Vo l . 3 3 , N o . 1
Outlook
p Oakridge School
Our Mission To inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity.
Board of Regents 2013-2014 Mr. Chuck Reynolds, Chairman Mr. Bruce Ashworth Mr. Chris Buckalew Mrs. Kim Callanan Mr. Steve Crudup Mrs. Kay Duggan Mr. Don Duke Dr. Richard Enos Dr. Trent Glaser Mrs. Brenda Gooden Mr. Jim Haddock Mr. Scott Howell Mr. John Kacinski Mr. Richard Lowe Mr. Mike McWithey Dr. Scott Morse Mr. Charles Pierson Ms. Nancy O’Shea, Lifetime Member Mrs. Dana Queenan Mr. Don Starnes, Lifetime Member Mr. Curtis Von Der Ahe Mr. Steve Wall
2013-2014 Administrative Staff Jon Kellam, Headmaster Andy Broadus, President Jim Andersen Tony Barriteau Mike Cobb Michele Cole, Ed.D. Jerry Davis, Ph.D. Kathy Gamill Betty Garton Butch Groves Jason Kern Sarah Kramer David Languell Lauren Matocha Shawn Meadows Britt Robinson Sarah Schecter, Ed.D. Mary Smith
Our Vision To attain national recognition as a college preparatory school that provides educational excellence grounded in responsible character development and ethical leadership.
Philosophy We believe the role of The Oakridge School is to provide a challenging educational program that emphasizes the total development of each child, encompassing basic skills as well as cultural, emotional and physical development, which prepares students for higher education and life. We believe an environment that employs a variety of teaching techniques and learning activities best enables each student to achieve as an individual and as a member of a group. We believe an orderly environment stressing personal and academic selfdiscipline provides an atmosphere most conducive to success. We believe in academic excellence, in high moral and ethical standards, in honor, in the respect of the opinions and the rights of others, in the realization and acceptance of the consequences of an individual’s actions, and in the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong experience. We believe the graduates of The Oakridge School should be men and women of good character who have developed a healthy respect for self, and awareness of the privileges and obligations of citizenship, and a keen sense of empathy for and responsibility to fellow human beings.
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Features Page 2 — 35 Years in Pictures The Oakridge School is celebrating its 35th Anniversary. See how the school has evolved in pictures since it began in 1979.
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Page 18 — Spotlight on an Owl Family
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The Petersen family has been an active part of the Owl Community since 2007 and like so many parents, chose Oakridge for the outstanding, college-preparatory education that they knew their children would receive.
Page 24 — Oakridge Goes Global Oakridge is committed to helping our students to think globally and see what lies beyond the classroom by offering organized international travel.
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Page 28 — Learn 21
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The Oakridge School will provide the tools for an innovative classroom environment in which students connect, communicate, collaborate and create.
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Page 31 — Drumline Rocks The Oakridge Drumline provides game day spirit for the students, friends, parents and fans as the Owls take the football field on Friday nights, creating a sense of pride for the entire community.
Page 34 — KOWL Radio
Outlook 2013 Volume 33, Number 1 The Oakridge School 5900 West Pioneer Parkway Arlington, Texas 76013 817.451.4994
Design Art by Ellie
Printing JohnSons Press
The Oakridge School’s Outlook magazine is published once a year. The Oakridge School is an independent, coed, college-preparatory, day school for students in preschool (age 3) through grade 12. The Oakridge School does not discriminate on the basis of color, creed, sex, or national and ethnic origin in school administered-programs.
The Oakridge School offers an elective class that provides the students an opportunity to learn how to create radio segments, communicate campus news to the community and operate the radio equipment through its radio station – KOWL.
Page 44 — A Story of Philanthropy Oakridge young alum has an empathetic heart and chooses to give back to help The Oakridge School and others.
www.theoakridgeschool.org • 1
35 Years, in Pictures...
in diligent
2 • The Oakridge School Outlook
pursuit
of wisdom
A.
In the Beginning: 1979 The Oakridge School was formed by a group of concerned parents and educators who wanted to provide a quality education for their children and for future generations.
B.
A. Handley United Methodist Church (1979-1982) In 1979, enrollment began with 85 students in (K-4) through 8th grade. The education building at Handley United Methodist Church served as the main campus while land was acquired and construction began on a permanent campus. B. House on Meadowbrook Drive (1981-1982) By its third year, The Oakridge School was growing and began offering enrollment through 10th grade. The Upper School classes were held at the house on Meadowbrook Drive, affectionately known as “Taco Bell.”
C.
C. Handley Middle School Building (1982-1987) As the school continued to grow, a larger campus was needed. The Handley Middle School provided the space on a temporary basis. www.theoakridgeschool.org • 3
“The Oakridge School… where tomorrow belongs to the children!” (Marketing slogan in an ad run by the school in 1979)
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B.
1984 In a process that began in 1981, The Oakridge School Board of Regents were determined to build a top quality physical facility to provide an excellent educational environment that will provide for the future growth of the school.
C.
The search for a permanent site for the school concluded with the purchase of 33.105 acres on Pioneer Parkway (303). A. New Headmaster • In 1981, Andy J. Broadus was appointed Headmaster. B. Pioneer Parkway Site • The original 33.105 acres was a perfect match for The Oakridge School.
D. 4 • The Oakridge School Outlook
C & D. Early Childhood Center • In the fall of 1984, the Early Childhood Center opened. • The ECC opened with three pre-kindergarten classes and three kindergarten classes.
A & B. The Upper School • The Upper School moved to the permanent campus in the fall of 1985. C. The First Graduates • In 1985, seven students became the first Oakridge graduates. D, E, & F. Lower School, Middle School, and the Student Activity Center • The Lower School, Middle School, and the SAC opened for the 1986-87 school year. These buildings completed the move to the permanent campus. G. 1989 — The Oakridge School Flag • The Oakridge flag is raised for the first time at the 10th birthday celebration.
B.
G.
A.
C.
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1993 — ECC Extension • The extension allowed the ECC to offer classes to 3 year old students.
1999/2000 — Information Center and Fine Arts Center • The Information Center was completed in December 1999 and houses the library and the technology lab. • The Fine Arts Center was completed in May 2000 providing 32,000 square feet dedicated to the arts. The Performance Hall has a 400 seat capacity.
2002 — National Wetlands • The National Wetlands Project was completed in 2002 and is a nationally protected area and serves as a habitat for nature.
6 • The Oakridge School Outlook
1994 — Multi-purpose Activity Center • The Amon G. Carter Activity Center was built to provide a space for PE as well as choir and drama.
1998 — Extension to the Lower School • The extension was built to provide a space for foreign language and a state-of-the-art technology lab.
2000 — Garden The garden area was established to provide an outdoor classroom dedicated to horticulture.
2005 — Football Stadium Dedicated • The football stadium was named in memory of alumnus Jeff Conatser (class of 1993).
2006 —47.5 acres Purchased
• The purchase of this property allowed for Oakridge to begin construction on a state-of-the-art athletic complex.
2007 — President & New Headmaster • Andy Broadus was appointed as President. • Jon Kellam was appointed as Headmaster.
2011 — Quinn Family Kindergarten Center • The Kindergarten Center was completed in the summer of 2011. • It provides four innovative classrooms and a multipurpose area.
2007- Security Center • The Security Center was completed in September 2007 and provides a friendly and secure welcome to the campus.
2011 — Building Named • The Early Childhood Center was named the Betty Garvin Garton Early Childhood Center. (Pictured: Betty Garvin Garton)
(Pictured: Stacey and Billy Quinn)
2012 — Campus Named • The main campus was named the Andy J. Broadus Campus in May 2012. (Pictured: Andy and Linda Broadus)
2012 — Building Named • The Fine Arts building was named the John P. Flavin Fine Arts Center
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Looking ahead to the Future… Over the past 35 years, the Oakridge family has strived to maintain the core values set forth by the founding families. It was and continues to be our mission to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity. Our vision for the future is to attain national recognition as a college preparatory school that provides educational excellence grounded in responsible character development and ethical leadership. “The Oakridge School… a school like no other!”
cong ratul ations l • 35 Years of excellence • 8 • The Oakridge School Outlook
www.theoakridgeschool.org • 9
quick facts: Did you know? Thirteen collegiate sports In the last five years, Oakridge student-athletes elected to compete in 13 different collegiate sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheer, Crew, Cross-Country, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track, and Volleyball.
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Division E.C.C. Grades 1-4 Grades 5-8 Grades 9-12 Totals
Enrollment 101 190 258 321 870
Class size avg. 12 16 17 16 15
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The percentage of seniors receiving college scholarship offers consistently runs about 70 percent. Why? Here’s a snapshot of a graduating class’ achievement:
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9 National Merit Commended letter winners
7 National Merit Scholars
5 offered to play college athletics
3 National Hispanic Scholars
2 National Achievement Program winners
1 service academy acceptance
FifteenAmong students per class the 318 students and parents The campus-wide class who size istoured 15 students per classroom, providing or visited the campus, 120 ample opportunity for students and teachers to collaborate.
new students were accepted and enrolled, bringing the total school-wide enrollment to 871 Owls.
Twenty-five countries Since 1985, when Oakridge graduated its first international student, students have enrolled from 25 different countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
quick facts: Did you know?
