It's time for another Alumni Spotlight! Today we are excited to recognize Wesley Williams! As Salutatorian of the Class of 2012, Wesley made the most of every opportunity at Tonganoxie High School. From excelling in academics to taking the stage in theatre, band, and choir, he embodied the spirit of an all-around Chieftain. His leadership roles in FCCLA, Student Council, and Science Olympiad not only earned him state and national recognition but also sparked a lifelong passion for service and problem-solving.
After graduation, Wesley attended Newman University on a full-ride academic scholarship, where he studied theatre, music, history, and pre-law. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2019. His career path has since taken him from Kansas to Washington, D.C., to Texas, working on issues ranging from public policy to environmental protection.
Today, Wesley serves as a Managing Attorney in the Environmental Protection Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office. In this role, he has led high-profile cases to protect Texas natural resources, including helping to secure an $85 million settlement with Volkswagen in the wake of the “Dieselgate” emissions scandal, obtaining a $1.1 million settlement with a Houston chemical company for a chemical spill, and successfully challenging a federal emissions rule deemed to be unlawful.
Wesley credits many USD 464 teachers for shaping his journey, noting that each instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, kindness, and a drive for success. A few who hold an especially meaningful place in his heart include
John Korb, Wesley’s 7th grade geography teacher, was the first to push him to achieve more than he thought possible, encouraging him to successfully compete in the annual school-wide geography bee - he represented TMS at the State Geography Bee in 2007 and 2008.
Steve Woolf, 7th grade principal, who nominated him to serve as a page in the Kansas Legislature and took him to a leadership conference in Kansas City—experiences that helped spark his passion for public service.
Charles Van Middlesworth, longtime band director, who inspired his deep love of music and taught him the importance of teamwork, creativity, and organization.
Steve and Kathy Harrell, who encouraged his interest in public speaking, the arts, civics, and the social sciences through debate, forensics, theatre, and history classes.
Christine Biel, John Tollefson, and Tracey Waldeier, who inspired his love for the natural sciences, teaching him to think critically and fueling an appreciation for environmental issues that continues to influence his work today.
Outside of work, Wesley and his wife Becca live in Leander, Texas, with their two dogs, Chief and Lucy. He continues to carry the values he learned in Tonganoxie classrooms—hard work, creativity, and a drive to serve others. We are so proud to celebrate Wesley and his accomplishments, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors!
Know an outstanding alum? Nominate them for an alumni spotlight by emailing us at socials@tong464.org!
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