Imagine a surreal moment, where everything seems to fall into place. Dream job? Check. Amiable co-workers? Check. Walking in obedience to the Lord’s perfect plan? Check. This surreal moment is Dr. Tom Stoner, WCA’s new head of school’s, reality. Eager to integrate himself into the Westminster community, Dr. Stoner is going out of his way to get to know the student body. And it all started with the passing of the blue baton.

On Monday, July 8th of this past summer, as his first day being Westminster’s headmaster, Dr. Stoner met Jim Marsh, former head of school, in his new office.

“[Marsh] officially handed me a blue baton, it was a symbolic and meaningful action. He’s been handing me the baton of leadership since then,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Stoner sat down on his first day and tried to wrap his mind around leadership. He was given a computer and taught the logistics by Deana Vandegriff, middle school teacher.

“My biggest challenge was how to make a call and receive a voicemail. Then it was meeting people left and right; every stop outside my office was an introduction to a new person,” said Dr. Stoner.

Westminster has been quite the change for Dr. Stoner. Coming from Covenant Christian Academy in Massachusetts, Dr. Stoner has noticed a difference in the size, culture and community between the two schools and surrounding areas.

“Everything at Westminster is much bigger. It’s about a six times bigger scale difference. But, when it gets down to it, [there is a great] group of parents, staff and student leaders here- that is perhaps the biggest difference. People in St. Louis are very friendly; the whole community here has been very welcoming. That’s been one of the most delightful parts. I have a much bigger staff that is helpful and enjoyable. I have great resources of people that I previously didn’t have,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Stoner has been making notable efforts to acquaint himself with the student body.

“[Westminster students] are why I and all of [the WCA faculty] are here. It adds so much more meaning to the job when I can know them personally,” said Dr. Stoner.

The people who make up the community of Westminster have surprised Dr. Stoner the most.

“I am surprised in the most delightful way by the quality of people here, both personally and professionally. I had high expectations, but they’ve been exceeded,” said Dr. Stoner.

From the arts to the academics to the athletics, Dr. Stoner views the WCA student body as diversely talented.

“Everywhere I turn I see students using the talents they have and doing remarkable things [with them],” said Dr. Stoner.

Although Dr. Stoner’s job is no daydream, it is hard for him to grasp the reality of his present situation.

“Is it real that I’m at this place with these people? It can be daunting at times, but I feel like the luckiest man,” said Dr. Stoner.