p Oakridge School

Vol. 33, No. 1 33, No. Vol. Outlook Our Mission

To inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity. Board of Regents 2013-2014 Mr. Chuck Reynolds, Chairman Our Vision Mr. Bruce Ashworth Mr. Chris Buckalew To attain national recognition as a college preparatory school that provides Mrs. Kim Callanan educational excellence grounded in responsible character development and Mr. Steve Crudup ethical leadership. Mrs. Kay Duggan Mr. Don Duke Dr. Richard Enos Dr. Trent Glaser Philosophy Mrs. Brenda Gooden Mr. Jim Haddock Mr. Scott Howell We believe the role of The Oakridge School is to provide a challenging Mr. John Kacinski educational program that emphasizes the total development of each child, Mr. Richard Lowe encompassing basic skills as well as cultural, emotional and physical Mr. Mike McWithey development, which prepares students for higher education and life. Dr. Scott Morse Mr. Charles Pierson Ms. Nancy O’Shea, Lifetime Member We believe an environment that employs a variety of teaching techniques Mrs. Dana Queenan and learning activities best enables each student to achieve as an individual Mr. Don Starnes, Lifetime Member and as a member of a group. Mr. Curtis Von Der Ahe Mr. Steve Wall We believe an orderly environment stressing personal and academic self- discipline provides an atmosphere most conducive to success.

2013-2014 We believe in academic excellence, in high moral and ethical standards, in Administrative Staff honor, in the respect of the opinions and the rights of others, in the realization Jon Kellam, Headmaster and acceptance of the consequences of an individual’s actions, and in the Andy Broadus, President pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong experience. Jim Andersen Tony Barriteau We believe the graduates of The Oakridge School should be men and Mike Cobb women of good character who have developed a healthy respect for self, Michele Cole, Ed.D. and awareness of the privileges and obligations of citizenship, and a keen Jerry Davis, Ph.D. sense of empathy for and responsibility to fellow human beings. Kathy Gamill Betty Garton Butch Groves Jason Kern Sarah Kramer David Languell Lauren Matocha Shawn Meadows Britt Robinson Sarah Schecter, Ed.D. Mary Smith 24 Features

Page 2 — 35 Years in Pictures The Oakridge School is celebrating its 35th Anniversary. See how the school has evolved in pictures since it began in 1979.

2 Page 18 — Spotlight on an Owl Family The Petersen family has been an active part of the Owl Community since 2007 and like so many parents, chose Oakridge for the outstanding, college-preparatory education that they knew their children would receive. 28 Page 24 — Oakridge Goes Global Oakridge is committed to helping our students to think globally and see what lies beyond the classroom by offering organized international travel.

18 Page 28 — Learn 21 The Oakridge School will provide the tools for an 34 innovative classroom environment in which students 31 connect, communicate, collaborate and create. Page 31 — Drumline Rocks 44 The Oakridge Drumline provides game day spirit for the students, friends, parents and fans as the Owls take the football field on Friday nights, creating a sense of pride for the entire community.

Page 34 — KOWL Radio The Oakridge School offers an elective class that provides the students an opportunity to learn how to create radio segments, communicate campus Outlook 2013 Volume 33, Number 1 news to the community and operate the radio The Oakridge School equipment through its radio station – KOWL. 5900 West Pioneer Parkway Arlington, Texas 76013 817.451.4994 Page 44 — A Story Design Printing Art by Ellie JohnSons Press of Philanthropy

The Oakridge School’s Outlook magazine is published once a year. The Oakridge School Oakridge young alum has an empathetic heart and is an independent, coed, college-preparatory, day school for students in preschool (age 3) chooses to give back to help The Oakridge School through grade 12. The Oakridge School does not discriminate on the basis of color, creed, and others. sex, or national and ethnic origin in school administered-programs.

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 1 35 Years, in Pictures...

in diligent pursuit of wisdom

2 • The Oakridge School Outlook A.

In the Beginning: 1979 The Oakridge School was formed by a group of concerned parents and educators who wanted to provide a quality education for their children and for future generations.

A. Handley United Methodist Church (1979-1982) In 1979, enrollment began with 85 students in (K-4) through 8th grade. The education building at Handley United Methodist Church served as B. the main campus while land was acquired and construction began on a permanent campus.

B. House on Meadowbrook Drive (1981-1982) By its third year, The Oakridge School was growing and began offering enrollment through 10th grade. The Upper School classes were held at the house on Meadowbrook Drive, affectionately known as “Taco Bell.”

C. Handley Middle School Building (1982-1987) As the school continued to grow, a larger campus was needed. The Handley Middle School provided the space on a temporary basis. C. www.theoakridgeschool.org • 3 “The Oakridge School… where tomorrow belongs to the children!” (Marketing slogan in an ad run by the school in 1979)

A. B.

1984 In a process that began in 1981, The Oakridge School Board of Regents were determined to build a top quality physical facility to provide an excellent educational environment that will provide for the future growth of the school.

The search for a permanent site for the school C. concluded with the purchase of 33.105 acres on Pioneer Parkway (303).

A. New Headmaster • In 1981, Andy J. Broadus was appointed Headmaster.

B. Pioneer Parkway Site • The original 33.105 acres was a perfect match for The Oakridge School.

C & D. Early Childhood Center • In the fall of 1984, the Early Childhood Center opened. • The ECC opened with three pre-kindergarten classes and three kindergarten classes. D. 4 • The Oakridge School Outlook A & B. The Upper School • The Upper School moved to the permanent campus in the fall of 1985.

C. The First Graduates • In 1985, seven students became the first Oakridge graduates.

D, E, & F. Lower School, Middle School, and the Student Activity Center • The Lower School, Middle School, and the SAC opened for the 1986-87 school year. These buildings completed the move to the permanent campus.

G. 1989 — The Oakridge School Flag • The Oakridge flag is raised for the first time at the 10th birthday celebration.

B. G.

A.

C.

D. E. F. www.theoakridgeschool.org • 5 1993 — ECC Extension 1994 — Multi-purpose Activity Center 1998 — Extension to the Lower School • The extension allowed the ECC • The Amon G. Carter Activity Center was • The extension was built to provide to offer classes to 3 year old built to provide a space for PE as well as a space for foreign language and a students. choir and drama. state-of-the-art technology lab.

1999/2000 — Information Center and Fine Arts Center • The Information Center was completed in December 1999 and houses the library and the technology lab. • The Fine Arts Center was completed in May 2000 providing 32,000 2000 — Garden square feet dedicated to the arts. The garden area was established The Performance Hall has a to provide an outdoor classroom 400 seat capacity. dedicated to horticulture.

2002 — National Wetlands 2005 — Football Stadium Dedicated 2006 —47.5 acres Purchased • The National Wetlands Project was • The football stadium was named in • The purchase of this property completed in 2002 and is a nationally memory of alumnus Jeff Conatser allowed for Oakridge to begin protected area and serves as a (class of 1993). construction on a state-of-the-art habitat for nature. athletic complex. 6 • The Oakridge School Outlook 2007 — President & New Headmaster 2007- Security Center • Andy Broadus was appointed as President. • The Security Center was completed in September 2007 and provides • Jon Kellam was appointed as Headmaster. a friendly and secure welcome to the campus.

2011 — Quinn Family Kindergarten Center 2011 — Building Named • The Kindergarten Center was completed • The Early Childhood Center was named the Betty in the summer of 2011. Garvin Garton Early Childhood Center. • It provides four innovative classrooms and (Pictured: Betty Garvin Garton) a multipurpose area. (Pictured: Stacey and Billy Quinn)

2012 — Building Named 2012 — Campus Named • The Fine Arts building was named • The main campus was named the Andy J. Broadus Campus in May 2012. the John P. Flavin Fine Arts Center (Pictured: Andy and Linda Broadus) www.theoakridgeschool.org • 7 Looking ahead to the Future…

Over the past 35 years, the Oakridge family has strived to maintain the core values set forth by the founding families.

It was and continues to be our mission to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity.

Our vision for the future is to attain national recognition as a college preparatory school that provides educational excellence grounded in responsible character development and ethical leadership.

“The Oakridge School… a school like no other!”

congratulations

l

• 35 Years of excellence •

8 • The Oakridge School Outlook www.theoakridgeschool.org • 9 quick facts: Did you know?

Thirteen collegiate sports In the last five years, Oakridge student-athletes elected to compete in 13 different collegiate sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheer, Crew, Cross-Country, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track, and Volleyball.

The percentage of seniors receiv- ing college scholarship offers con- sistently runs about 70 percent. Why? Here’s a snapshot of a grad- uating class’ achievement:

 9 National Merit Commended letter winners

 7 National Merit Scholars 13  5 offered to play college athlet- ics

 3 National Hispanic Scholars Division Enrollment Class size avg.  2 National Achievement Pro- E.C.C. 101 12 gram winners Grades 1-4 190 16  1 service academy acceptance Grades 5-8 258 17 Grades 9-12 321 16 Totals 870 15 Fifteen students per class Among the 318 students and parents The campus-wide class whosize is toured 15 students or visited per classroom, the campus, providing 120 ample opportunity15 for students and teachers to collaborate. new students were accepted and en- rolled, bringing the total school-wide enrollment to 871 Owls.

Twenty-five countries Since 1985, when Oakridge graduated its first international student, students have enrolled from 25 different countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

2510 • The Oakridge School Outlook quick facts: Did you know?

70%+ offered college

scholarships The percentage of seniors receiving college scholarship offers consistently runs about 70 percent. Why? Here’s a snapshot of the achievements of the Class of 2013: • 9 National Merit Commended letter 70% winners • 7 National Merit Scholars • 5 offered to play college athletics • 3 National Hispanic Scholars • 2 National Achievement Program winners • 1 service academy acceptance

OWLS! Admissions funnel

571 families 120 new OWLS!

inquired Among the 318 families who toured or visited the campus,

Admissions funnel Admissions 120 new students were accepted and enrolled, bringing the total school-wide enrollment to 870 Owls.