70%+ offered college scholarships The percentage of seniors receiving college scholarship offers consistently runs about 70 percent. Why? Here’s a snapshot of the achievements of the Class of 2013:
• 9 National Merit Commended letter winners
70%
• 7 National Merit Scholars • 5 offered to play college athletics • 3 National Hispanic Scholars • 2 National Achievement Program winners • 1 service academy acceptance
OWLS ! Admissions funnel 571 families
120 new OWLS!
inquired
Among the 318 families who toured or visited the campus, 120 new students were accepted and enrolled, bringing the total school-wide enrollment to 870 Owls.
el n sio s i Adm
nn s fu
120
Adm i s sio n el
120 new students enrolled
s fu nn
318 visited campus
www.theoakridgeschool.org • 11
Admissions Program & Tour
Admissions Blog
Ages 3 to Grade 12 Tuesday, October 22 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Sunday, January 26 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Tuesday, March 25 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Admissions Coffee Ages 3 to Grade 4
Application Process February 1st: Recommended deadline
Tuesday, January 16 9:30 am – 11:00 am
After February 1st: Rolling admissions based on space availability
Tuesday, March 4 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Step 1: Attend an admission program or set up an individualized tour of the campus Step 2: Submit an application
Admissions Testing Ages 3 to Grade 12 Saturday, November 16 8:30 am – 12 noon Saturday, January 11 8:30 am – 12 noon Saturday, February 8 8:30 am – 12 noon Saturday, March 22 8:30 am – 12 noon
12 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Step 3: Register for Admission Testing Step 4: Schedule a day visit for the student Step 5: Submit recommendation forms and school records Step 6: Set up an interview Final Step: Enrollment Financial Aid is available to students in grades 1-12. This is an annual process for all families seeking financial aid for their student(s). Deadline: March 1st. The Oakridge School seeks to admit bright, college-bound students. For more information on the Admissions process, please contact Dr. Jerry Davis, Director of Admissions at 817.451.4994 or jadavis@theoakridgeschool.org.
kellam awarded klingenstein fellowship The Oakridge School Board of Regents is proud to announce the selection of Headmaster Jonathan Kellam to a fullyfunded fellowship at the 2014 Head of Schools Program at the Klingenstein Center in New York. Mr. Kellam was chosen from an international pool of talented applicants as one of only 20 recipients to this prestigious program. Upon completion, Mr. Kellam will join a select group of over 200 school heads who have participated in the fellowship program since 1991. The Klingenstein Center, which is a part of the Teachers College at Columbia University, has a mission that includes “improving the quality of independent schools by developing and strengthening the teachers and administrators at every stage of their careers.” The Head of Schools program is designed to give Fellows the opportunity for a unique professional development experience. The two week program is built around personal reflection among peers who share common experiences and whose schools face similar challenges. The goal of the program is for Fellows to refine their own philosophical ideals about education and educational leadership through an examination of issues and polices in the field. Fellows draw from diverse reading and seminar opportunities, visits to charter, public, and independent schools in the area, as well as from vigorous and insightful discussions with their peers in the program.
“I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity. My own philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that learning is a lifelong journey, not just for students but for all of us. I’m thrilled to be given this chance to continue my personal growth as an educator while our school is in the midst of its own ongoing evolution into a school of the future through our Learn21 program.” — Headmaster Jonathan Kellam Longtime Oakridge Regent Richard Enos, holder of the Lillian Radford Chair of Rhetoric and Composition in the Department of English at Texas Christian University, said “Out of an international pool of educational leaders, selecting Headmaster Jon Kellam as a Klingenstein Fellow and participant in this prestigious program
only provides further validation and recognition of the leadership role that Oakridge has taken in private school education in the United States.” Mr. Kellam, a graduate of Texas Christian University, holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. He is also an alumnus of the School Leadership Development Institute at Stanford University and serves on the Board of Directors of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Over a twenty-year career at The Oakridge School, Mr. Kellam has served as teacher, coach, Head of Middle School, and Associate Headmaster. In 2007 he was appointed Headmaster. Of his own selection to a Klingenstein fellowship, Mr. Kellam said, “I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity. My own philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that learning is a lifelong journey, not just for students but for all of us. I’m thrilled to be given this chance to continue my personal growth as an educator while our school is in the midst of its own ongoing evolution into a school of the future through our O Learn21 program.” Klingenstein Head of Schools Program: http://www.klingenstein.org/content/heads-schools-program The Oakridge School Learn21 Initiative: http://www.theoakridgeschool.org/page.cfm?p=3409
www.theoakridgeschool.org • 13
owls report back to nest from college On a beautiful sunny (and hot) day on the 18th of May, g 74 seniors along with their parents, family majorin r m I’ r. , a e f g ino o and friends filled the Student Activity Center r Oakrid g very well s d hoping to m a e D on the campus of The Oakridge School for is goin and ing an f math College nical Engineer o the 2013 commencement ceremonies. This s t lo g sses. ha m takin to design cla my I’ in Mec year’s salutatorians were Carter Fraser, Jr. o s , ture ition y of and Amit Narawane. The valedictorian was in Sculp lasses in add or man o help f ll e w c so ble t Melissa Geisel. We reached out to them a science prepared me been a trong e v I’ d e n few weeks ago asking them to send us a letter Oakridg ry classes, a o have such s ay o t c le t ly s u b home telling us about their college experience introd definite joined ren’t a e ld w u o o h w I e w and their new endeavors. others ead. I’v grams.
David Carter Fraser, Jr. Carter Fraser, a co-salutatorian was accepted to Washington University in St. Louis, Abilene Christian University, The University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, Texas A&M University, and Wheaton College. He is a National Merit Scholar. At Oakridge, Carter was actively involved with both the arts and athletics. In the art studio, Carter twice earned scholarship and recognition at the Fort Worth Stock Show for his three-dimensional work. He also earned recognition at the North Texas High School Art Competition.
o t a leg ah hool pr differen high sc has given me ining several lub e f jo g the c Oakridg he process o in d lu c t sibly us in or am in ns on camp sh U, and pos a atio organiz eam, Cru at W n an incredible he t e ll rt e baseba hers. It has b le from all ove and t p o or, several e to meet peo ing on my flo unately v c li rt n ) e. Unfo ouis experie nd the world s lo c y r (a ve St. L country s are already here in t o h u s f a many o it’s been just r, e v howe s. in Texa as it is ouis in St. L y it s r e niv gton U Washin
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On the field, Carter was a four-year member of both the baseball and cross country teams, earning MVP for freshman and sophomore JV baseball and MIP for freshman and sophomore cross country. He was co-captain for his senior year cross country team. In the classroom, Carter earned Most Outstanding Student in Honors 3-D Design, Honors Survey of British Literature, Honors Algebra II, and 12th Grade Art; he earned Most Dedicated Student in Honors World History and AP Physics. Carter had the highest class academic average after his freshman year. Carter has been an active volunteer. He coached a Little League team as well as volunteered as an umpire. He was highly involved at The Hills Church of Christ, and he has annually attended summer leadership camp in Abilene. He was a co-founder of our Oakridge chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In his spare time, Carter is a reviewer for IndieVisionMusic. com. Carter is a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis where he expects to study engineering.
14 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Carter Fraser ‘13 and Melissa Geisel ‘13
Amit Narawane
Dear O ak I’ve bee ridge, n I’m alre on campus fo ady lov ing Aus r only two wee Engine tin ks and ering m ajor, I a . As a Biome most o dic m f my int ro class currently takin al calculu Amit was a four-year contributor to our strings program, g e s, s—biolo gy, phy playing the viola. He annually auditioned for and excelled in opportu etc. However, sics, fr n the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Private so I am ity to take a u eshmen also ha niq a School Music Educators Association competitions and of astro lso taking a cla ue signature ve the c n o ss on t omy, a played at other venues his four years. (You may have seen he fund urse, been c subject a u m r a io b entals him play the National Anthem at Homecoming 2012.) out wh ways to us. My profe ic h I’ v s e s k Outside Oakridge, Amit was in the Youth Orchestra of enterta eep their clas ors all seem t always ses bo ining; a o find Greater Fort Worth as well as the Philharmonic Orchestra th effec nd whil a good t e iv of Greater Fort Worth. In addition, Amit was a four-year some o e and amoun t f surpris member of drumline, playing snare and bass. Amit served ed at h of work, I con them do involv ow well s Oakridg as captain in his senior year. -prepar tantly find my e e. The self e d c I find th it I am po at there y of Austin is stits are thin properly Amit also participated in multiple plays and musicals, gs that elf so unique, describ c including our senior-directed plays and Zombie Prom. scene is an only ed as b ein b li He served as president of the World Languages Club of plac mitless—I alre g “Austin.” T e es he food ady ha and National Honor Society and earned the President’s ve a ru it befor to go to, and n n e I in can on my tim Volunteer Service Award for his work at River Legacy ly hope g list e here organiz is a t o t o io ut. I’ve finish Science Center. within m n shopping, and I’ve also been y major as BME fo t S, the B hat piqued my und a few Beside iomedic interest st , such a fun, su hose, I’ve eve l Engineering S ch as t n ociety. f ound s he 33rd an entir o m e ju A ely stud st for nnual M en adrigal looking Dinner, forward t run show. A ll in all, to a gre I’m at first year at UT. Amit Narawane, also our co-salutatorian, was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, Rice University, and the University of Southern California. He is a National Merit Scholar.
Amit N Univers
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In the classroom, Amit earned Most Outstanding Student in Honors Precalculus, Honors Intermediate French, Honors Strings (three times), AP Spanish Language, and AP Statistics. Amit, in addition to his 400+ hours of community service, has been a registered pharmacy technician since 2011. He enrolled in UT Austin where he is studying engineering in the honors program.
