Julius "Jules" Vroon

Westminster was the vision of Jules, a man of leadership and a model of faithfulness to the Lord. Christian Education in South Florida became a reality in 1961 when Westminster first opened its doors at Shenandoah Presbyterian Church. What began with 12 students and 5 teachers forty-four years ago, has grown to over 1,100 students and a faculty/staff of 140.

Jules Vroon strongly believed in the covenantal philosophy that exists at Westminster. When the school first started, in order to meet payroll, Jules paid the first five teachers out of his own pocket. Jules legacy lives on in one of his granddaughters who is currently teaching at Westminster - Kari DeRuiter.

All individuals who donate $10,000 or more are members of the Vroon Circle.

Jim & Babe DeRuiter

Jim & Babe DeRuiter were instrumental in the formation of Westminster Christian School. Jim was a Charter Member of the school and in 1961 helped his father-in-law, Jules Vroon, merge Miami Christian Reform School and Shenandoah Presbyterian School into what is today Westminster Christian School. Jim was an active member of the School Board and served as an original board member in 1961-1962 and again in 1968–1979. He was the first chairman of the Transportation Committee and spent many hours figuring out how to get all the children to school on time and safely. He has also been important part of the Foundation Board and served as a member from 1987–1993 and currently from 2002–2005. Babe was an active member of the Parents’ Guild and very supportive of all aspects of the school over the last 40 years. All four of their children: Kari, Ruth, Mary and Jim attended the school from kindergarten through 12th grade.

All individuals who donate $5,000 - $9,999 are members of the DeRuiter Circle.

Norman and Arline Cortese

Norman and Arline Cortese were very active parents of six children in the early years of Westminster. Norman served on the School Board from 1968–1976 and was president of the Board from 1973-1976. Five of their children are graduates of the school. The family moved from Miami when their youngest son, Philip, was in the 9th grade. The family along with Arline’s sister, Audrey, established an endowment at the school in memory of their son Steven who passed away. The endowment continues to support financial aid and benefits Christian families who would otherwise not be able to send their children to Westminster.

All individuals who donate $2,500 - $4,999 are members of the Cortese Circle.

Ken Tanis

Ken Tanis arrived at Westminster in 1965 site unseen. When he arrived there were 175 students and the school had just purchased the existing property from Cutler Cove Private School. Ken believed in the vision of Dan De Lange and the school board and came willing to help. His first year there were 8 seniors and 4 juniors. All of the classes were held at that time in what is now the elementary campus with no heat and no air conditioning. When Ken left 15 years later after one year of teaching and 14 years of administration the school had grown to k - 12 and almost 1,100 students.

All individuals who donate $1,000 - $2,499 are members of the Tanis Circle.

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