The Capstone Project: Seniors Hone Their Passions Prior to Graduation
During the month of May, as the final “cap” to their high school experience, seniors independently explore different areas of interest — whether it is academic, creative, career, or service-oriented, they are challenged to demonstrate their passion for discovery beyond the limits of the curriculum.
On June 7, 2023, following their month-long independent studies, members of the graduating class gathered to present their capstone reflections to an audience of faculty, staff, and members of the junior class. They explained the genesis of their projects, what they did during the month, what they learned about themselves throughout the experience, what were their greatest challenges and surprises during the capstone, and what were the most enjoyable aspects of the projects.
The following is a sampling of their wide-ranging passion projects, internships, and future career explorations.
Katie Nguyen ’23
Capstone: Writing and Illustrating a Children’s Story
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I researched and read children’s books and books on how to write children’s books. I met with a well-known children’s book author who came to Oak Knoll as a visiting speaker. I then wrote my own unique story and with the help of an advisor, edited it multiple times. Once I had a good draft, I circulated it to other people for opinions. I also did a focus group with second graders at Oak Knoll. Finally, I illustrated the whole story with my own original artwork.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I chose to do a children’s book because I wanted to do something that has to do with art. I like doing illustrations and wanted to try something new. I also wanted to learn new digital illustration tools and programs like the ones I used for my book. In addition, I was excited to learn more about the book publishing industry and book marketing.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
The time management skills I learned at Oak Knoll were so important as the book required so much work and revision. My art classes and my art teacher, Mr, Cardell also were indispensable in the process.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll? What are your summer plans?
I plan to attend Notre Dame in Indiana where I will major in Visual Communication Design and hope to combine my love of storytelling with technology by specializing in user interface and user experience design. This summer I will investigate options to publish my book and prepare for college.
Madeleine Madigan ’23
Capstone: Designing/Building a Lego Model of Historic Grace Hall
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
My capstone project was to design and build an accurate Lego model of Grace Hall on the Oak Knoll campus.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I downloaded and have been using a program where I can virtually build Lego structures and create building designs. I wanted to use the program to correctly model the building first, and then I physically constructed a scale model with actual Lego bricks and pieces.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
My engineering class with Ms. Coiro definitely inspired me to take on this project.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll?
This fall I will be attending Michigan State University where I will major in anthropology.
Sarah Maher ’23
Capstone: Internship with the Mayor of Westfield, NJ
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I worked for Mayor Shelley Brindle, who is the mayor of Westfield, New Jersey. The mayor’s goal was to show me as much as possible about the operation of Westfield government. Among other things, I attended the bi-weekly town council meetings. I met with various heads of governmental departments such as the recreation department, the town clerk, and more. I attended other important meetings, such as the Downtown Westfield Corporation monthly meeting, and I joined the mayor on various commitments, such as helping her with a Facebook Live meeting with third graders and more.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I wanted to get a behind the scenes look at how the government is run and make connections in my prospective field.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
At Oak Knoll I learned that I am not afraid to ask questions when I do not understand something, I enjoy being part of a collaborative team, and my passion is my biggest asset. I also have been influenced by the idea that satisfaction comes from a desire to help people and not just make money.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll?
I plan to attend Pomona College in California majoring in international relations and minoring in Spanish.
Clara O’Mara ’23
Capstone: Working at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I spent a lot of time pulling weeds and clearing space for intended plants to survive. I learned various aspects of pruning and mulching. I also learned a lot about invasive species and preservation of species. In addition, I maintained and organized garden tools and equipment to ensure their longevity. I learned about the creativity exercised in the layout and placement of plants, and the freedom involved in curating plants for a garden.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I had an interest in gardening, horticulture, and forest preservation and learned a great deal from the master gardeners and professionals I encountered on my Capstone. I wanted to pick up tips to better plan and manage my garden at home.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
All my science teachers at Oak Knoll have been instrumental in inspiring my passion for every branch of science. I also think the perseverance I learned at Oak Knoll was instrumental in helping me manage the hot days, intensive physical labor, and encounters with poison ivy, ticks, and flies.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll?
I will be attending Cornell University and all undergraduates enter as “undecided,” but I definitely have a continued interest in the sciences. This capstone has increased my interest in horticultural research and soil science.
Katherine Gupta ’23
Capstone: Shadowing an OB-GYN Physician
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I spent time shadowing an OB-GYN doctor both in the office and during procedures. I learned about the profession’s mix of both surgery and outpatient care. I experienced the unpredictable and long hours a doctor in this field can have to endure, and I learned that there are many more procedures an OB-GYN physician performs that I had initially realized.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I have an interest in going into the medical field and was interested in exploring the differences between inpatient and outpatient care. I wasn’t sure what medical specialty I was interested in pursuing and wanted to delve deeper into obstetrics and gynecology.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Oak Knoll really inspired my interest in the sciences.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll?
I am attending Seton Hall University and have been accepted into their BS MD program which means I have a guaranteed interview with the Hackensack School of Medicine on completion.
Sarah Kuhl ’23
Capstone: Exploring the Metal Business
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I worked in a business that services the metal casting industry. It is one of the largest buyers and sellers of non-ferrous metals and metal scrap in the northeast. I learned about their customer base and the products they produce that are used in a variety of industries such as aerospace, architecture, automotive, electrical, farming, marine, mining, plumbing, and transportation. I worked in sales and customer relations as well as data entry.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I have an interest in business and what it takes to run a successful business. I also have an interest in customer service and this business in particular seemed to play an important role in people’s everyday lives.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Oak Knoll prepared me to be an effective communicator, to finish tasks effectively and efficiently, and to work well both independently and in teams.
