Lions Legacy Mission Report 2022-23

LIONS LEGACY

OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MISSION REPORT | 2022-2023

Our MissiOn

To dedicate ourselves to Christ in the pursuit of ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, and ATHLETIC DISTINCTION while growing in knowledge and wisdom through God’s abundant grace.

From the Head of School

Rob Black Head of School

As you read through the pages of Lions Legacy, I hope that you enjoy the stories and experiences of your students from this past year. Every year our students seem to go far beyond anything that we would have thought was possible.

Each year we take a moment, through Lions Legacy, to look back at the recently completed academic year. We began the year with excited anticipation at the opportunity to conduct a full year of activities and events free of COVID-19 shutdowns. We embarked on a “new normal,” realizing the world had significantly changed and that amidst challenges we had to refocus on what was important.

Among those challenges was the shifting cultural landscape which veers away from traditional Christian values. However, through all this we remained confident that God has His hand on Oaks Christian School and, as was found in this year’s theme verse of Esther 4:14, demonstrates that He has placed Oaks Christian here “for such a time as this…” It is with this confidence that we moved forward on our plans to expand the school’s mission by adding grades TK through 4. We began this expansion by laying the foundation for our new fourth-grade, which opens this fall, providing a Christ-centered educational opportunity for young learners.

This past year saw some amazing achievements and accomplishments delivered by our students. Our three institutes continue to thrive, providing hands-on, in-depth learning experiences for students exploring engineering, visual and performing arts, and global leadership. This year all three reached a milestone by having all seniors complete a capstone project. We launched our new School Outside Walls, taking learning outside the traditional classroom for innovative experiences. We also celebrated our first female graduate

Thank you for allowing us to partner with you this past year and investing in developing the skills and talents of your students and their growth, maturity, and character.

accepted to the United States Naval Academy, while also applauding our nine national merit finalists—a new school record.

The arts at Oaks Christian celebrated a fabulous year and can now say that the programs have fully recovered from the effects of COVID-19! This year’s Spring Spectacular was fantastic and culminated in an exciting year of concerts, musicals, visual arts expositions, and theatrical plays, including our student films premiering live in a theatre. In addition, many of our student artists engaged in amazing opportunities to showcase their passions and talents, with many of our art courses at capacity.

Athletics had another stellar year with 41 of our graduating senior athletes receiving scholarships to

play at the collegiate level. The high school enjoyed posting Marmonte League championships in 11 varsity sports. However, on a sad and somber note, this year our beloved founding Softball Coach Peter Ackermann passed away. We memorialized his lasting legacy as the softball field was renamed in his honor.

As a community, we were thrilled that domestic and international service and education trips returned, including an arts trip to Europe, a journey to the Holy Land, outreach to Costa Rica, work on Molokai Island, and student trip to Philadelphia.

May God bless your family in the year ahead.

uture ocused

Focus involves choice: its selective nature is inherent: by focusing on one thing, you aren’t focusing on another. A photographer will predetermine the type of shot needed, and then focus accordingly—wide, narrow, deep, shallow—to get the desired photo and ignore anything else that interferes.

Before there was autofocus there was just focus. Autofocus doesn’t require much thought from the photographer, just point and shoot. It has been around for nearly 40 years and is the industry standard. Why? Because with autofocus there is a high probability you will get a good shot, and who wants a lousy photo?

But manual focus has intentionality behind it; thoughtful decisions about aperture and shutter speed to get the desired shot. It takes a little more work and planning. Manual focus means you have to adjust the lens by hand to focus it.

In academics, our hands-on approach was to look at innovation and best practices, curriculum mapping for consistency across all grades, planning for the new fourth grade and laying the foundation for the future elementary school.

In the arts the focus was on creativity, collaboration, and courage, with record numbers of students enrolling in art classes and entering showcases, going

This has been a building back year at Oaks Christian with intentional focus – a hands–on approach to determining what is important and what isn’t. Two years out of a worldwide pandemic, Oaks Christian School is re-focusing and making intentional choices on what is important for the future.

outside the campus to share their art, and tackling deep, personal struggles through art.

Our athletic department placed a deliberate focus on the OCS cultural playbook and emphasized the values of dignity, responsibility, and growth.

Cameras expose a photosensitive surface (film or digital sensor) to light through a lens. Lenses, artificial or natural (such as our actual eyes) bend or refract light to focus. Without a lens, there would be no ability to focus.

The “lens” through which Oaks Christian focuses is our dedication to pursue academics, athletics, arts, and spiritual formation through our Christian ethos. The perfect shot we are aiming for is a community living out their faith while “growing in knowledge and wisdom through God’s abundant grace.”

As we celebrate this past year and head into 2023-24, may we maintain our focus on the things that matter.

2022-23 Administration

Rob Black Head of School

Mike Parkinson

Chief Operating/Risk Management Officer

Kris Thabit

Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Matt Northrop

Associate Head of School for Academics and Arts

John Huffman Vice President of Admissions

Cozette Darby Chief of Staff

Garett Freeman

High School Principal / Associate Head of School for Spiritual Life

Tara Morrow Principal, Grades 5 - 8

Dr. Bryan Wong

Director of Medical Services

Nicole Oakes

Director of International Student Program

Karen Coyle

Director of Alumni and Family Engagement

Kristi Fitzgerald

Director of Human Resources

Lions Legacy

Editor Maria Cowell

Director of Marketing and Communications

Writers Maria Cowell; Ricky Davis, Communications and Sports Media Specialist; Caylen Smith, Marketing Associate

Graphic Designer

Blanca Schnobrich

Photographers

Blanca Schnobrich, Maria Cowell, Caylen Smith, Ricky Davis, Amber Seat, Cornerstone Photography, High School

Yearbook Staff, Middle School Yearbook Staff, Faculty and Staff

Printer

Jeff Benes

The Smart Group

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Focus On

INNOVATION AND BEST PRACTICES

In search of best practices and innovative ideas, our quest for continued academic excellence propelled us to visit over 20 of the strongest independent, collegepreparatory schools throughout the world. This included team visits to schools in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. These trips have led to recent programmatic innovations, especially in our institutes.

CURRICULUM

Although not a “shiny” new endeavor, this past year our faculty embarked on a curriculum mapping journey to strengthen the overall program within every department and discipline. Every one of our faculty worked to “map out” our curriculum using a new tool called Coursetune, used by many schools (including colleges and universities). As we continue to grow educationally, this process will ensure we remain focused on the learning objectives, course outcomes, as well as our Portrait of a Graduate, all through a strong Biblical worldview.

FOURTH GRADE

As we prepare to welcome our inaugural fourth-grade class this August, our Elementary Steering Committee was dedicated to ensuring our programming, curriculum, and faculty are more than prepared to help our newest students truly flourish academically, intellectually, spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally. Our team spent countless hours researching best practices, visiting highly successful elementary schools around the world, and leaning into the vast experience of our own Oaks Christian faculty and staff.

Associate Head of School for Academic and Arts

DR. MATT NORTHROP shares the focus that guided the academic endeavors this past school year.

The Walls Came Tumbling Down School Outside Walls Expands Learning

The walls came tumbling down this year as Oaks Christian School launched the inaugural School Outside Walls (SOW) in mid-October, giving students an opportunity to expand their experience and knowledge beyond the traditional classroom setting. The three components of SOW were Leading Together, Serving Together, and Learning Together.

The week kicked off with the Leadership Summit. High school students were privileged to hear from influencers about what true leadership entails through onstage interviews with Les Snead, General Manager of the Los Angeles Rams; Janine Maxwell, co-founder of Onyx Marketing; Steve Chang, CEO of Copa Vida Coffee Roasters; and OCS Head of School Rob Black (formerly with the financial division at General Electric). The Q&A time and breakout sessions helped students build their capacity as leaders, collectively and individually.

Moving into the week, students lived out servant leadership in their advisory groups as

they completed on-campus or off-campus service projects to benefit a variety of community organizations. Among them were: Many Mansions for low-income residents, James Storehouse helping foster children, equine care with the National Park Service, local beach cleanup, no-sew blankets for Heart for Africa, and Lighthouse for Women and Children, food and hygiene product packing with Raising Hope, and box packing for Operation Christmas Child, to name a few.

“Several of the students commented on how great the opportunity was and how they didn’t know they could volunteer at Joni and Friends (serving disabled adults). They expressed interest in going back on their own,” said advisory group leader Lauren Hemsworth. “I think the service day was the highlight of the week for many of the students.”

Dr. Matt Northrop’s advisory served at Lighthouse Church in Newbury Park.

“They have a food pantry that serves approximately 90-100

families every Friday night. We helped sort, bag, and clean items to be given to these families over the course of the next few weeks. It was a great day!” said Northrop.

Dave Barra and Stanley Ng’s advisory helped at the Thousand Oaks Library, sorting and organizing books.

“We really appreciated the help, and the chance to connect with Oaks Christian staff and students!” said Judi Bumstead, the library volunteer program coordinator.

Wrapping up the week, Free Form Friday saw unique and “out of the box” learning take place.

Students participated in different sessions that incorporated diverse ways to learn experientially, kinesthetically, and ministerially. Some of the sessions included: food chemistry, un tour musical et artistique, Mathopoly, rock music and poetry, Korean cooking, a Chinatown excursion, creating a coat of arms, cold case sleuthing, an escape room, manuscript illumination, electrical signals,

wood carving, Latin music and dance, radioactive waste management, designing container homes, Lego Duplo blocks, stock market trading, Adobe Photoshop, and much more!

Capping it Off Institutes Reach Milestone

The Oaks Christian institutes reached a milestone this spring, marking the first year that all three institutes graduated seniors who completed signature capstone projects.

The Institute of Arts and Innovation was the first one to launch in 2019 and the first to have students complete capstones last year. The IAI was joined this year by students from The Institute of Global Leadership and The Institute of Engineering who presented unique capstones.

ARTS AND INNOVATION

Riding the wave of their first year of successful capstones, this year’s IAI students again delivered top-notch presentations that showcased their yearlong work.

This year’s capstones were presented at different times and in different venues, including the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Individual dance students presented their body of work during the school day at special performances, while other students presented their film projects or their songwriting, vocal, and music production pieces off-campus as part of larger shows like the film premiere at the Regency Theatre or the Night at the Canyon presentation.

ENGINEERING

In just four short years, a former pet supply building has become a modern, state-of-the-art IDEA Lab, home to the OCS Institute of Engineering which focuses on aerospace, electrical, biomedical, industrial, architectural, and environmental/ humanitarian fields of study. In May 2023, the first seniors to complete their course of study presented their capstone projects in the IDEA Lab.

Fourteen seniors completed capstones, and seven of them presented in May. They shared their process through the postulation of the idea or thesis, discovery phase (research), modifications phase (failure/try again) and completion phase (success).

“These students exemplify grit and perseverance. They understand that you need to ask for help from your team. You can’t go it alone,” said Institute Director and Engineering Teacher Greg Gillis-Smith.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Focusing on the global aspect of their institute, students in global leadership looked to the United Nations for the impetus for their capstones.

Their capstone experience was a student-directed action-based research project where the nine students investigated a topic of their own interest. Unique to the capstone projects was a commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Students focused on a topic within one of the SDGs to contribute to understanding and solving some of these daunting global challenges. This project included research, interviews, writing, and a final presentation with a Q&A for faculty and staff, family, and peers.

“I am so proud of this group of students who have dedicated themselves to diligently and critically

“These are life skills they are learning here.”

Tyler Moore invented a custom 3D-printed surfboard with pressure-controlled fins that allowed a wider range of control.

“One of the important things I have learned from Dr. Moon (math and electrical engineering teacher) is to keep trying,” said.” When we submit something, we aren’t just done. Every mistake on the board is a signal to me to keep improving. Otherwise, I am not an engineer. I am just a tinkerer.”

explore these topics that are worldwide challenges and present their findings,” said Institute of Global Leadership Director Matt Hurdle.

