artiles ’26 also led the Warriors with 21 kills and 23 digs. She was named National Gatorade Player of the Year for Florida and is committed to the University of Georgia. Matias and Artiles also share Miami-Dade Class 4A-1A Player of the Year honors. The team also amassed several spots on the All-Dade teams - 1st team: Zoey Matias ‘25, Gigi Artilas ‘26, and Chloe Garcia ‘26; 2nd team: Alex Washington ‘26, Lia Gonzalez ‘26; 3rd team: Alyana Cadavid ‘27, Cassie Thomas ‘26; and Honorable Mention: Dani Arroyo ‘28
ADDISON DOMINGUEZ ‘25
Lacrosse
BROOKS KUJAWA ‘25
Soccer
ZOEY MATIAS ‘25
Indoor and Beach Volleyball
University of Missouri Commit (Daughter of Debra Amundson Lopez ‘00)
AUSTIN WIEGANDT ‘25
Baseball College of Charleston Commit (Son of K.O. Wiegandt ‘96 and Dacia Chaffin Wiegandt ’97)
MIAMI-DADE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
GIGI ARTILES ’26
Indoor and Beach Volleyball
JADEN BRADFORD ‘25
Golf
ZOEY MATIAS ‘25
Indoor and Beach Volleyball
ANDY WHITBY ‘25
Golf
KIERA VANEGAS ‘26
Girls Lacrosse
CAROLINA ESCOBIO ‘25
Soccer
COOPER WHITBY ‘25
Basketball
GIGI KHOURY ‘25
Softball
CJ SANCHEZ ‘25
Track & Field
GIGI ARTILES ‘26
Volleyball
Gatorade Florida
Player of the Year
University of Georgia
Commit
CAPTAIN AWARD WINNERS
KELSIE KENNEY ‘25 Basketball/Softball
DWIGHT WHIPPLE ‘25
Football/Basketball/Track
MARKUS “MARKY” RUIZ ‘26
Football/Soccer
JOHN HENDRIKSE ‘25 Football/Lacrosse (Son of Michael Hendrikse ‘91)
PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR: INDOOR AND BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ADDISON DOMINGUEZ
Valedictorian
Northeastern University
JACOB DUMAS
Salutatorian
University of Florida
CLASS OF 2025 ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
College acceptances for the class of 2025 include:
Auburn University
Babson College
Baylor University
Belmont University
Berklee College of Music
Bocconi University
Boston College
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Clemson University
Colgate University
Covenant College
Davidson College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory University
Florida International University
Fordham University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Indiana University, Bloomington
Louisiana State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
McGill University
New York University
Northeastern University
Penn State University
Purdue University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Southern Methodist University
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
The Ohio State University
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
United State Military Academy at West Point
University College London
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Wheaton College, Illinois
EMERALD SCHOLARS PROGRAM GRADUATES
Emerald Scholars seek academic enrichment by participating in Westminster’s most rigorous courses. To graduate as an Emerald Scholar, students take a minimum of 12 AP Courses, complete one of Westminster’s Signature Programs, as well as meet GPA, service project and internship requirements. Emerald Scholars will attend some of the nation’s top universities.
JACOB DUMAS Honorable Mention Mathematics
JULIA ALMIRALL Belmont University
FRANCISCO ARANGO University of Florida
AVA ALVAREZ Florida State University
ANA BETHEL Massachusetts Institute of Technology
ANDRES CARDENAL Brown University
JACOB DUMAS University of Florida
ADDISON DOMINGUEZ Northeastern University
TOSH CURTIN Florida International University
GIOVANNA KHOURY Georgia Tech
LUNA LIU University of Florida
LILIANNA NUNEZ University of Florida
ISABELLA MURPHY IE University
EMELIE MONTERREY University of Michigan
ALEXANDRA PEREZ DE CORCHO University of Miami
MILAN PORRAS Texas Christian University
THOMAS REGUEIRO Emory University
NICHOLAS RAMIREZ University of Central Florida
ALEXANDER RAECKE University of Florida
DUSTIN ROBERTS University of Miami
MICHAEL SHIRE Florida International University
DAVID EAN WELLS Davidson College
KAYLEEN TORRES University of Florida
SARAH SMITH University of Miami
A Historic Achievement: Thank You for Supporting the Warrior Fund
With God’s guidance and the steadfast support of our families, faculty, staff, leadership, and alumni, the Warrior Fund has raised a historic $575,000—surpassing our $500,000 goal and marking the largest amount ever raised through the Warrior Fund in the school’s history. This incredible achievement will directly support key programs, including Fine Arts, Athletics, The Learning Commons, and more. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and dedication of our Warrior community.
The Warrior Fund is an important source of funding for daily life at Westminster Christian School. The commitment and support from our engaged, passionate community helps the Warrior Fund create powerful projects and programs that continue to distinguish Westminster as a leader in Christian education. Through the support of the Warrior Fund, we have added:
• Renovations to the high school gym, including two new LED scoreboards
• Middle school grade level fellowship events
• Flight simulator for the Engineering signature program
• Patio renovations for the art department
• Production equipment for Mass Media classes across campuses
• Guitars and supportive equipment for Fine Arts
• Seated risers for the choir room and outfitting the orchestra room in The Beacon
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our Warrior Fund and Class
Ambassadors for their dedication and support in making this year a success! Your efforts have helped strengthen our community and enrich the experience of every Westminster student.
