Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School

March 8, 2024

 Greetings, Middle School Families,

In Middle School, we believe that empowering our students to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others is a powerful lifelong skill. Whether through singing, public speaking, writing, or storytelling, students can use their voices to impact and change the world in which they live. 

We were blown away by the creativity, craftsmanship, and courage we witnessed during our first Oratorical Showcase at The Oakridge School. Our theme, "Community, Culture, and Celebration," was beautifully articulated by our Oakridge scholars. With a collective effort, each student, with their unique voice, illuminated the stage and enlightened the audience with poetry, music, or original prose. Together, they embodied the essence of Oakridge's spirit and tapestry. 

As one student, Gia Puri, so eloquently stated, "In the grand tapestry that is Oakridge, each one of us is both a necessary thread and an artist contributing to the masterpiece of our collective experience. Our school, a sanctuary of knowledge and laughter, is where the colorful threads of diverse backgrounds, personalities, and dreams are interwoven into a single, magnificent work of art. 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and the soul of its people." Here at Oakridge, we are our little nation, a microcosm of the world, where the culture of our community is indeed etched into the hearts and souls of its bright inhabitants. Our hearts beat to the rhythm of shared values and our souls dance to the melody of mutual respect and understanding."

We applaud all of these students for their acts of courage and bravery as we endeavor to create a culture that each of us can say that we had a hand in crafting. Look out world, our Owls are ready to soar!

With profound gratitude,

Tamika R. Dees