“These are heavy topics, to be sure,” said Eva Calvez who presented on child trafficking, “But learning about these societal challenges is the first step to solving them.” The students’ work was commemorated in a bound and professionally printed “Academic Journal” that encapsulated each capstone. Each student received a copy and one was placed in the high school library archives.

Engineering Students Published Internationally

For most high schoolers, the thought of being published in an international journal is far-fetched. But for Oaks Christian School senior Kayla Youhanaie, it was just another notch in her engineering belt.

Beginning in her junior year, Youhanaie worked with fellow

students Finley Buckner, Kenny Dott, Sammy Jackovich, Alex Leal, Hope Mbakadi Jr., Daniel Niednagel, Aiden Rouse, Haven Tan, and Enming (Tiger) Zhang on a water purification device. The device was the result of a partnership with an organization called Global Bridges. For the past three years, the OCS Institute of

Engineering worked with Global Bridges to design water storage and distribution systems for rural villages in Honduras and Nicaragua.

“We were able to talk to the community using Zoom, trying to figure out the best way that we can help them,” said Institute of

Engineering Director Greg GillisSmith. “We met Maria, a single mom with a couple of kids, who works washing people’s laundry in the river. So, we said ‘You have a river. Why are we designing this system that has a well if you folks have a river that you can use?’”

methods. After we compared the results, we concluded that ozone was the most efficient way to purify the water,” said Youhanaie, who is headed to Northwestern University to study mechanical engineering this fall. Students came together to build a prototype of the purification system. It started with a repurposed 35-gallon fish tank and some solar panels. After they ran the first tests with local pond water that tested positive for bacteria such as e. coli, the class realized that although the ozone was purifying the water, there were still particulates that were byproducts of the purification. The team added a sand filter to target the particulates, and after the final tests, put the water in a petri dish to test it. The results came back that the water was 100% pure.

The invention was incredibly successful, and the class could have patented it, but they didn’t.

“I asked the class if they wanted to apply for the patent, and they declined because they said that clean, accessible drinking water is a natural right, and should be free for everyone in the world,” said Gillis-Smith.

He explained that while the device is extremely successful, it is also easy to build.

The answer was the river’s surface water was contaminated. It was completely polluted through farms and waste upstream, with no way of purifying it. Because of that, Gillis-Smith challenged his students to find a way to purify the water in the most cost-effective way possible.

“We started by researching how water is purified. And we came up with three common methods: heat, UV, and ozone. We split up into groups and researched the energy efficiency of each of those

Youhanaie took it upon herself to write the research reports and get them published. Engineering publishing is done in a couple of ways. One way is that findings can be published in journals and conferences, with many publications requiring payment to submit and publish. The International Conference on Water Pollution and Purification Technologies was held in Istanbul, Turkey and was completely free to apply to publish. The conference reviewed all applications and chose Youhanaie’s.

“Of course, these are extremely bright kids. So for the general public, knowing that it was high schoolers who built it makes it much simpler for a nonprofit organization that does not have access to scientists with PhDs to imagine that they can also do this. The people in need can put the device together and have clean drinking water almost immediately,” said Gillis-Smith.

The engineering students were inspired by how that project could have real world impact and help people - water is such an important necessity of life.

ADecade

Devotion of

Oaks Christian School celebrated the 10th anniversary of the OC Learning Center (OCLC) this year, marking a decade of devotion to student academic success.

What started as after school tutoring for a handful of students is now a hallmark academic program, with a full slate of services: subject specific tutoring, educational testing and consulting, SAT/ACT test prep, workshops, executive function support, and final exam review sessions.

In 2012, former Director of the Learning Center Jason McMaster, started the program with 15 tutors. Their purpose was to help struggling students reach their academic goals with 1:1 tutoring and to provide the teachers with extra support. The flagship program was dubbed Academic Training.

OCLC Director Dr. Kelly Johnson has dedicated herself to the

program since the official launch in the 2012-13 school year.

“I can’t believe the Learning Center has been part of Oaks Christian School for 10 years! The growth of the Learning Center and knowing that it has impacted thousands of students’ lives over the years has been one of my greatest privileges,” she said.

The program was first housed in the Price Academic Center, adjacent to the Office of Student Life. By the third year, it had grown so much it had to move to the Gerwien Family Learning Center, its current home.

Over the years, many changes have occurred with the OCLC. They have expanded their regional services to the surrounding community. Today the OCLC serves not only OCS students, but non-OCS students, homeschool and public-school students in grades K to college.

“The decision was made to expand our services to the community because we wanted to serve as many students as possible,” Johnson said.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in new possibilities, including remote sessions. These remote sessions have expanded their pool of tutors who live across the United States, including Michigan, Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Russia.

Without the the tutors—who put their heart and soul into helping students—the OCLC would not be what it is today!

Alumna Jacqueline Pinchuk nee Pare, Class of 2005, was one of those first tutors in 2012. Because she graduated from Oaks Christian and had gone through the curriculum, she had an advantage tutoring OCS students.

Pinchuk explains, “Oaks has such

a unique teaching style. I really enjoyed being back in the whole learning environment. I discovered a real passion for education and teaching while I was a Learning Center tutor.”

Associate Head of School for Academics and Arts Dr. Matt Northrop said, “What I love about the Learning Center is that we are all about helping our students truly thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s so much more than just grades. Minds and hearts are shaped, inspired, and encouraged each and every day by the amazing men and women in our Learning Center.”

CESA Commends Academic Rigor, Christian Ethos

The 2022-23 academic year marked the inaugural year that Oaks Christian School was accepted as a Member of the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA), an honor reserved for only the most selective Christian schools globally.

CESA schools are those which uphold both academic excellence and Christian discipleship without compromising either, removing the tension parents often face between choosing high-quality sectarian education or faith-based schools which nurture faith, but lack academic rigor. Standards for acceptance demand quality, commitment, and excellence in every facet of the school’s education, intertwined with Christian ethos. Oaks Christian was commended for achieving both.

After reviewing the OCS Institutional Review Report and Standards Achievement Plan, the executive committee conferred the council member standing.

“We are confident that your place as a Member of Council will afford Oaks Christian School with an opportunity to grow and flourish as a God-glorifying school,” said CESA Director of Reviews James C. Marsh, Jr. “We also trust that you will continue to play a vital role as leaders in the CESA community of schools who will contribute significantly to advancing the cause of the CESA mission and the cause of high-quality Christian schooling.”

ANCHORS AWEIGH!

College Student Athlete (NCSA), a recruiting site for colleges.

a senator, take a physical, and other medical exams,“ she said.

Sarah Colebrooke is the first Oaks Christian School female student to be accepted by the United States Naval Academy (USNA). She joins the ranks of six other OCS male alumni who have also gone to the USNA, including Thomas Kephart, Class of 2022, who ran track with Colebrooke while at Oaks Christian.

Colebrooke started at the academy on June 29, Induction Day, also known as I-Day. The six-week boot camp at Annapolis, Maryland covered basic military training, including how to drill and sail.

Originally, Colebrooke was not interested in applying to USNA or any military school. What put the school on her radar was when the Navy’s cross-country coach contacted her through Next

They met on Zoom, got to know each other better, and the meeting went great! However, Colebrooke was stuck on the fact that it was the military, where being in the trenches and making sacrifices was expected, along with many challenges and difficult situations. Still, the opportunities that coincided with the decision were not something she had considered.

Colebrooke went on visits to other private universities. However, something was missing from the other schools that the USNA had: the discipline and structure that she desired. Colebrooke contacted the navy coach to express her interest in pursuing the navy, and the application process started from there.

“It was very emotional, very exciting. The application process is not common to other universities. It is unique. You must get a nomination from your local congressperson [Rep. Julia Brownley for her] or

“There was a lot of stress in my mind going through that. I wanted to make sure that I would make it through each part. So, when I passed the medical examination, I was like, ‘Alright, here we go!’”

In addition to reaching out to Kephart to learn about his experience as a first-year naval plebe, Colebrooke also talked with OCS Director of Alumni and Family Engagement Karen Coyle about her experience as a naval officer. Coyle went to the United States Naval War

First

OCS

Student Accepted to the Naval Academy

Female

College and served in the navy for 20 years, reaching the rank of commander.

Coyle was a tremendous mentor, giving advice and encouragement during the process.

“I am so excited for Sarah! She has everything she needs to do well at the Naval Academy! This adventure will be life-changing for her - and her influence will change

the academy for the better. Congratulations, Sarah - and I wish you ‘fair winds and following seas!’” I will be praying for you!” she said.

Naval Academy graduates are commissioned as Ensign (ENS, O1) officers, and from there, they go into the fleet and advance. The academy’s different options are to commission as a Marine Corps or a naval officer. Colebrooke finds it exciting to be commissioned as

a naval officer and then go to flight school, taking the aviation route like Coyle, but she is open to seeing where the journey will eventually take her.

“At the end of the day, the most valuable experiences are the challenging ones, the ones that scare you. So, I’m taking the leap,” she said.

STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Nine seniors from the Class of 2023 were named National Merit Finalists, marking the largest number of Oaks Christian students in one year to be honored.

A big round of applause goes to Ethan Bergman, Harrison Browning, John Chung, Connor Claeys, Nico Conway, Aidan Flintoft, Aiden Mardani, Kayla Youhanaie, and Enming “Tiger” Zhang for being the National Merit finalists.

“We are so proud of this group! This accomplishment is so well deserved and

ETHAN BERGMAN was an Institute of Engineering student, an Eagle Scout, a pole vaulting athlete, and is going to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for engineering and pole vault! Activities he was involved in at Oaks Christian were the National Honor Society (NHS), Roaring Lion newspaper, piano, Physics Bowl, Westmont Mathematics Field Day Team, advanced drawing, and painting.

HARRISON BROWNING is interested in science and history and enjoys making unexpected connections between the two. He was involved with an architecture summer program, had an architecture internship, and was in an architecture club. Activities he enjoyed were NHS, touring art museums, balisong flipping, cooking, nature, building computers, playing squash, and driving a manual transmission car.

JOHN CHUNG was an Institute of Engineering student, attended the COSMOS Summer Program at the University of California, Davis, and is an oboe player in the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra. Activities at Oaks Christian were NHS, Roaring Lion newspaper, Physics Bowl, Westmont Mathematics Field Day Team, advanced drawing and painting, Association of American Medical Colleges, and rock climbing.

CONNOR CLAEYS was a varsity basketball player and is a classically trained pianist. He has lived in Switzerland for four years, was part of the boys’ dance team, and loves history and economics.

NICO CONWAY was a lacrosse player, captain, and coach. He will attend Bowdoin College in the fall and play lacrosse. Conway loves history and art history and has done internships with Friends of the Vatican and with the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Conway enjoys art and art history and visiting museums in whatever city he finds himself at that time. Activities he enjoyed while at Oaks Christian were being a Lion’s Voice ambassador, Cyberpatriot Club, and Italian Fine Dining Club.

is reflective of the sacrifice, dedication, and perseverance displayed by each of them. It is also emblematic of the entirety of our academic culture, one that is nurtured every day in every classroom in every conversation,” said Associate Head Of School For Academics And Arts Dr. Matt Northrop.

Reflecting further on the historic achievement, he added, “The fact that there are nine recipients reflects beautifully upon our engaging, knowledgeable, inspiring faculty and staff and the culture of care they consistently provide in and out of the classroom.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program is the nation’s premier academic scholarship program showcasing seniors with outstanding academics and future potential for college success. Eligible high school students qualify based on their preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test at the specified time in the high school program, usually as juniors.

Below are the high school career highlights for each merit finalist:

AIDAN FLINTOFT transferred to Oaks Christian School during his junior year. As a football player, he signed his letter of intent to play for Stanford in the fall. He is also a Teen Hotline volunteer, a peer counseling hotline program out of Cedar Sinai for struggling teens. Volunteers are required to complete 65 hours of training and a monthly commitment to staff the hotline. Activities at Oaks Christian were Lead Like the Lion Football Captain, Rams Rise for social justice, and student board member for a violence intervention program.

