2014 Oakridge Outlook

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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 2014-2015 Mrs. Dana Queenan Chairman of the Board Mr. Bruce Ashworth Mrs. Kim Callanan Mr. Steve Crudup Mr. Don Duke Dr. Richard Enos Mrs. Brenda Gooden Mr. Jim Haddock Mr. Scott Howell Mr. John Kacinski Mr. Richard Lowe Mr. Mike McWithey Mr. Charles Pierson Ms. Nancy O’Shea, Lifetime Member Mr. Chuck Reynolds Mr. Don Starnes, Lifetime Member Mr. Curtis Von Der Ahe Mr. Steve Wall Associate Regents Mr. John Petersen Mr. Matt Worthington The Oakridge Parents’ Club Liaison: Lara Haddock

2014-2015 Administrative Staff Jon Kellam, Headmaster Andy Broadus, President Jim Andersen Tony Barriteau Mike Cobb Michele Cole, Ed.D. Kathy Gamill Betty Garton Butch Groves Jason Kern Sarah Kramer Lori Lane David Languell Lauren Matocha Shawn Meadows Britt Robinson Sarah Schecter, Ed.D. Patricia de Winter

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 3 First Game at the OAC

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The Owls played the first home game at the Oakridge Athletic Complex and marked a milestone in the history of The Oakridge School.

Page 6 Oakridge Alumna Takes on New York

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Roxy Reynolds (’11), graduated from American University in May and is now pursuing her passion for musical theater.

Page 18 Owls Speak Out

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Seniors polish their presentation skills to become confident public speakers.

Page 21 Learn 21 Launch for Upper School

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The second phase of the Learn21 initiative was launched this fall allowing for all Upper School students to receive Lenovo Thinkpad laptops.

Page 27 The Indians Celebrate 25 years

30 Outlook 2014 Volume 34, 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 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.

Mike and Belinda Adams, aka Blue Hawk and Morning Star, have been bringing history alive at Oakridge for 25 years by sharing stories and artifacts with our students.

Page 30 Middle School Clubs: Creating Deeper Relationships and Exploring New Horizons Through a variety of clubs in the Middle School, students connect beyond the classroom walls and discover common interests and passions.

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“Everything about the night was special for the players and coaches. The facility is first class, the game day environment was outstanding, and the Owls were victorious!” — Phillip Farhat, The Oakridge School Head Football Coach 2 • The Oakridge School Outlook

first game at oakridge athletic complex Fall Friday nights in Texas are sacred. Immortalized on television and the big screen, the sights and sounds of high school football are legendary. On Friday August 29th, The Oakridge School did its part, opening the 2014 football season to familiar sounds of the drumline playing, cheerleaders chanting, children laughing, helmets cracking, and students celebrating another Oakridge victory. The sights, however, were an entirely different story.

While the victory over John Paul II was exciting, the game itself marks a milestone in the history of The Oakridge School.

Sitting in the middle of approximately 50 acres on the north side of Pioneer Parkway, a newly constructed stadium complex surrounds Frank Field - the grand step in a project to bring Owl athletic facilities into the 21st century.

Some traditional mainstays of Oakridge football found their way to the new digs, albeit in an expanded way. The new stadium boasts a brand new concession area with restrooms and plaza with picnic tables. Nearby sits a lit playground area for young ones, as well. A larger press box has designated areas for clock officials, home and visiting coaches, and PA and game logistics personnel. Of course, the Owl Drumline is there for the games, sitting atop the area of the home stands designated for students (who organized their own “Green Out” for the first game), while the Owl cheerleaders encourage the crowd from an incredible new track. There’s even room for new traditions, as the senior class now leads the team onto the field after halftime in what is being called the Blue Line.

Athletic Director Shawn Meadows said, “A parent told me, ‘That was the best home football game atmosphere in my 15 years as an Owl.’ What a great moment for The Oakridge School!”

Athletic Director Tony Barriteau said, “The evening was fantastic!

The officials commented about what a first class operation we have.”

Director of Admissions Mike Cobb said, “It was an awesome night full of school spirit, Oakridge community and great football. It was amazing to enjoy the culmination of years of dreaming, preparation, building, and generous support.”

The new facility sits prominently on the Oakridge campus, visible across much of west Arlington, where it now fills the Friday evening air with the sights and sounds of one of Oakridge’s O greatest traditions.

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4 • The Oakridge School Outlook

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Oakridge Alumna Takes on New York Start spreading the news. Her little town blues have melted away, and Roxy Reynolds (’11) has taken up residence in the city that never sleeps. Humble, hilarious and creative, Roxy is the first to credit The Oakridge School for cultivating her passion for musical theatre. Now, this Oakridge alumna is taking on New York.

Roxy, who has been living in midtown Manhattan since late July, graduated from American University in May (after only three years) with a concentration in musical theatre. She has multiple shows to her credit and has served as an assistant professor for three courses. Her next step is to break into the highly competitive NYC theatre community. Roxy’s immediate goal is to earn chorus roles. In early August, she attended her first Equity Chorus Call.

Aspiring actors who have not yet signed with an agent or earned their equity cards can wait the better part of a day and then audition after seasoned (or signed) actors have had their turn.

While she works toward her musical theatre career, Roxy is taking dance and acting classes and will soon add additional voice lessons to the mix. Lifelong learning is what it’s about. “You’re never done learning,” Roxy says, focusing on the empathy and understanding of human behavior necessary in good acting.

At American University, Roxy quickly discovered that the preparation she received at Oakridge was invaluable: “Oakridge isn’t a performing arts school, but I think the work ethic it instills in its students prepares graduates for college performing arts.”

Roxy felt she was an adept time manager who understood her academic abilities long before she stepped onto the AU campus.

While she often questioned her artistic talents, likely a common experience for college arts majors, this magna cum laude AU alumna never felt she was unprepared for the academic rigor of a college classroom.

Humbled by the competitiveness of performing arts, Roxy shares, “Coming from Oakridge, I was very Type A.” Laughing, she continues, “In performing arts, if you try to be perfect, you will fail.”

After becoming close with one of her professors, Roxy was asked to assistant teach. It forced Roxy to become more confident, because she was suddenly in a position where she had to articulate her thoughts and mentor inexperienced actors.

6 • The Oakridge School Outlook

In true Type A fashion, Roxy finished AU in three years. Roxy says, “I was able to get my BA in three years because I took 17 credits every semester, I took a few summer classes, and my AP credits allowed me to skip an English class and the history requirement of the general education program. AP classes are worth it.” She continues, “I was nervous about graduating early, but I think it was the right choice for me because I was anxious to get to NYC and learn what it means to live and work here. So far I’ve just gotten lost a lot and asked too many questions.”

Roxy credits Oakridge for some of her earliest mentors, specifically Dianne Findley, Rob Ward, and the late Darryl Rodriquez.

