Matt Burgy, Head of School
October 10, 2024
Dear Oakridge Family,
Next week is a special week for our Oakridge community as we anticipate one of our most cherished traditions—Homecoming at The Oakridge School. If this is your first year at Oakridge, you are in for a treat, as Homecoming is more than just a football game or a week of spirited activities; it’s a time for us to come together as a community, to celebrate the enduring spirit that makes Oakridge a place where students, parents, alums, and friends always feel at home. Starting with our unique Homecoming parade, our spirited pep rally, and culminating in our iconic fireworks show to end the football game on Friday night, prepare to be immersed in all things Blue and Green!
Homecoming is an opportunity for us to pause and appreciate our journey together, a journey that spans generations. It is a time when past, present, and future converge—when our alumni return to reminisce about their time here, current students create new memories, and future Owls are inspired by the legacy of excellence that has defined Oakridge for 46 years.
For our students, Homecoming is a week of excitement and tradition, filled with school spirit and a sense of pride in their place within the Oakridge story. From spirited dress-up days and pep rallies to the culminating Homecoming game, students are reminded that they are part of something greater than themselves—a school community rooted in our mission to inspire each student to seek their full potential in the arts, academics, and athletics.
Homecoming also serves as a reminder of the enduring relationships that define Oakridge. It’s a time when alums reconnect with former teachers, old friends, and cherished mentors. It’s a chance to reflect on the foundation of values that Oakridge instilled in them—values like social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity. As we welcome them back to campus, we see firsthand how the Oakridge mission continues to resonate in their lives, shaping their success and character long after they’ve graduated.
For our families, Homecoming is a moment to witness the vibrant community that supports their children. It’s an opportunity to share the pride of watching our kids take the field, perform in the drumline, or cheer on the sidelines and in the stands. It’s a celebration of the experiences and opportunities that Oakridge provides—a reminder that their children are growing and thriving in a nurturing environment that is preparing them for the future.
For us as faculty and staff, Homecoming is a time to celebrate our role in guiding and mentoring these young lives. It’s a reminder of the trust placed in us to create a school environment where each child is seen, heard, and valued and where they can develop their full potential. Homecoming is a testament to the relationships that make Oakridge special and to the lasting impact of our work.
As we come together for this year’s Homecoming, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on what this time means to us. It is a celebration of our shared mission, our history, and the bright future that lies ahead for Oakridge. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward with hope and excitement to what is yet to come.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I look forward to seeing you on campus as we celebrate this year’s Homecoming and all it represents.
Go Owls!
Matt Burgy
Head of School