• Initiatives for continued alumni engagement
• A laparoscopic device to provide hands-on training to science students
• A 10 percent commitment of Warrior Fund donations to the Westminster endowment
• Continued development of the Learning Commons in the Media Center
The Warrior Fund has made a meaningful impact on my children's education by enriching their academic and extracurricular experiences at Westminster. As an alumna, it's deeply fulfilling to see the legacy carried forward to the next generation. My family has been honored to contribute to this mission, helping ensure that future Warriors can benefit from the generosity of those who believe in the power of a strong, faith-based education. We’re grateful to be part of a community that values both tradition and the transformative role of philanthropy.”
AMANDA ALGER MONEY ’05
JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025
$575,000
Raised to date*
*At the time of printing.
903
Westminster current families
142
Gifts of $1000 or more
554
Families donated
$853
Average gift
WARRIOR FUND AMBASSADORS:
Diana Crespo and Farouk Gomati
Margie and Leo Leon
Kathleen and Michael Mendez ’97
Andria and Andres Miyares
Carolina and Jorge Rivera
Bricen and Rafael Urquidi
Christine and Charlie Whorton
Kim and Bill Wood
WARRIOR FUND CLASS AMBASSADORS:
Silvia Buraglia
Zulema Carricarte
Lauren Diaz
Sarah Hardan
Maria Clara Harrington
Heather Jones
Shya Schettini Lindstad ‘97
Amanda Alger Money ‘05
Veronica Allard Montanez ‘04
Clarice Motta
Naky Parker
Brittney Sunset
Jenna White
Give Miami Day: Decade Challenge
This year, our alumni community came together for the Give Miami Day Decade Challenge, a competition to see which graduating decade could achieve the highest participation rate. Thanks to the dedication of our decade leaders—Amy Williams '80, Rachel Mair '95, Meredith Kirtland '98, Tina Bojorquez '00, and Isa Morales '20—we saw an increase in alumni participation! A special congratulations to the 90s alumni, who emerged as the winning decade. Mark your calendars for the next Give Miami Day Decade Challenge on November 20, 2025, and let’s continue this momentum! Westminster alumni are invited to give to the Warrior Fund and join the Decade Challenge. Email alumni@ wcsmiami.org to receive notifications.
Make a gift today to show your support of Westminster.
Our Mission, Our Moment: A Campaign for Westminster A
CAMPAIGN CABINET
Sincere thanks to the members of the Campaign Cabinet who will lead the campaign through to its conclusion.
Co-Chairs
Mike Pappas ’76
Kathy Dixon Pappas ‘76
CABINET MEMBERS
Jenny Carricarte Penton
Leo Leon
Michael Mendez ’97
Kathleen Mendez
The Westminster Athletic Complex
s a nationally ranked school with a tradition of excellence spanning more than 60 years, athletics is a source of pride for the Westminster community. The school offers 25+ athletic teams for students in grades 6-12 and 80% of Westminster high school students play at least one sport. A comprehensive after-school athletic program for elementary students teaches foundational skill development and teamwork. And yet, our current sports facilities and fields do not adequately support nor reflect the school’s commitment to student physical education and its high-caliber athletics program. This has propelled the creation of the athletic complex to the forefront of Westminster’s strategic initiatives for campus development.
Serving All Students
Beyond addressing the pressing need to improve athletic facilities and fields, the
Westminster Board, school leadership, and Athletics Department have raised their sights to thoughtfully consider how a proposed athletic facility and campus investments can also strategically serve the broader needs of the student community.
The result of the school’s diligent planning is a 40,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art athletic complex that will stand as the premier venue in South Florida and as a beacon of Westminster’s commitment to the physical health of all students and the growing needs and aspirations of its student athletes.
The buildings conceived for the new athletic complex also include several multi-purpose flexible spaces intentionally designed for use during school days for teaching and learning at the middle and high school levels. These much-needed spaces, filled with natural light, will be used daily for regular classes and our expanding portfolio of signature academic programs.
Components of the Athletic Complex:
• Strength and Performance Center, which will feature a full range of the most current strength, dynamic, and cardio equipment.
• Athletic Training Room
• Varsity Boys and Girls Locker Rooms
• Academic and Multi-Purpose Flex Spaces
• Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame
• Wrestling Room
• Hydrotherapy Room
• Data and Analytics Room
• Esports Room
• Film Room
• Warrior Alumni Room
Investment and Impact
From preschool to high school, Westminster students are challenged to achieve their full potential academically while discovering and growing their God-given gifts. Our unique programs are designed to empower, inspire, and prepare our students to meet this challenge. The Our Mission, Our Moment campaign will help ensure every Westminster student will have the unmatched opportunity to lead, influence, and create positive change in their communities and the world.