KAYLA YOUHANAIE was an Institute of Engineering student and student leadership representative, a member of the Student Leadership Prefect Board, and co-president of FemSTEM. She created and organized STEM projects for local Boys and Girls Clubs over the summer. Youhanaie’s significant research experience was published in the Journal of Student Research. Activities she liked at Oaks Christian were the Oaks Serve team, musical theatre, and the NHS. She will be attending Northwestern University in the fall.

AIDEN MARDANI transferred his junior year to Oaks Christian. He was a member of the Oaks Christian National Economic Challenge team, a Thousand Oaks Teen Center volunteer, an intern for Councilman Tabatabai, an author, and a contributor to several research projects. He worked on the front lines in his mother’s medical office during the peak of COVID-19. He was also a National VEX Robotics award winner. Activities he enjoyed at Oaks Christian were Persian Club, Business and Investing Club, AI Club, fencing, and being a College Counseling ambassador.

ENMING “TIGER” ZHANG was an Institute of Engineering student, founder and president of the Oaks Christian physics team, and a member of the Oaks Christian golf team since his freshman year. Zhang participates in Zooniverse, a citizen science platform where anyone can help analyze data for ongoing research. He worked on a project called Gravity Spy, in which he analyzes data from the LIGO detector (operated by MIT and Caltech) to help the researchers train algorithms to analyze data. After completing two AP Physics courses, he completed AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism and AP Physics C: Mechanics. He has been involved with the physics summer program at the University of Pennsylvania and the summer research program at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

TEACHERS Honored YEAR

HIGH SCHOOL

of the

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Atsinger Teaching Excellence Award: High School Visual Arts Chair Anna Wadman and Middle School Science Teacher Leisa Moore. The recipients are recognized by the administration and their colleagues for exemplary teaching throughout the school year.

Wadman was honored as a dedicated teacher who has always put her students first during her 15 years at Oaks Christian School. Her peers describe her as someone who “has inspired students

HOSPITALITY

Anna Wadman

I want every student to feel welcomed and seen, to know that I see them as a work of art by the Creator. I work hard to learn about each student’s interests so that everyone feels appreciated regardless of ability or background. I work to create an atmosphere that is inviting and hospitable. The art room is a safe place, so we build intentional community and relationships that encourage each other. Students often share their artwork with each other, giving advice and encouragement, and I teach them how to do critiques well. This is a form of hospitality, accepting each other and making each other stronger.

GROWTH NURTURING

Some students feel competent in one thing and want to do it repeatedly to avoid risk. However, that avoids growth. I challenge them to try new techniques, build new skills and think from new perspectives. If I can equip students with a tool belt of art knowledge, they can build whatever they can imagine and grow beyond what they thought was possible. Another key component of growth is recognizing student individuality. Each student is planted in my garden classroom, and as the gardener, I work to make each student thrive. Their personality, style, and interests become apparent through their artwork, so I push them forward on their artistic journey. One of my biggest joys is when a student is pleased or surprised by their improvement and they grow in confidence.

Students are balancing demanding classes, grueling sports schedules, high expectations, social media pressure, friend drama, and volunteering or jobs. They don’t have time to think, breathe and simply be. I remind them they are God’s artwork and were created with a purpose. This helps put daily demands into perspective. Making art is not just “fun” or “relaxing.” We create because it is good for our souls and part of what it means to be human. The classroom atmosphere is restful, even if the lessons are challenging. We play music and keep worries outside. Students often tell me art class is a stress release. I think that is because creating is an outlet where the soul can express what words cannot: art is truly soul-care.

through the visual art of expression in many art forms. She brings joy to the hearts of students and faculty members alike.”

Moore has been a classroom teacher for 18 years, the last four at Oaks Christian. A committed believer, Moore brings her faith and her intellect to her science classes to deliver outstanding instruction. She also coaches volleyball.

In describing Moore’s qualities, fellow teachers said:

COURAGE

Courage is what I try to teach in the midst of fear. We talk about how we can’t have courage without fear. I help people be courageous in various ways. For example, in engineering, I teach them, show them, and have them use a new tool in front of me for their first time. Sometimes I share how I am fearful at times but choose to be courageous. For instance, doing something new (like building the HUGE BIG CHAIR for the dance show), standing up for someone who is being treated unkindly or ignored. Maybe it’s learning how to speak with confidence and respect while having differing opinions from your teacher.

FAILURE

I’ve been teaching science and engineering for a long time. Before Oaks Christian, I taught eighth grade physical science. Coming here, I made a huge switch to sixth grade and also incorporated the intro to engineering elective. So, I’ve had plenty of practice with FAILURE. That’s right—failure makes people uncomfortable, but in science and engineering, what do we do most of the time? We fail. But we don’t stop there. What makes scientists and engineers different is that we learn, adapt, change until we have found a solution to the problem. Having the opportunity to teach this concept is incredible.

“Whether it is in the classroom or on the volleyball court, she is an excellent example of balancing truth and love with grace.”

FOCUSED ON

When it comes to creating a successful learning environment Moore and Wadman shared, in their own words, three key areas they focus on to help students excel.

Leisa Moore

RAPPORT

Building relationships with people is so important to failure and creativity. If students (or colleagues) do not feel they are in a safe place, they worry that they will be exposed for making mistakes, which ultimately ruins creativity and stops breakthroughs. But with rapport, there is a positive, healthy connection which helps in and out of the classroom. Chatting with people about their life, asking students how their baseball tournament went or about their vacation, lets them know you care about them as a whole person- not just a student or a person you work with.

Celebrating the Class 2023 of

As they turned their tassels and tossed their caps, the Class of 2023 ended one chapter of their life and began the next. The 260 graduates were celebrated by family, friends, faculty, and staff under cool skies in Thorson Stadium on June 1.

“I want to hear how excited you are: high school is over!” said keynote speaker Kristoffer Polaha, actor and OCS parent. “We have arrived at the conclusion of your childhood. You are stepping into adulthood. So much of who you will be for the rest of your lives you have discovered here on this campus and in these halls with these wonderful, God-fearing teachers and fellow classmates.”

But then, in a twist, Polaha challenged the students to think about high school as a metaphor for life.

“Yō, Mr. Polaha you just said that high school is over,” he quipped. “But, hear me out youngbloods. Each grade level correlates to four major seasons that will make up the entirety of the rest of your life: the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years of your life.”

He challenged the graduates to live through each of those decades: their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond seeing life “with different eyes, better eyes, looking at the world with God’s eyes to see beauty where there is ugly, to see redemption, not ruin, to see grace, not revenge, and to see love, not hate and fear.”

Having lived through the COVID-19 years, the seniors also discovered what mattered. Valedictorian Finnley Shinnick reflected on that in her address.

“When we lost community, we learned what we loved in life. After returning to class, I noticed everyone had a new vigor. But beyond that, everyone placed a new importance on the people around them... we all learned how much we mattered to each other,” she said. “It is not the products or accomplishments that defined our class. It was us leading each other through community.”

Class of 2023 Highlights

44% 243 Over $6 million 34 24 41 96%

Accepted to different colleges accepted to highly selective schools accepted to 4-year schools athletes STEM students Artists

in scholarships

Awards Recipients

Valedictorian

Finley Shinnick

Salutatorian

Holden Groen

Leadership

Jada Ross

Spiritual Leadership Award

Ashlyn Kelly and Luke Rockney

Artistic Expression Award

Rose Krueger

Athletic Distinction Award

Nicole Zake and Aidan Flintoft

Head of School Award

Allie Chobanian

Unsung Hero Award

Billy Davis, IV

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION Focus On

CREATIVITY

In every area, teachers invite students to do more than copy master works, recite lines, and build skills. Students learn to add themselves to the artistic process. They use inspirational artists and images to communicate their own ideas in an original way. By making multiple iterations and edits, students were able to push their pieces forward into new artistic territories. As students develop their skill set, teachers challenge them to find their voice and make work that is personal and meaningful. By senior year, students are predominantly self-guiding, and the teacher serves as a coach for their individual pursuits.

COLLABORATION

This was a banner year for collaboration. Photo students brought together songwriters, dancers, singers, filmmakers and engineers to accomplish groundbreaking projects. They partnered with a local profit to create a book highlighting heroes with Down Syndrome and made a music video about Down syndrome in Iceland. Film 3 and 4 students completed documentaries that required collaboration with community members and nonprofits to tell their perspectives on a wide range of topics. Graphic design students took on real world “clients” as they developed their projects for a cause. 2D and 3D students collaborated during peer critiques.

COURAGE

Visual and Performing Arts

Chairs ANNA WADMAN and MARY KAY ALTIZER, respectively, shared the three key focuses that defined artistic excellence this past year.

It takes courage to share creativity with others. Dozens of students entered juried art competitions, and more students than ever before enrolled in art classes. The high school art show maxed out the first floor of the Price Academic Center and moved upstairs. In middle school, students in every discipline participated in the Arts Extravaganza. Many high school artists chose to courageously venture to other countries. Courage was also seen as students tackled personal struggles head on through their artwork. Some of the portfolio level themes included fears and phobias, identity, family history of addiction, affluence vs. poverty, and the challenge of letting go.

RED CARPET

PREMIERE

Who doesn’t love a good story?

And when a great story is brought to life on the silver screen, it is almost irresistible.

The world’s first commercial movie screening took place in December 1895 at the Grand Cafe in Paris. The film was made by French brothers Louis and Auguste Lumiere, who developed a camera-projector called the Cinematographe. Since then, the public has been in love with

The enchanted pairing of storytelling and original “screentime” has not lost its luster. For aspiring filmmakers, the thrill of seeing their story brought to life is still, well...thrilling!

Young filmmakers in the OCS Institute of Arts and Innovation got to experience that when their productions had a “red carpet” premiere at the Regency Agoura Hills Theatre in the spring.

“There is nothing like seeing your movie play on the big screen at a real theatre. To walk into the lobby and see your movie poster in the marquee, smell the popcorn, and see people queuing up to get in - that can’t be replicated in the Bedrosian, as cool as that is too. It just takes it up a notch to go to a real theatre,” said OCS Director of Film Andrew Christopher.

The vibe of an actual theatre was felt as

students glammed up, walked the red carpet, took photos in front of a backdrop, and gave interviews to Oaks News. The Regency let the program take over a huge portion of the lobby with posters and equipment. The festival included documentaries, music videos, short feature films and senior capstones.

Collin Nelson and Max Polaha created “Ode to Joy,” a documentary that was inspired by a conversation between the two as they started asking how a person can find true joy in their life. Where does it come from and how does it last?

“We felt it was an important topic and wanted to take some time to explore that,” Nelson said.

Brooklyn Stearns’ documentary, “The Mental Game,” explored the issues of mental health in athletes and if the adulation and success is worth it. As a volleyball player herself, the topic was personal.

“What made me want to create this film is that metal health in athletes is not talked about enough. Athletes are shown to be macho, that they can take anything, but in reality we have so much that impacts us,” she shared. “This documentary

opened a new perspective for me. I was dealing with pressure and stress and benefited from hearing other athletes’ stories on mental health and how it can impact athletes of all ages.”

This is the fourth film festival Christopher has produced, and he has always hoped to showcase student work in a real theatre. The program started showing films during the visual art showcase, using Calvary Community Church’s auditorium to premiere MissPerception, and an online live event on Vimeo during COVID-19.

The festival’s theatre premiere was a hit; it sold out both nights and

had to move to a bigger theatre on night two to accommodate all the ticket holders.

