Oak Knoll celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with a profound and purpose-driven Morning of Service that brought the community together. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” inspired participants to imagine a gender-equal world—one free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

The morning began with a beautiful and reflective International Women’s Day Prayer Service in the Mother Mary Campion Center, which included a powerful and moving reflection by Student Council Secretary Moira Joel ’25, who shared her personal thoughts on the importance of service, empowerment, and advocacy. Her insight served as a poignant reminder that even the smallest actions can ripple outward, creating powerful change. 

Participants also took time to reflect on the history of International Women’s Day, exploring how the day’s origins connect to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. This reflection tied seamlessly to the school’s core values — Faith, Wisdom, and Service — emphasizing how these principles resonate in the pursuit of creating a more just and equitable world.

The energy from the prayer service carried into the hands-on projects that followed, transforming words and reflections into immediate action through these impactful service projects:

• Assembly of Feminine Hygiene Kits for Toni’s Kitchen to support women facing homelessness.
• Creating “Diaper Cakes” filled with essential baby items for new mothers through Mercy House.
• Small Senior Care Package Assembly to brighten the lives of seniors supported by Toni’s Kitchen.
• Sandwich Making for Bridges Outreach, with families coming together to prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness.
• Creating “Get Well Soon” Cards to bring moments of joy and comfort to patients at Overlook Hospital.

The projects reflected Oak Knoll’s ongoing commitment to fostering equity and hope while addressing critical needs in the local community. The joy and camaraderie in the room were palpable as students, parents, alumnae/i, faculty, and staff worked side by side, embodying the event’s theme through tangible acts of kindness.

This year’s Morning of Service, which was spearheaded by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice and Campus Ministry, not only celebrated International Women’s Day but also showcased the Oak Knoll community’s commitment to its mission — to accelerate meaningful action and make a positive impact in the world.