Res Life Student Spotlight

This week, we turn the spotlight on one of our students.  To find out how he has been turning heads and making a name for himself, Read More...

The Windermere Prep ResLife program attracts students from all backgrounds with equally different reasons for selecting WPS.  So each year, I am fascinated to watch this tapestry of diverse new students come together and eventually realize that they are, in the end, not so far apart from each other.  The most successful students can do this very quickly which allows them to integrate seamlessly and seize the tremendous opportunity that is a Windermere Prep education.

One such student is Carlos Ponce de Leon Mendez who comes to us from Puebla, Mexico.  Carlos originally intended to come to WPS for only one semester, more for a cultural exchange and experience than a full educational development.  Less than a week into school, he was already communicating with his parents about extending his stay for the remainder of his high school career.  Since then, Carlos has enrolled as a full IB Diploma candidate, joined the Varsity football team as a valuable, contributing member, and demonstrated his leadership skills in the dorms.  Carlos is the model student, fully involved and engaged with boarding and day students alike, connecting with his teachers and classes, and making a difference on his football team.  And the key to his success is Carlos' positive attitude, his willingness to put himself out and be involved, and his charismatic ability to talk to anyone and everyone.  Though it all sounds simple to do (and Carlos makes it look easy), there is nothing easy about traveling far away from home and taking these great steps to make this new culture and group of people into your new family.  While the WPS magic certainly contributes, Carlos has earned the spotlight and all of his successes thus far.  I am excited to watch Carlos continue his journey with us and am proud of the Laker he has become already. Welcome to the family Carlos!