318 visited campus

120 new

Admissions funnel Admissions students enrolled

120www.theoakridgeschool.org • 11 Admissions Blog Admissions Program & Tour Ages 3 to Grade 12

Tuesday, October 22 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Sunday, January 26 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Tuesday, March 25 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Admissions Coffee Application Process February 1st: Recommended deadline Ages 3 to Grade 4

Tuesday, January 16 After February 1st: Rolling admissions 9:30 am – 11:00 am based on space availability Tuesday, March 4 Step 1: Attend an admission program or 9:30 am – 11:00 am set up an individualized tour of the campus Step 2: Submit an application Admissions Step 3: Register for Admission Testing Testing Step 4: Schedule a day visit for the student Step 5: Submit recommendation forms Ages 3 to Grade 12 and school records Saturday, November 16 8:30 am – 12 noon Step 6: Set up an interview Saturday, January 11 Final Step: Enrollment 8:30 am – 12 noon

Saturday, February 8 Financial Aid is available to students in grades 1-12. 8:30 am – 12 noon This is an annual process for all families seeking financial aid for their student(s). Deadline: March 1st. Saturday, March 22 The Oakridge School seeks to admit bright, college-bound students. 8:30 am – 12 noon For more information on the Admissions process, please contact Dr. Jerry Davis, Director of Admissions at 817.451.4994 or [email protected].

12 • The Oakridge School Outlook kellam awarded klingenstein fellowship

The Oakridge School Board of Regents is proud to announce the selection of Headmaster Jonathan Kellam to a fully- funded fellowship at the 2014 Head of Schools Program at the Klingenstein Center in New York. Mr. Kellam was chosen from an international pool of talented applicants as one of only 20 recipients to this prestigious program. Upon completion, Mr. Kellam will join a select group of over 200 school heads who have participated in the fellowship program since 1991.

The Klingenstein Center, which is a part of the Teachers College at Columbia University, has a mission that includes “improving the quality of independent schools by developing and strengthening the teachers and administrators at every stage of their careers.”

The Head of Schools program is designed to give Fellows the opportunity for a unique professional development experience. The two week program is built around personal reflection among peers who share common experiences and whose schools face similar challenges. The goal of the program is for Fellows to refine their own philosophical ideals about education and educational leadership through an examination only provides further validation and recognition of the leadership of issues and polices in the field. Fellows draw from diverse role that Oakridge has taken in private school education in the reading and seminar opportunities, visits to charter, public, and United States.” independent schools in the area, as well as from vigorous and insightful discussions with their peers in the program. Mr. Kellam, a graduate of Texas Christian University, holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Educational “I am both humbled and excited by Administration. He is also an alumnus of the School Leadership Development Institute at Stanford University and serves on the this opportunity. My own philosophy Board of Directors of the Independent Schools Association of education is rooted in the belief that of the Southwest. Over a twenty-year career at The Oakridge School, Mr. Kellam has served as teacher, coach, Head of learning is a lifelong journey, not just Middle School, and Associate Headmaster. In 2007 he was for students but for all of us. I’m thrilled appointed Headmaster. to be given this chance to continue my Of his own selection to a Klingenstein fellowship, Mr. Kellam personal growth as an educator while our said, “I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity. My own philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that school is in the midst of its own ongoing learning is a lifelong journey, not just for students but for all of evolution into a school of the future us. I’m thrilled to be given this chance to continue my personal growth as an educator while our school is in the midst of its through our Learn21 program.” own ongoing evolution into a school of the future through our — Headmaster Jonathan Kellam Learn21 program.” O

Klingenstein Head of Schools Program: Longtime Oakridge Regent Richard Enos, holder of the Lillian http://www.klingenstein.org/content/heads-schools-program Radford Chair of Rhetoric and Composition in the Department of English at Texas Christian University, said “Out of an international The Oakridge School Learn21 Initiative: pool of educational leaders, selecting Headmaster Jon Kellam as http://www.theoakridgeschool.org/page.cfm?p=3409 a Klingenstein Fellow and participant in this prestigious program

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 13 owls report back to nest from college

On a beautiful sunny (and hot) day on the 18th of May, 74 seniors along with their parents, family and friends filled the Student Activity Center on the campus of The Oakridge School for Dear Oakridge, the 2013 commencement ceremonies. This College is going very well so far. I’m majoring year’s salutatorians were Carter Fraser, Jr. in Mechanical Engineering and hoping to minor and Amit Narawane. The valedictorian was in Sculpture, so I’m taking lots of math and Melissa Geisel. We reached out to them a science classes in addition to design classes. few weeks ago asking them to send us a letter Oakridge prepared me so well for many of my home telling us about their college experience introductory classes, and I’ve been able to help and their new endeavors. others who weren’t able to have such strong high school programs. I would definitely say David Carter Fraser, Jr. Oakridge has given me a leg ahead. I’ve joined or am in the process of joining several different Carter Fraser, a co-salutatorian was accepted organizations on campus including the club to Washington University in St. Louis, Abilene baseball team, Cru at Wash U, and possibly Christian University, The University of Texas at several others. It has been an incredible Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, Texas A&M University, and Wheaton College. He is a National experience to meet people from all over the Merit Scholar. country (and the world) living on my floor, and many of us are already very close. Unfortunately At Oakridge, Carter was actively involved with both however, it’s been just as hot here in St. Louis the arts and athletics. In the art studio, Carter twice as it is in Texas. earned scholarship and recognition at the Fort Worth Stock Show for his three-dimensional work. He also Carter Fraser earned recognition at the North Texas High School Art Washington University in St. Louis Competition.

On the field, Carter was a four-year member of both the baseball and cross country teams, earning MVP for freshman and sophomore JV baseball and MIP for freshman and sophomore cross country. He was co-captain for his senior year cross country team.

In the classroom, Carter earned Most Outstanding Student in Honors 3-D Design, Honors Survey of British Literature, Honors Algebra II, and 12th Grade Art; he earned Most Dedicated Student in Honors World History and AP Physics. Carter had the highest class academic average after his freshman year.

Carter has been an active volunteer. He coached a Little League team as well as volunteered as an umpire. He was highly involved at The Hills Church of Christ, and he has annually attended summer leadership camp in Abilene. He was a co-founder of our Oakridge chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In his spare time, Carter is a reviewer for IndieVisionMusic. com. Carter is a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis where he expects to study engineering. Carter Fraser ‘13 and Melissa Geisel ‘13 14 • The Oakridge School Outlook Amit Narawane Dear Oakridge, Amit Narawane, also our co-salutatorian, was accepted to the I’ve been on campus for only two weeks and University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, Rice University, and the University of Southern California. He is I’m already loving Austin. As a Biomedical a National Merit Scholar. Engineering major, I am currently taking most of my intro classes—biology, physics, Amit was a four-year contributor to our strings program, calculus, etc. However, freshmen also have the playing the viola. He annually auditioned for and excelled in opportunity to take a unique signature course, the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Private so I am also taking a class on the fundamentals School Music Educators Association competitions and of astronomy, a subject about which I’ve always played at other venues his four years. (You may have seen been curious. My professors all seem to find him play the National Anthem at Homecoming 2012.) ways to keep their classes both effective and Outside Oakridge, Amit was in the Youth Orchestra of entertaining; and while some of them do involve Greater Fort Worth as well as the Philharmonic Orchestra a good amount of work, I constantly find myself of Greater Fort Worth. In addition, Amit was a four-year member of drumline, playing snare and bass. Amit served surprised at how well-prepared I am post- as captain in his senior year. Oakridge. The city of Austin is itself so unique, I find that there are things that can only be Amit also participated in multiple plays and musicals, properly described as being “Austin.” The food including our senior-directed plays and Zombie Prom. scene is limitless—I already have a running list He served as president of the World Languages Club of places to go to, and I can only hope to finish and National Honor Society and earned the President’s it before my time here is out. I’ve also been Volunteer Service Award for his work at River Legacy organization shopping, and I’ve found a few Science Center. within my major that piqued my interest, such as BMES, the Biomedical Engineering Society. Besides those, I’ve even found some just for fun, such as the 33rd Annual Madrigal Dinner, an entirely student run show. All in all, I’m looking forward to a great first year at UT. Amit Narawane University of Texas at Austin

In the classroom, Amit earned Most Outstanding Student in Honors Precalculus, Honors Intermediate French, Honors Strings (three times), AP Spanish Language, and AP Statistics.

Amit, in addition to his 400+ hours of community service, has been a registered pharmacy technician since 2011. He enrolled in UT Austin where he is studying engineering in the honors program.

