Westminster Preschool in Evans City celebrates 50th anniversary
EVANS CITY — For Russ and Phil Walker, Westminster Preschool runs through their blood. Their father, Aaron, attended the school and the accompanying United Presbyterian Church, and he would go on to bring his two sons.
“This is the church that I grew up in and was baptized in 36 years ago, and I went to the preschool also,” Aaron said.
The Walkers were at the preschool and church on East Main Street in Evans City on Sunday, March 2, to mark its 50th anniversary, along with other old, new and current faces. The day was marked by a special 90-minute church service, followed by a luncheon where school alumni mingled with the families of current students.
“We have former preschoolers here. We have parents who were also a preschooler here at one time, so we have two generations,” said preschool director Tara Weisgerber.
The Walkers were one of those multigenerational families. Following Aaron, his son Phil attended the preschool before heading off to Ehrman Crest Elementary, while 5-year-old Russ still attends the preschool. Phil said he learned about colors while at the preschool.
During the luncheon, the school displayed a slideshow of photos from its 50-year history, along with mementos such as old yearbooks.
Some of the current students got to contribute to the day’s church service.
“The children were able to sing for us, ‘This Little Light of Mine’ and ‘Jesus Loves Me,’” Weisgerber said. “We honored those who have taught in the past. Some have gone on before us, but we recognize them and remember them.”
Many of those who visited Sunday were former students like Aaron Walker, as well as Amber Brock, who attended as a student during the late 2000s and still attends the church regularly.
“The one thing I will say I remember is sitting around in circle time on the floor in the classroom,” Brock said. “I also remember sitting on Santa's lap during Christmastime.”
According to Weisgerber, as of early 2025, Westminster Preschool has an enrollment of 38 students, and is open to students ages 3 through 5.