The logistics of moving the festival off-campus to the theatre were daunting. Cinema projectors need files exported a certain way to play at the highest quality. Often, that is outsourced to a company at a cost. Christopher spent the weekend prior to the festival converting the files himself, with one being delivered to the theatre just minutes before the showcase began. Selling tickets through an external company was also challenging. However, the value of the

experience outweighed the headaches and Christopher would do it again, albeit with extra hands on deck to make the process smoother going forward. He could not have pulled it off without his invaluable right-hand man, OCS Film Teacher Joey Scott.

“Joey does so much for this program. From encouraging, guiding, and mentoring through the capstone projects, to helping set up and tear down the festival, or running content back and forth to Regency to see if I converted the file correctly to play on their projector. We are lucky to have him,” Christopher said.

A LoVE Story Continuing a Legacy

As the main screening of the 2023 Oaks Christian School Film Festival, A LoVE Story focused on three young men who travel to South Africa to continue their grandmother’s legacy of working with AIDS-impacted children.

For co-directors Sam Hicks and Grant Seat, it started as an opportunity to hone their filmmaking skills. However, It quickly turned into a life-altering week of self-discovery in the summer of 2022, traveling to film with OCS Director of Film Andrew Christopher.

They partnered with LoVE USA, a nonprofit organization created to help AIDS-infected and impacted children in South African communities. Started by Sharon Clack in 2004, LoVE USA works with three villages in South Africa: Lily of the Valley, Ikhethelo, and Lungisisa Indlela, as well as a village in Zimbabwe, called the Lirhanzo Children’s Village.

The organization, which started through Conejo Valley Community Church, reached out to Oaks Christian after learning the film program had partnered with other nonprofit organizations. Christopher had several conversations with the board of directors, leading to the documentary.

A LoVE Story follows Clack’s three grandsons, Caleb Tucker (21), Josh Tucker (19), and Jaden Tucker (17), as they head to the villages to continue the work that their grandmother started. Caleb and Josh had traveled to South Africa before, but Jaden had never been there to see firsthand the work his family had done. For Seat and Hicks, the chance to follow the Tuckers was more than just an assignment.

“It changed my heart,” said Hicks. “I think that God is loving, and I think that He has given us the opportunity to spread that love to others. Through this story, and through the time we were able to spend with those kids and with the people, we were able to spread the love of Jesus.”

Seat had similar sentiments: “I was already going through a lot in the growth of my faith over summer, so being able to go on this trip to tell this story felt like God speaking to me and telling me, ‘Look at what you have at home, and how little it would cost you to give some of that back to these people.’ This trip was a growth spurt in service and compassion, but it also reaffirmed my desire to support the people of South Africa, to give them some of what I have been given.”

As he traveled with them, Christopher saw the personal and professional growth in both students throughout the trip as well:

“I absolutely saw a change in Grant and Sam,” he said. “Grant had never been out of the country before, let alone to Africa. Sam had been out of the country before, but in a limited capacity. It was just as much about their growth and change and about their worldview shifting as it was about the subjects of the documentary. It was also about showing them that their skillset as filmmakers can be used in a very powerful way.”

Logistically, the trip was not an easy one. Initially, the team flew into Durban, South Africa, on the Indian Ocean side of the continent. From there, it was a half hour drive to two villages, Ikethello and Lily of the Valley. Then, they flew to Harare, Zimbabwe, and drove six hours to Chikombedzim, another village associated with LoVE USA, Lirhanzo Children’s Village.

Seat and Hicks were chosen for this assignment for several reasons, and it was Christopher who saw they were ready for the challenge.

“I handpicked these two guys for this project as seniors going into their final year,” Christopher said. “They have proven themselves and had done enough projects to show what they are capable both in terms of filmmaking as well as work ethic. I knew they were ready for this opportunity.”

Both students have been staples of the film department at Oaks Christian since they stepped on campus in middle school.

“I took Intro to Film in seventh grade with Mr. Christopher,” Hicks said. “I think that’s when I realized that this is something that I wanted to do. We’ve had such great opportunities through this program. I’ve just had a wonderful time learning.

There are so many stories to tell.”

Seat had similar sentiments and spoke to why this story was so important to tell.

“I’ve been in this program all four years of high school. I love it because it’s a fun way to live different lives through the actors and the stories,” he said. “But this documentary, specifically, is important to me because this is the first time I’m telling a real story, and there is a lot of weight with the story. It’s something that I feel deeply about.”

Student Art Hangs in Capitol

Congratulations to sophomore Christopher Laranang, whose artwork, “Refuse of Man,” was named the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 26th Congressional District. His piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol, in the Thousand Oaks District office of U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley.

“I want to congratulate Christopher for his award-winning piece, ‘Refuse of Man,’ which encapsulates the spirit of abstract thinking. Art is an important outlet for students to express their emotions, channel their creativity, and advocate for the causes they care about. All of this year’s submissions were emblematic of the unbridled ingenuity and robust passion illustrated by the talented students throughout the region,” Brownley said in a statement.

Laranang planned to travel with his family to Washington DC for the Art Competition Award Ceremony and to tour the Capitol this summer. He is excited to see his art publicly displayed.

“I think it’s cool that something I created will hang in the Capitol Building,” he said.

Started in 1982, the nationwide Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the artistic talent of students across the country.

The competition is open to all students in grades nine to 12 in California’s 26th Congressional District. The winner was selected by a panel of local judges.

STUDIO ELEVATES MUSIC TONew Level

The new OCS Project Studio, a self-contained “miniature” version of a large recording studio, gave students an in-house opportunity to take their music to a new level this past year.

Designed as a “plug and play” option for students to record their own projects, the venue allows them to bring in their laptop and connect to all the equipment via USB. They are instantly connected to a network of interfaces, microphones, speakers, and preampseverything they would need to record vocals, guitars, and other instruments for their own projects and EPs.

High School Digital and Music Production Teacher

Eddie Grey, curated and purchased all the equipment needed for the studio. Additionally, a professional acoustician evaluated the rooms and installed acoustic treatment to create the best recording environment for sound and noise abatement.

Grey, along with senior Luke Rockney (also an Institute of Arts and Innovation music production student) wired the studios and installed all the equipment: new recording studio desks, MIDI keyboard workstations, studio monitors (speakers), interfaces, and a variety of microphones for different recording needs.

Oaks Christian does have a 15-station music recording

lab/classroom in place already, but all recording in that lab must be executed using headphones and students are mostly limited to MIDI recording in that setup. This new project studio allows students to selfengineer their sessions using live audio and then hear their music through external studio monitors and speakers instead of headphones.

“This studio foster more of an environment of collaboration and innovation for our songwriting, music production, and vocal performance students as they now have spaces to co-write songs and produce their synergic musical compositions,” said IAI Director and Performing Arts Chair Mary Kay Altizer.

Emerson West takes to the stage like a duck to water. The vivacious thespian has been acting since age eight and has performed in countless musicals in community theatre, the OCS stage, and commercial television and film, as well.

“I have grown up with the craft of acting, and in a way, it has grown up with me,” she said in her senior capstone project “Training vs. Trying: An Actors Path to Success.” “Acting has always brought me my greatest joy and has been my greatest passion since I was little.”

Her stage appearances from elementary school to high school have been in iconic shows such

The to

Path NYU

as “The Wizard of Oz,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Annie,” “Seussical,” and “You Can’t Take It with You,” to name a few.

So, it was no surprise when she was nominated and won the Jerry Herman High School Musical Theatre Award for best Supporting Actress for her role as Golde in OCS’ Fiddler on the Roof in fall 2022! She was recognized by the judges for her brilliant performance.

“Thank you to everyone at Oaks Christian for making this production so incredible. Our director Mama E, our musical director Ed Rouse, everyone on the production team, the cast. Thank you to my parents for supporting me on this crazy career I am trying to embark on,” she in her acceptance speech.

And she is well on her way to starting her “crazy” career. With the supporting actress win now on her resume, West will be a

freshman acting major this fall at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. NYU Tisch is a selective schools with an acceptance rate of roughly 15% of applicants annually.

“I applied to 12 schools, maybe even 13. I had to withdraw all my applications after I got into NYU on early decision, but I literally did not care—even though I put in all the work—because I got into my dream school, my top choice,” she enthused.

In “Training vs. Trying,” West asked what is more advantageous to aspiring actors: to get an acting degree or go straight into the industry? After several interviews with producers, mentors and actors, including Rob Lowe, she concluded:

“I am so grateful I have been able to talk to industry profesionals throughout this process and learn from them. I realize there isn’t one path for everyone. Each person’s path is different, and this is my path,” she said. “There are lots of different ways to earn success and I am so grateful I found mine. I could not be more excited to go to NYU.”

It has been over 15 years since the Oaks Christian School theatre department performed the hit Broadway show “Fiddler on the Roof,” but it almost felt like it was just yesterday for some of the original 2007 cast and crew members. The beloved story of Tevye and his woes, wit, and worry over his three marriageable daughters was first performed in the Bedrosian Pavilion in 2007. An encore performance was presented in the fall of 2022.

Rosalind Allen-Enciso, who most theatre alumni know as Mama E, is the OCS theatre arts director. Back in the day, she directed and produced the 2007 “Fiddler on the Roof” and stepped back into the director role for this fall production.

Mary Kay Altizer, musical director and orchestra conductor in 2007 is now the performing arts department chair and the director of the Institute of Arts and

David Alexander, technical director of the 2007 production was also the technical director for the 2022 production.

Still teaching today, Ryan Kelly and Dr. Jim Altizer played in the live orchestra for the production in 2007. Costume designer Jamie Hampton and vocal coach Dawn Walters, both a part of the 2007

daughter, Aria Walters, was in this

Lauren Hemsworth nee Randol, Class of 2008, played the role of Tzeitel (played this year by Makenzie Pappan, Class of 2023). Hemsworth is currently the creative content specialist for The Institute of Arts and Innovation and the arts department.

Bradley Gosnell, Class of 2010, played the role of Lazar Wolfe (played by Kendall Smith, Class of 2023). Gosnell currently works at Oaks Christian as the high school drama teacher and has also directed many productions over the past couple of years.

TradiTion!

Fiddler: Then and Now

Beforeand After

This year’s annual high school art show “Before and After” brought together the disciplines of digital art, drawing and painting, photography, 2D, and 3D art in one of the biggest showcases in school history. Normally, the lower halls and lobby of the Price Academic Center are the venue for this event, but due to record student participation, the display also continued up to the second floor. Unique and evocative artwork graced the walls and floorspace, showcasing artistic excellence throughout.

Extravagant Expression!

The Middle School Arts Extravaganza displayed the artistic accomplishments of students over a two-night event that featured visual and performing arts. Photography, drawing and painting, 2D and 3D art, digital art, and the Humanities Lab were on display for family and friends to enjoy. Vocal, instrumental, dance, and theatre students also performed in the middle school pods.

House A Full

It was a full house for performing arts this year, as the middle school and high school delivered outstanding theatre, vocal, and dance productions. Comedy was alive and well in shows like “You Can’t Take it With You,” “The One-Act Disaster Play,” “The Music Man, Jr,” and “The 39 Steps.” Themes of family, love and tradition were explored in the second OCS production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” and a tribute to blockbuster movie hits was the theme of Spring Spectacular’s “Lights, Camera, Music!” High energy and incredible dance numbers made up the high school dance show, “I Love LA,” and the middle school dance production of “Roaring Loud,” and the Institute of Arts and Innovation Dance Show. Returning for a second year was Arts Under the Oaks, including a middle school performance. Rounding out the year were the beloved traditions of Band Bonanza, Spring String Thing, Christmas concerts and The All-School Concert.

VISUAL ARTS EUROPE TRIP INSPIRES

The OCS visual arts students had a tremendous time on their educational trip to Europe over Easter, visiting the cities of Paris and Barcelona. The experience was invaluable as students were able to immerse themselves in art and be inspired by the works of the great masters. While there, they formed stronger friendships and increased their knowledge of classic art.

