Rachel Whitbeck graduated from Westlake Academy in 2014, a member of the fifth graduating class. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she followed her dream of working for a non-profit. She currently holds the position of social media coordinator for Kids Matter International, a non-profit that serves children locally, nationally, and internationally by providing the necessities needed to improve their lives. This includes new clothing, literacy initiatives, and other programs to ensure a child's success. This desire to work in a non-profit perhaps grew from the medical mission trip that she participated in while at Westlake Academy, which remains to this day her favorite high school memory.

 

When asked how Westlake Academy prepared her for college and career, Rachel commented, "... Westlake Academy taught me to appreciate different points of view that I might not have thought of or agreed with and time management skills that are so critical." She appreciated the time spent to teach valuable critical thinking and presentation skills that allowed her to be successful in college.

 

 

Scarlet Ganesh not only has plans to graduate early from the University of Texas at Arlington but she already has a job secured with Charles Schwab in Westlake! In December, this class of 2015 graduate will finish her Bachelor of Science degree in Information Science.

When asked how an IB education prepared her for college, Scarlet said “...IB prepared me for college as it taught me how to be well-balanced and utilize my time management skills.”

Scarlet plans to join Charles Schwab in January as a Business System Analyst, where she will use her skills as a communicator to serve as a liaison between the business leaders and the programmers when working through data challenges.

Scarlet’s advice to current WA students? “It’s OK to fail, but never give up!”