School Safety and Health Advisory Council (SSHAC) Heroes, 2025
Dr. Maram Museitif, Parent & SSHAC Co-chair
Maram stepped in during the middle of a year to take over as chair of SSHAC. For the past three years she has been instrumental in helping plan productive and informative meetings. She’s been an excellent advocate for students, parents and community members related to health and safety. She has also done a wonderful job keeping the Board of Trustees informed as the liaison between SSHAC and the Board.
Kim McCarty, Eanes Elementary Nurse
Kim is always meticulous with student medication and support. This year, we have a student with diabetes, which is something that needs very close attention paid to. She also has several students she goes all over campus to give medication to, since they are unable to get to the clinic easily. She rarely takes a day off because she wants to make sure our students are safe and healthy! She is patient and always has a revolving door of students in the clinic. She knows when to reach out to counselors because a tummy ache is likely anxiety rather than a tummy bug. We appreciate you, Kim.
Dianne Parks, WHS Dean of Arts & Student Life
She goes way out of her job description to support CERT and HOSA. She is always ready to help the clubs in any way whether it be planning, logistics, chaperoning, or helping in any other way possible. She is committed to being a trustworthy adult at Westlake by always having open ears and mindset. Students in 211, the health science department, and all other students, know they can go to her if they need support, help problem solving, or just need someone to chat with.
E-bike safety video team: Lieutenant BK Kelly (HCMS officer), Westlake film instructor Emily McIntyre, and her film students Ethan Engledow, Parker Lamme, and Beau Torian
Together, they created a powerful e-bike safety video for middle schoolers, addressing the growing concern of risky behavior—particularly around the HCMS campus.
HOSA-Medical Reserve Corp Partnership Team: WHS staff advisor Michelle Derr and Westlake students Ameera Nehal, Jenna Qadan, and Aubrey Spencer
They have lead initiatives which have made a meaningful impact on community health, including leading an emergency supply kit drive, hosting a preparedness presentation for CCE students, organizing a stress management bracelet-making activity, creating care boxes for children with cancer, sharing emergency planning tips for Red Cross members, running a hygiene supply drive, posting social media content on nutrition and mental wellness
Madison Nielson, WRMS English & Yearbook teacher
WRMS English and Yearbook teacher Madison Nielson successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student in April. While we never expect such incidents to happen in the classroom, it’s not surprising that Ms. Nielson immediately stepped up to help a student. She consistently looks out for students' academic, emotional, and physical well-being. Her students are lucky to have such a compassionate and quick-thinking advocate looking out for them. Thank you, Ms. Nielson, for all you do for students every day.
Ryan Vacek - Westlake Fire Department
As a member of the WFD, Ryan volunteered his time this past summer to provide CPR training to over 50 staff members. Having these trained and knowledgeable people on our campuses provides an extra layer of safety and security.