Exit Interview

​Have you ever been part of an exit interview? It can be eye-opening. Poised to leave a job, many feel free to share their honest opinions of their time within the organization.
Recently, the WCS community gathered to observe our 47th Commencement Ceremony and celebrate all that God has done in the lives of the Class of 2025. What an exciting day to see our students—many of them having been at WCS since kindergarten—walk across the stage, receive their diplomas, and join the global fellowship of over 2,000 WCS alumni.

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One of the most exciting parts of the ceremony (at least for the faculty and staff and me) was hearing the students share about the impact that our school has had on their lives. The teachers, the coaches, the friends, the memories, the academics, the arts, the athletics, the activities, and the close-knit community—all of it helped to shape them into the young men and women that they are, poised to make an impact.
Here is a sample of what several seniors shared in their “exit interview.”
“I learned of WCS near the end of freshman year and, long-story-short, I enrolled. I remembered my promise to God and strived to become the best student I could be. Although I was terrible at sports, I did as many as I could. I became involved with the student government, the musical, any volunteer work and any school trip. . . I was so thankful to God and so ready to experience high school to the fullest . . . I gained a group of great friends who mean so much to me, more than they could ever realize, and became surrounded by a community of people who shared the same faith as me. It was truly all I ever wanted. I really can’t express my gratitude for WCS and everything it did for me, because putting it into words would not do justice to the depth of my love for this school.” 
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“We’ve done a lot of life together here, some of us since kindergarten . . . but this place, these people, have been part of our story. We’ve learned a lot about Chemistry and History . . . but also about who we are, what matters, and where we’re going . . . Teachers, thank you. Thank you for the lessons, the prayers and the grace you showed us . . . You didn’t just teach us what to think, but how to think, and, most importantly, how to live with character and faith . . . All these years at WCS weren’t just about school; it was about learning to see the world the way God sees it.”  

“Before anything else, I want to thank God for His never-ending love for us and for bringing us to this moment. I want to thank our administration, staff, and teachers for supporting our growth both spiritually and academically . . . I want to take a moment to acknowledge just how much this class has accomplished. We’ve thrived academically, excelled in athletics and the arts, and generously served our school and community. Our student–athletes have broken school records, earned spots on college teams, and advanced to state tournaments. Academically, we had a 100% pass rate in AP US History and had students earn top rankings in Science Olympiad and Math League . . . . Our music ensembles have brought back gold from out-of-state competitions and have sent select members to All-State ensembles . . . . These are real achievements. They took discipline, resilience, and talent. And today is a chance to celebrate that . . . . But over time—through my own spiritual growth and with the help of the amazing WCS community—I’ve come to learn what real joy looks like. It comes through working for the Lord, not for man. Through striving for excellence, not to impress, but to honor the One who gave me the ability to achieve in the first place.”  

"Two years ago, when I first transferred to WCS in 11th grade as an international student, I arrived full of uncertainty. Everything was unfamiliar—new faces, new language, new culture. I felt lost, wondering how I would ever find my place. But God has a beautiful way of working through people . . . . I began to experience the warmth and inclusiveness of this amazing community. I had teachers who modeled character, integrity, and faith. Truly, I saw Christ’s love in action. I thank God. He brought me here, sustained me through struggles, and gave me joy in unexpected places. As it says in Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I didn’t know what my path would look like when I arrived, but I know now—God has been directing every step."
God is directing the steps of all our graduates. One hundred percent of the Class of 2025 are heading to a college or university. Wherever they go, whether close to home or on the other side of the world, we pray that our newest alumni will hold fast to the foundation they received at WCS and impact the culture for Christ.  
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Educating for Eternity,
Jonathan Nazigian
WCS Headmaster