Last year, I had a crazy idea: organize an "Oakwood Schools Alumni Meet Up" while I was on vacation with my family in Hilton Head.  I hadn't even started as Superintendent last summer. Still, I was excited to meet with ten alumni who came together on a hot summer evening to meet one another, introduce themselves, and share stories about their time in Oakwood Schools.  

Last week, I held another "Meet Up" in Washington DC.  Board President John Wilson and I attended a National Legislative Advocacy Conference through AASA The School Superintendent Association, so we hosted this event together.  You can read about my insights from the Conference through my posted blog:  Raising Voices: Advocating for Our Schools from Local to National Levels.

Held in the hotel lobby, President Wilson and I met nine Alumni ranging from the Class of 1969 to the Class of 2020!  While I thought it might feel a little awkward or quiet when we first met, the alumni quickly introduced themselves to us and each other.  Conversations went from where each other lived while growing up in Oakwood to the state of the schools and district.  Alumni shared stories about teachers who inspired them and favorite memories growing up.  President Wilson and I shared updates, showed pictures of the "newly renovated" Pit, the Rick and Jane Schwartz Performing Arts Wing, and answers to their questions about what things may still (or not) be around.  

A highlight for me was watching the "more seasoned" alumni connect with the recently graduated members.  They asked about their families, where they were living, and what they were doing in Washington DC, and to let them know if they needed anything as they continued to live in Washington.

My own fondness for Oakwood Schools and the Oakwood Community increased as the alumni shared their positive stories and how their time in school shaped not only their career path but interests, passions, and friendships.  I think there was also a small flame which seemed to reignite in the alumni to reflect and process their life's journey with a renewed vigor.  I'm already looking forward to the Homecoming festivities this Fall to welcome our alumni back to Oakwood on the weekend of September 20!  Bookmark the Alumni webpage for updated information as it unfolds: https://www.oakwoodschools.org/community/alumni

#OneOakwood

 

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