But going even further back, Roxy agrees that getting to Oakridge as soon as possible is beneficial. She started as a three-yearold student in our preschool. One of her closest Oakridge relationships was with Cindy Kelly in the Early Childhood Center. For every first day of school, Mrs. Kelly wrote Roxy a letter, an unforgettable loving gesture.

“Especially when you come at such a young age, Oakridge feels like your second family,” says Roxy. She laughs and explains that she had some separation anxiety at age three, and teachers like Mrs. Kelly helped Roxy with her transition and growth.

“At Oakridge, I always felt supported. I never felt judged,” said Roxy.

“When you’re comfortable, you can get in touch with who you are.”

Roxy’s theatre career was kindled in fourth grade when she played Miss Hannigan in Annie. “I’m not sure if Mrs. Findley knows this, but I really wanted to be Annie. You know, red hair and everything. I was so mad, because I wanted to be Annie,” Roxy remembers.

Instead, when she realized she got to sing loud and be out of character as Miss Hannigan, Roxy relished the opportunity, “I remember thinking then, ‘This is what I want to do when I grow up.’”

Dianne Findley also remembers that moment: “She was so convincing as an adult, overworked, mean, and loud orphanage mother that Mr. Broadus thought I had hired a professional to come in and play the part. She pranced out on stage wearing a bath robe, rollers in her hair, fuzzy slippers, and many necklaces, looking and acting the part completely.”

Roxy also remembers all the productions that led up to the fourth grade role, since Oakridge students have lines in shows starting as young as the ECC. Her one line in the first grade E-I-E-I-Oops is a fond memory, “I had one line that I just milked.”

As she grew older and progressed through her Oakridge theatre career, Roxy enjoyed turns as Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. To this day, one of Roxy’s favorite Oakridge memories was taking the stage in her all-time favorite musical playing the comedienne Brice.

Roxy also credits Oakridge for her college preparedness: “There were times when I was typing papers in college thinking, ‘This is nothing,’ compared to what I was doing in high school.”

Looking back, Roxy also has a sincere appreciation for Oakridge’s balance of academics, arts and athletics, even though her deepest passion is the stage.

“It’s so cool that you’re able to explore all different things,” Roxy says. She continues by talking about how she possessed

very little athletic talent, “I failed so much in field hockey that it prepared me for failure in auditions.”

From her modest beginnings at The Oakridge School to the impressive resume she established during her three years at American University, Roxy is ready to take New York by storm.

Always the humble and hilarious young woman, Roxy closed the interview expressing her surprise that she was being written about: “I’m a broke college graduate living in Manhattan,” Roxy laughed. “I wish I could tell you about all these great things I’m doing.”

Where we sit at The Oakridge School, we can proudly claim Roxy as one of our own. Dianne Findley describes Roxy best, “In addition to her immense talent, Roxy is smart, beautiful, and has an incredible work ethic. I am proud to have known her and watched her grow into an amazing actress.”

Roxy, we look forward to seeing you make it in the Big Apple. Congratulations to Roxy and all our Oakridge alumni who are all going on their next post-collegiate adventures. O

Reflections of an Oakridge Mentor It is sometimes a difficult thing to encourage a student to pursue a career in the arts. Many students possess the love of music or dream of being a star, but it takes much more to be successful entering a highly competitive audition schedule on top of the college application process. Roxy and her family’s dedication to going through this process ultimately exposed her to the hyper-competitive world of musical theatre and ultimately opened her eyes a bit to the world outside of Oakridge. While Roxy enjoyed an incredibly successful career on stage at Oakridge, she was about to be exposed to students who possessed every bit of talent that she had, and perhaps even more.

However, Roxy has something that I think all of her teachers admired during her time at Oakridge, an infectious and unrelenting work ethic. I knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that she would be successful at American University because the teachers and directors would see the same

incredible traits that we did at Oakridge. One must have talent to make it in that world, but I have heard time and time again that showing up, being prepared, and being kind will get you every bit as far as your talent and in that respect, Roxy is a triple threat. I think, without a doubt, that by being involved with so many diverse activities at Oakridge she was prepared to handle the demands of a highly competitive college environment.

It’s funny that when I went back to school, I often thought to myself, “If I could be as organized and dogged in my school/ performance work as Roxy Reynolds, this would be a heck O of a lot easier.”

- Robert Ward, Oakridge Faculty 2004-2012 DMA Choral Conducting Candidate, University of North Texas Assistant Conductor, University Singers and Schola Cantorum of Texas

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A Look at the Class of 2014 by the Numbers

80 seniors

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115.7 the average number of Community Service Hours per student, (the graduation requirement is only 60 hours)

seniors with offers to play college athletics

1

National Merit Scholar

1 National Achievement Scholar

139

9,258

hours volunteered by seniors across our cities, states, country, and abroad

$8.9 million in merit-based scholarships; percentage of seniors with merit-based offers, 70

6.2

different colleges accepted our students

1 100 0 pounds of Jolly Ranchers, M&Ms, Skittles, and other assorted chocolate consumed over college application season

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National Merit Commended Letter Winners

the average number of college applications per senior 1 National Achievement Program Outstanding Participant

497 college applications mailed to schools across the United States – UT and Baylor were the most popular with 20 and 26 applications respectively

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“I like my ipad because it allows me to work on my assignments at all times, 24/7.

It helps me to turn my homework in faster, so I don’t forget to turn it in to the teacher. Also, not using pen and paper helps the environment.”

— Joseph Baeza (5th grade)

“I love the technology that we have at Oakridge. It causes learning to be more engaging. Plus, the digital books are much lighter to carry around!”

— Grant Miranda (5th grade) • The Oakridge School Outlook

meet the divison heads Mrs. Betty Garton Mrs. Garton earned her BS in Education from Texas Tech University and her MEd from Texas Christian University. She has been an educator for 45 years and has served the Oakridge community for 33 years.

Why did you choose to become an educator? I am fascinated with how we learn. I believe children learn in a variety of ways and I continually seek ideas to help them find those ways.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy cooking, nature, sports, animals, gardening, and spending time with my grandchildren and family.

What is it about the school’s mission that inspires you? Our school community reminds me of the neighborhood I grew up in during the 1950’s. Our “neighborhood” is safe and friendly, and our dedicated faculty help cultivate enthusiastic, lifelong learners.

Dr. Sarah Schecter Dr. Schecter earned her BA and MEd from Harding University and her EdD from Pepperdine University. She has been an educator for 25 years and has served the Oakridge community for 5 years.

Why did you choose to become an educator? Simple. I wanted a job where I could make a difference in the world.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy snow skiing and traveling with my family.

What is it about the school’s mission that inspires you? I am proud of how we strive for a balance among the three A’s – academics, arts, and athletics – and that building character is at the heart of everything we do.

Mr. Britt Robinson Mr. Robinson earned his BA in American Studies from Millikan University and his MEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has been an educator for 16 years and has served the Oakridge community for 10 years.

Why did you choose to become an educator? I am an educator because I want to make a difference in the world. I

want to influence young minds - not for a day, week, or even a month, but from start to finish.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy board games, reading, sports, movies, disc golf, and spending time with my family.