Melissa Jaclyn Geisel This year’s Valedictorian, Melissa Geisel’s college acceptances include Austin College, Oberlin College, Trinity University, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Melissa was editor-in-chief of our school’s literary magazine, www.theoakridgeschool.org • 15 Calliope. She worked on the magazine for three years in varying leadership capacities. She was vice president of the Chinese Club. Melissa continues to write for fanfiction.net – both writing her own stories Dear Oakridge, and mentoring new writers. Hi, y’all! It certainly feels strange not to be starting the new school year at Oakridge. Outside Oakridge, Melissa earned her green belt in Nonetheless, I feel like I’m settling in to my karate. She has also been a volunteer at the Woodland new but very different home. I’m living in a West Library, HOPE Tutoring, and through the youth group of New World United Methodist Church. dorm room with another person (a native to St. Louis), some of my classes have hundreds Melissa was Most Outstanding Student in Honors of people in them, and I feel like I spend far Introduction to Literature and Rhetoric, Intermediate less time in class than I used to. I’m taking five Chinese, Honors Chemistry, AP Language and classes this semester: Intro to Psych, Intro to Composition, AP Chemistry, and Pre-AP Chinese; she Film Studies, Physics 197 (one of the three earned Most Dedicated Student accolades in Honors introductory physics courses), Calculus II, and Precalculus and Calliope. a lit course on women’s sci-fi and dystopian

She is studying at Washington University in St. Louis. O novels (it has a rather lengthy name). They’re all actually surprisingly fun. St. Louis is a very pretty city, but it has bipolar weather like Texas. Since 2007 our Valadictorians have gone to Wellsley, Currently, the heat isn’t as bad, but it is more Davidson, U of Chicago, Princeton, Savanah College of Art and Design, SMU, and Harvard... Salutatorians humid. I can’t wait until it cools down a bit. attended Franklin College of Switzerland, SMU, Rhodes, Texas A&M, U of Pennsylvania, and USC. MelissaWashington Jaclyn University Geisel in St. Louis

Class of 2013

16 • The Oakridge School Outlook A Look at the Class of 2013 by the Numbers 74 seniors 5.7 the average 414 college applications mailed number of 9 National Merit to schools across the college Commended United States – UT and applications Letter Winners Baylor were the most per senior popular with 21 and 30 applications respectively 50 percent of seniors are leaving the Lone Star State; 50 percent are planning 118 to stay in Texas 5 different seniors with offers to colleges 2 play college athletics National Achievement accepted 3 National Program Outstanding our students Hispanic Participants Scholars 1 Acceptance to a Service Academy

$6.1 million in merit-based scholarships — average per student, $84,113; percentage of seniors with merit- 56pounds of based offers, Mike and Ikes 71.2 consumed over 7 college application National Merit season Scholars www.theoakridgeschool.org • 17 “To drop my kids off every day at school knowing they will be surrounded by people who love them is a comfort that you cannot put a price tag on.” — Mrs. Kay Petersen

18 • The Oakridge School Outlook Spotlight on an Owl Family

On any given Saturday in the fall, the Petersen family’s plans the Parents’ Club and Booster Club, and they attend the Super revolve around Arkansas football. John Petersen is a proud Supper Auction and contribute to the Annual Fund. In the spring alumnus of The University of Arkansas, so his wife, Kay, and of 2010, the couple underwrote and taught Dave Ramsey’s their four children had little choice but to jump on the Razorback ten-week Financial Peace University course to forty Oakridge bandwagon. faculty members. And last year, they became one of the school’s “Greatest Names in Sports” by making a naming gift to the Thankfully, Arkansas football only consumes a dozen Saturdays Oakridge Athletic Complex Campaign. out of the year, leaving 353 days - save a few weekends and holidays - for The Oakridge School. And with four children enrolled The Petersens aren’t bashful about expressing their gratitude to at Oakridge, the Petersens manage a busy family calendar. Oakridge for helping them raise and educate their four children. “To drop my kids off every day at school knowing they will be Prior to enrolling their children in 2007, Kay and John had surrounded by people who love them, is a comfort that you heard glowing stories about The Oakridge School from several cannot put a price tag on,” says Mrs. Petersen. “We know they people, including John’s sister, Jana Kurrasch. Mrs. Kurrasch is are safe at Oakridge, and we feel fortunate to be aligned with this a beloved second grade teacher and has been a proud member outstanding faculty and these wonderful families.” of the Oakridge faculty for twenty-four years. According to Jana, “Oakridge has many great families, but the school is so fortunate Next fall, when the 2014-2015 school year begins, Landy to have the Petersens because they embrace and support every Petersen will leave the nest, prepared to begin the next chapter aspect of the school enthusiastically, from academics, to the arts of her life as a college student. Proudly, she proclaimed, “I plan to and athletics.” follow in my dad’s footsteps at the University of Arkansas, where I will definitely be involved in student life and get my degree.” And In its 35 year history, Oakridge has been the educational on Saturday afternoons, Landry will attend Arkansas football choice for thousands of stellar families, like the Petersens. Few, games, like she has for so many years. O however, have enrolled four children. Currently, the Petersens, along with the Hodges and the Robinsons, are the only families with four Owls on the class rolls. Over the years, Kay and John have experienced the benefits of all four divisions, from The Early Childhood Center to the Upper School. This year, their oldest daughter, Landry, is a senior, and their youngest daughter, Mia, is in the fourth grade. In the middle are sophomore daughter, Delaney, and seventh grade son, Joey.

The Petersens have participated in most of the Oakridge traditions firsthand, and their children are involved in numerous activities outside the classroom - cheerleading, football, field hockey, choir, and acting, to name a few. Mrs. Petersen said, “Whenever we attend events at Oakridge, be it sporting events or programs, picnics or parades, choir performances or drama productions, we truly feel like we are among family. And I love it that my children are afforded so many opportunities to become well-rounded leaders.”

Like so many other parents, Mr. and Mrs. Petersen chose Oakridge for the outstanding, college-preparatory education that they knew their children would receive. In addition, states Mr. Petersen, “We were longing for a caring and intimate atmosphere for the kids. The faculty and administration at Oakridge form partnerships with families, and the teachers genuinely care about every student and his or her success.”

Because they believe in the Oakridge mission, Kay and John give back to the school in a multitude of ways. They support www.theoakridgeschool.org • 19 New faculty

A familiar face to many at Oakridge is of the grounds and irrigation system. In Robby Koch, who has returned to teach December he will have earned his B.A. MS History. After teaching History and in History from the University of Texas at coaching in the MS, Robby left to go Arlington. into business for himself. He operated an indoor soccer arena called Game On David and his wife have an eighteen month Arena Sports. Mr. Koch has a B.S. degree old son named Ian and a Border Collie called from Texas Wesleyan University. Ranger completes their family. In his free time, David enjoys coin collecting, playing Robby is a Fort Worth native who is the father of two daughters, golf, and wrestling. He recently finished reading Rediscovering Mackenzie and Katlynn. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three horses, Homer involving the collision of History and Science in order to eight cats, and three dogs! Bass fishing is his favorite hobby with decipher fact from fiction. golf being a close second. He also enjoys remodeling houses. Deneen Preyer is a new addition to the The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger was his most Admissions Office and assisting Dr. Davis recent favorite read because of the many historical people and Mrs. Messer with their very busy featured in the storyline. department. She brings with her a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management from Claire Reddig replaces longtime fifth Grambling State University. Deneen was grade teacher Frances Rucker who retired formerly employed by Allstate Insurance at the end of last year. Mrs. Reddig is as a Human Resources consultant. teaching Language Arts to the fifth grade and Writing to eighth grade. She received Alexandria, Louisiana is her home town, but she has been in Texas her B.A. from Rice University and M.Ed. for sixteen years now. Deneen has three grown children with whom from University of Missouri. Most recently she loves spending time. Her hobbies are numerous: swimming, she taught at Heritage Hall in Oklahoma bike riding, skating, bowling, exercising, watching horror movies City. and traveling. Currently she owns no pets but would love a Siberian Husky! Mrs. Reddig is married and has two children who both attend The Oakridge School. Caitlin is in fourth grade and Bennett is in third. Dexter Coakley, a former linebacker In her spare time she likes to dabble in photography and read. for the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis A favorite book is Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara Powell. “It is a great Rams, has become a busy member of reminder (filled with wonderful practical suggestions) of how we the athletic department. After eight years need to be intentional in sharing our faith with our children.” in the NFL and a stint as a medical sales representative, he has become the varsity David Joyce teaches two sections of football linebacker coach, wrestling U.S. History and three sections of AP U.S. coach, and head softball coach. Dexter is History to the junior class. Mr. Joyce holds also involved with everyday P.E. classes. a B.A. from Dartmouth and a M.A. from Duke. He has most recently taught in Los Coach Coakley has a degree in Communications from Angeles. He likes following college football Appalachian State University, skills he, no doubt, uses in his very in his free time. Having been born and busy home life with wife Nicole, daughters Trinity (10), Micah raised in Boston, David enjoyed reading (1), and son Zahn (8). Both Trinity and Zahn are students at The Fitzgeralds and The Kennedys by Oakridge. The family’s menagerie includes two Italian Mastiffs Doris Kearns Goodwin. and a Maltese. Dexter loves to BBQ and go fishing. He recently read The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong. “It taught me David Miller has worked at Oakridge part time over the last how to become an effective P.E. teacher.” three years and is now full time. He is the head Varsity Wrestling coach, helps out with the MS football team, and will be involved Second grade teacher Annie Bahner hails from the “north,” with the baseball program next spring. He is also integral to the Oklahoma to be exact, where she earned her Bachelor of Oakridge Athletic Complex with regards to the maintenance Science in Education from OU. Before her arrival at The Oakridge 20 • The Oakridge School Outlook School she taught at Monroe Elementary dog but plans to get another soon. Coach da Silva’s hobbies in Norman, OK. include soccer, hunting, boating, and hanging out with friends and family. He found The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown to be Miss Bahner is engaged to be married particularly intriguing because of the history behind the Catholics’ on New Year’s Eve 2013! She and her point of view and the surrounding mystery. new husband will make their home with two dogs, Murphy and Cooper. Annie’s New to the History department is favorite pastimes are shopping, watching Mark Coffman. Mr. Coffman teaches football, and reading. She really enjoyed Government, AP Government, Economics, the book Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, MD. and Honors Economics. He will also be the varsity Boys Basketball head coach this Third grade teacher Erin Bryant comes winter. He received a B.S. in Education to The Oakridge School from Presbyterian from Midwestern State University in School of Houston. She earned her B.S. in Wichita Falls and most recently taught at Human Development and Family Sciences Midland Lee High School. from UT Austin and her M.ED. in Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction Mark grew up in Goree, Munday, and Wichta Falls, Texas. He is from University of Houston. married and the proud father of four sons and five grandsons. Also counted as family are three dogs, Wheezy, Kobe, and Magic. Mrs. Bryant and her husband Alex enjoy When not teaching he enjoys following sports and politics, playing life with a long-haired dachshund named Lucy. Erin’s favorite way golf, and spending time with family. A favorite read is Steinbeck’s to spend free time is reading, cooking, crafting and spending The Grapes of Wrath because he loves reading about the Great time with family. Recently she read and liked one of the new Depression. “My grandfather told me many stories about that Bluebonnet books, Wonder by R. J. Palacio. time period.”

