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Centennial Academic Series Continues in Upper School
Christopher Starr

On Friday morning, January 10, students convened in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts for a special assembly to introduce the second of four Centennial Academic Events faculty members have planned for Upper School students during this milestone year. These events aim to thread the centennial theme into the school curriculum through fun, engaging, and challenging workshops.

Our initial story on the Innaugural Centennial Academic Event described three of the nine workshops, with the caveat that we would share additional descriptions after each ensuing event. Three more of the workshops are described below. 

This second academic event kicked off with a historical matching game. Three volunteers from each grade level came to the front of the auditorium. They vied with other grade levels to match the names of eight significant female figures in Oak Knoll’s history with their biographies and accomplishments. Their classmates in the stands assisted them, enthusiastically cheering them on with advice and suggestions.

Next, the students were divided into teams primarily by their advisory groups, with small groups of seniors providing leadership to each team. Students in grades seven to 12 were sent to attend one of nine separate workshops—each requiring a unique academic skill set—with teams excluding the workshops they attended previously. These rotations will continue throughout the following two workshops scheduled in April and May.

“The centennial academic events have significantly raised our awareness of Oak Knoll’s rich history and its journey over the last 100 years,” said Melissa Dardanello ’25. Dardanello appreciates the heightened awareness she has gained of the school’s legacy and many of the milestones that have shaped its present-day identity.

“Learning about past generations of students has been inspiring and has given us a sense of continuity and pride in being part of such a long-standing tradition,” Dardanello continued. “These events have made us more conscious of the unique time we’re experiencing at Oak Knoll. It’s such a privilege to be a senior during this time of our centennial celebration.”

Junior Magdalene Battista ’26 has also found the event illuminating. “It has been interesting seeing just how deep and far our history as a school goes,” she explained. “Participating has made me realize how important it is to learn the history of a community like ours. Knowing our roots has brought me closer to my school and everyone in it.”

The academic nature of the events has added a facet to Battista’s understanding of the significance of Oak Knoll’s centennial milestone. “I find so much joy in seeing how everyone, from the teachers to students, get passionate about the centennial through these activities. I also find that it is a great way to bond as a community and puts into perspective just how bright our future is in the upcoming years,” she related.

Here, we share details of three more of the nine total workshops:

100 Years of Science Timeline Challenge
Facilitators in this session provided a historical context for scientific discoveries since the founding of the Oak Knoll school, with an emphasis placed on women in science. Student groups then worked together to test their knowledge of the order in which various advancements occurred.

A 100-Year Journey Through Our School and the World 
This presentation focused on Oak Knoll’s history through the decades while simultaneously showing what was happening in the world. Students gained an awareness of historical events and their impact on our school.

Culture in Motion
Students had the opportunity to explore the language and facets of different cultures over the last 100 years. Through various physical activities, students sought to find connections between those cultures and our own.

Stay tuned for more descriptions of the captivating Centennial Academic Series workshops as this milestone academic year unfolds.
 

  • Centennial
  • academics
  • upper school