SENIORS
2024-2025
LEADERS AND LEARNERS
Seven young adults who have left a lasting impression on the students and school that they call a second home.
BUSRA ANNA
LOOK AT US GROW
As our fourth graduating class crosses the stage, we are perched on the cusp of a doubling of our physical space and a 40% increase in student population!
ANTONIA RIVERA
Chile may be her birth home, but this future Butler Bulldog has found a second home in Indiana.
ADELINE FITZHARRIS
This conservationist, future marine biologist, and animal lover extroidinaire is hardworking and confident.
MATTHEW MCKINLEY
Gather around this epic story teller and be amazed by what you might learn or be inspired to pursue.
LOOKING BACK
Whether these students were here four years or 14, the memories will not soon be forgotten.
SENIOR CAPSTONE
This long-term project is a selfdirected, personal growth project that is a culminating work of a specific passion for each of our seniors.
BÜŞRA ÇETINKAYA
A mutual appreciation was achieved when this young Turkish woman stepped foot into her ‘home away from home’ this year.
HANNAH ALBRIGHT
Children of all ages are drawn to this kind hearted and charismatic natural born Montessorian.
ALEINA HENDERSON
A concern for others, a passion to provide healing, and a momentum to share her learning guides this yogi.
ANNA SONDEK
Both an athlete and an academic scholar, this young woman carries herself confidently and pragmatically.
ADELINE
Nikole Albright Editor Communications and School Events Coordinator
For anyone who knows me, my greatest job and title is that of mother. This year, as I prepared to interview the seniors and write their respective articles for this publication, I had the added layer of being a parent and host parent to two of the seven seniors. While these relationships and intimate knowledge may
ANTONIA 06
seem to provide an asset to my writing, rest assured it proved to work against me. How do you write about someone you held in your arms moments after their birth, taught them in their early childhood years, and have experienced every celebration and sorrow alongside them, and still write in a third person narrative that honors this child you adore?
ALEINA 12
Each of these seven seniors holds a special place in my heart because they have spent time in my home, laughed with our family, and shared personal struggles and stories that I will not be sharing in these pages. What I hope you will find as you read through each of their senior profiles is the warmth, joy, and fondness they hold for each other, and for the school that has become their second home.
Each student spoke with me for at least an hour; one for over two hours. What an honor and privilege it is for me to share their abbreviated stories with each of you; encapsulating their reflections, perspectives, and dreams for the future. This upcoming school year marks the first time in 21 years that the Albright’s will not have a child enrolled at OFMS. I may no longer have biological children here, but the smiles, stories, and students of Oak Farm Montessori will only continue to multiply my extended family; that includes all of you.
Nikole
Our first group of ‘Trailblazers’ who set the course for future OFMHS students. (2017-18)
The current graduating class of seven seniors and 40 underclassmen in front of the new 11,000 square foot expansion.
In seven short years, our high school program has seen an increase in student populatation of 470%, and that number is only expected to climb.
LOOK AT US GROW
When the idea of offering a high school program was first introduced to our Oak Farm Montessori School families and 8th grade students, there was trepidation. What would this new curriculum look like? Would graduates get a ‘real’ diploma? How would students experience all of the rites of passage associated with high school in such a small microcosm? And finally, who would be brave enough to sign up for this experiment in creating a Montessori High School? Our first group of freshmen numbered eight; four OFMS students, two from St. John’s Lutheran School, one from Angola High School, and one who had been home schooled. Today, we welcome students from all over Northeast Indiana and boast a 100% retention rate from our middle school to high school program. Did I mention that we have even had exchange and International students enroll as well?
These accomplishments have come through the hard work and dedication of the faculty, administration, and support of the OFMS Board of Directors who have invested in both the human and physical resources to meet the needs of this growing program. Significant financial resources have been expended to ensure our high school teachers are Montessori trained and that continued education and professional development opportunities are available to meet the diverse and broad interests of the students they serve.
This Fall, we will be welcoming OFMHS students into the new 11,000 square foot expansion and remodelling of the current building. With an expected incoming freshman class of 25 students, the extra space will be needed and welcomed.