Melissa Jaclyn Geisel This year’s Valedictorian, Melissa Geisel’s college acceptances include Austin College, Oberlin College, Trinity University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Melissa was editor-in-chief of our school’s literary magazine,
www.theoakridgeschool.org • 15
Calliope. She worked on the magazine for three years in varying leadership capacities. She was vice president of the Chinese Club. Melissa continues to write for fanfiction.net – both writing her own stories and mentoring new writers. Outside Oakridge, Melissa earned her green belt in karate. She has also been a volunteer at the Woodland West Library, HOPE Tutoring, and through the youth group of New World United Methodist Church. Melissa was Most Outstanding Student in Honors Introduction to Literature and Rhetoric, Intermediate Chinese, Honors Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, AP Chemistry, and Pre-AP Chinese; she earned Most Dedicated Student accolades in Honors Precalculus and Calliope. She is studying at Washington University in St. Louis. Since 2007 our Valadictorians have gone to Wellsley, Davidson, U of Chicago, Princeton, Savanah College of Art and Design, SMU, and Harvard... Salutatorians attended Franklin College of Switzerland, SMU, Rhodes, Texas A&M, U of Pennsylvania, and USC.
O
be not to e g n a . , r e t els s akridg akridge Dear O It certainly fe l year at O to my oo ll! Hi, y’a he new sch m settling in t I’ g in a starting ss, I feel like ome. I’m livin e to h ele (a nativ ds n Noneth very different o s r e t er p ndre new bu m with anoth sses have hu d far cla oo pen dorm r , some of my like I s l e e e f I ) is d king fiv n a t a , m I’ m St. Lou he to. to ple in t I used h, Intro c y s of peo in class than P ee e Intro to the thr f o less tim is semester: e n th 197 (o alculus II, and s s e s ic s s y la c C Ph urses), udies, stopian Film St ry physics co sci-fi and dy ey’re ’s Th cto introdu se on women gthy name). a very ur len a lit co has a rather n. St. Louis is exas. fu (it er like T ore h t novels y surprisingly a e w olar all is m all actu , but it has bip s bad, but it it. b ity ta pretty c the heat isn’ cools down a , tly ntil it Curren t wait u ’ n a c I humid. ouis in St. L y it s r e niv gton U Washin
J a s s i l e M
Class of 2013
16 • The Oakridge School Outlook
l e s i e G aclyn
A Look at the Class of 2013 by the Numbers
74 seniors
414 college applications mailed to schools across the United States – UT and Baylor were the most popular with 21 and 30 applications respectively
5
seniors with offers to play college athletics
5.7 9 the average number of college applications per senior
118
different colleges accepted our students
1 Acceptance to a Service Academy
56
pounds of Mike and Ikes consumed over college application season
$6.1 million in merit-based scholarships — average per student, $84,113; percentage of seniors with meritbased offers, 71.2
National Merit Commended Letter Winners
50 percent of seniors are leaving the Lone Star State; 50 percent are planning to stay in Texas
3 National Hispanic Scholars
2
National Achievement Program Outstanding Participants
7
National Merit Scholars
www.theoakridgeschool.org • 17
“ To drop my kids off every day at school knowing they will be surrounded by people who love them is a comfort that you cannot put a price tag on.” — Mrs. Kay Petersen 18 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Spotlight on an Owl Family On any given Saturday in the fall, the Petersen family’s plans revolve around Arkansas football. John Petersen is a proud alumnus of The University of Arkansas, so his wife, Kay, and their four children had little choice but to jump on the Razorback bandwagon.
the Parents’ Club and Booster Club, and they attend the Super Supper Auction and contribute to the Annual Fund. In the spring of 2010, the couple underwrote and taught Dave Ramsey’s ten-week Financial Peace University course to forty Oakridge faculty members. And last year, they became one of the school’s “Greatest Names in Sports” by making a naming gift to the Thankfully, Arkansas football only consumes a dozen Saturdays Oakridge Athletic Complex Campaign. out of the year, leaving 353 days - save a few weekends and holidays - for The Oakridge School. And with four children enrolled The Petersens aren’t bashful about expressing their gratitude to at Oakridge, the Petersens manage a busy family calendar. Oakridge for helping them raise and educate their four children. “To drop my kids off every day at school knowing they will be Prior to enrolling their children in 2007, Kay and John had surrounded by people who love them, is a comfort that you heard glowing stories about The Oakridge School from several cannot put a price tag on,” says Mrs. Petersen. “We know they people, including John’s sister, Jana Kurrasch. Mrs. Kurrasch is are safe at Oakridge, and we feel fortunate to be aligned with this a beloved second grade teacher and has been a proud member outstanding faculty and these wonderful families.” of the Oakridge faculty for twenty-four years. According to Jana, “Oakridge has many great families, but the school is so fortunate Next fall, when the 2014-2015 school year begins, Landy to have the Petersens because they embrace and support every Petersen will leave the nest, prepared to begin the next chapter aspect of the school enthusiastically, from academics, to the arts of her life as a college student. Proudly, she proclaimed, “I plan to and athletics.” follow in my dad’s footsteps at the University of Arkansas, where I will definitely be involved in student life and get my degree.” And In its 35 year history, Oakridge has been the educational on Saturday afternoons, Landry will attend Arkansas football O choice for thousands of stellar families, like the Petersens. Few, games, like she has for so many years. however, have enrolled four children. Currently, the Petersens, along with the Hodges and the Robinsons, are the only families with four Owls on the class rolls. Over the years, Kay and John have experienced the benefits of all four divisions, from The Early Childhood Center to the Upper School. This year, their oldest daughter, Landry, is a senior, and their youngest daughter, Mia, is in the fourth grade. In the middle are sophomore daughter, Delaney, and seventh grade son, Joey. The Petersens have participated in most of the Oakridge traditions firsthand, and their children are involved in numerous activities outside the classroom - cheerleading, football, field hockey, choir, and acting, to name a few. Mrs. Petersen said, “Whenever we attend events at Oakridge, be it sporting events or programs, picnics or parades, choir performances or drama productions, we truly feel like we are among family. And I love it that my children are afforded so many opportunities to become well-rounded leaders.” Like so many other parents, Mr. and Mrs. Petersen chose Oakridge for the outstanding, college-preparatory education that they knew their children would receive. In addition, states Mr. Petersen, “We were longing for a caring and intimate atmosphere for the kids. The faculty and administration at Oakridge form partnerships with families, and the teachers genuinely care about every student and his or her success.” Because they believe in the Oakridge mission, Kay and John give back to the school in a multitude of ways. They support
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New faculty A familiar face to many at Oakridge is Robby Koch, who has returned to teach MS History. After teaching History and coaching in the MS, Robby left to go into business for himself. He operated an indoor soccer arena called Game On Arena Sports. Mr. Koch has a B.S. degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Robby is a Fort Worth native who is the father of two daughters, Mackenzie and Katlynn. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three horses, eight cats, and three dogs! Bass fishing is his favorite hobby with golf being a close second. He also enjoys remodeling houses. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger was his most recent favorite read because of the many historical people featured in the storyline. Claire Reddig replaces longtime fifth grade teacher Frances Rucker who retired at the end of last year. Mrs. Reddig is teaching Language Arts to the fifth grade and Writing to eighth grade. She received her B.A. from Rice University and M.Ed. from University of Missouri. Most recently she taught at Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City. Mrs. Reddig is married and has two children who both attend The Oakridge School. Caitlin is in fourth grade and Bennett is in third. In her spare time she likes to dabble in photography and read. A favorite book is Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara Powell. “It is a great reminder (filled with wonderful practical suggestions) of how we need to be intentional in sharing our faith with our children.” David Joyce teaches two sections of U.S. History and three sections of AP U.S. History to the junior class. Mr. Joyce holds a B.A. from Dartmouth and a M.A. from Duke. He has most recently taught in Los Angeles. He likes following college football in his free time. Having been born and raised in Boston, David enjoyed reading The Fitzgeralds and The Kennedys by Doris Kearns Goodwin. David Miller has worked at Oakridge part time over the last three years and is now full time. He is the head Varsity Wrestling coach, helps out with the MS football team, and will be involved with the baseball program next spring. He is also integral to the Oakridge Athletic Complex with regards to the maintenance
20 • The Oakridge School Outlook
of the grounds and irrigation system. In December he will have earned his B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Arlington. David and his wife have an eighteen month old son named Ian and a Border Collie called Ranger completes their family. In his free time, David enjoys coin collecting, playing golf, and wrestling. He recently finished reading Rediscovering Homer involving the collision of History and Science in order to decipher fact from fiction. Deneen Preyer is a new addition to the Admissions Office and assisting Dr. Davis and Mrs. Messer with their very busy department. She brings with her a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management from Grambling State University. Deneen was formerly employed by Allstate Insurance as a Human Resources consultant. Alexandria, Louisiana is her home town, but she has been in Texas for sixteen years now. Deneen has three grown children with whom she loves spending time. Her hobbies are numerous: swimming, bike riding, skating, bowling, exercising, watching horror movies and traveling. Currently she owns no pets but would love a Siberian Husky! Dexter Coakley, a former linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams, has become a busy member of the athletic department. After eight years in the NFL and a stint as a medical sales representative, he has become the varsity football linebacker coach, wrestling coach, and head softball coach. Dexter is also involved with everyday P.E. classes. Coach Coakley has a degree in Communications from Appalachian State University, skills he, no doubt, uses in his very busy home life with wife Nicole, daughters Trinity (10), Micah (1), and son Zahn (8). Both Trinity and Zahn are students at Oakridge. The family’s menagerie includes two Italian Mastiffs and a Maltese. Dexter loves to BBQ and go fishing. He recently read The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong. “It taught me how to become an effective P.E. teacher.” Second grade teacher Annie Bahner hails from the “north,” Oklahoma to be exact, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from OU. Before her arrival at The Oakridge