What is it about the school’s mission that inspires you? The mission helps me verbalize why I do what I do. Words like inspire and cultivate are powerful verbs that provide a clear sense of purpose. Words like challenging and nurturing are humbling and are a reminder of the challenge we face to find balance with school and life.

Mr. Butch Groves Mr. Groves earned his BS in Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and his MEd in Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. He has been an educator for 34 years and has served the Oakridge community for 8 years.

Why did you choose to become an educator? It gives me great satisfaction to work with young people and help them navigate through the teenage years and toward adulthood.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy reading, cooking, working out, biking, hot yoga, scuba, and hunting.

What is it about the school’s mission that inspires you?

Oakridge is a student-centered school where faculty and staff support and challenge students while helping them accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible. We focus on the whole child.

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meet the New faculty members Lesley Trimble, a South Texan by birth, will seem familiar to many Middle School students since she taught at Oakridge last spring as the interim math specialist. She holds a BA in English from Texas A&M and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Texas at San Antonio.

In the recent past Lesley has been at home raising her four children whom all attend The Oakridge School. Previously she taught at schools in Missouri and San Antonio.

Lesley’s hobbies include spending time with family, following college football, playing piano, and reading.

Joe Feldstein is a new addition to the Upper School math department. His day includes two sections of honors geometry, two of regular geometry, and one section of discrete math. Mr. Feldstein is a native of Baltimore, Maryland but has been in Texas for a while now. His most recent teaching assignment was in the Arlington Independent School District where he taught AP calculus.

Joe is married and has two children and a pet cockatiel. He is quite busy in his time away from Oakridge as he plays the upright bass in two swing bands. He also enjoys sail boating, rebuilding bicycles, and playing the electric guitar. The last great book he read is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, who wrote, “…you never know somebody until you walk around in their shoes.”

New to the Upper School science department is Dr. James Roberts who teaches three chemistry classes as well as one forensic science class. James received his BS- magna cum laude in Biochemistry from University of Texas at Arlington and his PhD in Chemistry from University of Texas at Austin. Before coming to Oakridge, he worked at Auburn University as a Postdoctoral Fellow.

Dr. Roberts was raised in Fort Worth and is pleased to be teaching at The Oakridge School where he describes the people as “great!” During his leisure time, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, tending his saltwater fish tank, cooking, and spending time with his dog, Sandy.

James counts Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown as a favorite read.

The library has a new leader this year following the departure of Ms. Smith, who is happily ensconced in a new venture.

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Mrs. Patricia de Winter comes to Oakridge after serving as head librarian at Nolan Catholic High School for four years. Tricia earned her teaching degree and her Masters in English/Education from University of Texas at Arlington and her Library Certification from University of North Texas.

Mrs. de Winter was born and raised in New Jersey. She has lived in Texas since 1985. She and her husband, Chris, have two sons. Alex is a student at Oklahoma State University, and Matthew attends Texas A&M. Some of Tricia’s preferred pastimes include reading, yoga, traveling, and caring for her two dogs, Sawyer and Jack.

Regarding her most recent favorite book, she says, “I loved Twerp by Mark Goldblatt because I haven’t read middle school fiction in a while. And, it was a lovely, realistic, sympathetic portrait of life as a twelve year old.”

faculty development In our continued mission to inspire students and our efforts to create engaging, innovative classes for 21st century learning, professional development has become even more important.

The Oakridge School has a tradition of providing leaders for the education community with a commitment to participation with prominent organizations, associations, and conferences.

Each year teachers across all of our divisions attend and present at key conferences in education. The past two years we have had all teachers involved with the Learn21 program in grades 4-12 participate with the very best professional development opportunities in the field with Tech for Tots, Ipadpalooza, and the Lausanne Learning Institute.

This summer we have had several faculty members sharing their expertise and experience with presentations to thousands of educators from across the globe. Jim Yakubovsky (MS History Teacher), Charlotte Wiseman (MS Math Teacher), Jason Kern (Technology Director), and Mike Cobb (Director of Admissions) all presented this summer.

“It was a great opportunity to share what we are doing with success here at Oakridge. Teachers from all over the country were able to join in a conversation about the most innovative techniques to prepare our students for the future,” Jim Yakubovsky said.

5 year Service Awards Katharine Arce Christiane Dreadin Cheryl Moddrell Ashley Read

Strength Finder professional development

10 year Service Awards Ashley Broadus Wei-Ming Liu Lauren Matocha Chris Renshaw

15 Year Service Awards Cheryl Cornwell Jerry Davis Dianne Findley Jill Gaspar Susan Knott Jamie McCarver Sandra Skinner Kelli Teague Mara Townsley

20 year Service Award Gail Roe

25 Year Service Awards Linda Broadus Jana Kurrasch Peggy Pfursich

Retirement Barbara Cox Ruth Wherry Mary Smith

Living out their calling to be life-long learners, the faculty, staff, and administration at The Oakridge School have learned a little more about themselves and each other.

The educational community has explored thirty-four strengths, from achiever to woo, using Tom Rath’s Strength Finder 2.0 book as a catalyst along with the guidance of Kim Hankins, a trained Strength Finder consultant and mother of alumnus Charles.

The Professional Development Committee believes that it is this type of activity that will foster a growth mind-set and an acceptance of each other’s role in the school community. The quick read, short computer assessment, and the many conversations have allowed better communication and an understanding of each O person on a deeper level.

Speed Interviewing speed in·ter·view·ing (noun): an organized social activity in which seniors seeking college interviewing skills have a series of short conversations with Oakridge alumni to determine whether they are ready for admission and scholarship interviews at selective colleges During Homecoming Weekend, 13 Oakridge alumni met with 18 seniors in the Information Center Library for Speed Interviewing, an event designed to help the Class of 2015 hone its interviewing and interpersonal skills. Each senior had three mock interviews, and then students received written feedback from the alumni. The morning concluded with a debriefing session. Our students were reminded that a firm handshake and confidence will serve them well, and our alumni had an opportunity to get to know a sampling of the talented senior class. Thank you to our alumni interviewers Dr. Cody Bauer, Annie DelValle, Zac Farrar, Caitlin Kacinski, Lauren Messer, Ashley Odeh, Blake Orth, Dr. Lindsay Puente, Kevin Queenan, Stephen Sholden, Dr. Becky Thompson, Phil Trick, and Cara Walker. This morning would not have been possible without this group of Oakridge graduates. O

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“I love that Oakridge has allowed me to get involved in campus life – especially through Student Council. It was exciting to kick off my senior year with an Upper School assembly in the commons, sharing with the students all the upcoming activities that Stuco has planned.” — Amanda Little, Class of 2015 STUCO President

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EVENING OF EXCELLENCE HONORS MEMBERS OF THE OAKRIDGE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SOCIETY On Tuesday, May 6th, more than 300 guests attended The Evening of Excellence at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and honoring members of The Oakridge School Leadership Society.