As we celebrate the 2024 OFMHS Seniors, let us not forget the trust and commitment of those first families and students who laid the foundation for this ground breaking program that continues to provide an individualized education for the world changers of tomorrow.
CREATING A SECOND HOME
From the deserts of Chile, to the chilly winters of Indiana, this world changer has found her second home.
When Antonia Rivera began her junior year at Oak Farm Montessori High School, most of her classmates just assumed she was a new student. What they came to realize is that this soft spoken, yet driven, young woman had travelled from another continent to join a new school, new family, and new culture.
As the first exchange student at OFMS, Antonia, and the school, had to learn to navigate this process together. “I had to learn to do school in a different setting and point of view,” she shared. The traditional education model used in Chile was quite different from the Montessori pedagogy she experienced here in America. Antonia said that having so much independence in her school work and time was difficult at first. “I was used to teachers at home just handing me an assignment and then taking a test. It has been helpful to have teachers that are involved and interested in supporting my work.”
Not only did Antonia have to adapt to a new way of learning, but she was also immersed in a new language. While many of us remember the challenges of taking a foreign language class, imagine if you were asked to complete all of your classes in another tongue! She admits that the first few weeks were exhausting; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her host
family, Kevin and Nicole Lowe, along with their three children who attend OFMS, welcomed her into their home and into their hearts. Antonia joined the Bluefins Swim Team, Oak Farm Montessori Theatre Company, and the Mayors Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). She also visited the Upper Elementary Dual Language Immersion class regularly to read books in Spanish and share her culture.
While all of the teachers at OFMHS have left an impact on Antonia, she said that Graphic Design Teacher, Michael Tyler, helped her develop abilities that she never knew were important to her. “I was taught that Math and Language should be my main focus and Art was just for fun. Michael helped me realize that I am good at many things and to not be afraid to pursue them,” she said. When Antonia left in June of 2023, she was confident
that she would not return to the United States. However, after much consideration and deliberation, Antonia decided to return to OFMHS to finish her senior year and pursue a college degree in America. This Fall, she will be attending Butler University in Indianapolis where she plans to major in International Business and add a third language, Mandarin Chinese, to her resume.
When asked what was the biggest impact of her time here, Antonia shared, “I have realized that I can do anything I want to. In Chile, it was a structure that everyone had to follow. Whereas here, at OFMHS, they ask, ‘What do you want to do?’ and then they help you get to where you want to be. This way of thinking has helped me figure out what I like to do and what I’m good at.” She also shared that she has realized she has a lot of opinions that she was unaware of. “I have learned how to share these opinions with others in a respectful way and to listen to them as well. I’ve learned there is always more than one way of thinking.”
Antonia may have grown up in a traditional model of education, but her intrinsic motivation, kindness and respect towards all, and desire to be a lifelong learner make her an inspiring role model of Montessori.
Antonia reading to UE4 students
ANIMAL LOVER
It is easy to see that Adeline Fitzharris is compassionate and cares about others. Whether it is being involved in athletics, theatre, community events, or helping out a friend, she is counted on by students, and faculty alike, as a constant source of optimism and joy. “I think this year was a success, especially because I connected with so many people,” she shared.
Her community extended far beyond the walls of Oak Farm Montessori School this year as she completed an internship at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in their central aquatics area. Adeline had to wake up each day at 5:30 am to arrive at the zoo by 7:30 am and begin rounds; which include: take morning temperature checks, clean animal pens, and hand feed the animals she cared for. During our interview she said, “I love this job! Even if I don’t get a paid position, I would still volunteer because I’m getting paid in a different way, the experience and knowledge.”
Arriving at OFMS in 5th grade, from a public school setting, allowed Adeline to compare and decide which educational mode best suited her. She said the Montessori environment was challenging to navigate at first, but that she feels prepared for life. “At OFMS you get to work with other people, learn from them, and practice communicating at all levels. It is so different
“Working
in the Erdkinder program at the middle school prepared me well for my internship. The people I work with at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo compliment me frequently on my work ethic and not being afraid to get in and do the hard work!”
from the pencil and paper work I did in traditional school,” she shared. Adeline also taught an origami after school club this year to elementary age students that she found very fulfilling and rewarding. She credits the support of her teachers and the school in allowing her to pursue her interests as the catalyst for her internship and future college plans.