Linda Hoffer is the new MS Drama New to both the technology and athletic teacher. Mrs. Hoffer has a BA in areas is Matt Knauf. His jobs include Philosophy from University of Texas at US Technology Integrationist, assistant Arlington and previously taught at St. Varsity Football coach, assistant Varsity Maria Goretti Catholic School in Arlington. powerlifting coach, and assistant MS She was born in Colorado and moved to Football coach. Matt holds a B.S. in Texas during her high school years. Her Kinesiology and a M.S. in Kinesiology, impression of Texas at that time was that both from the University of Wisconsin. she had moved to another country! Coach Knauf and his wife are happy to be in Texas where there Mrs. Hoffer and her husband have two children, Samuel (12) and is not much snow shoveling to be done! In his spare time he likes Emily (14). A dog named Harry and a cat named Charles round out following college sports, fishing, spending time with his wife and their family. Linda enjoys reading, cooking and watching movies in two pugs, and exploring new places. He found the book The Paleo her free time. A recent favorite read is A Long Way Gone: memoirs Diet for Athletes to be “ an encyclopedia of great information on of a boy soldier, a book recommended by her daughter who had nutrition for athletes and maintaining a good exercise regimen.” read it for school. “The story is so amazing and heartbreaking and inspiring.” Lauren Carfa, one of two new third grade teachers, was born and raised Paulo da Silva ’05 has joined the Office in Fort Worth. She received a B.S. from of College Advising as a coordinator. University of Texas at Arlington and most After graduating from Southern Methodist recently taught in Mansfield Independent University with his B.A. in International School District. Mrs. Carfa is married Studies and Spanish he worked at Franklin and has a 10 month old son, Ellis. A dog American Mortgage Company with an named Ripley rounds out the family. eye on someday getting back to his high school alma mater. In addition to working Some of Lauren’s favorite ways to enjoy free time are reading, with Mrs. Kramer and Mrs. Pfursich, Mr. cooking, movies, and swimming. Her most recent read was da Silva will be involved with coaching Varsity Football, Varsity A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. “It is part Soccer, and Varsity Track. of a series and has a great storyline with lots of drama and excitement!” O Paulo was recently married to a fellow Oakridge graduate, Christine Read ’03. Currently, they share their home with one www.theoakridgeschool.org • 21 20-Year Employees Nineteen employees with twenty years or more as Owls, have collectively worked 467 years at The Oakridge School.

Front Row, Left to Right: Ruth Wherry, ECC Teacher; Peggy Pfursich, Assistant College Advisor; Laura Clark, PE Teacher; Elissa Eggleston, Science Chair; Betty Garton, ECC Director; Marlana Palmer, LS Teacher; Lidia Abbott, MS Teacher; Kari Derrick, ECC Extended Care Director; Laura Nobles, ECC Teacher; Sylvia Kappahan, LS Administrative Assistant

Back Row, Left to Right: Jim Teague, Maintenance Supervisor; Barbara Cox, MS Teacher; Debbe Sable, MS Teacher; Barry Coe, US Teacher; Jon Kellam, Headmaster; Andy Broadus, President; Stacy Chapman, Library Assistant; Jana Kurrasch, LS Teacher; Ralph Miller, Maintenance/Transportation Supervisor

Faculty in Action

22 • The Oakridge School Outlook fine arts

There was just something about New York that drove her the tiniest bit insane, Leilani thought.

Or maybe it wasn’t the city at all. Maybe it was the way she had felt when she had first found herself surrounded by metal and concrete and glass instead of things she associated with home: clear blue water, a salty Hawaiian breeze, the sound of dolphins chattering away in the distance. As she had leaned her head back and stared up at the buildings that really did seem to scrape the sky, Leilani had found herself getting progressively more overwhelmed.

But Leilani was in New York for a reason. As her daintily heeled feet carried her across the grand stage of Carnegie Hall and up the risers for seemingly the hundredth time in just three days, she allowed her mind to wander back to her first day in the massive space. She was used to it now, to the sight of what had to be a thousand tiered seats—a thousand blank yet somehow anticipatory faces—in the audience; but in that first, unfamiliar moment, Leilani remembered trembling, her breath catching in the back of her throat as she assembled on the risers alongside Lauren DiFilippo (8th grade) people of all ages, of all walks of life. Like second nature, they had arranged themselves in perfectly crafted lines without instruction or conscious thought, soprano alto tenor bass. They sang until they became breathless and the sounds of the old Victorian chanting echoed and distorted around them—and Leilani loved it.

The memories were so vivid that she soon had trouble differentiating between what was past and what was present. The difference didn’t really matter, though; the concert, the fruit of their labor, was finally beginning and Leilani was already burning under the intensity of the stage lights. Her long black dress swished around her ankles as she swayed anxiously and rifled absentmindedly through her music to busy herself with something, anything, even nothing—just as long as she didn’t have to look out into the audience.

She knew that, if she did, his would be the only face she saw. Lost in a sea of singers, she would be drowning and he would be there, watching. Staring…just like he had done the day they met.

Closing her eyes to block out the real world, Leilani allowed herself to remember one more thing, one last time.

— Excerpt taken from “ Calamitatis et Miseriae” by Nooshin Ghanbari, Class of 2014

Callie Tjoa (8th grade) www.theoakridgeschool.org • 23 beyond the classroom: traveling abroad

Starting in the ECC, with the summer camp program, “Where in the World is Big Al?” all the way through the World History curriculum and Foreign Language requirements of both Middle and Upper School, Oakridge is committed to helping our students think globally. One of the opportunities Oakridge offers its students to help them think globally, to see what lies beyond the classroom, is organized international travel. “The world is a book and those who do not travel Students Speak: Why did you read only one page.” choose to travel abroad? — Augustine of Hippo “I traveled abroad because all the trips I went on were such great opportunities I didn’t want to pass up! Plus, it was through Oakridge so I had friends go with me on all the trips.” —Madison McWithey, class “Travel makes one of 2013 (traveled on both Middle School Spring Break trips, China as a modest. You see what a junior and France this past summer). tiny place you occupy in “I always had a desire to travel abroad to learn about other countries’ the world.” cultures and language. I felt comfortable and safe going with students — Gustave Flaubert and faculty from Oakridge.” —Emma Leffler, class of 2012 (traveled on both Middle School Spring Break trips and to France this past summer.) “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else.” — Wendell Berry

Oh the places they go! Peru Italy Spain China

Students visiting a giant panda exhibit in China. 24 • The Oakridge School Outlook China For the fourth time, Dr. Wei-Ming Liu will take a group of Oakridge students to China in early June. Dr. Liu encourages anyone who is affiliated with Oakridge, who may be interested in traveling to China to join the trip. Those that travel to China will visit the cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, as well as a rotating fourth major city, like Yangshuo. Travelers will visit ancient Chinese monuments, such as the Terra Cotta Warriors of Shi Huangdi, the Great Wall of China, as well as learn about the culture of past and present China. Participants will practice meditation exercises, experience a kung fu lesson, ride bikes along the Li River and take in an acrobatic show.

Dr. Liu with Upper School students at the Temple of Heaven — Summer 2011.

Making Lifetime Memories “My favorite memory of the European trip was when we spent the day at the beach in Barcelona, and then later that night we learned to make traditional Spanish Paella.” —Olivia Duke, Sophomore who traveled to Spain/France during Middle School

“My favorite memory was as we walked St. Malo, and visited the other cities outside of Paris, I was able to see the French culture become something more real to my students then simply an article we read in class.” —Mrs. Marissa Tate, US French teacher and French trip leader

“My favorite memory from Peru is going U.S. students at Machu Picchu, Peru — Summer 2012. to Manchu Pichu. The area is absolutely gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and it was great to share “Visiting the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, had been on my the journey with friends.” —Thomas Cuda, current Senior who “bucket list” for many years. So, when I was finally standing over travelled to Peru in the summer of 2012 this magnificent citadel it was an incredibly moving experience. Little did I know that the other Peruvian sites that we visited “My favorite memory was attending the Moulin Rouge. The on this tour would be equally powerful: Titicaca, Sillustanti and Moulin Rouge encompasses everything I love; musical theater, Pisaq were phenomenal. Peru was even more than I ever could bright and sparkly costumes, athletic appreciation, and French have expected it to be.” culture.” —Mrs. Katherine Arce, MS and US Spanish teacher and Peru —Emma Leffler, class of 2012 on summer travel to France 2013 trip leader

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 25 Upper School and Alumni travel to France, Summer 2013 Madame Tate, Upper School French teacher, led a group of five current students and six alumnae to France this past June. They toured many regions of France, including stops in the cities of St. Malo, Tours and Amboise. The next Upper School trip to tour France is planned for summer 2015. Magnifique! Madame Tate with U.S. students in front of the French Senate in Jardin du Luxembourg.

Middle School “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” —Ernest Hemingway

Lidia Abbott, our Middle School Spanish and Latin teacher, organizes an annual Spring Break trip to Europe. Where the students travel rotates every year. Students from 7th, 8th and 9th grades travel to Italy one year, and then Spain/France the next.

