19 Oak Knoll Seniors Make History on National Signing Day 2025

Carly Caesar ’26 will attend Dartmouth College in the fall, where she plans to major in science/pre-med and play lacrosse. A four-year varsity player and this spring’s captain, she has also been deeply involved in campus life as Bible Study Club Leader, Eucharistic Minister, Senior Class Vice President, Student Ambassador, and a Morgan’s Message Ambassador.

Beyond Oak Knoll, Carly volunteers with Saturdays in Motion at the YMCA, coaches youth lacrosse, works at Sundae Best, and participates in the Saint James Church Youth Group. Honors Chemistry has been her favorite class, reinforcing her passion for science and her goal of pursuing medicine.

A standout on the field, Carly is an Inside Lacrosse Four-Star Recruit and has earned numerous accolades, including NJIGLL Stars and Stripes All-Academic honors, First Team All Non-Public, and American Select First Team All Tournament. Her favorite memory is defeating Summit in the UCT Championship her freshman year. After missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, she looks forward to returning to play this spring.

Carly says she will miss the strong community within OKS Athletics—especially the positivity, faith traditions, and support of her teammates—and credits her experiences with teaching her how to adapt and persevere through challenges.

Georgia Christos ’26 will continue her athletic career at Providence College, where she will play soccer after an outstanding four years as a varsity starter and two-year captain at Oak Knoll. In addition to her athletic leadership, Georgia is involved in the Knit for the Needy Club, Investment Club, and Peer Leaders, and participates in youth ministry at Saint Vincent Martyr School.

A longtime member of the nationally ranked PDA ECNL program, Georgia has competed at an elite level since fifth grade. Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Anatomy, which deepened her curiosity about how the human body works and paired hands-on learning with material that connected directly to her experiences as an athlete.

Among many memorable moments on the field, Georgia cites beating Westfield during her sophomore year—ending their win streak and showcasing the program’s grit and growth—as a highlight. A decorated player, she has earned First Team All-Conference honors all four seasons, has been an All-County All-Star for three years, was named Top 20 North I Region in 2024, and landed on this fall’s All-American Watch List.

Georgia says she will miss playing the sport she loves alongside her best friends and the thrill of competing against top rivals. She credits her Oak Knoll experience with teaching her resilience—recognizing that growth often comes from setbacks—and looks forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities that await her in college soccer.

Ellie Cusimano ’26 has been a three-season athlete at Oak Knoll, competing in field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. She currently serves as an ice hockey captain and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore. Beyond athletics, Ellie is the co-founder of the Royal Shop Club, a Student Ambassador, Knit for the Needy member, and an eighth-grade Peer Leader.

Ellie is also deeply committed to service. For the past three years, she has been part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year program, this year serving as Co-chair of the LLS Student Leadership Committee, where she helped lead all NJ student committee members, volunteer at events, and mentor regional teams. She also volunteers regularly at the SOS Food Shelter in Brick, NJ.

Her favorite class has been Geometry, a course she remembers fondly for the friendships and fun that defined it. On the field, her top memory is winning the state lacrosse championship her sophomore year, where she delivered one of the best performances of her athletic career. Ellie missed all three seasons as a junior due to an ACL tear, but she is thrilled to return to the field and the ice this year. She says that time away from sports gave her the opportunity to grow in new ways and ultimately made her a stronger athlete and teammate.

Ellie will miss the camaraderie of playing three sports—the teammates, the car rides, and the fun moments between practices. She says Oak Knoll athletics taught her that hard work outweighs talent every time and that playing time is something earned, never given.

Heather DeCesare ’26 will continue her lacrosse career at Bucknell University next year, where she plans to major in business. A four-year member of the Oak Knoll lacrosse program, she has also been a leader in many areas of school life, serving as a Bible Study Club Leader, Eucharistic Minister, two-year member of the Campus Ministry Council, Student Ambassador, and eighth-grade Peer Leader.

Outside of school, Heather volunteers at a local monastery, works for a catering company, and helps coach second- and third-grade lacrosse players. Her favorite class at Oak Knoll was AP English with Mr. Oxford, where she developed strong writing skills, enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby, and appreciated his engaging and supportive teaching style.