Cate Huegel ’23
Capstone: Working at a Restaurant Group
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I spent my Capstone working at Host Restaurant group which runs several restaurants around New York City. I learned much about the back-office work of running a restaurant chain including taking inventory, consolidating requisition and cost sheets, accounting for invoices, counting weekly cash and making cash drops, shadowing managers on the floor during service, auditing meetings of upper level staff, and participating in design meetings for new locations.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I have wanted to work in the restaurant industry all my life, and I wanted to learn more about the management aspects and actual restaurant operations.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Oak Knoll fostered in me an ability to observe, look for efficiency, and pursue my passions. I’ve learned that I like to keep busy. I like to work with numbers and spreadsheets, and I enjoy work that involves social interaction but also highlights my administrative skills.
Emma Lacz ’23
Capstone: Worked with QTR Development
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
QTR Development is a ground-up construction developer of commercial and residential buildings. Most of my tasks were market research and calling on the sites that I found to interest them in being developed. I completed and reviewed due diligence reports. I reviewed wetlands, historical, and geotech reports. I visited the project sites. I did conference calls and lunch meetings. And I was introduced to contracts, permits, and financial modeling. I learned about the permit process and the timeline of the permits and who and what is involved in obtaining permits and then how to navigate site selections.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I have been interested in real estate development as a possible major and career choice, so I wanted to explore in more detail to make sure I was making the right choice. I also wanted to learn more about basic finance and investment.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Oak Knoll fostered my interest in research and analysis, as well as a passion for problem solving and envisioning the potential of something.
Amelia Marchisio ’23
Internship at a University Sports Department
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I did an internship at Seton Hall University in their Athletic Department. I worked in the gym and helped with ticket sales for the spring sports teams. I did research on the Ring of Honor, which is how Seton Hall puts certain jerseys up in a circle in the gym. I counted supplies and merchandise. I created and sent fundraiser mail to donors, and I organized items in the athletic office.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I have always loved watching sports and specifically Seton Hall’s basketball team. I have an interest in sports management and wanted to learn more about it for the future.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Oak Knoll stresses teamwork and communication which came in very handy on this project. Also, I utilized my organizational skills and perseverance when the workload increased.
Virginia Luna ’23
Capstone: Worked as an Aid to an Elementary School Teacher
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I returned to my elementary and middle school for my capstone and started to work with my seventh grade teacher who I really love. She is actually the reason that I ended up at Oak Knoll. She was my sponsor, but I actually ended up helping the entire floor in the school, which was for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teachers.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I wanted to do something service oriented and be able to give back to my community.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Although I have no plans of becoming a teacher, I have seen all the work and dedication that goes into teaching at Oak Knoll and I wanted to do something to make me even more appreciative of educators.
Desiree Mitchell ’23
Capstone: Working with an Optometrist
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
I worked at Parkway Eyecare with Dr. Kimberly Brown, who was my eye doctor. I shadowed Dr. Brown, working alongside her, and was able to experience and learn the basics of an eye pretest — which is a series of tests conducted prior to seeing the optometrist. After experiencing the medical side, I was able to help with the business side of running a private practice and assist with billing, filing, scanning, and more.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I enjoy meeting new people and wanted to learn more about the fields of optometry and ophthalmology.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during your Capstone Project?
I learned that my confidence in speaking with people and my enjoyment of social interaction can be an asset in a field that requires placing people at ease. I also learned that I am most comfortable in an active role and not necessarily a “desk job” person. I also learned that I need to slow down and focus on details when necessary.
Grace Cannizzo ’23
Capstone: Running a Free Soccer Clinic
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
My capstone project was running a free soccer Clinic.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I’ve always been passionate about soccer and want to spread my love for it to the younger generation in an affordable way.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Oak knoll has helped me feel confident as a leader and empowered and equipped me with skills of independence and organization.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll? What are your summer plans?
After graduating Oak Knoll, I intend to continue spreading my passion for soccer, as I coach for USA Soccer. In the fall I will be studying journalism.
Anna Stiesi ’23
Capstone: Write for the Queens Gazette/Queens Scene
Q: What was your senior Capstone Project?
My capstone project was working at a newspaper and magazine in Queens NYC, respectively named the Queens Gazette and the Queens Scene. My job was to write for each publication about topics mainly surrounding local events in Queens and occasionally help around the office.
Q: How & why did you become interested in this Capstone Project?
I chose to work there for my capstone as I have always had a huge passion for writing and journalism, and because I love the city and will be going to college in NYC as well.
Q: How did Oak Knoll School prepare you for your Capstone Project?
Through my extracurricular activities at Oak Knoll, such as being a writing center tutor and a managing editor for the school newspaper, and taking advanced English courses, I felt prepared to become a writer at a real newspaper.
Q: What’s next for you after your graduation from Oak Knoll? (What university will you be attending this fall?) and (What will be your major?)
After I graduate from Oak Knoll, I will be attending Fordham University as a political science major.
Congratulations to these and other members of the Class of 2023 for putting in the hours throughout the month of May and dedicating themselves to a variety of passion projects. Their learning, growth, and reflections will inspire our rising senior class to look forward to this special signature project as they culminate their time at Oak Knoll.
For more information about the Capstone and other Oak Knoll signature experiences in leadership development, global learning, female empowerment and more, read on here.
