The Arlen R. Dykstra Teaching Prize is awarded each year to faculty members for their outstanding expression of the Christian worldview. Award winners show their passion for their teaching matter every day, are regularly involved in the life of the school, and continue to seek out creativity and innovation in the classroom. This year, we are thrilled to present the award to Dan Legters and Todd Zell.

Dan Legters graduated from Covenant College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and then received a Master of Divinity from Covenant Seminary in 1999. He came to Westminster in 1999 to teach Spanish and has taught here for 27 years. He has also coached both boys and girls varsity soccer for many years. In 2023, he led the boys soccer team to its first-ever State Championship, and in September 2024, he celebrated an incredible milestone in his coaching career by recording his 300th win.

Colleagues describe him as an ‘exemplary teacher and individual’. As one wrote: “He disciplines the hearts and minds of his students, using the teaching of Spanish as an opening to connect with students, model development of discipline, and to champion growth. He is a steady, caring presence and is intentional about using every opportunity to share the love of Jesus."

Students describe him as "an awesome teacher who is always caring and empathetic for his students. Gets to know everyone, is funny, and makes the class as fun as possible. He is a great Christlike role model in the Westminster community. Walking into his class every day was a joy.”

Todd Zell graduated from the University of Missouri—St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Mathematics in 1995, and then received a Master's degree in Secondary Education from Southwest Baptist University in 1999. His career began at Oakville Junior High, followed by Rockwood Summit High School, where his roles included math teacher, coach, Summer Program Principal, and Activities Director. He joined the Westminster staff in 2011 as the Athletic Director. Five years later, he became Lafayette High School’s Athletic Director for one year and a Mathematics Teacher at MICDS. He returned to Westminster in 2019 to teach math. Throughout his time at WCA, he has coached basketball, baseball, softball, and golf.

Colleagues describe him as an ‘exemplary teacher and individual’. As one wrote, “He coaches kids in and out of the classroom, celebrating their strengths and developing a class culture where students want to try hard things, and want to grow. He is a consistent student-advocate, he's both tough and nurturing, striking the perfect balance for the average student who needs guidance but also desires to be independent and challenged.” 

Students describe him this way: "I love being in his class, I really enjoy his way of teaching, and I really love how he helps us learn everything thoroughly. I feel as if he truly cares about us understanding the material. The devos he does are great, reflecting how he wants to connect with us as his students."