And there could not possibly be a better place for this marine loving conservationist than Eckerd College, on the Coast of Florida. Adeline will have a living laboratory for research and exploration when she joins the small campus this Fall. “We visited the college last year and I fell in love with it. I am excited to meet new people and to do hands on work with marine animals, while
having access to the Gulf of Mexico waterfront campus,” she enthusiastically said.
What words of advice does Adeline have for underclassmen? “Never be afraid to speak out or engage in conversations with people from another grade. The best type of friendship is the one where we’re all on different levels,” she commented. When reflecting on what she has learned during her time at Oak Farm Montessori School, she said it has prepared her in countless ways. “I have learned to be confident in myself, to be a better communicator, and simply put, to be myself,” Adeline proudly stated. Having the privilege of knowing this young woman for almost a decade, who she is, is an exemplary model of the portrait of an OFMS graduate.
For someone who admits that they are not a fan of reading literature, Matthew McKinley would be an author and orator that I would eagerly seek out. This poised and charismatic young man has a lot to say, and includes entertaining embellishments with his reflective and acute narration of his time at Oak Farm Montessori School.
“In the beginning, Oak Farm Montessori High School was like a pasture; there were still fences around you so you wouldn’t travel too far out of the prairie. But, there was choice as they (the faculty) were trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do,” Matthew shared. He talked about thinking he wanted to do computer engineering his Freshman
only about the education, it was about developing the person you were going to be,” he added.
This focus on choice led Matthew to not only become a leader in the high school bike shop program, in pursuit of his love of bicycles and the outdoors, but also a teacher and mentor to his peers. He shared, “Having an opportunity to teach students my own age, a skill that I am passionate about, has really unlocked a new possibility for me in the future; possibly pursing becoming an educator.” Matthew also built his Senior Capstone Project around his love of bicycles, entitled, WhyaBikeSharewouldbenefit Kendallville
All of his teachers impacted him in
“It has been a good experience. I know it is something I will tell my kids about, something I will tell friends in college about. I’m excited to go into the next step because of what I’ve learned here.”
year and how instead of either dispelling that interest or boxing him into a four year plan, he was allowed to come to the realization on his own that another path was in his future. Matthew further added, “OFMHS helped me figure out what I wanted to do on my own, and then helped me pursue that without too much interference; I really appreciate that.”
In comparing his former traditional and parochial education to his high school Montessori experience, the clever wordsmith used this analogy. “Traditional education gave me an assignment and a test with direct linear progression of how to get it done. Montessori was more like, ‘choose your own adventure’. My teachers provided the end goal, but there might be four different doors, each with different avenues in which to choose. It wasn’t
various ways, and the bond that he built with the seniors he described simply as, his ‘family’. “I appreciate all the learning experiences that I’ve gained. I knew that this was going to be my home, I’ve gained a family outside of my own. What I’ve learned here doesn’t only affect me, it will affect everyone I come into contact with; that sense of continuation and lifelong learning that I get from OFMS. It started in 2020, but I will continue to be an OFMS graduate for the rest of my life,” Matthew sincerely revealed.
While the Bloomington campus may beckon Matthew this Fall, his impact on the students of OFMS will resonate for years to come. In the words of his favorite TV character, SpongeBob SquarePants, “I’m ready, I’m ready!”
BOLD BARD
CONNECTING BODY
“Teaching has become a passion. So, developing the confidence to relay the information I have learned is a priority. I will continue to take this work beyond the mat and into everyday life. In the future, I aspire to help others deal wih trauma through a yoga practice.”
When you meet the soft spoken Aleina Henderson, you cannot help but feel calmed. She has a very serene aura that is aptly described in Sanskrit as ‘shanti’ or peace. And why would I use this religious language reference? Because it so appropriately fits the passions of this accredited yoga teacher and Oak Farm Montessori graduate.