“We, as well as our five children, were blessed to learn and grow at Westminster thanks to the foresight and commitment of those who made the investment to deliver excellent, well-rounded, Christian education in Miami. It has been amazing to see how Westminster has developed from a five-acre elementary school to a now 35-acre campus that boasts a new elementary school building, the Student Activities Center, a 700-seat performing arts center, the unmatched WorldWonder Nature Center, buildings dedicated to science, technology, innovation, and engineering, and athletic field house and an additional competition field. These investments have added to the quality experience our students and families receive and have allowed Westminster to thrive for more than 60 years. The development of a first-class athletic complex that honors our tradition of excellence will ensure our students continue to compete at the highest level. Athletics at Westminster instill discipline, focus, and a spirit of competition, foundations that prepare our students for success in all areas of life.”
MIKE ‘76 AND KATHY PAPPAS ‘76 Campaign Co-Chairs
Upcoming Alumni Events
Get involved with the Westminster alumni community by participating in one of these exciting events!
2025
AUGUST 9:
• Football Alumni BBQ
AUGUST 11-15:
• Warrior Week Alumni Volunteers in Jasper, GA AUGUST
• Individual Class Reunions: Evening events organized by class representatives Celebrating Classes: 1974, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2015, and 2020
OCTOBER 12:
• Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Beacon Hall
• Homecoming Chapel, 3 p.m.- 4 p.m., The Lighthouse Guest Speaker: Chris Carrier ’82 and All Alumni Worship Band
NOVEMBER 20:
• Second Annual Decade Challenge for Give Miami Day NOVEMBER
DECEMBER 18:
• Alumni Christmas Party, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Westminster’s Nature Center DECEMBER
1973
A Mary Smoak Murray ’73 and husband, David, joined B Tonie Watson Knight ’73 and her husband, Bruce, for an unforgettable 11-day “Steps of John and Paul” tour through Turkey and Greece. Their journey took them through the rich biblical and historical sites of Ephesus, the Isle of Patmos, Crete, Corinth, Athens, Berea, Thessalonica, Philippi, and Kavala.
1976
C Gerrit Dawson ‘76 and Rhonda Daniel Dawson ‘78 live in Baton Rouge, LA. Gerrit has been senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church for 21 years. Rhonda is an oil painter and spiritual director. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Eleanor, their granddaughter begins kindergarten at Westminster in the fall, and “she is every bit the storyteller and language wielder that her father is! She’s cute, she’s smart and she knows how to work a room!”
D Rob Lundgren ’76, Whit Millman ‘76, and Richard Simpson ‘76 enjoyed a hunting trip together in North Carolina this past November.
ROLL CALL
1977
E Steve Lindemuth ‘77 retired this past December, lives in Virginia and is celebrating 42 years of marriage with his wife Maribeth. They are blessed with eight beautiful grandchildren.
1978
James “Jim” DeRuiter ‘78 is married to Pamela (Frank) DeRuiter, former Westminster high school math teacher. Pam sponsored the JV cheerleading squad, and Jim coached the JV basketball team. Pam’s younger brother, Ron Frank ‘83, was on the team. “Our first date was on Valentine’s Day and many of our early dates were spent cheering on Warrior teams and even serving as prom chaperones. We recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and have been blessed with children and grandchildren.”
David MacLeod ‘78 just completed his second doctorate. He has a PhD in computer science and completed a doctorate in business administration with an emphasis on leadership and management. He also recently published two books, “Cultivating Innovation
Through Leadership: A Practitioner’s Guide,” and “Sixteen Habits of a Transformational Leader.” Both are available on Amazon in a variety of formats. David lives with his wife Kasia in Denver and is the proud grandfather of two girls.
1979
F Richard Corey ‘79 currently works at North Raleigh Christian School, where he has been serving in educational leadership as the CFO for two decades. Pictured above with Westminster Head of School Scott Jones.
1980
Dianne Zeiller Beidel ‘80 retired from Delta Airlines, after 35 years, in 2020. She spends her time helping out with their four grandchildren, three girls and one boy, two months to six years old.
Congratulations to G Joseph “Joe” Richards ‘80, who retired from the practice of law in 2024 and is enjoying life in Beaufort, SC.
1981
A Rick Hooper ‘81 attended the Kentucky Derby day with his wife. They are owners of a horse that ran on the undercard.
Cynthia McNeill ‘81 has been teaching with Dade County Public Schools for the past 38 years. Retirement is on the horizon.
1983
B Robin Bryan ‘83 shares that her daughter Victoria Schue ‘21, who also went to Westminster, graduates from University of Georgia with honors this May. Victoria is then off to law school.
C Ron Frank ‘83 “My son, Forrest Frank won the Gospel Music Award this year for Best New Christian Artist and Song of the Year. His Christian Album was No. 1 in the world for 20 weeks or so. He’s up for a Grammy in February for it. He’s become the face of Christian music on most outlets. He’s homeschooled, and a true Warrior. His concert May 15 in Miami had a large alumni contingency supporting him including: Joe Jackson ‘83, Chris Cantwell ‘83, Tripp Harrison ‘83, Eric Hill ‘83, Jeannie McKee McCall ‘83, Jena Jenkins Staly ‘83, Diane Elliot Deaver ‘83, Tina Clark Schorr ‘83,
Tammy Eyrich Hendrick ‘85 “I just finished my master’s in education, and my husband and I are expecting our sixth grandchild this coming Thanksgiving. God has been so gracious to bless us with nine (four are in-law) adult children and soon to be six grandchildren.”
