Oakcrest School Celebrates Its Mission in this Year’s Reimagined “Heart of Oakcrest” Gala

As Oakcrest looks ahead to its milestone 50th Anniversary in the 2026–2027 school year, the event has been thoughtfully reimagined. Rather than showcasing packages for online and live bidding, the evening will create space for more intentional celebration: student and faculty presentations, storytelling, and meaningful connection. 

Indeed, celebration stands out as a primary theme for the night. “We wanted to provide more time to highlight the talents and accomplishments of our school community and encourage our community to come together to strengthen our community bonds,” shared Michael Barvick, Director of Institutional Advancement at Oakcrest.

He explains the vision this way: “We want this event to accomplish three primary objectives. First, to invite our community to come together to celebrate Oakcrest's mission and the accomplishments of our students, faculty, and alumnae; second, to inspire the generosity of our community in support of families, faculty, and necessary resources; and lastly, to host a memorable Oakcrest party that strengthens old friendships and encourages new ones.”

While the format is new, the purpose remains. The Gala continues to be Oakcrest's biggest fundraiser, aiming to raise $300,000 this year. Barvick notes, “When we accomplish this we can continue to offer tuition assistance for families in need, provide training and benefits for our incredible faculty, and support much-needed maintenance and improvements to our beautiful campus.”

Lourdes Arguello (Mariana ’23), head of the Gala Planning Committee, has helped shape the evening’s new feel. She envisions an experience that is “elegant, intimate, and high-energy. I want to move the focus from the items to the people.” The event brings together all the members of the community, including current parents, alumnae and their families, and even senior students of the Class of 2026, often the most spirited participants throughout the evening. The students’ energy brings the mission and purpose of the evening alive in a most inspiring way, especially as the event takes the new direction. 

That intentional shift away from an auction model reflects a deeper priority for the event. “We want an evening for storytelling. We’re replacing bidding on things with celebrating our girls' and faculty’s talents.”

The theme, “Heart of Oakcrest,” captures the spirit behind the change. Barvick explains the theme as a reflection of the underlying mission that animates the life of the school: “As we approach the 50th anniversary of Oakcrest next year, we don't want to take for granted just how unique and vibrant Oakcrest's mission and community truly are. The heart represents love, hope, joy, and a passion for life which is, at its core, what our students, staff, faculty and alumnae represent.”

Though imagining the heart offers a somewhat abstract image of the school’s mission, Arguello grounds it in a simple reality. The “Heart of Oakcrest” is “the pulse of the school. It represents the talent, the faith, and the love that our students, staff, and faculty pour into everything they do.” 

Ultimately, guests can be assured of a memorable evening: “This isn't just a dinner. Come ready for a performance. It’s a showcase of the talent and spirit that make Oakcrest unique.” Barvick echoes the promise, “You don't want to miss this party. It will be the most fun and memorable event of the year.”