The Oakridge School Leadership Society recognizes annual leadership by Oakridge’s most devoted donors. Membership level recognition is based on gifts of $1,500 or more made to The Oakridge School during the fiscal year (September 1 – August 31). Each year, special events are offered to honor these members with The Evening of Excellence being the culminating event.

Guests enjoyed several food stations as they mingled and connected with members of the Owl Community and experienced an incredible performance by the Upper School Choir. Towards the end of the evening, Jon Kellam, Headmaster, and Andy Broadus, President, spoke to the crowd and thanked them for their incredible philanthropic support for the 2013O 2014 school year.

THE OAKRIDGE SCHOOL BOARD OF REGENTS The Board of Regents, the governing body for The Oakridge School, is composed of twenty members who are current parents, alumni, and parents of alumni who have been strong advocates of excellence in academics, the arts and athletics for The Oakridge School. We are grateful to the women and men who have generously given of their time and expertise to help The Oakridge School become one of the premiere college preparatory schools in the southwest.

Dana Queenan has been associated with The Oakridge School since 1996 and has served as a Regent since 2006. In August 2014, Dana was named Chairman of the Board of Regents. Prior to being appointed Board Chair, Dana was Chairman of the Development Committee and most recently chaired the Finance Committee. Dana has been actively involved with numerous events; she has chaired Super Supper & Auction twice, held various positions of the Oakridge Parent’s Club including President, involved with Securing Our Legacy Capital Campaign, Annual Fund, Booster Club and assistant cheerleader sponsor for five years.

Dana works with her husband, Kevin, as CFO of the Queenan Law Firm, PC. They have three children; Anndi, Kevin Jr. (Class of 2004) and Corinne (Class of 2010).

Dana and Kevin feel blessed to be a part of the Oakridge Family.

“The school community opened their arms and welcomed us from our first visit. We believe our children received a premier education and were extremely prepared for a successful college experience. We are forever grateful to each faculty, staff and administrator who touched the lives of our children. It does O take a village!”

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volunteer leadership I am so excited to chair the 2015 Super Supper Dinner & Auction! This event is one of the largest fundraisers at The Oakridge School and raises money for campus improvements and educational enhancements. I’ve been a member of the Super Supper committee for 6 years and can’t wait for the event this year.

Save the date: February 28th, 2015 The Disco Ball Omni Fort Worth Hotel The Super Supper Dinner & Auction will feature the “The Greatest Disco Band in the world”, Le Freak. So, come dressed in your favorite 70’s or formal attire and get ready to have a great time!

We always need volunteers to help make this event successful and would love for your participation. You can help by volunteering to be on the committee, being a sponsor, or donating items for the silent auction. If you would like to volunteer in any of these areas, please contact me Angela.kasko@frtline.com or the Development Office at 817.451.4994 ext. 2785.

Angela Kasko SSA Chair 2014-2015

Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year. I am honored to serve as President of the Oakridge Parents’ Club. The purpose of the Parents’ Club is to: • Assist the administration, faculty, staff and Board of Regents in providing for the educational enrichment of the students • Promote the fellowship of the families and staff of the Oakridge School • Raise funds to accomplish those objectives Please consider becoming a member of the Parents’ Club. Your membership ensures you will receive all the exciting news and information from the Parents’ Club and provides support for all of the activities and events we provide your children throughout the year.

Volunteering through the Parents’ Club is a wonderful way to get involved and is greatly appreciated. There are so many ways to volunteer - Magazine sales, Book Fair, Holiday Treasures, Owlfest or one of the ECC /Lower School Class Parties or Middle /Upper School Student Socials. Simply go online to volunteer.

We have many fun and rewarding ways to contribute your time and talents. Your involvement not only makes a positive difference for our children, the faculty and staff, and the Oakridge community as a whole, but you will feel the strong sense of community, form lasting friendships with other parents and enrich your Oakridge experience. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, suggestions or comments. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Lara Haddock Oakridge Parents’ Club President 2014-2015

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Dear Owl Community – The Oakridge Athletic Booster Club, The Owl Club, is made up of individuals and businesses that support the school’s Athletic Programs. The funds raised from membership, spirit items, concessions and the golf classic are used to supplement existing sports programs and benefit all Oakridge athletes and physical education programs.

The Owl Club welcomes new members and volunteers. Most importantly, we have great fun attending the games and showing our school spirit for our fine athletes and coaches. If you are interested in volunteering – we need your help in the following areas: • MEMBERSHIP • CONCESSIONS • SPIRIT ITEMS • SPECIAL EVENTS • PROGRAMS For more information about becoming involved with The Owl Club, please contact Dennis Brown at 817. 891.0263 or dlb44@me.com.

GO OWLS! Dennis Brown The Owl Club President, 2014-2015 The Owl Club Spirit Store is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and during select sport home games.

Check the schedule at the booth. Be sure to stop by and get the latest in OWL spirit gear! The Owl Club needs your support!

If you are interested in becoming a member of The Owl Club or volunteering your time for Concessions, Spirit Items, Special Events and Athletic programs, please contact Dennis Brown at 817.891.0263.

Dear Oakridge Family and Friends, We consider it an honor to Chair The Oakridge School Annual Fund this year!

It is hard to believe that 2014-2015 will mark our eighth year as members of the Oakridge family. Our children, Janae (class of 2019) and Carl (Class of 2022), just love their school, and they have been so blessed by the great facilities, faculty and programs offered there.

The quality of families and sense of community found at Oakridge has been equally rewarding to us as parents.

While no place is perfect, we should all be very proud of how special our Oakridge School is. This culture and quality foundation have not happened by accident; they are the result of tremendous intentionality, investment and generosity by everyone that is and has been part of the Oakridge community. It is indeed rare to find a school so devoted to its mission that it can claim such strong community support.

As fellow parents, we understand that there are many needs and opportunities that deserve our giving, and these demands can stretch our resources. Still, we ask that you continue your generosity by making The Oakridge School Annual Fund a priority in your financial plans this year.

Every gift matters and every gift has an immediate and powerful impact on current Oakridge students. You are an important part of the equation. Your gift will multiply our strength.

Make your gift or pledge online. www.theoakridgeschool.org/makeagift Many thanks, Pam and Charles Pierson Annual Fund Chairs 2014-2015

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Upcoming dates for the Owls Speak Out program: Fall:

Spring:

November 11

January 27

November 18

February 3

December 9

February 17

18 • The Oakridge School Outlook

Owls speak out The Class of 2015 edition of the Owls Speak Out program kicked off on September 30th as a group of eight seniors soared in their speeches in the John P. Flavin Fine Arts Performance Hall. The Owls Speak Out program, which began four years ago as part of the school’s Learn 21 initiative, gives all seniors the opportunity to hone their public speaking skills as they deliver a speech on a topic for which they feel great passion and empathy. The first collection of speeches included topics that ranged from the process of animation to the dangers of shark extinction. After their presentations, the seniors joined Headmaster Jon Kellam and his wife, Mrs. Kristi Kellam, for a luncheon in their honor.

Videos of these presentations can be viewed on YouTube.

Program Overview One outcome of the ongoing self-study involved in the school’s Learn21 Initiative was a renewed focus on producing students who are confident and polished public speakers. There was a concern that in an ever-more-digital era, the traditional skills associated with small and large group interaction were not being developed. As a result, faculty were directed to identify areas in their coursework which provided opportunities

for students to polish those speaking skills. Additionally, to facilitate the development of those abilities related to largerscale presentations, the program which would come to be called Owls Speak Out was developed. In this program, students give a brief passion-based speech on a topic largely of their own choosing. The first incarnation of this program involved a pilot group of eight graduates of the class of 2012.

These students modeled the program which was to begin in earnest the following year. That second group involved every senior. The third incarnation developed further as students acted as hosts for the program.

The goals of the program are related to the “six C’s”, a focus of the school’s Learn21 Initiative. Those are: character, communication, collaboration, cosmopolitanism, critical thinking, and creativity.

While the “communication” goal is obvious, the Owls Speak Out program also helps to develop the other “c’s”. Students are urged to think critically about their topics and develop creative means to deliver their messages. The small-group settings of the lunches reinforces a collaborative approach to the development of their speeches, as all participants in each group are encouraged to offer constructive feedback. An offshoot of both the small group preparation and the actual presentations is a growing cosmopolitanism, as students are exposed to viewpoints and life experiences far beyond the scope of their own lives. Finally, students learn to communicate in smaller settings (such as one might experience in a business lunch), as they move from their speech program to a luncheon with the Headmaster. While the most obvious goal of this program is to give students the experience of having done large scale public speaking- and thus to develop both a comfort level for it and the skills necessary to engage in it in the future- there are many important other benefits O to the program.

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20 • The Oakridge School Outlook

learn 21 launch for upper school Last year every 4th-8th grade student received a digital tablet to fulfill the Learn21 mission of providing the tools for an innovative classroom environment in which students connect, communicate, collaborate and create.

In the second phase of the Learn21 initiative, all Upper School students received Lenovo Thinkpad Yogas.This will allow our teachers to continue to facilitate a classical education with the most relevant methods for our students.

Our Upper School teachers have been utilizing innovative pedagogical techniques already through such projects as the Richard III collaborative blog and colloquium with neighboring sister schools, the Owls Speak Out program and through numerous other digitally enhanced lessons. However, we knew through our school visits and research in

launching the initiative that professional development was a key indicator of success. In the last two years we have taken over 50 faculty and staff members to the Lausanne Learning Institute, an international think tank for schools that allows them to collaborate with peers and learn strategies for using laptops and tablets in their classrooms. As an indicator of the successful launch last year, Oakridge had 4 of our own present at the conference, and almost all of our Upper School instructors attended.

Last year over a dozen schools visited campus to learn from the launch and implementation of our new classroom experience. With one year under our belt and a prepared and enthusiastic faculty, we look forward to our Upper School building on the success of the O initial year of Learn21 initiative.

The New Classroom Environment • Students and teachers view technology as an invisible tool in their everyday learning as opposed to an activity that is confined to a computer lab or specific subject.

• Appropriate technology is placed in the hands of every student to enable ubiquitous access to information and maximize hands-on learning.

• A teacher’s resources are available in a digital format that is more easily accessible outside of the walls of the traditional classroom.

• Encouraging and facilitating digital organization skills.

• Students and teachers create a more immediate feedback loop of formative assessment.

• Students connect and collaborate not only with their peers, but also with experts all over the world.

• Digital tools are used to inspire creativity and facilitate personal expression.

• Students are highly engaged in relevant tasks which enhance their problem solving and critical thinking skills.

• Students can pursue their passions, find their voice, and unleash their potential.

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redesigned spaces on campus

Upper School Commons

Tech Center (Library)

Brick Landscape

Upper School Commons

22 • The Oakridge School Outlook

Upper School Commons

Updated Signage

Middle School

Tech Center

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ECC & LS students finish the sentence: I love Oakridge because... we have so much fun!

- Emma Hardwick (PK)

I like to drink cold water! (after playing outside) - Dylan Tate (PS)

of Mrs. Schley.

- Ty Moore (PK)

because my daddy always takes me here. - Tyler Heilig (PK)

I love lots of people…my parents. I love everyone.

- Bella Pakulski (PK)

I love it…

I just do!

- Emily Vanwhy (PK)

it’s fun!

- Ethan Jetty & Gracie Alsip (K)

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I learn a lot!

- Benjamin Jetty (K)

I like to play in centers. -Ian Daniels (K)

we get to play.

- Chloe Witherington (PK)

People are really nice here, especially teachers. - Haley Bohn (4th)

We get to have Music and P.E. and Art! - Joelle Batrice (1st)

It is very educative.

- Rocco Guevara (3rd)

The lunches are good and the teachers are fun.

- Mason Golden (4th)

I have lots of friends here and teachers are very nice.

- Madison Cary (3rd)

The teachers are fun and the things we learn are exciting! - Jeremy Jameson (2nd)

I play with my friends.

- Maria Leticia Leao (PK)

I like playing.

- Nathan Hwang (PK)

There are no bullies here. - Brandt Pettigrew (1st)

We get to do all kinds of things all day. - Sienna McBrayer (2nd) www.theoakridgeschool.org • 25

A WALK TO THE FUTURE A favorite Spring Oakridge tradition is the “Walk to the Future”.

On this special day the entire Oakridge community honors Oakridge Kindergarteners as they walk to the “Big School”. Last spring, Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School students, faculty / staff, administration and parents lined the spinal road cheering and clapping as the rising first graders walked from the ECC to a reception by the Class of 2014 in the Quad. This great tradition captures treasured memories of the O past for all and provided a glimpse into the future.

26 • The Oakridge School Outlook

the indians celebrate 25 years The Indians are coming! The Indians are coming! These words have ignited smiles on the faces of Lower School students for the last 25 years. Mike and Belinda Adams, aka Blue Hawk and Morning Star, travel from Kansas each year to bring history alive at Oakridge by sharing their artifacts and stories with our students. First and second grade students learn about Native American life, third graders experience the life of a Mountain Man and fourth graders battle it out as they re-enact the Civil War. Many graduation speeches have mentioned the wonderful memories created at the Indian Sleepover where children rotate through different stations with their friends and teachers. The night winds down with a fabulous fireside story from Blue Hawk (Mike Adams) before the children bed down on the gym floor to sleep overnight.

Belinda recalls that the relationship with Oakridge all began when two Oakridge teachers saw their teepee display at Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, TX. Mike and Belinda were visiting Mike’s parents who had just moved to Fredericksburg in 1986. Kay Belin (former Oakridge teacher) and Ann Lancaster (former Oakridge teacher) met Mike and Belinda and began talking about getting them to Oakridge. At the time, Mike and Belinda were teaching “hands on programs” at some Kansas schools with students who had learning disabilities.

The first year of the Living History Program at Oakridge was in 1989 when the teepee was setup in the Upper School Commons.

Belinda says, “You should have seen us getting the poles through the doors!” Every class in the school came to visit them this first year and spent 30-45 minutes with Blue Hawk and Morning Star.

The second year was more refined and fewer students came to visit. Year two was also the debut of the Indian Sleepover which was held in the Upper School Commons. Children were sleeping end to end and side to side. Mike says he stayed up past midnight

and only two girls made it staying awake till midnight; all the others were sound asleep by 11p.m.

The early years of the program involved Mike and Belinda carting their “hands on museum” from classroom to classroom and the teepee was setup in the gym for the three days they were here.

The Mountain Man program was added when Kay Belin started teaching third grade and she wanted to expand the Living History Program to include her students as well as fourth graders. About this same time Mike and Belinda were touring the eighteen Midwest States for a school lecture company. They had a wagon train and Westward Expansion Program; so third and fourth grade students were added to the Living History Program.

A few years later, fourth grade teacher at the time, Barbara Cox, wanted to add a Civil War piece to the program so Mike and Belinda developed a program and added it the next year. Belinda and Mike are constantly adding to the programs they teach and enjoy watching it grow year after year.

Although Mike and Belinda do presentations at other schools “the relationship with The Oakridge School is our longest running and we enjoy each year we’ve been coming to Oakridge” says Belinda.

Belinda further says, “It’s hard to believe we’ve been coming to Oakridge for 25 years. There are so many stories and memories with the students, families and teachers. I can remember watching the Iditarod and the Olympics with our Oakridge friends. We even see some of the first year students when we come back to Arlington each year. It is very special to be remembered and have it mean so much to reconnect with us.”

Mike, with his long beard way before the Duck Dynasty people made it trendy, and Belinda are famous people to the students of Oakridge and they are like family to the faculty and staff they O have worked with over the years.

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 27

campus life

28 • The Oakridge School Outlook

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 29

Middle School Clubs: Creating Deeper Relationships and Exploring New Horizons A primary goal of the middle school experience is to allow students the school day, can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Middle to explore and discover through extracurricular involvement.

School administrators solved this dilemma by repurposing the last Friday of most months, which are half days for the students, While the primary purpose for an educational institution is to to a day for clubs to meet. While some see this as time away promote the academic progress of the students, educators from the traditional course load, teachers and students see the have long touted the benefits of teachers and students sharing chance for learning in new and innovative ways. conversations about common interests and passions. The Middle School Club program was born out of this desire to The key to a successful club program is found within the breadth provide opportunities, not only for students and teachers to of the club offerings. In any given year, the Middle School faculty is connect beyond the classroom walls, but for students to explore able to offer around twenty clubs to students across fifth through new horizons. The Middle School Clubs provide the venue for eighth grade. While some clubs remain constant from year to these discoveries to be made on a frequent basis throughout year, many new clubs are started from the hobbies and passions the school year. of teacher and/or student. Over the course of the program, the constant choices have been Math Club, Color Guard, and Chess Some clubs meet after-school, before school, or even during Club. Moreover, clubs such as Debate Club and Book Club have advisory. However, finding dedicated club time, especially during resurfaced after a short break. But, just to keep the selections

30 • The Oakridge School Outlook

interesting, clubs such as, Archery, MineCraft, Disc Golf, Quilting, Iron Chef- Cooking Club, and Sailing Club to name a few, have recently been offered.

An impressive menu of opportunities awaits the student’s return from summer, as the selection process begins the first week of school. The fact that nearly every Middle School faculty member and even a few faculty/staff from other departments sponsor a club is amazing and is a testimony to their dedication. But, then again, who wouldn’t want to be involved in using what makes them happy to kindle the flame of learning in someone else, expanding their horizon and connecting with them on a deeper level? Maybe, just maybe, this kindling is what can make all the O difference.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

— Socrates

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carnegie hall choir trip Peter Tchaikovsky, Luciano Pavarotti, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Itzhak Perlman, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and The Oakridge School A Cappella Choir. What do they have in common? All have performed on the main stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Carnegie Hall, constructed in 1891, is one of the most beautiful and storied performance venues in the world. For 125 years, every great composer, performer, orchestra, chorus, and conductor has made an appearance in the hallowed hall at 7th Avenue and West 57th Street. The acoustics, revered for more than a century, are so renowned that, after a remodel in 1986, Carnegie Hall scholars and patrons were adamant that the sound had diminished. Though no physical changes were made to the look of the hall, it was determined nine years later that a single slab of concrete placed under the stage was affecting the resonance of the space and, thus, was removed in 1995.

Hosting over 400 performances a year, the Hall serves as a living

“ The New York trip taught me to cherish every opportunity that comes your way.

Getting to perform at Carnegie Hall with all of my friends is an experience I will never forget. I cannot wait to go back my senior year!”

— Olivia Duke, junior

32 • The Oakridge School Outlook

monument to music history. A common, yet profound, thread connecting musicians and concert goers across generations.

For more than fifteen years, The Oakridge School A Cappella Choir has been invited to perform on this same stage. Last April, choir members once again flew to New York where they took part in more than ten hours of rehearsal with famed composer and conductor John Rutter, culminating in a spectacular Monday evening performance with a professional orchestra on the main stage at Carnegie Hall. More than merely visiting this historic venue, The Oakridge School, having performed there numerous times, is now forever a part of that great musical legacy.

“ The New York trip was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Getting to visit such an amazing city with some of my best friends was an unforgettable experience. To be invited to sing in one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world and conducted by the composer of the piece we performed was a once in a lifetime opportunity!”

— Kourtnei Fong-Kutchins, junior In their free time, choir members set out on the bustling streets of New York to take in the sights, sounds, and grandeur of the Big Apple. Thirty nine students and a multitude of parents and family members visited the Empire State Building, Chinatown, Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and 5th Avenue.

Students were treated to Broadway productions of the musicals Pippin, Once, Lion King, and more. This biennial New York trip is special for many reasons, not the least of which is the time spent O making memories with our Oakridge family.

“ Getting to learn from such an amazing conductor and sing in such a stately concert hall was truly remarkable. We worked super hard while still being able to enjoy this grand city with our friends. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to share this experience with my Oakridge Family.”

— Ana Paula Martinez, junior

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 33

Fine Arts Night: Celebrating Our Talented Students During the first week of May, as the academic year built to a conclusion at Oakridge, one of the many ways we acknowledged our remarkable student body was with a collaborative, gala evening in the John P. Flavin Fine Arts Center dedicated to their artistic endeavors. Students were given the opportunity to display their multi-faceted creative accomplishments in their chosen discipline. All divisions and departments within Fine Arts were included in this event. The wide variety of activities for this event ranged from artwork on display throughout the Teaching Gallery, MS and US Choir and Musical Theatre presentations, MS and US Orchestra, and Theatre productions.

