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40th Birthday Celebration Photographs may be enlarged. Westwood Elementary celebrated its 40th birthday on Saturday, November 3, by honoring its history and people. Four of Westwood's previous principals attended the event, including Jack Warner, the first principal who helped open the building in October of 1967, Jean Wren, Mary Ward Holmes, and Hazel Johnson. The first cafeteria manager, Helen Jacobs, former superintendent, Ted Thomas, numerous teachers and past PTO members came to help celebrate and tell their stories. Classic cars from the era were parked in the front parking lot, and visitors were invited to tour the school. Scrapbooks and yearbooks from all 40 years were displayed. Westwood's Treble Maker choir entertained the crowd during the dignitary recognition ceremony. "Friendswood's foundation is built upon these important people who never said 'no' when help was needed," Jack Warner stated, as he recognized Evelyn Newman as his "go-to" person who helped get the school up and running in 1967. Lee Whitlock, current Westwood assistant principal, told the crowd that it takes a "servant heart" in the community and school to make Westwood what it has become. "Students who see this character trait today will become valuable citizens of the future as they emulate their school teacher heroes and leaders." 40 years of excellence was surely celebrated, with the challenge to current students and staff to carry the banner of excellence into the future 40 years.

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