“Yoga is incredibly beneficial, but also commonly misunderstood. I fully adore yoga and wish to spread my learning,” she recently shared. Along with completing an internship that led to a 200 hour yoga certification, completing an essay and Capstone project on ThePractices andPrinciplesofYoga,and teaching three yoga summer
camps, this practicing yogi is also attending a silent retreat in Kentucky, at the Abbey of Gethsemani, for a time of nurturing and cleansing. Aleina described her goals for the week as, “a time to grow closer to my religion and it be a reflective time for me; especially after graduation.”
What will come after this summer of teaching and reflection? Aleina will be attending the University of Saint Francis with a Major in Exercise Science and a Minor in Psychology. “This is an uncommon route. But, first I want to understand the things of the body, how they work; and then, understand the science of the brain. I will also continue my yoga training hours to accomplish my 300 hours. Then, I will take all of this and have
BODY AND MIND
them meet somewhere together where I can help people,” she said excitedly. While she admits that it has taken some time and support from teachers to figure out this road map of sorts, she is also confident that if her route changes, she is prepared for a detour. “I’ve always felt so supported by everyone. It’s going to be hard to leave that constant encouragement,” she added.
Coming from a traditional education system in her freshman year was a bit of a culture shock, but Aleina shares that the change was pivotal. “The first couple of months were so hard that I cried all the time. But, once I got used to having my own independence and control over my learning, it changed. I could choose a topic and go so much deeper into it;
that’s when I figured out Montessori. I just love it and I don’t think I could ever go back to a traditional model of education.” Aleina even shared a story of a recent college day visit where her peers did not have the confidence to use the rest room without asking. She shared that it was a reminder of the independence and empowerment she had learned at OFMS to care for needs without needing an adults permission to leave the room.
This ability to communicate with adults is one of the biggest impacts of her time at the school. “At my previous schools, when you expressed a need, it may have been dismissed. But here, you can say, ‘This is what I need, this is what I’m
feeling...’ and then talk about it with a teacher. That’s a big deal. The people, the sense of family, and the sense of belonging. This community has become a family for me,” she shared.
What words of advice does this practicing yogi have to the underclassmen? “Find meaning and positivity in everything. When you find love or meaning in something, even if it’s silly or not fun, it changes for the better,” Aleina wisely promoted.
Aleina’s yoga journey may have only started in 2019, but it continues to grow with her. She says her goal is to inspire others. She has indeed begun that journey already; anyone who has taken one of her classes will attest to that.
LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD
Two of our seniors this year started their journey at Oak Farm Montessori in the toddler room, while others joined along the way or even travelled to join us from other countries. What our parents, faculty and students have found though, is that whether your time here has been short or long; the impact remains the same. For those who only know a Montessori education, OFMHS truly is a second home. For others, who have experienced traditional education models, the intensity in which the Montessori philosophy envelopes their life can feel monumental; as shared by many of our seniors.
Having had the distinct privilege of creating this publication and interviewing the graduates for the last four years, I am continually amazed at the use of the words ‘family’ and ‘home’ when they speak of school. May they always continue to look back at these years fondly and embrace the strong bonds created through the endless opportunities OFMHS provides to its students.
“From the beginning I knew this was going to be my home...”
PERSONAL GROWTH ACHIEVED
It’s about finding connections in what you’re interested in and in the research you’re doing.”
A capstone is defined as a crowning achievement or peak. For seniors at Oak Farm Montessori School, a capstone is also a culmination of research, study, reflection, data collection, writing, analysis, and presentation of a subject they are passionate about.
Over the course of their senior school year, these students move outside the walls of the high school to engage with mentors and community members to bring their projects to life. Whether that is attending a local meeting of the Noble Trails committee to determine the possibility of a bike share program, attending 200 hours of yoga classes to become certified and bring those benefits to our community, observing classrooms to compare emotional intelligences between traditional and Montessori education,
publishing and examining previous students’ capstone work on our school website, creating interpretive native flower signs for our campus, or designing a roadmap for future international and exchange students to improve their OFMHS experience, our students prepared meaningful presentations that will impact our community for years to come.