Paris

Day one started with a walking tour of the Left Bank, a bus tour of the city, lunch near Notre Dame, exploring the Montmartre neighborhood, and delicious French cuisine for dinner.

Day two included major sights such as Les Invalides, which is the resting place of Napoleon, Musée de

l’Armée, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, and a boat ride up the Seine.

On Good Friday, the students attended a service at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Easter service was also at the Sacré-Cœur.

Five different French families opened their homes and cooked meals for the students and chaperones, giving them a taste of authentic Parisian cuisine.

Bonjour andHola!

Barcelona

Barcelona included museums and art everywhere, as well as lots of photography and outdoor sketching. Some of the highlights: walking around the city, bike riding, and sidewalk café dining.

The students went to the La Boqueria food market and did more sketching before meeting their Spanish guide to the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell along with several other sites.

At the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell they got in some art time. The evening included a great dinner of Spanish meatballs and pasta in a beautiful square and then a traditional Flamenco show.

On their last day in Spain, they took a bus to Toledo, a medieval village. They viewed a sword making demonstration at the Toledo Sword factory—where swords were made for the “Lord of the Rings” and most movies that use intricately designed swords.

On a walking tour of the village, the students saw some El Greco paintings, and visited the Toledo Cathedral, which is the fourth largest cathedral in Europe. It was built from 1227-1493 and provided breathtaking artwork and architecture.

Venice Artist Studio Tour

The Price Academic Center at Oaks Christian has been home to many priceless pieces of professional art.

Charles Arnoldi is one of the most important American contemporary artists of our time. Two of his pieces have adorned the halls of the academic building for many years. His piece, completed in 1975 and titled “Pacific Rim” is one of them. Recently, this piece was selected to become part of USC’s permanent collection, and sadly, had to leave the Oaks Christian visual arts wing.

In response, Arnoldi offered to host a group from Oaks Christian at his studio in Venice to select a replacement piece. Visual Arts Chair Anna Wadman organized a trip, selecting students from each high school grade level who express a passion for art and eye for aesthetics.

Students were given a personal tour by Arnoldi and participated in discussion with the artist about the artwork they viewed. They also offered their thoughts on what should become the replacement piece.

SUNDANCE MOTIVATES

Oaks Christian School film students had an opportunity to learn “outside the walls” at the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Eighteen students, mostly from the Institute of Arts and Innovation (IAI) film classes, attended the iconic festival billed as “the ultimate convergence of independent artists and audiences,” with groundbreaking film screenings and speakers.

OCS Director of Film Andrew Christopher annually takes his students to Sundance, but the January festival was cancelled for two years due to COVID-19. So, when it was announced that Sundance was returning, Christopher didn’t hesitate to put a trip together. Boarding a pre-dawn flight with their four chaperones, the group landed in snowy Utah, ready to immerse themselves in a community of like-minded artists.

“An experience like this is invaluable. We sat in on panel discussions of first-time filmmakers who have made their way to Sundance. What they shared was invaluable: their creative process, the hurdles and obstacles they encountered, and how people opened doors for them,” said Christopher. “They also shared how they looked for help from people who were in the same

struggle as them vs. looking for a hand-up. This is so relatable to what my students are experiencing.”

He added that it was motivating for students to hear from people who were once in the audience but are now on the stage receiving awards.

“Not only is that inspirational but it is an affirmation for students on how accessible and doable this can be for them,” he said.

During their four day trip, the students divided their time between Park City and Salt Lake City, watching feature films, documentaries, short programs and sitting in on multiple speakers.

Christopher teaches a documentary class, and students were especially appreciative of the documentary panels.

“This experience is reaffirming a lot of the things the Oaks film program has instilled in us… not just doing theory but having a full hands-on approach to filmmaking. The documentary panel was a perfect way of showing, creating documentary that follows story, not just exposition, stories with character and empathy,” said junior Collin Nelson.

An extra surprise for the students was at the end of the screening of “Theatre Camp.” Unbeknownst to them, actor Michael J. Fox was in the audience. At the end of the film, he gave an impromptu thanks to the director and producer on how much he enjoyed their film.

As they returned to campus, students were eager to put what they had learned at Sundance into practice as they prepared to showcase their own, original work at the OCS film festival on May 12 and 13. In the past two years, OCS film students have produced two full-length feature films that have won multiple awards and nominations.

Artists Win National Medals

Congratulations to Oaks Christian School students Michelle Kang, Aisha Weththasingha, and Isabel Davison who were recognized as national medalists by the Alliance for Young Writers and Artists in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for 2023. This is the most prestigious and longest-running student arts awards in the nation, with pieces due in November and winners announced in the spring.

Senior Kang won gold for her mixed media work titled “Tune In.” Freshman Weththasingha won silver for her poem “The Ocean Shimmers Differently at Night,” and OCO (Oaks Christian Online) student Davison won silver for her work “On Watch.” The trio are among the top 2% of students honored nationally.

This is Weththasingha’s second time winning a national award for poetry. She won her first national scholastic award when she was in the eighth grade.

To reach the national level, students must first win at the regional level and then they advance. More than 100,000 students submit their artwork annually and less than 2,000 receive a national medal.

Students Sweep the Board

Oaks Christian students swept the board in three categories at the annual Hang with the Best competition sponsored by The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley. Hang with the Best is an annual art show sponsored by the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley for over 25 years. Students enter paintings, printmaking, collages, sculptures, photography, and digital styles. Over 100 students participate annually, and their submissions are adjudicated by art professionals.

The OCS students captured all placements in the middle school photography, mixed media, and 3D art categories. A hearty round of applause for the winners.

ATHLETIC DISTINCTION Focus On

Our athletic department placed an intentional focus on the Oaks Christian School Culture Playbook this past year, especially as we led team devotionals and meetings. We focused on our values to help guide us to live out the Oaks Christian School mission.

DIGNITY

We sought to cultivate trust and respect throughout all teams of our athletic department as we intentionally pour into our student-athletes each day. Our athletic staff constantly reminded student-athletes of how their words and actions impact our community. Knowing that we are made in God’s image places a huge responsibility for each of us to lead like Jesus.

RESPONSIBILITY

We did our best to model humility within our athletic department. Our athletic staff encouraged our studentathletes to take ownership of their actions and to serve others with a joyful heart. Living with integrity and loving sacrificially allows us to grow in Christ.

GROWTH

We expressed the importance of being disciplined and teachable, which must be modeled by our athletic staff. We fostered a culture where student-athletes examine, reflect, and embrace all that is true. We understand that as our faith and hope grow, so does our love for one another.

After completing his first year as Head of Athletics, DR. BRAD COOK summarizes the focus his department had during the 2022-23 athletic season.

Oaks Christian lost a legend when Peter Ackermann, the school’s first and only softball coach, passed away at the age of 77 on Dec. 3. Ackermann’s passing was the result of a surgical procedure following lengthy health challenges. He is survived by his wife, Carol, daughter Christine, and granddaughter Samantha. At the time of his death, Ackermann was still actively coaching and serving as the assistant athletic director of operations.

Ackermann was eulogized at the funeral, reception, and committal service at Saint Julie Billiart in Newbury Park. Additionally, a Celebration of Life service open to the entire Conejo Valley Community was held at Calvary Community Church on Jan. 7.

“Pete was a serious individual and a ‘deep well’ that you needed to explore slowly over time in order to fully appreciate him,” said OCS Head of School Rob Black. “If you only crossed Pete’s path briefly, or had short conversations, you would miss out on who he really was. Without a doubt, above all else, Pete loved the Lord, his school, his friends and colleagues, and the softball student-athlete young women he coached and mentored at Oaks Christian. It is an incredible privilege and joy to have been able to count Pete as a dear and personal friend.”

Ackermann was one of the school’s original employees, first

hired in August 2000. He began his career at Oaks Christian as a softball coach, and later added the responsibilities of assistant athletic director for operations.

His wry sense of humor and his pseudo-gruff demeanor belied a heart of gold. Ackermann was an athletic icon and fixture in the Conejo Valley, having mentored and coached hundreds of athletes during his tenure. His softball players often remained in contact with him after graduating and moving on to play at the collegiate level.

“Wins and losses are not as important as establishing relationships with students. As coaches, we need to open up about ourselves and show how much we care about the young men and women we coach. Sometimes they don’t get it instantly, but it opens doors for communication down the road. I get such pleasure staying in touch with our alumni, and when they come back to visit and I get to see their life’s success and their new families,” Ackermann shared in an interview a few years ago. “That’s the real win.”

As a young boy, Ackermann worked hard growing up on his parents’ farm in Yucaipa. His parents were WWII refugees from Austria who immigrated to the United States when he was five. As the son of immigrants, he knew the value of hard work and perseverance. That grit led him to become a vice president and plant manager of one of the largest chicken ranches in the world, with over 4 million chickens.

Later, he applied the same work ethic at Oaks Christian when he was hired in 2000 as the girls’ softball coach. He assisted Athletic Director Jan Hethcock, substituted as a middle school PE teacher, and was later promoted to athletic coordinator. This led to constantly increasing responsibilities culminating in his role of high school assistant athletic director of operations.

OCS’ current Head of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook shared his recollections of Ackermann. “He contributed to the Oaks Christian community on so many levels and as a mainstay in the athletic pillar for Oaks Christian School. He would often tell me that Oaks Christian

did more for him than he could ever do for Oaks Christian. However, I can personally claim that Pete has left a lasting impact on me as a believer in Jesus Christ, a member of the Oaks Christian community, and as a coach.”

“We will all miss Pete but knowing that Jesus Christ has conquered death gives us true hope and the persistence we need to continuously love one another. I know that above all, Pete loved the people of Oaks Christian and the community that we serve each day,” added Cook.

Ackermann coached for over 50 years: 22 of those at Oaks Christian. He started in the early 70s as a Newbury Park Bobby Sox softball coach, moving on to varsity softball head coach at Newbury Park High School, and earned his 600th win as the OCS head girls’ softball coach.

Over the course of his career, Ackermann achieved a lot of success: 15 league Coach of the Year titles, three CIF Coach of the Year titles, was named California Coaches Association Softball Coach of the Year, acknowledged twice as the National Christian Schools Athletic Association Coach of the Year, and was named the Los Angeles Times, Ventura County Star, and Daily News Coach of the Year.

Under his coaching leadership, Ackermann’s OCS softball team qualified every year for CIF

LOss of a

post-season play, had a 46-game win streak, earned three CIF championships, and three runner-up slots. His softball players have been named Gatorade State Player of the Year, as well as achieving multiple MVP and All-Team accolades.

Along with founding OCS Athletic Director Hethcock, Ackermann helped build Oaks Christian into a national athletic powerhouse. Not only successful vocationally, the two were close friends off the court and field.

“Today is a sad day for the Ackermann family, the Oaks Christian family, the Conejo Valley community, and the California athletic community at large,” stated Hethcock. “As Billy Graham quoted, ‘A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime.’ Pete, through the past 50 plus years, impacted countless lives.”

The Legend

Over 100 people gathered at the Oaks Christian School softball field on March 2 as it was rechristened Peter Ackermann Field in honor of the Lions’ longtime softball coach who passed in December 2022. It was a fitting presentation on the second home game of the season against Newbury Park High School. The Panthers watched alongside the Lions in a special tribute. Ackermann got his start in high school softball at Newbury Park over 30 years ago.

Oaks Christian School staff, members of the media and friends

Softball Field Renamed to Honor Ackermann

of Ackermann, as well as his daughter and granddaughter surrounded the diamond as Head of Athletics

Dr. Brad Cook welcomed fans and OCS’ first Head of Athletics Jan Hethcock prayed over the field before the first pitch.