Students, like Paige Levine, a current sophomore, chose to participate in both Middle School travel opportunities. Reflecting on both her trips, Paige shared that, “my favorite day during the Italian trip was when we spent the day in Venice. We toured a famous Venetian glass company which I found very fascinating.”

26 • The Oakridge School Outlook Beyond the Classroom Interested in Traveling International travel offers the students of Oakridge an amazing opportunity to with Oakridge? see what they have learned in their classes, come to life. Students get to witness first hand the culture, architecture, art, food and customs of people around the E-mail the following teacher leaders world. with questions:

Many Oakridge students identify some of their fondest memories with their China: Dr. Wei-Ming Liu, international travel adventures, whether it occurred in Middle School, Upper [email protected] School or possibly both. Middle School Europe: Lidia Abbott, The faculty remains dedicated to offering opportunities that allow their students [email protected] to make global connections and make learning become a truly authentic experience. France: Marissa Tate, [email protected] International travel will remain part of the Oakridge experience for years to come. New trips are currently in the planning stages as faculty seek to increase their Peru: Katherine Arce, effectiveness not only in, but beyond, the classroom. O [email protected]

Students outside the Louvre in Paris.

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 27 28 • The Oakridge School Outlook “This summer teachers traveled to Galveston, Austin, and Memphis. We all had the opportunity to learn with, and from, top educators from around the world. The training was invaluable to our continued “Watching students success with Learn21.” help each other with the “Using the Charlotte Wiseman, MS devices is a real joy. I see iPad mini makes Teacher them gaining confidence classwork awesome! and leadership every day.” We get so much more Mrs. Rabe, MS Teacher done in class.” Luke, 4th grade student

The Learn21 program demonstrates our continued commitment to offer the best learning environment for our students. Students in grades 4-8 are already utilizing their Lenovo tablets and iPads, thus guaranteeing daily opportunities to connect, communicate, collaborate and create. By 2014, Upper School students will be provided these powerful tools to enhance, engage, and empower their own learning. As with any learning initiative, the proof lies with the students and teachers. Here is a sample of comments from the hallways.

“The new Middle School Learning Commons is an amazing “I love my iPad! It makes place to meet with classmates school work so much easier for projects and assignments. and helps me stay organized We have everything we need at school and at home.” in one great place.” Brinkley, 6th grade student Dawson, 8th grade student

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 29 “I love drumline. I’ve never had more fun with such a great group of people. We are a family. We love the music and we love Oakridge.” — Lauren Buck, junior 10 • The Oakridge School Outlook Drumline provides game day spirit

“I joined drumline to be a part of Oakridge spirit and, on the way, gained a second family.” — Co-Captain Bruce Holtman, junior

For many, there is nothing better than Friday night football in Texas. The pomp and ceremony, pageantry, and competition create a sense of community and pride for athletes and fans alike.

The Oakridge School is no different. When the Mighty Owls take the field, they are surrounded by students, friends, parents, and fans who feel as much pride for their school as the players themselves. From the kids playing on the playground to homecoming tailgaters, cheerleaders on the sidelines to those manning the grill, each one does their Bronstein (’13), and Pauline Bronstein (’13) began rehearsing part to support the team, creating an electric atmosphere on every day before school with directors Tonda Sykes and Robert game days. Ward in order to provide entertainment and energy for the team and fans on Friday nights. One of the more recent additions to the stands is the Oakridge Drumline. Though the group is only in its fifth year, it has quickly Through the Franks’ generosity and the hard work of its original become an integral part of the game day experience. members, the groundwork for a thriving spirit group was laid. In its second year, the line expanded to eight members with With a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Frank in 2008, five drums the addition of a snare, a quad, and a bass drum. As interest and necessary equipment were purchased to outfit the original continued to grow each year, additional instruments were added, members of the Oakridge Drumline. Founding members Pearce bringing the line to ten and then twelve members. The 2013-2014 Murphy (’10), Trevor Adams (’12), Mike Nathman (’12), Stella Drumline, under the direction of Andrew Stewart, is now thirteen members strong. Four snares, two quads, five basses, and two cymbal players continue to practice before and after school each week in preparation for Friday nights. Aside from playing at football games, the group continues to be a welcomed addition at pep rallies, the Arlington Parade of Lights, and the Mardi Gras parade at Children’s Lighthouse School in Grand Prairie.

Today, drumline has become the best way to get Oakridge fans and players pumped up on Friday nights. But it has become even more than that. Members of the line not only recognize the role drumline plays in the game day atmosphere, but appreciate, too, what role drumline plays in their own Oakridge experience. O

“Being on the line means you belong to something bigger than yourself. It’s something you can be proud of.” — Co-Captain Michelle Cane, junior

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 31 community service

Oakridge students are required to complete 60 hours of community service throughout their four years of Upper School. Most students go above and beyond the requirement; for example, the class of 2013 volunteered a total of 8,312 hours with an average of 112 per student.

Hundreds of local, national and international non-profit organizations benefit from the commitment of our Oakridge students. These are four examples among many in which our Owls are learning and serving every day.

Jeffrey Wingate, class of 2013, served over 330 hours as a camp counselor at Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center where he said his favorite thing was teaching the kids about God. He also accrued over 380 hours at Camp Summit, counseling differently-abled campers. Shelbee Gilmore, senior, has earned over 450 hours of service with many of those hours teaching summer classes at the Fort Worth Zoo. Her favorite thing was teaching the 1st and 2nd graders about the animals.

Junior, Michael Greer, taught summer enrichment classes for EA Young Academy for over 220 hours where he taught younger From the sophomore class, Kourtnei Fong-Kutchins read to children at the Samaritan children, about chemistry, astronomy and House and taught them how to garden. Her favorite aspect has been building relationships rocket science. with the residents there. 32 • The Oakridge School Outlook fine arts

The Store by Ben Fallis, Class of 2014 There’s something sad about a store, Brand new and sparkling, with an empty Parking lot. Merry balloons made sad Half float, their wrinkled bodies drooping to The ground; and posters flaunting low, low prices Lower School Art Are invisible to all potential customers. I wonder what the owners must think As they look outside to that passing crowd, And inside to deserted aisles; And I wonder if the owners find it painful, Lowering their prices to amounts they can’t afford To lure customers who’ll never come; And dipping into rainy-day funds to pay the lease; And knowing soon you’ll return to a Real job, with a sea of debt as punishment For trying to escape; and I wonder if They cry at night. I never visit those stores, for I fear That good intentions of mine will do no good; That my presence in the store would be awkward, nothing more, And that having a single customer would only Remind the owner of his failure to Attract all that he needed to run A fruitful store, and would thus destroy his dignity. But even though I don’t support the stores By shopping there, I mourn a little when I see Their neon sign is gone.

ECC Artwork

Upper School Art ECC Artwork www.theoakridgeschool.org • 33 ON AIR: KOWL

“In the new era, thought itself will be transmitted by radio.” —Guglielmo Marconi

It is interesting to think that this prophecy, made almost one hundred years ago, has come to fruition at The Oakridge School. The “new era” has been ushered in with the ability of the school to transmit messages via radio broadcasting.

The catalyst to bring radio capability to the school was initiated a few years ago, when Dr. Don Shelton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Radio Network, Inc. approached school administration with his idea. Additionally, Dr. Shelton was excited to to see his passion brought to Oakridge because of his two granddaughters who attend the school, Gracie (6th) and Madi Snyder (8th). Dr. Shelton’s website states, “Air Radio Network, Inc. partners with schools to establish and operate radio and licensing. In return, the school is been installed. Additionally, with a student stations for communication with students, committed to an elective class that provides population that boasts students from 11 parents, families and friends by radio and students an opportunity to learn how to different countries, the Oakridge School’s internet.” It is this partnership that allowed create radio segments, communicate broadcasts may soon be translated into the Oakridge School to bring the radio to campus news to the community, and other languages, such as Chinese, to its community. operate the radio equipment. While the be transmitted over the internet to other AM transmission can broadcast 1-3 miles, home countries. The future appears bright For its part, Air Radio Network sets up, it is designed primarily for on-campus for KOWL! configures, and provides maintenance for listening, specifically for parents in carpool. the equipment, including FCC certification However, the ability to broadcast to Just as Marconi predicted over a century computers, tablets, and other electronic ago with the invention of the radio, devices has the potential to reach a global technology has allowed the world to audience. share thoughts and ideas regardless of distance. Certainly, radio continues to The programming for KOWL includes have a role in this shrinking world. The both regular scheduled broadcasting and Oakridge School, and the opportunities special focus programming. The regular provided by KOWL in an educational scheduled programming includes the daily environment, will allow a new generation recording and broadcasting of divisional to learn the skill of broadcasting. The radio school announcements. The special station can be found on the second floor focus programming includes student of the Library in the Information Building interviews, sports interviews, Student at The Oakridge School. Please tune in Council messages, alumni interviews, to KOWL at 1670AM or at http://www. club and extra curricular messages, and airradionetwork.com/KOWL.HTML to teacher interviews. The class is also hear the sounds of Oakridge radio. O considering possibilities such as live, remote broadcasting of athletic events, “Every day sees humanity more victorious graduation, or concerts, which would in the struggle with space and time.” require a delay feature that has not yet —Guglielmo Marconi 34 • The Oakridge School Outlook boy scout troop 1979

The Oakridge School is proud to be the host for Boy Scout Troop 1979. The troop (and school) have a long tradition of Eagle Scout award winners. Troop 1979 has many of its current members on track to be Eagle Scouts in the near future. The past few years and the coming summer have led our troop to challenging, T renowned and exciting treks.

A crew of eleven teenage Oakridge Scouts and their four leaders went on a life changing summer trek through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont covers 214 square miles of vast R wilderness with trails that climb from 6,500 feet to as high as 12,441 feet. During their trek the Oakridge Boy Scout Troop 1979 hiked 70+ miles over their ten day trek. The Troop was fortunate to participate during the 75th Anniversary of Philmont Scout Ranch.