Heather’s favorite athletics memory is the team’s preseason overnight trip to Pennsylvania last year, an experience that fostered meaningful team bonding and lasting memories. She says she will miss the strong relationships she has formed with her teammates and knows she will bring the perseverance and resilience she developed at Oak Knoll with her to college.

Molly DeStefano ’26 will attend Towson University next fall, where she plans to major in psychology and/or nursing while continuing her lacrosse career. At Oak Knoll, she has been a key member of the varsity lacrosse team and has taken on leadership roles as Investment Club Leader, ninth-grade Peer Leader, and Gold Key Student Ambassador.

Beyond school, Molly leads the Focus Bible Study group, coaches youth players at BBL, and has been an active member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s student team. Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Honors Anatomy and Physiology, which she loved for its hands-on learning and its connection to her interest in how the human body works.

Her favorite athletics memory is the team’s 2024 win over Summit, a game defined by unity, energy, and playing for Bowen. Molly says she will miss the friendships and bonds she has formed through Oak Knoll athletics and plans to take the work ethic and resilience she built here with her into college lacrosse.

Lauren Dietrich ’26 will continue her lacrosse career at Georgetown University, where she plans to major in finance. A four-year varsity lacrosse and soccer player, she recently concluded her senior soccer season as captain and will also serve as a lacrosse captain this spring. Lauren has been deeply involved in campus life as President of Junior Twig for the past two years, a Student Ambassador, Peer Tutor, frequent Wednesday morning Mass attendee, and grade-level representative on the Athletic Council.

Outside of Oak Knoll, Lauren serves as a Morgan’s Message Ambassador. Her favorite class has been AP Statistics, which challenged her to think differently and apply math to real-life situations—showing her how data can help tell a story. One of her favorite athletic memories is winning the Union County Tournament in lacrosse her freshman year, especially being on the field alongside older players she had long admired. Lauren has earned Academic All-American honors, All-Conference Second Team, NJGILL All-Academic recognition, Union County Honorable Mention, and American Select NJ Navy distinctions for three years.

Lauren says she will miss the strong bonds formed within Oak Knoll athletics—the energy, laughter, and sense of purpose the girls share, especially during team service projects. She believes that what she will carry most to Georgetown is the importance of lifting others up, whether after a tough loss or during a difficult practice. For her, leadership is not just about performance, but about encouraging teammates and keeping the team’s energy positive, no matter the circumstances.

Amelia Flood ’26 has been a four-year member of the varsity softball team, serving as captain for the past two seasons. She also recently completed her senior year on the varsity volleyball team, where she likewise served as captain. Beyond athletics, Amelia is a member of Pages and the Community Outreach Club. During her sophomore and junior years, she supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year fundraising campaign. In her hometown of Glen Ridge, she has been a four-year member of the Girls Club—a community service organization for high school girls—and currently serves as its Technology Coordinator.

Amelia’s favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Honors Biology, where she appreciated the teaching style and welcoming classroom environment that helped her engage deeply with the material and find academic success. One of her top athletics memories is reaching the state softball semifinals against top-seeded IHA, where the team held them to just five runs in a highly competitive game. A three-time Union County All-Conference honoree, Amelia says she will miss the friendships built through Oak Knoll athletics and looks forward to bringing the teamwork and resilience she developed here into her college experience next year.

Abby Han ’26 will attend Swarthmore College in the fall, where she plans to major in pre-med. A highly involved student-athlete, Abby has contributed to Oak Knoll in many ways, including as a member of Jr. Twig for Overlook Hospital, President of both the Scribes Calligraphy Club and the Asian-Pacific Islander Club, Library Page Volunteer, Student Ambassador, Peer Tutor, and varsity basketball player.

Her commitment to service extends beyond campus. Abby volunteers at Overlook Hospital and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, and she works with Challenger Basketball and Softball, teaching the sports to young athletes with disabilities. She has also been a Student Visionary of the Year candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Abby’s favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Latin, which she loved for its intellectual challenge and the way it connected to other subjects and the English language. Her favorite athletic memories include winning the division during her sophomore year and enjoying team traditions such as costume practices and an Easter egg hunt.