School she taught at Monroe Elementary in Norman, OK. Miss Bahner is engaged to be married on New Year’s Eve 2013! She and her new husband will make their home with two dogs, Murphy and Cooper. Annie’s favorite pastimes are shopping, watching football, and reading. She really enjoyed the book Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, MD. Third grade teacher Erin Bryant comes to The Oakridge School from Presbyterian School of Houston. She earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences from UT Austin and her M.ED. in Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction from University of Houston. Mrs. Bryant and her husband Alex enjoy life with a long-haired dachshund named Lucy. Erin’s favorite way to spend free time is reading, cooking, crafting and spending time with family. Recently she read and liked one of the new Bluebonnet books, Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Linda Hoffer is the new MS Drama teacher. Mrs. Hoffer has a BA in Philosophy from University of Texas at Arlington and previously taught at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School in Arlington. She was born in Colorado and moved to Texas during her high school years. Her impression of Texas at that time was that she had moved to another country! Mrs. Hoffer and her husband have two children, Samuel (12) and Emily (14). A dog named Harry and a cat named Charles round out their family. Linda enjoys reading, cooking and watching movies in her free time. A recent favorite read is A Long Way Gone: memoirs of a boy soldier, a book recommended by her daughter who had read it for school. “The story is so amazing and heartbreaking and inspiring.” Paulo da Silva ’05 has joined the Office of College Advising as a coordinator. After graduating from Southern Methodist University with his B.A. in International Studies and Spanish he worked at Franklin American Mortgage Company with an eye on someday getting back to his high school alma mater. In addition to working with Mrs. Kramer and Mrs. Pfursich, Mr. da Silva will be involved with coaching Varsity Football, Varsity Soccer, and Varsity Track. Paulo was recently married to a fellow Oakridge graduate, Christine Read ’03. Currently, they share their home with one
dog but plans to get another soon. Coach da Silva’s hobbies include soccer, hunting, boating, and hanging out with friends and family. He found The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown to be particularly intriguing because of the history behind the Catholics’ point of view and the surrounding mystery. New to the History department is Mark Coffman. Mr. Coffman teaches Government, AP Government, Economics, and Honors Economics. He will also be the varsity Boys Basketball head coach this winter. He received a B.S. in Education from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and most recently taught at Midland Lee High School. Mark grew up in Goree, Munday, and Wichta Falls, Texas. He is married and the proud father of four sons and five grandsons. Also counted as family are three dogs, Wheezy, Kobe, and Magic. When not teaching he enjoys following sports and politics, playing golf, and spending time with family. A favorite read is Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath because he loves reading about the Great Depression. “My grandfather told me many stories about that time period.” New to both the technology and athletic areas is Matt Knauf. His jobs include US Technology Integrationist, assistant Varsity Football coach, assistant Varsity powerlifting coach, and assistant MS Football coach. Matt holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and a M.S. in Kinesiology, both from the University of Wisconsin. Coach Knauf and his wife are happy to be in Texas where there is not much snow shoveling to be done! In his spare time he likes following college sports, fishing, spending time with his wife and two pugs, and exploring new places. He found the book The Paleo Diet for Athletes to be “ an encyclopedia of great information on nutrition for athletes and maintaining a good exercise regimen.” Lauren Carfa, one of two new third grade teachers, was born and raised in Fort Worth. She received a B.S. from University of Texas at Arlington and most recently taught in Mansfield Independent School District. Mrs. Carfa is married and has a 10 month old son, Ellis. A dog named Ripley rounds out the family. Some of Lauren’s favorite ways to enjoy free time are reading, cooking, movies, and swimming. Her most recent read was A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. “It is part of a series and has a great storyline with lots of drama and O excitement!”
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20-Year Employees Nineteen employees with twenty years or more as Owls, have collectively worked 467 years at The Oakridge School. Front Row, Left to Right: Ruth Wherry, ECC Teacher; Peggy Pfursich, Assistant College Advisor; Laura Clark, PE Teacher; Elissa Eggleston, Science Chair; Betty Garton, ECC Director; Marlana Palmer, LS Teacher; Lidia Abbott, MS Teacher; Kari Derrick, ECC Extended Care Director; Laura Nobles, ECC Teacher; Sylvia Kappahan, LS Administrative Assistant Back Row, Left to Right: Jim Teague, Maintenance Supervisor; Barbara Cox, MS Teacher; Debbe Sable, MS Teacher; Barry Coe, US Teacher; Jon Kellam, Headmaster; Andy Broadus, President; Stacy Chapman, Library Assistant; Jana Kurrasch, LS Teacher; Ralph Miller, Maintenance/Transportation Supervisor
Faculty in Action
22 • The Oakridge School Outlook
fine arts There was just something about New York that drove her the tiniest bit insane, Leilani thought. Or maybe it wasn’t the city at all. Maybe it was the way she had felt when she had first found herself surrounded by metal and concrete and glass instead of things she associated with home: clear blue water, a salty Hawaiian breeze, the sound of dolphins chattering away in the distance. As she had leaned her head back and stared up at the buildings that really did seem to scrape the sky, Leilani had found herself getting progressively more overwhelmed.
Lauren DiFilippo (8th grade)
But Leilani was in New York for a reason. As her daintily heeled feet carried her across the grand stage of Carnegie Hall and up the risers for seemingly the hundredth time in just three days, she allowed her mind to wander back to her first day in the massive space. She was used to it now, to the sight of what had to be a thousand tiered seats—a thousand blank yet somehow anticipatory faces—in the audience; but in that first, unfamiliar moment, Leilani remembered trembling, her breath catching in the back of her throat as she assembled on the risers alongside people of all ages, of all walks of life. Like second nature, they had arranged themselves in perfectly crafted lines without instruction or conscious thought, soprano alto tenor bass. They sang until they became breathless and the sounds of the old Victorian chanting echoed and distorted around them—and Leilani loved it. The memories were so vivid that she soon had trouble differentiating between what was past and what was present. The difference didn’t really matter, though; the concert, the fruit of their labor, was finally beginning and Leilani was already burning under the intensity of the stage lights. Her long black dress swished around her ankles as she swayed anxiously and rifled absentmindedly through her music to busy herself with something, anything, even nothing—just as long as she didn’t have to look out into the audience. She knew that, if she did, his would be the only face she saw. Lost in a sea of singers, she would be drowning and he would be there, watching. Staring…just like he had done the day they met. Closing her eyes to block out the real world, Leilani allowed herself to remember one more thing, one last time.
— Excerpt taken from “ Calamitatis et Miseriae” by Nooshin Ghanbari, Class of 2014 Callie Tjoa (8th grade)
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beyond the classroom: traveling abroad Starting in the ECC, with the summer camp program, “Where in the World is Big Al?” all the way through the World History curriculum and Foreign Language requirements of both Middle and Upper School, Oakridge is committed to helping our students think globally. One of the opportunities Oakridge offers its students to help them think globally, to see what lies beyond the classroom, is organized international travel.
Students Speak: Why did you choose to travel abroad? “I traveled abroad because all the trips I went on were such great opportunities I didn’t want to pass up! Plus, it was through Oakridge so I had friends go with me on all the trips.” —Madison McWithey, class of 2013 (traveled on both Middle School Spring Break trips, China as a junior and France this past summer). “I always had a desire to travel abroad to learn about other countries’ cultures and language. I felt comfortable and safe going with students and faculty from Oakridge.” —Emma Leffler, class of 2012 (traveled on both Middle School Spring Break trips and to France this past summer.)
“ The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— Augustine of Hippo
“ Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
— Gustave Flaubert
“ Nobody can discover the world for somebody else.”
— Wendell Berry
Oh the places they go! Peru Italy Spain China Students visiting a giant panda exhibit in China.
24 • The Oakridge School Outlook
China For the fourth time, Dr. Wei-Ming Liu will take a group of Oakridge students to China in early June. Dr. Liu encourages anyone who is affiliated with Oakridge, who may be interested in traveling to China to join the trip. Those that travel to China will visit the cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, as well as a rotating fourth major city, like Yangshuo. Travelers will visit ancient Chinese monuments, such as the Terra Cotta Warriors of Shi Huangdi, the Great Wall of China, as well as learn about the culture of past and present China. Participants will practice meditation exercises, experience a kung fu lesson, ride bikes along the Li River and take in an acrobatic show.
Dr. Liu with Upper School students at the Temple of Heaven — Summer 2011.
Making Lifetime Memories “My favorite memory of the European trip was when we spent the day at the beach in Barcelona, and then later that night we learned to make traditional Spanish Paella.” —Olivia Duke, Sophomore who traveled to Spain/France during Middle School “My favorite memory was as we walked St. Malo, and visited the other cities outside of Paris, I was able to see the French culture become something more real to my students then simply an article we read in class.” —Mrs. Marissa Tate, US French teacher and French trip leader “My favorite memory from Peru is going U.S. students at Machu Picchu, Peru — Summer 2012. to Manchu Pichu. The area is absolutely gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and it was great to share “Visiting the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, had been on my the journey with friends.” —Thomas Cuda, current Senior who “bucket list” for many years. So, when I was finally standing over this magnificent citadel it was an incredibly moving experience. travelled to Peru in the summer of 2012 Little did I know that the other Peruvian sites that we visited “My favorite memory was attending the Moulin Rouge. The on this tour would be equally powerful: Titicaca, Sillustanti and Moulin Rouge encompasses everything I love; musical theater, Pisaq were phenomenal. Peru was even more than I ever could bright and sparkly costumes, athletic appreciation, and French have expected it to be.” —Mrs. Katherine Arce, MS and US Spanish teacher and Peru culture.” —Emma Leffler, class of 2012 on summer travel to France 2013 trip leader
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Upper School and Alumni travel to France, Summer 2013 Madame Tate, Upper School French teacher, led a group of five current students and six alumnae to France this past June. They toured many regions of France, including stops in the cities of St. Malo, Tours and Amboise. The next Upper School trip to tour France is planned for summer 2015. Magnifique!
