Senior Spotlight: Matthew Cook and Onyekachi Emmanuel Odunze
We are pleased to introduce two more incredible members of the WCS 2026 senior class: Matthew Cook and Onyekachi Emmanuel Odunze.
Introducing Matthew Cook
Matthew joined the Wildcat community in 6th grade and describes his time here as “fun, interesting, and positive.” His favorite class is Robotics because it allows him to explore real-world applications of engineering in a fun, low-stakes environment. The class not only sharpened his problem-solving skills but also provided him with an opportunity to collaborate and learn through hands-on experience. He credits Mrs. Leeson, who founded the robotics program, with sparking his passion for engineering and opening the door to possibilities he plans to pursue in the future.
Among his proudest academic moments was receiving his SAT scores, knowing he had given his best effort and seeing that work pay off. Spiritually, his years at WCS have been equally formative. Surrounded by people who walk with God, Matthew says he’s learned how Jesus calls us to live. A particularly meaningful moment came during a sophomore-year trip to Impact Church, which strengthened his faith. He leans on Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Even in moments of weakness, he knows God’s strength is enough.
Matthew advises younger students to “stay grounded—don’t get caught up in social media trends, learn how to say no when needed, and take chapel and prayer seriously.”. He’s grateful for the friendships and sense of belonging at WCS, where inside jokes, friendly jabs, and shared memories created a strong bond. Some of his favorite memories include a stormed-in study night turned pushup challenge in the locker room, the band trip freshman year when the power went out, and the 8th grade retreat where their cabin laughter was so loud that Dr. Greer had to step in. He’ll also never forget the fun of character day junior year, when he wore an inflatable Spiderman costume.
Outside the classroom, Matthew spent his weekends enjoying Robotics and playing in the band with friends at football games. Looking ahead, Matthew hopes to leave behind a legacy of exploration, independence, and curiosity for future Wildcats. He’s looking forward to attending college next year and plans to stay connected to WCS through his friendships and visits back to campus.
Meet Onyekachi Emmanuel Odunze
Onyekachi (Kachi) Emmanuel Odunze’s journey at WCS has been marked by growth, friendships, and stepping outside of his comfort zone. Among his favorite classes was Spanish, not only because it was enjoyable but also because it brought together many of his closest friends. He is grateful to Mr. Roberts, his 8th-grade math teacher, for shaping him into a more mature young adult through both teaching and mentorship.
One of Kachi’s proudest moments came during his junior year, when he achieved all A’s for the first time—despite being more involved in extracurriculars than ever before. Activities like soccer and theater challenged him to step outside of his comfort zone, teaching him that growth comes when you take risks and embrace new experiences.
His faith also deepened during his years at WCS. He came to understand how much God matters in our success and how essential He is for truly living. Kachi encourages younger students to “keep their priorities in order and never lose sight of the role faith plays in everyday life.”
Some of his favorite memories include hanging out at a friend’s house with his whole group, the thrill of winning the first-ever WCS Talent Show with his band, and the fun of creating his Spanish 2 music video. These moments, along with the friendships he’s made at WCS, helped Kachi realize “how quickly people will accept you when they get to know the real you.”
Kachi hopes to leave behind a legacy of authenticity, encouraging future Wildcats to “stop worrying about judgment and embrace who they are.” After graduation, he plans to continue his education in college, carrying with him the lessons and memories built during his time as a Wildcat. Kachi plans to stay connected to WCS through family ties—his brother still attends school here, ensuring plenty of visits back to campus.