Academically, Abby has excelled, earning National Merit Commended Scholar status, induction into the Cum Laude Society, and multiple National Latin Exam awards (two Gold, one Silver). She has also been an All-Union County Conference player for three years. Abby says she will miss the people and her teammates most and looks forward to bringing the time-management skills and balance she developed as a student-athlete into her college career.

CeCe Honeker ’26 has served as Vice President of the Class of 2026 for three years and is also a Student Ambassador, Peer Tutor, and member of the Squash Club. Outside of Oak Knoll, she was the second runner-up in the 2025 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionary of the Year program. CeCe is an AP Scholar and a member of the National Junior Classical League.

Her Latin class from freshman through junior year has been a highlight academically, while winning the 2024 Field Hockey State Championship and defeating West Essex at home this season stand out as two of her favorite athletic memories at Oak Knoll.

CeCe says she will deeply miss her teammates and the close relationships built through Oak Knoll athletics. She plans to carry with her the lessons she learned about working hard regardless of circumstance and finding passion in every aspect of her sport as she competes at the next level.

Gaelle Jones ’26 has been a four-year varsity lacrosse player, serving as captain her senior year, and a four-year member of the winter track and field team. In addition to her athletic commitments, she has held numerous leadership roles at Oak Knoll, including Student Ambassador, Sports Media Club Co-President, Athletic Council Representative, Peer Leader Coordinator, S.H.A.D.E.S. Co-President, and Student Homeroom Coordinator. Outside of school, she is active in her church group and coaches youth lacrosse.

Gaelle’s favorite class at Oak Knoll has been AP Computer Science, where she enjoyed learning coding structures, applying them to real-world situations, and using problem-solving and critical thinking skills to find solutions.

She has countless athletic highlights, including helping the 4x200m relay team qualify for nationals during her sophomore year in the final possible race—breaking the school record in the process. She also fondly remembers winning the Union County Lacrosse Championship over Summit as a freshman. A decorated multi-sport athlete, Gaelle is a state champion in the freshman 55m and 200m events, has competed at New Balance Nationals and Nike Nationals, earned All-Union County Third Team honors in long jump, finished Top 15 in the state as a junior, and collected numerous lacrosse accolades, including All Division Second Team, All League Academic, All County First Team Defense, All State Second Team, All Non-Public First Team, and USA All-American honors.

Gaelle says she will miss stepping onto the field or track each day with a group of teammates she describes as the most supportive and inspiring she has ever known. She credits Oak Knoll athletics with helping her develop an even deeper connection to her faith, guiding her through challenges and reminding her that she competes for something bigger than herself.

Maddie Kulikowski ’26 will attend Brown University, where she will compete in rowing and plans to major in economics and political science. At Oak Knoll, she played field hockey for three seasons and is an active member of the WISHING Club. Outside of school, Maddie has served as a Row New Jersey instructor, coaching athletes in the fundamentals of rowing.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been AP U.S. History, which deepened her appreciation for the nation’s past and strengthened her love of learning. Maddie says she will miss supporting her friends throughout their athletic seasons and looks forward to bringing the lessons she gained from team sports — especially the importance of asking teammates for help and working collaboratively—into her college experience.

Sally Marchesi ’26 will continue her running career at Bates College in the fall, where she plans to major in Environmental Studies. A year-round runner at Oak Knoll, Sally has become a key contributor to both the cross country and track and field teams, earning Second Team All-Union County and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors last fall. She is also the President and Founder of the Native Plants Club, where she has worked to enhance campus gardens, and has been a dedicated member of the Green Team for four years and Ensemble for the past two.

Sally’s favorite class at Oak Knoll has been AP Biology, which deepened her understanding of how living systems work and fostered an engaging, positive classroom environment. One of her top athletic memories is the cross country team’s service project this fall, when they mentored and cheered on the middle school team at a home meet.