1986
D Emily Radford Hill ‘86 “My son, Ryan Hill, is a class of 2020 graduate from Prince of Peace Christian School (POPCS) in Carrollton, TX. His sports medicine teacher while a student there was Michelle “Meech” Melendez Kemrite, WCS class of 2013 and former WCS volleyball coach. He graduated from SMU in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. He is now working for POPCS, launching their first after school sports program and as a basketball analyst for the varsity basketball team, where Michelle is the assistant varsity volleyball coach for the POPCS championship volleyball team.
Meech ‘13 recently celebrated her 30th birthday at POPCS with a Miami Nights theme, where we took this picture. Small world!
1987
E Melissa DeJong ‘87 “This spring I traveled with my son, Kyler Salony ‘25, to Japan with the Westminster Engineering Program. Kyler is graduating from Westminster this year.”
1990
F Eric Alexandrakis ‘90 is a two-time Grammy nominated musician discovered by Duran Duran’s John Taylor, and who has worked with a slew of individuals including Dolores O’Riordan from The Cranberries, John Malkovich, Young The Giant, members of The Cars, Blondie, The Cure, The Smiths, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, David Lynch, and many others. While a graduate student exactly 30 years ago, Eric produced the first digitally watermarked CD release, a tech used in every form of digital exchange today. In 2024 Eric and his family were recognized for funding the first DNA analysis and identification of WWII victims in Greece, which the Greek press called “The most important thing to happen to Greece in 50 years.” The initiative was also Eric’s idea, leading to finally identifying the remains of his grandfather, greatgrandfather and two uncles, all executed by Nazis on June 2, 1941, and buried in a mass grave.
1991
G Colleen Campbell Shellabarger ‘91 is currently living in Coral Gables. “Married my husband, Jon Shellabarger, in 2010. We had our son, William, in 2014 and our daughter, Macy, in 2015. We are excited for our children to be attending and starting at Westminster in the 2025-26 school year.”
Classes of ’93, ’94 and ’95 Reunion
H These classes joined to celebrate their 30-year milestone reunion with a memorable evening that began at the Sunset Tavern. The festivities then continued at the welcoming home of Danielle Moran Almazan ‘93, where classmates shared stories and reminisced about their high school days across three graduating years. The class of ‘95 is planning a special event again this year and is looking forward to celebrating during homecoming 2025!
1994
I Jason Barger ‘94 “Living an adventurous and fun life with my wife, we have two active young sons, Brock (15) and Bryce (13), who run cross country and play water polo for Columbus High School. I have been with the Coral Gables Fire Department for 20 years and have reached the rank
of battalion chief. During my tenure, I have completed numerous high-level certifications and published an article in Firehouse magazine titled “Three Breaths and Go: Firefighting With Your Mind, Body, and Spirit” on the effect of breathwork in stressful situations (https://www.firehouse.com/technology/ incident-command/article/53095339/ three-breaths-and-go-firefighting-withyour-mind-body-and-spirit). As an active member of USAR Florida Task Force II, I have been deployed to events such as Hurricane Harvey and the Surfside Collapse. I am also a continually active individual, competing in multiple Ironman competitions, marathons, expedition adventure races, and outrigger canoe races. This August, I will be competing in the Leadville 100 MTB race.”
J Rebekah Cameron Storey ‘94 “God has brought me to a place in my life where He has opened the doors for me to start a ministry as a Christian women’s speaker. I want to help women of faith learn to free themselves from the shackles of anger and bitterness. Using scripture and personal experiences, I speak to women’s groups at churches to teach them how to forgive when that feels impossible so they can walk in the freedom that God wants for them.”
1995
Daniel Rodriguez ‘95 is deeply involved in the AI space, evolving companies to become autonomous.
1996
K The oldest son of Karl “KO” Wiegandt ‘96 and Dacia Chaffin Wiegandt ‘97, Austin Wiegandt ‘25, is graduating this year from Westminster. “He will be heading to play baseball at College of Charleston in South Carolina on a scholarship. He will be playing two-way there and studying at the School of Business. This is a full circle moment with his dad, who also was committed to play baseball in college. Westminster has been such a great foundation for him to grow spiritually, academically, and physically as an athlete! We know that he will shine bright in all his endeavors.”
1997
L Javier Alberto Azucena ‘97, “just had my second son, Thiago Azucena, and I am about to have my fourth year with Cellmark Recycling. (Pictured: Javier Azucena, Maria Azucena, Lucciana Azucena and Thiago Azucena).
A Sean Tabor ‘97 “At the end of 2022, my wife, Mary Tabor, and our children,
Gigi (8) and George (5), moved from Dallas, TX, to Palm Beach Gardens, FL. In January 2023, my business partners and I launched a private credit fund targeting the aerospace industry. With the support of our existing investors, we rolled everyone into the new fund, starting with $48 million in assets under management (AUM). Since then, the fund has delivered steady 22% annual returns, surpassing $230 million in AUM by March 2025. We’re now working to disrupt the MRO industry with a fresh private credit approach, continuously pushing beyond traditional banking strategies.”
