Transformed: Designed to be Different

​​It’s an ongoing struggle for our young people, and not necessarily a new one. They want to fit in. And yet, they also want to stand out. They want to blend in, belong to the group, and avoid doing anything that might embarrass themselves or draw attention to something that might alienate them from their friends. And yet, they also want to be different, to exceed expectations, to make a difference, to be celebrated and recognized, and to be known as the unique person that they are.

This is a natural tension that we all have experienced. And it gives our school an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this teachable moment.
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 Each year at WCS, we select a theme to focus our students and staff on a deeper truth from God’s Word. This year, we are exploring Romans 12:2.
Transformed: Designed to be Different.

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In his letter to first-century Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul acknowledges the dark culture and the real persecution they were experiencing. And he challenges them to live a life of purpose and distinction:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2)
There are many ways that Scripture calls us to be markedly different from the world. Four that we will draw attention to with our students are:
By Experiencing God’s Salvation (Romans 11)
The clearest and most important way that we can stand apart from the fallen world is by embracing the transformative power of the Gospel. We want our students to understand God’s redemptive plan of salvation and give them every opportunity to yield their lives to the risen Savior.
By Renewing the Mind (Romans 12:1–2)
The only way to know and follow God’s perfect will is to have our minds transformed. This transformation is at the heart of the educational experience at WCS. By highlighting God’s truth in every academic subject and by maximizing the discipleship opportunities provided by extracurricular activities, we enable students to truly see the world as God designed it and their unique part in His overarching, redemptive plan.
By Using Their Gifts and Talents (Romans 12:3–8)
Whether it is by exercising the spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament or developing their other God-given talents and skills, God desires each student to stand apart from others and make their unique mark on the world for the glory of God’s Kingdom.
By Loving and Serving Others (Romans 12:9–21)
In a world that prioritizes self-interest, we train our students to love others, show honor, forgive grievances, extend hospitality, serve people in need, and seek the greater good.
That is what transformation is all about.
A few months ago, as we celebrated the graduating class of 2025, it was a joy to see the class unified in friendship and their shared WCS experiences. It was also a joy to see each graduate walk across the stage, uniquely gifted, uniquely talented, uniquely accomplished, and uniquely called to make an impact on our culture. WCS is honored to have been a significant link in the long chain of home and church influences on these graduates’ lives. And we will continue to rejoice as we see them make their unique marks on the world.
Thank you, WCS community, for your continued support of our mission. Your faithful prayers, kind encouragement, infectious school spirit, and sacrificial financial support ensure that, by God’s grace, we will continue to impact our students—each designed to be different—with eternity in view. 
Educating for Eternity,
Jonathan Nazigian
WCS Headmaster