Each of the seniors interviewed reflected on the complexity and cumbersome work involved to complete their projects. However, they also each shared that it was the most rewarding and self satisfying aspect of their work this year. If you would like to read their essays, or any previous years, please visit our website or go directly to our Senior Capstone page at: https://bit.ly/ofmhsCapstone
You may wonder…
FOREVER GRATEFUL
It takes nine months to develop a full term baby in the womb, and according to Turkish exchange student Büşra Çetinkaya, it also takes nine months to change a life. “If I were talking to ‘last year’ me right now, she would be like, What? How did you do that? I may have only been here nine months of my life, but I would say I have grown more than I have in my life thus far. I am just so grateful for everything,” she shared tearfully.
Growing up in Çorum, Türkiye, this ambitious and highly motivated young woman knew she wanted to let nothing in life hold her back. She began a rigorous and complex application process through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program that took almost a year to complete. Even after accomplishing this goal, she had to wait patiently for someone in the United States to choose her profile and decide to become her host family. “Last year at this time I was waiting for someone to host me, and now I’m here having so many friends, experiences, and I’m just overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude for everyone of them,” Büşra commented.
She had never heard of Montessori, but her mother, who is a teacher in Türkiye, gave her a synopsis of the education system. This overview didn’t quite prepare her though for the differences. Büşra admits the opportunity for choice and
“Everyone accepting me for who I am, myself, I feel like that was the biggest gift they could have given me. Oak Farm has reshaped my thoughts about a community, school, and relationships; I will miss and love Oak Farm forever!”
freedom was not something she was accustomed to, “I really like the education system here. I especially like that you can choose your self expression classes. In Türkiye, you don’t have many choices in what you can take, so I really enjoyed the independence I have at Oak Farm.” One comment that Büşra made about mistakes prompted me to seek more understanding. She shared that she had always felt that mistakes were a problem, or a failure on her part. However, after being at OFMS she had changed her paradigm.
“I learned here that I can do something wrong and I will still learn. I am less of a perfectionist; because everyone makes mistakes and I’m less scared now if I do make one,” she confidently declared.
One of her biggest goals when she found out she was coming here was to get to
know more people and talk about her culture; really make an impact on people. Considering the fact that Büşra spoke in four different OFMS classrooms, at East Noble Middle School, the Kendallville Rotary Club, and several Tri-Kappa groups, she most certainly reached a wide audience. During the senior walk through campus, shouts of “Büşra!” were heard as she passed along the route.
What words of advice does she have for OFMS students? “Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You only get to live each moment just once; you should try to get the most out of it. You don’t know what will happen until you try, so go for it!” It is obvious Büşra has heeded her own words. As we bid her Görüşürüz (until we meet again) it is we who are grateful for her contributions to our community.
Büşra and her parents and siblings in Türkiye
Büşra presenting to Lower Elementary 3
Büşra proudly stands next to her photograph on display at the University of St. Francis
TEACHER AT HEART
“THE REASON I’M GOING TO STUDY CHILD PSYCHOLOGY IS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCES I’VE HAD AT OAK FARM MONTESSORI SCHOOL. THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS FEELS LIKE AN EXTENSION OF THE OFMS ENVIRONMENT, THAT’S SOMETHING I WAS REALLY LOOKING FOR IN A COLLEGE.”
Maria Montessori described her qualifications of a Montessori teacher as someone who would be described by their virtues, not their words. After spending time with the genuine and compassionate Hannah Albright, one cannot help but picture the ideal candidate for this role.
Hannah began in the toddler program at Oak Farm Montessori School, and has only experienced this learning style. Her Senior Capstone project, ComparingEmotional Intelligencesina traditionalandMontessori kindergartenclassroom , allowed her to compare and contrast her research and findings. “Not only did it give me a whole new perspective on how other students learn, but it gave me a perspective on education systems in general,” she said. The project connected both her love of child psychology and Montessori education. She shared that the experience was inspiring in many ways. “I want to create the kind of environment that
inspires pride in work and cultivates independence in children. This experience made me realize I can make a difference in children’s lives,” she proudly declared.