1998
B Jon Adams ‘98 was recently promoted to full bird colonel in the United States Army. His father, Gary Adams, is a former Westminster teacher and principal. (Pictured: Gary’s wife, Charlotte, and Jon’s wife, Sara, and children, Ellie and Carson).
C Meredith Kirtland Hixon ‘98 celebrated the wedding of her brother, Bill Kirtland ’04, alongside family, including her sister Adrienne Kirtland Marzano ’94. Meredith remains deeply involved in the Westminster community, where her sons Cooper ’27 and Bryce ’33 are students. She serves as the football team mom, a volunteer admissions tour guide, and an
active member of the Alumni Association, currently chairing efforts for Give Miami Day and supporting various school events.
1999
D Valerie Baker Barber ‘99 is a realtor and more recently, a real estate instructor. “I’ve lived in Central Florida since 2009 and this year I am celebrating 10 years of marriage with my husband, William.”
E In August 2024, Monica Pappas Snyder ’99 answered a call from God and launched Pathway Counseling and EMDR Consulting (pathwaycounseling.org). Her private practice offers virtual therapy, supervision for registered interns, and certification for counselors pursuing EMDR certification. This new endeavor has also allowed Monica to continue homeschooling their twin daughters. She, husband Bryon, and their twins live in Miami, where they are active members of Old Cutler Presbyterian Church. Monica serves in both the women’s ministry and music ministry.
2000
F In August 2024, Jacqueline Cuayo ‘00 married Travis Bourland in Bellingham, WA and became stepmom to Hannah (22) and Brielle (16). Jackie’s fellow 2000 grads Michelle Klepp Carroll ‘00, Virginia Aquila Overton ‘00, Chelsea Blakley Metzger ‘00, and Stacey Buck Tabor ‘00
celebrated with them. Jacqueline and Travis live in Seattle where she works as a visitation minister and hospital chaplain, and he works as a surgical technologist and organ procurement specialist.
G Jason Goff ‘00 is president of Florida Concrete Unlimited and founder of one of the largest youth wrestling clubs in South Florida, KongKrete Wrestling Academy. He just celebrated 16 years of marriage to his wife, Yvette, and has four children: Mia (14), Jason (11), Jake, (11), and Emma (11). Jason and Jake both wrestle, Emma plays volleyball, and Mia is a Varsity cheerleader for Lourdes.
Chris Han ‘00 is working at Blue Origin (Jeff Bezos’ rocket company) and “just had our first major launch from a launch pad that I helped design.”
H Michael Hernández ‘00 was re-elected as a Pembroke Pines City Commissioner for District 4. “I represent 47,000 of the city’s 171,000 residents.”
I Tiffany Keller Lam ‘00 “God has led in miraculous ways. Westminster provided an array of opportunities which eventually led me to become a PA at Mayo Clinic’s Orthopedic Surgery Upper Extremity Division. I work with the top surgeons in the world to service patients with complex
shoulder and elbow conditions. It is rewarding to offer hope when patients have had none before meeting us. My husband was so amazing to follow me from Coconut Grove to Rochester, MN. The greatest gift God has ever given is my loving family, and I’m forever grateful for Westminster. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
J Debra Amundson Lopez ‘00 “We now have two alumni, Emily Matias ‘23 and Avah Lopez ‘24. Another one about to graduate, Zoey Matias ‘25 and headed off to the University of Missouri to play volleyball! Our son Andrew Lopez ‘26 just qualified for the state tournament in wrestling and our youngest, Daniella Lopez ‘31 is in the sixth grade. I’m teaching fourth grade at Westminster.”
K Joaquin Ramos Jr. ‘00 “I remarried last year with my wife Cinthya. I work at the University of Miami in the Business School as a career advisor for graduate business students. I volunteer with the Marfan Foundation. I found out I had Marfan Syndrome three years ago when I had emergency aortic dissection. Definitely changed my perspective on life with living in the present moment and gratitude.”
L Ana Serrano ‘00 “I started a new career in 2020 after 15 years working in
commercial real estate. I am now a high school English Literature teacher, I teach 12th grade, and I love everything about it! My husband David and I have two children: Ethan (7) and Layla (2).”
2001
Derek Wallbank ‘01 has a new job with Bloomberg, steering coverage of the White House and US government in West Coast and East Asia hours. He will be relocating from Singapore to San Francisco.
2002
M Lizzett Chiappy Diaz ‘02 “I live in Miami, married to another Miami born and raised native, Danny Diaz. We have been married for four years and have a 2 1/2-year-old son named William, but we call him Willy. We are expecting our second child, a girl, this coming July. Her name will be Liliana Belle, and we will call her Lilly. I am the co-founder of Casa Vinyasa Yoga Studio in Coral Gables. We have been open for almost seven years. I am also the founder of MYP Athletes which focuses on mindfulness, yoga, and Pilates as a form of active recovery for athletes and have worked with our very own Westminster athletes as well as various athletic teams and athletes of The University of Miami, Florida International University, the Miami Dolphins, the
Florida Marlins, and other local club and high school teams.”
