Greetings Oaks Christian alumni! It’s finally summertime - and it’s time again to say “good-bye,” to our seniors and “hello” to our new alumni!
We are so excited to welcome our Class of 2024 to the Oaks Christian Alumni Association, almost 5,000 members strong! Our alumni family includes amazing doctors and lawyers, businesspeople and charitable philanthropists, and moms and dads whose children are now coming into the Oaks Christian family, currently in Grades 4, 5, and 6 (and hopefully TK-3 someday).
All of our current alumni want to help you, as new alumni, so never hesitate to contact an alum when you need help or information (currently, via LinkedIn/Oaks Christian School Alumni). We are Lions, and as we all know, “Once a Lion, Always a Lion!”
A sweet tradition to look forward to is your 10-year reunion. I had the chance to attend the recent 2012/2013, 10th year reunion at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas – and it was a blast! (see story below)
We are in the process of putting together our 10-year reunion for the class of 2014. Andy Rosenberg, president of the class, is spearheading the effort. More information will be forthcoming in future communications.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer, full of fun and relaxation!
This next school year is Oaks Christian’s 25th anniversary, and we are going to celebrate! Stay tuned for information about the traditional alumni homecoming, on Friday, Oct. 4 in Thorson Stadium vs. Pacifica, including the reception and half-time parade, and other special events throughout the year! More information forthcoming in future communications.
Class Reunions for 2012/2013
The OCS Class Reunion of 2012 and 2013 was held at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas on June 1. Former classmates, faculty and staff had a chance to catch up and share in good times together. Led by the presidents of the classes (Rachel Matthews-2012 and Justin Matthews-2013), the sister/brother duo, we had approximately 150 attendees who thoroughly enjoyed renewing old friendships and making new acquaintances. The event was set to end at 11:00pm, but the last remaining attendees lingered until around 12:30am. Everyone had a wonderful time.
welcome: our newest alums!
We welcome our newly minted alumni into the OCS Alumni Association! Check out the video below for graduation and post-ceremony highlights, along with impressive stats about the graduates!
Autumn Goodman, Class of 2016, Featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show
Autumn Goodman, Class of 2016, has always had a passion for arts. While at Oaks Christian she enjoyed many of the art classes taught by Visual Arts Department Chair Anna Wadman, and other art faculty. She also has a great love for children, so it is no surprise that she has successfully combined these two focuses to become an elementary art schoolteacher in Orlando, Florida.
After graduating from Andrews University with a bachelor's in fine arts, she worked at a Title 1 school during the COVID-19 pandemic as an interventionist. Her touch with children drew the attention of her principal, who knew about her art background, and she was tapped to be an art teacher.
Not only is she a great teacher, she is also a social media influencer via TikTok. She uses the platform to share her “Day in the Life of an Art Teacher.” It has taken off with 5 million likes!
Her advocacy for using art to help underprivileged students caught the attention of a producer of the Jennifer Hudson Show. She was invited to the show during the recent National Appreciation Week.
“My hope is to be able to do art forever. In the future, I want to have a creative studio for kids who would otherwise not have access to art education in the summertime or afterschool program,” she shared with Hudson.
Due to lack of funding in public schools for art, Goodman often goes out of pocket to buy art supplies for her students or relies on donations. While on the show, Hudson shocked and surprised Goodman with a $10,000 gift from Cricut to help fund her classroom work.
Calling all Artists!
The CAVA Show is BACK! CAVA stands for “Community & Alumni Visual Arts” show. The goal of this show is to highlight and connect with the various visual artists that are part of the Oaks Christian community. We are asking for visual art submissions from any adult in our Oaks Christian Community including faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and family members. We hope the style and interests will showcase the diversity of our Oaks Christian Community and create connections with our students.
Important Dates:
- July 23- Digital application due - 3 images/pieces maximum.
- July 26- Acceptance email notifications
- Aug. 9 - Artwork Take in - Drop off at high school front reception between 8:00am-4:00pm
- Aug. 14 - Oct. 4 - Artwork on display
- Friday, Oct. 4 - Closing Reception prior to Homecoming game @ 5pm-6:30pm. Artwork may be picked up after reception (after 6:30pm) or picked up from the front reception on Oct, 9, 8:00am-4:00pm.
Important Details:
- Artwork will be displayed throughout the Price Academic Center hallways, and content should be appropriate for guests of all ages.
- Submission is open to professional and amateur artists within the OCS community who are 18 years or older.
- Each piece must include the following attached to the back: artist full name, title of piece, phone number and email.
- 2D work must be wired and ready to hang. (No saw-tooth hangers).
- Maximum height - 48” Maximum width - 60” Maximum weight - 8 lbs.
- 3D work will be displayed on pedestals. Maximum width is 20"
Artwork will be displayed in the hallways of the school. While students are respectful of the art (and we have many professional pieces on display), by submitting artwork, the artist recognizes that damage is possible. Oaks Christian School is not responsible for damage.
Baylor University
Bachelor's of Business Administration Accounting
Master's in Accountancy Data & Analytics
Cum Laude
I am eternally grateful for the strong foundation and supportive environment I experienced at Oaks Christian. I am excited about this next chapter and look forward to staying connected with the alumni community! I am moving to Dallas to begin my career in public accounting as an associate at KPMG.
Colby Parkinson, Class of 2017, is coming home! This spring, the NIF tight end announced he has signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams to play for his hometown team this fall. Colby returns to the Southland after being in the Pacific Northwest with the Seattle Seahawks.
Parkinson had a great career as a Lion, totaling 1,231 yards and seven touchdowns on 79 receptions over his three years.
He then went on to Stanford, where he caught 87 passes for 1,171 yards and 12 touchdowns, including a career-high seven as a sophomore. Parkinson entered the 2020 NFL Draft and was selected in the fourth round with the 133rd overall pick by the Seahawks.
In his first three seasons in the NFL, he had 57 catches for 618 yards and four touchdowns.
We are excited to have a Lion back in our own backyard and wish him every success with the Rams organization.
OCS alumus Colby Parkinson shows Jay Leno his Los Angeles Rams jersey he auctioned off at the OCS diner auction gala, which Leno emceed.
The Happy Couples
Mr. hagberg retires
Alumni Activities Coordinator
The advancement department is hiring an alumni activities coordinator to play a pivotal role in fostering connections within our alumni community, planning and coordinating engaging activities, reunions, and events, and other duties.
We also have high school and middle school facutly, staff and coaching openings, as well!
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