Ackermann’s daughter, Christine, and her daughter, Samantha, were presented with a framed jersey by the team’s four seniors: Anahi Arreola, Justine Lambert, Liesl Osteen, and Heaven Oliva. The jersey is a new, single-season jersey commissioned by the school to honor Ackermann, by spelling Oaks Christian, with an added ‘N’ honoring the spelling of Ackermann’s last name. The jersey

Coyle Named New Softball Coach

Former NCAA All-American and current Middle School Athletics

Assistant Cheyenne Coyle was named the Oaks Christian softball coach for the 2023 season. Coyle had been the middle school athletics assistant at Oaks Christian since August 2022 and was appointed head coach after the passing of long-time Oaks Christian Softball Coach Peter Ackermann.

“I am excited to get started,” Coyle said. “Obviously, I wish it were under better circumstances, but I am excited to find ways to honor Coach Pete Ackermann and his legacy throughout this season.

This team is super talented, and I am excited to see what they can do both on and off the softball field this year.”

Coyle is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she played softball for two seasons. In her time at Arizona State, Coyle was named an NCAA Second-Team AllAmerican. She hit 20 home runs as a junior, which at the time was tied for the best single-season home runs in Arizona State history.

Before Arizona State, Coyle played at University of Florida for two seasons, and as a freshman was named to the Southeastern

was numbered ‘22’ to represent his 22 years as head coach.

A second jersey was framed and will be hung alongside the jerseys of Lion alumni from all sports who have made their way into the professional ranks of their sports.

Also presented was a large banner that read “Peter Ackermann Field. In honor of his 22 years of servantleadership to the Oaks Christian Softball Program.” The sign hung for the remainder of this season before a more permanent marker was commissioned over summer.

Conference All-Freshman Team. She played in one Women’s College World Series as a freshman at Florida and earned All-Tournament Team honors.

Coyle was an assistant coach at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee for one year, and a graduate assistant at Auburn University for two years.

FCA Makes an Impact

Each week, over 100 students piled into the Dallas Athletic Center to hear the Word of God. This might seem like a common practice at Oaks Christian School, as Bible classes and chapels are required, but the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meetings are voluntarily attended.

The FCA has been changing the lives of athletes since 1954. What started as a letter to 19 college and professional athletes and coaches, including Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey, Louie Zamperini and Carl Erskine by Dan McClanen has turned into an international gathering of like-minded individuals coming together to win hearts for Christ, including the group at Oaks Christian.

As a young athlete and coach, McClanen wondered why professional athletes endorsed

products like shaving cream and cigarettes, but not a Christian lifestyle. Fast forward 70 years, and FCA has 20,000 “huddles” and is in 114 countries.

Senior water polo player Jack Randel has been a part of FCA since his freshman year but was asked to become part of the leadership team this past year.

“Being a Christian athlete and being able to live the Christian lifestyle as I play my sport is important to me,” Randel said. “So, when they asked me to become a leader in FCA, I was very open to it.”

The FCA group on campus is one of several in the area. Nearly all local high schools, private and public, have their own groups, which Leah Doherty helps oversee. She is a full-time FCA area representative.

“I serve with the FCA because it had such an impact on my personal faith and it made me want to give back to the athletes in this area,” Doherty said. “Sports are such a universal platform to

connect with students. You can see athletes come together voluntarily and grow in their faith. I know that some might not be plugged into a church, so FCA might be the only place at Oaks, outside of Bible class and chapel that they are being shown the Word.”

FCA is also a place where members of different sports teams can come together under a common banner and form relationships with players on other teams. At each meeting on Oaks Christian’s campus, different local youth pastors, coaches, and OCS staff members came to speak to the gathering. Lunch was provided for the students, but the focus was to come together, pray together, and break bread prior to being fed the Word of God.

“It has been really nice because a lot of our team goes,” sophomore basketball player Brooklyn Shamblin said. “It wasn’t like that last year, so I am happy to now have a team that wants to grow spiritually. It has been cool to be able to apply what we learn at FCA directly to our practices and games. That has helped the culture of our team, and the ability to deal with adversity.”

Leadership is not something that comes naturally to everyone; sometimes it must be taught, and sometimes skills must be sharpened. The Lead Like the Lion group at Oaks Christian School strives to be a place where leaders can be developed

“Lead Like the Lion is where coaches have identified players on their teams, whether they are captains or not, that have shown some form of leadership,” said Head of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook.

“We also want to bring in the OCS culture playbook and teach the importance of the values of dignity, responsibility, and growth.”

The program was developed by Cook and then Athletic Chaplain Chazz Anderson. Students from all grade levels and from multiple sports attend the meetings three times a semester.

“I found out about Lead Like the Lion through Dr. Cook,” senior softball player Heaven Oliva said. “He spoke with our team about incorporating leadership into

our athletic culture here at Oaks Christian. I was immediately interested in developing new leadership skills and improving on the ones I had.”

The program started with lecturing and personal testimonies paired with small video clips, but what Cook envisioned is seeing this branch out to all teams.

“We want them not only to be leaders, but to also create more leaders within their teams. As we continue, I want it to be a place where we talk about the application of leadership skills, not just leadership theory,” he said.

The group usually has anywhere from 25-40 students attend, with the main portion of the time being spent intermingling with peers after hearing from Cook about leadership.

“Our biggest focus is making sure we teach students how to lead like Christ. We want them to understand that Jesus is the ultimate example of leadership.

We can use His teachings as a blueprint to develop into the best possible leaders,” he said.

The athletes truly saw a benefit to meeting together as a group.

“It feels like we are all kind of figuring this all out together, and not having to go in blind. I like the guidance of coaches and other adults telling us ‘It’s okay if it feels overwhelming. Take a deep breath, we are here to provide you with the skills to become a better leader,’” said Oliva.

Football and volleyball player Luke Baklenko had similar thoughts.

“The fact that this is something that we get to participate in shows what a special community we have at Oaks Christian,” he said. “There are a significant number of people here that strive to be better and that push others around them to be better. It is extremely encouraging to be around like-minded people.”

AI Camera Reimagines How to View Games

Every athlete watches film. It is a part of preparing for the next competition and a way to understand strengths and weaknesses. In the past, having access to film meant having an assistant coach or a volunteer sit behind a camera or device with a camera, such as an iPad, and manually follow the action.

However, there is innovation with an Artificial Intelligence-powered camera called the VEO Camera and Oaks Christian School is at the forefront of this new technology.

The cameras record the games to an internal SD card, and when the game is over, uses either Wi-Fi or 4G connections to upload the entire game into a cloud-based storage system. The AI technology then automatically makes clips of important moments in the game, which might be goals or corner kicks, and allows whoever is watching the video to click and go straight to key moments of the game.

“The cameras allow coaches to watch the games nearly instantaneously,”

Oaks Christian Girls’ Soccer Head Coach

Sebastian Alvarado said. “I think the best part about the cameras is that they allow the girls to be able to watch film individually,

and can track what they did in the game, whether that be goal kicks, corner kicks, or scoring goals whether on offense or defense.”

Oaks Christian purchased three cameras over the summer of 2022 to be used across all sports, beginning with the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams during the winter season, and continuing through the spring season with the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams.

Each VEO camera uses AI technology during the games to follow the ball, using a combination of two lenses to track and zoom in on the action. A unique feature is streaming the games live if there is an internet connection.

“The reception of the live stream

has been very positive,” Alvarado said. “Early in the year, we had a game in Newport Beach on a Saturday, and many parents with multiple children couldn’t be in both places at the same time, but because of the VEO cameras’ live streaming abilities, they were able to watch all our games.”

The goal for the VEO cameras is to be able to stream every home indoor and outdoor sporting event. Testing is being done to find a way to film indoor sports as well as outdoor sports.

LIONS COMPETE AT PAN AM GAMES

Playing for your country in international competitions is something many athletes dream about. While the Olympics are the pinnacle, for three water polo athletes at Oaks Christian School, the Cadet Pan American Games are the first foray into international play.

Junior Nehemiah Pavoggi and sophomore Max Burstein donned the red, white, and blue of the United States, while freshman Sean O’Neill represented his home country of Canada in April.

The US team beat Brazil 19-9 to claim the gold medal at the games.

This year’s games were Pavoggi’s second competition at the cadet level, which is comprised of athletes aged 17 and under. He was selected for the world championships last year, helping the United States finish ninth.

“Last year was an incredible experience because I got to learn a lot,” he said. “It was the first time I competed abroad in a worldwide tournament. Going into it for the first time, you don’t really know what to expect. You mature a lot, from taking care of your own nutrition, to workouts, to getting to practice and games on your own.”

The process behind getting picked is a nail-biting one. In world championship years, players attend multiple camps to try out and compete against many other athletes. This year, however, the process was expedited.

“There were 40 guys who got an email to go to Newport to try out for this team,” said Burstein, who is playing in his first major international event. “We got down there and tried out, and just 14 guys got picked. Usually there are other camps. But this team was selected on relatively short notice because it’s the year after the world championships. We only really had the one tryout.”

Burstein also talked about how having a familiar face around helps.

“Having someone I know really calms a lot of my nerves. Pavoggi has been through this before, so he gets the drill. Last year, I was a part of the very last cut for the world championship team, so I got to watch him play, which was really encouraging. Now we will be on the team, build more of a relationship, and travel together.”

Jack Kocur is the OCS head water polo coach and the coach for the United States Junior National Team, which is comprised of freshmen and sophomores in college.

“It’s great that we have three athletes playing at the highest level and representing their countries,” said Kocur. “Not only for Canada in Sean’s case, but also for the United States with Nehemiah and Max. The biggest thing athletes can learn from international play is the exposure to the professionalism.“

For O’Neill, this Pan American Games experience is the second of his young international water polo career. He played for Team Canada in the world championships last year, competing against Pavoggi, who played for Team USA.

“Last year was insane for me, as I was the only one from my grade playing on a team with guys a year and two years older than me,” O’Neill said. “I was on the Canadian team in the world championships in Belgrade, Serbia. It was awesome to see what high-level international teams like Serbia, Hungary, and Spain are like. It feels like a completely different level.”

As the final buzzer of the 2022 NCAA men’s water polo National Championship game sounded at Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley, California, Adrian Weinberg, Class of 2019, had tears running down his face as the team and coaches all jumped in the pool.

“I was on the brink of crying when we mounted the comeback and went up 13-12,” said Weinberg, a junior at the University of California, Berkeley. “It was definitely the best comeback that I have ever been a part of and to do it in front of our home fans was a surreal moment that I will never forget.”

The Golden Bears captured their NCAA 16th National Championship in men’s water polo, and second straight with Weinberg manning goal. After trailing by four goals going into the fourth quarter, the Bears tied at 12, then after a crucial Weinberg save, got the game-winning goal with 40 seconds left. For most college athletes, the off season means less practice and more time to relax. But for athletes who are trying to make the US National Team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, that’s not the case.

“I am thinking about Paris in 2024. I know how hard I need to train to make that team. There is no rest for me. But I am okay with that, because I am willing to sacrifice to be a part of that team that goes to Paris,” Weinberg said. “Whatever team USA needs me to do, I am going to do it.”

That kind of commitment has carried over from his time at Oaks Christian School. Coming from a humble background, Weinberg has always gone the extra mile. That drive and determination is what made OCS Head Water Polo Coach Jack Kocur notice him.

Weinberg has fond memories of his time at Oaks Christian. He played both water polo and baseball as a Lion and credits a lot of his athletic and personal growth to being here.

“Because of Oaks, I try my best to be dedicated to the faith. Oaks instilled that in me. I go to Bible study every week, and attend Athletes in

Alum Aims for Olympics

Action, a Christian ministry specifically for college athletes,” Weinberg said. “I had questions about faith when I came to Oaks and the environment changed me for the better.”

“If it weren’t for Coach Kocur, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Weinberg. “I started playing water polo in the inner city of Los Angeles and didn’t have much going for me in the sport. I was fortunate to make the national team, and Kocur was the coach for that age group at the time. Oaks needed a goalie, and he took me under his wing.”