N Matthew Slaga ‘02 “I am an elementary music teacher at Northmore Elementary which is part of the Palm Beach County Schools. I am also a Navy Reservist. I have been in the Navy Reserves for 13 years. My wife and I have two daughters, Stephanie, who is 16, and our youngest daughter, Naomi, who is 8 years old. My wife, Dalain, is an ordained minister and business owner.”
Class of 2004 Reunion
O For their 20-year reunion, the Class of 2004 gathered at the scenic Cebada Rooftop, creating a perfect backdrop for reconnecting with old friends. Adding to the special occasion, they were joined by Associate Head of School David Medder, whose presence brought back fond memories of their time in school and sparked animated conversations about the past and present.
A Roland Gonzalez ‘04 recently became the CEO of Church’s Texas Chicken.
B Natalie Palacios Holzapfel ‘04 “I’m currently living in Fort Mill, SC married to my husband, David. We have three children, Benjamin, Emma, and Rex. I’ll be starting a new position as a high school Bible teacher and yearbook adviser at Westminster Catawba Christian School in Rock Hill, SC in the fall!”
Dr. Michael North ‘04 and his wife welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, one year ago. When he is not chasing around his daughter, Dr. North teaches at Middle Georgia State University where he is now the chair of the Media, Culture and Arts Department.
2005
C Since graduating from Westminster, Michelle Garcia ‘05 has had a career within the fashion industry working for many different department stores and brands. In 2024, Michelle launched her own eponymous brand. Her brand has debuted in New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and has been featured in Ocean Drive Magazine and Miami Magazine. You can shop the collection at www.michellegarcia.co and follow it on social media @michellegarciafashion.
2006
D Allyce Perret-Gentil ‘06 will be pursuing a master’s in health education
this fall at Columbia University’s Teachers College. After graduating nursing school in 2010, Allyce had the opportunity to teach health class for one year at Westminster and it has sparked her love for health education ever since then.
2007
E Fellow alumnae Monica Perdomo Witte ‘07 and Jessica Dietrich Warren ’07 helped shower Andrea Schonenberg ’07—and her future little one—with lots of love at her baby shower.
2008
F Monica Blanco Taggart ‘08 “I am an audiologist at Kendall Audiology and Hearing Aid Center where I have been working since 2021. I recently developed our auditory processing program where we evaluate and treat children and adults who suffer from difficulties processing speech, especially in difficult listening environments. I love being able to help patients achieve better hearing and regain their quality of life! I married my husband, Eric, in 2017 and we have two little boys who will both be attending Westminster next year for PK3 and Kindergarten! I love being back at Westminster and seeing it again through my sons’ eyes.”
2010
G Julien Exposito ‘10 started a job as a general cardiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He and his wife also welcomed their fourth child.
2012
H Carly Wyler ‘12 is still living in Miami. She is running the Beach Channel (a local TV channel in the Miami/Miami Beach area) at Accord Productions. Carly regularly hosts and produces TV commercials and shows. Carly has also joined the South Florida Autism Charter School’s/Center’s Junior Board of Directors and serves in helping them with events and raising much needed funds for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
2013
I Katie Butler ‘13 “I recently graduated with my MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. I’m currently back in Miami before moving to New York City this fall to begin a role in strategy/ management consulting. If you’re in Miami or NYC, I’d love to reconnect!”
J Ashley Persaud ‘13 “Life has taken me on quite a journey since my time at Westminster!! I moved to Oregon and have been living in Bend for almost a
year now, soaking up the mountains and outdoor life (and I wouldn’t have it any other way). I work in marketing for a nonprofit that’s dedicated to dismantling the stigma around mental health. It’s a job that feels both meaningful and personal. This past Christmas was a big milestone for me as I celebrated five years sober after overcoming struggles with addiction. It’s been a long road, but I’m grateful for where I am today and excited for what’s ahead. Hope everyone in the Westminster community is doing well. I would love to connect with any fellow alumni out in the PNW!”
Class of 2014 Reunion
K Returning to their roots, the Class of 2014 held their reunion at Westminster’s Nature Center, bringing their alumni journey full circle. The evening was made even more meaningful by the attendance of cherished teachers Ben Warren and Lenny Castaneda. As the sun set, the conversations and connections continued well into the night, with classmates reluctant to end their walk down memory lane.
L Margaret Tienstra ‘14 married Max Scott on March 15, 2025, in Tampa. Many Westminster alums were in attendance, most notably Noël Powell
Gaffney ‘14, whom she met in PK3 at Westminster, and was her maid of honor.
Brandon Valls ‘14 is a Manhattan College baseball alumni, class of 2018 and University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Anesthesiology Resident, class of 2028.
2015
Roshad Broadway ‘15 is currently an engineer for Lockheed Martin.
M Courtney Clausell ‘15 “I am currently working for a Japanese company as a human resources manager and trainer. I’ve begun the process of (finally) publishing my first novel and am aiming to finish writing the second one this year!”
N Eli Medder ‘15 and his wife, Izzy, welcomed their first child. His family, mom Sherry Medder, sister Katie Medder Moon ’07, and niece Summer Moon ’31, traveled to Virginia to celebrate this exciting new chapter with them.
