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Additionally, we are proud to share that we have a total of twenty two 8th grade graduates that attended Westminster Community Charter School from Kindergarten through the eighth grade – an amazing testament to the educational richness of our school.

Each year since 2018 two Westminster students receive awards in recognition of Robert G. Wilmers and Mark J. Czarnecki. Students who exemplify Community Service and Equity for All are chosen by their teachers to receive these prestigious awards. This is one way Westminster continues to honor the legacy of our former M&T Bank leaders.

Mariah Ashley was selected to receive the Mark J. Czarnecki award this year. She is a contentious student who went above and beyond to make sure her time at Westminster had meaning. Mariah has been a student at Westminster since Kindergarten and during her time she participated in multiple school-wide events. She took initiative academically and put time and energy into building relationships and experiences that helped her navigate her final year at Westminster with courage, positivity, and determination. Mariah will be attending PS #355, The New Buffalo Public School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality in the Fall.

Rylee Peterson was selected to receive the Robert G Wilmers award this year. She built a solid foundation of service to her school and community. Rylee was always willing to help out her school community and fellow students. She has given much of her time, talents, voice, and resources to make a difference at Westminster. Rylee has been a member of the drama and music program as well as participated in several fundraising events. She has cultivated strong relationships and experiences that helped her navigate her final year at Westminster. Rylee will be attending Sacred Heart in the Fall.

It is with mixed emotions we bid farewell to a few cherished members of our Westminster school community:

Rita Eisenbeis has been an integral part of Westminster for over 20 years, serving as a Board Trustee since 2005 and Board Chair over the last seven years, dedicating her time, passion, and expertise to ensure our students receive the best education possible. Her commitment to excellence, advocacy for student welfare, and tireless efforts in guiding the school through its recent charter renewal has left an indelible mark on Westminster Community Charter School. Throughout her tenure, Rita has exemplified leadership and unwavering support for our school’s mission and values. Her insight, guidance and strategic vision have played a pivotal role in shaping our school’s growth and success.

Mattie Cobb has been a part of our school family for 45 years. From the very beginning, she embodied the true spirit of dedication and commitment to Westminster. For nearly a half a century, her unwavering support, kindness, and passion for nurturing young minds have touched the lives of generations of students and colleagues alike. She has been a pillar of strength and compassion, always there with a warm smile, a listening ear, and a helping hand. Her invaluable contributions to our classrooms, her patience in guiding students and tireless efforts behind the scenes have made a lasting impact on Westminster’s culture and environment.

This year as we celebrate our graduates, their families, and our school staff we hold steadfast to the promise they made to themselves and each other to succeed against all odds and move forward to the next chapter of their lives – Go Lions!