Alumni Newsletter | Winter 2025-26 | | |
Lelyn Scurlark '14: Building Dreams, Inspiring the Next Generation
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Lelyn Scurlark still remembers the question that changed everything. Riding in the car as a kid, he looked out at rows of identical houses and asked his dad: "Why do they all look the same?" When he learned architects designed buildings, he knew exactly what he wanted to become.
Today, Lelyn is a senior project engineer in construction management. His childhood architecture dream evolved into engineering as his love for math and science deepened—but the core always stayed the same: building things that matter.
This winter, Lelyn watched his younger brother Leighton—a current Westerly student—complete the iconic Egg Drop Challenge. "I could not be more proud of him," Lelyn shares.
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"Westerly gave me a head start in understanding the importance of relationships and accountability for my own success."
Read Lelyn's full story at westerlyschool.org/alumni
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Zoe Mazakas '16: Crowned Miss Long Beach 2026
Congratulations to Zoe Mazakas, newly crowned Miss Long Beach 2026! At 23, Zoe is making waves through real estate, construction, and community service. A Chapman University graduate, she earned her MBA Magna Cum Laude in May 2025 and is pursuing her general contractor's license while remodeling homes across Long Beach.
Zoe also founded Prints4Pawz—sustainably repurposing newspapers for animal shelters—and volunteers with Justin Rudd's Community Action Team for beach cleanups and local initiatives.
"I'm beyond excited to step into this leadership role and inspire others to give back to the city we love so much."
We couldn't be prouder of how you're representing Westerly values in action, Zoe!
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Noah Jiménez '21: From Westerly to Oregon
When Noah Jiménez reflects on Westerly, music rises to the top. He chose the trumpet knowing that effort—not perfection—was the goal. Under the guidance of Ms. Geiser, that mindset of growth over perfection built real resilience. He went on to sing in choir for all four years of high school.
Choir taught him to listen, to collaborate, to understand how each individual affects the whole—skills he carries directly into college discussions, internships, and professional environments. At Westerly, he also performed a cultural dance alongside his family, an experience that affirmed his heritage had a place here.
Through a Westerly connection, Noah was introduced to Nguyen Law in Long Beach—a relationship that grew into four consecutive high school internships and continues today as a paid college internship. Now a Political Science major at the University of Oregon, he returns to Westerly's campus to volunteer at events and serve on the high school alumni panel.
"The balance really matters. Focusing on more than just academics helped me become a more complete learner."
Community nurtured him. Curiosity drives him. Connection sustains him. Once a Wildcat. Always a Wildcat.
Read Noah's full Campus Connections story at westerlyschool.org/alumni
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ALUMS ON THE HORIZON:
College Bound & Beyond
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Class of 2021: Thriving Across the Country
Our newest college freshmen are off to an incredible start! Here's where the Class of '21 has landed:
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HBCU's
Kristen Dear – Howard University (Business Management; Volleyball standout—Rookie of the Week, broke single-game hitting record .840)
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IVY LEAGUE
Anya Murrell – Brown University (International Relations & Public Affairs)
Jalyse Rodgers – Cornell University (Public Policy, Brooks School)
Leila Holland – Harvard University
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OUT OF STATE
David Casillas – University of Hawaii, Manoa
Nate Ryan – Arizona State University (Sports Business; fraternity philanthropy chair)
Noah Jiménez – University of Oregon (Political Science; Ethnic Studies/Legal Studies minors)
Penny Chang – Syracuse University
Sebastian Ledesma – University of Hawaii, Manoa (Finance)
Tate Christopher – Tulane University (Business; Sailing team recruit)
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CALIFORNIA COAST
Eli Weiss – UC Santa Cruz (Computer Science)
Janelle Rodgers – LBCC → UCLA transfer track (Biology; BSU Treasurer)
Kristian Yanez-Villalba – Long Beach City College (Business Management)
Matthew Gonzales – CSU Long Beach (Kinesiology)
Michael Proven – University of San Diego (Business Law)
Simone Millsap – Westmont College (Augustinian Scholar, orchestra violinist, half-marathon runner!)
| | Still collecting info on: Cayden Thomas, Jadie Hall, Jaslene Holguin, Stephanie Akinfolarin | |
Class of 2022: Early Commitments
Congratulations to Alyssa Cuff '22 (Michigan State/Rowing) and Piper Owen '22 (Pepperdine/Volleyball)!
The Westerly community is cheering you on!
