Class of 2023
On May 30, Oakwood High School will celebrate commencement for the Class of 2023. These students will certainly have stories to tell for years to come about their days at OHS. Leading up to graduation, we’ll be sharing some of their stories as we highlight members of the OHS Class of 2023.
Hayden Ulrich
Explain your favorite OHS memory.
My favorite OHS memory has been playing on the baseball team with a group of guys who are all passionate about the game and play for each other. Along with that, I love how many of our classmates and families show up to so many of our games to show their support.
What is something people don't know about OHS?
I’m sure many people that don’t go to OHS don’t know how close and connected the entire community is. When I first moved here this summer, I didn’t realize how close all the families are to each other. Everybody knows each other and everyone is so friendly, so that was a great thing to find out coming in my senior year.
How would you describe the OHS Class of 2023?
The OHS Class of 2023 is a really fun class. We have all stayed very dedicated to our work, but we are always having a lot of fun at the same time.
Describe your high school experience?
As a military kid, I have attended three high schools in four years. My experience in high school has been great because I have been able to feel and experience how welcoming everyone is no matter where I go. Despite my many moves, I have never felt like an outsider and I felt especially welcomed when I came to Oakwood with such a personal community.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend Houghton University to play baseball and major in Biology/Pre-Med. My goal right now is to become a doctor in the military and spend my career caring for people wherever I end up.
What is your advice for the Class of 2024?
To the Class of 2024, I would encourage you all to keep working hard. You have all put in so much work and effort to get where you are so just keep persevering and finish strong.
What is your advice for the Class of 2027?
My advice to the Class of 2027 is to always be kind and joyful. Even in hard times when you don’t feel like it, if you show joy and excitement as much as you can, you and everyone around you will feel so much better. I have found that keeping a joyful attitude no matter the circumstances always helps to make me feel more relaxed and do better.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my family for being so supportive of all that I have done and for always sticking together through many moves. If I didn’t have them with me, I don’t know where I would be. I’d also like to thank everyone who has welcomed me into their communities and friendships over the years, especially those in Oakwood. I was nervous coming into my senior year in a completely new place, but I was immediately met with outgoing people who have helped to make this a great year.
Emma Neff
Explain your favorite OHS memory.
My favorite OHS memory was our junior takeover decorating and picnic. It was fun having our whole grade get together celebrating a fun moment becoming seniors.
What is something people don't know about OHS?
Something people don’t know about OHS is how close and tight our community is. There are so many ways to get involved, whether it's clubs, activities, or sports.
How would you describe the OHS Class of 2023?
Fun, inclusive, athletic, kind, funny.
Describe your high school experience?
It was fun, many wonderful memories. The first two years were filled with exceptional experiences based on COVID. But these past two years have been awesome and enjoyable. This senior year has been the best, celebrating everyone's senior nights, finally being in the front row, great times!
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend Wittenberg University to play basketball along with majoring in either sports management or exercise science.
What is your advice for the Class of 2024?
Have fun and enjoy every moment you're in because it goes by very fast!
What is your advice for the Class of 2027?
Time flies when you are having fun. There will be some hard times but more good ones. Make the most of it and have fun! Get involved even when you are scared, play sports, do fun activities, join clubs, and make good decisions!
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teachers and the green ninjas for making my high school experience so special.
Yetta Krummel-Adkins
Explain your favorite OHS memory.
I have a really great memory of laughing and cheering at the basketball game before Turnabout with my friends!
What is something people don't know about OHS?
We have a lot of hard classes and high achieving students, but also such a great community. My friends have grown so much as I've gone through high school.
How would you describe the OHS Class of 2023?
A fun class.
Describe your high school experience?
I've had lots of ups and downs with COVID and other issues, but in the end, I've really had such an amazing time taking classes and making friends and memories.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be attending New York University in New York City to study in the Liberal Studies Core.
What is your advice for the Class of 2024?
Take advantage of every special moment in your last year of high school!
What is your advice for the Class of 2027?
Join clubs, make friends, do the things that might seem scary and out of your comfort zone.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
All my friends, family, teachers, coaches and everyone else throughout the years.
Emerson Davis
Explain your favorite OHS memory.
My favorite OHS memory would have to be the 2022 homecoming football game!
What is something people don't know about OHS?
Something that a lot of people don't know about OHS is that we are a small school, with a large school spirit.
How would you describe the OHS Class of 2023?
I would describe the Class of 2023 as welcoming, hard working and a team unit.
Describe your high school experience?
Oakwood High School has taught me the importance of having a good balance between work, athletics and fun. They go hand in hand, you can't have one without the other.
What are your plans for the future?
Next year, I will be moving to the northeast, studying at Boston College.
What is your advice for the Class of 2024?
My advice for the Class of 2024 would be to write down five goals you would like to achieve by the end of your senior year, and don't give up on them. You can absolutely make them happen.
What is your advice for the Class of 2027?
My advice for the Class of 2027 would be to soak up every minute, go to every event you can, and dance like nobody's watching.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my teachers and coaches who supported and helped me become a better student, a better team member, and who I am today.
Austin Choi
Explain your favorite OHS memory.
My favorite OHS memory was the club fair this year. I have a clear memory of the perfect weather with the sun shining through the trees in front of the school as underclassmen walked around looking for clubs to join. Of course, Dr. Waller and other school administrators grilled some delicious hot dogs, but it was the energy of Oakwood High School that really stood out to me that day.
What is something people don't know about OHS?
Many people don’t know how important teachers are to OHS. Teachers have been what has made OHS so great, and those teachers are the ones who go the extra mile to make sure we understand the material in a caring environment. Also, each student body. Every year, I see a new year come to OHS and see the different personalities that make OHS unique. All of these unique personalities come together in a tight-knit community to what we call Oakwood.
How would you describe the OHS Class of 2023?
The OHS Class of 2023 is outgoing, friendly and dedicated. I have found, especially throughout senior year, that we are also very supportive of each other and our interests!
Describe your high school experience?
My high school experience has mainly consisted of music, sports and leadership. Finding new people to talk with either from other local districts, here at OHS or across the country, I have connected with so many bright individuals that have given me new perspectives and life-long connections.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be attending Columbia University for the next four years of my life. I’m undecided on my career path and plan to keep exploring! I definitely want to pursue a STEM-related major just due to the interests that I’ve found during my high school years.
What is your advice for the Class of 2024?
Have fun, but keep track of your education. This is going to be your last year of high school, and I know that with college applications, stress can build up. Keep hanging out with friends, talk to new people and make new friends, and cherish the last of your years at Oakwood High School.
What is your advice for the Class of 2027?
Definitely keep in mind that you will start to be evaluated for college starting with freshman year in high school, but don’t let it get into your head too much. Take classes that interest and challenge you to grow as a student. Take part in extracurriculars that you are actually passionate about and don’t overload on so many that you can’t handle it.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my family - my loving and supportive parents, my funny sister and my helpful brother. I would also like to thank my friends, teachers, coaches and everyone who helped me become who I am today.