Matt Burgy, Head of School
April 5, 2024
Dear Oakridge Family,
As we welcome spring into our lives with its promise of growth and renewal, I am reminded of the importance of respecting what is here to fuel that growth. March and April in the independent school world are a time of great change, whether it is the loss of teeth in the ECC, the sudden height change in a Lower School student, the budding adolescence of a middle schooler, or the anticipation of graduation of our Senior class, change surrounds us. It is also a time when many faculty are deciding on their next step in their career journey. Today, I want to update you on some staffing changes that will occur coming into our new school year.
First, Amy Wilson ('92), our Director of Enrollment Management, has decided to forge a new path in her leadership journey. Amy has been working feverishly over the past year to obtain a certification in educational diagnostic work, for which she has a deep passion. This certification requires that Amy work under another diagnostic specialist's direct supervision and leave Oakridge to do this valued work. Amy has served our school for the past 12 years in various roles and has been a valued team member; like many of you, Amy introduced me to Oakridge and was my first impression of the school when I arrived on campus to interview for your next Head of School. Like many of you, she helped me fall in love with this place. Her knowledge of Oakridge and her deep roots as an alumna, alum mother, teacher, and administrator is unique, and we will deeply miss her.
Second, Phillip Farhat ('93), our Director of Facilities, moved west of Fort Worth to be closer to family last year. Over the course of this year, the commute has proven to be more than anticipated, and Phillip has decided that this will be his last year at Oakridge. Phillip has been at Oakridge longer than anyone else on our staff, having been a part of the school from near its founding as a student. As a member of our team, Phillip has faithfully served Oakridge since 2001, giving 23 years of his career to Oakridge. To say that Phillip has bled Blue and Green would be an understatement, and his gifts to Oakridge are irreplaceable and invaluable. To list all of Phillip's accomplishments at Oakridge, it would take a book, including having been a student, a parent, a teacher, a coach, and an administrator at the school. His coaching at the school is legendary, and almost every alum I speak to who played for him recalls that he is one of the most influential people in their lives.
As well, Laura Clark, Coach Clark, who has dedicated 33 years of service to Oakridge, is retiring to be closer to her family in Oklahoma. Throughout her 35 years of teaching and coaching, Coach Clark has inspired countless students, instilling the values of hard work and dedication. She has coached golf, basketball, volleyball, and softball in addition to P.E. It is rare to see Coach Clark on campus without an infectious smile while simultaneously challenging her student-athletes to work as hard as possible to achieve their goals, symbolizing the heart of Oakridge. From coaching multiple sports to leading the P.E. program, Coach Clark has exemplified excellence in every role she has undertaken. As she embarks on this new chapter of her life with three Oakridge alum '08, Colton '12, Connor Mac '16, and beautiful grandchildren, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her years of service and commitment. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement. You will always have a home here on our campus, Coach Clark!
Peggy Pfursich, who works in College Advising and has served Oakridge for 35 years, will also retire. She has served in various roles, from teaching Freshman English, 6th grade English, Health classes, and College Advising. Her passion is working one-on-one with students, helping them through the college search and application process. She has been the biggest cheerleader and advocate for countless students, and she loves hearing about all their successes. Peggy’s welcoming and fun personality drew students to the college advising office. Students would select her to participate in the annual talent shows and invite her to athletic and art events. Her hilarious stories, sense of humor, and love for the Oakridge community will be greatly missed.
Sara McMinn, one of our Athletic Trainers for the past 6 years, has decided to leave and work closer to her family in the Mineral Wells area. Sara has been an invaluable member of our Health & Athletic Department since joining us in 2018. Her hard work and countless contributions have left a special mark on our athletics program and provided immense value to our school. Her absence will be deeply felt, especially among those she worked closely with. We extend our sincere appreciation to Sara for her outstanding service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Finally, Chris Renshaw, our Director of Senior Programs and Upper School English teacher, who has served Oakridge for 20 years, will retire from education and move into a different industry. Chris was my first introduction to Oakridge, as we served on an ISAS accreditation team many years ago. We became friends through that experience, and when the opportunity to come to Oakridge became a reality for me, Chris was there with welcoming arms. His legendary lesson, “Prufrock,” is a source of great memories for our alums.
Collectively, these incredible people have given 129 years to The Oakridge School. I firmly believe that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and the work that each of these wonderful individuals has done is invaluable. The search for successors for these exceptional people has already begun in earnest and, in some cases, has already been completed. Over the coming days and weeks, stay tuned for our updates on these essential additions to our faculty and staff. For now, however, let us celebrate together the gifts these wonderful people gave us.
With Deep Gratitude,
Matt Burgy
Head of School
