PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
alumni.wcsfoundation66.org
As educators, we administer tests to determine proof of understanding and growth. The same is expected of us as a school district, to present numerical evidence showing our students are growing cognitively under our teaching. I am proud to do that as principal at Westside High School; to tell you how our ACT scores rose in 2016-2017, 2.3 points higher than the state average. To tell you about our state and national awards and accolades for both students and our teachers. To tell you about how our learners not only succeeded on the field or on the stage, but in the classroom. I can readily share all of those statistics, yet that is not what drives me as an educator. In this newsletter, you read about the achievements of a few recent graduates and how they say our school fueled their success. These are only A FEW of hundreds of stories. Some learners are naturally driven and talented, some need extra incentive or attention. Some breeze through our halls without breaking a sweat, some bring us to tears because they accomplished what once seemed
impossible to them. Their smiles, their success, and their potential, are what make me so excited about this time of year. This August, hundreds of students will walk into our school. They will become future engineers, teachers, soldiers, doctors, performers, CEO’s, and small-business owners… IF they are given the tools to succeed. It’s up to us to help them find their passion, and by us, I mean educators, neighbors and alumni that make up Westside Community Schools. We have the ability to empower each and every one of these students, and to send them off ready and willing to make the world a better place. When they do that, when students like Milo and Celena achieve greatness and tell the world ‘I did this thanks to Westside,’ THAT is the evidence that really matters. We want the great test scores. We work for the awards and accolades. Ultimately, we will remember our students’ stories, the legacy continuing the tradition of greatness renewed every fall at Westside High School. Thank you for supporting Westside! Jay Opperman Principal, Westside High School
REUNIONS 1957: 60th Reunion | September 15-17 Preliminary Agenda Friday, September 15 1:00 – 11:00 pm: Our Hospitality Suite, Marriott Hotel - Gather and chat (whenever one arrives); light food and drink available. 6:00 pm: Transportation to WHS stadium to watch football game and return to Marriott (option). After game, continue gathering and chatting. Saturday, September 16 Morning: Westside High School Tour (option). Our Hospitality Suite at the Marriott Hotel will be open all day for you to come and go as you please.
The class of 1967 held their 50 year reunion on June 9th and 10th. Saturday night they celebrated at the Oak Hills Country Club with the Day Break Rock and Roll band. It was a great weekend thanks to chairman Kris Walker Goodman and the reunion committee. Bruce Moore and Kris Walker Goodman.
Mid-day: Lunch on your own, River City Star Missouri River cruise (option). The rest of the afternoon is open. Evening: Class Dinner Formal End of Reunion Sunday, September 17 Morning: Breakfast option, Marriott Hotel NOTE: Marriott Regency is the “preferred hotel.” A number of rooms have been “blocked out” for our usage, with a special 60th Reunion rate. Please make your own reservation: 1-800-228-9290.
Mike Abramson, George Proud and Steve Binder from the Class of 1977 40th Reunion. DJ’s Dugout was the venue for Friday, July 28 night and Saturday was at Mammel Hall.
Committee members: Julia Harvey, Rex & Carol Rehnquist, Dave Humphry (Chair), Joan (Wolfgram) Neubauer, Carolyn (Evans) Kalinski, Rita (Benesch) Glass, and Ed Zschau Please contact us at alumni@westside66.net to plan your class reunion. 1987 30th Reunion was held June 23 and 24. Friday night was at Cedar Bar and Saturday at The Omaha Outward Bound School. Libby (Wax) Stiles, Lynn (Goldner) Cook, and Sheri (Wittamore) Diesing.