Hannah’s work with younger students began her freshman year when she started working in the aftercare program. She then took on assistant roles in summer camps, lead teacher in an after school cooking club, and will be leading three summer camps before heading to college this Fall. Hannah aptly noted, “I don’t know of any other school that would allow a 17 year old to run a club with 3-6 year olds. By the school supporting me, and allowing this immersion into the classroom, I was able to see if it was something I really wanted to pursue in the future.”
Her second love is being in the kitchen. While it seems obvious given her cooking themed camps and clubs, Hannah also takes time to bake sweet treats for family and friends. “Make sure you try your best to make people
feel appreciated and known, that’s been really important to me. I love to bring in desserts and go out of my way to get to know people,” she shyly shared. As a receiver of her baked goods, I can attest to her skill in the kitchen and joy in giving gifts from the heart.
For this Swiftie, it seems appropriate that Hannah chose the Taylor Swift song, Cornelia Street, to describe her senior year. “The song talks about visiting a place with someone you love and creating new memories with them. Taylor talks about how this special place guides them, and how she ‘hopes she never loses it, hopes it never ends.’ This is how I feel about Oak Farm, and about the relationships I have made here,” Hannah wrote in her reflections.
Judging from the impact she has made on students, her comparative Capstone work on Emotional Intelligences, and her passion to continue Montessori education in the future, her journey with Oak Farm Montessori will not soon end.
A common Montessori phrase is, “It’s the process, not the product.” Having known Anna Sondek since being her toddler teacher in 2006, I can personally say that in her case this idiom may not hold true. Why? Because Anna is a unique young woman that has created an amazing product (herself) through self discovery and work ethic (process) that compliments, not competes, with one another.
“I guess since Oak Farm has been my whole life, it has impacted me in a multitude of ways. OFMS has laid the foundation for what is to come, helping me to achieve intrinsic motivation, finding joy in the process, and not only focusing on the end goal,” Anna shared. She credits her Primary 2 Teachers, Nancy Hathaway and Julie Gram, for fostering an early love of reading with her favorite Bob Books. Later, in Lower Elementary 2, Debbie Kovets and Ines Oldenburg, continued to encourage her reading and supply her with an array of choices. She reflected on this early period at the school by saying, “I wouldn’t have read all the books I’ve read without them; it’s where I got that love of reading at such a young age. I also have a new-found respect for any teachers in lower-aged classrooms, their work is foundational for every child.”
Along with reading, Anna has two other loves, math and sports. Not surprisingly,
they go hand in hand for this athletic scholar. “Academics are important, of course; but, without athletics, I don’t know where I would be. I see it as a way to destress and to connect with people that I wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s something I’m passionate about,” she said enthusiastically. Anna has played as an Oak Farm Falcon in the following sports: basketball for five years, soccer for four. cross country for one and track for one year as well. She is extremely excited for the underclassmen to have access to a full size track this fall with the completion of the Oak Farm Sports Complex.
Anna clearly enjoys Math, and her favorite teacher happens to be the one who has walked her through Pre-Algebra all the way through AP Calculus, Doug Desper. She shared that his teaching style resonated with her and that he just makes it easy to understand.
It probably doesn’t hurt that they also share a love of Purdue University. Which is where Anna will join the Honors College program this Fall. Even though she applied undecided, she has confidence that she will figure out her future plan along the way. “I’m okay with not knowing yet. I’m still just 18 and really excited for the journey. A Major can lead to a multitude of different career paths, it’s not a one way street,” she wisely rationalized.
When I asked Anna if a traditional school, with more sports opportunities, would have been a better choice for her, she had this to say. “No, it’s about everything; the community, the small class sizes, the involvement with the students, and just how it feels like a family. I wouldn’t have gotten that from a public school education. OFMS has been my family, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.”
While the ‘process’ of building a human is never really complete, it has been amazing to watch this hesitant toddler turn into a confident graduate. Anna summed it up perfectly in sharing, “It feels like I’ve been here a lifetime, literally; so, I’m just really thankful that I’m here now. I made it the best I could and enjoyed the process. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” And this reporter, and former teacher, is thankful to have been a cheerleader on the sideline.
Anna as a Toddler, raking in the Vic House garden
A WORK IN PROCESS