Sally says she will miss the small, close-knit teams that have defined her athletic experience at Oak Knoll. She will carry with her the mindset that success comes with time and patience—and that even when goals aren’t reached in every race, staying committed, trusting the training, and continuing to work hard ultimately lead to growth.

Maris McGinty ’26 will attend the University of Notre Dame, where she plans to major in business and continue her lacrosse career. A true three-season varsity athlete, Maris currently serves as captain of the soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams. She has also been Class President since sophomore year and is involved across campus as a Student Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, Junior Twig member, Investment Club member, and HOPE Committee member. Outside of school, she participates in Focus, a Bible study group, and the St. Vincent Martyr Youth Group.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been AP Statistics, where she enjoyed applying mathematical concepts to real-life situations—an experience that helped shape her academic interests for college. Among her top athletic memories are the soccer team’s 1–0 win over Mt. St. Dominic in the state sectional final during her junior year, and winning the state lacrosse championship her sophomore year.

Maris’s accolades are numerous. In soccer, she earned First Team All-County and All-Conference honors as both a sophomore and junior, along with Second Team recognition as a freshman, and was named Third Team All Non-Public her junior year. In lacrosse, she has been recognized as a USA All-American, First Team All-County, All-State, All-Conference, and All-Prep Team selection.

Maris says she will deeply miss playing sports with her best friends and the privilege of wearing Oak Knoll across her chest. She will take with her the lessons learned through OKS athletics—that attitude, effort, and dedication can carry you far in anything you pursue.

Lilly McMahon ’26 has been a four-year varsity field hockey player at Oak Knoll, serving as captain this fall. She is also a Student Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, and member of Junior Twig, supporting Overlook Hospital. On the field, Lilly has earned significant recognition, including being named to the U16 Junior Women’s National Team, ranking as a Top 50 player in the Class of 2026, and earning First Team All-State honors.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been AP Statistics, which pushed her to think beyond her usual perspective and apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations. One of her top athletic memories is winning the state field hockey finals last year—a moment that demonstrated how perseverance and team-oriented goals can lead to great success.

Lilly says she will miss the people and relationships that have shaped her Oak Knoll athletic experience. She feels grateful to have trained and competed alongside teammates who continually pushed her to be her best while making practices and games fun. She looks forward to bringing the lessons she has learned about teamwork, leadership, and friendship into her college career, knowing that strong relationships make extraordinary accomplishments possible.

Cookie Motroni ’26 will attend Dartmouth College, where she plans to major in history and continue her field hockey career. A four-year varsity player and captain this fall, Cookie has been deeply involved in school life as a six-year member of Social Council—serving as President this year—as well as a four-year swimmer and three-year swim team captain. She is also a Student Ambassador, Peer Tutor in physics, Spanish, and history, Pages Club President, and Interfaith Co-President. Outside of Oak Knoll, she has been a Student Visionary for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, helping raise funds for blood cancer research.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been AP European History with Ms. Traynor, which strengthened her love of history and deepened her understanding of the events that have shaped the world. On the field, one of her favorite memories is Oak Knoll’s 2–1 win over rival West Essex earlier this season. Cookie has earned notable academic honors, including Cum Laude Society induction and AP Scholar recognition. She was also named to the NFHCA High School National Academic Squad (Scholar of Distinction) and earned First Team All Non-Public, Second Team All-County, and Second Team Union-Essex All-Conference honors last year.

Cookie says she will miss her teammates, coaches, and the community that surrounds Oak Knoll athletics. “The sense of community I’ve found through athletics here is truly priceless and something that’s hard to replicate,” she shared. “I wouldn’t be in the place I am today without the support of our fans, friends, and coaches.” She will take with her the lesson that contributing to a team isn’t measured only by minutes played or goals scored, but by being a dependable teammate and finding positive ways to make an impact.

Allie Ryan ’26 will attend Sacred Heart University, where she plans to major in business and continue her lacrosse career. At Oak Knoll, she serves as an eighth-grade Peer Leader and, outside of school, coaches lacrosse for Steps and works as a SWAX Lax camp counselor. Allie is also active in her church’s youth group and has taken steps toward confirmation.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Honors Case Studies, a history course she found uniquely engaging for its deep examination of major historical issues. She credits Mr. Sellers for creating a classroom environment where she felt supported, encouraged to ask questions, and inspired to think critically.

