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Associate Head of School Cynthia Bertolini delivers a back-to-school challenge on the first day of school
In the first all-school assembly of the 2025–2026 school year, Associate Head of School Cynthia Bertolini delivered a powerful address to the 312 students beginning their first day back on campus. In her opening message of the year, she chose to issue a challenge.
Here’s the full text of her address to the Oakcrest community:
"Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I always like to start the year with a challenge, so here we go. I want you to take a minute to ask yourself, 'Why am I here? In this gym, at Oakcrest, on Earth? What was I made to do, accomplish, be? What are my goals?' Think for just a moment.
"Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I always like to start the year with a challenge, so here we go. I want you to take a minute to ask yourself, 'Why am I here? In this gym, at Oakcrest, on Earth? What was I made to do, accomplish, be? What are my goals?' Think for just a moment.
OK, now the challenge: Know that you’re made for more. God’s plan for you is more beautiful than you can imagine. To discern that plan, you need to find moments of quiet.
Quiet the noise, slow down your mind, pause the busy. Quiet your heart. Then you’ll be able to think clearly, hear with discernment, dream bigger. In these moments of quiet, ask Our Lord to help you love more and to serve others more. Ask Him to help you grow in the confidence, in the certainty that you are made for more.
I can’t wait to work with each one of you this year as you learn more, serve more, and love more."
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Associate Head of School Cynthia Bertolini addresses the school in the first school assembly of the year.
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Students gathered on September 3, 2025 for the first school assembly of the year.
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