The group of Oakridge Scouts and their advisors carried everything they needed O to survive during the trek on their backs while hiking from camp to camp. They participated in backcountry programs along the way including Native American petroglyphs, rock climbing, burro-racing, and .30-06 reloading and .30-06 rifle shooting. The trek also included a conservation project where the Scouts learned and participated in the upkeep of the Philmont trail system. Along the trek, Scouts O endured tough challenges including backpacking in bear and mountain lion territory, steep climbs, and often-inclement weather that included a thunder storm resulting in accumulation of two inches of hail at 9500 feet of altitude.

“They may meet only one other group of Scouts on the trail in an entire day of hiking,” according to Backpacker Magazine. “Even in the most crowded destinations, each P Scout group camps in isolation, out of sight and sound of all other groups.” The crew made what amounts to a Scouting pilgrimage with their trip to Philmont. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high adventure camp and the largest youth camp in the world serving nearly one million participants since 1938. The Troop completed a trek to the Florida Seabase last year and plans to attend the Northern Tier Boundary Waters Canoe Area High Adventure Base next summer completing the Triple Crown of High Adventure bases. O 1 9 7

Pictured (Back Row L to R – Andrew Sykes, Mr. Dan Logsdon, Drake Logsdon, Mr. Mike 9 Leenhouts, Zachary Poster, Mr. Scott Poster, Mr. Terry Dagnon, Hunter Dagnon Front Row L to R Thomas Girouard, Anuj Ramakrishnan, Dusty Leenhouts, Nicholas Keithley, Philmont Ranger, Philmont Ranger, Garrett Echols, Thomas Cuda, and Patrick Pauley www.theoakridgeschool.org • 35 ATHletes to play Oakridge graduates at next level currently competing

Two Oakridge senior student-athletes have committed to their in collegiate athletics: respective Universities to compete as scholarship student- FOOTBALL athletes upon graduation from The Oakridge School. Brodrick Lukas Groves ‘13, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Umblance committed to play football for The University of Tulsa, Marshall Oxentine ‘13, Univ. of St. Francis and Alex Schies has committed to play golf for Texas Wesleyan Colton Clark ‘12, Univ. of Chicago University. Texas Wesleyan golf coach (and father of Oakridge Josh Atkinson ‘12, Univ. of Tulsa first-grader Kenedy), Kevin Millikan, stated, “I’ve had my eye on Teu Kautai ‘10, BYU Alex since the day we announced we were starting a women’s Tayo Fabuluje ‘10, BYU golf team in the Fall of 2011. After meeting her and watching Ross Apo ‘10, BYU her play, I knew she was exactly the type of student-athlete I wanted representing our program. She has a great work ethic, SOCCER is very competitive, and it is obvious when she is on the course Mallory Morse ‘11, Univ. of Chicago that she enjoys playing the game. She will play a leading role Trae Todd ‘11, Howard Univ. in our program over the coming years, and I am very excited Shane Noteboom ‘10, Westminster College to have her joining the team.” University of Tulsa coaches are forbidden from commenting on committed athletes until signing BASEBALL day in February, but they are very excited Brodrick will be joining Thomas Kensi ‘13, Rensselaer the Golden Hurricane program. O Eric Roe ‘10, Nyack College

SOFTBALL Brittany May ‘12, UTA

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK Nathaniel Plemons ‘13, Rhodes College Deron Molen ‘12, Franklin College

BASKETBALL James Pegues ‘12, Abilene Christian Cara Sheffer ‘11, Southwestern Univ.

CHEER Lana Baugh ‘13, Baylor Univ.

VOLLEYBALL Sarah Sumner ‘11, Centenary

EQUESTRIAN Kelsey Karanges ‘13, Kansas State Univ.

FIELD HOCKEY Kristi O’Connor ‘09, Lindenwood Univ.

ROWING Alex Buck ‘11, Univ. of Texas

SWIM Ethan Goldfarb ‘11, Missouri Univ. Science & Technology Brodrick Umblance and Alex Schies Nola Shi ‘11, Pomona College (photo by Jessica Hubble) Natalie Schauwecker ‘11, SMU 36 • The Oakridge School Outlook SPC Dates/Locations

Fall – Nov. 8-9; Ft Worth Winter – Feb. 14-15; Houston Spring – Golf – Apr. 28-29; The Woodlands Spring – May 2-3; Dallas

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 37 Not Just Horsing Around Last year The Oakridge School Equestrian team had an amazing inaugural season. The team competed in the Hunt Seat and Western divisions with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The team earned distinction with our Hunt Seat team competing against teams from across the country ending with a regional recognition. The Western team had a very successful season earning the title of “Zone 7 Regional Champion” and a bid for the National Finals. At the Finals in Oklahoma City, the riders earned awards in Horsemanship, Reining, and the Horseman’s Knowledge Challenge. Additionally, Kelsey Karanges ‘13 earned the title of “IEA Co- Champion Western Rider” her senior year. The team ended ranked eighth in the nation. Oakridge’s champion western team consisted of Kendra Lenz (’14), Kelsey Karanges (’13), Cailey Cobb (’16), Jillian Bradley (’14) and Lauren Wetzel (not pictured) (’16).

C.

D.

B. A.

A. Caroline Settle (’14) at Ozark Legends Show in Bentonville, Arkansas

B. Anna Montero (‘14) at Texas Rose Park

C. Jillian Bradley (’14), Lauren Wetzel (‘16) and Kendra Lenz (’14) at West Texas A&M University

D. Cailey Cobb (’16) at Ozark Legends Show in Bentonville, Arkansas

E. Cailey Cobb (’16) at Texas Rose Park E. 38 • The Oakridge School Outlook The Oakridge School Owl Club is comprised of dedicated equipment and apparel, as well as other activities throughout the parents, guardians, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, season for our athletic and physical education programs. coaches, faculty and staff, and community members that have some common objectives. The mission of The Oakridge School is to inspire students to seek their full potential in the three A’s – academics, the arts, • Help maintain and improve the athletic facilities at The and athletics. It is our goal to prepare young men and women Oakridge School for lives of responsibility and leadership in a competitive and • Support and recognize the efforts of our teams and athletes changing world. Our physical education and our athletic programs are an excellent way for our students to acquire the • Provide opportunities to our teams and athletes leadership experience, express their creativity and become good • Assist in building team spirit, school spirit, and sense of pride team members. These are also skills that will serve our students well as they head off to college. Supporting The Owl Club provides not only a successful season for our students, but helps create an atmosphere of FUN and If you are interested in joining The Owl Club – please contact SPIRIT for all. In addition, The Owl Club provides the necessary Dennis Brown at 817-891-0263. OAKRIDGE PARENTS CLUB WHAT DO WE DO WITH ALL THAT WE RAISE? Due to the success of the 2012-2013 Magazine Sale and Membership Drive, OPC was able to contribute over $53,000 in the following ways:

• $2729 ECC Outdoor Enhancements: • $6,000 Sound system upgrade for SAC Patio Umbrellas, Benches for Nature • $14,680 Severe Weather / Lightening Trail, 2 Basket goals Alert Weather Bug System w/classroom • Classroom technology upgrades and module iPad for PS room • $1,300 Summer Program Fun House • $7,350 LS Technology upgrade: 10 iPads Jump and 15 Apple TVs • $2,000 Endowment • $5,000 MS Two - 3D Printers • $2,000 Owl Angel Fund Financial Aid • $1,000 US Choir Audio/Visual Upgrade • $1,500 Shattered Dreams Program • $6,000 US White Boards, Projector and • $1,500 Patio Umbrellas for courtyard Monitor for New Classroom tables • $3,800 Audio/Visual Equipment for • $ 300 Brennan Cox Memorial Scholarship Student led productions Fund

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 39 summer programs Since 1995, The Oakridge School has provided Summer Students in fifth through twelfth grade had forty-one programs Programming to our students, as well as, to the children in our that offered an opportunity to get ahead in an academic area community. Summer Programs 2013 welcomed 400 students or brush up on a special interest. Cooking classes produced to The Oakridge School campus. many delicious daily projects, photography class caught the Six weeks of Summer Camp took place with an average action on camera, and a few adventurous students were of seventy-three campers each week. Campers traveled from learning how to survive in the great outdoors. the Oakridge Rain Forest to Planet Oakridge with Big Al and Oakridge coaches ran twelve different Sports Camps with the Mrs. Frizzle on The Magic School Bus. Children celebrated debut of Boys Wrestling Camp, a General Fitness Fun Sports innovation, inventions and inventors during the week of Camp and Sailing Camp with the Lake Arlington Yacht Club. Operation Invention and patriotism was abundant during Red, Arlington being the home of the Texas Rangers and Dallas White and You week. Cowboys, baseball campers and football campers were treated Our Summer Days branch offered thirty-two academic or to special stadium tours as a part of their week at camp! O extracurricular programs for children in first through fourth Make your plans now to register for grades. While refining their academics, Summer Days students Summer Programs 2014: June 9 – July 18. were also able to enhance their day with art classes, an Specific courses to be announced American Girl Party, or cooking class with the Headmaster. Spring 2014.

40 • The Oakridge School Outlook Junior Cheerleader in Training, Marissa R. smiled as she reflected, “My favorite part of Cheer Camp was the pep rally when we performed for the audience.”

Summer Camper, Ryan S. said, “I liked riding in the back of the truck for the Red, White & You Summer Camp parade.”

