A publication of the
WESTSIDE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FALL 2017
alumni.wcsfoundation66.org
Celena Shepherd, Emily Torres and Bennett Hellman, and Milo Greder
2017 Westside Graduates Achieving Their Dreams Toe at the line, he leaned over, lifted his head, and waited for the signal to start the race. It all came down to this, the Class A state track final on May 20. Just four minutes and nine seconds later, Westside’s Milo Greder recorded the fastest mile in Nebraska high school history. The historic finish capped a career including two state championships in track and two state 1st runner up placements in cross country.
Student athletes often credit their coaches, determination, and their families for their success. Greder adds another element: Westside’s unique modular scheduling model. “Coming into Westside one of the things I was worried about was managing my time between sports and academics,” said Greder. “I am pretty proud that Westside helps out student athletes by using modular schedules. Modular scheduling will make my life at college more comfortable and easier because college schedules are very similar to what Westside provides.” Personalized learning has helped students of all backgrounds and interests find incredible success at Westside and beyond, proven in our Class of 2017. Darlondo Hill won a state title in wrestling, one of several athletic championships or 1st runner up honors earned by Warrior athletes. Preston Noll and Josh Militti both earned perfect ACT
scores and Westside High was recognized as an exemplary ACT high school last year. Bennett Hellman and Emily Torres were both accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. Overall, our 2017 graduates accumulated an estimated $3 million dollars in college scholarships. Nathan Wallace made Westside history as the first Warrior selected for National Honor Choir, as ATSC won a record-setting five Grand Championships in competition. Celena Shepherd was part of the Westside journalism program named 4th in the nation at America’s High School Journalism Convention, and part of the Westside DECA team that sent an astounding 51 qualifying students to compete. “I’m proud of all of the unique opportunities that Westside offers,” said Shepherd. “It allows students to excel in whatever their passion may be. We have an abundance of extracurricular activities available to help students be as successful as possible.” Shephard also notes the importance of our community’s engagement within our schools. Dunkin’ Donuts, owned by Westside stakeholder and Bond Oversight Committee member Kris Brown, partnered with Westside High, allowing DECA students to take over marketing for the 90th & West Center location. Sales increased by 8%.
“This was a very valuable experience that only Westside could provide,” said Shepherd. “I want people to remember we truly are the lighthouse district. We light the way for others. Westside is a school that prepares you for your future.” And Westside is a district strengthened by the power and pride of an exceptional community and alumni base. Groups like the Alumni Association encourage all graduates to join together and look back on memories of winning the state championship, of listening to thunderous applause from the stage, of receiving that phone call about a scholarship or test score. This network also shares how the legacy continues, through updates about current students, reunions and programs in Westside Community Schools. We will be watching Milo Greder, Celena Shepherd, and all 2017 graduates with pride and anticipation as they begin this next chapter in their lives. We also hope they remember the light that guided them through their years at Westside, and return to help us ensure the lighthouse stays lit to guide future generations of learners no matter what path they choose. Good luck to the Class of 2017! We hope you accept our warm welcome to the Westside Alumni Association.