Oakcrest School graduates the Class of 2023

 

In a beautiful commencement address, Mary M. Keys, Ph.D., professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame and Oakcrest alumna of the Class of 1984, shared her insight on how Oakcrest prepares its students to thrive beyond its doors. 

“Let us all share hope and life generously with others,” Dr. Keys said. “Let’s have the courage to admit our mistakes, to embrace opportunity and always hold on to faith, hope and love as we face adversity throughout our lives. Each of you has so much to give, so much to share. Congratulations to each of you, the Class of 2023 and to your families, your teachers, and your friends.”

The class Valedictorian Erin King ‘23 and Salutatorian Sofia Cipollone ‘23 each shared remarks with their classmates, calling to mind memories of their years spent together and the growth that they experienced. 

Oakcrest also recognized the eight “Acorns” who have attended the school for the past seven years: Mariana Arguello, Mariana Bendeck, Zoe Burke, Gianna Castillo, Sofia Cipollone, Faven Kifle, Sophia Miller, and Lucy Spence. 

The capstone of the Oakcrest education is the senior thesis, in which each student forms her own idea on an academic subject using texts she has analyzed in class alongside other sources. Each senior writes and presents a senior thesis. Two seniors were recognized for excellence in their senior thesis with the Edwina Maksym Senior Thesis Award presented to Mariana Bendeck and Lucy Spence. 

The Class of 2023 heads off to 21 different colleges and universities around the world including the University of Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, The Catholic University of America, the Universidad de Navarra, and Boston College.

The commencement exercises were held in the gym of the newly inaugurated McGowan Family Athletic Center with music provided by Barclay Brass.