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Class of 2018: Our Newest College Graduates
This spring, the Class of '18 will walk across college graduation stages nationwide. We want to celebrate with you!
Class of '18: Send us your grad photo and let us know what's next.
Submit your update at westerlyschool.org/alumni
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ALUMS ON THE MOVE:
Professional Milestones
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Alex Jackson '03: Leadership in Business & Board Service
Alex recently completed the prestigious USC Food Industry Management and Executive Program—calling it “the most transformative four months of my career.”
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Now in her 13th year on Westerly's Board of Trustees and serving as Board Chair since 2023, Alex also recently celebrated a personal milestone: she got married last summer!
Congratulations, Alex!
| | WILDCAT CUBS & MILESTONES | |
Welcome to the Pack!
Congratulations to our alumni growing their families!
Rachel Wiggins '08 and husband George joyfully welcomed daughter Charlotte Jane Rayner (pictured) in December 2024 (7 lbs, 19 inches).
Joseph Porter '03 (current Board Member) and wife Sara welcomed the arrival of baby Finn!
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New baby, wedding, or big life moment? Share Your News
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Class of 2006: 20 Years Since Graduation!
Can you believe it's been twenty years since you walked across Westerly's graduation stage? We're collecting stories from the Class of '06. Reach out at alumni@westerlyschool.org or update your info. Here's to twenty years, Class of '06!
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WESTERLY CARES:
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
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In 2025, our Westerly community demonstrated what it means to lead with heart.
- When wildfires struck Los Angeles, K–2nd assembled care, 4th grade wrote letters of encouragement, and 7th grade organized SPCA pet supply drive for displaced families
- Ms. Hamayan's 3rd grade launched the Green Machine clothing recycling partnership with USAgain diverts textiles from landfills while planting trees. Come by and drop of your gently used clothing in our bin located in the front of the school!
- Our Kindergarteners continued their beloved Peach Sale benefiting the Long Beach Food Pantry, with fruit for sale straight from the Rodenhizer Garden—the "wish tree" was donated six years ago to celebrate Lunar New Year, and each spring, it overflows with peaches! and our Kindergarten class sells them to benefit the Long Beach Food Pantry. Sweet fruit, sweet impact.
- Our annual Spark of Love Toy Drive also continued, in partnership with Long Beach Fire Department, spreading holiday joy to families in need.
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Thanks to all of our alumni who continue this tradition of service in your own communities! | |
Interested in partnering with Westerly on a service project? Please reach out to us at alumni@westerlyschool.org
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Spring 2026 Events
Saturday, May 2 – Annual Auction: Run for the Roses: A Westerly Derby Soiree at the Virginia Country Club—don your derby best, support our students, and celebrate with the Westerly community! Check our auction webpage for more details.
Friday, May 29 – Spring Arts Festival. Alumni artists/performers: contact us to participate!)
Monday, June 8 – Volunteer at Field Day! High school alums, please join us and sign up to help run activity stations, cheer on students, and reconnect with the Westerly community!
Wednesday, June 10 | 9:00–11:30 AM – Graduation
Celebrate our Class of 2026!
View Full Calendar
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Share Your Story – Alumni Testimonials: We're building a new alumni page on our website and want your voice. "How has your time at Westerly shaped you?" Share a 200–250 word reflection + photo. Write your testimonial here
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¡Queremos Escuchar de Ti! – Spanish Program Feedback: Classes of 2015–2025, have you continued using or studying Spanish since graduation? Help us strengthen our program for current students. Share your feedback.
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Volunteer Opportunities: Mentor 8th graders preparing for high school, support campus events, or be a speaker! Volunteer with us.
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Alumni Portal Coming Soon: We're building a dedicated portal at westerlyschool.org/alumni where you can connect with fellow Wildcats, find mentors, post internships, and build professional relationships. Stay tuned!
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Visit Us: We love seeing our alumni back on campus! You're always welcome to visit and reconnect. Please reach out if you have any questions.
| | SUPPORT WESTERLY'S MISSION | | |
Alumni can continue their legacy by supporting current students. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference.
Key fundraisers:
Annual Fund
Annual Auction (May 2)
Read-a-thon
Jog-a-thon
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Alumni & Parents:
If you've donated to Westerly before, log in to your giving profile on Blackbaud to verify your contact info is current, review your giving history, and ensure your generosity is properly credited. It takes just a minute, and it helps us stay connected to you!
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