Winning the 2024 lacrosse state championship stands out as her top athletic achievement at Oak Knoll. Allie says she will miss the friendships and the strong sense of family created within the lacrosse program and looks forward to carrying the mental toughness she developed through Oak Knoll athletics into her college experience.

Kristen Shindle ’26 will continue her field hockey career at Amherst College, where she plans to major in biology on the pre-med track. A three-year starting goalie for Oak Knoll’s field hockey team, she is also a four-year varsity golfer and served as team captain. During her junior golf season, she placed fourth in the Union County Conference out of 32 female golfers. Kristen is also a ninth-grade Peer Leader.

Outside of Oak Knoll, Kristen has volunteered as a surgical receptionist at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center since tenth grade, completing more than 160 hours of service. She also participated in a parish mission trip to Appalachia, West Virginia, where she helped repair a man’s roof while deepening her faith.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Anatomy and Physiology, which sparked her continued interest in the medical field. She credits Mrs. Monkemeier for creating an engaging, inspiring learning environment.

Kristen’s favorite athletic memories include saving a stroke in overtime during a crucial game against Camden Catholic and winning the field hockey state championship for the first time in her OKS career last year. She has earned Honorable Mention All-Conference and All-County recognition as a sophomore and junior, as well as National Academic Squad honors and an NJ.com Top Junior designation.

Kristen says she will deeply miss the coaching staff and her teammates, sharing that the Oak Knoll field hockey team “is like a family.” She will also miss the competitive environment that shaped her as an athlete and believes the lessons she learned—especially playing for others, not just herself—will guide her well at the next level.

Tallula Stebbings ’26 has been a three-season varsity athlete at Oak Knoll, competing in volleyball in the fall, serving as an ice hockey captain this winter, and playing varsity lacrosse in the spring. She is also a member of the Yearbook staff and coaches a lacrosse club team outside of school.

Her favorite class at Oak Knoll has been Latin, a subject she enjoyed for its engaging teachers, rich cultural content, and the fun, supportive environment created by her classmates.

Tallula’s favorite athletic memory is winning the quarterfinal round of the conference ice hockey playoffs this past year. In a season marked by challenges, the underdog victory showcased the team’s grit and resilience. She is an AP Scholar and, in ice hockey, earned NJIHL All-Division Honorable Mention as a junior, as well as NJ.com’s “Three Stars of the Week” recognition for her standout quarterfinal performance.

Tallula says she will miss her teammates most of all, noting how much she has valued the friendships and strong team culture built at Oak Knoll. She plans to carry forward the lessons she has learned—particularly balancing friendship and leadership and communicating effectively with teammates and coaches—as she moves on to college.

Caroline Van Raaphorst ’26 will attend Jacksonville University, where she will play lacrosse and plans to major in marketing. At Oak Knoll, she has been a four-year varsity lacrosse player and will serve as a team captain this spring. She is also a leader of the Jr. Twigs Club and a ninth-grade Peer Leader.

Caroline’s favorite class has been AP Language and Composition with Mr. Oxford, a course she loved for its perfect blend of laughter, learning, and engaging discussions. On the field, her favorite memories are any moments shared with Coach Spin, whose lively coaching style made every practice and game memorable. Caroline has earned numerous honors, including Honorable Mention, NJIGLL All-League Academic, First Team All-Prep, First Team All-County, and First Team NJIGLL Stars and Stripes Red Division.

Caroline says she will miss the incredible atmosphere of the Oak Knoll lacrosse program, describing the team as a family where everyone supports and challenges one another to be their best for the sake of the whole group. “Whether it’s during intense practices, big games, or fun bus rides, there’s always a strong sense of teamwork and encouragement,” she shared. She knows firsthand that nothing is given—you must work hard for everything—and she plans to carry that mindset with her to Jacksonville next year.