O Hellen Moncada ‘15 “After a life changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis last year, my life took a complete 180 and I was at a loss for what to do next with my life, living with a new disability. I was worried about how I would make a living, but in January I was gifted a business from
my sister-in-law, A-quality paper goods for school and work. It’s completely e-commerce. I hand design, print, cut and package all sorts of paper goods like gift tags, bespoke stationery, labels, note pads, stickers, recipe cards etc. The business is called Preppy Prodigy on Etsy and my website is www.preppyprodigy.com.”
Taelor Suris ‘15 “I am currently living in Tennessee. I work at Rolling Hills Community Church. I am the technical director for the Franklin Campus. I also work in audio visual for live events and have worked with Carrie Underwood, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac, Lauren Daigle, Hillary Scott and more. I am married to Adriana Letellier ‘17, and we own a property with two horses in Orlinda, Tennessee.”
2016
Zachary Chapel ‘16 was recently promoted to business developer at Brightview Landscape Services.
A Mikaela Rivera Paicely ‘16 and Keon Paicely ‘16 “We got married on February 21, 2025, in the Dominican Republic! We were surrounded by so many Westminster peers and family, and it was amazing. Keon
started his own business selling luxury watches and diamonds in the Seybold Building in Miami, and I am starting a new job as a nurse practitioner in general surgery at Jackson Hospital. We are so excited to start this next journey as a married couple and to see what God has in store for us next!”
Congratulations to Nicole Saba ‘16 on welcoming her second baby girl!
Derek Van Hook ‘16 currently lives in Key Largo, FL and he shares “I am diving as much as I can!”
2017
B Brittney Brigham Eichenauer ‘17 celebrated her marriage to Josiah in a beautiful Texas ceremony this May. The joyous occasion was made complete by the presence of her beloved family: father Tim Brigham ‘86, mother Kim Brigham, brothers Toby Brigham ‘17 and Tommy Brigham ‘22, and nephew Matteo Brigham, who will join the Westminster community this fall.
C Isabella Cina ‘17 “I recently passed my board exam for behavior analysis so now I am a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst in NC. I absolutely love it.”
Nico Mora ‘17 “Married and recently had a baby. Currently working at the
UF Lastinger Center for Learning as a data and reporting leading a statewide tutoring program serving thousands of students across the state. Enjoying Gainesville and making pizzas on the weekend for friends. Thankful for the Warrior family!”
D Samantha Rodriguez ‘17 married Jordan De La Cruz on November 11, 2024, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The couple lives in Miami.
2018
Alexandra Roiz ‘18 “I just earned my master’s degree in media management from the University of Miami School of Communication this spring, all while working there full-time!”
E Bréjah Upton ‘18 is an electrical engineer at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. This summer she will be conducting research in the UK at Rolls-Royce. Bréjah received her BS in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT and is currently working on her MS in electrical and computer engineering. (Pictured with alumni siblings Lex Upton ‘24 and Aria Upton ‘21).
2019
Nicole Ferran ‘19 “started working with my dad’s company Decorini Cabinetry, Inc.”
F Gabriela Hernandez ‘19 “I just
finished my run as Queen Elsa in the DC Regional Premiere of Frozen the Musical at The Olney Theatre Center! To say it was a dream come true would be an understatement, especially after I got to sing the “Let it Go” solo in the Frozen Choir Medley in eighth grade!”
G Ensign Kelsey Mira ‘19 was recently chosen as one of seven selectees for the Navy’s Law Education Program, a path for active-duty Navy officers to pursue a career as a judge advocate. “I am most proud of being selected as a Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps student with the LEP program,” Mira said. “I completed university and LEP applications while deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. I am proud of myself for pursuing my dreams to become a lawyer! I was balancing my surface warfare officer qualifications and first tour division officer responsibilities as an assistant first lieutenant and command legal officer.”
2020
H Daniel Gaviria ‘20 graduated from Wake Forest University last May where he studied finance. He officially moved out of Miami to Charlotte, NC in late 2024 to work at McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm.
I Eva Martinez ‘20 is currently a first-year dental student at the University of Iowa.
J Isa Morales ‘20 recently graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and is continuing her career as a broadcast journalist.
Camila Perea ‘20 “I am starting a PhD in biological sciences at Yale in the fall!”
2021
K Madeline Amador ‘21 just completed her Bachelor of Science with a major in communication science and disorders with a child development minor with a specialization in speechlanguage pathology. She graduated Cum Laude from FSU. Next, she will be pursuing a master’s in speech-language pathology in the fall at FIU.
L Jayden Higgins ‘21 “I was recently drafted in the 2025 NFL draft to the Houston Texans. Go Warriors!!”
M Jordan Lazaro Interian ‘21 just graduated from Lynn University.
N Bryce Palmer ‘21 recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree in commercial entrepreneurship. He
started an internship at Moss & Associates as a field engineer intern.
O Emily Sturge ‘21 is moving to Washington D.C. upon her graduation from the University of Florida (‘25) to continue her on-air reporting with FOX News and Newsmax. Sturge began making national media appearances as a sophomore in college.