Madame Tate with U.S. students in front of the French Senate in Jardin du Luxembourg.
Middle School “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” —Ernest Hemingway Lidia Abbott, our Middle School Spanish and Latin teacher, organizes an annual Spring Break trip to Europe. Where the students travel rotates every year. Students from 7th, 8th and 9th grades travel to Italy one year, and then Spain/France the next. Students, like Paige Levine, a current sophomore, chose to participate in both Middle School travel opportunities. Reflecting on both her trips, Paige shared that, “my favorite day during the Italian trip was when we spent the day in Venice. We toured a famous Venetian glass company which I found very fascinating.”
26 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Beyond the Classroom International travel offers the students of Oakridge an amazing opportunity to see what they have learned in their classes, come to life. Students get to witness first hand the culture, architecture, art, food and customs of people around the world.
Interested in Traveling with Oakridge? E-mail the following teacher leaders with questions:
Many Oakridge students identify some of their fondest memories with their international travel adventures, whether it occurred in Middle School, Upper School or possibly both.
China: Dr. Wei-Ming Liu,
The faculty remains dedicated to offering opportunities that allow their students to make global connections and make learning become a truly authentic experience.
labbot@theoakridgeschool.org
International travel will remain part of the Oakridge experience for years to come. New trips are currently in the planning stages as faculty seek to increase their O effectiveness not only in, but beyond, the classroom.â€
wliu@theoakridgeschool.org Middle School Europe: Lidia Abbott, France: Marissa Tate, mtate@theoakridgeschool.org Peru: Katherine Arce, karce@theoakridgeschool.org
Students outside the Louvre in Paris.
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28 • The Oakridge School Outlook
“Watching students help each other with the devices is a real joy. I see them gaining confidence and leadership every day.” Mrs. Rabe, MS Teacher
“Using the iPad mini makes classwork awesome! We get so much more done in class.” Luke, 4th grade student
“This summer teachers traveled to Galveston, Austin, and Memphis. We all had the opportunity to learn with, and from, top educators from around the world. The training was invaluable to our continued success with Learn21.” Charlotte Wiseman, MS Teacher
The Learn21 program demonstrates our continued commitment to offer the best learning environment for our students. Students in grades 4-8 are already utilizing their Lenovo tablets and iPads, thus guaranteeing daily opportunities to connect, communicate, collaborate and create. By 2014, Upper School students will be provided these powerful tools to enhance, engage, and empower their own learning. As with any learning initiative, the proof lies with the students and teachers. Here is a sample of comments from the hallways. “The new Middle School Learning Commons is an amazing place to meet with classmates for projects and assignments. We have everything we need in one great place.” Dawson, 8th grade student
“I love my iPad! It makes school work so much easier and helps me stay organized at school and at home.” Brinkley, 6th grade student
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“I love drumline. I’ve never had more fun with such a great group of people. We are a family. We love the music and we love Oakridge.” — Lauren Buck, junior
10 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Drumline provides game day spirit “I joined drumline to be a part of Oakridge spirit and, on the way, gained a second family.” — Co-Captain Bruce Holtman, junior For many, there is nothing better than Friday night football in Texas. The pomp and ceremony, pageantry, and competition create a sense of community and pride for athletes and fans alike. The Oakridge School is no different. When the Mighty Owls take the field, they are surrounded by students, friends, parents, and fans who feel as much pride for their school as the players themselves. From the kids playing on the playground to homecoming tailgaters, cheerleaders on the sidelines to those manning the grill, each one does their Bronstein (’13), and Pauline Bronstein (’13) began rehearsing part to support the team, creating an electric atmosphere on every day before school with directors Tonda Sykes and Robert game days. Ward in order to provide entertainment and energy for the team and fans on Friday nights. One of the more recent additions to the stands is the Oakridge Drumline. Though the group is only in its fifth year, it has quickly Through the Franks’ generosity and the hard work of its original become an integral part of the game day experience. members, the groundwork for a thriving spirit group was laid. With a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Frank in 2008, five drums and necessary equipment were purchased to outfit the original members of the Oakridge Drumline. Founding members Pearce Murphy (’10), Trevor Adams (’12), Mike Nathman (’12), Stella
In its second year, the line expanded to eight members with the addition of a snare, a quad, and a bass drum. As interest continued to grow each year, additional instruments were added, bringing the line to ten and then twelve members. The 2013-2014 Drumline, under the direction of Andrew Stewart, is now thirteen members strong. Four snares, two quads, five basses, and two cymbal players continue to practice before and after school each week in preparation for Friday nights. Aside from playing at football games, the group continues to be a welcomed addition at pep rallies, the Arlington Parade of Lights, and the Mardi Gras parade at Children’s Lighthouse School in Grand Prairie. Today, drumline has become the best way to get Oakridge fans and players pumped up on Friday nights. But it has become even more than that. Members of the line not only recognize the role drumline plays in the game day atmosphere, but appreciate, too, what role drumline plays in their own Oakridge experience. O
“Being on the line means you belong to something bigger than yourself. It’s something you can be proud of.” — Co-Captain Michelle Cane, junior www.theoakridgeschool.org • 31
community service Oakridge students are required to complete 60 hours of community service throughout their four years of Upper School. Most students go above and beyond the requirement; for example, the class of 2013 volunteered a total of 8,312 hours with an average of 112 per student. Hundreds of local, national and international non-profit organizations benefit from the commitment of our Oakridge students. These are four examples among many in which our Owls are learning and serving every day.
Jeffrey Wingate, class of 2013, served over 330 hours as a camp counselor at Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center where he said his favorite thing was teaching the kids about God. He also accrued over 380 hours at Camp Summit, counseling differently-abled campers.
Junior, Michael Greer, taught summer enrichment classes for EA Young Academy for over 220 hours where he taught younger children, about chemistry, astronomy and rocket science.
32 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Shelbee Gilmore, senior, has earned over 450 hours of service with many of those hours teaching summer classes at the Fort Worth Zoo. Her favorite thing was teaching the 1st and 2nd graders about the animals.
From the sophomore class, Kourtnei Fong-Kutchins read to children at the Samaritan House and taught them how to garden. Her favorite aspect has been building relationships with the residents there.
fine arts The Store by Ben Fallis, Class of 2014
Lower School Art
There’s something sad about a store, Brand new and sparkling, with an empty Parking lot. Merry balloons made sad Half float, their wrinkled bodies drooping to The ground; and posters flaunting low, low prices Are invisible to all potential customers. I wonder what the owners must think As they look outside to that passing crowd, And inside to deserted aisles; And I wonder if the owners find it painful, Lowering their prices to amounts they can’t afford To lure customers who’ll never come; And dipping into rainy-day funds to pay the lease; And knowing soon you’ll return to a Real job, with a sea of debt as punishment For trying to escape; and I wonder if They cry at night. I never visit those stores, for I fear That good intentions of mine will do no good; That my presence in the store would be awkward, nothing more, And that having a single customer would only Remind the owner of his failure to Attract all that he needed to run A fruitful store, and would thus destroy his dignity. But even though I don’t support the stores By shopping there, I mourn a little when I see Their neon sign is gone.
ECC Artwork
Upper School Art
ECC Artwork
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ON AIR: KOWL “In the new era, thought itself will be transmitted by radio.” —Guglielmo Marconi It is interesting to think that this prophecy, made almost one hundred years ago, has come to fruition at The Oakridge School. The “new era” has been ushered in with the ability of the school to transmit messages via radio broadcasting. The catalyst to bring radio capability to the school was initiated a few years ago, when Dr. Don Shelton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Radio Network, Inc. approached school administration with his idea. Additionally, Dr. Shelton was excited to to see his passion brought to Oakridge because of his two granddaughters who attend the school, Gracie (6th) and Madi Snyder (8th). Dr. Shelton’s website states, “Air Radio Network, Inc. partners with schools to establish and operate radio stations for communication with students, parents, families and friends by radio and internet.” It is this partnership that allowed the Oakridge School to bring the radio to its community. For its part, Air Radio Network sets up, configures, and provides maintenance for the equipment, including FCC certification
and licensing. In return, the school is committed to an elective class that provides students an opportunity to learn how to create radio segments, communicate campus news to the community, and operate the radio equipment. While the AM transmission can broadcast 1-3 miles, it is designed primarily for on-campus listening, specifically for parents in carpool. However, the ability to broadcast to computers, tablets, and other electronic devices has the potential to reach a global audience. The programming for KOWL includes both regular scheduled broadcasting and special focus programming. The regular scheduled programming includes the daily recording and broadcasting of divisional school announcements. The special focus programming includes student interviews, sports interviews, Student Council messages, alumni interviews, club and extra curricular messages, and teacher interviews. The class is also considering possibilities such as live, remote broadcasting of athletic events, graduation, or concerts, which would require a delay feature that has not yet
34 • The Oakridge School Outlook
been installed. Additionally, with a student population that boasts students from 11 different countries, the Oakridge School’s broadcasts may soon be translated into other languages, such as Chinese, to be transmitted over the internet to other home countries. The future appears bright for KOWL! Just as Marconi predicted over a century ago with the invention of the radio, technology has allowed the world to share thoughts and ideas regardless of distance. Certainly, radio continues to have a role in this shrinking world. The Oakridge School, and the opportunities provided by KOWL in an educational environment, will allow a new generation to learn the skill of broadcasting. The radio station can be found on the second floor of the Library in the Information Building at The Oakridge School. Please tune in to KOWL at 1670AM or at http://www. airradionetwork.com/KOWL.HTML to hear the sounds of Oakridge radio. O “Every day sees humanity more victorious in the struggle with space and time.” —Guglielmo Marconi
boy scout troop 1979 The Oakridge School is proud to be the host for Boy Scout Troop 1979. The troop (and school) have a long tradition of Eagle Scout award winners. Troop 1979 has many of its current members on track to be Eagle Scouts in the near future. The past few years and the coming summer have led our troop to challenging, renowned and exciting treks. A crew of eleven teenage Oakridge Scouts and their four leaders went on a life changing summer trek through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont covers 214 square miles of vast wilderness with trails that climb from 6,500 feet to as high as 12,441 feet. During their trek the Oakridge Boy Scout Troop 1979 hiked 70+ miles over their ten day trek. The Troop was fortunate to participate during the 75th Anniversary of Philmont Scout Ranch. The group of Oakridge Scouts and their advisors carried everything they needed to survive during the trek on their backs while hiking from camp to camp. They participated in backcountry programs along the way including Native American petroglyphs, rock climbing, burro-racing, and .30-06 reloading and .30-06 rifle shooting. The trek also included a conservation project where the Scouts learned and participated in the upkeep of the Philmont trail system. Along the trek, Scouts endured tough challenges including backpacking in bear and mountain lion territory, steep climbs, and often-inclement weather that included a thunder storm resulting in accumulation of two inches of hail at 9500 feet of altitude. “They may meet only one other group of Scouts on the trail in an entire day of hiking,” according to Backpacker Magazine. “Even in the most crowded destinations, each Scout group camps in isolation, out of sight and sound of all other groups.” The crew made what amounts to a Scouting pilgrimage with their trip to Philmont. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high adventure camp and the largest youth camp in the world serving nearly one million participants since 1938. The Troop completed a trek to the Florida Seabase last year and plans to attend the Northern Tier Boundary Waters Canoe Area High Adventure Base next O summer completing the Triple Crown of High Adventure bases.