“We had the BEST luncheon in Mrs. Read’s American Girl class! I got to sit with my friends and my American girl, Julie.” said Summer Days student, McKinley R. www.theoakridgeschool.org • 41 Katilyn K. excitedly shared, “I learned so much about volleyball in this camp! I loved Sailor-in-training, Trevor H. said, “I enjoyed getting to meet new friends and improve my volleyball skills.” being out on the lake for Sailing Camp and learning how to tie different types of knots.”

Summer In The Oaks: Get Hooked on Fishing Summer Camp Counselor and “I enjoyed taking Anime to further explore class: Nicholas C. Oakridge Class of 2012 Alum, Sarah C. my art skills” said Summer In The Oaks said, “Being surrounded by a bubble student, Kate M. was so much fun! I’ll be the Bubble Lady’s assistant ANY DAY!” 42 • The Oakridge School Outlook www.theoakridgeschool.org • 43 A Story of Philanthropy By Andy Broadus About six months ago, Zamil Hudani He stated that he hoped that his gift would ‘07, a young Oakridge alum, came by motivate other alums to make a major my office to visit and to bring me up to gift or pledge to the Oakridge Athletic date on his life and to find out what was Complex project. happening at Oakridge. Zamil graduated from Oakridge in 2007. When he dropped by, I was in the process He attended both NYU and SMU, where of trying to help a family (unrelated to he graduated with honors with degrees in Oakridge) that was really down and out. economics and finance. I was waiting for a phone call that would weigh heavily on this family’s future. I While Z was finishing his degrees at SMU, apologized to Z when the phone rang but he began working in the life settlement told him I really needed to take the call. industry with Kaiser Silverman Global, Afterwards, I explained to him the difficult where he became a young phenom in circumstances. the business. He recently formed his own corporation AGLECTO and has begun He immediately and politely asked if he conducting business in Latin America, could also help financially. He wanted Zamil Hudani ‘07 Europe, and the Middle East all while nothing in return; he just felt deeply for Fast forward to the completion of the continuing to service clients in the DFW the family. (EMPATHY!) I was very proud. Stadium Phase and the $300,000 Flavin Metroplex. match that has kept the project moving. He told me that he has been very I immediately thought of Zamil and called I am extremely proud of Z and his successful in his business ventures and him. He pledged $50,000 on the phone, accomplishments, but I am most proud of would like to help Oakridge with a gift and that became the largest single gift his amazing philanthropic heart and love or pledge but needed to consider how from an alumnus in the history of the of Oakridge. O much. school. MATCHING GIFT PROPELS STADIUM PROJECT

whom the Flavin Fine Arts Center is named, stepped forward and offered a $300,000 matching challenge gift. With this gift and the additional $300,000 raised to match it, the stadium project continued so that it could be ready for The Oakridge Athletic Complex takes another the winter sports season. giant step forward with the completion of the football, soccer, and track stadium in early 2014. Oakridge friends and families have This phase of construction includes home and always come through when the need visiting bleachers, a scorer’s box, a large score was demonstrated. Because of this, our board, a concession stand, bathrooms, roads, students are profoundly fortunate to It will be located to the east of the tennis and the infrastructure to support it all. have extraordinary facilities where they can center. If you are interested in knowing showcase their talents. more about the Oakridge Athletic Complex We reached a critical point this summer when or making a donation to it, please call Andy we needed an infusion of money to keep The next major phase of construction is the Broadus (817.457.6683) or Michele Cole the project going. Amazingly John Flavin, for building of the softball and baseball complex. (817.451.4994 x. 2768).

44 • The Oakridge School Outlook www.theoakridgeschool.org • 45 The Oakridge School Annual Fund Sets New Record: $400,000 in Gifts and Pledges!

Under the leadership of the 2012-2013 Annual Fund Chairs and current parents, Lara and Jim Haddock, The Oakridge School Annual Fund surpassed its goal of $300,000, reaching an all-time high and an increase over last year’s total due to increased level of giving and participation from parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty & staff and friends of the school.

Over 58% of the total dollars raised was the result of increases in the leadership level with gifts of $1,500 or more. Last year, we had 50 donors at the leadership level and this year we had 88. In addition, the total dollars raised from faculty & staff increased. Parent participation among the classes increased. Each year we continue to have 100% of the Board of Notably, the Class of 2023 and 2024 reached 100% Regents and Faculty & Staff participate and make The parent participation. Overall, we reached 66% parent Oakridge School Annual Fund their priority. participation.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we continue to experience,” said Michele Cole, Director of Development. “This level of generosity is amazing. Participation and increases in giving levels are incredibly important and help build a secure foundation for the future of The Oakridge School.”

100% 100% 100%

84% 83% 83% 79% 80% 75% 77% 72% 72% 70% 71% 66% 68%

60% 55%

40%

20% Participation

0 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘20 ‘21 ‘22 ‘23 ‘24 ‘25 ‘26 ‘27 Class of

46 • The Oakridge School Outlook Community Partners program: giving back

The Community Partners program offers an easy way to support The Oakridge School all year round, without any cost to you! Simply enroll in these programs and you will earn rewards for The Oakridge School every time you shop.

Albertson’s Community Oakridge Pages Partners Support those businesses that support Albertson’s will rebate The Oakridge! NEW! OakridgePages.com is our Oakridge School up to 5% new online business directory. The Oakridge of your purchases when community includes many small business you use your COMMUNITY PARTNERS Card at checkout. Cards are owners that do amazing work. Next time available in the development office. you find yourself looking for a new dentist, electrician, contractor, physician, or any other type of service, Charity Motors check out OakridgePages.com first! For each business that is listed, Donate your car and help your The Oakridge School receives a portion of the listing fee. favorite charity. The Oakridge School is now one of the charitable Office Depot organizations participating in the When you shop at Office Charity Motors Car Donation Depot, The Oakridge School Program. Donate a car, receive a will get credits equal to 5% of tax deduction, and the school receives 50% of the proceeds from the the qualifying purchases to use for free supplies. We can get credit sale of your vehicle. Call Charity Motors at 313.933.4000. throughout the school year! Remember to give them our school ID# 70094467 or if you forget it, no problem — they will have our number Great American Online at the register. Need to renew a magazine subscription or just want to shop? OneCause Log on to www.gaschoolstore.com. Start shopping at hundreds Type in The Oakridge School and of your favorite merchants start shopping! through www.OneCause. THE OAKRIDGE ECC, LOWER and com to save money and contribute up to 20% of every eligible purchase MS: 2578466 to our school, at no extra cost to you! Simply click “join”, fill in your THE OAKRIDGE UPPER SCHOOL: profile information and select our school to support. Start shopping 2574655 through OneCause. 40%-50% of your purchases will go to The Oakridge School. Great American Online is the same company that does the magazine sale for Target REDcard The Oakridge School. The Take Charge of Education Program requires the use of one of the REDcards® Kroger which include the Target® Visa® Credit Card, Kroger’s Community Rewards Target Credit Card® or Target Check Card®. You program will donate a percentage can apply for one of these cards in our stores or by of your eligible purchases back to visiting www.target.com/REDcard. Every time you use one of your The Oakridge School. Link your REDcards®, Target will donate to the Oakridge Parents’ Club an Kroger Plus Card to The Oakridge amount equal to 1% of Target Visa and Target Check Card purchases made at Target and target.com, and 1/2% of Target Visa purchases School online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com. It will be made elsewhere. Visit www.target.com to link your card to the active for the remainder of the school year. Please note: You must school, listed as: Oakridge School ID Number: 19436 re-link your card at the beginning of each new school year. Tom Thumb The next time you’re at Tom Thumb, pick up a Reward Card application at the courtesy booth and link your Reward Card to The Oakridge School. Tom Thumb will donate a percentage of all purchases back to our school. The code for The Oakridge School is #2969 Don’t forget to link our Good Neighbor number to your Reward Card and help us raise funds the easy way. www.theoakridgeschool.org • 47 Save the Date

For more information, please contact Kelli Lambert [email protected] 817.451.4994 x2785

SUPER SUPPER and AUCTION Saturday, February 22, 2014 www.theoakridgeschool.org/supersupper The Omni Hotel Fort Worth Sponsorships, Silent, Live Auction and Big Board items needed!

GOLF CLASSIC Monday, May 19, 2014 WaterChase Golf Club Two Tee Times!!! For more information, please contact Kelli Lambert [email protected] 817.451.4994 x2785

48 • The Oakridge School Outlook Alumni news

the country to enthusiastic crowds. Justin treated the Oakridge School students to Class of 1993 his music in 2012. Class of 2000 Travis Crudup and his wife Melinda Congratulations to Drew Reagan for welcomed a son, Logan Wolfe, into their Justin’s songs “Hunt You Down” and being named Statewide Chain Manager for family on August 23, 2013. Big sister “Goodbyes Made You Mine” have both Republic National Distributing Company. Sophia , almost three, can hardly wait for reached the Top 50 Country Music him to walk and talk! charts. Dr. Erica Leigh Rosentraub married Dr. Murray H. Shapiro at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas, Texas on March 2, 2013. Class of 1997 The couple currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia Stephen Frazier where Murray is completing a fellowship has come a long way in Vascular/Interventional Radiology and since graduation day Image Guided Medicine at Emory University in 1997. Although a and Erica is completing a fellowship at a standout basketball private practice in Psychology. player at Oakridge, he became interested in bodybuilding during college and now is a personal trainer and competitor. He is the owner of South Grand Class of 1996 Prairie Fitness. He earned his International Justin (JT) Hodges comes from a music- Federation of Body Building pro card in oriented family. His parents, Jim and 2012. He recently competed in the 2013 Marsha, started Fort Worth’s first multi- IFBB Dallas Europa competition where he track recording studio and had their own took an impressive 12th place. In 2012 band. Stephen took 1st place in the NPC USA Championships.

