Emma Gregory

The Valedictorian of the Westminster Academy class of 2021 is Emma Gregory!

Favorite Subject: English 

Favorite book read at WA: Crime and Punishment

Senior Thesis Statement: The concern for the lack of education in the arts leads one to ask himself/herself: should a contemporary society have an arts education?  The answer is yes.  Today’s culture, influenced by the dismissal of objective truth, goodness, and beauty, should both value and integrate education of objectively beautiful art because this art allows the individual to flourish intellectually, creatively, and spiritually.

Brief Description of Senior Thesis: In my senior thesis, I will be discussing the importance of education in the arts, and how this form of education allows the individual to flourish intellectually, creatively, and spiritually. By helping an individual to grow in these areas, an arts education will ultimately benefit and uplift culture. 

Plans: To major in music education with a vocal emphasis at the University of Mississippi 

Favorite WA tradition:  My favorite WA tradition is House Initiation! It is such a special time for the seventh graders and new students as they become official members of their house; no one ever forgets their initiation because of how exciting it is! I also have loved experiencing initiation as an upperclassmen because it is a unique experience in which I get to show my house why each namesake is important and why we celebrate him.

What advice or encouragement would you give to younger students at Westminster? Make the most of your time at Westminster! Being a student at a school like Westminster is such a unique experience, and there are so many amazing opportunities you are given. High school will go by more quickly than you realize, so never take anything for granted!

Please share a funny memory or highlight from your time at Westminster:
This year for Secret Santa, Katy Murphy borrowed a shopping cart from Target, and Nathan Deacon, Edmond Fakes, and I snuck it through the school and into the sanctuary for the skit.  Mr. Janikowsky saw us because the teachers’ morning prayer had just ended and thought it was funny.  

What is one way you felt supported or encouraged as a student at Westminster? 
As a student at Westminster, I have felt encouraged specifically by my teachers. They have always supported me inside and outside of the classroom! I have greatly appreciated the advice they have given me throughout my years at WA, and the time they have taken to help me be the best student and person I can be! I have also been encouraged by my friends! Whether they are in my grade or are friends I have made in other classes, so many students have supported me in the exciting and stressful times.   The love they have shown over the years means the world to me! 

Favorite Bible Verse: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Prayer Request: Please pray that my family and I would have a smooth transition into the next phase of life as I start college in the fall. Also pray that I won’t feel burdened being in a new environment and will always stand strong in my faith.

Ginny Fisher

The Salutatorian of the Westminster Academy class of 2021 is Ginny Fisher!

Favorite Subject: Calculus

Favorite book read at WA: The Sun Also Rises 

Senior Thesis Statement: With the rise of CRISPR technology, Christians must understand the societal and moral implications that arise with it, as the incorrect use of this technology undermines human dignity, and we must realize that humans aren’t perfectible, that our fallen state has rendered us incapable of reaching that perfection. 

Brief Description of Senior Thesis: In this thesis, my goal is to give the audience a better understanding of the dangers that arise with the misuse of genetic technology such as CRISPR, as this is a pertinent topic for the future of science in our society. The issue here is trying to perfect something that is imperfectible on this side of heaven: ourselves. As time continues, choices will be made concerning the uses of CRISPR technology, and Christians must be knowledgeable enough on the topic to make an informed judgement. 

Plans: To attend Mississippi State University and study engineering 

Favorite WA tradition:  I love Senior Banquet because it shows the importance of community in our school, and it allows each senior to feel known as an individual.

What advice or encouragement would you give to younger students at Westminster? I encourage all the younger students to fully invest in the relationships built at Westminster. The teachers and faculty only want the best for you, and they are always happy to take that time to help you or guide you however they can. Take time to nurture the friendships and community within your grade as well, because these can turn into lifelong friendships. Oh, and ask Dr. Marino to tell you some puns whenever possible.

Please share a funny memory or highlight from your time at Westminster:
One of the most special moments from my time at Westminster was Volleyball Senior Night, when all of the senior girls huddled together after our hard-fought win and sang Hannah Montana, surrounded by all our family and teammates.

What is one way you felt supported or encouraged as a student at Westminster? 
Westminster Academy has not only been a place of education for me, but it has truly been a home away from home. My fellow seniors have become my family, and have supported me through all that life has thrown my way. But not only has this senior class encouraged me, I have felt that same warmth and love from teachers as well. The teachers at Westminster are not solely interested in producing high-achieving students who can get a good test score, but in pointing us to the Lord, our source of truth, goodness, and beauty. They strive to develop personal relationships in and out of the classroom, and they have become a support system for me throughout this year. Having teachers and classmates who take the time to invest in me, who have reached out when I needed it most, is just one of the many reasons that I call Westminster my home.

Favorite Bible Verse: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Prayer Request: Pray for the Lord to give me grace and peace as I step into a new season of life this year, especially regarding the uncertainty of it all regarding the pandemic.