Pictured (Back Row L to R – Andrew Sykes, Mr. Dan Logsdon, Drake Logsdon, Mr. Mike Leenhouts, Zachary Poster, Mr. Scott Poster, Mr. Terry Dagnon, Hunter Dagnon Front Row L to R Thomas Girouard, Anuj Ramakrishnan, Dusty Leenhouts, Nicholas Keithley, Philmont Ranger, Philmont Ranger, Garrett Echols, Thomas Cuda, and Patrick Pauley
T R O O P 1 9 7 9 www.theoakridgeschool.org • 35
ATHletes to play at next level Two Oakridge senior student-athletes have committed to their respective Universities to compete as scholarship studentathletes upon graduation from The Oakridge School. Brodrick Umblance committed to play football for The University of Tulsa, and Alex Schies has committed to play golf for Texas Wesleyan University. Texas Wesleyan golf coach (and father of Oakridge first-grader Kenedy), Kevin Millikan, stated, “I’ve had my eye on Alex since the day we announced we were starting a women’s golf team in the Fall of 2011. After meeting her and watching her play, I knew she was exactly the type of student-athlete I wanted representing our program. She has a great work ethic, is very competitive, and it is obvious when she is on the course that she enjoys playing the game. She will play a leading role in our program over the coming years, and I am very excited to have her joining the team.” University of Tulsa coaches are forbidden from commenting on committed athletes until signing day in February, but they are very excited Brodrick will be joining O the Golden Hurricane program.
Oakridge graduates currently competing in collegiate athletics: FOOTBALL Lukas Groves ‘13, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Marshall Oxentine ‘13, Univ. of St. Francis Colton Clark ‘12, Univ. of Chicago Josh Atkinson ‘12, Univ. of Tulsa Teu Kautai ‘10, BYU Tayo Fabuluje ‘10, BYU Ross Apo ‘10, BYU SOCCER Mallory Morse ‘11, Univ. of Chicago Trae Todd ‘11, Howard Univ. Shane Noteboom ‘10, Westminster College BASEBALL Thomas Kensi ‘13, Rensselaer Eric Roe ‘10, Nyack College SOFTBALL Brittany May ‘12, UTA CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK Nathaniel Plemons ‘13, Rhodes College Deron Molen ‘12, Franklin College BASKETBALL James Pegues ‘12, Abilene Christian Cara Sheffer ‘11, Southwestern Univ. CHEER Lana Baugh ‘13, Baylor Univ. VOLLEYBALL Sarah Sumner ‘11, Centenary EQUESTRIAN Kelsey Karanges ‘13, Kansas State Univ. FIELD HOCKEY Kristi O’Connor ‘09, Lindenwood Univ. ROWING Alex Buck ‘11, Univ. of Texas
Brodrick Umblance and Alex Schies (photo by Jessica Hubble)
36 • The Oakridge School Outlook
SWIM Ethan Goldfarb ‘11, Missouri Univ. Science & Technology Nola Shi ‘11, Pomona College Natalie Schauwecker ‘11, SMU
SPC Dates/Locations Fall – Nov. 8-9; Ft Worth Winter – Feb. 14-15; Houston Spring – Golf – Apr. 28-29; The Woodlands Spring – May 2-3; Dallas
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Not Just Horsing Around Last year The Oakridge School Equestrian team had an amazing inaugural season. The team competed in the Hunt Seat and Western divisions with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The team earned distinction with our Hunt Seat team competing against teams from across the country ending with a regional recognition. The Western team had a very successful season earning the title of “Zone 7 Regional Champion” and a bid for the National Finals. At the Finals in Oklahoma City, the riders earned awards in Horsemanship, Reining, and the Horseman’s Knowledge Challenge. Additionally, Kelsey Karanges ‘13 earned the title of “IEA CoChampion Western Rider” her senior year. The team ended ranked eighth in the nation. Oakridge’s champion western team consisted of Kendra Lenz (’14), Kelsey Karanges (’13), Cailey Cobb (’16), Jillian Bradley (’14) and Lauren Wetzel (not pictured) (’16).
C.
D. A.
B.
A. Caroline Settle (’14) at Ozark Legends Show in Bentonville, Arkansas B. Anna Montero (‘14) at Texas Rose Park C. Jillian Bradley (’14), Lauren Wetzel (‘16) and Kendra Lenz (’14) at West Texas A&M University D. Cailey Cobb (’16) at Ozark Legends Show in Bentonville, Arkansas E. Cailey Cobb (’16) at Texas Rose Park
38 • The Oakridge School Outlook
E.
The Oakridge School Owl Club is comprised of dedicated parents, guardians, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, coaches, faculty and staff, and community members that have some common objectives. • Help maintain and improve the athletic facilities at The Oakridge School • Support and recognize the efforts of our teams and athletes • Provide opportunities to our teams and athletes • Assist in building team spirit, school spirit, and sense of pride Supporting The Owl Club provides not only a successful season for our students, but helps create an atmosphere of FUN and SPIRIT for all. In addition, The Owl Club provides the necessary
equipment and apparel, as well as other activities throughout the season for our athletic and physical education programs. The mission of The Oakridge School is to inspire students to seek their full potential in the three A’s – academics, the arts, and athletics. It is our goal to prepare young men and women for lives of responsibility and leadership in a competitive and changing world. Our physical education and our athletic programs are an excellent way for our students to acquire the leadership experience, express their creativity and become good team members. These are also skills that will serve our students well as they head off to college. If you are interested in joining The Owl Club – please contact Dennis Brown at 817-891-0263.
OAKRIDGE PARENTS CLUB WHAT DO WE DO WITH ALL THAT WE RAISE? Due to the success of the 2012-2013 Magazine Sale and Membership Drive, OPC was able to contribute over $53,000 in the following ways: •
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$2729 ECC Outdoor Enhancements: Patio Umbrellas, Benches for Nature Trail, 2 Basket goals Classroom technology upgrades and iPad for PS room $7,350 LS Technology upgrade: 10 iPads and 15 Apple TVs $5,000 MS Two - 3D Printers $1,000 US Choir Audio/Visual Upgrade $6,000 US White Boards, Projector and Monitor for New Classroom $3,800 Audio/Visual Equipment for Student led productions
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• • • • • •
$6,000 Sound system upgrade for SAC $14,680 Severe Weather / Lightening Alert Weather Bug System w/classroom module $1,300 Summer Program Fun House Jump $2,000 Endowment $2,000 Owl Angel Fund Financial Aid $1,500 Shattered Dreams Program $1,500 Patio Umbrellas for courtyard tables $ 300 Brennan Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund
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summer programs Since 1995, The Oakridge School has provided Summer Programming to our students, as well as, to the children in our community. Summer Programs 2013 welcomed 400 students to The Oakridge School campus. Six weeks of Summer Camp took place with an average of seventy-three campers each week. Campers traveled from the Oakridge Rain Forest to Planet Oakridge with Big Al and Mrs. Frizzle on The Magic School Bus. Children celebrated innovation, inventions and inventors during the week of Operation Invention and patriotism was abundant during Red, White and You week. Our Summer Days branch offered thirty-two academic or extracurricular programs for children in first through fourth grades. While refining their academics, Summer Days students were also able to enhance their day with art classes, an American Girl Party, or cooking class with the Headmaster.
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Students in fifth through twelfth grade had forty-one programs that offered an opportunity to get ahead in an academic area or brush up on a special interest. Cooking classes produced many delicious daily projects, photography class caught the action on camera, and a few adventurous students were learning how to survive in the great outdoors. Oakridge coaches ran twelve different Sports Camps with the debut of Boys Wrestling Camp, a General Fitness Fun Sports Camp and Sailing Camp with the Lake Arlington Yacht Club. Arlington being the home of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, baseball campers and football campers were treated to special stadium tours as a part of their week at camp! O Make your plans now to register for Summer Programs 2014: June 9 – July 18. Specific courses to be announced Spring 2014.
Junior Cheerleader in Training, Marissa R. smiled as she reflected, “My favorite part of Cheer Camp was the pep rally when we performed for the audience.”