Stephen resides in Grand Praire with wife Deidra. Their son Miles is proud to be a Class of 2004 1st grade Oakridge Owl! David Benefield did not take the typical path after graduation day. David initially went to TCU, but decided the time was Class of 1999 right to try professional poker. His career Brittany Battles Smith and Zack Smith has been spectacularly successful. In welcomed their first child, Magnolia Jane addition to tournaments, he has been a Smith on November 11, 2012. Maggie coach at Cardrunners.com and has many was 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 20 inches sponsors. in length. David has just recently qualified for the final table at the World Series of Poker. He has cashed in at this tournament twelve times Justin was active in drama, choir and before, but in November of 2013 he will sit football during his time at Oakridge. at the final table for the first time. Each final Justin’s hard work paid off in 2010 when table player is guaranteed over $700,000. he signed his first record deal. In 2012, JT was nominated by the Academy of While at Oakridge, David’s passions Country Music for the Newcomer of the were math and baseball. He returned Year Award. JT is currently touring all over to assistant coach our baseball team for

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 49 Capital Cities. The video won the MTV of the year and first team All Ivy League. In VFX Award for its special effects. Filmed 2007, he was a second team NSCAA All in the renovated Los Angeles theater, the American. In 2009 he was the Ivy League video depicts a momentous dance party Player of the Year. After graduating with choreographed by Mandy Moore and an Economics degree from Harvard, featuring more than 70 dancers in more he was drafted by the Colorado Rapids than 40 unique dance sequences — each (22nd overall) and is currently playing for one targeted to a historic period and the New York Red Bulls of Major League dance style. Soccer. Akpan was a member of the United States U-20 team for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and scored a hat- trick against Haiti.

After completing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this last year, Katy Reiswig has been performing opera and musical theater professionally. She maintains an active private voice studio where she enjoys teaching students the art of singing. Katy is also pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in nursing to combine both of a short time. Good luck in November her passions: singing and medicine. David! She spends her free time traveling and enjoying life! In addition to playing poker professionally, David is now finishing his studies at Columbia in political science and Chinese. Class of 2008 He is also the managing partner at Congratulations Phil on winning Oakridge’s Dani Alva double majored at the KingsGate Energy. first MTV Award! He studied visual effects University of Oklahoma in Journalism at The Gnoman School of Visual Effects and Spanish. She has moved to Europe and is currently completing a video for where she begins her master’s level work Class of 2005 Katy Perry. While at Oakridge, Phil was in Milan, Italy specializing in Digital Design An all-Oakridge Owl Groomsman party! active in our video production classes. He and Software Engineering at Scuola Chance Chapman married Alex Buffum resides in Culver City, California. Politecnica di Design. Chapman on April, 6 2013. Travis Crudup (’93) Chad Crudup (’88) Chance Chapman (’05) Philip Trick (’03) Jeff Class of 2006 Landon (’05) Nick Burkett (’05) were the Andre Akpan holds the all-time scoring groomsmen at the wedding. records for a season (37) and career (111) with the Owls men’s soccer program. After graduation, Andre played for Harvard where he was the 2006 Ivy League rookie

Phil Guthrie was the compositor lead on Iowa State guard Chris Babb has agreed “Safe and Sound,” a decade- and genre- to attend training camp with the Boston hopping dance music video for L.A. duo Celtics.

50 • The Oakridge School Outlook Erin Flavin graduated from Texas failure envelope associated with the final Christian University on December 15, part. My long-term goal is to fully automate 2012. She received a Bachelor in General this process so any technician who is Studies with an Emphasis in Religion and making a repair on a car or performing Social Work. quality-control tests at a manufacturing facility can scan a part with the system Matthew Green received his Bachelor I’m developing. All of the ply orientation of Science Degree in Environmental and failure envelope calculations will be Studies on December 15, 2012 from performed by the device and results will Texas A&M University. Matthew works in be displayed for the user.” Fort Worth for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as an investigator in the Air Section. Babb, 23, began his college career at Penn State but transferred after his sophomore Blake Messer graduated from Texas campaign. The 6-5, 225-pounder averaged A&M University in May with a B.S. in 9.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as Engineering Technology and a Minor a senior. In addition, Chris was named to in Spanish. Blake has relocated to the the Big 12 All-Defensive team for 2013. Metroplex and is employed by Halliburton in their Fort Worth office. Cassidy Clark graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Krissy Scott received a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with Distinction, Science in Hospitality and Management in May 2013. She is currently working at with a minor in Spanish from the University 1st Impressions Dentistry in northwest of North Texas in May 2013. She says she Oklahoma City. is “currently just traveling and working for the next year or so!” Michael Chatman graduated from Class of 2009 Texas A&M university with a B.S. in Sarah Stair graduated magna cum laude Sports management with a minor in Melissa Baumann graduated from the with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Communications. Michael is a facility University of Miami on May 10, 2013. Engineering and a minor in Mathematics manager at Minutemaid Park in Houston. She received a Bachelor of Science with from Baylor. She continued working a major in Biology with Chemistry and on her Master’s degree in Mechanical Will and Dana Diabmarzouk Turner Psychology minors with an emphasis in Engineering at Baylor and currently is would like to announce the birth of their Pre-Veterinary Medicine with University in her second year of the program. Her son, Patrick Ali Turner 6lb 2oz 17in long, Honors. Melissa is joining the class of research focuses on non-destructive on July 13, 2013. He is pictured below 2017 at the University of Florida College testing techniques of fiber reinforced with big brother Landon. of Veterinary Medicine. laminated composites. She hopes to continue performing materials-related Kristen Eggleston graduated from research in the aerospace industry. Savannah College of Art and Design in March 2013. She earned a BFA in Visual Sarah also won a traditional SPE ACCE Arts with a minor in Technical Direction. Graduate Scholarship for her topic, Kristen is living in Santa Monica, CA where Non-Destructive Characterization of Ply she works for Moving Picture Company. Orientation and Ply Type of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Laminates. About her work, Zane Goodwin graduated with honors Stair says, “Manufacturing laminate- from the University of North Carolina based advanced composites can be Kenan-Flagler Business School with a difficult, and final parts don’t always meet BS in Business Administration on May as-designed specs. For example, during 12, 2013. He is employed by Deloitte molding, a ply might slip and rotate 5 Consulting in Chicago. In a side note… degrees from its designated orientation, Zane is able to see a corner of Wrigley which could affect final molded-part Field from his back porch deck! properties. My research will determine the “as manufactured” ply orientation of each Sharna Hoosier earned a B.S. in lamina in a fiber-reinforced part and the Business Administration from Cameron

www.theoakridgeschool.org • 51 University in Lawton, OK. where she was featured on the cover of the IEA’s “Take a member of the women’s basketball the Reins” magazine. Kelsey is currently a team for four years. She is currently Class of 2010 freshman at Kansas State University and enrolled in the MBA program at Cameron Alyssa Belcher graduated from the is on the school’s equestrian team. while working full time at XTO Energy University of North Carolina at Ashville in the Public and Governmental Affairs with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Department. Psychology and Sociology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude as an Undergraduate Caleb Johnson graduated and was Research Scholar and with Distinction in commissioned from Texas A&M this past Honors and Sociology. Alyssa is currently May with a degree in Agricultural Sciences teaching Oral English at the Hebei Baoding and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in Eastern Bilingual School in China. the United States Army Chemical Corps. He also married his college sweetheart Emily Wooten Johnson on June 22. Class of 2013 Caleb has 19 weeks of training and The Oakridge equestrian team qualified then will report for duty at Fort Hood as for the 2013 IEA Western National Final a chemical advisor for the 1st Armored competition, and the team tied for 8th Division. in the nation. Kelsey Karanges was

Returning to the Nest The Oakridge School is fortunate to have five alumni who have returned to the school as full-time employees. Their deep sense of Owl pride and institutional and cultural knowledge helps keep The Oakridge School history and traditions alive and well.

Amy Ladner Wilson (1992) is our Lower School Technology Integrationist. She and husband Andy have two children at Oakridge, Josh in 6th grade and Luke in 4th grade.

Ashley Farhat Broadus (1989) is a fourth grade teacher. She is married to alumnus Alec Broadus (1989). Ashley and Alec have two children at Oakridge, Anna Kate in 9th grade and Ben in 7th grade. Ashley Brentlinger Read (2005) teaches 4th grade at Oakridge. Her husband is fellow alumnus David Read (2006). Phillip Farhat (1993) is our Head Football and Golf Coach. He also teaches physical education. Phillip and wife Marissa have Paulo Da Silva (2005) is our College Advising Assistant and is two students at Oakridge, Ford in kindergarten and Jack in married to alumna Christine Read (2003). Mr. Da Silva also preschool. coaches football, soccer and track.

Alumni Sports Day — December 20, 2013 Come show us you’ve stil lgot skills in volleyball, soccer and basketball!!

We want to hear from you! Join us for Homecoming 2013! Please send us your class notes and update Oakridge vs. Casady your contact information! Go to the alumni Friday, October 25, 2013 website at www.theoakridgeschool.org/alumni Parade – 6:30 pm, Kick-off – 7:00 pm to submit your information! Alumni Tailgate – 7:15 pm

52 • The Oakridge School Outlook The Oakridge School Motto In Diligent Pursuit of Wisdom

The Oakridge School Alma Mater The Oakridge School, our alma mater grand, True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, With knowledge strong and free, From far and wide dear Oakridge School, We’ll bring fair fame to thee. Long may we sing; honor we bring! The Oakridge School, we’ll sing our praise of thee. The Oakridge School, we’ll sing our praise of thee.

School mascot The Owl

School colors Blue and Green The Oakridge School 5900 W. Pioneer Parkway Non-Profit Org. US Postage Arlington, TX 76013 PAID Arlington, TX CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 741

To Parents of Alumni: If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer uses your home as a permanent address, please email his or her address and contact information to [email protected].

Lower School Garden