Alexis McAndrew ‘98

Choosing Westminster at Every Turn

Alexis Van Der Mije McAndrew ’98 chose Westminster School for the first time at age 14. She had planned to attend a different boarding school, where her older brother was a student and her twin brother was soon to follow. After a tour, Alexis knew the school was not the correct fit for her. With the encouragement of a school counselor, she applied to Westminster, was accepted and after touring the campus knew it was the right choice.

After a year had passed, Alexis’ mother thought Westminster was too strict and took her to interview at a school in Massachusetts. A determined Alexis walked in and told the school’s dean of admissions she had no intention of leaving Westminster. She had made her choice.

Alexis was a bit of a daredevil in her early years on Williams Hill but saw that faculty members were serious about consequences. “They taught us valuable lessons about decision-making by talking us through their decisions,” she explained. She wanted to stay at Westminster so badly, she changed her path and met the high expectations of the faculty. She graduated knowing she had made the right decision in attending Westminster School.

After college, Alexis chose Westminster again. In her estate planning, her first will included the school as a beneficiary, and she has maintained it with every modification, including after getting married and having two children. Her reasoning is simple: “Westminster has such a strong place in my heart, and I believe you should give back to the places that gave to you.”

You, too, can choose Westminster School. Honoring your Westminster experience by including the school in your estate plans can be easy. Some options include: