IMPACT REPORT
2024-2025
INSPIRING MINDS; SHAPING FUTURES
Discover how our students achieved remarkable success while living out our Franciscan mission.
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND GRATITUDE
Learn how service, faith, and leadership shaped our school community throughout the year.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Explore the new programs and campus improvements that are strengthening OA for the years ahead.
“Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception is a Franciscan Catholic co-educational college preparatory high school committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, leadership and personal and spiritual growth for our students who will excel in our ever-changing world.”
Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception will be the outstanding co-educational Catholic college preparatory high school in southeastern Indiana, where students of diverse backgrounds are embraced and celebrated.
We will build and support an active campus ministry program, continue to develop a challenging academic curriculum, sustain our premier fine arts program, and offer a wide selection of athletic and other co-curricular activities. Technology will be incorporated throughout the curriculum and campus.
We will provide a positive working environment that employs a well-qualified and highly committed faculty and staff.
We will maintain a strong partnership with our sponsors, the Sisters of St. Francis, as well as community members and alumni. We will promote good stewardship of our resources to ensure the financial stability of the Academy.
MISSION VISION GOALS
1. Develop a new learning schedule that reflects the four pillars of our mission—academic excellence, leadership, social responsibility, and personal and spiritual growth—while reducing disruptions and expanding opportunities for enriching, immersive learning.
2. Encourage innovative and student-centered learning, inviting faculty and staff to think creatively about how instruction and engagement can best support student success.
3. Strengthen student well-being by expanding programs that promote a supportive and positive environment, including the implementation of Teen Mental Health First Aid.
4. Increase mission-driven and academic professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to support growth both in teaching practice and in living out our Franciscan mission.
5. Upgrade IT infrastructure to enhance campus-wide security, improve accessibility, and strengthen connectivity for students and educators.
Dear Oldenburg Academy Family,
A favorite quote of mine from St. Francis de Sales says, “Be who you are and be that well.” At Oldenburg Academy, this reminds us that our mission—to form young men and women in academic excellence, social responsibility, leadership, and personal and spiritual growth—is lived out most fully with the support of a community that believes in who we are. Your generosity enables us to “be OA”—to be our best, to go beyond, and to shape students whose faith and actions make a difference in the world.
This year, we transitioned from a traditional Annual Report to a new Impact Report. It reflects what we see every day: the support of alumni, parents, past parents, faculty, staff, friends, community partners, and benefactors reaches far beyond the classroom. Every dollar—through scholarships and grants, SGO contributions, the Academy Fund, in-kind gifts, our Legacy Campaign, shopping at Twice Blessed Resale, purchasing raffles, participating in OASIS events, and our annual Dinner Auction—makes a difference in the life of every student.
Your generosity has touched every corner of campus. It made possible a state-of-the-art PA and communication system for student and staff safety; major IT upgrades enhancing security and efficiency; and new lobby and Feldhaus televisions to better communicate and celebrate student achievements. A new auditorium backdrop and the Teen Mental Health First Aid program have both enriched student life—enhancing creative expression, promoting well-being, and reflecting our Franciscan care for one another.
Through your support, Senior Internships and Work-Based Learning programs continue to grow, providing real-world experience and helping students discern their future paths. Our students also live out the Gospel through service—connecting with the Sisters of St. Francis via Adopt-a-Sis, assisting in local parishes and community programs, and bringing hope to others through outreach projects and team service initiatives.
Our student-athletes continue to exemplify excellence, teamwork, and leadership. The 2024–2025 school year brought exciting season and post-season successes across programs, while teams also engaged in service projects. From fundraising for local families to mentoring younger students, our athletes demonstrate perseverance, collaboration, and character. Your support—through attendance at games, booster contributions, and event participation—makes these experiences possible.
Looking ahead, your generosity helped launch Go Beyond 4.0 and Mission Mondays in the 2025–2026 school year. Our schedule features four traditional days of instruction and a dedicated Mission Monday, when students engage in hands-on, real-world learning that integrates project-based learning, career exploration, spiritual formation, and service. Through expanded partnerships—including Marian University, which provides scholarships for OA students and professional development for our faculty—students now have even greater opportunities to connect learning with purpose and prepare for college and life.
Each story, improvement, and achievement in this report reflects the power of your belief in our mission. Every act of generosity—no matter the size—helps us continue to “be who we are and be it well.” On behalf of our OA family, thank you for your faith in our mission and for helping us Go Beyond—together.
With gratitude and blessings,
President
ENROLLMENT
FINE ARTS
FAITH LIFE TUITION ASSISTANCE
ATHLETICS & CO-CURRICULARS
Thank you to the Ripley County Community Foundation for the $3,000 grant we received in order to make this upgrade possible!
New Backdrop
A vibrant new backdrop now enhances the OA stage, made possible through the generosity of the Ripley County Community Foundation and the Pam Decker Vonderhaar Advancement of the Performing Arts Fund. This addition enriches every performance—from the fall play and spring musical to the Christmas and spring concerts—providing a professional and inspiring setting for our students. Each backdrop is thoughtfully designed and created by OA art students under the guidance of the Art Department, fostering collaboration between the visual and performing arts and celebrating creativity across disciplines.
New PA Communications Systems
In December 2024, OA completed the installation of a state-of-theart PA and communication system, a vital upgrade made possible through the Secured School Safety Grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and generous contributions from our supporters. This new system enhances both daily communication and emergency preparedness across our four-building campus. The software upgrade includes advanced features such as multi-site lockdown capabilities, E911 support for identifying the exact location of emergency calls, and integration with third-party systems including security, access control, fire, and emergency management. In addition, the system allows for emergency paging with pre-programmed alerts and improved coordination with select security devices such as locks and alarms. This investment ensures that OA continues to provide a safe, connected, and responsive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
New TV’s for School and Feldhaus
In fall 2024, OA enhanced campus communication with new televisions in the main school lobby and Feldhaus athletic complex. Made possible through a Ripley County Community Foundation Large Grant and the generosity of our supporters, these displays now share school news, events, student highlights, and athletic achievements— helping OA better inform, connect, and celebrate our community every day.
New IT Infrastructure Upgrades
Through the generous support of the William A. and Martha H. Hillenbrand Foundation, OA completed a comprehensive series of IT infrastructure upgrades implemented throughout 2024–2025 to strengthen connectivity, security, and efficiency across campus. The project included installation of a new Meraki Network Security System and Ethernet switches throughout multiple buildings, the transition from outdated physical servers to secure cloud-based systems, and the adoption of advanced software tools to support operations and fundraising. Enhanced cybersecurity protocols, improved data reliability, and more efficient systems now ensure OA’s technology foundation supports both current needs and future growth—keeping our students, faculty, and data safe and connected.
TRUE DEDICATION
Oldenburg Academy is blessed with a highly qualified, deeply committed faculty whose expertise directly impacts the student experience.
This year, as OA focused significant energy on launching our Go Beyond initiative, our teachers continued to pursue excellence in their classrooms and in their professional growth. Their ability to balance visionary school-wide progress with ongoing student-centered work is a testament to their dedication and skill.
Our teachers bring decades of combined experience. Their longevity reflects not only their commitment to the mission of OA but also the stability and continuity that strengthen academic excellence. Across departments, teachers continued to engage in professional development and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement.
Your support ensures that OA can attract, retain, and empower excellent educators—the people who make the greatest difference in our students’ lives. This year, donor investment helped OA launch the Go Beyond initiative, while still sustaining the professional excellence of the faculty who carry out our mission every day.
State and local Teacher of the Year honors through the VFW, recognizing extraordinary teaching and community leadership.
The Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship and certification from the Case Method Institute for Education and Democracy, demonstrating high-level professional advancement.
The IU Jacobs Educator Award and a Community Innovation Coach Certificate through the STARTedUP Foundation— highlighting innovation in teaching.
A national credential in “Anxiety and Stress Management” from the American School Counselor Association, reinforcing the strength of OA’s student support services.
YOUR GENEROSITY STRENGTHENS:
3. FORMATION ROOTED IN FAITH, CARE, AND EXPERTISE
Even in a year of major progress, we can affirm a consistent truth: OA students are formed by highly skilled, mission-driven educators who go above and beyond—every day.
MENTORING OUR TWISTERS
Career Day returned as we hosted nine Oldenburg Academy Alumni and community partners for an inspiring day. ese remarkable individuals generously imparted their career insights and expertise to our Twisters. eir invaluable experience gave our students a rsthand look at the diverse paths to success in di erent professional areas. Additionally, the participation of our guests is a testament to the unwavering support we receive from our Oldenburg Academy family. We thank the following individuals for their commitment to providing a comprehensive career-focused environment for our students.
Sean Vicente
Municipal Director at the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office and trial attorney
Mindy Eckstein ‘20
Licensed Dental Hygienist for Indy Dental Group
Julie Martin ‘09
Interior & Architectural Designer and Owner and Designer of Sweetheart Interiors
Sara Mahle Drabik ‘95
Professor of Electronic Media & Broadcasting and Media & Journalism Department Program Head at Northern Kentucky University
Claire Ruberg ‘04
Senior Regional Director of Clinical Services, Miami University
Kathy Drockelman Barajas ‘93
Interior Designer and the Founder/Owner of Kathy Barajas Design
Matthew Hurm ‘15
Senior Sales Executive for AT&T
Karen Kuhn ‘95
Senior Partner Account Manager for Amazon Web Services and subject matter expert for Amazon MarketPlace
Hayden Johnson ‘15
Defense Proposal Analyst for RTX (Collins Aerospace)
STEWARDSHIP & GRATITUDE
Oldenburg Academy is able to provide a high-quality Catholic education because of the generous gifts we receive each year. Your support strengthens our academic and arts programs, enriches Mission Mondays, enhances our athletic opportunities and makes need-based tuition assistance possible for the families who rely on it.
$929,899 DID YOU KNOW THAT BECAUSE OF YOU WAS RAISED FOR OLDENBURG ACADEMY
OA gratefully acknowledges our many supporters who have generously contributed to our community.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR 2024-2025 BUSINESS SPONSORS
Oldenburg Academy is deeply grateful to our business sponsors whose generosity strengthens every part of our mission. Their partnership helps us provide an exceptional Catholic education rooted in faith, scholarship, and service. Through their support, our students bene t from enhanced academic programs, vibrant extracurricular opportunities, and the continued growth of a community that inspires young people to “Go Beyond.”
ACADEMICS & STUDENT LIFE
Oldenburg Academy is able to provide a high-quality Catholic education because of the generous gi s we receive each year. Your support strengthens our academic and arts programs, enriches Mission Mondays, enhances our athletic opportunities and makes need-based tuition assistance possible for the families who rely on it.
anks to a grant from the Joan & John Hillenbrand VISION Fund, Mr. Jason Walke received a set of eight virtual reality goggles that are meant to be used in an educational setting. One of the recent activities they were used for was in the AP US History class to explore a typical colonial village. Students were also able to visit present-day museums and statues and learn about some of the important founders and founding documents in American history.
OA students, along with Ripley County Community Foundation visited St. Nicholas, St. Louis and Batesville Middle School to make wreaths with 7th and 8th grade students. Charlene Weberding, OA Government and World History, teacher presented valuable information to students about the Wreaths Across Ripley County program. is program honors our Veterans and those that have served and teaches the value of our freedom.
Oldenburg Academy continues to strengthen its academic programming to better prepare students for college and beyond. is year, Biology II advanced to a Dual Credit course, allowing students to earn college credit while deepening their scienti c understanding. Two new math courses— Probability & Statistics and Quantitative Reasoning—were also added to broaden quantitative learning and real-world application. In addition, AP Psychology was introduced for the rst time, giving students new opportunities to explore human behavior and the social sciences at an advanced level.
OA’s Physics students competed in the Rube Goldberg regional competition in February and placed 2nd! It quali ed them to advance to the world competition at Purdue University, in which they competed on March 29th. Rube Goldberg is a STEAM competition for the 21st century that pits student teams against each other to create a fantastical “Machine” built from everyday objects that solves a common, simple task. is year’s task was “feed a pet.”
Inspired by OA’s Franciscan value of Care of Creation, Mr. Hartman’s Plant & Soil Science class partnered with Wood-Mizer and alum Cassie Holtel ’15 to plant a new fruit tree orchard on campus. The project gave students hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and will provide lasting benefits for generations to come.
OA students once again demonstrated exceptional drive in the statewide Innovate WithIN business competition. Out of hundreds of entries across the southeast region, three of the ten regional finalists were OA teams—a remarkable achievement for a school our size. Christian Mack (LocaLink), Albert Hudepohl (Initiate Design), and Elana Hollingsworth with Jill Witkemper (Snapshot) advanced to Regionals, showcasing the creativity, problem-solving, and work ethic.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS
Josie Wolfe (Class of 2025) Current freshman at Marian University
Santiago Schutte ‘25 and Jacob Stenger ‘25 committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Jacob is currently playing baseball at Earlham College, while Santiago is competing in swimming at Fresno Pacific University.
“My time at OA has shaped my life by teaching me how to be a leader, deepening my faith, and inspiring me to become a future educator through the care, love, and integrity I witnessed in my teachers. OA provided countless opportunities for me to step out of my comfort zone and grow as a person. As I continue my Catholic education at Marian University, I am building on the roots formed during my years at OA—faith, academics, and personal growth. My future has been shaped by the experiences and opportunities both OA and Marian have given me. As an OA alum and a Marian student, I can con dently say that an education grounded in faith and academic excellence can truly change a person’s life for the better.”
FRANCISCAN VALUES IN ACTION
This year, Oldenburg Academy students demonstrated extraordinary commitment to service, faith, and community. Through initiatives like Adopt-A-Sis, our students built meaningful relationships with the Sisters of St. Francis, deepening their understanding of compassion, gratitude, and the Academy’s Franciscan heritage.
Beyond campus, OA students actively served in their parishes and local communities — volunteering as altar servers, lectors, and youth ministers, as well as assisting at food pantries and parish outreach programs. Many also took part in mission trips, youth retreats (Ignite Leader Retreat & Intense Summer Youth Retreat), and pro-life events, witnessing their faith through action and leadership.
“Be who we are and be that well.”
~Saint Francis de Sales
Service at OA also extends to creative local outreach. From filling the community Blessing Box with food and essentials, to helping at the annual Easter Egg Hunt for area children, our students continue to respond to the needs around them. Athletic teams, too, have embraced service as part of their team identity — raising funds for families in need and bringing hope to others through their generosity.
Each of these moments reflects what donor support makes possible: an education rooted not only in academic excellence, but in faith, empathy, and the call to serve. Thanks to your generosity, our students are living the Franciscan values of peace, service, and respect for all creation — and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
PEACE AND JUSTICE
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Through the generosity of our benefactors, Oldenburg Academy students are empowered to live out the Franciscan values at the heart of our mission. This year’s focus on Peace and Justice invited students to explore how young people throughout history have courageously stood for change. After reading I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys as part of the 2024 summer read, students researched youth-led resistance and advocacy movements— from Greta Thunberg’s climate action and Autumn Peltier’s water advocacy to the Iranian protests following Mahsa Amini’s death and the Children’s Crusade during the Civil Rights era.
These meaningful projects encouraged re ection on faith, courage, and moral responsibility—helping students connect classroom learning to real-world leadership rooted in Franciscan compassion and justice.
ADMISSIONS IMPACT
This year, the generosity of Oldenburg Academy’s benefactors helped us open our doors—and hearts—to future Twisters in meaningful ways. Through campus tours, shadow days, and outreach visits, hundreds of young people experienced the warmth, spirit, and opportunities that define OA.
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These tours provided gave families an in-depth look at our vibrant academic and faith-filled community. personal tours
70 student ambassadors
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shadow
students
Shadow days gave eighth graders the opportunity to experience OA and walk in the shoes of OA students for a day.
These dedicated students shared their love for OA with prospective students, embodying leadership and hospitality.
370 + summer campers
Young participants were given an early introduction to the spirit of community and excellence that donors help make possible at OA.
middle school outreach
OA visited multiple partner middle schools, connecting with dozens of eighth graders to share the bene ts of a college-preparatory Catholic education at OA.
\“Being an OA Ambassador allows me to get involved in our school community while sharing how Oldenburg Academy has shaped my life. I love helping incoming students feel welcomed and showing them the opportunities thtat make OA such a special place”
~Ava, Class of 2027
GOALS FOR 2025-2026
1. Fully implement the new Go Beyond 4.0 schedule and Mission Mondays. Mission Mondays will provide intentional time for meaningful, real-world learning across all grade levels. Students will participate in retreats, service opportunities, internships, immersive educational experiences, and college visits—all without missing instructional time. The schedule also creates dedicated space for faculty to engage in ongoing professional development, helping them bring innovative, mission-aligned teaching practices into their classrooms. In addition, students will have access to personalized enrichment and academic support from 1:00–3:00 PM, strengthening connections with faculty and deepening learning.
2. Launch and integrate the expanded partnership with Marian University, providing mission-aligned professional development for faculty and strengthening our shared focus on college readiness and Franciscan values.
3. Add an additional mini-bus to our fleet to support Mission Monday activities and off-campus service experiences, ensuring consistent and safe transportation for immersive learning opportunities.
4. Invest in key campus improvements, including upgrading the Chemistry lab and replacing the original gym windows with safer, easier-to-open tempered glass.
THAnk
THAnk you!
Oldenburg Academy of the immaculate conception
1 twister circle, po box 200,oldenburg indiana 47036 www.oldenburgacademy.org | 812.934.4440
@oldenburgacademy