Last night, I had the opportunity to participate in the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony.  A mentor asked me what was the biggest surprise I had in my first year as a superintendent.  I told him I was amazed at how attached I'd become to the students.  He'd known me for a while, so he shared that he wasn't shocked as I like connecting with people.  I told him that, while I enjoy building relationships, I wasn't ready for our students, staff, and families to respond in kind back to me in such a positive manner!  I have fallen in love with Oakwood!

My welcome message last night focused on reminding our graduates that they didn't accomplish everything on their own. When I joined Oakwood Schools, I knew this place was special. While I cheered on our students from the sidelines, visited classrooms, and saw them perform on stage, I came to discover something in a short amount of time with you. 

At first, I thought we had really smart and talented students in this graduating class.  But I came to watch them during practice and rehearsal, in the classrooms, at the library, and even at Starbucks!  Their achievements didn’t happen without hard work and dedication.  And while the statistics from their class were significant, I was awestruck by something even more profound and necessary that embodies their success.  

They helped each other, supported one another, cheered loudly together, and lifted each other up.

My favorite quote is from an African Proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  Of all the advice I could have shared based on areas where I shined and mishaps throughout my life, the most important truth I wanted to convey was that life isn’t a race.  Instead, it’s a journey.  A journey meant to be taken together.

Last night, we graduated the 101st class of Oakwood School High.  There’s quite a legacy of alumni who’ve come through the halls of Oakwood High School.  While our goal is that Oakwood Schools has helped to prepare our students to be globally-minded, resilient thinkers, and problem solvers, I also hope they are kind, empathetic friends who involve and engage others in their journey and cheer and support others in theirs. Go farther together.

I'd like again to share my congratulations to the Class of 2024.  Please know that Oakwood will always be your home and here for you. We are so proud of you. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you’ll always be a Lumberjack!

#OneOakwood