The most recent Talent Show featured our amazing staff! Fifteen members of the staff chose to share their considerable talents with the children, demonstrating to the students that they too can become nervous on stage, but that growth comes from facing those fears and doing one's best! The children loved getting to see another side of their beloved teachers and administrators. Acts included singing, yoga, a self-defense demonstration, art, music, and more. Check out the video montage above and we think you'll agree that the Westminster staff is indeed very talented and brave!

The third grade enjoyed a memorable day celebrating their study of the Ancient Egyptians. Miss McIntyre organized many wonderful activities that included, making a scarab amulet out of a round rock, decorating a Senet board and playing a version of the ancient game discovered in King Tut's tomb, walking/dancing like Egyptians, enjoying a traditional Egyptian feast, and more! They children will always remember this very special day!

This week, we spotlight Abrah Shapiro, Westminster alumna of the Class of 2001. After graduating from Westminster, Abrah attended The Madeira School and then earned a B.A. in Film and Television from Boston University. While in college, she moved to Los Angeles to participate in a program sponsored by Boston University that allowed her to begin to pursue her dream. After starting as an intern, she moved through the ranks as a production assistant, coordinator, associate producer, and she is now a television producer, currently working on the TV show, Little Big Shots.

Abrah had this to say about her Westminster experience:

"Westminster has been a very important part of my life and I credit the school and the teachers and especially Mr. Glover for the bulk of who I am. I learned the importance of hard work, dedication and integrity there, and have carried it through my high school, college and adult life. I had attended public school before coming to Westminster and did not recognize the importance of education and did not have good study habits and work discipline until joining Westminster in 3 ^rd grade. It was my years in this school and through the discipline and attention received that I learned my work ethic, sense of self and morality. Westminster helped shape me into who I am today and put me ahead of the curve. I am confident in looking for better opportunities and giving it my all and facing challenges ahead. The bulk of my success is due to my strong upbringing by my parents, and Mr. Glover’s tireless dedication in helping me and my friends to become better people and competitors in life.  Any time I am in Northern Virginia, I make sure to visit the school and let him and his staff know how appreciative I am of all they have done and how important they are to me."

Her message to current students:

"You may not understand why you are taught what you are being taught, but you will understand its value later in life as you enter the life stage as an adult. You may wonder why there is this much discipline and instruction, and feel you are being pressured; but it helps you form into a more responsible individual and leap ahead of others competing with you in your field. Pay attention to what you are being told and taught today, and reference it in future, as all these lessons will come to help you excel in life."

Her message to Westminster parents:

"Westminster is a life style and mentality. It is more than strong academics and arts. While it offers your children strong academics and an art program, it teaches your child how to become a better advocate, volunteer, and effective participant in the society they live in. It provides education in philanthropy, gives you strong foundation in ethics, and a strong sense of self. Westminster education nurtures your children with lessons in life, friendship, and team work. My Westminster friends are my friends for life and no matter how far we are from one another; when we connect, it is as if we were never separated and we pick up where we left off."

Thank you to Abrah for these kind words. You make us so proud! Also, thank you to Mrs. Moghaddam, member of our Board of Trustees and mother of two Westminster grads, for conducting this interview with Abrah.

Mark your calendars now for April 27 and 28, when the Class of 2018 will present the exciting musical, West Side Story. This award-winning Broadway musical features music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The Romeo and Juliet story set in late 1950's New York brings humor, tragedy, and fantastic choreography.

This show is likely to sell out, so get your tickets ahead of time. The Book Fair will be in full swing, so plan to dress up in your finest and come out for a great evening at the Gryphon Theatre! Curtain is at 7:00 P.M. Please join us to support this talented class and spend a wonderful evening at the theatre!

Tickets are going fast! Get yours today! Contact the main office to place an order.