Oakcrest honored the many achievements of its students at its annual Awards Day on May 24. The ceremony, led by Head of School Mary T. Ortiz, recognized those students who have shown exceptional dedication and excellence in academics, service, athletics, and leadership throughout the school year.
Among the many awards distributed, Josephina Ouyang was announced as Valedictorian of the Class of 2019, and Alexandra Murphy as Salutatorian. Athletic Director Caroline Heeter presented junior Hannah Byrne with the Athlete of the Year Award. Frances North (‘20) received the Service Award in recognition for her many hours of work devoted to organizing service efforts throughout the school (such as helping to found the Service Initiatives Program). Falan Kifle (‘20), who steps up next year as President of the Student Council, took home the Upper School Leadership Award, while the Middle School Leadership Award went to Madeline Moss (‘25). In the category of Visual and Performing Arts, Kiley Hatch (‘19) received honors for Excellence in Music. Elizabeth Spence (‘25) was given Middle School Artwork of the Year and Julia Fischer (‘20) received the same award for Upper School. The school also recognized its “Acorns,” seniors who have attended Oakcrest from 6th-12th grade; this year, nine students earned this distinction.
Awards were given for the highest grade in each class offered at the school. Oakcrest also recognized incoming Student Council Members, and gave a special shout-out to 13 international students who have studied here during the 2018-19 school year.
Mary Ortiz summed up the spirit of the day telling all those present, “Let's continue a great Oakcrest tradition, which is taking pleasure in the successes of our classmates and our colleagues because joy is multiplied a thousand times when it is shared.”