70 Seniors Inducted into the Oak Knoll School Alumnae/i Association

Seventy members of Oak Knoll’s Class of 2021 transitioned to alumnae during their induction into the Oak Knoll Alumnae/i Association on Friday, April 30, 2021. Transitions Day, which recognizes the last day of academic classes for the senior class, was held both in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts for faculty, staff and students, and live-streamed for families.

Oak Knoll seniors spend the month of May before graduation working on Capstone Projects. Similar to an internship, Capstone projects allow students to explore their interests outside of the classroom, while at the same time gaining real-world experiences.

Ann Marie Heckmann ’79, Oak Knoll Alumnae/i Association President, shared some of her favorite high school memories with the seniors including watching OKS basketball games, attending the Christmas Prayer Concert, and participating in Sister Marlene’s speech class.

“It has been my honor today to welcome you all, Oak Knoll’s Class of 2021, into the Alumnae/i Association,” said Heckmann, mother to senior Amanda. “I hope you all continue to lead by your actions and come back to campus often. I also hope you all feel that strong sense of community today and that you carry the Holy Child spirit with you wherever you may go.” 

Heckmann introduced Head of School Tim Saburn, who was made an honorary alum of Oak Knoll School along with the Class of 2021. Saburn will retire as Oak Knoll’s Head of School this year after 16 years. 

“You’re transitioning and I’m transitioning,” said Saburn. “I feel some of the same things that you feel – the excitement, joy, anticipation but I also feel the other side of that – the fear, the uncertainty and the questions.” 

Saburn inspired seniors to rely on their friends, family, and their faith as they move from one stage of their life into another. 

“You leave here incredibly well prepared and blessed to make this next step,” Saburn said. 

“Embrace these transitions, embrace those opportunities and embrace that change – and always know that you have a home at Oak Knoll. You are a unique class that has shown strength, perseverance, fortitude and commitment to each other and the school under the most trying of times,” he said.

Oak Knoll’s Director of Institutional Advancement, Cynthia Prewitt, told seniors that they will always be part of the school.

“We are so happy that this day has arrived when your Alumnae/i Association can recognize you, the Class of 2021, as our newest members,” said Prewitt. “There are important people behind you as you embark on the next part of that journey – your parents’ love for you and the concern of the entire Oak Knoll community will go with you. The OKS Alumnae/i Association will help keep those Oak Knoll friendships strong while you are in college and as you begin your careers.”

Following their induction into the OKS Alumnae/i Association, seniors received their traditional laundry bags, silk screened with their class year and logo, and with important laundry instructions printed on the bag, too.  After the ceremony, they were greeted with surprise cheers and claps throughout campus by faculty, staff, and students.