A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of alum back to Westmont for our annual “college sweatshirt billboard” photo, as it has come to be known. These high school seniors arrived in a flurry of excitement and anticipation at returning to their first school. They represented 6 different high schools; some drove themselves and others came with their parents. Some were still friends, others reconnected; all talked about their days at Westmont and their memories of their teachers, their friends and their “work.” I have to tell you I was in awe of their growth and maturity. These young people, certainly no longer children were impressive, conversational and engaging. I am so proud to know that their journey started at Westmont and that they cared enough to want to remain a part of its legacy. One young man took a break from his after-school job to be here. The scope of their interests, achievements, college choices and career goals were mindboggling. The world is most definitely theirs for the taking; indeed their future is bright.
It was late afternoon and some of our children were still in Extended Day. The younger children stared in awe at the “big people” who used to go to Westmont, and the alum oohed and aahed at the size and adorable “little people” and the small tables and chairs. What a difference a decade makes! I could not help but go back in time and see all of these “big kids” during their Westmont days. They started the same way, entering tentatively, clinging to their parents’ hands, some quiet, some crying, some needing more time to settle. Back then they started in Toddler and children could not attend Extended Day until they turned 3! They were all provided the same patient opportunities to develop their independence, their interests, their self-confidence, and their self-discipline to become the capable people they are today.
As I look at the amazing growth of all our students this year, I know that their future, too, is bright. A strong foundation is key. Our Little Steppers are ready to jump into their toddler year, our Toddlers are willing and able to tackle those big steps to the upstairs, our Early Childhood children are ready to move up the ladder from being newbies to becoming role models and Kindergarteners, and our Kindergarten students are headed off to the world outside of Westmont, armed and equipped to make a smooth transition. Each year at Westmont brings with it an evolution that is phenomenal and individual to each child. We see the “explosions” into growth at all levels; physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Some of our students uttered their first words at Westmont, some lost their first tooth, some read their first word, some made their first friend, some wrote their first story, some gave their first lesson, and some did their first kindness. Yes, so many firsts and an infinite number of opportunities to come.
One of my most used expressions, as I have witnessed the growth of so many of our students over the years, is “don’t blink.” The days may seem long at times with little ones to take care of, but the years seem to pass fleetingly. Thank you for choosing Westmont for your child’s educational foundation and for partnering with us in developing capable people.
I look forward to seeing you at our Volunteer Brunch on June 8, and at our school picnic on June 19.