Next up for Weinberg is his fourth and final season at Cal, but he is keeping his eye on the 2024 Olympics. Weinberg said, “One of my dreams is making the Olympics, so when I am laying on my bed at night, I think a lot about being there and doing something that helps the team win. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I think about how blessed I am to even have this opportunity.”

YOU’RE ON LION TURF NOW

Oaks Christian School celebrated its first home varsity football game of the season on Sept. 16, on the newly renovated turf on the Bill Redell Field at Thorson Stadium. After nearly four months of renovation, the turf was ready for use as the Lions took on Serra High School with a 7:00pm kick off.

The field was officially dedicated Sept. 7 in an early morning ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by faculty and staff and led by Head of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook.

“I can only imagine as we pray and dedicate this field about the thousands of student-athletes who will set foot on this field: football, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, and how this will bless them,” Cook said.

The typical duration of field turf is 8-10 years, but through the selection of long-lasting, yet still safe turf, the original turf in the stadium lasted 12 years. The new turf was installed by Hellas Construction and is the same turf used at SoFi Stadium, home to the Los

Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

A significant advantage for players is that it uses an EcoTherm infill, a recyclable, non-toxic material that in effect creates a cooling effect on the turf and reduces temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I am beyond thrilled with how beautiful the field came out with our new color scheme and the huge, 60-foot mascot at midfield,” said OCS Chief Operating and Risk Management Officer Mike Parkinson.

“But the most rewarding part for me is the part that nobody will ever see. We spent countless hours with our design teams, consultants, and contractors focused on student-athlete safety. In the end, we identified and installed an ‘underlayment system’ that significantly improves the shock-absorbing capabilities of the field. Our prayer is that this will provide a softer landing for our athletes which in-turn will result in less injuries for them,” said Parkinson.

While the process was quick, it was not without challenges: the stadium’s closing was a major hurdle.

“Probably the most challenging obstacle was figuring out how to manage the lack of having our stadium available for games, track meets, practices, OCS events, etc.,” said Parkinson. “Thanks to the flexibility and support of our amazing team of athletic directors, faculty, staff, and coaches, we pulled it off!”

At the dedication ceremony, Parkinson also lauded OCS Director of Operations Bill Brown and his team for their extraordinary work in getting the field ready in time for the first game.

WATCH THE TIME LAPSE FIELD RENOVATION VIDEO HERE

“I can only imagine as we pray and dedicate this field about the thousands of studentathletes who will set foot on this field: football, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, and how this will bless them.”

-Dr. Brad Cook

A Champion of Character

Senior football offensive lineman and boys’ volleyball middle blocker Luke Baklenko was honored in September 2022 at the Jim Staunton Champions for Character Awards Ceremony, hosted by the CIF-Southern Section.

The Champions for Character are awarded for “a commitment to leadership in upholding the CIF ideals of sportsmanship, integrity, positive relations, respect for diversity of all people, competition, fair play over victory, and a scrupulous adherence to the rules of sport.”

Baklenko has maintained standards of high academic

achievement while being actively involved in the Oaks Christian athletic department and community. He is headed to Stanford University this fall to continue his football career.

Baklenko, along with 12 student-athletes, 12 coaches, five administrators, five athletic trainers, and one member of the media were honored in a ceremony at the Grand Conference Center in Long Beach.

“Luke displays the qualities that all coaches desire in their studentathletes,” said Oaks Christian Head

of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook. “He is a true leader on the Oaks Christian football and volleyball teams. He is always seeking ways that he can serve others and inspire them to reach their full potential. Luke realizes that he is a person of influence, and he lives each day with an intentional purpose.”

Flintoft First OCS NFF Scholar-Athlete

Senior football and boys’ volleyball player Aidan Flintoft was named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete for the Los Angeles Chapter. One of just 50 studentathletes honored across over 110 schools in the CIF-Los Angeles and

Southern Sections, the Stanfordbound punter and kicker received the honor at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in March. He is the first athlete from Oaks Christian School to become an NFF Scholar-Athlete.

Last year, Flintoft set the Oaks Christian record for punt average, pinning opponents back 39 yards per punt. He also made 39 of 41 point after touchdown attempts and was a perfect 6-for-6 on field goals, with an Oaks Christian record 50-yarder.

Every year the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame pay tribute to a select few with awards of excellence

for exhibiting superior qualities of scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and community service ranging from assisting the elderly, patient care in hospitals, to the coaching of aspiring football players in leagues and clinics.

Locally, the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame honors at least 50 high school senior scholar-athletes from the Los Angeles City Schools Section and from the CIF-SS.

Godsey Makes History

with State Title

Payton Godsey, junior cross country runner, won the CIF State Division 4 cross country meet on Nov. 26, making her the first athlete in Oaks Christian School history to win this title. With a time of 17:00.1, she outpaced the rest of the runners by 27 seconds to win her first CIF State crown.

This time set a new Oaks Christian record at the Fresno course and earned Godsey a spot on the AllCIF State team. It is also the fourth best time in the history of CIF cross country for a junior runner.

Godsey had the second fastest time in the entire meet, regardless of CIF Division. She was just over two seconds behind the top time, set by Ventura’s Sadie Engelhardt.

The Lady Lions had four runners finish in the top 25: Godsey, senior Sarah Colebrooke (18:09.0 - 11th), junior Grace Geyer (18:41.3 - 21st), and senior Gianna Sanchez (18:41.5 - 22nd). Overall, the Lions took second place in the meet behind CIF State champion Junipero Serra.

Godsey won the Marmonte League finals in a three-mile personal record of 16:43.1 at Agoura High School on Nov. 3. She won the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 championship at Mt. San Antonio College in 16:54.2 on Nov. 19. Godsey was also named the Daily News and the Ventura County Star Cross Country Runner of the Year. In addition, she won numerous regional and national races, including the 5,000-meter girls’ gold division race in 17:28.30, at John Hunt Running Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

“I set my eyes on high goals and kept upping those goals week after week,” Godsey told the VC Star. “I accomplished more than I could have imagined before the season started.”

Her coach Wes Smith described her as tough, levelheaded, and determined. Her teammates say she is disciplined and focused but also a team player.

Godsey told the VC Star she loved building memories with her teammates this past season.

“I really enjoyed the racing aspect from an individual standpoint, but more than anything I had the time of my life with my team,” Godsey said. “We had so much fun, and we were able to make some good memories on and off the course. That’s what I’m going to remember from this season.”

HIGH SCHOOL STATS

• CIF CHAMPIONSHIPS •

Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field

• CIF RUNNER-UP •

Girls’ Volleyball

• STATE RUNNER-UP • Softball

• COACHES OF THE YEAR •

Royce Clayton – Baseball

Cheyenne Coyle - Softball

• MARMONTE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS •

Girls’ Basketball

Girls’ Soccer

Girls’ Track & Field

Girls’ Volleyball

Girls’ Golf

Girls’ Water Polo

Girls’ Beach Volleyball

Softball

• LEAGUE MVP •

Berkley Mape, Girls’ Soccer

Avery Oder, Girls’ Soccer – Offensive

Abby Seawright, Girls’ Soccer – Co-Defensive

Boys’ Golf Boys’ Water Polo Baseball

Isabella Wieder, Girls’ Soccer – Co-Defensive MVP

JT Lambert, Softball

• PLAYERS OF THE YEAR •

Matalene Winters, Girls’ Water Polo

Nehemiah Pavoggi, Boys’ Water Polo – Goalkeeper of the Year

Berkley Mape, Girls’ Soccer

Nicole Zake, Girls’ Volleyball

Luke Baklenko, Football – Offensive Lineman of the Year

Payton Godsey, Girls’ Cross Country

Nickolas Waldock, Boys’ Golf

Nani Arreola, Softball – Offensive Player of the Year

Emelia Davis, Softball – Pitcher of the Year

MIDDLE SCHOOL STATS

DELPHIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Cardinal Soccer Boys’ Golf Girls’ Golf

DELPHIC LEAGUE FINALISTS

Boys’ Cardinal Soccer

Cardinal Baseball

Gold Baseball

DELPHIC LEAGUE

SEMI-FINALISTS

Tackle Football

Gold 7/8 Girls’ Volleyball

New Locker Rooms Impress!

Ask any highly touted recruit at a top-level college about what impresses them on a college visit, and a many of them will say “the locker rooms.”

Athletic Business has written extensively about the transformation of locker rooms from “man caves” to modern facilities, and what the locker room first impression communicates about the athletic program. In one of their recent pieces, they showcase why “schools are aiming to make the locker room a home away from home for players and not just a pitstop between games and practices.”

The Oaks Christian School athletic program also understands that today’s locker rooms are much more than a place for teams to change into practice and game uniforms. They are a place where a group can come together and form bonds and friendships; places where meetings can be held, not only about the practice ahead, but also about goals for the year.

The Lions athletic program has produced many college and professional athletes, students who have spent countless hours in OCS locker rooms, preparing for the next game and their athletic careers beyond high school.

Over the summer of 2022, one room in each of the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, as well as a room near the pool known as “team rooms” were renovated: new lockers, new carpets, and new televisions highlight the rooms, which see action from nearly every team on campus. The aquatic room near the pool does not have lockers, opting for benches that circle the walls

instead, allowing multiple teams to use the room over a day if needed.

“The reaction from the athletes has been nothing but positive,” Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Mark Amaral said. “They can fellowship with one another and have a space that feels like their own. I have seen the team grow closer together, and the new team rooms are a big part of that.”

The rooms were used first by the basketball teams this past winter season to watch film, hold meetings with the teams, and as places where athletes of all teams could go to fellowship with one another.

“The team room has been a blessing for our program,” Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Keani Albanez said. “It has been a great space for motivational pep talks, devotionals, team bonding, and pregame tactics. Utilizing this locker room has truly upgraded our program to an elite level.”

From the student perspective, the updated locker rooms have provided some tangible and intangible benefits including: team connections, a lunch hangout place, welcoming atmosphere for all levels, and a quiet place to do homework.

Charbonnet Drafted by Seahawks

Oaks Christian School alumni Zach Charbonnet, Class of 2019, was drafted as the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Seattle Seahawks, the third running back taken in the draft.

Charbonnet was an OCS running back and played at both the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the eighth Lion to be selected in the NFL draft. This is the second year that a Lion was selected in the draft, as Kayvon Thibodeaux (Class of 2019) was selected fifth overall last year.

Charbonnet joins Colby Parkinson, Class of 2017, and Cassius Marsh, Class of 2014, as former Lions who have played for, or currently play with the Seahawks. Parkinson was drafted by the Seahawks in 2020, while Marsh was drafted in 2014, and has played for eight teams over his eight year NFL career.

Charbonnet also joins Jimmy Clausen, Class of 2010, (Carolina Panthers), Casey Matthews, Class of 2011, (Philadelphia Eagles), Jordan Payton, Class of 2016, (Cleveland Browns), and Michael Pittman Jr., Class of 2016, (Indianapolis Colts) as Lions who have been drafted into the NFL.

“Zach is the epitome of an Oaks Christian studentathlete,” said Oaks Christian Head Football Coach Charlie Collins. “He is humble, he works harder than anyone else in the room, and is going to change the culture of the Seahawks running back room. (Head Coach) Pete Carrol didn’t just get an outstanding player; he got an outstanding human being.”

Charbonnet was one of the best running backs in Oaks Christian history. He ranks fourth in career rushing yards, with 4,741. He is third all-time in single season rushing yards, going for 2,049 in 2017. His 271-yard game against St. Bonaventure in 2017 ranks him 10th all-time in single-game rushing yards. Charbonnet is fifth all-time in career touchdowns, finding the end zone 48 times in his four years at Oaks Christian.

Following his career at Oaks Christian, Charbonnet started his collegiate career at the University of Michigan. For the Wolverines, he ran for 850 yards over 168 carries, scoring 12 touchdowns. He then transferred to UCLA for his final two years, where he took off. He appeared in 22 games for the Bruins over two years, rushing for 2,496 yards on 398 carries.

