WALNUT, CA--Westhoff Elementary School had a special morning hosting the family of the school’s namesake on December 12.

Mrs. Jeanne Burgh, the daughter of Leonard G. Westhoff, and her daughter Salli Collins, a retired WVUSD special education teacher, thumbed through photo albums with pages of the school’s history and 1989 opening.

“Mrs. Burgh even found a picture of her dad in the album and was so touched,” shared Principal Dr. Rosa Northcott.

Then the visitors and District officials formed a circle of chairs in the multipurpose room where a representative from each homeroom class recalled their favorite moments at Westhoff.

Students shared about special friendships, fun activities, field trips, caring teachers and staff, and signature events like the Culture Fair and Season of Love winter performance.

The morning capped off with a song and a spirited “YEEHAW” from a small group of TK and kindergarten students. 

“Our teachers and staff were thrilled to show off how Westhoff truly SHINES!” said Principal Dr. Rosa Northcott.

Burgh shared that her father was “so honored to have the school named for him.”

“I so enjoyed my visit to Westhoff!” she said after the visit.  “It was an absolute delight!”

“The learning experience is exceptional and the students and faculty take such pride in this school.”

Leonard Westhoff was a former Walnut School Board Member who advocated for Walnut Valley becoming a unified school district.

He also served as Mayor and a Council Member in the City of Walnut.

“He was a class individual who made a significant contribution to our community,” according to retired administrator and historian Ray McMullen.