In an unprecedented online ceremony, six seniors and seven juniors were recognized for their academic excellence by being inducted into Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society on Friday, April 17, 2020.

Students were inducted into Cum Laude — a society that recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice and honor, — during an online ceremony that took place over a live Zoom meeting due to COVID-19 along with family, classmates, faculty and staff. More than 300 people attended the virtual event.

Students inducted into the society represent the top 10 percent of their class.

Seniors who were inducted include Emily Antunes ’20, Julianna Feit ’20, Kylie Gall ’20, Bridget Murphy ’20, Jodi Porto ’20 and Keelin Schlageter ’20.

The seniors were joined online by their classmates who were inducted last year as juniors. They include Katrina Bergen ’20, Faith Bulan ’20, Cara Feit ’20, Caroline Hall ’20, Tara McTague ’20 and Mary Margaret Schroeder ’20.

Juniors inducted into the Society include Jodie De Jesus ’21, Emma Gamboa ’21, Ava Longarzo ’21, Caroline Maher ’21, Teresa Pollard ’21, Leticia Sefia ’21 and Bryana Slough ’21.

“Today we honor the young Oak Knoll students who have earned the highest academic honor that you can earn,” said Upper School Division Head Jennifer G. Landis. “We understand that this is an unprecedented time of learning for schools now and we are pleased to be able to recognize the ongoing academic success and commitment of our students.”

At a later date to be determined, Oak Knoll will induct two new faculty members to serve three-year terms including Kathleen Skiff, Director of Career Counseling and Margaret Widder, Upper School math teacher. Jennifer Peterson, US Dean of Teaching and Learning, will become President of the chapter following the retirement this summer of Joan Paster, Oak Knoll’s current Cum Laude chapter President and US Dean of Students.

Oak Knoll formally became part of the Cum Laude Society 35 years ago. The Cum Laude Society originated in Maryland in 1906 to ensure that scholastic achievement be accorded as much recognition as that given to other accomplishments.