In his senior year, he led the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 168.0 and led the PAC-12 in yards per carry (6.97). His 15 rushing touchdowns ranked 16th in the nation, and he became the ninth Bruin to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

He was named a first team All-American by the Football Writers Association, and a second team AllAmerican by CBAS, the Associated Press, Pro Football Focus and The Sporting News.

Brady Named Pac-12 Player of the Year

Maya Brady, Oaks Christian alumna, Class of 2019, and UCLA redshirt-junior, was named the 2023 Pac-12 Player of the Year for softball.

Brady led the Pac-12 conference in three separate categories: batting average (.456), slugging percentage (.873), and extra-base hits (31). She also led the Bruins with 16 home runs and 56 runs batted in, which were good for second in the conference. She is one of just two players in the country hitting for a .450-plus average with at least 15 home runs and 55 runs batted in.

In her time at Oaks Christian, Brady was a superstar. Over her career, she hit .464 with 25 home runs and 89 runs batted in. She is in the top 10 of runs batted in and second in home runs for the Lady Lions.

Brady led the Bruins to their first ever Pac-12 softball tournament after winning the regular-season title. The Bruins were ranked second in the nation behind Oklahoma this past season.

Kocur Leads Team to Medal

Congratulations to OCS Head Water Polo Coach and USA Men’s Junior National Waterpolo Coach Jack Kocur for the team’s bronze medal win at Junior World Championship, the best ever finish in the team’s program.

The team made history in Romania in June, claiming the program’s first ever medal at a Junior World Championship, as they beat back Greece 11-6 to win bronze. The junior team is comprised of college freshmen and sophomores.

Kocur played top-level college water polo at Pepperdine University, winning the 1997 NCAA National Championship with the Waves. He was named a first-team All-American and went on to play at the national level, competing in more than 125 international games with Team USA.

COMMUNITY Focus On

SCRIPTURE

Scripture has always been the foundation of the OCS Biblical worldview, but this past year the spiritual life department deepened the focus on the Word of God. We teach Scripture as the life giving story of God’s creation and redemption through Jesus Christ, and as the ultimate guide on how to live in a harmonious relationship with God and with each other. Scripture is woven throughout our academic curriculum, our artistic endeavors, and our athletic programs, building a strong Biblical foundation for each of our pillars.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Throughout this past year we have equipped our students with the spiritual tools they need to deepen their relationship with Christ. Those tools included prayer, worship, Bible study, community, and service. We were thrilled that our service trips were back giving students a chance to gain a global perspective on serving others in diverse cultures. We believe that a relationship with Christ is foundational to their spiritual growth and maturity. Knowing that they are loved and valued by Christ helped our students to love and value others.

SHEPHERDING

We devoted ourselves to guiding and cultivating hearts and minds for life in Christ. This was done in numerous age-appropriate ways be it at retreats, chapels, advisories, service opportunities both on and off-campus, prayer, and worship times. Shepherding takes place communally and one-on-one through mentorships and meaningful relationships.

their three focus words this past year.

The Spiritual Life Department, headed by High School Principal/Associate Head of School for Spiritual Life GARETT FREEMAN, shared

Love From Philly with

This past year Oaks Christian School partnered across the country with another private school, The City School (TCS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to create connections, form a community, and serve together. The team of students from two different states was informally dubbed Team Philadelphia.

A team of OCS students traveled to Philadelphia—the city of Brotherly Love—during winter break to serve that community, and then during Easter break, the Philly Team came to the Conejo Valley.

Student Advocacy and World Community Service Director Audie Diggs, who spearheaded the trip, and Middle School Dean of Students Tammy Kuku chose to serve with TCS due to their uniquely distinct cultural experience.

“I saw an opportunity for Christ to be advanced through these students. Furthermore, our world is divided over many things in our current climate. If we can learn to do life with others who are different from us (especially high school students), we may learn to see others who are different from us as more than just an opponent, but as brothers and sisters. This is why I thought working with a Christ-centered school with different experiences was important for our students,” Diggs stated.

According to Diggs, the goal was for the two uniquely different schools with the same Christ-centered foundation—The City School being a school in an urban community and Oaks Christian being a school in a suburban community—to come together to serve and affirm the unity of the body of Christ.

At the start of this partnership, a group of OCS students and chaperones traveled to Philadelphia at the beginning of the semester in February. Throughout the week, OCS and TCS students helped sort clothes and bagged some bagels with the Chosen 300 organization. They handed out food to those in need with Doing Our Part Eclectically, a nonprofit organization.

In addition to their community service that week, the OCS team also enjoyed the Philly culture as they toured popular sites: lunch at Larry’s Steak, ice skating, and visiting the first black-owned bookstore/ coffee shop in Philly called Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Bookstore, and of course some morning devotions with Diggs!

After a successful week filled with service and new friendships, OCS students said goodbye as they

returned to California. Still, the goodbyes were not long, for TCS students traveled across the country to serve again with the OCS community in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Once TCS students, their head of school, and faculty members landed in California, they settled into their hotels and toured the OCS campus. Both groups had the opportunity to sit down and talk with OCS faculty and staff, including Head of School Rob Black, discussing the importance of this partnership and what they learned.

For the rest of the week, Team Philly served the community. They helped at James Storehouse by

cleaning up and organizing clothes from babies to adult sizes. James Storehouse hosts baby showers, so the students also picked out gifts to give to the expecting mothers.

They also partnered with Hope Gardens, a ministry of the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission, by cleaning and serving breakfast and lunch to women and children in need.

In between serving, Oaks Christian showed The City School team popular spots like biking in Venice, the Santa Monica pier, different food places in Los Angeles, and of course, Disneyland.

Campaigns Focus on Gratitude, Joy, Prayer

Before the busyness and mad dash of the holiday season began, the OCS community took a moment to “hit pause” and think about our blessings. The “Grateful Hearts” campaign asked one question: what are you grateful for?

Students, faculty, staff, and parents took a moment to fill out gratitude cards and drop them in the 20 gratitude boxes around campus. Many of the responses centered on family, opportunities, teachers and mentors, and spiritual blessings. The process of organizing the campaign and the community’s participation was captured on film and shared with the OCS community.

Special thanks to OCS senior Luke Rockney who wrote and performed the original music.

Then, as the Advent season approached with the anticipation of Christ’s birth, the focus shifted to the joy that comes from a grateful heart, and specifically, the joy of Christmas. Faculty, students, and parents shared what brought them joy during this season. The video featured a beautiful rendition of “Joy to the World” with junior Hannah Lowe on vocals, senior Caleb Polaha on guitar, and senior Luke Rockney on music production.

Thank you to Director of Film Andrew Christopher for producing both videos.

As the New Year rolled out, the OCS spiritual life department launched a 21-Day Prayer campaign to focus on spiritual growth for 2023.

Students, faculty, and staff filled out prayer cards. On one side they declared something negative they wished to remove from their life in the new year–such as a bad habit, unhealthy patterns, negative behavior, a critical mindset, and on the other side they wrote something positive they wanted to add such as exercise, prayer time, Bible reading, healthy relationships, etc. The anonymous cards were posted on “prayer trees” and shared around campus.

International, Domestic Service Trips Return

After two years of limited travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OCS spiritual life department was excited to bring back domestic and international service trips. Students packed their bags and rolled up their sleeves as they traveled to Romania, Israel, Hawaii, and Philadelphia.

“We are moving forward with our service trips this school year,” said OCS Student Advocacy and World Community Service Director Audie Diggs. “Students are excited and looking forward to these opportunities.”

Molokai

In February, High School Vice Principal Marcus Choi and Student Activities Director Emily Davis led a 25-member student team to the island of Molokai to partner with the Isaiah Connection nonprofit organization and island churches serving the impoverished community. Past projects have included construction within the churches and community, soup kitchens, and homeless outreaches. Students learned the cultural history of Molokai—including its years as an isolated leper colony—while understanding that despite the island’s beauty, there is still great need.

Romania

Oaks Christian returned to Romania over Easter break to strengthen its partnership with Heart of Hope Ministries in Sibiu, Romania. Heart of Hope Ministries embraces orphans, widows, and families with the love of Christ, eases their suffering, and restores hope to them.

The 25 students, led by Institute of Global Leadership Director Matt Hurdle, and Student Success Coordinator Candice Evans, worked at the Camp of the Good Shepherd with Vacation Bible School-style activities with one of the Placement Centers (state-run orphanages). The team visited impoverished villages surrounding Sibiu to distribute food, smiles, and a hug to the people still struggling to survive and recover from Nicolae Ceausescu’s years of communism.

Israel

This educational expedition was an exceptional guided tour which brought scripture to life through a first-hand encounter with the land and lessons of the Bible. Students and chaperones visited the ancient walls of Jerusalem and walked in the footsteps of Jesus. Opportunities in the Holy Land included visiting the Dead Sea, Qumran En Gedi, Jordan, Jericho and Capernaum. The group also explored the Meggido and the Mount of Olives.

Gala Smashes Fundraising Records

Oaks Christian School celebrated “All Night Long” as the community welcomed Grammy winning artist and Hall of Famer Lionel Richie and celebrity television host Jay Leno to headline and emcee, respectively, the annual Dinner Auction Gala, which smashed all previous gala records.

Held this year at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the historic event on April 1 surpassed all previous galas, raising over $1.4 million to support the school’s students and mission. The total proceeds came from sponsorships, the online, silent, and live auctions, and the Moment to Give pledges.

The jaw dropping moment of the evening was the live auctioning of the goldendoodle puppy

that went for a final bid of $100,000 after a fierce bidding war—causing even veteran auctioneer Jim Nye to comment he had never seen such a high ending bid for a puppy in his 30 years of professional auctioneering.

While the puppy was the highest single item in the fast-paced live auction, six tours of Jay Leno’s Garage, which the famous comedian auctioned off himself, went for $20,000 each for a total of $120,000. The Taylor Swift concert at SoFi Stadium brought in an impressive final bid of $55,000.

Another amazing moment of the evening was the announcement by Head of School Rob Black that beloved softball coach and longtime OCS employee Peter Ackermann—who passed away in December

2022—had bequeathed to the school a gift of $1 million dollars. After a moment of stunned silence, thunderous applause filled the ballroom and a standing ovation ensued.

The venerable hotel was the perfect venue for the 600 guests who attended the art-deco themed evening in their formal attire. In addition to the live auction, guests also had opportunities to bid on many fabulous silent auction items during the cocktail hour, including beautiful jewelry, sports packages and memorabilia, vacation experiences, and other unique items.

OCS Institute of Arts and Innovation students set the mood with their music as guests entered to check in and mingle during the cocktail hour.

Performing were Caleb Polaha, Luke Rockney, Rose Krueger, Sullivan Smith, Hannah Lowe, Sophia Brokke, Andrea Woodward, Keira Buhr, Levi Bennett, Hannah Luithly, and Graysen Carlsen. The Moment to Give, where guests had the opportunity to give directly was accentuated by the performance of Lowe, Krueger, Brokke and Smith who, appropriately, sang “Opportunity.”

The evening ended with a lively concert by Richie who sang many of his greatest hits including “Stuck on You,” “ Easy,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” “Hello,” “Brick House” (from his Commodore days), and ending with “All Night Long.” Guests created a spontaneous “mosh pit” getting up to dance in front of the stage to enjoy themselves as he closed out the evening.

ONE Oaks Christian Supporting

Annual fund gifts make the most immediate impact on the life of the school because they are used in the year they are given. The ONE Oaks Annual Fund supports the needs and priorities of the school each year and ensures excellence in all our programs. Like other independent schools, unrestricted gifts provide critical resources for students, programs and teachers not covered by tuition. Advancement of Oaks Christian School is a community-based effort to ensure annual funding for our outstanding programs, amazing teachers, and the future of Christian education.