Students at Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay are singing a new alma mater at football games and chapel during the 2026-27 school year after two faculty members spent a year rewriting the song.

Band director Seth Carlson and former choir director Lauren Hartman collaborated on new lyrics and a fresh arrangement, according to the school's news page. The rewritten alma mater premiered at the school's most recent graduation ceremony, performed by Westminster's choir and theater graduates.

Now the song has moved well beyond commencement.

Fine arts faculty members Tony Rodriguez and Joseph Carpenter created a worship version for chapel services. The alma mater is also sung at the close of home football games at the Palmetto Bay campus, located at 6855 S.W. 152nd Street.

The school posted a downloadable lyrics-and-music file so fans in the stands can follow along. The new words open:

Near the waving of the palm trees / By the ocean blue / Proudly stands our alma mater / Strong and bold and true

The song closes with a line that ties the tradition to Westminster's mission as a faith-based school:

O Westminster, ours forever / faith that will not fail! / We, ambassadors for Jesus / Shine, for God prevails!

Westminster hosts Belen Jesuit on Friday, Sept. 18, with kickoff at 4 p.m. Both teams enter the game undefeated. Belen Jesuit carries a 4-0 record and Westminster a 3-0 mark, according to prep football reporter Larry Blustein.

The school described the alma mater as a tradition that brings the Westminster community together in song. Fans heading to Friday's game can download the lyrics from the school's website and sing along after the final whistle.

Upcoming in Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay

• Westminster Christian hosts Belen Jesuit, Friday, Sept. 18, 4 p.m., 6855 S.W. 152nd Street, Palmetto Bay.