Innovative students drive school community forward

Over the past two years, we’ve all needed to be flexible as we learned to adapt to a new normal. We’ve had to find creative ways to approach once-familiar situations. We’ve needed to rely on our ingenuity to solve problems.

In short, we’ve had to be Innovative. When faced with roadblocks both inside and outside of the classroom, our Westlake students, teachers and administrators rose to the occasion and approached each situation with unparalleled grace and purpose. 

Even through countless challenges, our school community was Innovative, engaging in problem solving and remaining resourceful while thinking critically. They worked together to uncover new ideas and form solutions that contributed meaningful and impactful changes for themselves and others. All the while, they embraced intellectual curiosity and remained focused on education, whether they were the ones providing it or the ones receiving it.

Sticking to the status quo is far easier than thinking outside the box. When faced with difficulties, it’s tempting to throw our hands in the air, do as we’ve always done and hope for the best. But, our Westlake family likes to take the road less traveled.

Being Innovative requires drive and determination. It forces us to think differently, try new things, take risks and act courageously. When we’re Innovative, either individually or as a group, we can reach greater heights and make new discoveries.

At Westlake, we encourage our students to be Innovative every day, as part of our mission to create lifelong learners.

They achieve this by pursuing their passions and embracing creativity, whether that means participating in the drama program, performing in the band, playing a sport or taking part in an academic club. They are motivated to succeed at doing the things they love, and they put in the work to achieve results.

Our Innovative students also expand their minds through knowledge gaining. They understand the importance of studying new concepts and ideas and they grow their worldview by engaging in new experiences.

They aren’t afraid to ask questions in an effort to better understand situations or discover alternate ways of thinking. They are curious and willing to view things from different perspectives, while remaining open to whatever ideas they might discover.

When our students approach their lives with an eye toward innovation, they can accomplish great things. By nourishing their interests, remaining open-minded and staying curious, they will undoubtedly uncover new ways to think innovatively throughout their academic careers and long after they graduate. They will find new, impactful ways to positively contribute to society and will make their mark on the world while inspiring others and confronting every challenge.