Wolverines View, presented by Dream Spa Medical: Dream Big, Start Local, Westwood’s Rising Stars

If Super Bowl champion and current Patriots defensive end Milton Williams could emerge from Crowley, a suburban family-town in Texas, future champions could be hidden anywhere. There are stars of all kinds, from all places, so could any of them be from Westwood? A few students at Westwood High School have already begun to make names for themselves in certain fields during their teenage years, which can only grow as they become adults.
 
A pageant queen and a football powerhouse, could they be the next big stars?
 
Alexis Cao, WHS class of 2027, competed in her first Miss Massachusetts Teen USA pageant in June. After being crowned ‘Miss Westwood,’ she advanced to the state-level competition, where she competed for the big title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. During the competition, Cao walked with confidence and poise, representing Westwood with passion and enthusiasm. She excelled all the way to the semi-finals, Top 16, therefore becoming a Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Semi-Finalist. Her success in the pageant world is not Cao’s only impressive accomplishment. She also excels in academics and leadership. Alexis participates in several academic events, mainly focusing on debate, business and public speaking, which aligns with her future field of interest – law. Cao is brings her passions to Westwood High as she begins by helping to form clubs focusing on mock debates and business-related activities.
 
After being recommended to pursue the Miss Massachusetts Teen USA title in the spring, Cao decided to start training for the competition. Her prior experience participating in public speaking and debate events gave her an upper hand as she already felt comfortable on a big stage.
 
While reflecting, Cao said, “It was an amazing experience and definitely helped my confidence and self image.”
 

Alexis isn’t the only pageant competitor to descend from our hometown. Kiersten Khoury, a Westwood graduate who was featured on the cover of Westwood Living last December, was crowned Miss Massachusetts in 2024. Khoury advanced to the national stage, competing for the Miss America title and becoming an idol for young children in Massachusetts. Could Alexis be on the same track?
 
As Cao excels in state pageants, there are more potential stars arising in town. Varsity defensive lineman and tight end Keilen McDonald dominates on the football field. As a current junior in the Westwood Class of 2027, he is a starter for the football team and an essential member of the team. McDonald began his football journey at 7-years-old. He finished his sophomore year with impressive stats – 57 tackles, 6 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss. McDonald helped lead the Wolverines to their second consecutive TVL Large championship, the first time Westwood has won back-to-back browns since 2004.
 
“Football has been with me my whole life and I’m happy I can perform for the town with my skills,” he said.
 
Not only is Keilan on varsity football, he is also a member of the Westwood Varsity Track and Field team, participating in the high jump. As McDonald continues to rack up all of these athletic achievements, he stands out to local newspapers and podcasts, being featured in several post-game interviews and stat recaps. Current NFL player Jalen Reagor, a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, followed a path very similar to McDonald when he was in high school. Reagor also participated in the high jump, but chose to focus on football. As he dialed in on his football career, Reagor eventually reached the NFL level. Is Keilen on the same track?
 
These two Westwood students are standouts excelling in their areas of interest – pageants and football. Passionate and driven, these two could be the next stars to represent our community. Keep your eye out for Alexis and Keilen – you never know if they could be the next big things!