Summer Camper, Ryan S. said, “I liked riding in the back of the truck for the Red, White & You Summer Camp parade.”
“We had the BEST luncheon in Mrs. Read’s American Girl class! I got to sit with my friends and my American girl, Julie.” said Summer Days student, McKinley R.
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Katilyn K. excitedly shared, “I learned so much about volleyball in this camp! I loved getting to meet new friends and improve my volleyball skills.”
Sailor-in-training, Trevor H. said, “I enjoyed being out on the lake for Sailing Camp and learning how to tie different types of knots.”
Summer In The Oaks: Get Hooked on Fishing class: Nicholas C.
“I enjoyed taking Anime to further explore my art skills” said Summer In The Oaks student, Kate M.
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Summer Camp Counselor and Oakridge Class of 2012 Alum, Sarah C. said, “Being surrounded by a bubble was so much fun! I’ll be the Bubble Lady’s assistant ANY DAY!”
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A Story of Philanthropy By Andy Broadus About six months ago, Zamil Hudani ‘07, a young Oakridge alum, came by my office to visit and to bring me up to date on his life and to find out what was happening at Oakridge.
He stated that he hoped that his gift would motivate other alums to make a major gift or pledge to the Oakridge Athletic Complex project. Zamil graduated from Oakridge in 2007. He attended both NYU and SMU, where he graduated with honors with degrees in economics and finance.
When he dropped by, I was in the process of trying to help a family (unrelated to Oakridge) that was really down and out. I was waiting for a phone call that would weigh heavily on this family’s future. I apologized to Z when the phone rang but told him I really needed to take the call. Afterwards, I explained to him the difficult circumstances. He immediately and politely asked if he could also help financially. He wanted nothing in return; he just felt deeply for the family. (EMPATHY!) I was very proud. He told me that he has been very successful in his business ventures and would like to help Oakridge with a gift or pledge but needed to consider how much.
Zamil Hudani ‘07 Fast forward to the completion of the Stadium Phase and the $300,000 Flavin match that has kept the project moving. I immediately thought of Zamil and called him. He pledged $50,000 on the phone, and that became the largest single gift from an alumnus in the history of the school.
While Z was finishing his degrees at SMU, he began working in the life settlement industry with Kaiser Silverman Global, where he became a young phenom in the business. He recently formed his own corporation AGLECTO and has begun conducting business in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East all while continuing to service clients in the DFW Metroplex. I am extremely proud of Z and his accomplishments, but I am most proud of his amazing philanthropic heart and love O of Oakridge.
MATCHING GIFT PROPELS STADIUM PROJECT The Oakridge Athletic Complex takes another giant step forward with the completion of the football, soccer, and track stadium in early 2014. This phase of construction includes home and visiting bleachers, a scorer’s box, a large score board, a concession stand, bathrooms, roads, and the infrastructure to support it all. We reached a critical point this summer when we needed an infusion of money to keep the project going. Amazingly John Flavin, for
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whom the Flavin Fine Arts Center is named, stepped forward and offered a $300,000 matching challenge gift. With this gift and the additional $300,000 raised to match it, the stadium project continued so that it could be ready for the winter sports season. Oakridge friends and families have always come through when the need was demonstrated. Because of this, our students are profoundly fortunate to have extraordinary facilities where they can showcase their talents. The next major phase of construction is the building of the softball and baseball complex.
It will be located to the east of the tennis center. If you are interested in knowing more about the Oakridge Athletic Complex or making a donation to it, please call Andy Broadus (817.457.6683) or Michele Cole (817.451.4994 x. 2768).
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The Oakridge School Annual Fund Sets New Record: $400,000 in Gifts and Pledges! Under the leadership of the 2012-2013 Annual Fund Chairs and current parents, Lara and Jim Haddock, The Oakridge School Annual Fund surpassed its goal of $300,000, reaching an all-time high and an increase over last year’s total due to increased level of giving and participation from parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty & staff and friends of the school. Over 58% of the total dollars raised was the result of increases in the leadership level with gifts of $1,500 or more. Last year, we had 50 donors at the leadership level and this year we had 88. In addition, the total dollars raised from faculty & staff increased. Parent participation among the classes increased. Each year we continue to have 100% of the Board of Notably, the Class of 2023 and 2024 reached 100% Regents and Faculty & Staff participate and make The parent participation. Overall, we reached 66% parent Oakridge School Annual Fund their priority. participation.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support we continue to experience,” said Michele Cole, Director of Development. “This level of generosity is amazing. Participation and increases in giving levels are incredibly important and help build a secure foundation for the future of The Oakridge School.” 100%
100%
100%
Participation
84% 80%
72% 66%
60%
70%
72%
71%
‘17
‘18
83% 77%
75%
79%
83%
68%
55%
40%
20%
0
‘13
‘14
‘15
‘16
‘19
‘20
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‘21
‘22
‘23
‘24
‘25
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Community Partners program: giving back The Community Partners program offers an easy way to support The Oakridge School all year round, without any cost to you! Simply enroll in these programs and you will earn rewards for The Oakridge School every time you shop. Albertson’s Community Partners Albertson’s will rebate The Oakridge School up to 5% of your purchases when you use your COMMUNITY PARTNERS Card at checkout. Cards are available in the development office. Charity Motors Donate your car and help your favorite charity. The Oakridge School is now one of the charitable organizations participating in the Charity Motors Car Donation Program. Donate a car, receive a tax deduction, and the school receives 50% of the proceeds from the sale of your vehicle. Call Charity Motors at 313.933.4000. Great American Online Need to renew a magazine subscription or just want to shop? Log on to www.gaschoolstore.com. Type in The Oakridge School and start shopping! THE OAKRIDGE ECC, LOWER and MS: 2578466 THE OAKRIDGE UPPER SCHOOL: 2574655 40%-50% of your purchases will go to The Oakridge School. Great American Online is the same company that does the magazine sale for The Oakridge School. Kroger
Kroger’s Community Rewards program will donate a percentage of your eligible purchases back to The Oakridge School. Link your Kroger Plus Card to The Oakridge School online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com. It will be active for the remainder of the school year. Please note: You must re-link your card at the beginning of each new school year.
Oakridge Pages Support those businesses that support Oakridge! NEW! OakridgePages.com is our new online business directory. The Oakridge community includes many small business owners that do amazing work. Next time you find yourself looking for a new dentist, electrician, contractor, physician, or any other type of service, check out OakridgePages.com first! For each business that is listed, The Oakridge School receives a portion of the listing fee. Office Depot When you shop at Office Depot, The Oakridge School will get credits equal to 5% of the qualifying purchases to use for free supplies. We can get credit throughout the school year! Remember to give them our school ID# 70094467 or if you forget it, no problem — they will have our number at the register. OneCause Start shopping at hundreds of your favorite merchants through www.OneCause. com to save money and contribute up to 20% of every eligible purchase to our school, at no extra cost to you! Simply click “join”, fill in your profile information and select our school to support. Start shopping through OneCause. Target REDcard The Take Charge of Education Program requires the use of one of the REDcards® which include the Target® Visa® Credit Card, Target Credit Card® or Target Check Card®. You can apply for one of these cards in our stores or by visiting www.target.com/REDcard. Every time you use one of your REDcards®, Target will donate to the Oakridge Parents’ Club an amount equal to 1% of Target Visa and Target Check Card purchases made at Target and target.com, and 1/2% of Target Visa purchases made elsewhere. Visit www.target.com to link your card to the school, listed as: Oakridge School ID Number: 19436 Tom Thumb The next time you’re at Tom Thumb, pick up a Reward Card application at the courtesy booth and link your Reward Card to The Oakridge School. Tom Thumb will donate a percentage of all purchases back to our school. The code for The Oakridge School is #2969 Don’t forget to link our Good Neighbor number to your Reward Card and help us raise funds the easy way.
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Save the Date
Fo r m o re i n f o r m a ti on , p l e a s e c on ta c t K e l l i L a m be r t k l am b e r t@ th e oa k r i d g e s c h ool . or g 81 7 . 451 . 4994 x 27 85
SUPER SUPPER and AUCTION S a tu r d a y, F e b r u a r y 22, 201 4 w w w.t h eoa k r i d g e s c h ool . or g / s u p e r s u p p e r
The Omni Hotel Fort Worth S p o n sorships, Silent, L i v e Auction and Big B oa r d ite ms ne e de d!
GOLF CLASSIC M o n d ay, M ay 1 9, 201 4 Wat er C h ase Gol f C l u b Tw o Tee Tim e s ! ! ! For more information, p l ease co n t act K e l l i L a m b e r t kl am b er t @t h eo ak ri d g e s c h ool . or g 8 1 7.4 5 1 .4 9 9 4 x 27 85
48 • The Oakridge School Outlook
Alumni news Class of 1993 Travis Crudup and his wife Melinda welcomed a son, Logan Wolfe, into their family on August 23, 2013. Big sister Sophia , almost three, can hardly wait for him to walk and talk!
the country to enthusiastic crowds. Justin treated the Oakridge School students to his music in 2012. Justin’s songs “Hunt You Down” and “Goodbyes Made You Mine” have both reached the Top 50 Country Music charts.
Class of 1997
Class of 1996 Justin (JT) Hodges comes from a musicoriented family. His parents, Jim and Marsha, started Fort Worth’s first multitrack recording studio and had their own band.
Stephen Frazier has come a long way since graduation day in 1997. Although a standout basketball player at Oakridge, he became interested in bodybuilding during college and now is a personal trainer and competitor. He is the owner of South Grand Prairie Fitness. He earned his International Federation of Body Building pro card in 2012. He recently competed in the 2013 IFBB Dallas Europa competition where he took an impressive 12th place. In 2012 Stephen took 1st place in the NPC USA Championships. Stephen resides in Grand Praire with wife Deidra. Their son Miles is proud to be a 1st grade Oakridge Owl!