Several of the highlights of the evening, demonstrating the students’ mastery of critical thinking skills, were the Senior Directed Plays performed in the Black Box Theatre, the Vocal Solos, Quartets and the AP Art Show, all generated by our advanced students.

skits, monologues, duet acting scenes, and oral interpretation pieces for our Fine Arts Night. It was an entertaining and funfilled evening for students, families and faculty,” explained Linda Hoffer. Betty Crenshaw also observed, “Christa York was so much fun in the Middle School Drama presentation. She was totally in character with her lines as the MC of the skit.”

This was a come and go pleasurable event for the entire family.

We served refreshments in the foyer for everyone to enjoy throughout the evening as they participated in the celebration.

We wish to extend our gratitude to the Oakridge Community for their generous support and encouragement of Fine Arts Night. O

As stated by Dianne Findley, “Fine Arts Night was a huge success for the UHMS Musical Theatre students. Our short version of our Spring Show, “High School Musical,” was enjoyed by a receptive audience. It was a nice way to end a very productive year.”

“Middle School Drama students enjoyed performing a variety of

US 11th grade student, Irene Nguyen, added her own special creative flair to the t-shirt that was designed by Susan Stone for the event.

34 • The Oakridge School Outlook

“ The performing arts at Oakridge, along with athletics, gives students the greatest opportunities to work collaboratively. I learned not only acting while at Oakridge, but how to work with people. This experience serves me well in my acting endeavors, but more importantly, in life.”

— Landry Levine, Oakridge Class of 2013 Vassar College, Philosophy/Drama double major with a minor in English

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 35

Save the Date: Fine Arts Night May 8, 2015 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

All activities will be in the John P. Flavin Fine Arts Center and the Quad/Garden (weather permitting) “Fine Arts Night is a tremendous opportunity to not only showcase the Arts, but to come together as a community to celebrate our students and their creative endeavors.” — Andy Stewart

“What a fun and fabulous Fine Arts Night. Faculty and students wore matching black t-shirts representing all our classes. Many artists embellished them with Sharpies. Parents, students and faculty enjoyed the visual art display with student work from Preschool through Seniors. Their talent was very impressive.”

— Renay Levisay

36 • The Oakridge School Outlook

oakridge athletics The 2014 Varsity Softball team finished their season on a high note by winning the Division II SPC Championship. The Lady Owls outscored their opponents 36-7 en route to the title. Junior pitcher Jaclyn McLean was named the team’s Most Valuable Player, and Senior outfielder Claire Smith and Sophomore infielder Angelique Southern shared the team’s Most Improved Player award. Congratulations on a great season ladies! Expectations O are high for Coach Coakley and the 2015 team.

Oakridge Class of 2014 Graduate Alex Schies capped off her senior year by winning the SPC Golf Championship. This was Alex’s third SPC championship in her four years. As a junior, Alex was also the SPC runner-up. Every opposing golfer who had the opportunity to play with Alex commented to her coaches about how wonderful she was to play with and compete against. Alex is currently playing for Texas Wesleyan University on their women’s golf team. Oakridge is proud of Alex for all she accomplished O and for the way she accomplished it!

On September 23rd, Oakridge had the privilege of hosting our third annual middle school cross country meet as part of the MSSPC meet circuit with our sister schools in Fort Worth. This year’s race was a bit different, however. Instead of our usual two mile course, we decided to do a 5K relay, composed of four three-quarter mile loops. Other schools that attended were Trinity Valley, Fort Worth Country Day, Southwest Christian, and All Saints. Each school could have as many relay teams as they wished. Each relay team could have up to four runners. There was a boys’ race and a girls’ race that afternoon. The Oakridge girls’ middle school cross-country team took first place in the girls’ race, and earned gold medals for each relay member. Our boys took second place in the boys’ race, and silver medals for each relay member. We are very proud of our middle school runners. Way to go Owls!

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 37

2014 SPC Division II Softball Champions

Future Baseball and Softball Complex

This is an exciting time in the history of our school. Amazing things have happened when the Oakridge community has worked together for the good of the children and the mission of the School.

In 2011, the Board of Regents adopted a new strategic plan which included a continued commitment to the ongoing development of the Oakridge Athletic Complex. The final phase to “Finish the Front” will be the construction of the new baseball and softball complex which will be built east of the tennis courts.

Campaign Details A total investment of $3 million will be required to construct the Baseball/Softball Complex.

From complex and facility naming to specific space designation, there are a number of contribution levels that provide for securing your name in the legacy of the Oakridge Athletic Complex. You can become one of our “Greatest Names in Sports”.

Facility Highlights • Baseball and Softball fields • Ample parking, entry plaza, picnic area, concessions and restrooms • Batting cages • Bleacher seating • Road and new entrance from the East

Seeing the field hockey, tennis, football, and track teams practicing and competing at the Oakridge Athletic Complex is very gratifying to me and, I know, to so many of you. With the opening of the stadium, concession building, and restroom facilities, the venue becomes even more fabulous and functional.

I am eager to get the Baseball and Softball Complex started. The campaign for this phase is “Finish the Front,” appropriately named because upon the completion of the campaign, the Athletic Complex will be finished along the front of Pioneer Parkway.

If you are interested in helping or donating to “Finish the Front,” please call Michele Cole (817.451.4994 x 2768) or me (817.457.6683 or 817.929.1875). I truly appreciate your generous donations and enthusiastic support.

— Andy Broadus, President of The Oakridge School

Finish the Front Strengths in academics, arts, and athletics provide our students with an enviable edge in any competitive environment.

As evidence of the tremendous return on investment, there has been an increasing number of Oakridge graduates who have received athletic scholarships to nationally recognized colleges and universities. Through your philanthropic support, the Oakridge athletic program will achieve even greater levels of excellence. Together, we will better serve our studentathletes.

We invite you to become a part of this legacy by becoming more than you are today, by becoming part of this vision of spirit – by becoming one of our “Greatest Names in Sports.” O

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 39

summer programs The return of valued academic programming and the exciting extra-curricular offerings lead to increased enrollment and many happy children during Summer Programs 2014. New classes like Candy Science, Minecraft, Equestrian Camp, Field Hockey Camp, Introduction to Digital Production, Radio 101, Video Game Creation Camp, and Middle School 101 Camp generated a buzz of excitement. Our summer campers traveled the continents in search of Big Al, our school mascot, who O traveled the world and educated the campers with his travel experiences from Oceania to the North Pole!

Mrs. Andersen’s students “angling” for a great success in math!

Ms. Scarbourough’s Candy Science class discovered exciting reactions when candy was placed in different solutions.

40 • The Oakridge School Outlook

Cooking up some “good grub” in Mr. Marcellus’ Pickling With Perfection summer class.

Aiden G., showing off his Rockets and Aerodynamics project.

Creativity was spinning around in Mrs. Evan’s summer ceramics class.

Smiles all around in Algebra this summer.

Cobb Creek Ranch was the location of the first Oakridge Equestrian Camp where Mr. Cobb and daughter Cailey taught campers about horses and how to ride.