Aria Upton ‘21 is graduating from the University of Southern California with a BA in theater with an emphasis in acting. Her minor is psychology. She is currently interning at Skydance Animation.
2022
Charis Davis ‘22 graduated from the University of Florida in May, double majoring in history and English with an art history minor. She will continue her studies at Durham University in England where she will pursue a Master of Arts in museum and artefact studies.
P Austin Jones ‘22 “I graduated a week ago from Hawaii Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in oceanography and minors in music and digital multimedia. I also recently earned my commercial 200 ton Master of Yachts rating while sailing 5300 nautical miles through the South Pacific on a 100-foot schooner and stopping in Fiji, Palau, and Indonesia. I’m currently working at the
Hawai’i Institute for Marine Biology as a shark husbandry intern and am a guest bass singer in the Hawai’i Vocal Arts Ensemble with a performance of Bach’s B minor mass in June. After the summer I’m hoping to lead a career of ocean exploration, stewardship of the environment, storytelling, and creativity.”
2023
Spencer McGee ‘23 is attending the University of Miami and is a professional brick builder for the Lego Store.
2024
Q Carlos Garcia ‘24 “First year of college was an amazing new experience. Made lots of close relationships with others and I’m an academic weapon.”
R Nick Mekras ‘24 just completed a successful freshman season playing football at Catholic University. He had a great first year both on and off the field!
Lex Upton ‘24 is majoring in film and television at Columbia College Chicago. He is finishing his freshman year. Currently, he works for Behind the Rock Productions as an editor.
Athletic Hall of Fame
Inducts Warriors Gone Too Soon
This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame posthumously inducted Vicky Hoppe ‘15 and George Williams ‘16, two of Westminster’s finest athletes whose lives ended far too soon. Families and friends came together to honor their lives and recognize their tremendous achievements as Westminster athletes and students.
Hoppe, one of Westminster’s most decorated distance runners, earned multiple individual district and regional championships in cross country and track and field. Victoria was recruited by the University of Southern Mississippi, where she competed from 2016-19, and was part of the first Conference USA women’s outdoor conference championship team in program history.
A life-long Warrior, Williams was a standout runner at Westminster and became the school’s first individual state champion in the 400m. Over the course of a remarkable track career, Williams held an individual state title, a state runner-up finish, two regional championships and six district championships. He holds both the 200m and 400m school records. Following graduation, Williams continued his track career at Davidson College and is the school’s indoor 400m record holder.
Hoppe and Williams join 81 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.
A Mary Beth Belew Horton (former teacher and board member) passed into the presence of the Savior on July 15, 2024. She dedicated her life in her main calling as a teacher at Westminster for over 30 years. She taught English and Bible at the seventh-grade level. She was also well known in the old days when she taught “Grooming and Charm” to her precious junior high girls. After retirement, she went on to serve on the board of Westminster for years and always made herself available to the mission of Christian education. Her loving son Capt. Jeffrey C. Horton, SC, USN (Ret) ‘81 hosted a beautiful celebration of life where remembrances were shared by Mike Pappas ‘76, Amy Brigham Boulris ‘81 and Scott Mullin ‘86
B Maggi Cook Moorman, a beloved high school Spanish teacher at Westminster during the 1970s and 80s, passed away on February 21, 2025. She is survived by her three sons, Bill Cook ‘82, Kevin Cook ‘84, Matt Cook ‘86, and granddaughter Taylor Cook ‘24.
C Melinda Martin Mahaffey ‘71 found peace in her final journey on December 18, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. She is survived by her brother Sid Martin ‘74
D Barb Crompton Thompson ‘75 entered the gates of Heaven on July 1, 2025, following a six and a half year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Peter, her son Andrew Thompson ’00, her daughter, Rebecca Thompson Gonzalez ‘02, their spouses, including Brian Gonzalez ’02, and her five grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy Crompton ‘78, Tom Crompton Jr. ‘79, Penny Crompton Lyn ’82, and many nieces and nephews including Kevin Lyn ‘10, Brian Lyn ‘13, and Brandon Lyn ‘15. There will be a service to celebrate her remarkable life sometime in the fall.
E On August 17, 2024, Bonnie Lee Rust ’76 passed away peacefully at Baptist Hospital after a brave, five-month battle with neuroendocrine cancer, while surrounded by her loving family
and friends. She is survived by her sisters Lani Rust Dickson ‘71, Debra Rust Lindstrom ‘74, and Wendy Rust ‘83.
F Dora Charlene Spooner ‘77 departed this earthly life in the early morning hours of Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 66 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va.
G U.S. Army Ret. LTC David Beshlin ’78 of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025. He is survived by his sister Nancy Beshlin Diemer ‘75.
H Suzanne Sansone Salzman ’81, age 61, became her family’s guardian angel on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. She is survived by her brother Mike Sansone ‘85
I Kurt Goethel ’00 passed away on September 22, 2024. He lived in Miami.
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Westminster Fine Arts students brought the magic of Beauty and the Beast to life in The Lighthouse, the school’s spectacular performing arts center. For the first time, the production featured a live orchestra pit composed entirely of Westminster students and staff. From the captivating acting, singing, and choreography to the stunning costumes, set design, and live music, every element came together to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