Class of 1999 Brittany Battles Smith and Zack Smith welcomed their first child, Magnolia Jane Smith on November 11, 2012. Maggie was 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 20 inches in length.
Justin was active in drama, choir and football during his time at Oakridge. Justin’s hard work paid off in 2010 when he signed his first record deal. In 2012, JT was nominated by the Academy of Country Music for the Newcomer of the Year Award. JT is currently touring all over
Class of 2000 Congratulations to Drew Reagan for being named Statewide Chain Manager for Republic National Distributing Company. Dr. Erica Leigh Rosentraub married Dr. Murray H. Shapiro at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas, Texas on March 2, 2013. The couple currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia where Murray is completing a fellowship in Vascular/Interventional Radiology and Image Guided Medicine at Emory University and Erica is completing a fellowship at a private practice in Psychology.
Class of 2004 David Benefield did not take the typical path after graduation day. David initially went to TCU, but decided the time was right to try professional poker. His career has been spectacularly successful. In addition to tournaments, he has been a coach at Cardrunners.com and has many sponsors. David has just recently qualified for the final table at the World Series of Poker. He has cashed in at this tournament twelve times before, but in November of 2013 he will sit at the final table for the first time. Each final table player is guaranteed over $700,000. While at Oakridge, David’s passions were math and baseball. He returned to assistant coach our baseball team for
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Capital Cities. The video won the MTV VFX Award for its special effects. Filmed in the renovated Los Angeles theater, the video depicts a momentous dance party choreographed by Mandy Moore and featuring more than 70 dancers in more than 40 unique dance sequences — each one targeted to a historic period and dance style.
a short time. David!
After completing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this last year, Katy Reiswig has been performing opera and musical theater professionally. She maintains an active private voice studio where she enjoys teaching students the art of singing. Katy is also pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in nursing to combine both of her passions: singing and medicine. She spends her free time traveling and enjoying life!
Good luck in November
In addition to playing poker professionally, David is now finishing his studies at Columbia in political science and Chinese. He is also the managing partner at KingsGate Energy.
Class of 2005 An all-Oakridge Owl Groomsman party! Chance Chapman married Alex Buffum Chapman on April, 6 2013. Travis Crudup (’93) Chad Crudup (’88) Chance Chapman (’05) Philip Trick (’03) Jeff Landon (’05) Nick Burkett (’05) were the groomsmen at the wedding.
Phil Guthrie was the compositor lead on “Safe and Sound,” a decade- and genrehopping dance music video for L.A. duo
50 • The Oakridge School Outlook
of the year and first team All Ivy League. In 2007, he was a second team NSCAA All American. In 2009 he was the Ivy League Player of the Year. After graduating with an Economics degree from Harvard, he was drafted by the Colorado Rapids (22nd overall) and is currently playing for the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. Akpan was a member of the United States U-20 team for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and scored a hattrick against Haiti.
Class of 2008 Congratulations Phil on winning Oakridge’s first MTV Award! He studied visual effects at The Gnoman School of Visual Effects and is currently completing a video for Katy Perry. While at Oakridge, Phil was active in our video production classes. He resides in Culver City, California.
Class of 2006
Dani Alva double majored at the University of Oklahoma in Journalism and Spanish. She has moved to Europe where she begins her master’s level work in Milan, Italy specializing in Digital Design and Software Engineering at Scuola Politecnica di Design.
Andre Akpan holds the all-time scoring records for a season (37) and career (111) with the Owls men’s soccer program. After graduation, Andre played for Harvard where he was the 2006 Ivy League rookie
Iowa State guard Chris Babb has agreed to attend training camp with the Boston Celtics.
Erin Flavin graduated from Texas Christian University on December 15, 2012. She received a Bachelor in General Studies with an Emphasis in Religion and Social Work.
Babb, 23, began his college career at Penn State but transferred after his sophomore campaign. The 6-5, 225-pounder averaged 9.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a senior. In addition, Chris was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive team for 2013. Cassidy Clark graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with Distinction, in May 2013. She is currently working at 1st Impressions Dentistry in northwest Oklahoma City. Michael Chatman graduated from Texas A&M university with a B.S. in Sports management with a minor in Communications. Michael is a facility manager at Minutemaid Park in Houston. Will and Dana Diabmarzouk Turner would like to announce the birth of their son, Patrick Ali Turner 6lb 2oz 17in long, on July 13, 2013. He is pictured below with big brother Landon.
Matthew Green received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies on December 15, 2012 from Texas A&M University. Matthew works in Fort Worth for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as an investigator in the Air Section.
failure envelope associated with the final part. My long-term goal is to fully automate this process so any technician who is making a repair on a car or performing quality-control tests at a manufacturing facility can scan a part with the system I’m developing. All of the ply orientation and failure envelope calculations will be performed by the device and results will be displayed for the user.”
Blake Messer graduated from Texas A&M University in May with a B.S. in Engineering Technology and a Minor in Spanish. Blake has relocated to the Metroplex and is employed by Halliburton in their Fort Worth office. Krissy Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Management with a minor in Spanish from the University of North Texas in May 2013. She says she is “currently just traveling and working for the next year or so!” Sarah Stair graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics from Baylor. She continued working on her Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Baylor and currently is in her second year of the program. Her research focuses on non-destructive testing techniques of fiber reinforced laminated composites. She hopes to continue performing materials-related research in the aerospace industry. Sarah also won a traditional SPE ACCE Graduate Scholarship for her topic, Non-Destructive Characterization of Ply Orientation and Ply Type of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Laminates. About her work, Stair says, “Manufacturing laminatebased advanced composites can be difficult, and final parts don’t always meet as-designed specs. For example, during molding, a ply might slip and rotate 5 degrees from its designated orientation, which could affect final molded-part properties. My research will determine the “as manufactured” ply orientation of each lamina in a fiber-reinforced part and the
Class of 2009 Melissa Baumann graduated from the University of Miami on May 10, 2013. She received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology with Chemistry and Psychology minors with an emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with University Honors. Melissa is joining the class of 2017 at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Kristen Eggleston graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in March 2013. She earned a BFA in Visual Arts with a minor in Technical Direction. Kristen is living in Santa Monica, CA where she works for Moving Picture Company. Zane Goodwin graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School with a BS in Business Administration on May 12, 2013. He is employed by Deloitte Consulting in Chicago. In a side note… Zane is able to see a corner of Wrigley Field from his back porch deck! Sharna Hoosier earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Cameron
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University in Lawton, OK. where she was a member of the women’s basketball team for four years. She is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Cameron while working full time at XTO Energy in the Public and Governmental Affairs Department. Caleb Johnson graduated and was commissioned from Texas A&M this past May with a degree in Agricultural Sciences and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Chemical Corps. He also married his college sweetheart Emily Wooten Johnson on June 22. Caleb has 19 weeks of training and then will report for duty at Fort Hood as a chemical advisor for the 1st Armored Division.
Class of 2010 Alyssa Belcher graduated from the University of North Carolina at Ashville with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude as an Undergraduate Research Scholar and with Distinction in Honors and Sociology. Alyssa is currently teaching Oral English at the Hebei Baoding Eastern Bilingual School in China.
featured on the cover of the IEA’s “Take the Reins” magazine. Kelsey is currently a freshman at Kansas State University and is on the school’s equestrian team.
Class of 2013 The Oakridge equestrian team qualified for the 2013 IEA Western National Final competition, and the team tied for 8th in the nation. Kelsey Karanges was
Returning to the Nest The Oakridge School is fortunate to have five alumni who have returned to the school as full-time employees. Their deep sense of Owl pride and institutional and cultural knowledge helps keep The Oakridge School history and traditions alive and well. Amy Ladner Wilson (1992) is our Lower School Technology Integrationist. She and husband Andy have two children at Oakridge, Josh in 6th grade and Luke in 4th grade. Ashley Farhat Broadus (1989) is a fourth grade teacher. She is married to alumnus Alec Broadus (1989). Ashley and Alec have two children at Oakridge, Anna Kate in 9th grade and Ben in 7th grade. Phillip Farhat (1993) is our Head Football and Golf Coach. He also teaches physical education. Phillip and wife Marissa have two students at Oakridge, Ford in kindergarten and Jack in preschool.
Ashley Brentlinger Read (2005) teaches 4th grade at Oakridge. Her husband is fellow alumnus David Read (2006). Paulo Da Silva (2005) is our College Advising Assistant and is married to alumna Christine Read (2003). Mr. Da Silva also coaches football, soccer and track.
Alumni Sports Day — December 20, 2013 Come show us you’ve stil lgot skills in volleyball, soccer and basketball!!
We want to hear from you!
Join us for Homecoming 2013!
Please send us your class notes and update your contact information! Go to the alumni website at www.theoakridgeschool.org/alumni to submit your information!
Oakridge vs. Casady Friday, October 25, 2013 Parade – 6:30 pm, Kick-off – 7:00 pm Alumni Tailgate – 7:15 pm
52 • The Oakridge School Outlook
The Oakridge School Motto
In Diligent Pursuit of Wisdom The Oakridge School Alma Mater The Oakridge School, our alma mater grand, True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, With knowledge strong and free, From far and wide dear Oakridge School, We’ll bring fair fame to thee. Long may we sing; honor we bring! The Oakridge School, we’ll sing our praise of thee. The Oakridge School, we’ll sing our praise of thee.
School mascot
The Owl School colors
Blue and Green
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To Parents of Alumni: If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer uses your home as a permanent address, please email his or her address and contact information to tfoster@theoakridgeschool.org.
Lower School Garden