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Alumni news Class of 1998 Congratulations to Matt Worthington (1998) on being named The Oakridge School’s first alumni member of the Board of Regents. Matt is married to Ryan Brentlinger Worthington (1999).

The Worthingtons own Worthington Monuments and have three children.

Reese (3rd grade) and Cole (1st grade) attend Oakridge. Son Price still gets to stay home with mom and dad!

“Doub-OWL” threat at Tulsa and Howard Universities McKinley Smith (2014) and Trae Todd (2011) are teammates for the Howard University Bison’s soccer team. McKinley is #30 and Trae is seventh from the front. McKinley is a freshman and plays forward, while Trae is a senior defender.

Josh Atkinson (2012) and Brodrick Umblance (2014) both play for the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Both Josh and Brodrick play wide receiver for Tulsa. Josh is a sophomore eligibility-wise and Brodrick is in his first year with the Golden Hurricanes.

Class of 2001 Josh Gustafson (2001) and his wife Kristen announce the birth of their daughter Embry on August 11, 2014. She weighed 7 lbs. 10 ounces.

of their daughter Elizabeth Amber Trick.

“Zibby” was born on June 26 and was 8lbs. and 20”.

Class of 2002 Billy Feingold (2002) is an Internal Medicine Resident at Advocate Christ Medical Center in the Chicago area. Billy graduated from Muhlenberg College and received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Karen Castillo (2002) married Lane McIlvain in March and is a bilingual prekindergarten teacher in the Arlington ISD. Congratulations to Katy Chapman Trick (2002) and Philip Trick (2003) on the birth

42 • The Oakridge School Outlook

Class of 2003 Syed Ashraful (2003) is working as an Associate for Goldman Sachs in New York City. Syed graduated from UT-Austin with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

He obtained his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California.

Class of 2005 Jessica Russell (2005) is an actor in New York City. She recently signed with Innovative Artists, one of the most respected agencies in the acting business.

They specialize in finding the next generation of stars. Jessica’s feature film “Girl’s Night” recently had a private screening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in NYC. She also recently shot a commercial for Amazon Fire that played during the Video Music Awards on MTV.

Class of 2006 Will Barefield (2006) is experiencing incredible success in the music industry.

Will, who goes by his stage name Trip Lee, is a Christian/Gospel rapper and was the headliner for the BET Music Mattersa show that highlights the next BET superstars. Trip’s fifth album “Rise” will be released this fall. Trip has had numerous songs for both the gospel and Christian charts in the top 10.

Class of 2007

Class of 2008

Congratulations to Annie Del Valle (2007) on her engagement to Richard Oliva. Richard played soccer at SMU with Bruno Guarda (2005) and Paulo da Silva (2005).

Meredith Morse (2008) is entering her second year at the University of Texas at Austin Law School. This summer she interned at a criminal defense attorney’s office in Austin. She participates in moot court and law review.

Jessica Schauwaker (2008) will enter the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University this fall. This summer she participated in the FINA Masters Championship in swimming in Montreal.

Out of 9000 competitors she placed third in the 50, 100, and 200 yard backstroke and second in the 200 medley backstroke.

Max Steadman (2008) received his Master’s degree in May from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M and is currently employed at the Texas Transportation Institute in College Station.

Congratulations to Megen Velten Maginot (2006). Megen received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington in August 2014. Her dissertation topic was “Chemical Changes in DMPA-null urine Bone & PECVD Si-o-N-P Coatings for Ti-Implant Osscoapplications.

Derek Ray (2006) was promoted to Captain in the United States Air Force. This summer Derek and wife Allison Brown Ray (2006) moved to Newport News, Virginia.

Derek is stationed at Langley AFB and Allison is an RN at a local hospital.

Class of 2009 Sus Enos (2007) works at the GW Zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. The zoo is a rescue sanctuary that specializes in big cats such as tigers and lions and also is the leading facility for hybrids such as ligers. Sus works as a camera operator/ editor shooting for Joe Exotic TV which streams 6 days a week on Youtube and at joeexotictv.com. The company is developing a pilot for a reality show to be released next summer.

Sarah Stair (2009) had an internship at Sandia National Laboratories this summer. She received a master’s degree in chemical engineering in August from Baylor University. She has received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for her Ph.D, studies.

This fall she will be the first Ph.D. student in the Baylor Mechanical Engineering Department.

Class of 2010 Sarah Gordon (2010) graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the spring and is enrolling in the University of Notre Dame Law School this fall.

Christopher Grubb (2010) graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Rhodes College this spring and has enrolled in the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Conner Noteboom (2010) graduated from Columbia University in the spring and will be enrolled in a graduate history program at Oxford University in the fall.

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Tayo Fabuluje (2010) is finishing his final year of eligibility for TCU football this fall.

The 6-7 340 lb. Fabuluje is a starter at offensive tackle for the Frogs.

soccer team and a student regent. She is applying to dental school.

Class of 2012 Alex Steadman (2012) is currently playing baseball at Concordia University.

Class of 2013 Madison McWithey (2013) spent three weeks this summer studying at University College at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England.

She is now in her second year at the University of Virginia.

Class of 2011 Miranda Miller (2011) graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas at Austin in the spring and is a first-year medical student at UT Houston Medical School.

Mallory Morse (2011) is a member of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Chicago, where she is to goalkeeper for the varsity

The Oakridge School Choir performs at Carnegie Hall in NYC every two years. This past spring Mr. and Mrs. Andersen and Mr. Kellam were able to reunite with our strong east coast alumni base while in NYC for our school’s performance. A reception was held at The Yale Club and other additional get-togethers happened over the week.

The alumni group is a great reflection of our mission statement. There are artists,

Oakridge is proud to have three alumni currently in our nation’s military academies.

Curt Allen (2011) just signed his “two for seven” contract with the US Navy.

Curt will graduate from the academy in 2016 and then is committed to serve five years in the US Navy.

Mike Nathman (2012) committed to finish his final two years at West Point and then serve a minimum of five years in the United States Army. Mike will graduate from West Point in 2016.

Lukas Groves (2013) completed his first year at the Coast Guard Academy.

He will return for his sophomore year this fall and will graduate in 2017. Lukas is pictured with Lucas D’Agostino (2013). Lucas is at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the football team.

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bankers, students, lawyers, actors and everything in between living in the northeast. Alumni came in for the weekend from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Maryland.

Congratulations to our first ever allalumni team to win The Broadus Cup. Clay Crudup, Justin Yanaway, Derek Roth and Eli Jordan walked away with the trophy for our Oakridge Golf Classic!

Thank you to the Worthington family for hosting an Alumni BBQ at their home.

Alumni with children at Oakridge, along with alumni who have children who may attend Oakridge, had a great time with bounce houses, great food and wonderful stories about our school. Interested in having your child attend Oakridge? Contact Director of Admissions Mike Cobb.

The Oakridge Family Picnic was a great chance to see many alumni with their children who attend Oakridge. Pictured are the Worthington, Crudup and Turner families.

Also, Kendra Walton and daughter Blake are pictured separately.

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